This morning, in a crowded hotel breakfast buffet in Milwaukee, I sat down to enjoy my morning yogurt with a guy at a table. Turns out he was a cop from Appleton, Wisconsin that showed me that stereotypes ARE based on some truth! Where's Appleton and what are the stereotypes you ask? Doesn't matter where Appleton is, I'm just saying it's small town mid-west USA!
1. "This is a nice hotel"
I'm talking Brookfield Suites, not even in Milwaukee, but in Brookfield, Wisconsin. This is not the usual caliber of hotels I stay at in big cities. In Brookfield, I thought I was in a timewarp, circa 1986 with pink walls, green doors, cream trim, and way too much tropical floral.
2. "I've never been out to the west coast before"
This is not a child I'm speaking with. This is a man in his 40s. Never been out there? You don't even need a passport to go there, don't need to cross a body of water, and you haven't been there? Hopefully, he's left Wisconsin. But then, I did meet a person a few years ago that came to Vancouver, having left Arkansas for the first time in her life. Americans need to get the duece out of their state.
3. "Is it Vancouver or British Columbia that's hosting the Olympics?"
OK, I know at Expo 86's Saskatchewan Pavilion, Americans asked where the country of Saskatchewan was. But Vancouver and British Columbia - are you serious? Maybe Obama's plea for American kids to stay in school and "not give up on your country" will be extended into some more basic geography lessons for Yank kids.
4. "Wisconsin is a big drinking state"
Apparently, drinking and driving is also a big part of what they do here. I guess being the home of Miller, lots of dairy cows, and the Greenbay Packers has somehow fueled this.
5. "A guy from Wisconsin died in Vancouver last year."
Great, thanks for cheering me up at 7:45 this morning. (He was talking about the guy that died on Grouse Mountain hiking the grind at the wrong time of year).
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Top 5 Highlights from MacLean’s “The End of Democracy?” Cover Story
In the March 9th issue of MacLean’s, the cover article, “The End of Democracy?”, points out that autocracies are on the rise around the world, and democracy is only prevailing in North America, Western Europe, and a handful of other countries. Whereby other countries may be looking to Russia and China as “success stories” for the fact that autocracy and economic success can coincide together. So here are some interesting observations from that article.
1. “Political freedom expands during prolonged periods of prosperity and contracts during regression or stagnation.” – Benjamin Friedman, Harvard University economist
This seems to make sense that when there’s a recession, people just want someone who can get them out of the recession. They are thinking less about capitalist and selfish desires and freedom per se, and more about the basic need for surviving – getting medicine, food, the basics. Something that autocratic leaders can capitalize on to get into power.
2. “’Exporting democracy’… describes a thing that cannot be. [It] is not a product that one consumes. It is a set of values, habits, expectations, and principles… So by its nature it cannot be exported.” – James Traub, director of policy, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Interesting. Just like you can’t have a “war on terror”, because terror is not a tangible person or thing (as my husband always says), you cannot export democracy. Traub believes that democracy cannot be forced, but it can be nurtured.
3. “…the best way Americans can spread democracy around the world is to be the best model of a working democracy that we possibly can.” – Peter Beinhart, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations
This comment would be true for Canada as well. That said, wouldn’t Canada be a great representative? Our economy is doing better (for now), our healthcare system is better, our education system is better… so why did MacLean’s interview more American “experts” for this article than Canadians? If the US wants foreign autocracies to take note of a working democracy, they better get their economy, healthcare, and education system in better shape.
4. “Chinese are better off and more satisfied than ever, and value stability and security over democracy.” – Maurice Strong, former Canadian diplomat
So we are led to believe. That may be, but isn’t the stability and security false if you don’t believe you have the freedom to read what you want, think what you want, and write what you want, about your country? So they are plodding along, and some enjoy the material goods of capitalism. But can political autocracy and economic capitalism exist together?
5. “…Over time, more democratic societies seem to be more prosperous and therefore better trading partners and treaty partners.” – Thomas o. Melia, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and executive director of Freedom House
He argues that democratic countries need to promote democracy abroad, not just for the freedom of the people and to “fight terrorism”, but to have an economy. He clearly ties a strong economy to democracy.
