Since I did the Top 5 restaurants in Vancouver, I've gotta do the Top 5 outside of Vancouver within North America that I've been to. I'm lucky that my work travel brings me to the best cities in the US (in my opinion), plus I have friends/family in some of those cities so I get to combine business with pleasure while I rack up the travel points. So here are some great restaurants I've been to.
1. Nobu in South Beach, Miami
This is in the Shore Club Hotel in South Beach. Dave and I were lucky to go there while on a hurrican stopover in Miami. We were en route to Jamaica in 2006, when we were "forced" to stay one night in Miami while we waited for the hurricane to pass! I think Nobu started the fusion Japanese trend, and still has this mastered. There are great ones in Vancouver (like Hapa, Gyuu, Kingyo), and there are others like Koi and Asia de Cuba - but Nobu is the best of the best when it comes to flavorful fusion Japanese. The ambience of this location is uber uber South Beach, too, so a cool experience overall. If you're in NY and want to go to Nobu - note that the "original" location does not have the same modern ambience as the South Beach location and looks a little more run-down and traditional Japanese in nature.
2. Koi in LA
On La Cienega near Melrose and Hollywood, I originally went here because you read about celebs hitting this restaurant so much in the tabloids. Celebs aside, the food here is kick ass too.
Again, like Nobu - fusion Japanese with extreme flavor! And celebs do go there too. We saw Will Smith, Simon (American Idol judge) both there.
3. Katsuya in Brentwood, CA
Another great fusion Japanese. Guess I like this stuff. Not as good as Koi,but if you're in LA, worth checking out. Interior is very LA, and they have a big menu of lots of great dishes to share with friends.
4. Tao in Las Vegas
OK, another fusion restaurant. Don't remember alot of the details of the menu, but remember the food being savory and fantastic. Going here for dinner also lets you skip the insane lineup to get into Tao nightclub. So worth the big dinner bill if you're looking for an experience at a hot Vegas club afterwards.
OK, so this is supposed to be Top 5. I can only think of these memorable spots right now. But I'll add to this when I hit a few spots in some upcoming trips.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Top 5 Restaurants in Vancouver in past 12 months
Though I'm trying to save money, I do end up eating out a lot. There are so many new ones in Vancouver all the time, that I hardly ever eat at the same place twice! Here are my fave dining spots I've tried in Vancouver in the past year or so.
1. Chow in South Granville
Great service, great tasty food. You might look at the menu items and think "WTF"? Just talk to your server and take their recommendations. If you're walking on Granville - watch carefully as it's a hidden spot that's easy to miss.
2. Market in the new Shangri-La Hotel
Went here for lunch the other day with girls from DNA. 3 course lunch for $28. Pricier than a normal lunch, but fantastic flavors if you're looking for a nice place to take staff or clients. Try the tuna tartar on their appetizer list and beef tenderloin for mains. And if you have a group of 8 - ask for the private room in the back. It gets noisy in the main part of the restaurant, so it's nice to have the quiet of this private room.
3. Hapa Izakaya - Kits Beach location
Best fusion Japanese in town. Since we don't have Nobu or Koi in Vancouver, go here. Not as expensive! So flavorful and interesting blends. Another option is Kingyo in the West End - very similiar, copycat restaurant.
4. Italian Kitchen - Downtown location
OK, this is one spot I go to repeatedly. Love the atmosphere and food. Not your mama's Italian restaurant, but modern and tasty. My fave is always the beef carpaccio pizza... mmmmm...!
5. Cobre in Gastown
If you're a Vancouverite, you won't mind the streets of Gastown, but I'm always weary to take out of towners there. If you do get to the trendiest neighborhood for new restaurants these days, definitely check out Cobre. Not as good as Asia de Cuba, but worth checking out. Interesting blends of flavors and a surprisingly quiet environment to sit back and enjoy the company of friends.
1. Chow in South Granville
Great service, great tasty food. You might look at the menu items and think "WTF"? Just talk to your server and take their recommendations. If you're walking on Granville - watch carefully as it's a hidden spot that's easy to miss.
2. Market in the new Shangri-La Hotel
Went here for lunch the other day with girls from DNA. 3 course lunch for $28. Pricier than a normal lunch, but fantastic flavors if you're looking for a nice place to take staff or clients. Try the tuna tartar on their appetizer list and beef tenderloin for mains. And if you have a group of 8 - ask for the private room in the back. It gets noisy in the main part of the restaurant, so it's nice to have the quiet of this private room.
