New York's Best Steakhouses

Steaks rule in NYC. They close deals, build skyscrapers and even change history in a city famous for moving and shaking. Here is a select group of the best and most historic of NY steakhouses in Manhattan and Brooklyn.


Peter Luger's

178 Broadway 
Brooklyn, NY 11211


Smith & Wollensky
797 Third Avenue 
NY, NY 10022


Delmonico's
56 Beaver Street 
NY, NY10004


Keens Steakhouse
72 West 36th Street 
NY, NY 10018


Benjamin Steakhouse Midtown Manhattan
52 E 41st St 
New York, New York 10017


Strip House on East 12th street off of 5th Avenue
13 East 12th Street 
New York, NY 10003


Uncle Jack's
44 west 56th Street 
NY, NY 10019


Churrascaria Platforma
316 West 49th Street 
 NY, NY 10019

Model Hot Spots - New York's Best Model Bars For Fashion Week

For those that seek a prime view of high cheek bones and the celebrities who seek the same, here are our choice of NYC bars restaurants popular for NY models during fashion week.

The London Bar at The London NYC
151 W. 54th St.
New York, NY
(212) 468-8889

Indulge in a truly unforgettable culinary experience that only Gordon Ramsay can offer at The London NYC – a most stylish hotel providing the best escape in the heart of New York City. If its food you want after a couple drinks, Ramsey provides a fine dining experience, set within The London NYC. Consistently awarded two Michelin stars, guests savor the culinary talent of chef de cuisine Markus Glocker complimented by an unprecedented wine list. Offering only forty-five seats, designer David Collins has created the perfect intimate ambiance for any special moment or occasion.

Empire Hotel
44 W. 63rd St.
New York, NY
(212) 265-7400

Celebrating Fashion Week’s return, the Empire Hotel rooftop bar located on the 12th floor of our distinctive New York City luxury hotel offers magnificent views of Lincoln Center as well as the Broadway & Columbus Avenue gateway to Manhattan's Upper West Side. Sip in style with the Lincoln Center Luster (Remy Martin Cognac, sugar, lemon juice and Champagne) or go for a liquid diet with Don’t Feed The Models (Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka, cucumber juice, lime juice, simple syrup and mint). Empire Hotel has even partnered with Moises de la Renta (son of Oscar de la Renta) to custom design a signature dress for the hotel’s “Fashion Week Ambassadors.”

Elsa
217 East 3rd Street
New York, NY 10009


This dimly lit East Village hideaway is to hip to have a website. Facebook only. Reservations would be smart. Still it is the place where models appear and hanger-ons do too.

The Cabin Down Below
132 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10009


Easy to find (under a pizza shop) close to 7th and Avenue A, crammed with people and tough to get in, The Cabin Down Below rewards all efforts. Great for drinking and celeb watching.

The Boom Boom Room
848 Washington St (West 13th Street)
New York, NY 10014

Adjacent to The Standard, New York hotel lobby is The Living Room, a comfortably modish designed lounge overlooking the grand plaza, that serves small mediterranean plates, carafes of wine and cocktails with live DJ's every night. Next to The Standard, New York's Standard Grill is the outdoor Biergarten, located underneath the High Line, which features a classic German menu complete with the finest sausages, flavorful beers, and delicious pretzels. Join the fun seven days a week. If you happen to be in Los Angeles, make sure to check out our sister Biergarten on the rooftop of The Standard, Downtown LA too. Prost!

Brought to you by http://citytapper.com

Top 5 Cities For A Single to Mingle

According to a survey published by Travel & Leisure, the top five cities that rank for attracting and entertaining singles (heavy on the cocktail and eye candy for both sexes) may surprise some of you as it did us. Here are the top 5 with satisfying bars from our files:

1) New Orleans

The Three Muses
536 Frenchmen St.
New Orleans, La 70116
(504) 252-4801
http://www.thethreemuses.com

Three Muses brings together professionals in culinary, hospitality, and music to create a chic, unique, smoke free environment committed to quality and verve.

2) Austin

Dirty Bill's
511 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX United States of America 78701
http://dirtybill.com/the-bar

An Austin down-n-dirty is popular among those that seek beer and a long counter. As one reviewer put it in bar-poetry, "The Anti-West-6th-Street bar and a very welcome change a scene of starched shirts, rooftop decks, calamari, and walls of plasma TVs. This is our best 'big city bar' laid out blue-collar shotgun style, no windows, and a couple TVs around so you have something at which to point and bitch."

