Grown Up Fun in San Diego: The Lafayette Hotel
February 28, 2024
What a difference a day makes! First of all, we have to thank Kevin who has his finger on the pulse of San Diego. He has been to the Lafayette before for dinner and knew what a cool place this is. And is it cool? Yes.
The lobby and the main bar are excellent. Quirky and strange and fun.
I was assigned room 226 after only a slight delay. The hotel is “eclectic cluttered” flavor, but somehow the design sensibility works. I guess it is possible to make things hang together by building a collage of most everything.
226 is rectangular, but it doesn’t feel like a hamster cage. About the only thing that needs work is the noise level. 226 faces the street and it is a bit noisy (for non city types anyway). The hotel did manage to get super quiet for about four hours around midnight when the power was taken down for construction. The quiet woke me up.
The hotel did its homework and greeted NPS with personalized stationary, a note about birthday, and a bottle of prosecco.
The difference in level of service between this hotel and the previous destination is like night and day. Thet have the NPS demographic nailed here.
I mean, just look at this bar. Apparently there is one of these in each room.
Home negroni? Why not.
Underberg?!
And the shower? Not at all plastic.
It was time to unwind from the meetings and talks. So down to the bar to await the arrival of my dinner companions
An expert-level Negroni with clear huge ice. Yes please.
Dinner at Quixote was very interesting (and expensive but well worth the price). The restaurant is a restructured church moved up from Mexico. Really interesting. The cocktail program is top notch and willing to play. We started with a CR#2 of course and moved on to a Paloma and some fernet.
Dinner is served tapas style. The lamb belly on mole was delicious.
Stringy cheese fondue.
NPS has never had cactus before.
After a brief stop by Heaven we headed to the game room to play some games. Fooseball!
We made a relatively early night of it, stopping in at the pool bar for a Paper Plane nighcap before crashing.
And then it was morning. Enough time for a leisurely breakfast before heading to the airport and back to Virginia.
All in all, we barely scratched the surface of the Lafayette. (We did learn to avoid the road side.) And we tried out a few of the many options here for fun. Suffice it to say, we will be back. Five showerheads and a dip in the pool next time for this excellent hotel.
Chez Georges: Santa Teresa Rio
January 16, 2024
Staying in Rio? Definitely get yourself a hotel in Santa Teresa. After a few smashing days in Leblon, we were ready for some more authentic Brazil. Santa Teresa fits the bill.
Chez Georges is owned by architects, and it has only seven rooms. The location is outstanding, with excellent views over the city, a perfect line to sugar loaf, and access to Santa Teresa from the top. The design sensibility is world class (though the property itself could use some TLC and some closets). The vibe is chill. Unfortunately, the staff is a bit too chill (though incredibly friendly and nice) and could use a dollop or two of professionalism.
Seems that the Georges caters to a younger, less experienced demographic. I mean, we can go with the flow, but at this stage of our lives we are spoiled rotten! We even have our own band.
The top of Santa Teresa includes the drowned rat overlook.
We had two rooms at the Georges, the first a regular suite. There were no closets anywhere (which if you have, say, wedding dresses and kilts is not the best of circumstances).
Late lunch at Cafe do Alto was unique and just as fun as the karaoke was terrible.
Night view.
The shower in our first room was fantastic, with an unparalleled view.
Monkeys in the morning.
Fruit in the trees.
One of the great joys of the Georges is the breakfast spread. Fresh fruit. Great company. Hella views. You will likely have to use the espresso machine yourself to make a decent coffee.
A side trip to the MAC in Niterói was most excellent.
Dinner at Aprazivel was very nice and somewhat soggy as the clouds finally burst. We took a cab the 600 meters home.
We switched to the George Harrison suite for the last two nights of our stay. Still no closets. The shower was nice, but not as nice as the first room. And good luck finding a flat iron, arranging a salon, or even finagling an ironing board from housekeeping. Slack slack staff.
We were in Rio for a wedding. The wedding itself was magical. Here we are all suited up and ready to go.
There were, of course, some wedding events, including:
guided tours
philosophy sessions
poetry
and some joyous dinners.
And then there was the big surprise!
Romey said she would like to be a McGraw.
We packed up on our last day and then headed to Sugarloaf for last licks in Rio.
Four showerheads and some mandatory hospitality training for the staff at Chez Georges. Such a beautiful place deserves to be best in class.
NYE in Rio de Janeiro: Janeiro Hotel
January 16, 2024
The Janeiro Hotel in Rio is one of the best hotels in the city. Directly on (well, across the street from) the Leblon beach, the Janeiro is beautifully located to walk to Ipanema (that is, if you even feel like leaving Leblon). The beach is typical Rio, less crowded in the early morning and then a mob scene from 11am on.
