Jetsettersblog

Known for their definitive walking tour of fashionable Nob Hill, Hobnob Tours is adding two more locations to its tour offerings: Union Square and Chinatown.

Since 1999 Hobnob Tours has shared the grand ballrooms, floral gardens, massive mansions, Grace Cathedral and famous movie locations of Nob Hill with their guests.

In 2001 Hobnob began tours of the architectural icons of the Financial District and added Adolf Sutro’s Lands End with its sea lion sanctuaries, garden statuary and spectacular ocean views later in the year.

Now Union Square and Chinatown have been added to Hobnob’s repertoire.

The walking tour focuses on art, artists, design and décor. Beginning at the eclectic Clift hotel lobby designed by Philippe Starck with Salvadore Dali pieces, it continues to Tony Bennett’s painted heart at Union Square and the Dewey Monument crowned by artist model Alma Spreckles. A stroll down Maiden Lane takes in the unique Frank Lloyd Wright building and then heads up Grant Avenue to the Chinatown Gate.

Stops include the Gold Sage Buddhist Monastery, Old St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Julia Morgan ballroom within the Merchants Exchange building.

Dining options are available on all tours.

For information visit www.hobnobtours.com  or call 650-814-6303.

With the Aug. 6 opening of Santa Monica Place, visitors can expect to see an all new Santa Monica icon. Formerly a traditional, enclosed mall–bordering the popular Third Street Promenade — the new Santa Monica Place will feature open-air walkways, sun-filled spaces, spacious public gathering spaces and even a third-level, rooftop Dining Deck to take advantage of unparalleled light, ocean breezes and views.

A signature element of the new facility, the dining deck will include six chef-driven restaurant concepts, a host of fast-casual options and The Market, a collection of artisanal, gourmet and organic food purveyors.

The project’s two anchor department stores are Bloomingdale’s, set to open with Santa Monica Place on Aug. 6, and Nordstrom, scheduled to open Aug. 27.

The retail mix includes a lineup of specialty retailers that reads like a Los Angeles “who’s who” list, and the 80-plus specialty stores include such brands as Kitson, Juicy Couture, Hugo Boss and Michael Kors.

More than just a shopping experience, Santa Monica Place will become a public gathering space as its “Friday SunSets on the Dining Deck” will have local DJs spinning tunes while guests enjoy early evening snacks, sips and views of the Pacific Ocean.

www.santamonicaplace.com

Age of Mammals
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Permanent

On July 11, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County opened its new blockbuster exhibit, “Age of Mammals,” which is the first phase of a $91-million restoration and renovation project and a precursor to the Natural History Museum’s 100th anniversary in 2013.

Visitors experience a mix of ancient fossils, modern specimens and interactive media, including creatures that once roamed Los Angeles, such as the Simi Valley mastodon, saber-toothed cat and dire wolf.
www.nhm.org

The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE
Through Aug. 31

The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE seeks to educate and to inspire all museum visitors and members about the enduring qualities and cultural significance of popular and classical music.

Upcoming programs in the intimate 200-seat GRAMMY Sound Stage include an evening with country-music legends Asleep at the Wheel on Aug. 31.
www.grammymuseum.org

Universal CityWalk’s “Plugged In” Free Summer Concert Series
Universal CityWalk

Through Aug. 29

Universal CityWalk turns up the volume with its “Plugged In” free summer concert series featuring live music from L.A.’s hottest upcoming bands and established artists every weekend throughout the summer.

Local bands compete for a spot on the legendary Sunset Strip Music Festival every Friday night during the “Rockstar Battle of the Bands”.

Saturday evenings feature popular celebrity bands, including a performance by You Hang Up with Malcom in the Middle star Frankie Muniz on drums.
www.CityWalkHollywood.com

89th Summer Season
The Hollywood Bowl
Through Sep. 25

The historic Hollywood Bowl features a stellar line-up of summer entertainment for everyone’s musical taste.

