Tag Archives: Fine Dining

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Planning Your Winecation

For an avid wine enthusiast, taking a winecation will be a truly unforgettable experience. With plenty of wine tasting opportunities, Michelin-quality cuisine, and the chance to explore incredibly beautiful areas of the world, here are some tips when it comes to planning a winecation.

Red and white wine glasses in a vineyard

Choosing a Destination
There are fabulous wine-producing regions all over the world, providing you with many winecation destinations to choose from. Two of California’s most popular wine regions are Sonoma and Napa, although the region of Paso Robles is just as beautiful, and has the added advantage of being less crowded. For those that are fans of Malbec, Central Argentina’s Mendoza Province is where to go, while the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France is the largest wine-producing area in the world. Another great destination to consider is the Piedmont region of Italy, with the most prolific grapes here being the barbera and nebbiolo. For those who want to travel further afield, Cloudy Bay, in the Marlborough wine region of New Zealand, produces some of the finest sauvignon blanc in the world and is surrounded by several other world-renowned wineries.

Create an Itinerary
Once you have chosen the destination for your winecation, it is time to begin putting together a list of all of the different wineries that you want to visit. Many wine regions have websites that are filled with useful information, from detailed descriptions of each winery to maps and planning guides, so be sure to make the most of these. There are also usually wine associations in each region that you can contact for extra advice and information on planning your winecation.

Woman eating in a restaurant

Eat Locally
When taking a winecation, you will notice that many of the wineries you visit boast their own local restaurants, making use of all of the fresh produce that is grown in their fertile land. Many of these restaurants focus on the finest gastronomy, pairing together elegant dishes with their extraordinary wines. Rather than visiting chain restaurants or establishments that target tourists, try to dine at as many local eateries as you can, as this will add an exciting element to your trip.

When to Travel
Although it slightly varies for different regions around the world, grape harvesting season usually falls somewhere between September and October, making these months the best time of the year to head off for your winecation. Not only will you be able to take part in the usual winery tours and tastings, but you will also be able to experience the different methods of harvesting grapes, and may even be able to help out.

No matter how well you may have planned your winecation, it is also important to be flexible at times, as you are likely to see many unexpected wine-related points of interest that are worth stopping off at. Do not forget to also leave yourself with some time to explore everything else that your destination has to offer, from its history to its culture, so that you leave your winecation with a rounded understanding of the many unique features that your destination likely has.

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Luxury Activities in Hawaii

With long stretches of white sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines and lush scenery all around, Hawaii is a natural paradise, and it is no surprise that it is considered to be one of the most luxurious destinations in the world. From dining at the finest restaurants on the islands to exploring secret coves on a private boat cruise, these are some of Hawaii’s most luxurious activities.

Women in a yacht

Charter a Yacht
Chartering a luxury yacht for the day is a VIP experience like no other, and is an intimate way to explore the parts of Hawaii that you are most eager to see. Luxury charter yacht Drumbeat, provided by Charter World, is the ultimate in decadent boats and is one of the largest leisure crafts ever built, coming complete with en-suite cabins, a formal dining area, and a spacious, polished wood interior. One of the most popular private charter routes in Hawaii is across Kaneohe Bay, to see one of the most incredible sandbars in the world. Protected by a barrier reef, this is also a great spot for some snorkeling and swimming, making this activity one that you can spend the whole day enjoying. Most of the luxury yachts in Hawaii will come with full staffing on board, including a chef that will be able to whip up tasty treats for you and your guests throughout the day.

Luxury Spas
Hawaii has quite the history when it comes to healing, leading to a huge number of spas opening up around the island. The spa at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel is one of the best in Hawaii, with its paths and facilities lined with real lava, while the Kona Village Resort spa offers outdoor oceanfront treatment huts and an old-Hawaii atmosphere. Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort is absolutely massive, and sprawls out across 50,000 square feet, while SpaHalekulani specializes in Polynesian treatments, which is always worth trying when in Hawaii.

Fine dining restaurant

Fine Dining
Hawaii’s gorgeous scenery also makes for extremely fertile land, on which locals grow a wide range of fresh, organic, non-GMO produce, providing all of the necessary components for some truly indulgent fine dining experiences. Alan Wong’s, which can be found just outside of Waikiki, was one of the early pioneers of the farm to table movement, and his restaurant makes full use of these native ingredients, mixing them with Asian flavors to produce a harmonious five-course menu. La Mer is another one of Hawaii’s most popular fine dining restaurants, with its strict dress code, requesting jackets and evening attire, already lending it quite the formal ambiance. The cuisine is Hawaiian, but the culinary techniques used are classically French, resulting in exquisite dishes just steps away from the beach.

