by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Nevada, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
Located in the casino of a Las Vegas mammoth, Joel Robuchon seems out of scale, seating only 42 guests in the main dining room.
Outside the doors of this famous restaurant, typical casino dissonance was pervasive, inside was an oasis of quiet.
In a city where size, opulence, impersonal attitudes and larger than life motifs reign over substance, Joel Robuchon stood out for its simple formula. During our visit, we shared the restaurant and staff with between one to three other tables, further enhancing the luxurious ambiance. .
by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Maine, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
In the middle of its lush English garden, this regal Queen Anne country home retained all the authentic charm of its Victorian origins. The green-shingled exterior was enhanced by buttercup yellow trim with purple accents to match the lavish flowerbeds. The deep wrap-around porch, complete with rattan furniture and porch swing, the elaborate rooflines and whimsical turret all contributed to make the LimeRock Inn a picture-perfect grand 19 th century New England “cottage.”
by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Maine, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
This quaint little seaport on the western shore of the Penobscot Bay was a microcosm of the best coastal Maine has to offer. Its working waterfront was alive with fishing and lobster boats as well as recreational sailboats, sea kayaks and canoes. Sightseeing windjammers and ferries provided a wide array of opportunities to enjoy the calm waters of the bay and explore its spectacular rocky shores punctuated by historic lighthouses. Two short blocks up from the shore, the tree-shaded Main Street was lined with art galleries, boutiques and shops. Back streets were filled with grand Victorian homes reminiscent of Rockland’s 19 th century industrial prosperity.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Nevada, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
One of the features we most liked about The Palazzo, an all-suite resort that opened its doors at the end of 2007, in addition to the hotel’s Las Vegas Strip location, was our spacious and handsome suite. Our new looking suite in one of the lower floors had a sunken living room separated from the sleeping area by three steps and half a wall.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Maine, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
This striking Victorian gem was one of the most luxurious country inns I have ever come across! Set in a residential neighborhood of grand old 19th century homes shaded by venerable trees, this three-story gold-trimmed claret-colored clapboard beauty served notice at first sight that it was the grandest of them all. Its interior confirmed it. Expansive, coffered-ceilinged public rooms with inviting fireplaces opened onto a two-story center foyer with an elaborate staircase soaring to a wide second floor gallery; gleaming oak banisters; crystal chandeliers: this was a house meant for gracious living in a bygone gilded age. Built in 1898 by local business mogul Charles Berry as a wedding gift for his bride, the manor remained a private residence until 1998 when the present owners adapted it into an exceptional home-away-from home for their guests.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2008 | Nevada, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We were surprised to discover Vintner Grill tucked in an office building in a strip mall in Summerlin, an elite Las Vegas suburb. Once inside, the décor was modern and inviting, full of gentle waning sunlight. Although the patio looked positively alluring with its tented theme we chose to remain indoors for dinner. The staff were welcoming and before we knew it we were sipping the most delicious peach and blueberry cocktails at Table 32, which we later discovered is the restaurant’s best table, known as the “Power Table.”