So there are interesting and opposing views in this article. My conclusion? I believe in democracy and capitalism, but also believe in the role of government in social provisions like healthcare and education (yes, truly Canadian, aren’t I?). So I’m still skeptical of how autocracy and a strong economy can exist together. But perhaps I’m being naïve and China will show the world how this is done…
1. “Political freedom expands during prolonged periods of prosperity and contracts during regression or stagnation.” – Benjamin Friedman, Harvard University economist
This seems to make sense that when there’s a recession, people just want someone who can get them out of the recession. They are thinking less about capitalist and selfish desires and freedom per se, and more about the basic need for surviving – getting medicine, food, the basics. Something that autocratic leaders can capitalize on to get into power.
2. “’Exporting democracy’… describes a thing that cannot be. [It] is not a product that one consumes. It is a set of values, habits, expectations, and principles… So by its nature it cannot be exported.” – James Traub, director of policy, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Interesting. Just like you can’t have a “war on terror”, because terror is not a tangible person or thing (as my husband always says), you cannot export democracy. Traub believes that democracy cannot be forced, but it can be nurtured.
3. “…the best way Americans can spread democracy around the world is to be the best model of a working democracy that we possibly can.” – Peter Beinhart, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations
This comment would be true for Canada as well. That said, wouldn’t Canada be a great representative? Our economy is doing better (for now), our healthcare system is better, our education system is better… so why did MacLean’s interview more American “experts” for this article than Canadians? If the US wants foreign autocracies to take note of a working democracy, they better get their economy, healthcare, and education system in better shape.
4. “Chinese are better off and more satisfied than ever, and value stability and security over democracy.” – Maurice Strong, former Canadian diplomat
So we are led to believe. That may be, but isn’t the stability and security false if you don’t believe you have the freedom to read what you want, think what you want, and write what you want, about your country? So they are plodding along, and some enjoy the material goods of capitalism. But can political autocracy and economic capitalism exist together?
5. “…Over time, more democratic societies seem to be more prosperous and therefore better trading partners and treaty partners.” – Thomas o. Melia, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and executive director of Freedom House
He argues that democratic countries need to promote democracy abroad, not just for the freedom of the people and to “fight terrorism”, but to have an economy. He clearly ties a strong economy to democracy.
So there are interesting and opposing views in this article. My conclusion? I believe in democracy and capitalism, but also believe in the role of government in social provisions like healthcare and education (yes, truly Canadian, aren’t I?). So I’m still skeptical of how autocracy and a strong economy can exist together. But perhaps I’m being naïve and China will show the world how this is done…
Top 5 Highlights of my Weekend in New York
I just had a chill weekend in NY and for the first time in my life - did NOT shop there! The only things I bought were "necessities" - a bluetooth earpiece for my BlackBerry, and a copy of "Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. No shoes, no bags, no make-up, no clothes. A difficult challenge that I survived. And being on a budget, I strolled around and enjoyed cheap eats. Here are my highlights:
1. Dangerfield's Comedy Club (Upper East on 1st Ave. at 61st St.)
This was our biggest night out, and it wasn't cheap (with mandatory drink minimums and forced tipping), but worth the price. There was a great line-up of stand-up comedians that were all great. No amateurs, no bombs. All professionals with crowd experience. If you don't want to be made an ass of - do NOT sit in the front. The annoying LA valley girl in the front got slammed for her Paris-Hilton-esque annoying as hell voice. The only annoying thing was that each act that came up all asked the same thing to the people in the first few rows - "where are you from?". Some should remove this from their act, because hearing "LA", "Tallahassee", "Boston" - over and over and over from the 3 groups in the front is a little annoying. If you want to head there, print off the 2-for-1 coupons from here.
2. Taim Falafels in the West Village
My friend Dominic has taken a liking to cooking shows on the Food Network (god knows why since the only thing in his kitchen was saltine crackers and tuna). One of which is Bobby Flay's Throwdown, which featured this restaurant on his show. Since he's on a mission to do more sight-seeing in his own city, we went down to the West Village to check out this 4-bar-stool little restaurant for lunch. Great falafels and salad. Fresh ingredients, freshly made falafels, hot and crispy on the outside, tasty on the inside.
3. Top of the Rock
The big tourist outting this time was the Top of the Rock, on the 68th floor of Rockefeller Center - home of NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, the ice-skating rink. If you want spectacular views of NYC, this is a better bet than Empire State Building - since it's easier to see around (glass instead of cage). Great stop if you're on 5th Ave (it's between 49th and 50th St.), it's $20 to get to the top (no restaurants or anything up there, just the view and some souvenir shops), and you can get a $2-off coupon from the people in red jackets at the bottom of the building.