Barfly's
5420 Airport Blvd.
Austin, TX United States of America 78751
Telephone: (512) 452-6455
http://www.barflysaustin.com/

3) Las Vegas

Tryst Nightclub
3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S
Las Vegas, NV United States of America 89109
Telephone: (702) 770-3375
http://trystlasvegas.com/

In Short – Billed as an intimate rendezvous spot, this chic club has enough nooks to feel cozy despite its bulging 12,000 square feet. Bottle-service booths ring the semicircular club, and scads of framed mirrors decorate the red-velvet walls

Frankie's Tiki Room
1712 West Charleston Blvd
Las Vegas, NV United States of America 89102
Telephone: 702-385-3110
http://www.frankiestikiroom.com

Frankie's Tiki Room is a unique combination of south seas exotica and modern primitivism, with just a hint of Las Vegas kitsch. One hundred percent original and deeply rooted in tiki tradition, Frankie's is the place where you can escape to the fantasy any hour of the day or night. Where you can order up your buzz from the menu of exotic rum drinks in the tiki lounge, or enjoy traditional cocktails while gambling at the bar in classic Las Vegas style.

4) New York

Pegu Club
77 West Houston Street, New York,
New York, NY United States of America 10012
Telephone: 212/473-PEGU
http://www.peguclub.com/flash

Mixologist and owner Audrey Saunders, formerly of Bemelman's Bar in the Carlyle Hotel, makes magic with cocktails. In 2005 she opened her own little downtown gathering spot where she can even better showcase her immense talents. The cocktails here change seasonally and will astound you with their creativity. It helps that the staff uses fresh squeezed juices, homemade ginger beer and the largest assortment of bitters you will find anywhere.

Subway Inn Bar
143 E. 60th St.
New York, NY United States of America 10022
In an era of recast hipness, and transparent attraction, the Subway Inn reminds us of what a bar was and is supposed to be. Over looking Bloomingdale's loading dock, the view couldn't be better.

Raines Lawroom
48 West 17th Street
New York, NY United States of America 10011
http://www.raineslawroom.com/

Behind and unassuming door, on a street stocked with not so impressive bars lies a quite little gem. Nothing but drinks here, and seriously good cocktails with a Russian vodka theme.

5) Miami

Nikki Beach
1 Ocean Drive
Miami, FL United States of America 33139
Telephone: 305 538 1231
http://www.nikkibeach.com

A South Beach institution that is forever young, hip and if you seek to watch the beautiful people....this is it.

The Room
100 Collins Avenue
Miami, FL United States of America 33139
Telephone: 305 531 6061
http://www.theotheroom.com

So hip you almost need surgery.

At the bottom of 35 listed, Salt Lake City and Anchorage.

Salt Lake City

Gracies
326 S W Temple
Salt Lake City, UT United States of America 84101
Telephone: 1 801 819-7565
http://www.graciesslc.com

With two floors, two patios, and by far the most beautiful view of downtown and the Wasatch Mountains; Gracie's is a must for a night on the town.

Anchorage

Chilkoot Charlie's Promotion
1071 West 25th Avenue
Anchorage, AK United States of America 99503
Telephone: (907) 279-1692
http://www.koots.com

Koot's, as it is affectionately called by locals, began as a neighborhood watering hole with a live piano bar. Today Chilkoot Charlie's features a rustic Alaska atmosphere with sawdust-covered floors, 3 stages, 3 dance floors and 10 bars (11 in the summertime!) with padded tree stumps and beer kegs for seating.

Kodiak Bar & Grill
225 East 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK United States of America 99501
Telephone: (907) 258-5233
http://www.kodiakbar.com

Serving up the best value for your drinking dollar and great food too. This is a family business so when you're here you're one of the family!! Your hosts, Doug and Calvin, and the best bar staff in town are here to serve you with the true Alaskan hospitality.

Woman Gropes TSA

We all know of TSA professionally groping those suspect travelers en route to terminals... grandmas, babies, the occasional celebrity. But in a turn of events a 61-year-old Colorado woman found herself in jail for groping a TSA agent.

It happened in Phoenix's Sky Airport on Thursday en route home to Colorado when the incident occurred.

According to the arrest report, the 61 year old is accused of groping a female TSA agent's "left breast through her clothing and squeezing and twisting it with both hands without the victim's permission." The perpetrator admits to having done the said grope, and was released from a Phoenix-area jail on Friday.

