Jetsettersblog

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London will introduce the award-winning cuisine of Lyon-born chef Daniel Boulud to the UK when Bar Boulud opens in the hotel in Spring 2010.

Designed as a French inspired bistro and wine bar, Bar Boulud, London will follow the successful format of Bar Boulud in New York which has achieved significant acclaim.

Daniel Boulud’s culinary roots can be traced back to his family farm near Lyon, France where he developed a love of home cooking using fresh seasonal produce.

While it is in New York City that Boulud has mastered the culinary scene, he was first trained in France by legendary chefs Roger Vergé, Georges Blanc and Michel Guérard.

He moved to the US in 1982 where he first rose to fame as Executive Chef at the legendary Le Cirque. Boulud opened his own restaurant, Daniel, in New York in 1993, followed by Café Boulud, Bar Boulud, DB Bistro Moderne and, most recently, DBGB Kitchen and Bar, on the Bowery.

Bar Boulud, London will bring into play French techniques applied to the finest ingredients. A full bistro menu will include signature terrines and pâtés made on site under the direction of Gilles Verot, one of France’s most highly acclaimed charcutiers.

With a focus on Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, an impressive selection of wines, by the glass and by the bottle, will feature old world wines as well as new world selections made in the Rhône or Burgundy spirit.

Located at street level with its own entrance directly onto Knightsbridge, the Adam D. Tihany designed restaurant, will seat 165. Tihany conceived the restaurant interior with contemporary references to French wine making culture.

The bar lounge features architectural, vaulted ceilings paired with classic materials such as wood, leather, cork, and zinc. Wine barrels were the inspiration behind the vintage oak floors and wainscoting, and deep red leather banquettes and chairs conjure the warm depths of a delectable Burgundy.

A unique bar topped in zinc with a cork panel coating will dominate the front of the restaurant.

A sleek open kitchen will be a focal point of the main dining space. As with its sister restaurant in New York City, guests may choose to dine at the charcuterie bar, featuring an impressive glass counter, displaying the restaurant’s signature terrines as well as a selection of cheeses.

“Daniel Boulud is an outstanding chef, known for offering a fresh take on French classics. He produces exceptionally cool restaurants serving sensational food at great prices.

Boulud is one of those rare chefs who is every bit as attentive to ambiance, comfort and value as he is to the quality of his cooking. Bar Boulud will introduce an exciting new concept to the London dining scene,” commented David Nicholls, Corporate Director of Food Beverage for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

“With a partner like Mandarin Oriental, the prospect of coming to London was irresistible. I have been visiting family in London for decades and often thought about what kind of place I would open there,” said Boulud.

“As a French Chef who has made New York City my home for over 25 years, I have my own cross cultural approach. Bar Boulud was first conceived for New York City. This new restaurant will have New York’s energy and spirit, a little French soul and tradition – and – a touch of London style.”

Earlier this month, Boulud was honoured with Three Michelin Stars for his New York-based restaurant, Daniel.

Bar Boulud, London will open from 11.00am to 2.00am daily.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.

The Selous Safari Company (www.selous.com ), which offers an unparalleled safari and beach experience for couples and families alike across two camps and a resort hideaway.

Whilst top-of-the-range, what makes it more affordable is that until 28 February 2010 The Selous Safari Company have dropped the high season supplement, ensuring value-for-money for those seeking a sophisticated safari experience in Tanzania.

What’s more, Coastal Aviation has announced new internal flights making Tanzania more accessible than ever before.

The intimate safari camps offer guided game-viewing by boat, car and on foot and include:

Selous Safari Camp: Situated in the largest protected wilderness reserve on the continent, the Selous Safari Camp offers 13 en-suite tents on the banks of the Rufiji River, set in one of the most photogenic and wildlife-rich areas of the Selous Game Reserve.

A private section to the camp can be exclusively booked by families or friends and accommodates eight-12 with private use of vehicles and guides, a lounge area and swimming pool.

Jongomero Camp: As the only camp situated in the remote south-western sector of the Ruaha National Park, the eight en-suite tents at Jongomero promise unmatched privacy and a great vantage from which to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush. One of Tanzania’s wildest parks, Ruaha can only be described as a true unspoiled natural wilderness.

Ras Kutani: After some serious game-viewing, take time out and relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean at this small coastal resort of castaway luxury.

