SANTA MONICA – The beach you probably know about. And maybe the famous pier, which marks the western end (or beginning) of Route 66. But Santa Monica is increasingly known for its amazing food scene. I was in town for a couple days in February and managed a delicious lunch at a new Mexican place run by two well-known chefs and a fantastic dinner at a new restaurant run by a Michelin-starred chef. Less than an hour after touching down at LAX on our Air Canada flight, my wife and I were chatting with Mary Sue Milliken at Socalo, a Read more
restaurants.
Toronto is embracing its winter weather, and turning the city’s climate to its advantage. In what looks like an excellent marketing move, Tourism Toronto on Wednesday launched what’s called Toronto Spotlight, a series of four weekends in winter with fabulous discounts for visitors. And locals looking for an Ontario “stay-cation.” Tourism Toronto has partnered with 35 wonderful attractions, including the CN Tower Ripley’s Aquarium Canada, Soulpepper Theatre Company and Culinary Adventure Co. to offer two-for-one deals on four winter weekends. The first two weekends also coincide with the city’s Winterlicious dining program, where folks can dine at wonderful restaurants that Read more
One of the coolest spaces in Toronto. And some of the best food in the city. If you haven’t been to Chotto Matte in the heart of downtown Toronto (Yonge and Front, inside the gorgeous Brookfield Place), you’re missing a terrific dining and sensory experience; one that doesn’t feel like anything else I’ve seen in the city. Step inside and you’re immediately surrounded by a wildly colourful interior that features what looks like a waving banner and a very cool bar. It feels to me like a bold marriage between South Beach and Shanghai. Which kinda makes sense, as Chotto Read more
One of Toronto’s top restaurants has some fresh, new faces on hand. Four Seasons Hotel Toronto has announced Nicholas Trosien as the new Chef de Cuisine of Café Boulud and d|bar by Chef Daniel Boulud. Since his appointment, Trosien has been working in collaboration with Chef Daniel Boulud and his culinary team to refresh the restaurant’s classic menu for spring. The new menu is available until June 21 from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 10 p.m. for dinner service. Trosien brings a creative touch, Four Seasons-style management and leadership chops, and culinary worldliness nurtured through assignments Read more
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA – CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA – A fashionable, sexy hotel with a perfect location on the beach. And just a two-minute walk to an adorable downtown. The Beach Terrace Inn is a sleek hotel that’s been given a just-right facelift, with tons of stylish touches and just the right amount of cheeky attitude. The check-in area is a bright spot at street level with big windows and an outside seating area with ocean views. Look for a minimalist design that’s still warm and friendly, with lots of light-coloured wood and a few tall, spiky plants. I loved the little paper Read more
