by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
: A bustling restaurant with a happening crowd, 17 offered well presented, well served, and well prepared gourmet American food in an attractive setting. The Sam Houston Hotel’s enthusiastic young chef, Jeff Amstrong, combined adventurous flavors and old favorites for a rewarding and tasty meal. He successfully emphasized local seafood with spicy accents. He also offered continental options like rich foi gras (goose or duck liver) with roast pineapple and a pink peppercorn sauce and hearty American short ribs.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
: Trellis, Houston ’s large and luxurious entry into the burgeoning spa market was every bit as soothing and relaxing as we had hoped. The Mediterranean style Trellis building was stylish and tranquil inside and out. After a brief wait at the reception desk, we passed beyond the arrival area and were enchanted with the quiet and bright feel inside the building. As we made our way to prepare for our half day’s worth of treatments, the ambiance, enhanced by a floating pool and Japanese style stream, wooed us. We encountered spotless and well appointed ladies locker rooms including a steam room and a Jacuzzi.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | Products, Safari Gear, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The idea of the anti-bacterial wipes appealed to us from the moment we heard about it. Due to weight limitations we carefully scrutinized every article we considered for inclusion in our African safari trip. Every item selected, including the Anti-Bacterial Wipes, played a useful roll. Though we stayed at luxury oriented comfortable and clean lodges and camps, the wipes came in handy a number of times during our travels: on flights, at airports, at border crossings, during game viewing drives, and in the car driving through the Kruger National Park or between lodges. When we returned home we kept using them. We found the seal of the package held the wipes moist for months at a time. The towellettes were light enough to carry in a handbag, computer case or briefcase for those times when soap and water were not immediately available. We plan on taking the Anti-Bacterial Wipes on our next adventure.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
Dinner at this long famous Houston restaurant was full of eclectic culinary surprises, satisfying and savory at once. In spite of a busy full house the Tuesday night we were there, the servers were attentive, circumspect and efficient. Many in the crowded restaurant appeared to be regulars. Our meal was a crescendo of flavors from mild crab to zesty red fish, concluding with a tasty and perfectly prepared lamb and later a lemon themed dessert.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
: Our stay at the modern and jazzy Hotel Derek, billed as the first contemporary hotel in Houston , emphasized style and business guest services. Our senses were rewarded with decorative touches in unexpected places. At the same time all our business requirements such as high speed Internet access, fax/printer/copier, and meeting room space were met. Leisure time could be spent poolside, at the 24-hour fitness center, relaxing with an in-room spa treatment or at a nearby spa. For those wishing to shop, the hotel was conveniently situated in the Galleria area and a short drive from downtown Houston .
by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
We enjoyed the sequin and tuxedo filled opening of Puccini’s tearjerker Madam Butterfly, one of the top ten most frequently performed operas in North America , at the Houston Grand Opera, which was housed in the large and modern Wortham Theater building.