3. Hapa Izakaya - Kits Beach location
Best fusion Japanese in town. Since we don't have Nobu or Koi in Vancouver, go here. Not as expensive! So flavorful and interesting blends. Another option is Kingyo in the West End - very similiar, copycat restaurant.
4. Italian Kitchen - Downtown location
OK, this is one spot I go to repeatedly. Love the atmosphere and food. Not your mama's Italian restaurant, but modern and tasty. My fave is always the beef carpaccio pizza... mmmmm...!
5. Cobre in Gastown
If you're a Vancouverite, you won't mind the streets of Gastown, but I'm always weary to take out of towners there. If you do get to the trendiest neighborhood for new restaurants these days, definitely check out Cobre. Not as good as Asia de Cuba, but worth checking out. Interesting blends of flavors and a surprisingly quiet environment to sit back and enjoy the company of friends.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Top 5 Oscar Disappointments
Not too many surprises tonight, but couple of things did disappoint.
1. Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Are you kidding me? I just saw this movie this week, and though she is good, how much of a stretch is it for her to play a Spanish crazy artist woman? What about Taraji Henson - the woman's performance in Benjamin Button was absolutely brilliant. She made you want her as a mother, and truly made you believe in her motherly love for Benjamin.
2. Too many Slumdog, throw Benjamin Button a bone
Don't get me wrong, I liked Slumdog. And Benjamin Button walked away with Makeup, Visual Effects, Art Direction - fine. And though I don't think they should've gotten Brad Pitt or best picture, I did really like this movie. I don't care what people say about Benjamin vs. Forrest - this character was much more likeable and it moved me emotionally more than Slumdog.
3. Jennifer Aniston appearance
First, it was disappointing that she appeared. And then her appearance itself with the sideways braid was disappointing. You are average looking and make average movies. The Oscars are not for you.
4. High School musical kids on the show
Maybe I'm getting old, but Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens definitely did not belong on this show. At least Jennifer Aniston has been in movies. Have these people done anything besides be in a Disney musical and appear in People magazine holding hands, keeping Zac in the closet? And what's with her comment on "I feel like a young Audrey Hepburn" - you're not supposed to say those things about yourself, you wait for others to make those comments about you! Don't take credit for something like that!
5. Musical tribute with canes and top-hats
Did they actually need some filler this year? Did not fit in with anything this year. Keep Beyonce, Zac, and Vanessa at home next year.
1. Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Are you kidding me? I just saw this movie this week, and though she is good, how much of a stretch is it for her to play a Spanish crazy artist woman? What about Taraji Henson - the woman's performance in Benjamin Button was absolutely brilliant. She made you want her as a mother, and truly made you believe in her motherly love for Benjamin.
2. Too many Slumdog, throw Benjamin Button a bone
Don't get me wrong, I liked Slumdog. And Benjamin Button walked away with Makeup, Visual Effects, Art Direction - fine. And though I don't think they should've gotten Brad Pitt or best picture, I did really like this movie. I don't care what people say about Benjamin vs. Forrest - this character was much more likeable and it moved me emotionally more than Slumdog.
3. Jennifer Aniston appearance
First, it was disappointing that she appeared. And then her appearance itself with the sideways braid was disappointing. You are average looking and make average movies. The Oscars are not for you.
4. High School musical kids on the show
Maybe I'm getting old, but Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens definitely did not belong on this show. At least Jennifer Aniston has been in movies. Have these people done anything besides be in a Disney musical and appear in People magazine holding hands, keeping Zac in the closet? And what's with her comment on "I feel like a young Audrey Hepburn" - you're not supposed to say those things about yourself, you wait for others to make those comments about you! Don't take credit for something like that!
5. Musical tribute with canes and top-hats
Did they actually need some filler this year? Did not fit in with anything this year. Keep Beyonce, Zac, and Vanessa at home next year.
Top 5 Oscar Moments
The Oscars this year didn't have too many surprises. It was nice to see the little picture (Slumdog) win big. But it was also nice to see alot of Hollywood royalty in the new format. Here are my top 5s from tonight's Oscars.
1. New format for Actress/Actor categories
Love the new format! I hope they keep it this way. So much better than the dry just standing up there having last year's winner of the opposite sex present to this year's winner. Way to change it up! Not only is it awesome for people like us in the audience to see Hollywood heavies like Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Sophia Loren, Goldie Hawn - all up on stage together. But in particular, I liked that each of them did their personal shout-out to one nominee, giving a personal touch to their commentary (ie - DeNiro's joking to Sean Penn about his "gentle handling of the paparazzi").
