A Boston 4th of July Weekend

                                                            Bostons Harpoon Brewery

Our contributor Courtney and friend travelled this past 4^th of July weekend to Boston. Their itinerary for the trip included a stay at the Renaissance Hotel Boston and a tour at Harpoon Brewery 306 Northern Ave followed by dinner in the North End ending with a nightcap and dessert.

After arriving at 2pm, we went straight to the Harpoon Brewery located near the John Nagle Co. in the Seaport area. Even though the line outside seemed daunting, it was only a five-minute wait to get inside the brewery. Once inside the Brewery, we asked when the next tour would be available. Tickets can only be purchased that day and since it was a busy Saturday summer afternoon, we knew that it might take a while. The lady was very helpful and said that the next tour would be available at 4pm. We decided against waiting for a tour since we wanted to check in to our hotel and headed straight towards the bar.

The brewery had floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the harbor front that is often associated with the Seaport area. There were long family-style tables where groups gathered and chatted over pints of beer. There were no televisions but I thought that this added to the friendly atmosphere and encouraged young groups to socialize and discuss the beer instead. After heading to the far side of the bar that was for standing room only, we ordered our first flight. I would highly suggest going with the flights especially if you are a beginner beer drinker or you do not know what you like. It is the perfect amount of each and a selection of four different beers. After having a sample, you can make a better decision when ordering a pint. 

There are three different flights to choose from; the original Harpoon flavors, the UFO series, or the Specialty flavors.  We chose the original four first, which included; Harpoon Ale, Harpoon IPA, their dark special, and the Harpoon Summer. This was very good for your first time at the Brewery. It gives you an idea of what the brewery is all about! For the second flight, we chose to go lighter and went with the UFO series. This was a  great summertime choice! If you love summer and/or fruity beers, then make this your number one choice. This included two fruit-flavored beers, such as the Raspberry UFO and the UFO Big Squeeze Summer Shandy (grapefruit flavored). The other two were the UFO Hefeweizen and the UFO White.

During our second flight, we decided to order a freshly made Parmesan pretzel. There are several different varieties and dipping-sauces to choose from. The pretzel was delicious. It was light and fluffy and covered in Parmesan. We made a mess! You can see the pretzel ovens and the descriptions are written in chalk on the walls. Once you see one person enjoying a pretzel, it is hard to resist sampling your own selection.

You can like them on Facebook at Harpoon Brewery You can follow them harpoon_brewery

Port Jefferson

                                                            Port Jefferson, NY

A few days before Americas Birthday we ventured out to the historic sea port village of Port Jefferson. Settled in the 1600”s it transformed in the late 1700”s into a leading shipbuilding and whaling center center.  At one point  P.T Barnum owned a large tract of land he intended to make the home base for his circus. One of the Port Jefferson ferries is named the P.T Barnum. With the sale of the the villages last shipyards in the early 1900”s the villages shipbuilding industry came to a close. During the 1940s the Long Island lighting company built one of their coal fired power plants which contributed to the local economy. The old towers still stand today and can be seen for miles around. The village once again was transformed in the 60”s to a tourist based destination again. The village today is mostly a tourist based center and home to the Port Jefferson to Bridgeport Conn ferry. Route 25A which runs along the North Shore of Long Island will lead you into a village lined with restaurants mostly catering to the seafood enthusiast.

Knowing the day in Port Jeff was also the day the US team was playing Belgium in the FIFA World Cup we arrived early and checked in at Danfords Hotel which we will have a story about later.  We than set out to find the perfect waterview, restaurant/bar to enjoy the game.  That surprisingly was harder than. We anticipated. For a waterfront town the actual number of establishments with a water view is pretty limited. We were very surprised and a little disappointed that Danfords although they have an outdoor water front dining area they have no outside bar or TV”s for any viewing. It seems to us that just with those additions it would be the place to be. Very surprising!!

                                              View from our room overlooking marina at Danfords with ferry incoming

After a short search around the area we happened upon Schaeffers Restaurant on Broadway St. It so turns out that they have an upstairs out door bar with waterviews  and a very friendly staff. It turned out to be the perfect spot to watch the first half of the game  ( They have a great Happy Hour starting at 4:00 ) and than  we returned to Danfords where we enjoyed the rest of the game on our private terrace overlooking their marina. Although disappointed the US lost they put up a valiant effort especially goalie Tim Howard. The team should hold their heads high as everyone is so proud of their efforts.