Offering just nine cottages, four hillside suites and one family house amidst long stretches of pristine deserted beaches and warm blue seas, Ras Kutani is the perfect hideaway for those seeking solace, luxury and Tanzanian charm.

Package prices are available through tour operators, including Tanzania Odyssey, Africa Sky, Aardvark Safaris, Imagine Africa and Africa Travel Resource.

Ethos Marketing is delighted to announce its appointment as the UK office for the boutique, five star Fordoun Hotel, Spa and Restaurant in the heart of the famous Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Fordoun has been the recipient of many awards, most recently in 2009 Fordoun twice won the leading Spa in South Africa. In addition to the spa, Elliot Ndlovu, Fordoun’s Traditional African Healer (Inyanga) is available to share with guests and visitors the wisdom and special healing powers of Africa.

ACCOMMODATION

The hotel has been beautifully converted from an 1800’sa dairy farm and now comprises seventeen luxurious, individually appointed double suites with private verandas, under-floor heating and dream bathrooms, each with bath and shower, and a dressing area.

Each room has its own television, and tea/coffee-making facilities.

There is also a double suite with wheelchair access and specially adapted bathroom. SPAFordoun Spa boasts a team of experts that include skilled masseurs, Reiki and Bio-energy specialists, a traditional African Healer and highly trained aestheticians.

The spa features internationally acclaimed treatments such as the rasul, (a Turkish steam and clay treatment room), a saline Floatation pool, heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, sauna, steam room, vichy shower, hydrotherapy room, and a couples’ treatment suite with hydrotherapy bath.

The spa is also open to day visitors during the week.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL HEALER

A holistic range of signature products, created in conjunction with Dr Elliot Ndlovu, herbalist and ethnobotanist, who is an Inyanga (medicinal healer), Sangoma (spiritual healer) and a director of Fordoun Spa. KwaNdlovu (Place of Ndlovu) is located next to the main spa and consists of two African therapy rooms and Elliot’s consulting room, all built and designed in the Zulu style and surrounded by Elliot’s herb garden.

All Ndlovu products are carefully created from indigenous traditional healing plants – based on the theme of the seven Chakras and the seven colours of the rainbow.

Fordoun also makes use of the internationally acclaimed Elemis range, which compliment the local Ndlovu and Africology ranges.

DINING

Fordoun’s Skye Bistro restaurant has, in the past year, been awarded with 2 Chefs Hats by Portfolio Places and been listed in The BOE / Moet en Chandon Top 100 Restaurants in South Africa.

This is largely thanks to the locally sourced produce and ingredients – and the talents of Chef Graham Neilson.

Booking is essential.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Despite its luxurious atmosphere, and emphasis on quality, Fordoun’s rates are surprisingly competitive in relation to similar hydros elsewhere.

Rates start from R800 per person sharing, including Breakfast and free use of the pools, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and floatation pool at the spa. A wide range of overnight spa packages is available.

ACTIVITES

Visit the herb garden that has over 120 healing plants with the herbalist, go mountain biking, enjoy long walks or try your hand at fly-fishing. Most guests like to explore the surrounding Midlands Meander or enjoy a few rounds of golf nearby.

LOCATION

Ideally situated on a scenic dairy farm on the popular Nottingham Road on the Midlands Meander, Fordoun is just 90 minutes drive from Durban – or 4 hours from Johannesburg.

www.fordoun.com

The Fairmont Pacific Rim will open in downtown Vancouver in March. The property will feature amenities such as a rooftop swimming pool, meditation pods, outdoor fireplaces, and spa.

The 377-room Fairmont Pacific Rim features a marble-clad lobby showcasing a $225,000 Fazioli piano and, across the ceililng, a 180-foot-long sculpture handcrafted by master origami artist Joseph Wu, while floor-to-ceiling windows allow light and views to enter and a sleek fireplace warms the room.

The Lobby Lounge serves afternoon artisan teas and tableside cocktails via an Art Deco trolley and has a raw bar that features seasonal seafood, sushi and comfort foods with a twist.

Live entertainment is played throughout the week and on Sunday afternoons. The Pan-Asian bistro, Oru — a derivation of the Japanese word that means “to unfold” — serves authentic dishes from the scratch kitchen.

A tandoori oven bakes naan, bannock and lavish and is accompanied by house-made sambal.

Homemade noodles, Ocean-Wise seafood, and locally sourced and organic ingredients are presented in a menu that represents the diversity of the Pacific Rim and the culinary skills of executive chef David Wong.

