On my recent trip to New York City, one of the top things I wanted to do was to go to the Flute Champagne Lounge.  The first night there I made a bee line for Gramercy Park and stopped at one of their two locations.
This champagne lounge is a cozy spot decorated in rich colors and textures.  The seating is arranged to take advantage of the alcoves and space so that any group could find a ‘private’ spot – whether you are two or ten people.
 
I loved the bubble shaped …

Have you ever tried a new restaurant that felt like it had been a part of the neighborhood forever? I recently tried Rose Wine Pub on 30th Street in South Park and had that exact experience. I immediately loved the cozy environment and the service and menu earned this wine bar even more gold stars.  It turns out, I had reason to feel like this place had been a part of the neighborhood forever; much of the wood used was reclaimed from an older home in the neighborhood.  …

One of the benefits of being a grown-up at Christmas is the opportunity to start your own traditions. This year on Christmas eve, I knew I wanted to take some time from the running and wrapping and do something to celebrate the holiday and relax. I was looking for something that had the feeling of the past, but was also current and exciting.
The US Grant in downtown San Diego has been hip since 1910. While the lobby wears the proper uniform of dark wood paneling and crystal chandeliers, the …

Imagine my excitement when I received an e-mail from Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego announcing that they would be hosting a weekly cheese bar.  !!!!! I do love Extraordinary Desserts – the décor, the desserts, the little odds and ends they sell, and the espresso and hot chocolate.  And now, I can add cheese to the list.  I had previously been to the Union Street location and ordered a cheese plate.  I had been impressed by the selection of cheeses and I liked the option to build your own cheese …

Is it wrong to want to live in a restaurant? I can see a lot of practical sides to this wish. No grocery shopping, no dish washing, no planning meals for the week. Heaven.

After eating at Trio restaurant in Palm Springs, I have design envy. Located in a former bank building, this restaurant plays established modern cool to its advantage. The restaurant has a gravitas that is provided by the building’s history as a bank. Heavy natural materials in bank-speak say, “We have been around for a long time and …

The popping of a champagne cork is one of the best sounds in the world.  Like the symphony tuning their instruments before the concert starts or the opening of the Jackson Five song ABC, the sound of a champagne cork signals the potential of something good and all the best elements of anticipation.  Chicago is a city that understands and is the home to Pops for Champagne – a champagne bar that will knock your shoes off.
 
The interior is a beautiful open space with floor to ceiling windows so that diners …

I became impatient with chemistry class in high school. It always seemed like there was an over emphasis on diagrams and tables and not enough skill teaching about explosives or even how to make an amazing espresso. Chemistry is all around us, and I often feel like the child who slipped through the cracks. Alchemy restaurant in South Park is helping me make up for lost time. The art and science of food and drink are happening in this creativity lab and all are welcome (Bunsen burner not needed).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The menu …

If you are digging the Mad Men style – the glamour, panache, and confident-cool, you can find yourself all dressed up with no place to go.  To be sure, finding the right outfit can be a far cry easier from finding a place with enough style to meet you more than half-way.  For those in San Diego this isn’t such a dilemma. 
When the mood strikes, look no further than The Wellington in Mission Hills.  You will be met by a stellar menu that mixes classic dishes, such as the signature …

Having dinner at DINK’s in Palm Springs reminded me of two forgotten life experiences: the last house party I went to in France and the first time I was kicked out of the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. DINK’s is a restaurant and cocktail lounge that is Palm Springs appropriate – generous outdoor seating, mid-century modern design overtones, private booths inside, and an extensive cocktail menu.
Why did DINK’s remind me of these two things? Both of these memories shared a certain amount of contained chaos. The party in …

Palm Springs is as slick as it gets when it comes to weekend get-aways in Southern California. This oasis of cool in the desert will quench your thirst for relaxation, fun, and all things hip.
Your To Do list must include a stop at The Citron restaurant at the Viceroy Hotel. Put it at the top of your list and make an extra effort to get it checked off early during your stay. The Viceroy makes good use of a black, white, and yellow color scheme. In the evening, this gives …