2. Pineapple Express montage of comedies
WTF was this?! Bold move, loved it! Nice way to pull in audience that may not be into the heavy dramas that typically get nominated. Normally, you'd think the Academy wouldn't want the silliness of the weed-ridden scene, but pulling in James Franco and Seth Rogen for this was brilliant. Nice that the Academy is checking in with the reality of what people watch!
3. Anne Hathaway singing
New respect for this girl. She even changed out of her fancy Armani gown that she wore on the red carpet, so she could do her little song and dance with Hugh.
4. Milk Screenwriter's acceptance speech
When Dustin Lance Black won the award for best original screenplay, so nice to hear him tie it back to the big picture of equal right for gays and lesbians. Rather than rattling off a list of everyone that has helped him in his career since his high school drama teacher - yah, no one knows those names and it's not going to make a difference. Nice work Dustin.
5. Hugh Jackman, nice surprise
I was doubtful as to what the hell this Australian host was going to bring to the awards. Refreshingly charming, classy and funny. For the Oscars, as much of a fan of Chris Rock as I am, he was much more appropriate. Modern and multi-skilled with his hosting, some dancing and singing (though that dance number had to go).
1. New format for Actress/Actor categories
Love the new format! I hope they keep it this way. So much better than the dry just standing up there having last year's winner of the opposite sex present to this year's winner. Way to change it up! Not only is it awesome for people like us in the audience to see Hollywood heavies like Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Sophia Loren, Goldie Hawn - all up on stage together. But in particular, I liked that each of them did their personal shout-out to one nominee, giving a personal touch to their commentary (ie - DeNiro's joking to Sean Penn about his "gentle handling of the paparazzi").
2. Pineapple Express montage of comedies
WTF was this?! Bold move, loved it! Nice way to pull in audience that may not be into the heavy dramas that typically get nominated. Normally, you'd think the Academy wouldn't want the silliness of the weed-ridden scene, but pulling in James Franco and Seth Rogen for this was brilliant. Nice that the Academy is checking in with the reality of what people watch!
3. Anne Hathaway singing
New respect for this girl. She even changed out of her fancy Armani gown that she wore on the red carpet, so she could do her little song and dance with Hugh.
4. Milk Screenwriter's acceptance speech
When Dustin Lance Black won the award for best original screenplay, so nice to hear him tie it back to the big picture of equal right for gays and lesbians. Rather than rattling off a list of everyone that has helped him in his career since his high school drama teacher - yah, no one knows those names and it's not going to make a difference. Nice work Dustin.
5. Hugh Jackman, nice surprise
I was doubtful as to what the hell this Australian host was going to bring to the awards. Refreshingly charming, classy and funny. For the Oscars, as much of a fan of Chris Rock as I am, he was much more appropriate. Modern and multi-skilled with his hosting, some dancing and singing (though that dance number had to go).
Monday, February 16, 2009
Top 5 Celebrity Douchebag Recoveries
In light of Chris Brown exposing himself as a girlfriend-beating douchebag, I thought I'd put together the top 5 celebrities that were once considered douchebags, but put together miraculous PR blitzes to save their reputations. Magic of their PR firms in hiding their douchebag-ness, or were they just misunderstood from the beginning?
1. Alec Baldwin
Leaked voicemail left for his 10-year old daughter one year. Following couple of years, the movie star morphes himself into a TV star on 30 Rock, boosted by the year of Tina Fey, top that off with bringing said daughter to SAG awards and voila - no more douchebag-ness.
2. Kevin Federline
He looked like a greasy rat. Literally. What court would give this douchebag custody rights, you'd think. But did he ever look like the perfect daddy when Britney fell off her rocker, shaved her head and spiral downhill so fast she was suicide candidate #1.
3. Mickey Rourke
4. Tom Cruise
OK, he didn't really have the douchebag image problem. More like the crazy koo-koo image problem. Nonetheless, he clearly realized that hiring his sister as his PR manager was a big mistake. Hide your true self behind closed doors, Tom. Your new PR agent making you do the rounds and smile your big smile in promoting your Nazi movie is doing you wonders. This is the Tom Cruise the public fell in love with.
5. Celebrity douchebags that need new PR agents
I couldn't think of any others that have recovered. But maybe the following people can take some hints from the above 4 guys and either REALLY get their act together, or get their PR agents to spin some magic: Brody Jenner and Spencer Pratt (because I have no idea why these 2 people walk around like they're famous and I wish their 15 minutes would go away), Sean Avery (because he should just stay quiet like all good hockey players), Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, Criss Angel.
