Dining in the Sky Las Vegas Style

Dinner in the Sky is a new venue that offers guests the opportunity to literally dine in the sky above Las Vegas. No, its not the newest theme park thrill ride to be introduced in Vegas, but a concept to give small groups or individual guests a very different take on dining out. Each meal consists of a 22 person Sky Table while suspending the guest over 160 feet in the air. Reservations are requested and prices begin at $249 a person that includes a reception, photography, access to the Sky Lounge and packages are available Thursday through Sunday. For transfers between your hotel and Dinner in the Sky add an extra $20.00 per person to the price.

A Grounded 747

So if sitting on the runway delayed for hours isn't your idea of a good time, now you can actually pay to have a good time sitting on the runway. A jumbo 747 has been permanently cleared for landing as the world's first airplane hostel. The hostel will be conveniently located on the tarmac at Stockholm's Arlanda Airport and it was originally built in 1976. It is now a 25 room boutique hotel er hostel, with major upgrades in the decor and bathroom areas. Most of the coach class area is devoted to three bed shared rooms, an in-plane cafe and even a balcony area over the jetliner wing. If you really want to shell out the big bucks, try booking the cockpit suite that comes with access to the first class lounge and some well deserved privacy. While my backpacking-through-Europe- days are over, it could be that spending the night in a Jumbo 747 hostel could you earn you some bragging rights or at least give way to interesting conversation at your next dinner party.

Vegas Uncork'd

Vegas Uncork'd is Las Vegas' premiere culinary event sponsored by bon appetit, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Southern Wine and Spirits, Wynn, Bellagio and others. It showcases delightful cooking experiences, wine tastings, grand culinary tastings, dinners, and much more. Famous chefs that will dot the event with exclusive appearances include Chef Michael Mina, Chef Daniel Boulud, Chef Todd English and Chef Bobby Flay. Tickets are on sale now. Check out www.vegasuncorked.com

Four Seasons Aviara

One of my personal favorites, the Four Seasons Aviara in Northern San Diego is offering a great Spring Break Getaway. You will receive a $100 resort credit and for every 2 nights paid you will receive the third night free! If you stay 6 nights, you get 2 nights free. All reservations must be booked through a travel professional, but with average temps in the 70s year round and airfare from Denver just $179 - why shouldn't you go!

Surf and Yoga Program in Costa Rica

Pura Vida Adventures offers a great surf and yoga program at Hotel Tropico Latino in Malpais Costa Rica. In addition to the daily yoga and surf classes taught to each attendees ability level, guests will also receive a 1 hour massage at the Spa Natural. The rate is a bit steep for this economy, but its $2095 for a 6 night package including daily surf instruction, yoga classes, beachfront villa or bungalow accommodations, a one hour beachfront massage, a salsa night and other cultural activities. Airfare is additional. Check out www.puravidaadventures.com

Brisas Mexico Package

Brisas Resorts is offering a great deal with up to 15% off with the purchase of its Mexico Holiday Breeze package. It includes free breakfast, a $100 to $200 Food and Beverage Credit, a room category upgrade, 4th night free and is valid for stays between Jan 4th and April 2nd, 2009.

Culinary Connections Amazing Gourmet Tour

I had the unique privillege of sitting in on one of Culinary Connectors amazing Gourmet Tour's this weeked. As someone who lives in the suburbs, I constantly complain about how much I love the city but with kids in tow never find the time to go. Denver is a thriving, fun, young town with so many new restuarants and shops even if I could hit the Highlands, or LoDo or 16th Street Mall everyday there is no way to see it all.

Thanks to Culinary Connectors, it gave me a great view of 6 terrific boutique shops that I may have never found on my own. We started at Savory Spice (thank goodness there is one close to me in Littleton) and tasted true Cinnamon, a Chardonnay smoked salt and a white and black peppercorn. Their dried corn is a delicious snack!

Then we moved to the House of Common Tea Shop where owner Jessica delighted the group with four tastings and an in depth knowledge of tea time in England and the tea leaves themselves.

Chef William at Wen Chocolates took eating chocolate to a new culinary level and I highly recommend the Molotov Pineapple truffle - yum!

From there we were chauffeured down 6th to The Truffle Shop where owner and master Chef Rob told us that on any given week he has over 160 cheeses from around the world. Each Wednesday they pick up their newest delivers at DIA and he encourages everyone to try everything in his shop.

Next stop was the Red Trolley in the Highlands area. What a terrific culinary journey! The group learned the intrinsic details of making gelato and chef tricks to making your scones come out of the oven perfectly every time. Mondo Vino was our last stop in the Highlands Square area. The elegant yet hippy chic store encompasses a world of wine. The tasting bar was terrific and each wine was paired with a cheese and olive bread. I highly recommend the 1590 in the back corner because for $9 a bottle you can't beat it in this economy.


Check out http://www.culinaryconnectors.com/ and http://www.savorytravel.com/ for more information on tours in your area or how to join one of these!

Air Jamaica Announces Service Changes

In a sign of the current economic times, Air Jamaica announced that it will discontinue passenger service in 3 US gateway cities: Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles. The company announced the changes are in line with its 2009 Business plan and it will keep its cargo service from these airports. Air Jamaica is a great company to work with and I've used them so many times for travel especially between Miami and Atlanta for passenger travel to Jamaica.

Taste, Enjoy and Experience

Culinary Connectors and Vibrant Travel Solutions have joined forces to create a private culinary experience just for foodies. The events, deftly name Travel Wine and Food, are weekend long and hit such amazing cities like Las Vegas, Scottsdale and South Beach. Each trip begins with a 2 hour private welcome reception with the areas best food and wine experts, luxury accommodations, round trip airfare, breakfast each morning, amazing hotel amenities, a 5 hour chef escorted culinary tour, 24 hour personal travel concierge service pre and post trip, Travel Director and host accompany every trip and all taxes and fees. Check out www.savorytravel.com for amazing prices beginning at $969 for air and land or $599 for land only pricing.