For example, Rent, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical appears Aug. 6 and 7, Harry Connick, Jr. performs on Aug. 13 and 14, and Earth, Wind & Fire entertain Sept. 3 and 4. Movie buffs can test their singing prowess at the Sound of Music Sing-A-Long on Sept. 25.
www.laphil.com

Mummies of the World
California Science Center
Through Nov. 28

This ground breaking exhibit features more than 150 human and animal mummies from 20 museums and seven countries dating back 6,500 years. The largest traveling exhibition of mummies ever assembled — it provides a window into the lives and cultures of ancient peoples from every corner of the world. Due to the large interest in the exhibition, weekend hours have been extended with new hours running Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
www.californiasciencecenter.org

Hear NoHo
North Hollywood
Through Dec. 2

California’s largest theatre district, NoHo theatres are known for their quality productions and regularly feature actors who have starred on Broadway, television and in feature films. Hear NoHo is a collaborative music festival held throughout a series of black boxes, vintage theatres, sophisticated art galleries and live/work lofts throughout North Hollywood.
www.hearnoho.com

Cavallo Point Lodge has added integrative medicine to its Healing Arts Center & Spa. The program was designed, and is directed, by Bradly Jacobs, MD, MPH, founding medical director at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California San Francisco and former senior medical director at Revolution Health.

Jacobs’ diagnostic and therapeutic plans are tailored to individual needs and meld the best of modern medicine and alternative practices. His care plans are centered on his Five Principles for Healthy Living, which encompass finding purpose, connection, stress awareness, active living and healthy eating.

At the Healing Arts Center & Spa, he integrates these principles in his health assessments, primary care, second opinions and multi-day retreats. He can also develop onsite workshops and health and wellness programs for executives and groups at the property.

The program is available through a day spa consultation package with Jacobs or a three- or five-night wellness retreat package.

Customized offerings focus on stress management, weight reduction, sleep enhancement, emotional wellness or a specific medical condition.

The one-day package includes a personalized health consultation, a $140 credit toward spa or healing arts services and use of the Healing Arts Center & Spa facilities for $450, plus tax and gratuity.

The three-night Wellness Retreat package starts at $1,240 per person, single and $940 per person, double, plus taxes and gratuities.

It includes: one personalized health consultation with a focus on stress management, weight reduction, sleep enhancement or emotional wellness; a 21-day follow-up plan; a follow-up phone consultation; a $280 credit toward spa or healing arts services; breakfast daily; yoga daily; overnight parking; access to the spa facilities and fitness center; and an integrative medicine welcome amenity.

The five-night package includes a second consultation; a $560 credit toward for spa treatments or other healing arts services; and all other amenities included in the three-night package.

This option starts at $2,180 single and $1,685 per person, double, plus taxes and gratuities.

All three offers are available through March 31, 2011, with seven-day advance booking.

Blackout periods may apply. To book a package, call 415-339-2692.

To book a treatment at the Healing Arts Center & Spa or for more information, call 415-339-4767 or email reservations@cavallopoint.com

For general hotel information, call 888-651-2003 or visit www.cavallopoint.com

As more and more military and civil guard units around the world utilize tracking dogs to assist in routine training and during high-profile missions, the necessity for professional services in international dog shipment has increased accordingly.

Animal Airways, the global pet flight and relocation provider, has expanded its military division in order to provide military and civilian security forces with solutions needed for international dog shipping.

The latest improvement was based recent experience received by leading forces with which Animal Airways assisted during missions involving massive dog shipments from army bases in Iraq, Africa, private personal security divisions, diplomatic guard units and local police forces.

Animal Airways manages all regulatory and logistic challenges including veterinarian aspects relevant to dog transportation. Animal Airways offers veterinarian solutions to relocate animal worldwide.

Animal Airways’ diverse services include shuttle services to transport dogs in every country, custom-made kennels, international microchips, regulations and document check, custom clearance required at departure and arrival points, and many more essential services needed to complete the missions.

For more information, visit www.animalairways.com

Wine Spectator recently awarded two Acapulco restaurants – Tabachin and Tavola – with the distinguished 2010 Award of Excellence.

All award winners will be announced in the August 31st issue of Wine Spectator.

Tabachin, located at the majestic Fairmont Pierre Marques, has received the Award of Excellence three years in a row. The restaurant’s creative Mediterranean menu is complimented by an impressive array of wines from Mexico, France and California. Tabachin has additionally been awarded the AAA Four Diamond award and is ranked as one of the best restaurants in Acapulco.

Tavola, located at the iconic Fairmont Acapulco Princess resort, garnered it’s first ever Award of Excellence this year. Embracing cuisine from several regions throughout Italy, Tavola offers a seasonally fresh menu coupled with an extensive list of international wines.

Since 1981, Wine Spectator has honored the best wine lists from restaurants around the world, giving out awards in three distinct categories.

Winners of the Award of Excellence are honored for wine lists offering a well-chosen selection of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both style and price.

A magical combination of incredible beauty and hypnotic charm, Acapulco is Mexico’s largest and most dazzling seaside resort attracting over five million visitors annually.

