Until very recently, Sydney has been the national icon of Australia. That is until Melbourne underwent extensive redevelopments and is now challenging its cousin for that title.
Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is the second largest city in Australia. For any one making the trip down under, Melbourne is an absolute must as one of Australia's international hot spots, home of famous celebrities Kyle Minogue, Olivia Newton-John and Cate Blanchett.
Ask any "Melbournian" about their city's reputation as WORLD'S SPORTS CAPITAL and they will proudly tell you about the G short for MCG the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The G has a capacity of 100,000 and it reaches its capacity whether it's for a sporting event or concert.AFL short for Australian football league or Aussie rules as the locals call it is the primary sporting code in Victoria although the G does play host to Rugby union clashes with the All blacks occasionally. To be at the G at an AFL game is no different to the feeling at an English premier game with its fans having the same level of passion and loyalty to their teams. Of course the G also hosts many other sporting events and social events including The Grand prix, Chicago The musical, The Australian Tennis Open, Toyota AFL Grand Final Week, St George Melbourne Marathon, State of Origin Rugby League and the Melbourne International Arts Festival.
Extending directly into the city of Melbourne is the famous Yarra River, which links up with many parks, art venues and sporting venues. The picturesque Southbank Promenade is home to many easy to walk restaurants, cafes and trendy bars and is extremely popular come weekends, and for after hour drinks with the singles crowd. Allot of families enjoy this are for lazy Sunday afternoons too.
Melbourne's entertainment
For single men in Melbourne the news is all good, with this Australian state recording more single women than there are single men. If you are a single guy in Melbourne what possible reason can you have to wait any longer? Melbourne online dating sites have a staggering 62 % of online female daters which should be enough to encourage any Victorian single.
Melbourne's Crown Casino is much more than just a Gaming venue. In fact, you can have the time of your life without ever placing a bet. Crown Casino boasts more than 40 restaurants including coffee shops snack bars and deli's with a magnificent array of cuisines and atmospheres with some operating 24 hours a day. After you've tantalized your taste buds why not try one of the 17 bars and clubs all located within the Crown,and if you are worried about drinking and driving why not treat yourself to a night in a 5 star suite located in Crown Hotel.
A the heart of Melbourne's red light district is St Kilda and is a great place to see if you fancy trendy wine bars, pumping house clubs or maybe the odd strip club. St Kilda has everything from up market licensed venues to your good old Aussie band pub club offering a large selection of entertainment for Melbourne visitors.
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
What a Tourist Should Do in Moscow
How to understand this city better? How to prepare for the Russian holidays? Our experience can help you to explore and enjoy this wonderful city.
1. Find a map of Moscow. Unfortunately there's no tourist info but you can easily enter one of the hotels in the center (it should be a 5-star or 4-star hotel) and take a tourist map for free.
2. Learn the alphabet before coming to Russia. This can help you to get around the metro and read names of Moscow streets. Even if you learn a few letters you can easier understand what is written. For example "PECTORAH" sounds not as /pectopah/ but as /restoran/ (means restaurant) because Russian 'P' sounds /r/, and Russian 'H 'sounds /n/.
3. Use the metro. It's a very convenient transport and it doesn't cost much. Moscow metro is probably most beautiful metro in the world. The halls are adorned with mosaics, statues, paintings. Do take pictures of fantastic Moscow metro stations!
4. Negotiate the price when you take a taxi. Don't trust the driver if he talks about using a meter. There have been a lot of scams with meters showing astronomic prices. In Russia locals often stop not only official taxies but private cars. This is very common as this is an easy way for drivers to earn some extra money.
5. Use sign language while in Moscow. Many locals do not understand English and might be afraid to communicate with you. It's usually better to talk to younger people as they are more likely to remember it. But sign language works in most cases!
6. Try to avoid dealing with the police. Don't be surprised if a policeman ask for a bribe.
7. Pay for a lady if you invite her to a restaurant (if you're a man). Russian women will consider it a disrespect if you suggest going Dutch.
8. Enjoy Moscow night life. Life seems to never stop here. Many bars, clubs and restaurants are open 24 hours. It's not dangerous to walk around the center of Moscow at night.
9. Beware of pickpockets in public places. Put your money, passport and camera in a safe place before entering the metro.
10. Go to the countryside. There're lots of noble estates and monasteries near Moscow. You can order a car or take a local train (in Russian 'electrichka"). One of the most well-known towns near Moscow is Sergiev Posad where like a fairy-tale kingdom rises The Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius.
1. Find a map of Moscow. Unfortunately there's no tourist info but you can easily enter one of the hotels in the center (it should be a 5-star or 4-star hotel) and take a tourist map for free.
2. Learn the alphabet before coming to Russia. This can help you to get around the metro and read names of Moscow streets. Even if you learn a few letters you can easier understand what is written. For example "PECTORAH" sounds not as /pectopah/ but as /restoran/ (means restaurant) because Russian 'P' sounds /r/, and Russian 'H 'sounds /n/.
3. Use the metro. It's a very convenient transport and it doesn't cost much. Moscow metro is probably most beautiful metro in the world. The halls are adorned with mosaics, statues, paintings. Do take pictures of fantastic Moscow metro stations!
4. Negotiate the price when you take a taxi. Don't trust the driver if he talks about using a meter. There have been a lot of scams with meters showing astronomic prices. In Russia locals often stop not only official taxies but private cars. This is very common as this is an easy way for drivers to earn some extra money.
5. Use sign language while in Moscow. Many locals do not understand English and might be afraid to communicate with you. It's usually better to talk to younger people as they are more likely to remember it. But sign language works in most cases!
6. Try to avoid dealing with the police. Don't be surprised if a policeman ask for a bribe.
7. Pay for a lady if you invite her to a restaurant (if you're a man). Russian women will consider it a disrespect if you suggest going Dutch.
8. Enjoy Moscow night life. Life seems to never stop here. Many bars, clubs and restaurants are open 24 hours. It's not dangerous to walk around the center of Moscow at night.
9. Beware of pickpockets in public places. Put your money, passport and camera in a safe place before entering the metro.
10. Go to the countryside. There're lots of noble estates and monasteries near Moscow. You can order a car or take a local train (in Russian 'electrichka"). One of the most well-known towns near Moscow is Sergiev Posad where like a fairy-tale kingdom rises The Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius.
