CUNARD CRUISE LINE

Posted on July 23, 2008
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cONDE nAST Number of ships: 2
Ship capacity: 1,791 to 2,592 passengers
Price range: Expensive

The audience: The line’s specialty—now as ever—is the transatlantic crossing, so the demographics skew older. Expect plenty of retirees and other genteel types looking forward to the peace and quiet of six days at sea with no ports and no distractions other than accomplished speakers and the many books they’ve packed. Probably a handful of Titanic fans, too.

Strengths: The Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest ocean liner, has taken over the torch from the venerable Queen Elizabeth 2, which retires in fall of 2008. The Queen Victoria will set sail in December 2007. The new vessels still, however, adhere to the class (or should we call it caste?) system of each cabin category getting its own dining room—four in all, with the dining experience becoming more intimate as you move up the ranks. Regardless, the food is excellent throughout. The guest lecture series is another standout: It draws actors such as John Cleese and Carrie Fisher, and literary lions like New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik. Lastly, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub is gorgeous and staffed by therapists who have been trained at the original outpost in Tucson. It’s arguably the best spa on the seas.

Weaknesses: The line is now owned by the parent company of Carnival, so don’t be surprised that the old days of “stump the chef” ordering at the Queen’s Grill (the top-level dining room) have been reined in. That said, the new ships have some pretty nifty amenities, including restaurants helmed by Todd English (try the braised short ribs over polenta), a planetarium, and a fully stocked library.

Insider tip: After all those days at sea, there’s often a big rush to get off at disembarkation. If you can handle your own luggage, obtain “self-help” baggage tags before arriving. The stalwart folks who carry their own bags are also the first group allowed off.

Itineraries: Besides the six-day transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton (from $1,399 per person), the QM2 sails to Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and makes a fall foliage trip along America’s northeast coast. The Queen Victoria will have its maiden voyage in Northern Europe and then embark on a world cruise in 2008.

Cunard Line
Tel: 800 728 6273

RESTAURANT PICK OF THE WEEK: SOUK’S ON

Posted on July 23, 2008
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Concierge Where: Le Tobsil, Marrakesh, Morocco

Why Go: You want to experience the lengthy, elaborate Moroccan meal known as a diffa in a seductive, small-scale setting—not a jam-packed tourist trap.

A Side of Atmosphere: After the adrenaline rush that comes from jostling your way through the labyrinthine medina, this restaurant, hidden behind an unmarked door (next to the Riad Catalina hotel), feels like a sultry sigh of relief. Gnaoua guitarists pluck out hypnotic, trance-inducing melodies, candlelight flickers from every nook, and rose petals on the tables actually feel right strewn amidst all the silk and velvet. This is mystical Marrakesh—rich, dark, sexy—at its most beguiling.

Appetite for Seduction: Le Tobsil has one of the medina’s most well-executed set menus, so be prepared for a procession of succulent, savory dishes such as slow-cooked chicken with onions and roasted tomatoes (it’s paired with cornmeal crêpes) or aromatic leg of lamb made with ras al-hanout (a heady blend of spices like cardamom and nutmeg) and topped with cinnamon-quince sauce.

The Hot Seat: The restaurant only seats 50 people, and tables are arranged around an open-air courtyard and its upper perimeter. Table 9, under an archway on the balcony, has the best position over the overall scene; downstairs, the “table de la cheminée” is snuggled into a dark nook by a fireplace.

Le Tobsil
22 Derb Abdellah ben Hessaien
Marrakesh, Morocco
Tel: 212 24 44 4535
Email: restobsil@yahoo.fr

COMPLIMENTS OF CONCIERGE.COM

SABA…… THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN

Posted on July 22, 2008
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Saba is ideal for the traveler looking for a secluded haven, in peaceful and friendly surroundings. Rising steeply from the azure sea, the tiny island in the Caribbean is a magical experience far away from the cares and worries of today’s hurried world. SABA TOURISM Four small villages are as quaint and charming as the gentle, friendly manner of the Saban people, descended from hardy 17th century pioneers. Visitors feel they have stepped back in history, yet many modern luxuries are here to be enjoyed. Saba is a monument to nature’s best above and below the ocean’s surface. The famous Saba Marine Park is second to none. Saba is a magical place for scuba diving, hiking, admiring the nature or honeymooning!