We were on the 8th floor in the suite (maybe 851). The idea was this: Our friends D&C were getting married on the 6th, so we decided to head down early for NYE in Rio and some time on the beach. It was a great plan.
Dave points out that the wedding is that way.
The trip to Rio is long (18 hours for us over two flights, the longest one being almost 11 hours). We reserved our room the night before arrival for easy check in. Car service from the airport was provided by the hotel.
The hotel itself is modern, clean, and well-designed. Our shower was top notch (built into the room with two showerheads, lots of room, and a view of the beach).
Non-traditional layout avoids the hamster-cage problem with panache.
We were greeted with a personal note and a NYE welcome kit, including some great stuff from local designer Osklen and a bottle of Mumms.
The staff at the hotel is highly professional and world-class without being stuffy or stuck up. And the hotel itself is an easy place to hang out. So we did.
Our haunt at the top of the hotel included a great bar with yummy snacks.
Christ the redeemer was obscured by clouds. Fitting.
Of course we had a bazillion caipirinhas while in Brazil.
Breakfast was available in the room…
Or in the dining room on the second floor…
The (tiny but nice) pool was also at the top of the hotel.
We had ramen in town at Pabu Izakaya and an excellent dinner at Teva (a vegan restaurant). Don’t get pizza from Fratelli (you have been warned).
On NYE we visited the happy couple and met some of the crazy Australians in Ipanema. NYE Dinner at the Janeiro (a special occasion) was only so-so. This was kind of a surprise given the high quality of the hotel’s food otherwise. Cooking for a large crowd is a thing. We skipped the big party in our zombie-jet-lagged state and watched the fireworks from our picture windows. It was a nice evening.
BTW, Brazilians wear white on NYE. We had no idea. Next time we’ll be better prepared.
The holy trinity: espresso, fernet branca, and the Redeemer on the mountain.
And yes, lots of time at the beach. Alto risco!
Our New Year’s Day Blade Runner tradition was upheld with a bottle of champagne.
We did some shopping while in Leblon, picking up some great clothing at Osklen and some special wedding shoes.
All in all our first few days in Rio were outstanding. We had some fun with our friends, spent some quality time on the beach, and decompressed by the pool during the New Years festivities. We even upheld the Blade Runner tradition.
Five showerheads and a tip of the NYE hat to the Janeiro.
Art in London: Zetter Townhouse
November 6, 2023
The Zetter Townhouse, situated just behind the Zetter Hotel and home to one of the best cocktail bars in London, was the base of operations for some business and a nice pile of art. NPS was put into room 6.
Art included, the Tate, some theater, and a concert.
The shower is not plastic, though climbing in and out of the enormous tub is a thing, Perhaps some short stairs should be installed.
Room 6 could use a better wardrobe, and some updated less shabby furniture. But all in all it is a nice place to spend a few days.
On our way to the Tate, we stopped by Ibérica Farringdon for a bite.
Our visit to the Tate Modern is documented here.
Of course a cocktail at the Zetter Townhouse rounded out the Thursday plan. We keep reminding them what a Liberal is.
Then some business which included two very nice meals, one at Bocca di Lupo and an incredible lunch at Inko Nito.
A French dinner at Le Café du Marché was very good for London but would never fly in Paris.
Saturday afternoon was meant to start with ramen, but Mohonon was closed (fortunately that was remedied Sunday evening. Suffice it to say that Bone Daddy just does not stack up.
Waiting on line might require a beer.
Some shopping at Varvatos cost everyone a pretty penny, but was surprisingly not awful.
We just had time for a brown meal at Hawksmoor before the theater. Then it was off to see Lyonesse which was enhanced by some sugarless French 75s.
The play was quite good, a medical emergency nothwithstanding.
The next day included a run back to Soho to visit Etro. And then some incredible classical music at the barbican.
Followed by real Ramen. Mohonos is just so good…equal to Japan.
A nightcap at Boccas was not terrible. But no Fernet in an Argentinean bar?! What?! A Pisco Sour (Peru?) would have to do.
All in all, four showerheads and a quick furnishings update required for the Zetter Townhouse.
Back to the Christiania Teater Hotel in Oslo
October 22, 2023
The beautiful and funky Christiania Teater has experienced a face lift. Even room 620 (a long time NPS favorite) has been updated.
The Fly2Get train in from the airport is a snap. The upgraded decor a welcome change.
Funky art in the hallway.
The orange juice machine remains the best in the world. In fact the entire breakfast situation is top notch.
Cafe Skansen is well worth a visit. Great place for a business dinner.
Fireside chat? In Oslo it is the real thing.
Engage.
The Munch museum (iteration three) is well worth a visit.