If you are trying to decide where to go the next time you want to really treat yourself, you will not go wrong by picking Hawaii, which offers up such a fantastic range of luxury activities. In addition to the ones mentioned above, Hawaii is also home to some magnificent luxury resorts that you can stay at, offering everything from private beaches to individual gardens, adding another element of decadence to your visit.

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Five Stars in London

The Savoy

Michaelpuche / Shutterstock.com

London’s luxury hotels stand out from those in other cities around the world, and this is because they are each embedded with such a deep sense of history and tradition, with many of them retaining characteristic features that date back to their Victorian and Edwardian days. From the townhouses of Brown’s to the historic Art Deco architecture of The Dorchester, these are some of the finest hotels in London.

Brown’s Hotel
Consisting of 11 townhouses just off Piccadilly, Brown’s Hotel was founded over 175 years ago, and has quite the unique history. Not only was it where Rudyard Kipling completed the Jungle Book, and where Agatha Christie spent many nights, but it was also from here that Alexander Graham Bell made the world’s first ever phone call. The hotel was renovated in 2005, but has retained many of its original features, but updated this with modern amenities, such as the interactive entertainment in each of the guest rooms and the plush marble bathrooms. When it comes to dining, guests have the option of the traditional tea room, or the hotel’s innovative British restaurant, complete with cocktail bar.

The Dorchester
The Dorchester’s Art-Deco building dates all the way back to 1931 and is situated on Park Lane, one of the most prestigious addresses in London. Each guest room is tastefully luxurious, filled with fabrics that have been specially commissioned, one-of-a-kind antique furniture pieces and the most comfortable of beds. When it comes to their dining options, the Dorchester is home to the only restaurant in the country that holds three Michelin stars, with its French cuisine promising to be some of the best you have ever tasted. The Dorchester Spa is another highlight of the hotel, and their range of treatments are beautifully rounded off with a visit to the Spatisserie for a glass of vintage champagne.

The Savoy
A world famous hotel, the Savoy has had a variety of influences over time, from English Edwardian touches to Art Deco flare, and it has managed to retain and combine these in a truly unique way. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer views out across some of the most famous of London landmarks, but it is the dining options that really set The Savoy apart from its competition. The hotel has always placed an emphasis on fine dining, ever since world-class chef Auguste Escoffier first set this standard in 1889. Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill is one of the most popular restaurants at the Savoy, featuring a British grill menu with some French influences. Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill is where guests go when they are after something slightly more informal, while those who want a sense of tradition, as well as one of the best roast dinners they will have ever tasted, head to Simpson’s in the Strand and the Knight’s Bar. The Savoy is also home to the American Bar, the oldest cocktail bar in the city, and is constantly pushing boundaries when it comes to innovations in mixology.

London is home to hotels that are not only some of the finest in the country, but also in the world, offering a level of high-class luxury that simply cannot be experienced elsewhere. With their history, tradition and thoughtful personal touches, you definitely will not go wrong by choosing one of these five-star hotels to stay at.

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How to Live Luxe in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

It is sometimes all-too-easy to think of Amsterdam in terms of the clichés that surround it, but, when you take the time to look deeper, the city’s vibrant and dynamic heart shines through. From luxurious shops to extravagant restaurants, this is your guide to living luxe in Amsterdam.

P.C. Hooftstraat

lornet / Shutterstock.com

Luxury Shopping
For the most high end and luxurious shops in the city, head to P. C. Hooftstraat, which has frequently been rated in the top three in lists of the nicest places to shop in the world. This has been an exclusive shopping destination since the 1970’s, and boasts a wide range of international brands, from Hugo Boss to Ralph Lauren to Gucci. If you are searching for high-end local designers, then the Van Baerlestraat is the place to go, as it is here that you will find a fantastic selection of boutiques from Dutch designers. Willemsparkweg is also home to an exciting array of boutiques, and it is quite easy to spend the entire afternoon browsing through the accessory, fashion and homeware stores.

World-Class Fine Dining
When it comes to dining out, Amsterdam has some of the finest restaurants in the world, from classic Michelin-starred fine dining to casual but elegant cafés. La Rive is one of these Michelin-starred restaurants, and while it may not be easy to secure a table here, once you do, you will be amongst the company of dignitaries, royalty and rock stars. Ciel Bleu is the only restaurant in Amsterdam with two Michelin stars, guaranteeing you an unforgettable meal. If you decide to pay it a visit, try to request a table by the window on the northern side of the restaurant, because, with the restaurant being situated 23 floors above the city, these are the windows that offer a rare panoramic view down onto the busy streets of Amsterdam.