Rio Carnival Parades 2009 - Samba Schools, Dates and Locations of Parades
The world famous parades of the Rio are a mix of samba dance, samba drums, songs, costumes, spectacular floats and special effects.There are 72 samba schools in Rio and they all parade during the 4 days of carnival from Saturday 21st to Tuesday 24th Feb, 2009. They are all listed below, with the dates they parade and where you can find them. The samba schools are organised into competitive leagues. The samba school parades will take place in 2 locations, the Marquês de Sapucaí (AKA the Avenida, the Sambódromo, the Passarela) in the centre of town, and Estrada Intendente Magalhães in the outer suburbs.
The top group, and the most breathtaking, is Grupo Especial, with the biggest schools, the most amazing costumes, the most expensive tickets, and around 5000 people in each samba school. Grupo A is also in the sambodromo, and has some very elaborate parades, though tickets are cheaper. You can buy tickets for these parades in advance online, or from tourist agencies in Rio up to the day of the parades. Grupo RJ1 (ex Grupo B) is in the sambodromo too, entrance is free, but the schools have much less money to spend on being spectacular.
The rest of the leagues also parade over carnival weekend. Their parades are much smaller, attendance is free, and they take place a long way out of town, at Estrada Intendente Magalhaes. The further down the list, the smaller the schools. Grupo RJ4 has around 800 participants in each samba school.
As well as the formal samba school parades, there are informal and free parades of blocos (street carnival groups) all over town, especially in the Rio Branco and in Copacabana and Ipenima. Some blocos are several times larger than the biggest samba schools and everyone can join in, rather than just watching. The blocos generally have samba drum bands and songs and bloco t-shirts, but the costumes are informal - you'll see people in varying degrees of fancy dress rather than an organised specatacular parade.
GRUPO ESPECIAL - Sun 22nd Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA 1 Império Serrano 2 Acadêmicos Do Grande Rio 3 Unidos De Vila Isabel 4 Mocidade Independente De Padre Miguel 5 Beija-Flor De Nilópolis 6 Unidos Da Tijuca
GRUPO ESPECIAL - Monday 23rd Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA 1 Unidos Do Porto Da Pedra 2 Acadêmicos Do Salgueiro 3 Imperatriz Leopoldinense 4 Portela 5 Estação Primeira De Mangueira 6 Unidos Do Viradouro
GRUPO A - Saturday 21st Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA
1 São Clemente 2 Estácio De Sá 3 Inocentes De Belford Roxo 4 Paraíso Do Tuiuti 5 Império Da Tijuca 6 União Da Ilha Do Governador 7 Acadêmicos Da Rocinha 8 Renascer De Jacarepaguá 9 Acadêmicos De Santa Cruz 10 Caprichosos De Pilares
GRUPO RJ/1 (was grupo B) - Tuesday 24th Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA 1 Alegria Da Zona Sul 2 Independente Da Praça Da Bandeira 3 União De Jacarepaguá 4 União Do Parque Curicica 5 Corações Unidos Do Amarelinho 6 Tradição 7 Sereno De Campo Grande 8 Unidos De Padre Miguel 9 Lins Imperial 10 Unidos Do Jacarezinho 11 Acadêmicos Do Cubango 12 Arrastão De Cascadura 13 Boi Da Ilha Do Governador 14 Arranco
GRUPO RJ/2 (was grupo C) -Sun 22nd Feb - ESTRADA INTENDENTE MAGALHÃES 1 Unidos De Lucas 2 Acadêmicos Da Abolição 3 Unidos De Cosmos 4 Unidos Do Cabuçu 5 Unidos Da Ponte 6 Unidos Do Cabral 7 Vizinha Faladeira 8 Acadêmicos Do Dendê 9 Flor Da Mina Do Andaraí 10 Difícil É O Nome 11 Unidos De Manguinhos 12 Acadêmicos De Vigário Geral 13 Acadêmicos Do Sossego 14 Mocidade De Vicente De Carvalho
GRUPO RJ/3 (Was Grupo D)- Monday 23/02 - ESTRADA INTENDENTE MAGALHÃES 1 Mocidade Unida De Jacarepaguá 2 Em Cima Da Hora 3 Leão De Nova Iguaçu 4 Delírio Da Zona Oeste 5 Mocidade Unida Do Santa Marta 6 Acadêmicos Do Engenho Da Rainha 7 Unidos De Vila Kennedy 8 Mocidade Independente De Inhaúma 9 Imperial De Morro Agudo 10 Unidos Do Sacramento 11 Unidos Da Vila Santa Teresa 12 Rosa De Ouro 13 Unidos Do Anil 14 Arame De Ricardo 15 Gato De Bonsucesso
GRUPO RJ/4 (Was grupo E) - Tuesday 24/02 - ESTRADA INTENDENTE MAGALHÃES 1 Unidos Da Villa Rica 2 Boêmios De Inhaúma 3 Unidos Do Uraiti 4 Infantes Da Piedade 5 União De Guaratiba 6 União De Vaz Lobo 7 Paraíso Da Alvorada 8 Favo De Acari
* Giselle Winston has been visiting the Rio Carnival since 1997, parading many times with various samba schools and street blocos, and is one of the founders of Paraiso School of Samba in London. She is joint director of Traditional Sounds of Samba Ltd http://www.tdsounds.co.uk selling samba instruments, CDs and books since 2001. She can be contacted at info at tdsounds.co.uk. You can find out more about Rio de Janeiro's carnival (including how to join in) by following the link to TDSounds and clicking on the Rio Carnival pages.
The top group, and the most breathtaking, is Grupo Especial, with the biggest schools, the most amazing costumes, the most expensive tickets, and around 5000 people in each samba school. Grupo A is also in the sambodromo, and has some very elaborate parades, though tickets are cheaper. You can buy tickets for these parades in advance online, or from tourist agencies in Rio up to the day of the parades. Grupo RJ1 (ex Grupo B) is in the sambodromo too, entrance is free, but the schools have much less money to spend on being spectacular.
The rest of the leagues also parade over carnival weekend. Their parades are much smaller, attendance is free, and they take place a long way out of town, at Estrada Intendente Magalhaes. The further down the list, the smaller the schools. Grupo RJ4 has around 800 participants in each samba school.
As well as the formal samba school parades, there are informal and free parades of blocos (street carnival groups) all over town, especially in the Rio Branco and in Copacabana and Ipenima. Some blocos are several times larger than the biggest samba schools and everyone can join in, rather than just watching. The blocos generally have samba drum bands and songs and bloco t-shirts, but the costumes are informal - you'll see people in varying degrees of fancy dress rather than an organised specatacular parade.