Himkok seems to have jumped the shark. Good luck edging in past the masses! We tried the Swan instead. Which was OK.
On the other hand, Indian food at Mantra was excellent. Great decor and the best indian so far in Oslo. And Dinner is a good place for dinner, though the food is much better than that work-a-day service.
Then it was off to Tyinkrysett.
Five showerheads for the Christiania Teater hotel. We will most likely return sooner than we think.
The Dupont Circle Hotel: Washington DC
October 22, 2023
Generally speaking, we don’t frequent too many DC hotels since DC is so close to home. But sometimes timing is such that a night in a hotel is in order. The Dupont Circle Hotel is centrally located and not an unreasonable place to stay. Nothing to write home about, but good meeting facilities and proximity to plenty of good things to do.
The outside patio is a nice place for a Negroni on a fall evening. Do note that the bar closes down rather early.
A corporate dinner event at the Lafayette (in the Hay-Adams) was very nice but exceptionally old school even by DC standards.
We were assigned hamster cube 804. The view of the construction site (where jackhammers fired up at 7am) was unobstructed.
Though by no means plastic, the shower was still slightly wrong.
Jackhammer guys.
Excellent meeting facilities.
Four showerheads and some more imaginitive fun and games for the Dupont Circle Hotel. We didn’t get that room on the roof from the website. LOL.
Back to Berlin: The Circus Hotel
July 14, 2023
Definitely get an apartment in Berlin at the Circus Hotel. Just make sure it’s not apartment two (unless you like going up and down precarious stairs). We are told apartment four in the main building is the room to request.
Apartment two aside, the circus hotel has lots to offer, including great breakfast, a top notch bar, outstanding staff, and the best lost-and-found monkey in Europe. We enjoyed the location.
Once again no AC. Berlin was cooler than Brussels (in both ways), but it still could use some HVAC tech.
The shower was just fine, though the bathroom was down some stairs and was pretty tiny.
It rained. But we ventured right out into it. Berlin with Lisa and Noelie is fun no matter the weather.
The holocaust memorial is a good place to visit in the rain.
I had not seen the Brandenburg gate since 1985. Things have changed in Berlin.
The Wall museum is well worth checking out.
But then you need a rooftop bar without a corporate event! And yet it is apparently too early to drink?! Who knew.
Problem solved! Open your own rooftop bar and serve Tanqueray and Tonics whenever you want. The collusion from the circus staff was greatly appreciated.
And what is a party without sun umbrellas?
This is the 100th luftbaloon (it didn’t make the cut).
Of course our actual reason to visit Berlin is to visit Jaqueline! new life. new town. new beginnings.
It’s startup city.
An actual dark and stormy with Angostura procured after a delicious dinner.
About that monkey…
We started the next day with a river tour. Highly recommended, especially if you bring Markus along to translate.
The architecture is stunning and gorgeous.
But it’s too hot! So time for a beer with the boyz.
St George
Or make that a truly awful cocktail at Wilde Matilde what a place.
What?!
I will never forget the clickty-clack of the skeleton teeth.
Marx and Engels. Or maybe not.
Dinner for ten (!!) at VOLK was slow. Delicious. AND SLOW. Not a fan of French-style service though the food was great.
And then it was off to the Oderberger Pool for a midnight swim. Who knew we were supposed to be there at 10?! LOL. This was awesome. A romantic and delightful thing to do as a couple.
This rainbow unicorn is a tricky thing.
Another beautiful breakfast at the Circus Hotel.
We found of a copy of the Alchemist (not in London) and so had a celebratory CR#2.
We looked into terror and fascism for as long as we could stand. The idiots in the US don’t think this can happen again. They are fools.
Time for a quick roses break to level set.
Jacqueline on the street.
And a prize visit to Beavis, an outstanding bar. Fortunately the lightning storm spared us all.
All the way from Virginia, some 601 now lives in Berlin.
Have breakfast at the house of small wonder. Amazeballs.
A visit to the Boros Foundation (set up way in advance) was superb. No pictures because these people have no idea how social media works.
Guess whose apartment this is?
Hearts.
Quick cocktail before dinner at Betty F.
And it was time to fly.
A fantastic visit, and no doubt the first of many to come.
Four showerheads for the Circus Hotel. Fewer stairs and you would have a thing!
Two Days in Brussels: Hotel Manos Premier
July 14, 2023
After the relaxing visit to Lichtervelde for the 3rd Great Belgian Rum Tasting it was a quick train ride to Brussels to await Romey’s arrival. The Hotel Manos Premier is a bit off the beaten track between touristland and the train station. It is an easy walk to everywhere.
The room I requested was occupied by someone who had changed rooms. I was assigned the same category suite connected to the bee garden. Predictably, the HVAC was unable to handle the heat (something that seems to be pervasive in Europe these years what with massive climate change) which made for a less comfortable stay than it could have been stay. Minus ten for the room swap.