By now it was time for a great seafood dinner and PJs lobster house was the perfect choice. Located 5 mins from town we arrived around 7:30 and their was a 15 minute wait which is not bad before a holiday weekend.  The choice of the Tuesday night special, all you can eat crab legs was definitely a rite choice as were their crab cakes perfectly done.

Port Jefferson is a special place on Long Islands North Shore full of history while transforming into a great place to spend a few days and kick back while not having to travel to the end of the Island and never ending traffic and crowds. We cant wait for another venture to this quaint and friendly town.

                               Approaching the center of downtown Port Jefferson 

Bodega Negra Makes Its US Debut at New York’s Dream Downtown

TAO/Strategic Group Brings Popular UK Restaurant Stateside, Offering Mexican-Inspired Fare 

 

NEW YORK (February 4, 2014) – Bodega Negra, an offshoot of the popular London import known for its menu of upscale Mexican fare, opens today at Dream Downtown. TAO/Strategic Group worked alongside nightlife legend Serge Becker and his partners, celebrated UK restaurant operator Will Ricker and entrepreneur Ed Spencer Churchill, to bring this concept across the pond.

 

"The US location of Bodega Negra offers the same fun and upbeat dining experience found in the UK's La Bodega Negra," says Becker. "The concept, which very much embraces and reflects the ethos of the Mexican fiesta, aims to remind guests to celebrate life through good food, drink and music and most of all great friendships, at low and high tide."

 

Designed by Becker, who conceptualized the look and feel of the London dining experience, the 108-seat restaurant is the result of the transformation of the space located just off the lobby of Dream Downtown. Upon entering Bodega Negra, guests encounter an intimate, mock Tudor Hacienda space rich in dark tones and accented by mirrored panels and copper trim. A black, A-frame ceiling draws the eye up to exposed beams where a dramatic copper penny disco ball hangs central in the dining room. Mix-match decor, from screens made of repurposed Mariachi uniform details and guitars to collaged antique paintings, sets an evocative tone for the evening. Wooden tables and banquettes, upholstered in reclaimed military tents, animal hide, and traditional Mexican Serape textiles provide seating in the main dining room against a wall of antique tequila barrels.

 

Deconstructed pianos form the visual centerpiece of the 12-seat bar, replete with a bronze countertop and glass-blown, rose light fixtures. The menu of Mexican-inspired fare, created by Executive Chef Michael Armstrong, can be enjoyed in full at the bar or in the restaurant.

 

"I'm thrilled to return to Mexican cuisine; the flavors and ingredients are something I've been passionate about since the beginning of my career when I was cooking at Cafe Azul in Portland," says Executive Chef Michael Armstrong. "While I brought back a few tricks and popular dishes after working with the chefs at La Bodega Negra in London, about 60% of the menu is unique to this location. We're lucky to have access to some of the freshest ingredients here in New York City and we're not taking that for granted."

 

Chef Armstrong draws inspiration from the various regions of Mexico, with an emphasis on Southern Mexico, to create a menu that invites sharing and consists of a selection of starters, tostaditas, ceviches, salads, tacos, entrees and sides. New signature dishes unique to the restaurant include the Bodega Guacamole, served with fresh jicama slices for dipping in addition to house-made tortilla chips; Roasted Chile Relleno, quinoa, zucchini, mushroom, corn, onion, Chihuahua cheese, pasilla chile sauce; and Crispy Pork Belly, manchamanteles sauce, pineapple-plantain salsa.

 

TAO Group's influence has also been subtly woven into the menu. Chef Armstrong, who most recently helmed the kitchen of TAO Asian Bistro in Las Vegas, combines traditional Mexican ingredients with his mastery of Asian flavors and techniques to create dishes likePeking Duck Tacos, served with mole negro, sesame seeds and a kumquat morita compote wrapped in hand-pressed tortillas, made in-house daily. Select favorites from London, like the Quesadilla Rustica, a four-cheese, habanero and roasted tomato, open-face quesadilla served with chimichurri and crema; Tuna Ceviche served with guajillo chili vinaigrette, avocado, chile and sesame seeds; and Soft Shell Crab Tacos, served with guacamole, shredded lettuce and chipotle aioli, round out the menu. Large-format feasts will be available in the coming months for pre-order, including dishes like Whole Suckling Pig, which can be enjoyed by larger groups in the restaurant or the private dining room that can accommodate parties up to 24.

