Travel news from metro.us/boston

Get to know Nicaragua

GINA ANGELOTTI, NEW YORK — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:13:33 -0400

Although Nicaraguans seem to not like their country being compared to Costa Rica, the potential for Nicaragua to level the playing field in Central American tourism is growing. Both destinations boast rich biodiversity, adventure excursions and stunning coastlines. But unlike its more popular neighbor to the south, Nicaragua is still developing after many years of political upheaval. What it lacks in infrastructure, however, it's making up for in possibility. Nicaragua is still very affordable for globetrotters and investors alike and it hasn't yet seen other major consequences of a tourism influx. More than half of the nation's visitors go on recommendation from friends and family and there's good reason that word-of-mouth is working. We highlight six of Nicaragua's Pacific region attractions to give you just a taste.

Dine in: Managua
At Intermezzo del Bosque (www.intermezzodelbosque.com), a spacious outdoor restaurant overlooking the capital, constellations illuminate both your table and the night sky. A cool breeze that carries with it the operatic hum of cicadas adds to the romantic ambiance. Take a Macuá — a cocktail of Flor de Caña rum, lemon and guava juice — with you along the observation path where stools meet the edge of the hillside for a panoramic view. Top off a sensational dining experience by getting your fingers sticky with hojuelas, a simple dessert of crisp fried corn tortillas drenched in honey.

Shop in: Masaya
Spend hours and cordobas, the national currency, perusing stalls for souvenirs at the Masaya market. Skilled craftsmen hock wares of all kinds: Leather goods, pottery, hammocks, tyke-sized xylophones called marimbas and carved masks of wild animals and pink-faced Spaniards that celebrate the nation's folkloric history. Trade haggling for a hike through dry tropical forests at nearby Masaya Volcano. At its summit, pungent gas billows from the crater stinging your nose and pumice gravel collects in your sandals.

Stay in: Granada
The doors are always open in this colonial city on the coast of Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Backpackers and bicyclists tread stone streets lined with lemonwood trees and cafe tables. Peer through the ornate metal gates of Moorish buildings painted every color imaginable for a slice of the slow-paced life inside. Outside at night, the older citizens socialize in wicker rocking chairs while young couples make out on a cathedral's steps. Wake up in the center of it all with a traditional Nica breakfast — rice and beans, eggs, cheese and tortillas — at the immaculately preserved Victorian Dario hotel (www.hoteldario.com).

Spend an afternoon in: Ometepe
On a ferry to the desert island at Lake Nicaragua’s center, snap pictures of the perfectly conical and highly active Concepcion Volcano, one of two that form this fertile biosphere reserve. Kick up the dust on plantain farms and cattle ranches and kayak on the Charco Verde Lagoon or at beaches with oceanlike waves. For only $2, dive into Ojo de Agua’s natural spring swimming pools. At this low-key oasis shaded by a canopy of trees, locals and tourists mingle and kids take turns belly flopping into its crystal clear waters from a rope swing. (www.ojodeaguaometepe.com)

Party in: San Juan del Sur
A billboard advertising condos as you enter the laid-back surfing village declares: "Live your dream" and a growing number of expats living here are doing just that. Shuttle from Casa Oro (www.casaeloro.com) to nearby Playa Remanso, a quiet beach for beginners to get their feet wet surfing whitewash. Bikini-clad but hopefully not sunburned, brave the catcalls when you return to the city and indulge in a frozen chocolate banana or chill out with an iced coffee at Gato Negro, a library, cafe and all-around gringo outpost. Restore body and mind with Zen Yoga (www.zenyoganicaragua.com). Live guitar, a glass of wine and an unbelievable sunset accompany their monthly Vinyasa y Vino class. Keep the flow going at El Colibri, a charming Mediterranean restaurant that's always crowded but worth the wait. Or savor local seafood in an Adirondack chair on the beach at El Timón. Pop music blasts from a neighboring roof-deck, reeling you into San Juan del Sur's raucous nightlife. It's 4 a.m. — there's plenty of time to rest before the next high tide.