1. Alec Baldwin
Leaked voicemail left for his 10-year old daughter one year. Following couple of years, the movie star morphes himself into a TV star on 30 Rock, boosted by the year of Tina Fey, top that off with bringing said daughter to SAG awards and voila - no more douchebag-ness.
2. Kevin Federline
He looked like a greasy rat. Literally. What court would give this douchebag custody rights, you'd think. But did he ever look like the perfect daddy when Britney fell off her rocker, shaved her head and spiral downhill so fast she was suicide candidate #1.
3. Mickey Rourke
Still looks like a douchebag. Sounds like a douchebag. I'd put money on that he smells like a douchebag. But he must NOT be a douchebag if he won a Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar, right? Right?
4. Tom Cruise
OK, he didn't really have the douchebag image problem. More like the crazy koo-koo image problem. Nonetheless, he clearly realized that hiring his sister as his PR manager was a big mistake. Hide your true self behind closed doors, Tom. Your new PR agent making you do the rounds and smile your big smile in promoting your Nazi movie is doing you wonders. This is the Tom Cruise the public fell in love with.
5. Celebrity douchebags that need new PR agents
I couldn't think of any others that have recovered. But maybe the following people can take some hints from the above 4 guys and either REALLY get their act together, or get their PR agents to spin some magic: Brody Jenner and Spencer Pratt (because I have no idea why these 2 people walk around like they're famous and I wish their 15 minutes would go away), Sean Avery (because he should just stay quiet like all good hockey players), Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, Criss Angel.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Top 5 Shopping Spots in LA
Having just left LA and now stuck in Portland on a stopover (extended by another delay - remind me to always get a direct flight!), here are my top 5 shoppings spots in LA. I was going to do a Top 5 Things to Do in LA posting, but who's kidding who - the main thing I do when I'm there is shop.
1. Melrose Ave.
Go to Melrose for boutique stores that have unique clothes at reasonable prices. If you're heading there via La Cienega, make sure you go far enough past the brand name stores like Marc Jacobs, even past Paul Frank. Park around Martel Ave. and you can hit the good shops in that area, like Diva Boutique - unique clothes, wicked shoes, and nice guys that run it!
2. 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica
I hadn't been there in recent trips, but made my way there yesterday with my friend Jenn, opting for the outdoor shopping there rather than the Beverly Center this time. If not for anything else, the main reason to come here is the LARGEST Forever 21 I have ever seen. I didn't know they made them this big. The one here is better than the one in the Beverly Center. 3 floors and an overwhelming amount of clothes. Be prepared to be there for at least 2 hours so you can narrow down your selection!
I've never seen a celebrity there, but this site says they go there. I'm probably too busy shopping to see them.
3. Barney's warehouse sale (@ Santa Monica airport)
I wish I would have checked this out on this trip. It probably would've made me spend money that I shouldn't be. My friend Jenn went today and got a pair of $1100 Manolo's for 75% off. Brings it down to prices for normal people! This economy is good for something!
4. Beverly Center
If you're on Melrose and want to easily hit another spot with lots of good stores and don't want to navigate your way around LA and worry about LA traffic, Beverly Center is a good bet. They've got everything from low-end (Forever 21 of course), to mid-range (like Kenneth Cole) to high-end (like Gucci) to suit your various levels of fashion flavor and budget.
It's at La Cienega and Beverly/3rd Street, more info here.
5. Century City Mall
I'm stretching it by listing this one as fifth, because it can be hit or miss. But can't think of another realistic area, since other sites will list areas like Robertson or Rodeo, which are not realistic for most. Here, it's an outdoor mall (unlike Beverly, which is an indoor mall). The MNG/Mango store there makes it worthwhile. After hitting the department stores there, credit card ready, and nothing to buy - I went a little crazy in the Mango store last fall.
So next time I'm there, if I experience a better one, Century City may have to fall off this list.
1. Melrose Ave.
Go to Melrose for boutique stores that have unique clothes at reasonable prices. If you're heading there via La Cienega, make sure you go far enough past the brand name stores like Marc Jacobs, even past Paul Frank. Park around Martel Ave. and you can hit the good shops in that area, like Diva Boutique - unique clothes, wicked shoes, and nice guys that run it!
2. 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica
I hadn't been there in recent trips, but made my way there yesterday with my friend Jenn, opting for the outdoor shopping there rather than the Beverly Center this time. If not for anything else, the main reason to come here is the LARGEST Forever 21 I have ever seen. I didn't know they made them this big. The one here is better than the one in the Beverly Center. 3 floors and an overwhelming amount of clothes. Be prepared to be there for at least 2 hours so you can narrow down your selection!