Bartender making a cocktail

Handcrafted Cocktails
Amsterdam may be packed with bars and clubs, but there are some that pride themselves on being a cut above the competition in terms of the quality of their drinks and the ambiance of their setting. Hiding in Plain Sight is one of these venues, and has been voted as the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam on more than one occasion. As elegant as this bar may be, there are always times when you want something more exclusive, and this is when you should pay a visit to Door 74, which is one of the city’s secret bars. A phone number needs to be called to secure a reservation, which can only be done each day itself, and the mysterious décor, coupled with the creative cocktails and custom concoctions, make it a bar that is a delight to spend time in.

Luxury living is synonymous with the heart and soul of Amsterdam, and, if you know where to go, it is easy to live luxe in the city. From dining at Michelin-starred eateries to sipping on one-of-a-kind cocktails, Amsterdam is a city that welcomes those who appreciate elegance and class.

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Sydney’s Hottest Restaurants

Luxe restaurant

Australia’s food industry has boomed in the last few years, and the country is now well known for its beautiful organic produce and world-class wines. While each region in the country may offer something different, Sydney’s vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere takes the dining experience to a whole new level. For those of you looking for somewhere exciting to eat in the city, OROGOLD has rounded up some of Sydney’s hottest restaurants.

Luyu & YumYum
Dumplings have recently become a huge culinary sensation in Sydney, but the hottest place by far to eat them is at Luyu & YumYum’s in Newtown. Their menu is fresh and innovative, with their unique take on dumplings accompanied with tea-infused cocktails and biodynamic wines. OROGOLD recommends trying the Snow White dumpling for a delicious explosion of prawn, bamboo shoots, asparagus and the chef’s homemade creamy soup, all wrapped up in a potato dough that has been infused with chrysanthemum.

Quay
Any dining establishment that offers floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views across Sydney Harbour needs to ensure that their food is of the highest quality in order to not be overshadowed, and this is exactly what Quay has done. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere, bringing together unique ingredients and cooking techniques. While the extensive wine list may seem overwhelming to those who are new to wines, the knowledgeable and friendly sommelier will be able to guide you in your decision.

Bang Street Food
A restaurant that takes inspiration from the chef’s heritage, Bang Street Food serves up some of the finest Bangladeshi cuisine in Australia. With its exposed brick walls and designer interior touches, this restaurant immediately feels completely on-trend, and, of course, its food is a stand-out as well. The menu features a variety of different sharing platters, with some of OROGOLD’s favorite dishes being the Wagyu Tri Tip Curry and the honey-roasted paneer, as well as the rum-drunk doughnuts for dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, OROGOLD suggests ordering the Bang for Your Buck menu, where the kitchen will put together a meal just for you.

Firedoor
Located in Surrey Hills, Firedoor is the first restaurant in Australia to offer a fire-powered menu, meaning that the wood used in cooking is treated just as importantly as the other main ingredients. Wood is selected for their unique properties, and paired with dishes that they can brilliantly complement, whether it be fish, meat or vegetables. The menu changes daily, with everything cooked to order, so you can be sure that your food is as fresh as possible. With minimalistic cooking, and a strong focus on local produce and exceptional flavors, this is a restaurant that OROGOLD can see becoming very popular.

From modern Australian fine dining to authentic Bengali street food, Sydney’s food scene is definitely exciting. Each of these restaurants adds a unique touch to the city’s culinary offerings, and OROGOLD highly recommends that you pay them a visit to enjoy the unique dishes that they each serve up.

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Best Celebrity Chef Restaurants

Gordon Ramsay Restaurant

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Whether you love them or hate them, celebrity chefs are hard to avoid these days, and there is no denying that each and every one of us would love to take a bite out of some of those dishes featured on our screens. Luckily, this is actually possible, as the majority of celebrity chefs have their own restaurants where they serve up their signature dishes. While there may be plenty of restaurants to choose from, here at OROGOLD we most certainly have our favorites, so read on to discover some of the best celebrity chef restaurants around the world.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London, UK
It goes without saying that Gordon Ramsay needs no introduction, and is probably one of the most well-known celebrity chefs in the world. As a chef that is currently holding 14 Michelin stars, you can be sure that a meal at one of Ramsay’s restaurants will be truly exquisite. Although Ramsay has restaurants all over the world, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, located in London, is OROGOLD’s favorite. In addition to their frequently evolving menus, the restaurant also offers up a few Masterclasses each year, where customers will be taught how to create a three-course meal from the signature recipes used by the restaurant.