GRUPO ESPECIAL - Sun 22nd Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA 1 Império Serrano 2 Acadêmicos Do Grande Rio 3 Unidos De Vila Isabel 4 Mocidade Independente De Padre Miguel 5 Beija-Flor De Nilópolis 6 Unidos Da Tijuca
GRUPO ESPECIAL - Monday 23rd Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA 1 Unidos Do Porto Da Pedra 2 Acadêmicos Do Salgueiro 3 Imperatriz Leopoldinense 4 Portela 5 Estação Primeira De Mangueira 6 Unidos Do Viradouro
GRUPO A - Saturday 21st Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA
1 São Clemente 2 Estácio De Sá 3 Inocentes De Belford Roxo 4 Paraíso Do Tuiuti 5 Império Da Tijuca 6 União Da Ilha Do Governador 7 Acadêmicos Da Rocinha 8 Renascer De Jacarepaguá 9 Acadêmicos De Santa Cruz 10 Caprichosos De Pilares
GRUPO RJ/1 (was grupo B) - Tuesday 24th Feb - PASSARELA DO SAMBA 1 Alegria Da Zona Sul 2 Independente Da Praça Da Bandeira 3 União De Jacarepaguá 4 União Do Parque Curicica 5 Corações Unidos Do Amarelinho 6 Tradição 7 Sereno De Campo Grande 8 Unidos De Padre Miguel 9 Lins Imperial 10 Unidos Do Jacarezinho 11 Acadêmicos Do Cubango 12 Arrastão De Cascadura 13 Boi Da Ilha Do Governador 14 Arranco
GRUPO RJ/2 (was grupo C) -Sun 22nd Feb - ESTRADA INTENDENTE MAGALHÃES 1 Unidos De Lucas 2 Acadêmicos Da Abolição 3 Unidos De Cosmos 4 Unidos Do Cabuçu 5 Unidos Da Ponte 6 Unidos Do Cabral 7 Vizinha Faladeira 8 Acadêmicos Do Dendê 9 Flor Da Mina Do Andaraí 10 Difícil É O Nome 11 Unidos De Manguinhos 12 Acadêmicos De Vigário Geral 13 Acadêmicos Do Sossego 14 Mocidade De Vicente De Carvalho
GRUPO RJ/3 (Was Grupo D)- Monday 23/02 - ESTRADA INTENDENTE MAGALHÃES 1 Mocidade Unida De Jacarepaguá 2 Em Cima Da Hora 3 Leão De Nova Iguaçu 4 Delírio Da Zona Oeste 5 Mocidade Unida Do Santa Marta 6 Acadêmicos Do Engenho Da Rainha 7 Unidos De Vila Kennedy 8 Mocidade Independente De Inhaúma 9 Imperial De Morro Agudo 10 Unidos Do Sacramento 11 Unidos Da Vila Santa Teresa 12 Rosa De Ouro 13 Unidos Do Anil 14 Arame De Ricardo 15 Gato De Bonsucesso
GRUPO RJ/4 (Was grupo E) - Tuesday 24/02 - ESTRADA INTENDENTE MAGALHÃES 1 Unidos Da Villa Rica 2 Boêmios De Inhaúma 3 Unidos Do Uraiti 4 Infantes Da Piedade 5 União De Guaratiba 6 União De Vaz Lobo 7 Paraíso Da Alvorada 8 Favo De Acari
* Giselle Winston has been visiting the Rio Carnival since 1997, parading many times with various samba schools and street blocos, and is one of the founders of Paraiso School of Samba in London. She is joint director of Traditional Sounds of Samba Ltd http://www.tdsounds.co.uk selling samba instruments, CDs and books since 2001. She can be contacted at info at tdsounds.co.uk. You can find out more about Rio de Janeiro's carnival (including how to join in) by following the link to TDSounds and clicking on the Rio Carnival pages.
Singapore Dining - 5 Romantic Places to Dine in Singapore
If you are in Singapore and looking for romantic places to dine, you are at the right place. In this article, let me share with you 5 romantic places to dine in Singapore.
1. Jewel Box at Mt Faber. Jewel Box is a very popular dining place among couples. It is located at Mt Faber, 90m above sea level. It is a restaurant cum bar, where you can enjoy privacy and nice sea view. To go to Jewel Box, you can take a cable ride at Sentosa or Habour Front.
2. Sky Dining. Sky dining on cable car is a very unusual way to have a dinner together with your partner. If you are looking for a great candle light dinner, sky dining is the default choice. Onboard of a cable car, you and your partner will dine 70m above sea level, with total privacy.
3. Alkaff Mansion. Alkaff Mansion is located at 10 Telok Blangah Green. It is a per-war luxury bungalow which is located on top of a hill. At Alkaff Mansion, you and your partner can enjoy live music, good food and a spectacular view of Singapore habour and sea. Alkaff Mansion was owned by a very wealthy Indonesia family. After World War II, the mansion was abandoned. The mansion was later converted into a restaurant and is popular among courting couples.
4. One Fullerton. At One Fullerton, you will find a few restaurants with great ambience, perfect for a romantic dinner with your partner. It is located at Raffles Place, near the Esplanade. Having dinner at One Fullerton allows you and your partner to enjoy the night breeze and nice view across the sea. Moreover, if you want to spend a night in a first-class hotel with your partner, One Fullerton Hotel is the number 1 choice.
5. Chijmes. Chijmes is located right in the heart of Singapore busy city and it is a formal girl's convent. At Chijmes, there are many pubs and restaurants. If you visit Chijmes at weekends, you will see the restaurants and pubs are packed with people, watching live soccer matches and enjoying live band performance. If you want to have a night of drinks and fun with your partner, you must definitely visit Chijmes.
Hope that with this article, you now know where to go if you want to have a romantic dinner with your partner in Singapore. Happy dining!
1. Jewel Box at Mt Faber. Jewel Box is a very popular dining place among couples. It is located at Mt Faber, 90m above sea level. It is a restaurant cum bar, where you can enjoy privacy and nice sea view. To go to Jewel Box, you can take a cable ride at Sentosa or Habour Front.
2. Sky Dining. Sky dining on cable car is a very unusual way to have a dinner together with your partner. If you are looking for a great candle light dinner, sky dining is the default choice. Onboard of a cable car, you and your partner will dine 70m above sea level, with total privacy.
3. Alkaff Mansion. Alkaff Mansion is located at 10 Telok Blangah Green. It is a per-war luxury bungalow which is located on top of a hill. At Alkaff Mansion, you and your partner can enjoy live music, good food and a spectacular view of Singapore habour and sea. Alkaff Mansion was owned by a very wealthy Indonesia family. After World War II, the mansion was abandoned. The mansion was later converted into a restaurant and is popular among courting couples.