Oru boasts the largest wine list in the city, emphasizing Pacific Northwest labels, a private dining room, communal table and front-row chef’s table.

Giovane is an Italian-inspired café with deli, charcuterie, ooh-la-la specialty cakes and house-roasted ethical coffee.

A 50-foot-long emporium wall features an eclectic assortment of local crafts and culinary items, including fresh breads made in the pastry shop, to purchase. Guestrooms include surround sound, media connectivity, bedside controls and “TV mirrors.” Mascioni linens, Stearns & Foster beds, Nespresso coffee makers, and spa-like bathrooms with “mirror televisions” are standard.

The “Bucket List” Chairman’s Suite, nicknamed the Rock Star Suite for its private elevator and entertaining options, was inspired by a Balinese villa.

At 2,250 square feet, it includes a custom eight-foot-long crystal chandelier that cascades over a two-story salon, master bedroom with fireplace, 500-square-foot en suite marble bathroom with hand-carved soaker tub, two living rooms, butler’s pantry, private exercise area and outdoor landscaped terrace with cabana, meditation pond and fire pit.

A “rich and famous” suite, it is also ideal for a private party or wedding with a capacity of up to 60 people.

The property also has a Willow Stream Spa and 15,000 square feet of meeting and function space.

Although the hotel is full for the 2010 Olympic Games, it debuts in March with rates starting from $229 for a guestroom, $249 for Bed & Breakfast, and $299 for Fairmont Gold, which includes butler services.

Prices are valid through June 30, 2010, exclude taxes and are based on double occupancy.

For reservations or more information, call 800-441-1414 or visit

www.fairmont.com/pacificrim

The National Trust for Historic Preservation named St. Louis one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

St. Louis, nominated by the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, was selected for its revitalized downtown area, its diverse neighborhoods and its architectural style. In February, St. Louis will be participating in the first-ever public online voting contest for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.

For 10 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer distinctive cultural and recreational experiences.

“People have flocked to St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch for decades, but there’s a lot more to St. Louis than that iconic symbol,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “St. Louis’ downtown has become a vibrant city center, and its dynamic and diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone.”

As the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis is famous for its beer, legendary baseball teams, and the modernist Gateway Arch that has loomed over the city since the mid-1960s.

Architecturally, St. Louis boasts red brick buildings, cobblestone streets, terra cotta friezes and stained glass. Thanks in large part to the Landmarks Association of St. Louis, the city’s preservation organization since 1958, a large number of historically and architecturally significant buildings have been saved.

St. Louis has taken advantage of state and federal historic tax credits to transform the once-troubled downtown area into a thriving city center with restaurants, retail outlets, entertainment venues and several new hotels. The up-and-coming Loft District along the Washington Avenue corridor is now home to thousands of downtown residents occupying restored historic buildings.

For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite.

Until Feb. 28, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote as often as they like for their favorite city or town on this year’s list.

The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two-night stay at any Historic Hotel of America.

For more information, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd

Innovative Site Benefits Air Travellers

Litchfield, CT — With several major airlines now raising their baggage fees, many air travellers can benefit from a recently-launched, free website.

The site is the creation of a Connecticut-based boarding school teacher who recognized the problems students faced when skyrocketing luggage costs first became an issue during the summer of 2008.

There are no hidden fees or catches involved with using the website, which features baggage information for more than 125 airlines.

Prior to the latest baggage fee increases, www.LuggageLimits.com received up to 11,000 visits or ‘hits’ per day, a figure site founder Luke Dudley only expects to increase.

“The current economy is forcing travellers to actually factor in the cost of taking their luggage with them when choosing an airline,” said Dudley.

“The latest round of fee increases can make that process even more daunting and time consuming, so the free service LuggageLimits provides is especially helpful now.”

It was costs associated with students’ luggage at the boarding school where he teaches that highlighted a gap in the airline industry for Dudley.

Kids regularly need to fly with sports or music equipment or simply had numerous heavy bags to transport.

They would often incur a fortune in baggage charges and face the stress of last minute unpacking at the flight counter.

He knew there was a better way and began designing the website, which was launched in August 2009.

The travel world has since watched with interest as the site continues to evolve, continually adding information and airlines.

The steady increase in visitors since the site was launched proves its value to travellers, said Dudley.

“I had the goal of Luggagelimits being a ‘one stop shop’ for all flight luggage information when I began to design it,” he said.

