Famed for several fantastic taste-bud twisting restaurants in Philadelphia, chefs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran have done it again. Best described by The Posh Review as a place for ”savory, urban dining,” Barbuzzo offers creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes based on the flavors of Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France.
The restaurant itself is a welcoming space, not large, but encompasses a bar, wall shelf cubbies with glass jars full of colorful herbs and dried veggies, and outdoor seating in a comfortable 13th street setting. Tables for two are perfect for an intimate conversation — complete with lit candles for a romantic ambiance.
The marriage of travel and food has been a long and happy one. For foodies, a destination isn’t going to rank as a favorite unless its cuisine — be it Mexican food in San Diego, seafood in Seattle, or the hodgepodge of deliciousness that is New York – is something special. For us, that logic applies equally to the hotels where you stay within a city: not just hotels with great restaurants, but places that incorporate gourmet treats into the overall hotel experience. These hotels we love offer awesome foodie freebies, from decadent a la carte breafkasts to free nightly wine hours. Talk about tasty extras.
A la carte breakfast
The free a la carte breakfast at Costa Rica's Gaia Hotel and Reserve is worth writing home about.
Free hotel breakfasts aren’t exactly a rarity, but they are usually comprised of cereals, fruit, and, if you’re lucky, some moderately edible scrambled eggs. Not so at Gaia Hotel and Reserve, where the free breakfast is a gourmet a la carte affair. Menu items include Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles, Italian Egg White Frittata, Vanilla and Mango Pancakes, a Costa Rican Breafkast, and more. And the freebies don’t stop there: The room rate also includes a short spa treatment.
While most pools are meant for swimming, some luxury pools are meant to bring you into an entirely unique aquatic world. At these pools, you can get your underwater meditation on and call the butler for a sunglass cleaning or reflexology massage.
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
With 21 private cabanas, the “Pink Palace” is an oasis surrounded by towering palms. Sunglasses smudged? Not to worry. The staff will cater to your every need; from sunglass-cleaning to providing frozen towels and fresh sorbet. Dive into the pool and listen to the underwater music, or relax in front of the flat screen TVs and dine deliciously in the cabanas.
The view from above, the view from behind, the view from your balcony. From city skylines to infinite horizons, these views are the best we’ve seen. View on.
You’re planning a vacation with the family and need to find a kid-friendly resort, with beach access and babysitting service.
You’re planning your buddy’s bachelor party in Vegas and need to find the hotel that will give you the biggest party out there.
You’re planning a last minute business trip to Washington, D.C. and need to find the nicest hotel with the best price.
Oyster Shots has got you covered.
WATCH
The Chateau Marmont is starring in a new miniseries, produced by Office star John Krasinski and Social Network scribe Aaron Sorkin. The miniseries, whose name is not yet been decided, will highlight Marmont high-profile celebrities that have stayed there since the 1920s. [Hotel Chatter]
Exciting news! You can now seamlessly search through our thousands of photos to find the perfect accommodations for you with Oyster Shots. Whether you’re looking for the best hotel on the beach or the most luxurious New York City suite, find them instantly with Oyster Shots. Go ahead – start searching! We’d love to get your feedback.
These views top all others for the most spectacular fireworks shows around the country.
Washington D.C.
Around 9:15 pm, gaze up as the capitol’s sky is illuminated with dazzling fireworks on the National Mall. The coolest part? The fireworks are actually launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. Doesn’t get much better.
Stay:The W Washington D.C. is new and gorgeous — the fusion cuisine from Jean-Georges Vongerichten; a fashionable rooftop bar; a great spa and gym; Whatever/Whenever service; and a convenient location to the Mall make it your perfect 4th of July Washington D.C. stay.
It’s officially summer, which means 4th of July celebrations and parties are right around the corner. Fireworks, dancing and suntans are in our near future – so let’s start getting excited! Which coast will you be on for Independence Day, and better yet, which one wins?
Los Angeles
Go: 4th of July AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl
Looking for the biggest, most outageous fireworks show in Southern California? You go it. With music, food, and tons of entertainment at your disposal, you’ll be celebrating at one of the biggest gatherings in town for just $13 (kids 7 and under go for free).
Stay: Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens
With a big 2010 renovation, the lobby, hallways, and rooms are all brand new and beautiful. The lovely, secluded outdoor garden and subtle Japanese touches throughout the property give it that special touch that will make your stay memorable. Enjoy live jazz on Thursday evenings and dine elegantly at three restaurants (two with fine, traditional Japanese dining).