Retreat to: San Carlos
If you really want to get away, Montecristo River Lodge (www.montecristoriverlodge.com) is a four-hour drive from Managua along Lake Nicara-gua's east coast and an hour via speedboat on the San Juan River bordering Costa Rica. Far from accessible city life yet never completely silent, reptilian, bird and insect calls come in surround-sound in their pri-vate, rustic bungalows. The de-cor is eclectic: Plants sprout up from rusted boat propeller borders and sporting goods hang in the main cabana, an octagonal husk-capped hut with hammocks strung at nearly every side. Wooden placards in-scribed with visitors' names and where they hailed from mark the walkways, fading from harsh sunlight. There's no Wi-Fi, so unplug and simply enjoy this humid, verdant wildlife refuge. Since the ecolodge offers fishing day trips, it's no wonder that the catch of the day, grilled fresh at your request, is perfect. Wash it down with a pitcher of fresh-squeezed pineapple juice from Montecristo's own farm.

Mother's Day golf gifts: These picks are sure to please any golfing mom

RON VARRIAL, NEW YORK — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:12:18 -0400

If you happen to be born to a golf, or have married one, consider yourself lucky. Every time a holiday comes along, you have an entire world of gifts. And when it's Mother's Day, you're especially fortunate, because it coincides with the early part of the golf season.

An added bonus to buying golf gifts for that special lady in your life is that you're working within a familiar universe. Not to generalize (OK, I guess to generalize), but my guess is that if you're a guy shopping for Mother's Day, you're going feel a tad more in your element browsing the ladies clubs at Golf Galaxy or picking our shoes at Golfsmith than you would be looking for that elusive purse or the perfect perfume.

Even if you think you'll just wander in and pick up a pink version of something you use, think twice. There are a lot of options out there, but I've boiled down a list of gift ideas ranging from the extravagant to the whimsical. These items have crossed my desk in recent months and should all prove to be a real hit for Mother's Day.

Annika Academy
Golf Instruction, Orlando, Fla.
From $1,900 up to $9,245
Is this an extra special Mother's Day? Maybe the new baby's been keeping her up through the nightfor months? Or maybe the last of the kids has gone off to college? Did you just get a nice bonus and want to say thanks like never before? If you want to indulge her, how about a few days at Annika Sorenstam's golf school in Orlando? Whether mom's looking to take her game to the next level, has always wanted to learn to play the game or simply wants a few days away to play some golf, pick up a few pointers and unwind, an Annika Academy package is perfect.

The options range from the Players Package — three days of group instruction and golf ($1,900) — up to the Soren-Slam Package ($9,245) that includes lunch and a clinic with Annika herself, as well as playing nine holes with the LPGA legend. All attendees will get a true Annika experience as the academy features many of Sorenstam's closest confidants, including her swing coach, fitness instructor and even her sister, LPGA player Charlotta Sorenstam.

Adams Women’s Idea a12 OS Integrated Sets
Golf Equipment
$899.99
If mom’s just taking up golf or if her equipment needs to be replaced, these integrated sets have everything to make the game all the easier, and more enjoyable, to play. Designed specifically for women, with chic patterns and an abundance of pockets, the 14-piece Idea a12 OS Integrated Sets merges the award-winning Idea a12 OS hybrid irons, fairway woods, driver and putter with a stylish cart bag and matching head covers. All sets are available in jade, onyx, sandstone and sapphire (pictured), and with the newly introduced sterling.

Callaway Solaire II 14-Piece Set
Golf Equipment
$899
Elegance meets performance with the new Solaire II 14-Piece Set, which is built for women golfers to achieve ideal distance separation between clubs, promoting confidence to play from anywhere on the course. The set consists of an all-titanium driver, three stainless steel fairway woods, three hybrids, two irons, three wedges, a mallet putter and a versatile cart bag. Through years of research with women golfers, Callaway has created an "Energy Efficient" design that optimizes every element of a golf club to maximize performance for a woman’s swing. The end result is higher ball flights, longer distance, better accuracy and improved forgiveness.