4. Observing the Recession First-Hand
Vancouverites are pretty sheltered from the US recession. When I was in New York in the fall, I felt the recession first-hand, as thousands of local people were suddenly out of jobs - having been laid off from Lehman Brothers and other fin services firms. But the hot restaurants were still full of trend-setters and money. This time, the friend that I stayed with was also not working full-time, and many of his friends were in the same boat. Consequently, the former spending crowd in New York - the ones with no kids and no committments - are cutting back and eating in, or eating cheap! It will be interesting to see in the next while, how many of those trendy restaurants and bars in New York actually survive.
5. Relaxing, relaxing, relaxing!
I actually had the time to get a mani/pedi (hmmm, maybe that wasn't in my budget), read, watch TV, and just chill out. Who would think that I would go to New York to do this, when I'm usually shopping till my feet are dropping!
1. Dangerfield's Comedy Club (Upper East on 1st Ave. at 61st St.)
This was our biggest night out, and it wasn't cheap (with mandatory drink minimums and forced tipping), but worth the price. There was a great line-up of stand-up comedians that were all great. No amateurs, no bombs. All professionals with crowd experience. If you don't want to be made an ass of - do NOT sit in the front. The annoying LA valley girl in the front got slammed for her Paris-Hilton-esque annoying as hell voice. The only annoying thing was that each act that came up all asked the same thing to the people in the first few rows - "where are you from?". Some should remove this from their act, because hearing "LA", "Tallahassee", "Boston" - over and over and over from the 3 groups in the front is a little annoying. If you want to head there, print off the 2-for-1 coupons from here.
2. Taim Falafels in the West Village
My friend Dominic has taken a liking to cooking shows on the Food Network (god knows why since the only thing in his kitchen was saltine crackers and tuna). One of which is Bobby Flay's Throwdown, which featured this restaurant on his show. Since he's on a mission to do more sight-seeing in his own city, we went down to the West Village to check out this 4-bar-stool little restaurant for lunch. Great falafels and salad. Fresh ingredients, freshly made falafels, hot and crispy on the outside, tasty on the inside.
3. Top of the Rock
The big tourist outting this time was the Top of the Rock, on the 68th floor of Rockefeller Center - home of NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, the ice-skating rink. If you want spectacular views of NYC, this is a better bet than Empire State Building - since it's easier to see around (glass instead of cage). Great stop if you're on 5th Ave (it's between 49th and 50th St.), it's $20 to get to the top (no restaurants or anything up there, just the view and some souvenir shops), and you can get a $2-off coupon from the people in red jackets at the bottom of the building.
4. Observing the Recession First-Hand
Vancouverites are pretty sheltered from the US recession. When I was in New York in the fall, I felt the recession first-hand, as thousands of local people were suddenly out of jobs - having been laid off from Lehman Brothers and other fin services firms. But the hot restaurants were still full of trend-setters and money. This time, the friend that I stayed with was also not working full-time, and many of his friends were in the same boat. Consequently, the former spending crowd in New York - the ones with no kids and no committments - are cutting back and eating in, or eating cheap! It will be interesting to see in the next while, how many of those trendy restaurants and bars in New York actually survive.
5. Relaxing, relaxing, relaxing!
I actually had the time to get a mani/pedi (hmmm, maybe that wasn't in my budget), read, watch TV, and just chill out. Who would think that I would go to New York to do this, when I'm usually shopping till my feet are dropping!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Top Recent Indicidents that Indicate Canada Needs Harsher Criminal Punishment
All this recent soft left-wing treatment for killers has got me thinking that it's time for Canada to take a harsher stance on people who kill. If you're endangering others, killing innocent people, killing small children - I'm less of a believer in accidental manslaughter and mental illnesses. If we think that this person may repeat the same thing again - they need to be put away, or put to the same death as their victims. So let's take these recent examples (OK, I only have 3 that are top of mind from last week):
1. Greyhound Bus De-Capitation
This guy is being sent to a mental institution. Even after saying that he should be put to death. Are you kidding me - a crazy farm? Who's going to assess whether he's good enough to be let out onto the streets again, and how accurate is that going to be? With our track record of letting people out of mental institutions early (or at all) - this guy is going to be free in no time. And I certainly don't want to be anywhere near him. Because the scariest thing about this one is that it was COMPLETELY random. It's not targeted at gangsters or prostitutes or women on the east side, or anyone - completely random innocent stranger. As far as I'm concerned, someone should saw this guy's head off.