4. One Fullerton. At One Fullerton, you will find a few restaurants with great ambience, perfect for a romantic dinner with your partner. It is located at Raffles Place, near the Esplanade. Having dinner at One Fullerton allows you and your partner to enjoy the night breeze and nice view across the sea. Moreover, if you want to spend a night in a first-class hotel with your partner, One Fullerton Hotel is the number 1 choice.
5. Chijmes. Chijmes is located right in the heart of Singapore busy city and it is a formal girl's convent. At Chijmes, there are many pubs and restaurants. If you visit Chijmes at weekends, you will see the restaurants and pubs are packed with people, watching live soccer matches and enjoying live band performance. If you want to have a night of drinks and fun with your partner, you must definitely visit Chijmes.
Hope that with this article, you now know where to go if you want to have a romantic dinner with your partner in Singapore. Happy dining!
The Five Best Places to Visit in Rio De Janeiro Brazil
Want to know what the best places to visit in Rio are?
You do if you are planning a vacation to Rio de Janeiro Brazil. You are investing your hard-earned money in airfare and accommodations. You will have a limited amount of time in Rio. And you want to make sure your Brazil vacation is a memorable experience.
Choosing which places to visit in Rio can be a stressful experience. There is so much to do in the Marvelous City. I fully understand what you are facing. My vacation to Rio only lasted a week. After that experience, I spent 18 years living in Brazil.
My recommendations for the best places to visit in Rio.
1. Copacabana Beach
Copacabana beach is one of the most famous beaches of Brazil. The nearly three kilometers of sandy beach looks out at the Guanabara Bay and offers a spectacular view of Sugarloaf Mountain. A fort at each end of the beach provides tourist with an opportunity to get to know a little more of the history of both the city of Rio de Janeiro and the country of Brazil.
2. Sugarloaf Hill (Pao de Acucar)
Sugarloaf Hill is a quartz and granite peak that rises up from the mouth of Guanabara Bay to a height of 396 meters. A glass-paneled cable car will transport you from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) to Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) and, from there, to the top of Sugarloaf. The ride takes less than 20 minutes but offers a view of Rio that you will never forget.
3. Maracana Stadium
Maracana Stadium is one of the largest football (soccer) stadiums in the world. It was the location of the World Cup Final of 1950 when Brazil lost to Uruguay before a crowd of 199,954. What is more impressive than the stadium itself is the enthusiasm of the Brazilian football fans. Don't just visit the stadium, visit Maracana to watch a soccer match.
4. Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca)
One of the things that make Rio de Janeiro so beautiful is the vast amount of nature that is part of this major urban center. The nearly 4,000-acre Tijuca National Park is the largest city-surrounded urban forest in the world. Within minutes, you can leave the sprawling concrete jungle of Rio and visit waterfalls, grottos, lakes and other wonders of nature.
5. Corcovado
Corcovado, which means "hunchback" in Portuguese, is a 710-meter granite peak located in the Tijuca Florest. Atop the peak is the 38-meter Christ the Redeemer Statue with arms outstretched in direction of the city of Rio. The statue was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You can catch an electric train to ride to the top. A lookout platform allows you to get a breathtaking view of the city.
You do if you are planning a vacation to Rio de Janeiro Brazil. You are investing your hard-earned money in airfare and accommodations. You will have a limited amount of time in Rio. And you want to make sure your Brazil vacation is a memorable experience.
Choosing which places to visit in Rio can be a stressful experience. There is so much to do in the Marvelous City. I fully understand what you are facing. My vacation to Rio only lasted a week. After that experience, I spent 18 years living in Brazil.
My recommendations for the best places to visit in Rio.
1. Copacabana Beach
Copacabana beach is one of the most famous beaches of Brazil. The nearly three kilometers of sandy beach looks out at the Guanabara Bay and offers a spectacular view of Sugarloaf Mountain. A fort at each end of the beach provides tourist with an opportunity to get to know a little more of the history of both the city of Rio de Janeiro and the country of Brazil.
2. Sugarloaf Hill (Pao de Acucar)
Sugarloaf Hill is a quartz and granite peak that rises up from the mouth of Guanabara Bay to a height of 396 meters. A glass-paneled cable car will transport you from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) to Morro da Urca (Urca Hill) and, from there, to the top of Sugarloaf. The ride takes less than 20 minutes but offers a view of Rio that you will never forget.
3. Maracana Stadium
Maracana Stadium is one of the largest football (soccer) stadiums in the world. It was the location of the World Cup Final of 1950 when Brazil lost to Uruguay before a crowd of 199,954. What is more impressive than the stadium itself is the enthusiasm of the Brazilian football fans. Don't just visit the stadium, visit Maracana to watch a soccer match.
4. Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca)
One of the things that make Rio de Janeiro so beautiful is the vast amount of nature that is part of this major urban center. The nearly 4,000-acre Tijuca National Park is the largest city-surrounded urban forest in the world. Within minutes, you can leave the sprawling concrete jungle of Rio and visit waterfalls, grottos, lakes and other wonders of nature.
5. Corcovado
Corcovado, which means "hunchback" in Portuguese, is a 710-meter granite peak located in the Tijuca Florest. Atop the peak is the 38-meter Christ the Redeemer Statue with arms outstretched in direction of the city of Rio. The statue was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You can catch an electric train to ride to the top. A lookout platform allows you to get a breathtaking view of the city.
Pubs in London - A Myth Now?
Pubs form an essential part of the city of London. You can find them on almost every corner, traditional and unique they still hold Britains joys and sorrows together. There has been much debate on whether going to pubs too often is a part of British social culture. Try to visit any one of the London pubs and maybe you will get the answer.
Pubs originated in England and there are approximately 57,500 of them in the UK. There is indeed something special about English pubs or actually public houses. They are centuries-old and cosy and sell good quality beer. Many pubs in London also serve foods, Sunday roast or traditional Fish and Chips are dishes that taste best in a pub. One interesting thing about English pubs is their names that remind of the continuous history of pub culture.
An "arms" name can just derive from where the pub actually is, for example "Sussex Arms". Some "arms" signs refer to working occupations, for example "Bricklayer's Arms". Other name elements include royalty symbols like "crown", "king", "queen", often used in pub names. Queen Victoria is one of the famous ones as well. Victoria was queen of the United Kingdom at the time of greatest expansion of housing stock and associated public houses in the Victorian era and at the height of the British Empire. She inspired great loyalty and affection, and publicans aimed to reflect this. According to the 2007 CAMRA survey, Crown and Red Lion were the most popular pub names in England, however these results are ambiguous as for what classifies as a pub as opposed to a licensed restaurant.