For more information from the Acapulco Destination Marketing Office, visit www.visiteacapulco.com

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas has introduced an Annual Pass, which provides unlimited entry, discounts and exclusive offers for 1 year from the purchase date.

Discounts included with an Annual Pass are 10 percent off regular-priced merchandise in the Shark Reef Gift Shop, 10 percent off birthday party rentals, invitations to private events, and special email offers.

Additionally, the Annual Pass provides access to Shark Reef Aquarium’s Dive with Sharks program, giving dive-certified guests the opportunity to dive in the aquarium’s 1.3-million-gallon Shipwreck Exhibit – an experience previously limited to hotel guests of Mandalay Bay and THEhotel.

Annual passes are available for $40 per guest ages 13 and older and $25 for children ages 5 through 12.

Children ages 4 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult pass holder.

Regular ticket prices are $16.95 and $10.95, respectively. Nevada residents with valid ID receive discounted admission of $13.95 and $8.95, respectively.

In addition, this August, one visitor will be Shark Reef Aquarium’s 10 millionth guest.

This guest will receive a grand prize package including an Annual Pass, accommodations for two nights at Mandalay Bay;

admission to Disney’s “The Lion King,” and dinner at Chef Michael Mina’s Stripsteak.

For Shark Reef Aquarium, call 702-632-4555 or visit www.sharkreef.com.

For Mandalay Bay, call 877-632-7800 or visit www.mandalaybay.com

The historic Tel Aviv-Jaffa train station, located between Neve Tzedek and the Mediterranean Sea, has been transformed into an entertainment and leisure center after a 10-year restoration project. The epicenter for commerce in the city from 1892 to 1948, the newly renovated 49-acre Tachana entertainment complex includes more than 20 historic buildings which will serve as event spaces — from the old train station and freight terminal to the 18th century Arab-style Red House and German Templar Wielands’ family home.

Two train carriages located on the old tracks around the complex will house an exhibition of photography of the restoration project.

The Tachana entertainment complex will feature a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, in addition to several stores, including a bookstore-café devoted to art and design literature, shops featuring young Israeli and international designers, a museum and a lifestyle space for fashion and design exhibitions.

In addition, the complex will include a children’s activity center that will host weekly music concerts, an arts and crafts fair on Thursday evenings and an organic farmer’s market on Friday mornings.

Tours of the Bauhaus district of Tel Aviv will also leave from the Tachana every day.

For more information, visit www.hatachana.co.il.

For more information about travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com

American Airlines has confirmed that Air Berlin is joining the oneworld alliance and will enter into a bilateral agreement with American.

 American said that the cooperative relationship with what is Germany’s second-largest airline will add significant value for its customers by substantially growing the worldwide networks of both American and Air Berlin.

It gives American’s customers wide access to Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, as well as many other business and leisure destinations around the world. And, it will give Air Berlin customers access to American’s U.S. network, with a powerful presence in the markets that matter most to the premium traveler.

Roberto de Carvalho, executive head chef at South Africa’s Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, pays tribute to his Portuguese heritage each Wednesday evening starting from Aug. 4 with Portuguese-style buffets priced at R255 per person in the refurbished 24-hour Café.

In true traditional style, guests will dine at one long table that showcases the finest Portuguese dishes using only authentic recipes.

This launches the Heritage of Food campaign that the hotel has created for the month of August. Guests dining in the refurbished 24-hour Café will be met with a Caipirinha and welcome snacks, at 7 p.m., such as Rissois de Camarão, Pastéis de Bacalhau and Pão Português Fresco. A plated starter will be presented offering

The main course buffet consists of bacalhau com natas (baked cod fish with potatoes, onion and olive oil in a cream sauce), galinha à piri-piri (a nostalgic spicy chicken dish from Mozambique), febras de porco panadas (tasty Portuguese-style marinated pork “schnitzels,” crumbed and fried), lulas grelhadas (grilled baby calamari tubes with garlic, piri-piri and cumin), trinchado (tender beef rump cubes cooked in a white wine sauce), arroz de tomate (traditional Portuguese long grain rice with tomato, peas and beans) and chacuti de legumes (vegetable curry from the former Portuguese colony of Goa).

The plated dessert includes trio de sobremesas — three mini portions of de Carvalho’s favorite Portuguese desserts all on one plate, including pastél de nata, a famous lemon custard tart recipe from the town of Belém; mousse de chocolate, rich Portuguese-style chocolate mousse in a dark chocolate cup; and aletria, angel hair pasta pudding with cinnamon, berry compote and crème fraîche.

For more information, call 27 21 437 9000, email bookta@12apostles.co.za

or visit www.12apostleshotel.com