CraftSteak, Las Vegas, US
Those of you who watch Top Chef or Best New Restaurant will immediately recognize American celebrity chef Tom Colicchio as the head judge on the show. With five James Beard Foundation Awards under his belt for his culinary accomplishments, it is no surprise that his restaurants around the US are a great success. While we would never turn down a meal at any of Colicchio’s establishments, OROGOLD’s favorite restaurant of his is CraftSteak. Located inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, this Las Vegas joint makes the most of high quality, fresh ingredients, treating each one of them with the utmost respect. For those of you planning to pay it a visit, OROGOLD would highly recommend the chef, or seasonal, tasting menu.

The Fat Duck, Berkshire, UK
Heston Blumenthal, a British celebrity chef, is a pioneer in the industry when it comes to multi-sensory cooking and food pairing. His restaurant in Berkshire, The Fat Duck, is one of just four restaurants in the UK to hold three Michelin stars, and is frequently mentioned in many ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ lists. The restaurant is famous for its 14-course tasting menu featuring highly conceptual dishes. Some of OROGOLD’s favorites are the Mock Turtle Soup, which is inspired by Alice in Wonderland and involves a fob watch being dissolved in a teacup using beef stock ‘tea’, as well as Blumenthal’s famous egg and bacon ice cream.

Although you may end up paying more for a meal at a restaurant owned by a celebrity chef, it is usually well worth the money, as you will be treated to a culinary experience like no other. From the conceptual dishes designed to bring back childhood memories that are served up at The Fat Duck, to beef textures being described like fine wines at Tom Colicchio’s CraftSteak, OROGOLD’s favorite celebrity chef restaurants will never fail to provide you with an exquisite meal.

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High End Hong Kong Dining

Fine dining restaurant

Hong Kong is a city of serious food lovers, meaning that the dining options are excitingly varied. While the local street food is definitely not to be missed, here are some of OROGOLD’s favorite high end dining spots in Hong Kong, where you can indulge in some of the best food in Asia, if not the world.

China Club
The China Club is the only members-only restaurant in Hong Kong, making it the most exclusive, and for years it has attracted an elite crowd. Its strong sense of tradition, history and culture is paired with exquisite Chinese dishes, offering up both home-style dishes as well as gourmet gastronomical delights. While you won’t be able to walk in off the street without a membership, many of the high-end hotel concierges will be able to book you a table.

Amber, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Not only is Amber one of the finest restaurants in Hong Kong, but it is also ranked in the top 50 restaurants of the world. OROGOLD highly recommends the Weekend Wine Brunch, which offers up a six course degustation menu, with each course paired with a different wine. While the caviar may be Amber’s signature dish, OROGOLD’s favorite has to be the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu – something meat lovers should not leave the city without trying! Servers are attentive and knowledgable about the dishes and beverages, and add that personal touch that helps to make each visit even more memorable.

Le Dome de Cristal
The first Cristal branded restaurant in the world, Le Dome de Cristal serves up delectable French cuisine paired with some of the best wines that you will find in Hong Kong. The chef comes from a Michelin background, and this is instantly visible when your first dish is placed in front of you. From special seasonal menus to an eight-course degustation feast to a-la-carte options, the promise to tantalize your taste buds in new and exciting ways with each visit is always upheld.

Nobu
The most acclaimed Japanese restaurant in the world did not take long to win over the hearts of those in Hong Kong, and it remains a firm favorite with both locals as well as visitors. In addition to Nobu’s signature dishes, you will also be able to try some unique new creations that make use of local ingredients. If you are feeling dazzled by the mouthwatering menu, OROGOLD recommends ordering the Oven Baked Black Cod, cooked in a lotus leaf and topped with yuzu and dried miso. For something slightly different, arrange your visit for the afternoon, where you can indulge in a Japanese afternoon tea, with a wide variety of delicious treats to choose from.

Hong Kong is always welcoming new restaurants, meaning that its food scene is constantly evolving. From the finest Japanese food in the world to traditional Chinese dishes to gourmet French cuisine, you will definitely not be leaving Hong Kong feeling hungry!

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Best Adult Only Beach Resorts

A beach resort is an ideal place to spend your vacation if you are looking for a stress-free break. However, for those of you that want the opportunity for even more peace and relaxation, take a look at OROGOLD’s picks of some of the best adult only beach resorts around the world.

Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic.

The Royal Service, Paradisus Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Located on Bavaro Beach, the Paradisus Resort is a large, family-friendly beach resort, but with a smaller boutique ‘wing’ exclusively for adults. In addition to having their own butler, guests have access to their own private pool and lounge, as well as preferential reservations at the 12 restaurants. When you feel like mingling with the families, Royal Service guests have full access to the resort’s other facilities, which includes 5 outdoor adult pools, 10 bars, a casino, a spa, a golf course, a large adventure park, and a full daily schedule of fun activities, excursions and classes. The resort is also the only one in the Caribbean with 400,000 meters squared of ecological gardens, so is definitely a destination that nature-lovers will enjoy.