Charged with a felony.

Noma Has The Dirt On The Best Restaurants In The World

Few of us get to experience these global culinary gems, but every year S Pellegrino puts its stamp on the "World's 50 Best Restaurants". Some of our international recommendations found in The Carlton Files come from current and past S Pellegrino winners in the top 100 restaurants in the world. Face it, if you get to dine in one of the top 100 restaurants in the world, you're having a good meal. It doesn't have to be number 1.

This year, although not getting top honors, Spain has done very well in S Pellegrino's 50 Best Restaurants In The World, 2011. Spanish chefs took 2 of the top 3 listings (as well as number 50). Here is a sample of "must eat" restaurants, if you find yourself in the native country:

No. 1 
Noma
Strandgade 93
Telephone: 3296 3297
www.noma.dk 

Copenhagen, Denmark
Noma, Copenhagen's culinary star, has again won top prize for the best restaurant in the world. A title it has held since 2009. Noma is best known for its fanatical approach to foraging and presenting dishes like "Dirt" but there is much more to this ground-breaking restaurant than sous-chefs foraging Mother Nature's unknown bounty: It's the entire package - from its ingredient ingenuity to flawless execution. Many have copied chef Rene Redzepi's approach, but sadly most have failed. For the best in class, Noma really is the number one place to go.


No. 2 
El Celler de Can Roca
Can Sunyer 48
Telephone: +34 97 222 21 57
www.cellercanroca.com 

Girona, Spain
El Celler de Can Roca is possibly the least well-known restaurant to have ever held the much-vaunted number-two spot on the list, a quirk which, far from being a hindrance, has allowed the three brothers of Roca to get on with what they do best. Cellar de Can Roca delivers "emotional cuisine" based on traditional, intellectual ideas and an academic approach to cooking to "create new ways to awaken customer's taste memory: forgotten flavors and aromas that bring to mind moods and personal memories otherwise distant in time and space." Is the chef a philosopher or has he watched Ratatouille too many times?


No. 3 
Mugaritz
Otazulueta Baserria, Aludura Aldea 20, 20100, Errenteria, Spain
Telephone: +34 943 522 455
www.mugaritz.com 

Errenteria, Spain
Mugaritz has two menus that change daily - according to what chef Andoni Luis Aduriz can get his hands on at the street markets and what's growing in the restaurant's herb garden. Classic locavore. Whatever happens, you can expect to sample the team's intricate dishes that seek to reconnect diners with nature. His self-dubbed 'techno-emotional' approach sees the appliance of science and a rigorous understanding of ingredients jostle with produce-driven cuisine. This year, the Spanish seem to be about emotions and science.


No. 50
Asador Etxebarri
Plaza San Juan 1, 48291 Axpe-Marzana
Telephone: +34 9465 83042
www.asadoretxebarri.com 

Atxondo-Bizkaia, Spain
To see a true culinary workshop in action, head to Asador Etxebarri where part chef, part blacksmith Victor Arguinzoniz deals almost exclusively in grilled food. If you can eat it, he'll grill it: Caviar, cockles and even milk are cooked over locally felled oak and unlike at many Asadors (country style barbeque popular in Spain and South America), few of the ingredients arrive charred or blackened. If you're in Basque country, Asador Etxebarri is a destination.

Travel Warning For Tunisia Extended

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for ongoing political and social unrest in Tunisia. Unrest has diminished and public order has returned in many areas, including the developed tourist zones; however, spontaneous and unpredictable events, such as work stoppages and demonstrations, have recently occurred. Although the Tunisian government has lifted the curfew, the state of emergency is in force and curfews can be re-established with short notice. The U.S. Department of State continues to advise U.S. citizens currently in Tunisia to defer non-essential travel to the central and western regions of Tunisia. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert for Tunisia dated March 10, 2011, and expires on July 9, 2011.

International Pillow Fight Day

The little known "International Pillow Fight Day" was a success. "In these times of war, revolution and nuclear disaster it's good to see people dressed in their jams fighting with pillows," said John Baker from Trafalgar Square, London.

People in cities (130) across the globe have taken part in mass pillow fights as part of International Pillow Fight Day, April 2.