 

To end on a sweet note, Executive Pastry Chef Mauricio Santelice created a menu of Mexican-inspired desserts including Cocomel,coconut caramel custard served with vanilla bean whipped cream, and a selection of sweet Empanadas, filled with apples, strawberries, blueberries or cream cheese.

 

Signature cocktails by beverage expert Tim Cooper include twists on classic Mexican libations like the Chamomile Daisy, a riff on a classic margarita made with Reposado tequila, chamomile-apple agave and fresh lemon, and a classic Mexican Paloma, made with Blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit, aperol, herbaceous lemon and salt. Authentic Mexican Sangritas derived from fresh oranges and tomatoes are paired with the restaurant's 90+ list of tequila and mezcal available by the glass or by the bottle. A menu of Mexican beers, including Negra Modelo, Tecate, Corona, and craft brews such as Day of the Dead IPA, is also available, as well as a wine list offering both Old and New World varietals.

 

In the coming months, Bodega Negra will also offer scaled down lunch and dinner menus at the adjacent 35-seat cafe that is Melvin's Juice Box, serving as a hangout for locals and hotel guests alike.

 

Bodega Negra is located at 355 West 16th Street (between 8^th and 9^th Avenues) at Dream Downtown in New York City. Dinner is served Monday – Sunday, 5:30pm – Late. For reservations, please call 212-229-2336 or visit www.bodeganegranyc.com for more information.

ABOUT LA BODEGA NEGRA UKLa Bodega Negra opened in March 2012, creating a new standard for London dining and seamlessly bringing together theatre, bonhomie, and authentic Mexican fare. The restaurant is made up of intricately decorated rooms that glow with mystery and exclusivity, which encourage guests to mingle and discover. The menu aims to challenge preconceptions of Mexican cuisine, and uses a wood burning grill to create a fresh, authentic taste. The cocktail list, designed for a 'night out,' is comprised of tequila and mezcal libations and encourage guests to join in on the festive spirit. La Bodega Negra is a melting pot of diversity that embraces all walks of life, for more information, please visit www.labodeganegra.com

 

ABOUT TAO GROUPThe TAO GROUP is a leading restaurant and nightlife company that develops, owns and operates many of the most successful food, beverage and nightlife entertainment venues in the United States.  Partners Marc Packer, Richard Wolf, Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss bring decades of hospitality experience to the brand portfolio.  Currently TAO Group boasts operations in New York City, Las Vegas and Sydney, Australia.  In New York City, the collection includes Arlington Club, Avenue, Avra, Beauty & Essex, LAVO Italian Restaurant and Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub, Rue 57, The Stanton Social, TAO Asian Bistro Uptown and TAO Asian Bistro Downtown.  Additionally they operate all of the food and beverage outlets of the Dream Downtown hotel including room service, Ph-D Rooftop, Electric Room Lounge, Melvin's Juice Box and Bodega Negra.  Las Vegas operations include TAO Asian Bistro, Nightclub & Beach at The Venetian, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Lounge at The Palazzo and Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan. Marquee Nightclub at The Star - Sydney represents the company's first international offering. TAO Group regularly brings the brands to additional markets via pop-up venues at noted events such as the Sundance Film Festival and The Olympics, among others.