2. Native Guy Who Accidentally Killed 2 Daughters
He gets drunks and accidentally lets his 2 daughters freeze to death and then says that he shouldn't be sent to prison because his family is better off with him, than havin him in prison. Oh, sorry, right - so you can accidentally kill more of your children. WTF? It is appalling that we put little value on these girls lives and give this guy another chance. And who the hell wants this pathetic excuse for a father around? We should leave him outside in freezing temperatures with no shoes and see how he feels.
3. Gangsters with Guns
How the hell is it that we can't charge people with machine guns in their trunks to higher penalties? And how the hell can people claim that they didn't know there were guns in the trunk of their car? Let's cut the bullshit and not let the gangsters spit all over the judicial system. There's a limit to how much "innocent until proven guilty" makes sense. When there's an all-out gang war in the city, it's time to lay down some harsher penalties and put some of these guys away.
Now I'm not all right-wing in my views on crime. My husband makes a great argument for educating on drugs like coke and heroin. Take away demand, and the supply goes away. Like he points out, it worked with drinking and driving, and smoking for those of us who grew up in the 80's. Bring a few heroin addicts from the eastside into every elementary school and scare the crap out of them to never try it. And not a recovered addict - a homeless dude who's currently addicted to it. That should do it to put a decline in hard drug use in the generation to come.
1. Greyhound Bus De-Capitation
This guy is being sent to a mental institution. Even after saying that he should be put to death. Are you kidding me - a crazy farm? Who's going to assess whether he's good enough to be let out onto the streets again, and how accurate is that going to be? With our track record of letting people out of mental institutions early (or at all) - this guy is going to be free in no time. And I certainly don't want to be anywhere near him. Because the scariest thing about this one is that it was COMPLETELY random. It's not targeted at gangsters or prostitutes or women on the east side, or anyone - completely random innocent stranger. As far as I'm concerned, someone should saw this guy's head off.
2. Native Guy Who Accidentally Killed 2 Daughters
He gets drunks and accidentally lets his 2 daughters freeze to death and then says that he shouldn't be sent to prison because his family is better off with him, than havin him in prison. Oh, sorry, right - so you can accidentally kill more of your children. WTF? It is appalling that we put little value on these girls lives and give this guy another chance. And who the hell wants this pathetic excuse for a father around? We should leave him outside in freezing temperatures with no shoes and see how he feels.
3. Gangsters with Guns
How the hell is it that we can't charge people with machine guns in their trunks to higher penalties? And how the hell can people claim that they didn't know there were guns in the trunk of their car? Let's cut the bullshit and not let the gangsters spit all over the judicial system. There's a limit to how much "innocent until proven guilty" makes sense. When there's an all-out gang war in the city, it's time to lay down some harsher penalties and put some of these guys away.
Now I'm not all right-wing in my views on crime. My husband makes a great argument for educating on drugs like coke and heroin. Take away demand, and the supply goes away. Like he points out, it worked with drinking and driving, and smoking for those of us who grew up in the 80's. Bring a few heroin addicts from the eastside into every elementary school and scare the crap out of them to never try it. And not a recovered addict - a homeless dude who's currently addicted to it. That should do it to put a decline in hard drug use in the generation to come.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Top Reasons Why Rihanna Needs to Leave Chris Brown or Jay-Z Needs to Step In
It is shocking and unbelievable to me why Rihanna is taking Chris Brown back. Media today is pointing to puppy love. And this being a trend with victims of abuse – that they go back several times. Well, I think there are many victims in this situation that Rhianna represents. Just as Barack Obama represented hope for Americans for a better country, a better economy, a better world – if Rhianna does the right thing here, she can represent hope for a better world for abuse victims and minority women. But even if she can’t do the self-less thing and think of the bigger picture that this represents, she can do the selfish thing and think about herself too. Here is my personal plea to Rihanna to do the right thing. And if she doesn’t listen, then Jay-Z knows what the right thing is, and should step in to make it happen.