“In addition to the increase in visitors, the feedback I’ve received from many of them proves these efforts have been time well-spent.”

NOW FOR SUMMER

Those who fantasize about life on the shore of Flathead Lake near Kalispell have a new way to realize that dream—without taking on a second mortgage.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting reservations for summer stays in three yurts located in Big Arm State Park on the west shore of Flathead Lake.

The circular yurts, inspired by 13th century nomadic Mongolians, are made of a wood lattice frame covered with insulated canvas walls, skylights that open, screened windows, solid floors and locking doors. The spacious interiors of each 20-feet in diameter, 10-feet tall structure features simple, comfortable furnishings that seat and sleep up to six people. Exterior decks provide a spectacular view of Flathead Lake.
The three yurts are ideal for family reunions or other group gatherings.

“For the past several years, there has been only one yurt at this location,” said Dave Landstrom, FWP Region 1 State Park manager in Kalispell.

“With the excellent job that our partners in the tourism industry have done publicizing Flathead Lake, that one yurt was extremely popular.” In response, FWP installed two new yurts near the original one.

Big Arm State Park’s three yurts will be available from May 1- Sept. 30.

A minimum stay of two nights is required.

“This is your turn-off-the-light, lock-the-door, enjoy-the-rain-on-the-roof form of camping.

Yurts are an affordable alternative to camping and a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature without roughing it,” Landstrom said.

To learn more about the yurts at Big Arm State Park, go to Parks Accommodations on the FWP Web site at www.fwp.mt.gov on the State Parks page.

For reservations, call 406-751-4577, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The College of Southern Nevada Foundation launches its first Dine About Card in early February 2010 to raise needed funds for students and programs.

The Dine About Card is sponsored by Metro PCS, the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States with access to licenses covering a population of approximately 143 million people in the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.

The $20 card provides cardholders with exclusive monthly offers and discounts at a host of local restaurants ranging from fast food to gourmet dining.

Participating restaurants include Hash House A Go Go, Pizza Hut, Panda Express, Sonic, Ricardo’s, La Scala Ristorante and Jamm’s, among others.

A full list of the community partners is included with the card at the time of purchase.

Restaurants who wish to participate in the program can call (702) 651-5947.

The CSN Foundation is selling the card at its three main campuses and nine learning sites throughout Southern Nevada, which encompasses 45,000 students.

The card can also be purchased on the CSN Foundation Web site at www.csnfoundation.net

Proceeds will support CSN student scholarships and programs. Anyone is eligible to purchase the card.

Good through Dec. 31, 2010, the CSN Foundation Dine About Card includes offers such as free appetizers, free desserts, 2-for-1 dishes or special pricing on specific menu items.

Once the card is purchased, customers can visit the Dine About Card page of the CSN Foundation’s Web site to view all specials and print coupons.

For more information about the Dine About Card, please visit www.csnfoundation.net  or call (702) 651-5947.

About College of Southern Nevada

Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (www.csn.edu ) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution.

CSN offers more than 200 degree and certificate options in more than 130 areas of student, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online.

Students create flexible, personalized schedules including day, evening and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada, CSN – Your future starts here.

King Kong, among the screen’s most powerful and enduring icons, will re-emerge in Summer 2010 as a new signature attraction created under the direction of Peter Jackson on the famed Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour.

“King Kong 360 3D” will combine thrilling visceral effects to create a next-generation theme park experience.

In the new attraction, guests will be given special 3-D glasses as they enter a darkened soundstage aboard the Studio Tour trams and will be transported— via the magic of Surround Digital 3D projection —deep into a tangled jungle location.

They’ll survive a close encounter with a swarm of hungry raptors, only to be confronted by the terrifying presence of 35′ tall dinosaur behemoths, intent on attacking the tram and Studio Tour guests.

www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Hyatt Opens First Andaz in New York City -

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (20 January 2010) – Andaz Wall Street, the only hotel situated on Wall Street, sets a new tone of style and optimism in Lower Manhattan following its officially opening on January 18, 2010.

Andaz, Hyatt’s newest brand, is devoted to providing simplified, spot-on service and indulgent amenities for its guests.

Following the successful debuts of Andaz Liverpool Street in London and Andaz West Hollywood in California, opening Andaz Wall Street is the first step in the brand’s expansion into New York.

A second New York hotel, Andaz 5th Avenue, is slated to open later this year and Andaz San Diego, in the hotel currently known as the Ivy Hotel.