 

ABOUT DREAM DOWNTOWNSituated in New York's most exciting destination, on the border of the charming Chelsea and thriving Meatpacking District, Dream Downtown represents a reinvigoration of the Dream brand, pairing chic-cool influences with modern elegance, all while maintaining Vikram Chatwal Hotels' trademark combination of cosmopolitan glamour, whimsical design and top-standard service. Following a multi-million dollar renovation of an iconic Albert Ledner building, Dream Downtown's modernist façade houses loft-inspired guestrooms and suites, innovative concept dining, a landscaped outdoor terrace featuring a heated pool with a translucent bottom visible from the ceiling of the lobby lounge, a beach club, and an expansive destination rooftop lounge offering dramatic views of the New York City skyline. www.dreamdowntown.com

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show The Big Daddy of Them All

As we were driving North along Rte 1on Thursday the opening day of the Boat Show after a brief but  exciting one night stay in Key West at the astonishingly gorgeous Southern Most Hotel on the Beach we couldnt help but feel the excitement of anticipation to attend our first Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. If you have ever been to Key West you always think that its not possible for anything else to live up to the hype and energy as you have experienced in KeyWest . Well as we approached Ft Lauderdale for our stay at the Hilton Ft Lauderdale Beach Resort (an amazing oceanfront hotel we will review later) once over the 17th st bridge we found out differently. The city was already a buzz with bumper to bumper traffic reminiscent of years ago when Ft. Lauderdale was king of the Spring Break. This was entirely different,with people in boat shoes, Khakis,  polo shirts, all looking the part of owners or buyers of the multimillion dollar yachts on display

we were about to see.

A1A a buzz with traffic

 Some nice toys upon entering the show Bugattis and Ferraris Not to bad !

After checking in at the oceanfront Hilton and a brief refreshment we decided to head to the show to scout things out for an all out assault Friday. 

We arrived at the Bahia Mar to obtain our press passes and got a glimpse as to how well thought out the managers and producers , Show Management have tried to make this the best and biggest show ever. Everything went off without a hiccup and off we were to start our venture thru the 3million square feet of the most gorgeous yachts and marine supplies imaginable, in six different locations.

We strolled our way down to the Seafair the 228 ft Mega yacht making her first appearance at the show,where Friday we were going aboard to get reacquainted with her featured displays of art exhibits

and luxury collectibles. We initially viewed her on her  in 2007 during her maiden voyage on her first tour of the east coast.

the 228 ft mega yacht SeaFair

Our first afternoon at the show was just a tease of what was in store for the rest of the show. An amazing almost unfathomable array of the finest yachts and marine toys,luxury autos and accessories anywhere in the world in one location. Just to end the first day with an exclamation the closing evening was topped off with a display of fireworks launched from the rooftop of the Bahia Mar Hotel.

Opening night fireworks from our Oceanfront suite at Hilton Beach Resort

The Southern Most Hotel On The Beach,KeyWest

Have you ever been to a destination and upon exploring the area you were intrigued by something that you knew you just had to return to someday to satisfy your curiosity to explore and enjoy more. Well that was just the case a few years ago when we visited Key West for the first time and on our last day in paradise we caught a glimpse of the Southernmost Hotel Collection in particular The Southernmost On The Beach Hotel. Unfortunately it seems our visits to South Florida always seem to be well to short but  we knew rite than that the next time we were able to visit Southern Florida we were going to make time to visit this resort.

On the road to Key West. Who recognizes this famous color divider?

This visit we were off to attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat show but the allure to visit the Keys and have the chance to explore this fabulous resort was to strong to avoid although it was again to be a short overnite visit. Better than none in our book!! And boy are we glad we did!

After an early morning flite into Ft.Laudedale we were looking forward to one of the most scenic road trips anywhere in the US along rte 1 into Key West. After the breathtaking drive and being mesmerized by the aqua and ever changing blue waters along with our customary few stops along the way,this time it was Jimmy Johnsons Big Chill in Key Largo and one of our favorites Loreleis in Islamorada

  Loreleis In Islamorada

we arrived at Southern Most where we were greeted by the very friendly and helpful Vitaly at the front desk. Since we were only able to spend one night before returning to Ft.Lauderdale for the start of the Interntional Boat Show we decided to make it worhwhile and stay in an oceanfront room to get the full breathtaking experience. The Southernmost and Vitaly did not disappoint with a gorgeous room on what they call the West Lawn, steps away from the soothing sound of the Atlantic Ocean. These recently updated rooms are situated so you not only have a view of the sunrise but also the renown sunsets. How many resorts can boast about that? 

We had just enough time in the afternoon to explore a small  part of this sprawling collection of hotels.It also consists of B&B Dewy House and La Mer Hotel along with the Southern Most. We were able to enjoy the Shores Bar and pool, one of three pools. Eric the pool attendant was great,friendly and helpful around the pool along with Megan and Heather at the Shores pool bar. That evening whats Key West without experiencing the Duval St crawl ,but thats another story to be continued.