1. For the Progression of Blacks in America
The US gets a black President and first family, who represents hope for all American minorities and a beacon against the “defeatist culture of black victimhood”. And just a short while later, we have the epitome of stereotypical Black ghetto culture of violence against women, getting the checkmark of approval from one of pop’s brightest stars. Not only does this shatter the hope for blacks, that their role models perpetuate the culture of putting women down; but it perpetuates the negative racial stereotypes that whites hold against blacks. Just take a look at the comments posted on gossip websites like WWTDD.com, right after this news broke, where people were laughing and making sarcastic remarks about “a black man beating up his girlfriend – that’s a first”. Obama took one giant leap forward for America, only to be put back one giant step by Rhianna.
2. For Women and Young Girls
Regardless of color, Rihanna needs to leave for the sake of other abused women and young girls that look up to her. Abused women need hope, someone to look to for strength. Young girls need to be guided in the right direction that it’s not OK to be abused by a boyfriend. She goes back, and she puts all women’s groups efforts for equality backwards by several steps with her high profile abuse case. Whether she likes it or not, she is an idol and a media sensation, and needs to hold herself to higher standards of representing women.
3. For Jay-Z’s Empire
Jay-Z hasn’t made his fortune by accident. With his smarts, he has helped bring hip-hop to mainstream listeners. With Rihanna as a member of his entourage and empire, his own image and, subsequently, profits, are on the line. Yes, he has Beyonce and others, but if he wants to keep leveraging the bank of young Rhianna, he needs to convince her to leave or step in with a heavier force.
4. For her career
So if she didn’t want to take the selfless route and do it for blacks or for women, she should at least take a look at her own career. People want to believe that pop stars are a step above the rest of us, that they are untouchable, that they have beaten the odds. That’s why we put them on a pedestal. Rihanna being beaten by her boyfriend? That’s far too close to reality for some, and not the kind of girl that (hopefully) young girls want to have pin-ups of on their bedroom walls. Just as Chris Brown’s album plummeted in the Billboard charts immediately after the beating, Rhianna’s career will plummet if she goes back to this.
5. Because he’ll do it again
OK, so if she can’t be selfless, and can’t think about her career, do it for your damn personal safety and happiness. She admitted that the beating that took place the night before the Grammy’s wasn’t the first. What makes her think it’s going to be the last? Wake up honey, you can find happiness and love where men won’t beat you, or threaten to beat you.
1. For the Progression of Blacks in America
The US gets a black President and first family, who represents hope for all American minorities and a beacon against the “defeatist culture of black victimhood”. And just a short while later, we have the epitome of stereotypical Black ghetto culture of violence against women, getting the checkmark of approval from one of pop’s brightest stars. Not only does this shatter the hope for blacks, that their role models perpetuate the culture of putting women down; but it perpetuates the negative racial stereotypes that whites hold against blacks. Just take a look at the comments posted on gossip websites like WWTDD.com, right after this news broke, where people were laughing and making sarcastic remarks about “a black man beating up his girlfriend – that’s a first”. Obama took one giant leap forward for America, only to be put back one giant step by Rhianna.
2. For Women and Young Girls
Regardless of color, Rihanna needs to leave for the sake of other abused women and young girls that look up to her. Abused women need hope, someone to look to for strength. Young girls need to be guided in the right direction that it’s not OK to be abused by a boyfriend. She goes back, and she puts all women’s groups efforts for equality backwards by several steps with her high profile abuse case. Whether she likes it or not, she is an idol and a media sensation, and needs to hold herself to higher standards of representing women.
3. For Jay-Z’s Empire
Jay-Z hasn’t made his fortune by accident. With his smarts, he has helped bring hip-hop to mainstream listeners. With Rihanna as a member of his entourage and empire, his own image and, subsequently, profits, are on the line. Yes, he has Beyonce and others, but if he wants to keep leveraging the bank of young Rhianna, he needs to convince her to leave or step in with a heavier force.
4. For her career
So if she didn’t want to take the selfless route and do it for blacks or for women, she should at least take a look at her own career. People want to believe that pop stars are a step above the rest of us, that they are untouchable, that they have beaten the odds. That’s why we put them on a pedestal. Rihanna being beaten by her boyfriend? That’s far too close to reality for some, and not the kind of girl that (hopefully) young girls want to have pin-ups of on their bedroom walls. Just as Chris Brown’s album plummeted in the Billboard charts immediately after the beating, Rhianna’s career will plummet if she goes back to this.