Fila Golf Outfit
Women's Apparel
$80
Go from the playground to the first tee in this adorable, sporty Malaga Skort (available in silver/atomic orange, white/pine green & Fila navy/viva red, shown). And, pair it with the ever-classic, nautical-inspired Marseille Striped Shirt, which has a look that’s great for the course or a cruise (available in Fila navy/viva red, and white/pine green, shown).

Both pieces will keep mom cool, not to mention cute, with their moisture-wicking technical properties. All Fila Golf tops are available in sizes XS through XXL and bottoms in sizes 0 through 14, with lengths hitting right above the knee. Free shipping is available on any purchases more than $100 from ShopFilaGolf.com.

adidas W adicross
Golf Shoes
$80
The sporty style of adidas makes the W adicross the perfect golf shoe for Mom, whether on the course or while running around for the day. These spikeless shoes offer all the grip and traction needed while playing, but offer great versatility and comfort. The full-grain leather upper provides a a rich look and feel as well as a two-year waterproof warranty. Available in three colorways, there will be a W adicross that's perfect for your lucky lady.

Callaway Solaire Sunglasses
Eyewear
$130
Callaway offers three models of shades, all perfect for on the course or away from it. All three feature NEOX lenses, which are engineered to adjust to the decreased depth of field caused by most sunglasses. The result is the sharpest and most accurate vision available for mom while she's enjoying a day on the links. These lenses will allow her to see the angles and lines with greater sharpness and accuracy than with any other non-prescription pair of sunglasses. Neox lenses block 100% of harmful UV radiation.

Tin Cup Fore the Ladies Package
Golf Ball Marking Stencil
$30
Help mom make her mark on the fairway with Fore The Ladies from Tin Cup. Whether flamingos, a martini glass or one of the nearly 100 designs, the golf ball marking stencil package lets you pick the Tin Cup that matches her personality perfectly. Tin Cup packages come with a leather pouch, a black clip and two pen colors. For help with her game, select marks also can be used as alignment/game improvement tools.

Showing Love with AB Golf Designs
Driver head cover
$25
She’ll be able to show off your love at every hole with the “Think Pink” heart head cover, which fits all clubs from the big 460cc driver down to the fairway woods. The pink ribbon on the base of the contrasting green sock keeps breast cancer awareness at the forefront, and a portion of sales proceeds goes to the Maurer Foundation, a charitable organization dedicating to breast health education.

The Ecuador escape

T. MICHELLE MURPHY, NEW YORK — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:39:15 -0400

When most people think about planning a trip to Ecuador, they imagine visiting either the big cities - like Quito, the capital - or the luxurious Galapagos Islands. But in between, there's an array of travel opportunities that often get overlooked. Bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Ecuador is divided into three distinctly different landscapes: the coast, the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest.

The coast
You can soak in all of the nation's famed beach life without shelling out big bucks for the Galapagos. Close to Manta, a port city in the Manabi Province, you can set out on Isla Corazon (Heart Island) mangrove tours and explore the heritage of more rural villages. A few hours' drive brings you to Alandaluz Hosteria, an eco-lodge with pools and a private beach (www.alandaluzhosteria .com). Further south in Santa Elena, Salinas is nicknamed "Little Miami" for its fun-in-the-sun reputation. Nearby, Los Frailes is considered one of the country's most beautiful beaches.

The Andes
One major highlight is the Middle of the World, at the line of the equator in Pinchincha Province. You can learn about the physics and history of this intriguing geographical spot at its present, GPS-verified location - or at the site of the original monument, approximately 240 meters south. Don't miss El Crater, a restaurant and hotel located in Mirador del Puluagua on the edge of a large, scenic volcanic crater. With actual clouds wafting past at eye-level, the quirky-yet-upscale venue offers an exquisite sense of atmosphere (www.elcrater.com).