Dressed in pajamas, dressing gowns and fancy dress to take part in the good natured annual pillow fight all manner of folk, mostly young spent a part of their Saturday afternoon making feathers fly. Most people carried feather-filled pillows that exploded as they fought. London's Metropolitan Police said Sunday that the event had been peaceful and they had no reports of any trouble. Tempurpedic pillows were not allowed, as the filling is dangerous on impact.

The fights were organized by The Urban Playground Movement which wants to encourage people to make use of public spaces. Organizing a massive pillow fight is perhaps the simplest of free events or interventions, but also, according to the organizers, The Urban Playground Movement, one of the most rewarding.

The World's Highest Bar Opens

The name says it all. OZONE is situated on the top floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong making it the highest bar in the world. Indulge in signature cocktails and an exotic selection of Asian tapas and while enjoying lofty DJ beats and an amazing view of the Victoria Harbor from floor 118.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong opened its doors to the heavens in March 2011. Occupying the 102 floor to the top of Hong Kong's towering International Commerce Centre, the Ritz Carlton provides significant luxury and commanding views of Hong Kong's distinctive skyline, located at a key Harbor crossing point in West Kowloon.

Goats Grazing Gritty Streets

Police have captured five goats that were wandering the streets of a gritty northern New Jersey city.

Chief Animal Control Officer John DeCando, munching on a pork sandwich, tells The Record newspaper that a woman called Paterson police after nearly hitting the herd with her car at 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

Police took the goats to the animal shelter. They'll stay there until they are sent to an undisclosed farm to live out their days.

DeCando says he believes someone was keeping them for an Easter meal or a sacrifice. It's illegal to keep farm animals in Paterson. They probably knew that.

Airlines to Load on More Fees

Oil futures are not the only source of additional fees for airline service. In their insatiable drive to find new ways to dig out profits, airlines will be charging for more services. Some of which you may have taken for granted. The new standard of checked bags, snacks, competitive seat selection and other now standard fees brought in $22 billion last year. Spirit Air derives 27% of its revenue from these fee sources:

This has, well, excited airline executives to the possibility of more revenue and some of those new sources may be as follows:

Infants riding in a parent's lap: Domestic flights could start charging the same kinds of fees (10% of an adult fare) that are charged for lap-riding infants on international flights.
Using a credit card: Cash-paying customers would get a 3% discount, effectively charging a 3% fee to credit card customers.
Checked baggage based on weight: Instead of paying a flat rate for your checked bags, the fees would be based on the weight of each item.
Carry-on bags: Spirit Airlines already began charging for some carry-on items last year. Don't be shocked if more carriers follow suit.
A pre-ordered champagne brunch in economy class. Well that’s worth it.
Weather related flight cancellation insurance.
Upscale meals delivered in coach.
In-flight movies.
Wi-Fi
A new “economy comfort zone” or “economy plus” premium coach seats designed for more leg room (4 inches!) and 50% more reclining which could cost from $80 – $160 each way. Annual upgrade to economy plus could cost $450 a year with Continental.

Although some believe that charging for once free items has reached its limit, these new upgrade money makers are based on creating a more comfortable flight. Creating value for the additional spend. "Passenger-pleasers."

Are You The Most Important Person: The First Follower?

This video is a must to watch. It is more than worth the minute or two of time it takes. In a nation obsessed with leadership, leaders, leadership qualities, "the smartest guy in the room"...here in this video is the counter argument: leaders are not the most important person in new trends. It is the first followers.

VOTE FOR THE BEST NORTH AMERICA CITY FOR MUSIC

North America is really good at creating music, and we are blessed with some awesome music centers. This country continues to produce and innovate with roots music, new music, traditional, classic and even pop music in its many forms. In our research, we have rounded up some of North America's best homegrown music centers - places that really excel in being a hotbed for talent, originality and a public that is unusually supportive.

If someone wanted to vacation in the best music scene in North America, where would you send them? We want to know, so please take the following 1 minute or less survey.

A Little Monday Morning Distraction

Good morning. We thought we may give you some irreverent "Monday Morning At The Office" humor, but that may hurt. So here is a precursor to the Star Trek Enterprise set, courtesy of Jib Jab.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Some of Our Favorite US B&B's.