The hotel is well appointed in an old Europe kind of way. Very nice breakfast room. Cosy grounds with nice outside greenery.
The room itself had plenty of space and was comfortable but was not well put together into a coherent design. Euro-bathroom. Not plastic. But not a real shower either.
The water closet. LOL.
The bedroom had room for the bed.
By far the nicest part 0f the suite was the sitting room. This is where working AC would have been helpful.
Romey arrived! Every visit to Brussels must include the main gothic square. Have a beer.
And visit the little pisser too!
A stop in at the Musical Instrument Museum usually includes a very nice visit to the rooftop bar. Sadly, the rooftop is under renovation. The museum itself is remarkable with a great collection of very weird instruments from all over the world.
La Pharmacie Anglaise is a very good bar indeed, right next to the MIM. Handcrafted nicely-designed cocktails are abundant, and they know most of the classics.
A cocktail and some finger food at Vertigo was OK. The service could be easily improved,
Make time for a walk in the park. We spent a few hours just following our noses around the city which was very nice. Brussels is reasonably walkable.
Street fun and frites clothing.
The highlight of the visit was lunch with Yo and Caroline at restaurant Albert, on the top floor of the national library. Great food, but more importantly, great company.
Finally, before our train trip to Berlin, we stopped by for a rooftop cocktail at some completely forgettable rooftop bar (maybe JAM Brussels) with our London companions. And then it was time to catch the train…
Three showerheads for the Hotel Manos Premier. Best to have working HVAC and give people the room you promised them.
The 3rd Great Belgian Rum Tasting: Lichtervelde
June 17, 2023
Madou’s bar is becoming quite famous, and the rum collection is growing. Not only that, but the spa like atmosphere is outstanding…especially if you are a goat or a cow.
The welcoming committee chair.
Kay the barker and her faithful companion in the shade.
Warmup mai tai.
Part of the lineup.
Some notes from the first and second editions can be found here.
MAISON LQ MAUNY 2015:2019 – martinique (4)
hot. alcohol nose. clear gycerin use. dry on mouth. bitter
There was lots of Clement rum on hand, all from martinique.
We had to check our work with direct test tube comparisons for these.
CLEMENT 10 YEAR RHUM AGRICOLE 2012 (8)
dry. peppery. mature oak. delicious finish.
CLEMENT 5 YEAR MOKA RHUM AGRICOLE 2015 (6)
soft nose. curly esters. a bit sour turns to sweet.
CLEMENT 10 YEAR VANILLA RHUM AGRICOLE 2013 (7)
flower nose. soft. oak
CLEMENT 4 YEAR 5 MONTHS RHUM AGRICOLE 2020 (3)
gym sock nose. weak. bitter
CLEMENT XO (min 6 year blend) (7)
nice balanced nose. mature oak. balanced sugar. masterful blend. a bit corporate with nice components. banana.
CARÚPANO (up to) 21 year reserve (4)
sugar nose. central american style. ester curl works well. gycerin.
DIPLOMATICO AMBASSADOR (6)
sugar nose. some grass. hot. ester curl hell (not good). gets better each taste, but not as good as the 1976 product.
RATU 8 – fij (1)
coconut nose has to be fake. birthday cake disaster. yuck. please just take it.
BUNDABERG – australia (2)
weak nose. watery. blended down to bad.
TOPPITS (unpictured)
that’s a wrap. quite literally.
The final lineup.
Losers bracket.
There is Amer Picon to be had, including Citron which NPS has never seen before. We made liberals of course.
And we introduced the Industry Sour to Belgium
equal parts: Fernet. Green Chartruese. Lime. Simple syrup (1:1). Shake. Serve up.
Walks around the pond are available for a fee.
Sometimes things get hazy
Our hostess with the mostess.
We can’t wait to return.
fin.
SecAppDev in Leuven
June 17, 2023
Though we stayed at Yo’s house this time, secappdev was held in the same excellent venue as always (the Faculty Club in Leuven Belgium).
I gave three talks (including the opening keynote) during SecAppDev, and one bonus talk for the Belgian Security Consortium.
Much fun was had during the hall track and pizza night.
A Belgian, and Israeli, and an Italian walk into an ice cream shop…
The venue for the last talk was a repurposed convent.
As always in Leuven, beer was unavoidable.
Lunch at Absolut was excellent.
More beer at Malz.
Negroni capability varied widely, with Bar Nine coming in at the top. Baracca was good pizza. Manhatt’n Burgers was quite bad.
As always, Leuven is an excellent place to visit. Five showerheads and a top secret location for the accommodations.
RSS - Posts