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, St. Maarten
Located near Philipsburg, the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort is an all-inclusive luxury boutique resort, just for adults. With three swimming pools, four bars and restaurants, a casino and a spa, guests have plenty to keep them entertained, and champagne upon arrival starts the vacation off on a great note. One of the huge advantages to this hotel is that guests who are staying here are able to have full access to the facilities of the resort’s sister hotel, the family-friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

The Meia Praia Beach in Lagos, Portugal.

Yellow Lagos Meia Praia Hotel, Portugal
Overlooking the Meia Praia Beach in Lagos, Portugal, the Yellow Lagos Meia Praia Hotel offers unparalleled views across some of Portugal’s most spectacular coastline. With guests needing to be at least 16 years of age, the hotel attracts a sophisticated crowd, as well as energetic youngsters eager to explore the historic city of Lagos. The premium suites each come with their own private pool, while all guests have access to both an indoor and two outdoor pools, as well as, of course, the sea! The location is what really sets this hotel apart, as it is within walking distance from the beach, as well as just five minutes from the city of Lagos and all of its shops, bars and restaurants. OROGOLD recommends visiting a boat tour operator in Lagos and booking a boat trip that will take you along the coast to Ponta da Piedade, arguably Portugal’s most beautiful natural wonder.

From spending the day soaking up the sun and the evenings at a glitzy casino in the Caribbean, to exploring a historic Portuguese city after a morning swim in your private pool, these are some of OROGOLD’s favorite adult-only beach resorts around the world. The age limits at these resorts vary, with a minimum age of anywhere between 16 and 21, so be sure to check this in advance if you are in that age range!

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Vegas Survival Guide – OROGOLD Reviews

The Las Vegas Strip

Although one of the most exciting and stimulating destinations in the world, Vegas can also often be slightly overwhelming, especially to first time visitors. Take a look at the top tips in OROGOLD’s Vegas Survival Guide to ensure that you have the best experience possible the next time you visit this glittering oasis in the middle of the desert.

Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, USA.

Choose Your Hotel Wisely
There are plenty of accommodation options in Vegas, but each offer something slightly different. Some hotels are not located on the Vegas Strip, meaning that if you are looking to see a show, you would need to take a taxi. For those who are looking to gamble, be sure to choose a hotel that has a good casino, as some hotels, such as Trump, don’t have a casino. Some hotels provide fast food options, while some only offer fine dining, so keep your food budget in mind when booking your accommodation.

Las Vegas Hotel.

Advance Planning and Booking
The shows in Vegas sell out extremely quickly, so it is essential to do some research before arriving and decide which shows you want to see. These can then be booked in advance, guaranteeing you a seat and allowing you to skip any ticket queues on the day. There are also plenty of Michelin starred restaurants in Vegas, but reservations for these also fill up quickly, so make sure to book a table as early as possible if there is a particular restaurant that you are dying to try.

Closeup of cards and chips on a poker table.

Gambling
Almost everyone that visits Vegas cannot resist trying their luck at some of the many attractive gambling options. The best thing to do is to purchase a member card for the hotel that you plan to gamble at, even if it is not the hotel that you are staying at, as this will enable you to rack up plenty of points that can then be used for discounts in the future. If you are tempted by a particular game that is new to you, don’t be put off by the high minimum bids. Instead, have a walk around the casino as you are likely to find that same game at another table with a lower minimum bid. Don’t forget that drinks are usually free at the casinos, so it often makes more sense to stop off for a quick gamble and a free drink rather than paying the extortionate price that many establishments charge for drinks.

Hoover Dam at night.

Pace Yourself
With no clocks in the casinos, a never-ending free flow of drinks, and nightclubs that are open at all hours, it can be easy, as well as plenty of fun, to lose track of time and fall into the seductive grip of Vegas. However, you also don’t want to be spending the next day feeling queasy from the amount of drinks that you consumed the night before, so it really is important to pace yourself. Although most of the entertainment takes place at night, if you want to do any daytime activities, such as relaxing by the pool or visiting the Hoover Dam, OROGOLD recommends having a quiet evening the night before, ensuring that you are fresh and energized the next morning.

Vegas attracts visitors from all over the globe, and is the most popular gambling destination in the world. Take the time to research the area before visiting, pin-pointing certain attractions that you want to see, to ensure that you have the best experience possible.