Bed & Breakfasts in major, and some minor city destinations seem reserved only by the select few of us. When have you last reserved a B&B? Was it for an occasion? Anniversary? Face it, like me you think of the consistent convenience a hotel chain offers. Like a restaurant chain that serves comfort food uniformly across the country, we go there because we hesitate to step into the local flavor. Bed & Breakfasts often allows the lodger a stay in history rubbing elbows with the locals in a way that deepens the experience. And as most provide the comforts of a hotel (AC, WiFi, Maid, Cable TV etc) and a breakfast that simply can not be beat by any hotel, maybe it's time to reconsider a B&B for your next business or leisure trip?
Here are some of the favorites in the US we have in our files:

Morgan State House, Albany New York
http://www.statehouse.com
The Morgan state House Inn is an excellent example of late 19th century elegance and design. It has been restored to provide the most unique accommodations in the Capital District. Voted "Best in the Capital/Saratoga Region", The Morgan State House is an Inn honoring the European tradition. Our beds are our signature. Feather mattresses, down comforters and soft cotton sheets provide the ultimate nights rest.

Anniversary Inn, Salt Lake City Utah
http://www.anniversaryinn.com
Here's a unique place. Plan a little adventure, without the airfare, in the Mysteries of Egypt Suite or the Arabian Night's Suite. Sleep in a treehouse in our Swiss Family Robinson Suite or watch a movie on the big screen while lounging in back of a pick-up truck in Rich's Drive-In. They have two locations in SLC, and one in Boise. They have two in Salt Lake, one in Boise, Idaho and another in Logan Utah. One of the best B&B's we have ever come across. Certainly one of the most unusual.

The Governors House, Charleston SC
http://www.governorshouse.com
You could argue that Charleston and Savannah are the capitals of Southern B&B Charm. There are many. And all have some rich history to share. Among Historic Charleston inns, only Governor's House Inn offers the rare pleasures, aristocratic comforts and romantic grandeur of a pre-Revolution National Landmark combined with legendary Charleston hospitality.

The Gastonian, Savannah GA
http://www.gastonian.com
The Gastonian, located near Forsyth Park, consists of two adjoining Regency-Italianate-style mansions built in 1868. Today, The Gastonian is a four-diamond, award-winning bed and breakfast inn, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the finest places to stay in the world. Its intimate 17 guest rooms are uniquely furnished and named after prominent Savannah natives such as Flannery O'Connor, Juliette Gordon Low and Mary Telfair. All guest rooms have working fireplaces. Guests are given personalized breakfast menus, and can choose either a silver tray service or may join other guests for family-style breakfasts. A complimentary selection of tea, hors d'oeuvres and wine, is served each afternoon. Desserts and cordials are served in the evenings.

Elves Manor, St Louis MO
http://www.elvesmanor.com
Much more than a room with a view, Elves Manor is an entire house all your own in St. Louis’ most urbane and cosmopolitan historic neighborhood, the Central West End. As a 21st century “alley house” or latter-day “carriage house,” Elves Manor continues the St. Louis tradition of a dwelling built at the rear of the lot line, behind the main house–the main house in this case being a 1904 Tudor Revival cottage located within the West Pine-Laclede National Register Historic District.

Do you know of some special B&B's? I'm sure you do and we'd love to hear from you. http://www.thecarltonfiles.com/contactUs.php

Your Client's Use Of Smartphone While Traveling: SURVEY RESULTS

Our online survey conducted in July and August 2010 titled, "Your Client's Use of Mobile Device", where we asked several questions regarding your use, or clients use, of smartphone apps when traveling has netted some results we would like to share with other professionals.

From the responses we received the following net results:

- Respondents were mostly business professionals, executive and personal assistants; corporate travel agents.
- More than 2/3's of our respondents currently travel more than 5 times a year.
- 82% travel for business reasons, with 40% traveling for 1 - 3 days and 19% for more than 5 days.
- 80% use a smartphone for reasons other than email and voice mail.
- 37% use an iPhone, 33% use a Blackberry.
- 8% use an Android.
- 15% stated "other".
-Use of smartphone:
19% for maps
15% for tracking itinerary
14% for finding local businesses
11% Things to do while in a location
9% Entertainment

89% of the respondents approved of and were "more than likely" to purchase a service such as The Carlton Files that deliver all of the functionality of destination management and information, such as maps, local businesses and services, best entertainment, bars, restaurants, emergency information and more.
See a pdf of the survey here: The Carlton Files.