The Amazon
You can make an entire trip out of a jaunt to the Amazon. The rainforest offers a one-of-a-kind getaway where you can turn off your electronics, explore nature and escape from the world. Choose from eco-friendly retreats like the Napo Wildlife Center, where packages averaging four days include lodging, meals and activities. Bilingual guides lead hikes, bird-watching and canoe trips (www.napowildlifecenter.com).

Pit stop

In the middle of the three regions, Quito is an excellent layover for a day of rest and cultural intake. With stunning churches, museums, nightlife and plenty of shopping, the nation's capital offers more traditional urban tourism fare. Worth the steep drive through the heart of the city's colonial center, El Ventanal restaurant offers upscale dining with breathtaking panoramic views (www.elventanal.ec). Our advice: Don't skip dessert.

Ecuador is easy

English is commonly spoken in major areas
Ecuador uses American dollars as currency
It's on EST, except during Daylight Saving Time
Electric outlets take U.S. plugs without conversion
The flight is less than seven hours from NYC

Scottsdale: So hot, it’s cool

JULIA FURLAN, NEW YORK — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:35:37 -0400

It's been a long time since Scottsdale, Ariz., lived up to it's official nickname: "the West's most Western town." Old Town Scottsdale does have its share of saloon doors and an annual festival celebrating the Pony Express, but for those who take the new with the old, there is something for visitors of every type.

Art galleries, restaurants and shops fill the traditional low-slung, beige buildings of Scottsdale's historic district, where you can snap up artwork and turquoise jewelry made by local artists.

There is no need to fear the triple-digit temperatures that Scottsdale's locals shrug off -- nights are cool in the Sonoran Desert, but Scottsdale has a buzzing nightlife that heats up as the temperatures drop.
Swanky lounges like the W Hotel's Wet Deck draw crowds of sun-kissed, sharply dressed, beautiful people, while the open architecture brings a laid-back vibe to sports bars like the Upper Deck. And don't worry about over-imbibing:?Free golf carts make it easy for revelers to bar-hop at the night's end.

View from the top

For those who think vertically, a peaceful hot air balloon ride in the early morning is the perfect cure for last night's party. Vistas of the mountain ranges surrounding Scottsdale are breathtaking. For the physically ambitious, Camelback Mountain turns a honey-kissed red as it catches the sunlight in the morning -- almost as red as the faces of those tackling the moderately strenuous 1,300-foot hike.

Eat your fill

Luxury hotels and a rabid, year-round golf scene mean that there is a restaurant for every palate in Scottsdale. For diners looking for bright modern design in dish and decor, AZ88 Bar and Restaurant is ideal. A short walk down the Scottsdale Waterfront to Lee's Cream Liqueur ice cream shop will finish off any meal with boozy flair -- the Jack Daniels chocolate swirl is a special treat.

Architecturally sound

Scottsdale's architectural landscape mimics the flat, low topography of the surrounding natural environment. Architecture lovers shouldn't miss a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's famed former home, Taliesin West, which is a bastion of sustainable architecture and design.

It's time to crash Antigua's beach party

MONICA WEYMOUTH, PHILADELPHIA — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:37:29 -0400

There's a reason Europeans in search of serious sun flock to Antigua -- or, more accurately, 365 reasons. The Caribbean island proudly boasts a "beach for every day of the year," and with temperatures hovering around 75-85 degrees year-round, there's no shortage of time to enjoy each and every one of them.

Considering it's only a six-hour flight from New York, it's about time we crashed this beach party.