London pubs are usually open from noon to midnight and strict laws apply to serving alcohol after the restricted time. You will not be able to buy any alcoholic drinks after 11.00 pm. Make sure you stay at a central London hotel so it is easy to return from the pub should you decide to stay longer.
English pub experience is great as you will not only get a chance to try good beer, but also taste traditional British cuisine and enjoy relaxing atmosphere.
Pubs originated in England and there are approximately 57,500 of them in the UK. There is indeed something special about English pubs or actually public houses. They are centuries-old and cosy and sell good quality beer. Many pubs in London also serve foods, Sunday roast or traditional Fish and Chips are dishes that taste best in a pub. One interesting thing about English pubs is their names that remind of the continuous history of pub culture.
An "arms" name can just derive from where the pub actually is, for example "Sussex Arms". Some "arms" signs refer to working occupations, for example "Bricklayer's Arms". Other name elements include royalty symbols like "crown", "king", "queen", often used in pub names. Queen Victoria is one of the famous ones as well. Victoria was queen of the United Kingdom at the time of greatest expansion of housing stock and associated public houses in the Victorian era and at the height of the British Empire. She inspired great loyalty and affection, and publicans aimed to reflect this. According to the 2007 CAMRA survey, Crown and Red Lion were the most popular pub names in England, however these results are ambiguous as for what classifies as a pub as opposed to a licensed restaurant.
London pubs are usually open from noon to midnight and strict laws apply to serving alcohol after the restricted time. You will not be able to buy any alcoholic drinks after 11.00 pm. Make sure you stay at a central London hotel so it is easy to return from the pub should you decide to stay longer.
English pub experience is great as you will not only get a chance to try good beer, but also taste traditional British cuisine and enjoy relaxing atmosphere.
Famous Places Around the New York City to Visit
Nearly Millions of the tourists from all around the world visit the most happening, beautiful and cosmopolitan city of New York. New York City is the most exciting city and having variety of fun places to visit and experience. The following is a list of New York City's most popular and Happening places to visit:
Islands: The two most famous Islands to visit in New York City are Coney Island and Ellis Island.
Coney Island is a peninsula in southernmost Brooklyn in New Your City. It was the largest amusement area in US and at its height it contained three competing major amusement parks, Luna Park, Dreamland Park and Steeplechase Park.
Ellis Island is where the history of the New York begins. It is predominantly situated in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Visitors can enjoy for free ferry ride to and from the island. Ellis Island Immigration Museum is one of the astonished attraction of American History.
Museums: The three most popular museums in New York City are American Museum Of Natural History(AMNH), Metropolitan Museum of Art(The Met), Guggenheim Museum.
The AMNH, located on the upper West Side of Manhattan in New York is one of the largest and most illustrious museum in the world.
The Met is an Art Museum, located on the eastern edge of Central Park, New York. It has a permanent collection, cared for and exhibited by nineteen separate departments. Permanent collection contains work of art from classical antiquity and Ancient Egypt paintings and sculptures.
Guggenheim Museum structured by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry and located in Bilbao. It is intended to resemble a ship. Valuable permanent collections are contained in the museum from the 19th century through the present.
Central Park: Central Park is located in the Heart of New York City, the large public Urban Park. It hosted millions of visitor every year. Since 1963, Central Park has been a National Historic Landmark of New York City. It includes several natural-looking lakes and ponds, Central Park Zoo, Central Park Conservatory Garden and more places to visit.
Time Square: Time Square was renamed after Timing Building in April 1904. It is sometimes also known as Crossroads of the world. Time Square is primarily defined by its spectaculars, animated and digital advertisements. It has been achieved the title of an iconic world landmark and has become the symbol of New York City.
Islands: The two most famous Islands to visit in New York City are Coney Island and Ellis Island.
Coney Island is a peninsula in southernmost Brooklyn in New Your City. It was the largest amusement area in US and at its height it contained three competing major amusement parks, Luna Park, Dreamland Park and Steeplechase Park.
Ellis Island is where the history of the New York begins. It is predominantly situated in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Visitors can enjoy for free ferry ride to and from the island. Ellis Island Immigration Museum is one of the astonished attraction of American History.
Museums: The three most popular museums in New York City are American Museum Of Natural History(AMNH), Metropolitan Museum of Art(The Met), Guggenheim Museum.
The AMNH, located on the upper West Side of Manhattan in New York is one of the largest and most illustrious museum in the world.
The Met is an Art Museum, located on the eastern edge of Central Park, New York. It has a permanent collection, cared for and exhibited by nineteen separate departments. Permanent collection contains work of art from classical antiquity and Ancient Egypt paintings and sculptures.
Guggenheim Museum structured by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry and located in Bilbao. It is intended to resemble a ship. Valuable permanent collections are contained in the museum from the 19th century through the present.
Central Park: Central Park is located in the Heart of New York City, the large public Urban Park. It hosted millions of visitor every year. Since 1963, Central Park has been a National Historic Landmark of New York City. It includes several natural-looking lakes and ponds, Central Park Zoo, Central Park Conservatory Garden and more places to visit.
Time Square: Time Square was renamed after Timing Building in April 1904. It is sometimes also known as Crossroads of the world. Time Square is primarily defined by its spectaculars, animated and digital advertisements. It has been achieved the title of an iconic world landmark and has become the symbol of New York City.
Amsterdam coffee shop
Amsterdam is one of the most visited places by tourists every year. People from different nations make sure they get to see this city at least once in their lives. It is famous for a lot of its beautiful and scenic spots. However, what few only know is that Amsterdam is not merely loved for its wonderful tourist attractions. It is also well known for its many coffee shops.
Amsterdam offers hundreds of welcoming and relaxing coffee shops. Tourism continues to bloom with the help of many coffee shops in the state. All types of coffee shop can be found here, along with brightly painted psychedelic colors and loud music. The more popular coffee shops are located in the canal city districts and by the suburbs.
The city tourist center offers an easy guide in finding the best coffee shops in the city. There are direct stops to familiarize one with the spoken and unspoken rules inside.
There are a few verbal and non-verbal rules that each customer should consider upon entering the casual ambiance of Amsterdam's coffee shops. Here are some of them:
Shops often check if visitors have IDs and should be 18 years old and above. Coffee shops rarely sell alcoholic liquors for they have no license. Some prefer to sell beer. It is not acceptable to bring your own liquor inside the premises. Visitors can bring their own bag to smoke as long as you buy food or drinks at the shop. Selling goods and loitering are not allowed inside.