The Best BBQ in Texas

Texas is a big state, where a big appetite for BBQ has evolved. Through our research, and contributions we have compiled a list of the best barbeque ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other BBQ be found in the great state of Texas. We are of course sure there is more, and we may not cover those towns in our database. If you know of others please do drop us a line:

Salt Lick BBQ
18001 Farm to Market Road 1826
Austin, TX United States of America 78619
Telephone: (512) 858-4959
http://www.saltlickbbq.com

Stubb's Bar-B-Q Restaurant
801 Red River Street
Austin, TX United States of America 78701
Telephone: (512) 480-8341
http://www.stubbsaustin.com

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Inc
101 W Commerce St
San Antonio, TX United States of America 78205
Telephone: (210) 229-9519
http://billmillerbbq.com/

County Line Barbeque
111 W Crockett St Ste 104
San Antonio, TX United States of America 78205
Telephone: (512) 327-6748
http://www.countyline.com/

Hickory Hollow Restaurant
101 Heights Boulevard
Houston, TX United States of America 77007
Telephone: (713) 869-6300
http://www.hickoryhollowrestaurant.com

A Few Trends With Boomers, Gen Xers, Millenials & All In Between....

Here are a few interesting notes we gleaned from iconoclture...market trend watchers extrordinare.

Millennials Market

Mobile app EpicWin gets players tackling real-word chores by rolling to-do lists into a role-playing game format. Users set up a list of real tasks they need to tackle (do the dishes, walk the dog, etc.), and then receive virtual rewards and level-up opportunities for their EpicWin avatar upon...

Gen Xers Market

Make food, not war: Conflict Kitchen serves takeout with a side of understanding....
Pittsburgh’s Conflict Kitchen offers only one menu item, but its mission goes way beyond food. The tiny takeout shop was created by a group of local artists. Their idea? Choose a country that America is in conflict with and serve up one of that country's traditional foods. Every...

Boomers/Matures Markets

Time to plant? Service sends seeds to your door....
Is it too late for cucumbers? When should the celery go in? SproutRobot takes the guesswork out of gardening by sending seeds and reminders when it's time to plant.
Gardeners enter their zip code to get a regionally optimized planting calendar. They can either register for free email reminders...

Multicultural Markets

Broadway sets the stage for bigger black audiences.....
The bad news: Broadway attendance was down 3% for the 2009-10 season (NYTimes.com 6.27.10). The good news: Producers are using diverse strategies to draw African Americans, and it's starting to pay off.

The Best Rooftop Lounges of New York City

Drinks, Views & Lofty People
New Yorkers have always enjoyed their self professed status as the country's Top Shelf City. "The Big Apple," "The City That Never Sleeps," "The World’s Second Home" (that's a new one) say it all. Arguably, New Yorkers enjoy looking down on most everything West of the Hudson, if such a place even exists. So what better perspective could you get on New York than a cocktail perched above the city, looking down on all others below? And there are some decidedly impressive places to drink under the stars, surrounded by lights and elbow to cheek with beautiful people. Although not the sole domain of of hotels, the "rooftop lounge" scene is dominated by them in good locations and tall buildings.

Hotel on Rivington
This is classic "exclusive" NYC, as it is by invitation only. Mostly private parties dominate this rooftop. It is hiden like a speakeasy that requires the right connections, the right night and the right outfit. But that's just the start - get to the hotel, take an elevator to the 20th floor, walk a narrow hallway through to a penthouse bar area, go up a plexiglass staircase, through another bar space, and then up another, steeper stairway. You are there.

Mad46
Mad64 is what most would call a "classic" rooftop lounge par excellence with night views that can't be missed: A contemporary rooftop lounge meets classic Roosevelt Hotel's rooftop. Located atop the 19th floor of the hotel, a separate entrance and private elevator will get you there.
If the heat this year is too much for you, a welcomed addition of two separate, air-conditioned escapes from city heat and humidity called "Uptown" and "Downtown" offers a dry refuge from those occasional summer showers. Doors open at 5pm Monday through Friday with food service from 5pm to 10pm daily. Throughout the season on Saturdays mad46 opens the doors from 8pm to 2am with a live DJ and dancing. There is never a cover charge to get in but please note that final admission is always subject to venue capacity limitations. Reservations are not required but are recommended for groups of 6 or more guests.