Eat this

Antigua has a rich food culture that mixes traditional island cuisine with that of its former English colonists, along with plenty of Jamaican influences. For more adventurous eaters, roadside food stands serve up piles of jerk meats and plantains. If you'd prefer some comfort take-out, the island is also host to many Chinese restaurants where the menu will look familiar. But you can't leave before trying the island's storied "black pineapple." With darker skin than the fruit you'll find in supermarkets, its flesh is pale and smoothly sweet with hints of rich, creamy coconut. They don't grow enough to export stateside, so get your fill -- or get sneaky with customs.

Shop this

If you start to miss city life, pay a visit to Antigua's capital, St. John's. Buzzing with a warm island energy, Market Street is packed with restaurants, boutiques and fruit and veggie vendors. While it's no longer open to the public, the looming St. John's Cathedral is worth a walk-by. It's fallen into disrepair -- it has, after all, been standing since 1845 and seen its share of earthquakes -- but the graveyard is now used as a kind of spooky city park.

Gawk at this

Once a base for the British navy, English Harbour is now home to some major yachts. The best way to gawk is to charter a speedboat ride. Not only can you get an up-close look at some of the most opulent boats in the world, but along the way your guide can also point out some of the impossibly posh seaside homes of celebrities including Eric Clapton and Giorgio Armani.

Stay smart

Much of Antigua's coast is rocky, so make sure your beachfront hotel is truly on the sand and not perched on a cliff. Snuggled into an inlet along the island's quieter southern coast and backed by a tropical rainforest, Carlisle Bay resort features a powdery beach steps away from every one of its suites, all of which have ocean views. The resort is carefully designed to accommodate both families and couples, with designated meal times for children, around-the-clock day care and family-style room accommodations.

Weather warnings

Don't be intimidated by a rainy forecast. Weather.com will likely predict a 100 percent chance of showers every day, but these rarely last long enough for you to move under your beach umbrella.

Revel in Atlantic City's new casino

BRIAN X. MCCRONE, PHILADELPHIA — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:11:51 -0400

When Kevin DeSanctis began his career in Atlantic City many years ago, the CEO of the gambling mecca's new, $2.4 billion Revel resort and casino wasn't working for casinos -- he was monitoring them as a New Jersey state trooper.

His transformation into the top official at the resort town's most expensive creation ever is about as radical a makeover as the scuffling city needs from Revel to usher in a turnaround.

Its arrival comes at a time when Pennsylvania's "convenience" casinos just took over as the second-most revenue-drawing, by state, in the country. Speculation is that Atlantic City could do itself a favor in the years ahead by bulldozing a couple of its weakest links. (It now has 11 casinos, including Revel.)

"Casinos in Pennsylvania and New York are part of a convenience market. They've become not much different than [gamblers'] local bars," DeSanctis said of the proliferation of competition for gambling dollars. "We believe we offer a great alternative."

The alternative Revel offers is in its "leisure" approach to entertainment. Gone -- forever, perhaps? -- are the days where Atlantic City's resorts catered mostly to gamblers. DeSanctis said a fundamental shift at Revel will be a new emphasis on entertainment outside of the sea of slots and blackjack tables.

In a stark contrast to its chief competitor for patrons, Borgata and its sister resort, the Water Club, Revel embraces Atlantic City's greatest natural resource.

"You can't build on the beach and turn your back to the ocean," DeSanctis said. During a tour of the property with Revel's principal architect, Michael Prifti, who also oversaw construction of the Borgata nine years ago, the Atlantic Ocean is visible from almost everywhere in the resort.

The Revel Beach is still under construction, but will be ready by the official opening, Memorial Day weekend. The current earth moving along the northernmost stretch of the boardwalk includes creating a beach with small waves for waders and larger breakers for surfers, Prifti said.

The ocean is as dominant upon a trip around the resort as the main gambling floor.

"I don't think anyone appreciates having to walk through a casino to get to your hotel room," Prifti said. "What we're trying to do is make people feel, 'we're going to have a good time.'"

It's a feeling Atlantic City needs a lot more of in the coming months and years if it's going to remake itself in the era of convenience gambling.