The West Lawn

View from our room

Our updated room on the West Lawn

Ocean Beach Cafe

Shore Pool and Bar

After a very short night we woke up to a cloudy start so not to many good sunrise photos . We will just have to come back. Thats a definite! After a great breakfast at the Beach House cafe it was time to head back to Ft Lauderdale for opening day  at the boat show. Check our site for updates about the show.

We keep  telling ourselves that we need to set aside more time to visit Key West and kick back and relax. When we do  the Southern Most will be one of the places we visit.

See more photos on our Facebook.com/usgoldcoasts page and follow us on twitter @usgoldcoasts 

You tube at usgoldcoasts

Sunset rite from our room

Sunset view from our room at the Southern Most on the Beach 

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Chinas Increasing Role and Influence on the US and Worlds Luxury Markets

With Chinas now 240 million online shoppers and growing there"s an unparalleled opportunity for US luxury brands to market their high end items. In 2012 China became the worlds largest consumer of luxury items. 

With the governments approval of the growth of its ecosystem it is estimated in the next few years its ecommerce will grow at the double digit rate and become the biggest total luxury market by 2015. It is expected to account for 20% or 27 billion dollars of global luxury sales by 2015. 

Despite ongoing concerns over quality and authenticity the ability to compare prices and larger selections of luxury items the Chinese are still motivated to shop online. There still remains a huge unmet demand from inner cities for these luxury items. Some European and Western countries are beginning to to make a crossroads into larger cities like Shanghai and Beijing where people are beginning to see wage and wealth levels that are fueling the desire for luxury items. 

Beijing

Just last month Beijing hosted the 2nd Luxury China Expo at the Chinas International Exhibition Centre Exhibitors of high end luxury items and services from 12 countries including the US and companies from 11 Malaysian brands were on hand to exhibit their brands. It is extremely important for Malaysian companies to showcase their products and services to the growing Chinese market now to take full advantage of this enormous growth. Luxury products and services that were on hand include jewelry,the arts,antique and high end apparrel and coffee and gold dealers. Chinas gold consumption has surged more than 30% recently and certain groups feel China is going to be a tremendous market for their business.

Chinas International Exhibition Centre

Saving- the Pan Am- World port -at JFK

The iconic building Terminal 3 with the "flying Saucer roof" at JFK airport once known as The Worldport to those who can remember when the Pan Am airlines was the leading airline at JFK in flites from and to JFK is near the end of its historic run.
The idea and first design of the great building was drawn up in 1957 when Idlewild airport was undergoing a transformation from a small airport to the major international airport it is today. Laguardia airport could no longer handle the demands of the burgeoning development of air travel and the need for expansion. Developers than turned to the vacant lands on the South Shore of Long Island and Idlewild airport. Pan Am in its quest to increase their status as a premiere international airline carrier decided to build their new terminal on the 16 acres they were allotted and be one of the leading airlines at JFK along with what is now the saved TWA Flight Center. The first version was finally opened in 1960

The original Pan Am building under construction

Renamed the Worldport in 1971 after undergoing expansion to accommodate the new luxury jet the 747it was now the largest airline terminal in the world and kept that designation for many years.

Thru its years it has been featured in many films most notably the James Bond movie Live and Let Die. It also served as the backdrop for the Beatles departure from New York after their successful introduction to the people of New York and their historic live TV appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

After Pan Am declared bankruptcy in 1991 it was taken over by Delta Airlines till its closure last May 23 after the last flite to depart from the terminal was to Tel Aviv,Israel. Delta is in the process of moving their international flites to the newly expanded terminal 4 and to use the Worldport space  for additional parking of planes. A sorry end to what once represented the future of airline travel.

As it was used by delta Airlines

The world port was eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1988 but was never designated. it also was recently on the list 11 of the  most endangered places in the US.

There are many organizations trying to save the world port as was done with the TWA flight Center which is under review for future plans ,one of which might be a Boutque Hotel. 

Save the Worldport is the leading org. trying to spearhead the saving of this great building you can like their facebook page at Saveworldport and twitter@SaveWorldport