Amsterdam coffee shop is not just a place where you can sip a cup of coffee, but also a place where you can legally purchase or openly sell small amounts of cannabis like marijuana (for personal usage). Smoking is also allowed inside the premises.
Most shops sell pre-weighed bags at 5, 10, and 12.5, usually amounting to about 25 euros. Some will even weigh the stuff during the course of the transaction.
One of the most popular coffee shops in Amsterdam American Hotel is Café Americain. It is a renowned for celebrities. They are famous for their seasonal items and great services. The building structure is one of the most historical monuments in Europe.
Here are 20 of the best coffee shops in Amsterdam:
Barney's Breakfast Bar - 102 Haarlemmerstraat
Central - 89 Prins Hendrikkade
Front Page - 14 Zoutsteeg
Blue Bird - 71 St. Antoniusbreedstraat
Bushdocter - 28 Thorbeckeplein
Greenhouse - Tolstraat 91
Grey Area - 2 Oude Leliestraat
De Dampkring - 29 Handboogstraat
Greenhouse Namaste - 345 Waterlooplein
Greenhouse Centrum - 191 Oudezijds Voorburgwal
Homegrown Fantasy - 87a Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
Pink Floyd (Umma Gumma) - 44 Haarlemmerstraat
Old Church - 54Oudekerksplein
Siberie - 11 Brouwersgracht
Rokerij - 41 Lange Leidsedwarsstraat
Rokerij II - 8 Singel
Rokerij III - 8 Amstel
Stix - 21 Utrechtsestraat
Tweede Kamer - 6 Heisteeg
420 Cafe (De Kuil) - 27 Oudebrugsteeg
When you go to Amsterdam, make sure that you don't only enjoy the sites, but you try out their famous coffee as well.
Amsterdam offers hundreds of welcoming and relaxing coffee shops. Tourism continues to bloom with the help of many coffee shops in the state. All types of coffee shop can be found here, along with brightly painted psychedelic colors and loud music. The more popular coffee shops are located in the canal city districts and by the suburbs.
The city tourist center offers an easy guide in finding the best coffee shops in the city. There are direct stops to familiarize one with the spoken and unspoken rules inside.
There are a few verbal and non-verbal rules that each customer should consider upon entering the casual ambiance of Amsterdam's coffee shops. Here are some of them:
Shops often check if visitors have IDs and should be 18 years old and above. Coffee shops rarely sell alcoholic liquors for they have no license. Some prefer to sell beer. It is not acceptable to bring your own liquor inside the premises. Visitors can bring their own bag to smoke as long as you buy food or drinks at the shop. Selling goods and loitering are not allowed inside.
Amsterdam coffee shop is not just a place where you can sip a cup of coffee, but also a place where you can legally purchase or openly sell small amounts of cannabis like marijuana (for personal usage). Smoking is also allowed inside the premises.
Most shops sell pre-weighed bags at 5, 10, and 12.5, usually amounting to about 25 euros. Some will even weigh the stuff during the course of the transaction.
One of the most popular coffee shops in Amsterdam American Hotel is Café Americain. It is a renowned for celebrities. They are famous for their seasonal items and great services. The building structure is one of the most historical monuments in Europe.
Here are 20 of the best coffee shops in Amsterdam:
Barney's Breakfast Bar - 102 Haarlemmerstraat
Central - 89 Prins Hendrikkade
Front Page - 14 Zoutsteeg
Blue Bird - 71 St. Antoniusbreedstraat
Bushdocter - 28 Thorbeckeplein
Greenhouse - Tolstraat 91
Grey Area - 2 Oude Leliestraat
De Dampkring - 29 Handboogstraat
Greenhouse Namaste - 345 Waterlooplein
Greenhouse Centrum - 191 Oudezijds Voorburgwal
Homegrown Fantasy - 87a Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
Pink Floyd (Umma Gumma) - 44 Haarlemmerstraat
Old Church - 54Oudekerksplein
Siberie - 11 Brouwersgracht
Rokerij - 41 Lange Leidsedwarsstraat
Rokerij II - 8 Singel
Rokerij III - 8 Amstel
Stix - 21 Utrechtsestraat
Tweede Kamer - 6 Heisteeg
420 Cafe (De Kuil) - 27 Oudebrugsteeg
When you go to Amsterdam, make sure that you don't only enjoy the sites, but you try out their famous coffee as well.
Tokyo Beats Paris As the World's Best Place to Eat
It is now official; Tokyo has more Michelin three star restaurants than Paris. Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world and now has beaten Paris as the world's top destination to eat. This is no surprise as Tokyo is famous for its food like sushi and ramen. According to the 2009 Michelin Guide, Tokyo has eleven three star restaurants which is close to Paris, ten restaurants. The other food capital of the world, New York, it has only four three star restaurants.
Here are three reasons why Tokyo is the world's best place to eat:
1. Tokyo has a population of approximately 12 million people. Due to its large population, there are more restaurants to serve people than most other cities. In addition, it has a large group of wealthy people that can afford to dine out. It is estimated that Tokyo has 160,000 overall restaurants compared to Paris with 40,000.
2. Tokyo has a large ethnic population that serves many different types of food like, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Indian and others. This mixture of ethnic group allows restaurants to be creative and innovative with their food. When you go out and eat, you can expect to see a whole diverse of food that you can buy.
3. The Japanese has a long history and tradition with food. Japanese food is mainly about presentation and refinement. In some restaurants, to become a sushi master requires years of practice and mentoring. Furthermore, Japanese focus more on the quality of food. It is estimated that the Japanese are the highest consumers of the best and freshest fishes in the world.
Here are three reasons why Tokyo is the world's best place to eat:
1. Tokyo has a population of approximately 12 million people. Due to its large population, there are more restaurants to serve people than most other cities. In addition, it has a large group of wealthy people that can afford to dine out. It is estimated that Tokyo has 160,000 overall restaurants compared to Paris with 40,000.
2. Tokyo has a large ethnic population that serves many different types of food like, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Indian and others. This mixture of ethnic group allows restaurants to be creative and innovative with their food. When you go out and eat, you can expect to see a whole diverse of food that you can buy.