What we saw

The emphasis on entertainment over gambling spending by its guests means Revel put a lot of effort into its cuisine and leisure fares. Here's highlights of what to see and do:

1. Garces, Garces, Garces: Philly's biggest celebrity chef, Jose Garces, has four different eateries at Revel, with options for those looking to woo a date with high-priced menus to someone on the move itching for a quick taco.

2. NYC's culinary influence: Acclaimed chefs Alain Allegretti and Marc Forgione are also opening high-end Mediterranean and steakhouse restaurants. As you imagined, all the eateries have panoramic views of the ocean.

3. The Social: Like the Borgata, Revel has a massive concert venue -- 5,500 seats -- but also an intriguing secondary space like The Social seats 700 for live entertainment, which can convert to provide different experiences depending on the act.

4. Beach Club and nightclub: HQ Nightclub and HQ Beach Club combine for more than 80,000 square feet of party space. Depending on your preference, get sweaty on the inside dance floor until the early hours or enjoy the ocean breeze on the private beachfront.

5. Sand: Unlike most of Atlantic City's casinos, there is an emphasis on the ocean. Revel also remade thousands of feet of the boardwalk that links the resort to the beach -- very little possibility of splinters.

Off the beaten path in London

MEREDITH ENGEL, NEW YORK — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:15:48 -0400

While it's certainly freeing to be a tourist in another city — you can indulge in the quintessential activities you've always read about and not give a hoot about taking a million pictures — it's also fun to live like a local, careening your way through little streets and hanging with the townies at the neighborhood pub. If your travels soon take you to London, be sure to add these resident-approved experiences to your to-do list.

How to get there

American Airlines, with fellow oneworld® Alliance member British Airways, offers a London express service with 15 flights per day from the New York City area to London. www.aa.com

Where to stay

Dolphin House
For a unique home-stay experience, book a room at the Dolphin House, right outside of central London and close to the Tube (subway) and double-decker bus stops. Dolphin House combines the amenities of a hotel with the luxuries of an upscale apartment: Your suite is equipped with a spacious living room, a dining area and a full kitchen. There’s a market on the grounds so you can stock your own fridge, as well as a spa, gym and restaurant. www.dolphinsquare.co.uk/house

Where to dine

Rex Whistler Restaurant at the Tate Britain
On view at the Tate Britain museum's eatery is "The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats," a mural by British artist Rex Whistler. Stop by for a deliciously proper lunch, high tea, dinner or weekend breakfast. But hurry in — the restaurant is closing for renovations in July. www.tate.org/uk

Smiths of Smithfield
The hip, four-floor space is situated in Smithfield Market, London's version of NYC's Meatpacking District. British celebrity chef John Torode, who specializes in Australasian cuisine, mans the kitchen. Clink glasses with London's beautiful people while you enjoy steaks and sticky toffee pudding in the industrial setting. www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk

What to see

Kew Gardens
London's answer to the Public Garden will you have winding acres of lush green grass, maybe even coming into contact with a wild peacock or too. Tour historic landscapes, climb trees (via stairs — not tree trunks) and pay homage to Lady Di at the Princess of Wales Conservatory. www.kew.org

Borough Market
The sumptuous food market is a feast for both your belly and eyes. Ogle the assortment of produce and be sure to sample a traditional savory meat pie while you're there. www.boroughmarket.org.uk

The Cotswolds

Located a couple of hours outside the city, this quaint region is not to be missed. The ubiquitous thatched roofs and charming storefronts will have you feeling like you're back in Dickens-era England. Spend an afternoon exploring Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque town that's home to the Bourton Model Village — a walkthrough miniature replica of the entire town — as well as some of the most delicious fish and chips you'll find. Take a train out of London's famous Paddington Station to get there.