The Unspoiled Queen
Imagine an island in the Caribbean untrampled by time. Imagine unspoiled landscapes that make you feel like an early explorer, and friendly English speaking people who make you feel at home. All this is Saba… VISIT: WWW.SABATOURISM.COM

CASSANDRA WILSON IS LOVERLY

Posted on July 22, 2008
Filed Under The Brick Vine, Jazz Music | Leave a Comment

j&r

What the Critics Say

Vocalist Cassandra Wilson has used her 15 years at Blue Note to explore the interpretive range of her voice, whether singing tunes by Van Morrison, Robert Johnson, Lewis Allan, Miles Davis, or Hoagy Carmichael. In many ways, Wilson has offered a new view of the standard by using classic rock and Delta blues tunes in her live and recorded repertoires. That said, Loverly is her first offering comprised almost completely of American songbook standards since Blue Skies 20 years ago. Wilson produced the recording in Jackson, MS, and surrounded herself with old friends: guitarist Marvin Sewell, bassists Reggie Veal and Lonnie Plaxico, drummer Herlin Riley, and labelmate and pianist Jason Moran. The material is beautifully chosen; it ranges from Oscar Hammerstein’s “Lover Come Back to Me” and Luiz Bonfá’s “A Day In The Life Of A Fool” (the English version of “Black Orpheus”) to Juan Tizol’s “Caravan,” Irving Mills’ “St. James Infirmary,” and Ray Noble’s “The Very Thought of You.” Given Wilson’s working methods, these standards are performed in iconic ways — without losing the central integrity of their sources. A prime example would be “Caravan,” where the basic rhythmic pulse has been doubled with a snare, hi-hat, and taut, edgy piano. Wilson offers the melody as written, but with her own stretched-line phrasing applied to the lyric. “Lover Come Back to Me” carries within it the gentle bounce of the original, and Wilson evokes both Nina Simone and Betty Carter in her rhythmic approach to the lyric and melody. The warm double-time guitar strut of Sewell paces the track; Moran’s solo walks a line between show tune formalism and vanguard improv that is fresh and exciting. The reading of “Black Orpheus” here is unusual: Wilson is very conservative in her approach to the melody, so much so that the beautiful Portuguese “saudade” element is texturally amplified and bossa is stretched to the breaking point. The band’s meld of subtle Afro-Latin rhythms evokes Cuban son, and conserves the root elements in the original. The duet between Sewell’s truly unique acoustic guitar style and Wilson’s vocal on “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” is utterly tender. A pair of left-field cuts are here as well. First is a group improvisation called “Arere.” Propelled by a hypnotic, nearly funky upright bassline, Sewell plays short choppy chords with Afro-Cuban percussion in the backdrop; Moran plays around and through the polyrhythms as Wilson sings and speaks — she improvises with the band in a number of different languages. Strangely, it doesn’t feel out of place here. The other ringer is a read on Elmore James’ trademark blues “Dust My Broom.” It is not offered as the raucous barroom wailer it classically is. Instead, it’s snaky, sultry, and steamy. Sewell’s edgy, razored slide guitar, hand percussion, and Wilson’s finger snaps accompany her voice on the first verses, establishing a groove before the rest of the band enters. Her phrasing is pure sassy soul that gradually takes this blues firmly into the jazz camp. Wilson has done what many other singers — many of them on Blue Note — couldn’t even envision: she has taken a substantial part of the American songbook, employed a crack, risk-taking jazz group, and added new depth, texture, and meaning to these songs, without sacrificing their elegance or appeal. Loverly is the only reason to avoid imposing a moratorium on the very tired standards genre that has become the bane of jazz in recent years. It cannot be recommended highly enough. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

WINE PICK OF THE WEEK: VIADER PROPRIETARY RED 2005

Posted on July 22, 2008
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Dean and Deluca Delia Viader strives to make wine that will leave a lasting impression. From her estate vineyards high in the hills above the Silverado Trail come this gorgeously balanced, lush Cabernet blend - you will have no choice but to be impressed. $90

FOR THOSE WHO APPRECIATE CAVIAR

Posted on July 22, 2008
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Dean & Deluca

Calvisius Caviar*
From the white sturgeon, the roe is firm with a large grain and dark in color, exhibiting a rich, nutty, creamy flavor. Chipped ice and a caviar spoon is all that is required to fully appreciate this exceptional caviar. Sustainably raised in Italy.