I've never seen a celebrity there, but this site says they go there. I'm probably too busy shopping to see them.
3. Barney's warehouse sale (@ Santa Monica airport)
I wish I would have checked this out on this trip. It probably would've made me spend money that I shouldn't be. My friend Jenn went today and got a pair of $1100 Manolo's for 75% off. Brings it down to prices for normal people! This economy is good for something!
4. Beverly Center
If you're on Melrose and want to easily hit another spot with lots of good stores and don't want to navigate your way around LA and worry about LA traffic, Beverly Center is a good bet. They've got everything from low-end (Forever 21 of course), to mid-range (like Kenneth Cole) to high-end (like Gucci) to suit your various levels of fashion flavor and budget.
It's at La Cienega and Beverly/3rd Street, more info here.
5. Century City Mall
I'm stretching it by listing this one as fifth, because it can be hit or miss. But can't think of another realistic area, since other sites will list areas like Robertson or Rodeo, which are not realistic for most. Here, it's an outdoor mall (unlike Beverly, which is an indoor mall). The MNG/Mango store there makes it worthwhile. After hitting the department stores there, credit card ready, and nothing to buy - I went a little crazy in the Mango store last fall.
So next time I'm there, if I experience a better one, Century City may have to fall off this list.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Top 5 Things I Hate
I actually hate alot of things. Not that I'm hugely pessimistic, I'm just very particular with what I like, and what I don't like. So let's try to narrow it down to the top 5.
1. UFC
I was guilted into going to Vegas 2 weeks ago while a UFC fight was going on. I hate it so much that I at first refused to go on the trip at all, based on the sole fact that the guys were going down to watch UFC. I want nothing to do with it. And making me watch it comes with a price. A big price if I am forced to watch it.
2. Feet
Men's feet in particular, but girls feet are gross too. Ratty socks, or no socks. I hate it when people have their feet near my line of sight. Like on the coffee table when I have to look past their feet to watch TV. Or if I'm laying on the ground watching TV and someone's feet are near my face. Disgusting.
3. Reality TV
Can we get back to regular drama and comedies. It's much more entertaining and mind stimulating to watch actors than listen to the non-sense drizzle of real people who never went to college. I'd like for these fast grabs of 15 minutes of fame to be over. Do it on YouTube, fine. But let's stop the networks from airing this crap.
4. Blood and guts
CSI is one of my faves. It's a real show with real actors with real storylines and writing. But when the morgue and cadaver scenes come up, I have to look away. That's probably why I barely know who this fat Santa Claus looking character is on CSI when he shows up in other scenes. Oh, right - he's the doctor that pulls apart the blood and guts.
5. People who hug, kiss-on-the-cheek too much
I don't need to hug and kiss every time I see my friends. A simple hello is sufficient. It's only acceptable and within my norms of behavior if it's a friend from out of town or one that you haven't seen in a long time. Otherwise, just say hi.
1. UFC
I was guilted into going to Vegas 2 weeks ago while a UFC fight was going on. I hate it so much that I at first refused to go on the trip at all, based on the sole fact that the guys were going down to watch UFC. I want nothing to do with it. And making me watch it comes with a price. A big price if I am forced to watch it.
2. Feet
Men's feet in particular, but girls feet are gross too. Ratty socks, or no socks. I hate it when people have their feet near my line of sight. Like on the coffee table when I have to look past their feet to watch TV. Or if I'm laying on the ground watching TV and someone's feet are near my face. Disgusting.
3. Reality TV
Can we get back to regular drama and comedies. It's much more entertaining and mind stimulating to watch actors than listen to the non-sense drizzle of real people who never went to college. I'd like for these fast grabs of 15 minutes of fame to be over. Do it on YouTube, fine. But let's stop the networks from airing this crap.
4. Blood and guts
CSI is one of my faves. It's a real show with real actors with real storylines and writing. But when the morgue and cadaver scenes come up, I have to look away. That's probably why I barely know who this fat Santa Claus looking character is on CSI when he shows up in other scenes. Oh, right - he's the doctor that pulls apart the blood and guts.
5. People who hug, kiss-on-the-cheek too much
I don't need to hug and kiss every time I see my friends. A simple hello is sufficient. It's only acceptable and within my norms of behavior if it's a friend from out of town or one that you haven't seen in a long time. Otherwise, just say hi.
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