Where to dine

The Old Butcher's Restaurant
Head to the Cotswold village of Stow for dishes like Jerusalem artichoke risotto in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. www.theoldbutchers.com

The Boot Inn
Epitomizing the Old World charm of the Cotswolds, this pub is a must-visit. Tuck into a traditional Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding while you take in the décor: actual boots presented to the restaurant from celebrities, politicians and the like. www.theboot-inn.com

Where to stay

Bluewood Lodges
Whether you're traveling with a large group or a special someone, the Bluewood Lodges from Hoseasons, a Wyndham Vacation Rentals brand, can accommodate you. Located in the Cotswold village of Kingham, the rental homes are nestled in the woods and offer all the comforts of home, like a fully-equipped kitchen and a sitting area with TV. www.wyndhamrentals.com

Gastro Scandinavia: A foodie’s destination in the north

metro.us — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:29:41 -0400

Scandinavia is world-renowned for originality, and diners will find that same innovation in Scandinavian kitchens, where a new wave of creative, world-class chefs are earning rave reviews for the “New Nordic Cuisine” concept.

Sprung from a dozen prominent chefs in the Scandinavian region, the concept is a kitchen movement dedicating itself to freshness, simplicity, and ethics in cooking. The concept involves using locally sourced and organic ingredients, and focuses on bringing back traditional dishes native to Scandinavia with an innovative twist. Famed chefs such as Norway’s Geir Skeie, Denmark’s Rene Redzepi, and Sweden’s Mathias Dahlgren all take part in the movement.

Foodies will find much to enjoy in Scandinavia. The region boasts a total of 27 Michelin rated restaurants. In addition to the assortment of gourmet restaurants, Scandinavia also took home the top three honors at the 2012 Bocuse D’Or international chef championship.

Over the past decade, Stockholm has been widely publicized as one of Europe’s most exciting, diverse and creative gastronomic destinations boasting a range of world class restaurants. Swedish chefs have distinguished themselves on the global arena, one of them acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson who mixes traces of Scandinavian flavors with French technique and African ideas at his restaurant Red Rooster Harlem.

Norway’s awe-inspiring, unspoiled nature has influenced the cuisine within the country. Norwegian cuisine’s success is based on products that thrive on pure waters and fresh, clean air. Diners can enjoy freshly caught cod from Lofoten, or juicy, sweet cherries from Hardanger.

Denmark’s gourmet restaurants are on the rise, especially in Copenhagen, where no fewer than 13 of the local eateries are Michelin rated. Even Tivoli Gardens boasts a Michelin rated restaurant. The city is also home to Noma, which has been ranked as the Best Restaurant in the World.

MARCUS SAMUELSSON
chef/owner red rooster Harlem
“My favorite dish all categories is our spiced bagel and lox — it’s spiced with Ethiopian spices, smoked the Scandinavian way with crisp bagel chips. It’s one dish that I really enjoy and I think it reflects my culinary sensibilities.”

Cuisine

Norway
Tjuvholmen Sjømagasinet First class seafood restaurant.

Oro Exclusive gourmet food.

Onda One building, three premium restaurants.

Denmark

Noma Nordic cuisine at its best. Voted the world’s best restaurant.

Aamanns Classic smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) with a twist.

Relæ Gourmet food cafeteria style.

Sweden

Frantzén Lindeberg Intimate restaurant with French/Nordic food.

B.A.R Fresh produce year round.

Norda Gothenburg Farm-to-table food by chef Marcus Samuelsson.

This article appeared as part of a special pull-out section for Metro.

Open publication - Free publishing - More architecture

Nordic Noir: Scandinavia on the Page and Screen

metro.us — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:07:22 -0400

In the past five years, focus on Scandinavian literature and movies has increased, and many talents within these fields have blossomed internationally. Rikke Ennis, ceo at Trust Nordisk, explains that the Scandinavian movie industry has grown amazingly in the past five years, and that many distributors are looking for more commercial films, such as crime movies, films based on bestsellers, or those by directors who have performed.