3. The Japanese has a long history and tradition with food. Japanese food is mainly about presentation and refinement. In some restaurants, to become a sushi master requires years of practice and mentoring. Furthermore, Japanese focus more on the quality of food. It is estimated that the Japanese are the highest consumers of the best and freshest fishes in the world.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Chicago blues/jazz clubs
Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and as of 2008 is the 3rd largest city in the entire country. The city has a rich musical heritage including symphony orchestra and opera. Blues, gospel, soul and jazz music have been represented in Chicago for many, many years.
There are several Chicago Blues clubs because the Blues are so popular in the Windy City.
-The 7313 Club is located on S. Halsted St. in Chicago. This club has been described as an authentic blues joint. The interior boasts red carpeting and wood paneling.
-The Barn of Barrington is located on S. Barrington Rd and features jazz, reggae and of course, the blues. This club offers an open mic night on Wednesdays. There is also a 4-star restaurant here, as well as superb banquet halls.
-Blues Island Pub is located on W. Vermont St. This pub features live music 5 nights a week. The best blues bands in Chicagoland are featured.
-Celebrity Lounge on E. 83rd St., is located on the South side. There is a cover charged on the weekend, however during the week, it's absolutely free!
Chicago Blues Clubs are a mainstay in Chicago because of the popularity of the music, and the musical roots of the city.
-Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket and Cocktail Lounge is located on the historic (old) Route 66. This blue's club is retro and serves lots of delicious fried foods. You'll also find the Blue Rooster Lounge here.
-Smoke Daddy located on W. Division St. You can get barbeque platters to die for here, and local blues musicians play every night of the week.
-Frankie's Blue Room on W. Chicago Avenue. Decorated in the style from the 40's, a dim, moody place that boasts a deck, if you get tired of the moodiness of its blues.
Blues music has its roots in African American work songs around the turn of the century (1900). Some early Blue's musicians include Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and W.C. Handy. One of the original professional blue's singers was Ma Rainey, who asserted to have coined the word "Blues." Other musicians included Victoria Spivey, and Bessie Smith.
More Chicago Blues Clubs:
-Lee's Unleaded Blues on S. South Chicago Avenue is painted black inside and is adorned with mirrors and red carpeting, this is one sassy Blue's club. The crowd runs the gamut, everyone from elderly Blue's lovers to college students.
-House of Blues on N. Dearborn Avenue. HOB runs a restaurant called The Back Porch where live Blue's music is played every night. There is also an extensive folk art collection here, covering both the walls and the ceiling.
-Wallace's Catfish Corner on W. Madison St. A great place in the summer to listen to street Blues and eat catfish.
-Kingston Mines on N. Halsted St. is one of the most distinguished Blue's clubs in Chicago. Two stages. Two bands. Nightly duels in a comfortable and grungy atmosphere that serves up all sorts of eats like burgers, wings, polish sausage, catfish. Because Kingston Mines is so popular, they have their own store where you can purchase their merchandise so you can take some of the Blue's home with you.
There are several Chicago Blues clubs because the Blues are so popular in the Windy City.
-The 7313 Club is located on S. Halsted St. in Chicago. This club has been described as an authentic blues joint. The interior boasts red carpeting and wood paneling.
-The Barn of Barrington is located on S. Barrington Rd and features jazz, reggae and of course, the blues. This club offers an open mic night on Wednesdays. There is also a 4-star restaurant here, as well as superb banquet halls.
-Blues Island Pub is located on W. Vermont St. This pub features live music 5 nights a week. The best blues bands in Chicagoland are featured.
-Celebrity Lounge on E. 83rd St., is located on the South side. There is a cover charged on the weekend, however during the week, it's absolutely free!
Chicago Blues Clubs are a mainstay in Chicago because of the popularity of the music, and the musical roots of the city.
-Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket and Cocktail Lounge is located on the historic (old) Route 66. This blue's club is retro and serves lots of delicious fried foods. You'll also find the Blue Rooster Lounge here.
-Smoke Daddy located on W. Division St. You can get barbeque platters to die for here, and local blues musicians play every night of the week.
-Frankie's Blue Room on W. Chicago Avenue. Decorated in the style from the 40's, a dim, moody place that boasts a deck, if you get tired of the moodiness of its blues.
Blues music has its roots in African American work songs around the turn of the century (1900). Some early Blue's musicians include Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and W.C. Handy. One of the original professional blue's singers was Ma Rainey, who asserted to have coined the word "Blues." Other musicians included Victoria Spivey, and Bessie Smith.
More Chicago Blues Clubs:
-Lee's Unleaded Blues on S. South Chicago Avenue is painted black inside and is adorned with mirrors and red carpeting, this is one sassy Blue's club. The crowd runs the gamut, everyone from elderly Blue's lovers to college students.
-House of Blues on N. Dearborn Avenue. HOB runs a restaurant called The Back Porch where live Blue's music is played every night. There is also an extensive folk art collection here, covering both the walls and the ceiling.
-Wallace's Catfish Corner on W. Madison St. A great place in the summer to listen to street Blues and eat catfish.
-Kingston Mines on N. Halsted St. is one of the most distinguished Blue's clubs in Chicago. Two stages. Two bands. Nightly duels in a comfortable and grungy atmosphere that serves up all sorts of eats like burgers, wings, polish sausage, catfish. Because Kingston Mines is so popular, they have their own store where you can purchase their merchandise so you can take some of the Blue's home with you.
Paris Nightlife
Paris not only shines for being "The City of Light", but for being the city of music, sound, dance, and revelry. Even the most skeptic would be charmed by Paris after sunset. Though less frantic than other world capitals such as Berlin, Madrid or New York, Paris nightlife is legendary too. There you'll find relaxed bar-cafes, the most fashionable dance clubs, and mellow jazz clubs Maybe you prefer to go to some of its worldwide famous Cabaret venues or to any of the pubs spread throughout the city. And for all the gay people, there is the pink Paris, mostly in the Marais neighbourhood.
Along the Rue Oberkampf there are the trendiest clubs for young people. It asserted itself as the city's coolest new hang-out in the mid-90s and even today it still is. The Bastille area is a must for those people who want to have a night long party. If money is not a problem, the Champs-Elysées is full of luxury bars and clubs and attracts lots of tourists that want to spend a great time. On a Paris night, the cheapest entertainment, especially for the young, is "the show" at the top of Ile de la Cité, behind Notre-Dame. The Buddha Bar is a symbol in the Parisian nightlife. It is known as an Asian trend bar, with the best music and decoration in the city. On the other hand, La Flèche d'Or combines live music with the perfect alternative ambience. If you just like to dance, the Queen club (considered one of the best clubs in Paris) would be the most indicated choice, nominally a gay venue but one of the city's best and most packed places to enjoy, no matter what your sexual orientation may be.