Vibrant, Luminous Public Spaces

Designed by David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, Andaz Wall Street features warm saturated color, natural materials, and open spaces throughout the 13 floors of the hotel. At Andaz Wall Street, a sculptural pearlescent steel and stone staircase is the central experience of the public spaces linking the Andaz Studio level to the lounge, bar, and then to the restaurant. The lounge is paneled in two-tone bamboo, and the tabletops are made of veined marble. A tree design is hand-stenciled on the wall by the elevator bank.

A Room of Style

The 253 guestrooms start at a generous 345 square feet, making them some of the largest hotel rooms in New York City. A celebration of light and reflectivity, they feature loft-like ceilings and seven-foot windows.

The rooms have a simple aesthetic of contemporary luxury, boasting dark stained oak floors, buttery brown leather headboards and benches, and lavender and camel sitting chairs.

Other modern details include textured walls, bleached wood accents, and locally crafted, stenciled metal artwork designed by a Brussels-based artist.

The spacious bathrooms are covered in black marble, and all feature rainfall showerheads, while some have deep soaking tubs. Additionally, many rooms have a customized personal valet, a rotating closet that can open either into the bathroom or the bed chamber, and innovatively incorporates a hanging area, full-length mirror, minibar and other storage elements.

Dining at Wall & Water

Set in a room that stretches the full-length of the hotel, the restaurant, Wall & Water, which opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner on January 25, features seasonal cuisine with ingredients sourced from the Hudson Valley.

Large windows open onto striking views of the East River. The main dining area is furnished with live-edge wooden tables and beautiful glass and iron lighting fixtures.

At one end, a 12-guest chef’s table is sheltered behind the open kitchen, and at the opposite end a private dining and meeting room, with views of the garden below, is ideal for entertaining.

Bar Seven Five, named for its 75 Wall Street address, will serve classic American cocktails and artisanal appetizers prepared and served in glass jars. Bar Seven Five will open each day at 4:00pm (weekdays just before the market closes) and will close at midnight.

Meet An Andaz Host

At all Andaz properties, the check-in and service are simplified. Without the doorman, bellhop, and concierge staff at the desk, there is one “host” for each incoming guest. Hosts are steeped in traditional hospitality training as well as a less conventional approach.

Andaz understands that the staff at a hotel must be able to field questions and scenarios that one cannot always anticipate, and improvisational skills come in handy. Design house Theory has designed chic separates for the staff uniforms.

Stay at Andaz Wall Street

The hotel is currently taking reservations for stays beginning January 18, 2010, with rates starting at $275. Since all travelers – whether on business or pleasure – increasingly need to be online at some point during their stay, Andaz Wall Street is pleased to provide complimentary wireless Internet throughout the hotel.

Additionally, the snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in the minibars are also complimentary, as are all local calls. Hotel guests will have access to a park just beside the building designed by a local landscape architect as a retreat from the sometimes-breakneck pace of today’s Financial District.

Collaborate and Invigorate

The hotel features a gym, The SPA, and the Andaz Studio – a meeting space that is unique to Andaz hotels.

The five different Studio spaces at Andaz Wall Street encompass all the characteristics of an Andaz experience in a home-like ambiance with comfortable, residential style furniture.

The Andaz Studio’s highlight is a communal kitchen where chefs create fresh, cooked-to-order fare while interacting with guests during meeting breaks or meals.

The SPA will utilize natural, organic and products made locally in New York and Connecticut.

‘The Best 15 Minutes of Your Day’ treatments at The SPA will provide guests high impact, results-oriented services.

Spa guests may take advantage of complimentary garment touch ups and shoe shines during treatments. Spa guests may also add boxed breakfasts or lunches to takeaway or, choose to dine in Wall & Water for a quick 15-minute meal as part of “The Best 15 Minutes of Your Day” treatments.

In the Neighborhood

Andaz Wall Street will be the only hotel on Wall Street. Wall Street’s storied history dates to 1792, when 24 stockbrokers signed an agreement under a buttonwood tree (an address also known as 68 Wall Street).

The Buttonwood Agreement created what became the modern-day New York Stock Exchange. Of course, skyscrapers eventually replaced the trees. Now, just up the street from the birthplace of the New York Stock Exchange, Andaz Wall Street occupies a 42-story, freestanding building.

Andaz Wall Street
75 Wall Street
New York, NY, USA 10005
www.wallstreet.andaz.com
212-590-1234