Gramercy Park Hotel
The Gramercy is one of New York's oldest and most prestigious boutique hotels...and that is saying volumes, as there are many in New York. The Private Roof Club and Garden, an original and unique indoor and outdoor space, with a retractable roof 16 stories above the city, is akin to a private salon or drawing room offering personal comfort and the intimacy of a private home. It offers a more personal and intimate version of the lobby as a new kind of gathering place as introduced by Ian Schrager almost 20 years ago. This combines all the charm of London's private gentlemen's clubs and the Bohemian bustle of a Viennese coffee house. It recalls the celebrated roof top garden life popularized at the turn of the century in New York City at such places as Ziegfeld's Club at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Stanford Whites roof top garden at the original Madison

Salon de Ning, Peninsula
The Peninsula hotel combines Eastern and Western hospitality with a great view (atop a great hotel) in NYC's midtown. This place is more for business people rather that the typical tourists. Like all rooftops in NY the drinks are not cheap..think $24 for two crummy domestic beers. The staff (mostly Irish) is attentive and not snooty at all.

Top of the Strand
Top of the Strand Hotel lounge and bar - Top of the Strand will include a sliding roof element and is designed by Lydia Marks. The rooftop lounge and bar is an urban oasis among the concrete buildings of the garment district, offering visitors an opportunity to relax and take in the stunning skyline views of New York City.

Plunge Bar, Hotel Gansevoort
Combining the elements that make most every Caribbean hotel popular, namely a pool and bar, the Gansevoort has upped its game with the other hotels of the area. Located in West Chelsea near the High Line, views are 360 from many floors up.

Hudson Terrace
Discreetly tucked at the edge of midtown along the Hudson River, this spectacular haven of serene opulence offers unforgettable venue amenities. The Hudson Terrace event venue imaginatively unites intimate interiors with all-season exterior spaces. Erected from imported heirloom woods, handcrafted tiles and treasured stone, the venue promises nothing short of uncompromised artistry.

Press Lounge, Ink48 Hotel
The Kimpton in Hell's Kichen is not to be outdone by the smart money on the East Side. Located on the 16th floor atop Ink48, Press Lounge presents spectacular views and light fare in a casual setting. Manhattan and Hudson River views from a glass-enclosed lounge, spacious deck with outdoor seating and a captivating reflecting pool, with food and drink to match.

The Roof Garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the best kept secrets on the East side, and now a popular tourist destination is the Metropolitan Museum of Art rooftop sculpture garden. There among a clutch of sculptures (not to mention an enormous bamboo walking sculpture that towers above the rooftop below - you can walk up but requires a special ticket and time) and over looking the city to the West is a cheesy kiosk for poor American beer and small bottles of third rate wine. Why the Met doesn't upscale their drinks to match the upscale atmosphere and views is a question we all have. The best time to be there is at sunset.

Take Our Survey and Win An iPod....

We are doing a survey right now for how our members are using their mobile devices when traveling...either for business or leisure.

To sweeten the deal, for your participation you will be entered into a drawing for a 2 Gig iPod shuffle (all appropriate questions need to be answered). This survey will be open through August. So that's when we'll give away the shuffle.

To make it easy we have a 10 question offline survey (professionally administered) that will take less than 1 minute to answer. Go to http://surveys.verticalresponse.com/a/show/680244/3b3663d59e/0 You need not be a member to take the survey.

Thanks and see you there.

The 50 Best Restaurants In The World 2010

The business of the best in culinary arts is a competitive one. Foodies and celebrity chefs closely follow the leading guides of gastronomy: The coveted Michelin 3 Stars, are handed out rarely, France prefers its Gault Millau, Asia follows the newcomer Miele Guide, Italy has its Touring Club suggestions and America prefers the Iron Chef spectacle.


But all of these are topped by the annual presentation of "San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants."


The list is created from The World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy (organized by Restaurant magazine and funded by S.Pellegrino), an influential group of over 800 international leaders in the restaurant industry. The Academy comprises 26 separate regions around the world, and each region has its own panel of 31 members including a chairperson to head it up. The panel is made up of food critics, writers, chefs and 'gastronomes' each of whom have five votes. Members vote for five restaurants, at least two of which must be used to recognise restaurants outside of their region.


"And The Envelope Please!"


For 2010....the winner of the "Best Restaurant In The World"....is....
Noma, Copenhagen Denmark! El Bulli, a Spanish coast restaurants with a waiting list as long as its balance sheet, took the big fall to a number two position after a few years of being at the top. Blame it on thier current renovation. The third best in the world goes to The Fat Duck, located just West of London. Number Fifty (which is arguably is a great place to be too): Eleven Madison Park, New York, USA.