Paris versatility is nowhere more visible than on a night out. If you begin the night having a cocktail at Place Vendome, and you finish it up with a beer in Belleville, you'll feel like you have been into different countries. Paris nightlife offers whatever you wish.
The lines between cafes and bars in Paris are very thin. In most of them you won't notice the different of a cocktail bar or maybe an elegant café! There are lots of Irish and British pubs, specially designed for tourists. But that doesn't prevent fashionable Parisians from bar hopping. There are many bars oriented just for young people too. For all these older people, there are luxury locals such as the Ritz bar. In general, bars and pubs are open daily from 11am to 1:30am.
If you are a club lover, you'll find in Paris all kinds of places with the best house, techno, Latin, hip-hop, garage or French popular music. Worldwide famous DJs play the best music in the Paris clubs. Le Divan du Monde, with Brazilian, tango, indie, rock, house and hip hop music; Le Saint, with house and salsa music; and les Bains Douches, a Turkish bathhouse transformed into an amazing place, are three of the most fashionable clubs in the city and an absolute must for the Paris nightlife scene!
Along the Rue Oberkampf there are the trendiest clubs for young people. It asserted itself as the city's coolest new hang-out in the mid-90s and even today it still is. The Bastille area is a must for those people who want to have a night long party. If money is not a problem, the Champs-Elysées is full of luxury bars and clubs and attracts lots of tourists that want to spend a great time. On a Paris night, the cheapest entertainment, especially for the young, is "the show" at the top of Ile de la Cité, behind Notre-Dame. The Buddha Bar is a symbol in the Parisian nightlife. It is known as an Asian trend bar, with the best music and decoration in the city. On the other hand, La Flèche d'Or combines live music with the perfect alternative ambience. If you just like to dance, the Queen club (considered one of the best clubs in Paris) would be the most indicated choice, nominally a gay venue but one of the city's best and most packed places to enjoy, no matter what your sexual orientation may be.
Paris versatility is nowhere more visible than on a night out. If you begin the night having a cocktail at Place Vendome, and you finish it up with a beer in Belleville, you'll feel like you have been into different countries. Paris nightlife offers whatever you wish.
The lines between cafes and bars in Paris are very thin. In most of them you won't notice the different of a cocktail bar or maybe an elegant café! There are lots of Irish and British pubs, specially designed for tourists. But that doesn't prevent fashionable Parisians from bar hopping. There are many bars oriented just for young people too. For all these older people, there are luxury locals such as the Ritz bar. In general, bars and pubs are open daily from 11am to 1:30am.
If you are a club lover, you'll find in Paris all kinds of places with the best house, techno, Latin, hip-hop, garage or French popular music. Worldwide famous DJs play the best music in the Paris clubs. Le Divan du Monde, with Brazilian, tango, indie, rock, house and hip hop music; Le Saint, with house and salsa music; and les Bains Douches, a Turkish bathhouse transformed into an amazing place, are three of the most fashionable clubs in the city and an absolute must for the Paris nightlife scene!
New York Cities Indian restaurants
Indian food is one of my favorite types of cuisines. That said, I'm fortunate in that I live in New York City, where Indian restaurants are plentiful. Here are a few of my favorites out of the many I've eaten in. All of the ones I've listed have great service, ambience and, of course, wonderful food.
Vatan (Vegetarian Indian, 409 3rd Avenue, by 29th St.): I'm not a vegetarian, but am highly impressed with this place which serves delicious and atypical Indian cuisine. The menu, which is a set menu, is all-you-can-eat and features dozens of well-prepared small dishes. Appetizers include mini potato samosas, mashed and spiced chick peas and tiny puffed breads filled with yogurt. The main course includes curried cauliflower, spinach stew, rice with lentils and a tomato and potato soup. Though the portions are tiny, they're extremely filling. So far, I haven't been able to finish the entire meal, let alone ask for seconds!
Madras Mahal (Kosher Vegetarian Indian Cuisine, 104 Lexington Ave): This small and cozy eatery serves fresh and delicious meals. I especially love their dosai, which are crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes. They're huge and come with a variety of chutneys to dip the crepe into. I also recommend the combination platters. Each comes with several small dishes, such as mashed, curried eggplant and spinach with cheese, and each platter is served with a large poori (puffed bread). A great way to finish off your meal is to enjoy a mango lassi, which is a sweet yogurt-based drink.
Chola (232 East 58th Street): This upscale Indian restaurant has modern decor and a relaxed setting. My favorite dish is their chicken tikka masala, which is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. They also have unique dishes, such as chicken with mango and mint sauce, and lamb with cashew paste.
Bombay Palace Restaurant (30 West 52nd Street): Bombay Palace's elegant decor is appropriate for its name. Some of my favorite dishes here include the Kashmari Naan, which is bread stuffed with nuts and dried fruit, and the leg of lamb, which is marinated with a chili and garlic paste.
Vatan (Vegetarian Indian, 409 3rd Avenue, by 29th St.): I'm not a vegetarian, but am highly impressed with this place which serves delicious and atypical Indian cuisine. The menu, which is a set menu, is all-you-can-eat and features dozens of well-prepared small dishes. Appetizers include mini potato samosas, mashed and spiced chick peas and tiny puffed breads filled with yogurt. The main course includes curried cauliflower, spinach stew, rice with lentils and a tomato and potato soup. Though the portions are tiny, they're extremely filling. So far, I haven't been able to finish the entire meal, let alone ask for seconds!
Madras Mahal (Kosher Vegetarian Indian Cuisine, 104 Lexington Ave): This small and cozy eatery serves fresh and delicious meals. I especially love their dosai, which are crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes. They're huge and come with a variety of chutneys to dip the crepe into. I also recommend the combination platters. Each comes with several small dishes, such as mashed, curried eggplant and spinach with cheese, and each platter is served with a large poori (puffed bread). A great way to finish off your meal is to enjoy a mango lassi, which is a sweet yogurt-based drink.
Chola (232 East 58th Street): This upscale Indian restaurant has modern decor and a relaxed setting. My favorite dish is their chicken tikka masala, which is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. They also have unique dishes, such as chicken with mango and mint sauce, and lamb with cashew paste.
Bombay Palace Restaurant (30 West 52nd Street): Bombay Palace's elegant decor is appropriate for its name. Some of my favorite dishes here include the Kashmari Naan, which is bread stuffed with nuts and dried fruit, and the leg of lamb, which is marinated with a chili and garlic paste.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