0.7 OZ. - $80.00

1.5 OZ. - $120.00

1.75 OZ. - $190.00

4.39 OZ. - $450.00

8.78 OZ - $900.00

To purchase got to www.deandeluca.com

GROVER WASHINGTON, JR.: INNER CITY BLUES (REMASTERED)

Posted on July 10, 2008
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This 1971 date was Washington’s first as a leader, after playing and recording with the small organ combos of Charles Earland and Johnny “Hammond” Smith. It’s unheard-of for a jazz musician to make his debut complete with strings, horns, and vocal group, but Washington apparently got the opportunity when the backing tracks were in place for a Hank Crawford album and Crawford was out of the country. Stranger still, Washington is usually playing alto here rather than his customary soprano or tenor. It was an instrument he hadn’t played in years, and the result of his horn switching is a compellingly original sound that’s almost sopranolike. Despite the circumstances, Washington brings a lot of himself to this music, making personal statements of two contemporary Marvin Gaye songs, “Inner City Blues” and “Mercy, Mercy Me,” and the standards “Georgia on My Mind” and “I Loves You, Porgy.” He also puts together an effective combination of Bill Withers’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” and J.J. Johnson’s “Theme from Man and Boy.” Whether it’s the tight combo of “Inner City Blues” or the full-blown orchestra with strings and backing vocals, this is soul jazz of the first rank.

www.amazon.com

JOE MALONE CANDLE TROESSEAU - $575

Posted on July 10, 2008
Filed Under The Brick Vine, Living, Luxury | Leave a Comment

For those of us who enjoy a little aromatherapy this
elegantly understated Candle Trousseau brings a sense of refinement to the home. A suite of candles in signature scents is presented in a stately leather jewel box accompanied by a sterling candlesnuffer and key.

Large Candle:
Pomegranate Noir
Home Candles include:
Grapefruit, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Necatrine Blossom & Honey
Travel Candles include:
Amber & Sweet Orange, Lime Blossom, Orange Blossom, Wild Fig & Cassis, Eau de Cologne Tea, Parma Violets Tea

www.neimanmarcus.com

A LITTLE PORTUGUESE WINE HISTORY

Posted on July 10, 2008
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Portugal has a long tradition in winemaking; in fact the history producing wine in this country comes from much earlier than the foundation of its Nationality. Portuguese wine comes from vineyards that are planted from the northern to the southern Portuguese regions. Although Portugal is a small country it has a great variety of soils and climate as well as Portuguese wine varietals allowing a great diversity of Portuguese wines. In addition, there are several methods of winemaking which have obvious reflex in the wine produced. Portugal is amongst the largest wine producers in the world, had ranked 10th in 2004. Portuguese wines include Port wine, Madeira wine, red wines, white wines, “vinho verde” and moscatel de Setubal. Cheers!

RETAIL THERAPY - THE SHOPS - OLD MILL DISTRICT - OREGON?

Posted on July 10, 2008
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The Old Mill District If Oregon is your destination, plan well there’s lots to do. Wether your the outdoorsy adventurous type or you like to leisurely stroll amoungst vineyards don’t forget to make time for soem serious power shopping. For those who think shopping should be a plympic evnt, central Oregon is said to be the perfect training ground. In addition to name brand retailers, who’ll also find one-of=a-kind clothing boutiques, art galleries,outdoor outfitters, rare antiques, gourmet foods and wine, a childrens museum, and outlet bargains all tax free. May I suggest you add another day or two to your stay. More here: http://www.theoldmill.com/shopping.php