Rikke says, “Scandinavia is exotic to the international audience, and is synonymous with design, good taste, and rough and wild settings…”

Norwegian author Jo Nesbø’s crime novels, featuring detective Harry Hole, have achieved great success all over the world. Regarded as one of the best crime writers today, his books have caught the eye of directors wanting to turn his books into movies. It is rumored that director Martin Scorsese is set to direct a movie based on Nesbø’s book, The Snowman. Other popular Norwegian writers include Karin Fossum, who is known as the “Norwegian queen of crime” and whose books about inspector Kondrad Sejer have been published in more than 16 languages, and Siri Hustvedt, who is known for her novels set in the us. The Summer without Men is one of her most critically acclaimed books.

The nation’s international success is not limited to literature. The Norwegian film, Headhunters, is set to be released in the us in 2012.

In Denmark, the authors of the moment are Jussi Adler Olsen, with the book, The Keeper of Lost Causes, and Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis, with The Boy in the Suitcase.

The movie industry in Denmark has increased enormously in recent years. Danish actors, such as Mads Mikkelsen and Jesper Christensen, have appeared in numerous Hollywood productions.

At the 2012 Sundance festival, four Danish movies received nominations, including Keep the Lights On, with actor Thure Lindhardt. In addition to director Lars von Trier, who is known in the movie industry for his film, Melancholia, there are two female directors to keep an eye on. Lone Scherfig has established an international career with the films An Education and Italian for Beginners, while Susanne Bier won an Academy Award in 2011 for the movie, In a Better World.

One of the most talked about Scandinavian authors around the world in recent times has been Sweden’s Stieg Larsson. The Millennium Trilogy, about Lisbeth Salander and the journalist Mikael Blomkvist, has been a tremendous success. A Hollywood adaptation of the first book of the series, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, was released in 2011. Camilla Läckberg, author of Ice Princess, is another Swedish crime author who has experienced success abroad. Sweden has long-standing traditions in film-making that date back to the world famous Ingmar Bergman. Today, director Tomas Alfredsson, known for the movies Let the Right One In and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, is only one of many Scandinavian talents.

This article appeared as part of a special pull-out section for Metro.

Open publication - Free publishing - More architecture

Unique Structures: Scandinavian Form and Function

metro.us — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:48:04 -0400

Scandinavian architecture can be seen all over the world, and is well-known for its sleek and simple designs with a focus on functionality and durability.

Norwegian architecture has entered a new level over the last few years. In Oslo, the amazing Oslo Opera House, by Snøhetta, is winning awards and acclaim all over the world. The unique design and angled exterior surfaces are covered with Italian marble and white granite, and make the structure appear to rise from the water. The new Astrup Fernley Art Museum in Oslo, which presents temporary exhibitions of international art, is beautifully situated at the tip of Tjuvholmen, a restored enclave of modern buildings, shops, restaurants, and sculpture gardens in the popular Aker Brygge area.

With renowned names like Finn Juhl and Børge Mogensen, alongside world-renowned architects such as Bjarke Ingels, whose extraordinary designs focus on green thinking and sustainable, modern living space, Denmark is a hotspot for those interested in design and architecture. Another celebrated name is architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, the father of Danish modernism, with outstanding modern design pieces such as the Egg and Swan chairs, as well as Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, which is a landmark in Copenhagen. One of the newer landmarks, designed by 3XN, is the Hotel Bella Sky in the Ørestad district in Copenhagen.

Sweden has a long history of design and architecture, today brought to life by architects like Gert Wihngårdh and multi-disciplinary Claesson Koivisto Rune. A stroll around Stockholm offers up magnificent architecture views where a mix of old and new makes for an unparalleled beauty. All new buildings are carefully designed to be sustainable and leave small carbon footprints. One of the newest additions to the cityscape is Radisson Waterfront by White Architects, a stunning hotel and congress center overlooking the water.

This article appeared as part of a special pull-out section for Metro.

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