5. Because he’ll do it again
OK, so if she can’t be selfless, and can’t think about her career, do it for your damn personal safety and happiness. She admitted that the beating that took place the night before the Grammy’s wasn’t the first. What makes her think it’s going to be the last? Wake up honey, you can find happiness and love where men won’t beat you, or threaten to beat you.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Top 5 Reasons I Love to Go to New York
Since I'm going to New York on Saturday on a 2.5-day before heading to Chicago, thought it'd be good to remind myself of why I love it!
1. Bright lights, big city
Literally. It's the best big city in North America. Even though I hate it when local New Yorkers say that it's the center of the world, and everything happens there. It's actually kind of true. Never admit that to a New Yorker though.
2. Dining
Love the food, and love to laugh at the insane handling of reservations in that city. Last time I was there with Michelle and Nicole, they made Michelle put her Visa # down to hold our Nobu reservation. And if we didn't show, they'd charge her $25 per head. WTF? Only in NYC do they take reservations SO seriously. Thank god Vancouver isn't like that - yet! This time, not sure what I'll hit up. Jennifer from our PR agency recommended STK Steakhouse, and the website looked pretty cool, so check that out.
3. Shopping
Hello, shopping! Love the variety in all the neighborhoods - SOHO, 5th Avenue, department stores, Chinatown illegal pure-making sweatshops. This trip, I will be removing myself and my Visa from these kick-ass shopping districts! It will be painful, but will be distracting myself by attending a musical or play matinee on Sunday. Shopped out and budgeted out after LA.
4. People, People, People
Everyone does and says whatever the hell they want. Black, Asian, Hispanic, White. Rich bitches, street purse sellers, ambitious ad agency and financial types, illegal Chinese immigrants making fake purses, students, artists.... they all mingle in the same city. People are friendly and helpful. There are undercover cops keeping people safe in Central Park. There are crazy hoochie-mama bitches working in Century 21 where you think they're a character in a movie, but really - they just speak that way! For real?! Uh huh.
5. Friends
Last, but definitely not least, it's great to have friends in the best city in North America. And friends with big apartments right in Manhattan that let you stay there and will hang out with you and put up with your friends. Where would I be without these friends? Definitely not in NY!
So after my trip, I might have other things to add to this. Or at least, specific top 5's from this trip!
1. Bright lights, big city
Literally. It's the best big city in North America. Even though I hate it when local New Yorkers say that it's the center of the world, and everything happens there. It's actually kind of true. Never admit that to a New Yorker though.
2. Dining
Love the food, and love to laugh at the insane handling of reservations in that city. Last time I was there with Michelle and Nicole, they made Michelle put her Visa # down to hold our Nobu reservation. And if we didn't show, they'd charge her $25 per head. WTF? Only in NYC do they take reservations SO seriously. Thank god Vancouver isn't like that - yet! This time, not sure what I'll hit up. Jennifer from our PR agency recommended STK Steakhouse, and the website looked pretty cool, so check that out.
3. Shopping
Hello, shopping! Love the variety in all the neighborhoods - SOHO, 5th Avenue, department stores, Chinatown illegal pure-making sweatshops. This trip, I will be removing myself and my Visa from these kick-ass shopping districts! It will be painful, but will be distracting myself by attending a musical or play matinee on Sunday. Shopped out and budgeted out after LA.
4. People, People, People
Everyone does and says whatever the hell they want. Black, Asian, Hispanic, White. Rich bitches, street purse sellers, ambitious ad agency and financial types, illegal Chinese immigrants making fake purses, students, artists.... they all mingle in the same city. People are friendly and helpful. There are undercover cops keeping people safe in Central Park. There are crazy hoochie-mama bitches working in Century 21 where you think they're a character in a movie, but really - they just speak that way! For real?! Uh huh.
5. Friends
Last, but definitely not least, it's great to have friends in the best city in North America. And friends with big apartments right in Manhattan that let you stay there and will hang out with you and put up with your friends. Where would I be without these friends? Definitely not in NY!
So after my trip, I might have other things to add to this. Or at least, specific top 5's from this trip!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Top 5 Restaurants in North America (Outside of Vancouver)
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)