Marben Address: 488 Wellington Street West, Toronto MJ Rating: (2 out of 3 hearts) Features: When my pal Andrew said we’d be sampling some contemporary Canadian cuisine, I had no idea what to expect. Canadian cuisine — what is it? Marben was about to school my palate. The exterior of Marben sports an industrial brick look, but inside were exposed beams and posts, giving it a homey lodge ambiance. We grabbed a booth across from the bar just inside the door, but if you’d like a more interactive dining experience, ask for a seat at the counter looking at the kitchen. Price Range: Moderate. Starters range from $5 (bread and hummus) to $18 for a charcuterie board. Entrees range from $17 (grilled octopus salad) to $38 for a beef rib eye. Wines by the glass are $10-12 (bottles start at $45), a diverse beer […]
Read More2013: A Year of Travel in Review
I’m often asked how much I travel, outside of the flight attendant flying that I do; the answer is once a month, on average. I probably averaged a bit more than that this past year. 2013 was a great year for travel, with two trips to Europe, two to Asia, and a bunch of traveling around North America. Here’s a little look back at the year in review. January As has become a family tradition, I welcomed the New Year in with a stay at the Westin. After a great meal out at one of my favorite restaurants, I tucked into bed and watched the midnight fireworks off the Space Needle from the warmth and comfort on my room. There’s nothing like playing tourist in your home town to help you appreciate all that your city has to offer. Shortly […]
Read MoreTraveling with MJ December Travel Link Up: Art
Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Inspiration. There weren’t a lot of participants, in large part due to an error on my part cutting off the submission date. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading what inspires people to travel. My favorite of the linked up travel inspiration posts was from Suzanne Fluhr at Boomeresque. Her story about Mexico, specifically San Miguel de Allende, in 1963 and how that was the genesis of her desire and love of travel, was heartfelt and inspirational. If you haven’t read it, click on through and do so. I think you’ll be as moved as I was. What’s Up This Month This month I want to know a little more about how you have experienced and appreciate art while you’re traveling. Perhaps you have a favorite art museum, or a piece of public […]
Read MoreHotel Review: Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
Yokohama Royal Park Hotel Address: 2-2-1-3 Minatomirai, Nishi-Ku, Yokohama, Japan Value Luxury Rating: Features: The Yokohama Royal Park Hotel is situated in the Minato Mirai 21 area, a cosmopolitan development area of Yokohama which combines a variety if sights and attractions, including an amusement park and the Cosmo 21 Ferris Wheel, shopping, over 200 restaurants, museums, theaters and entertainment venues, and more. The lobby and other public areas of the hotel are lovely – inviting, filled with beautiful floral displays, and offering seating and gathering areas that are well placed and don’t clutter things up. I’d call it an elegant Zen vibe, with a nice dash of upscale luxury. Hotel features and amenities include: fitness center, indoor pool, 9 restaurants, spa, business center, tea ceremony room, gift shop, and concierge service. Located on floors 52-67 of the building, every one of the Royal […]
Read MoreWorld Map Update: Thailand and Malaysia
It’s time to add another two countries to my visited list – Thailand and Malaysia. It’s still a rather paltry representation, emphasizing that I made numerous visits to the same place rather than venture further afield. I’m working on plans to hit up a few more countries in 2014, so stay tuned. Create your own travel map – TravBuddy
Read MoreProduct Review: STM Impulse Laptop Backpack
STM Impulse Laptop Backpack Product: STM Impulse Medium Laptop Backpack MJ Rating: Features: Designed to fit most 15-inch laptops, this STM bag has a main compartment to protect your laptop and tablet and a secondary pocket for files, paperwork or books. And external front pocket contains organization pockets for keys, wallet, pens, etc. There are small external pockets on each side, perfect for an umbrella, water bottle, or, as I used it, to keep my point and shoot camera easily available. At the front bottom of the backpack is a lower storage pocket; I kept my charging cables, a/c adapter, and power converters. On my trip to Asia, I used that compartment for my bag of 3-1-1 liquids. There’s a pass-through strap so you can thread it over the handle of you roller luggage and stack it on top […]
Read MoreProduct Review: Nuu-Muu for Travel Comfort
Nuu-Muu Product: Nuu-Muu exercise-and-everything-else dress MJ Rating: (of three) Features: The Nuu-Muu is an easy care multi-purpose garment than can be worn for a variety of purposes. There are basically two styles – one with pockets, one without. What I thought: I’m always looking for clothing choices that are easy to pack, yet stylish enough to do double (or triple) duty while on the road. After all, there’s a fine line between practical comfort and looking frumpy. Need I explain which one is the better option?! I was interested in the Nuu-Muu exercise-and-everything-else dress because it seem designed to flatter real women’s bodies – you know, with all those little imperfections – and it looked perfect for exercise, travel, and as a beach cover up. The Nuu-Muu can be worn over bike shorts, running tights, yoga pants, swimsuits, jeans, leggings, pretty much […]
Read MoreTalking About Belfast on The Amateur Traveler
I love talking about travel with friends, and recently Chris Christensen gave me the opportunity to talk about my trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a lot of people as a guest on his podcast, Amateur Traveler. Take a listen. Amateur Traveler Episode 396 – Travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland Now, head on over to subscribe to the Amateur Traveler so you won’t miss any of the great guests and topics Chris features on his show. I subscribe by iTunes and get automatic updates of new shows, but there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
Read MoreTraveling with MJ November Travel Link Up: Thankful
Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Museums. I enjoyed reading about so many different types of museums, from the serious and important to the quirky. My favorite of the linked up museum posts was from Henry Lee at Fotoeins Fotopress. His story, Shalechet (Fallen Leaves), Jewish Museum Berlin, was heart wrenching and painful to read. I wasn’t aware of this museum when I was in Berlin earlier this year, but it’s on my list for a return visit. If you missed it, go take a read right now. So What’s Up This Month? This month I want to know a little more about why you’re thankful to be able to travel. Maybe you’ve been somewhere that was a moving experience, maybe you’ve seen a sunset somewhere that stirred your soul, or maybe you’ve had a travel opportunity […]
Read MorePostcard from Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest in the world and dominate the skyline in Kuala Lumpur — by day they are a shiny focal point, and a night they seem to glow and light up the sky. They contain offices for Petronas and other tenants. If you seen a movie or photo of Kuala Lumpur, you’ve likely caught a glimpse of these towers.
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