Jonathan Stein – Page 2 – Ocean Blue WORLD

Best Beaches For Surfing This Summer

Surf’s Up at these Top Surfing Beaches

Summer is here and the warmer weather brings water temperatures that are ideal for surfing. Not all surfing spots are year round though and knowing where to go can make or break your experience.

California is quintessential to surfing historically and culturally thanks in no small part to The Beach Boys, great weather and accessibility for most of the US. Trestles, Orange County is one of the most respected surfing destinations in California. With five spots providing a variety of right and left breaking waves, easy paddle-outs and opportunities for beginners as well as fun high quality breaks for experts, this is a must visit for surfers.

For the traveler looking for surf, or the surfer looking to travel, Tropic Surf is the way to go. An Australian based company with over 25 years experience in the surfing industry, they have expert guides in exotic locations around the world with the mission to have you “ride the best waves of your life in safety, comfort, skill and style.” Take a short flight across the border to Los Cabos, Mexico and there are many different points and breaks to be explored but the best thing to do is “avoid surfing in town and head out to the East Cape. Nine Palms is a magic wave in a beautiful setting. Great through the summer months with the south swells” – Martin Reynolds, Senior Surf Guide, Tropic Surf.

Those seeking a more adventurous wave in Mexico should check out Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. With a great surf season from March to December and strong barrels it is the main attraction but the summer brings big waves, not for the faint of heart.

Another amazing option is Costa Rica where Tropic Surf runs the program at the Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo. While the hotel is in a stunning location, Martin’s tip is to “head down to the south and surf the beautiful waves at Pavones and Matapalo, incredibly long waves breaking right off the jungle.”

Top Bars for Bourbon Enthusiasts

Bourbon is rapidly becoming more popular, thanks in part to replacing vodka in the preference of many bartenders as well as appearing on popular shows such as Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire. Consumers might be skeptical at first but often find that there is a richness and subtlety that high quality bourbon offers. The “Official Spirit of America,” bourbon must be made of at least 51% corn and aged in a new charred oak barrel for at least two years. It is becoming more common for bourbons to be aged for four years or longer to gain color and flavor from the American White Oak barrels.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon, with over 2,500 total whiskeys, is a must for the bourbon enthusiast. In D.C. Jack Rose has some of the rarest bourbons in the world since the owner William Benton ‘Bill” Thomas travels across America in search of historical bourbons that have a different style and flavor than many found in this day and age. It has been described as part museum, part whiskey love affair and educational.

On the west coast the place to go is Canon: Whiskey and Bitters Emporium in Seattle. Canon competes in terms of number of labels with what founder Jamie Boudreau bills as the largest spirit selection in the west. There are more than 700 American whiskeys including unique bourbons and historic bottles such as the Valley Forge from 1906.

The Silver Dollar in Louisville might not have the collection of the previous bars but it has all the feel and style of a place where bourbon should be drank. There is vintage country music on vinyl, delicious southern food, and only Kentucky made whiskeys available including over 80 bourbons with 30 rye and unaged whiskeys.

Enjoy a classic cocktail that makes use of the spirit such as the Mint Julep, Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned or Manhattan. These can be a great introduction to bourbon and an easily accessible way to celebrate National Bourbon Day on June 14th. Cheers!

The New BMX Bike by Dior Homme and Bogarde

Dior Homme x Bogarde BMX Bike

Who says off road or trick bicycles cannot be fancy and luxurious? For anyone doubting, take a look at these remarkable rides.

The third edition of this stylish and unique collaboration between the French luxury goods company Dior and France’s famous BMX specialist Bogarde is finally here. The partnership started in 2017 to the surprise and subsequent delight of many. The original was a red and black, chrome tinted BMX bike with only 70 units available. Kris Van Assche had been known to explore unusual territory in his fashion forays during his lengthy tenure as Dior Homme’s artistic director and continued to do so with aplomb.

The second edition stunned in a version that glittered with a shiny gold metal finish and calfskin detailing. Like the first model, it was in the style of the classic 80’s BMX bike and had the Dior logo and Bee appear on the frame, subtle and classy. The golden bike was limited to 100 units and priced at $5,425 USD.

British designer Kim Jones took over the role of creative director for Dior Homme, now called Dior Men, in 2018. He was behind the third installment of the beautiful bicycles and did not disappoint. This version features a pearlized metal finish with a white saddle and silver logo. This bike has a very clean and distinct look, perfect for the immaculate type. This edition came out with 150 bikes as demand for previous editions was much greater than their ultra limited and exclusive production. Be sure to get on that list ASAP whether as a collector of fine sporty toys or as someone who appreciates taking ‘riding in style’ to the next level.

Silversea’s First Ever Uncharted World Tour

Around the World with Silversea

With over twenty five years in operation, Silversea has honed their impeccable service and defined luxury in the expedition cruise experience. All accommodations come with a butler to take care of your every need on deck as well as arrange car rentals or dinner reservations in port cities. There is a nine option pillow menu and your room will be adorned by a scent you have chosen from an aromatherapy fragrance menu designed by Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto.

Now Silversea is embarking on a new kind of expedition for the adventurous and intrepid who enjoy their comfort. The 167 day uncharted world tour will visit 107 ports over 10 routes while exploring 30 countries. It is designed to “host pioneers of beauty, guests who want to see the world raw and unfiltered, unafraid of its purest form.” The Silver Cloud is 514 feet long and has a guest capacity of 254 which is big enough to comfortably socialize or not, and small enough to be truly taken care of.

Silversea cruise — Photo Courtesy by silversea.com

The adventure starts in Ushuaia to head down to Antarctica for three stops and then up the coast of Chile. Then from Valparaiso to a series of Islands heading west to Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, Australia and then across to Singapore, India, through the Suez Canal to get to the Mediterranean before heading out to Lisbon. From there, the ship heads north again going through the United Kingdom all the way up to Iceland and finishing in Tromso, Norway. What a journey!

Although there is plenty of time on board in between some ports there is more than enough to entertain. Guest lectures from pertinent experts in the area provide insight and enrich the trip. So do the language classes and wine tastings. There is a fitness center and spa, four exquisite restaurants and the Connoisseurs’ Corner where a fan of cognac or cigars can enjoy the ship’s exceptional selection. The pool deck offers a place to relax in the sun or shade, bubbling whirlpools and some of the most revitalizing fresh air one can find.

The Most Expensive Gourmet Hamburgers in the World

As the weather turns sunny and warm it is time to fire up the grill and enjoy a pastime idolized in popular culture and rightly so. To cook outdoors over an open flame is thousands of years old and yet rare for most people these days. National Hamburger day kicks off summer, and now that barbecue season is back it is the perfect time to start getting creative and adventurous.

There are several burgers that go above and beyond decadent to compete for the world’s most expensive hamburger. The first is the Fleurburger at the Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Chef Hubert Keller, author of several books and winner of numerous awards, has created a Wagyu beef burger with foie gras, shaved black truffles, topped with a special sauce and served on a Brioche truffle bun. It comes with a bottle of 1995 vintage Chateau Petrus served in Ichendorf Brunello glasses which diners keep as a memento for this momentous meal. Coming in at $5000 USD it is by far the most expensive hamburger but since the wine is included another burger has to be in the conversation.

The Glamburger at the Honky Tonk in London was designed by Chris Large who, originally from Australia, created a truly multicultural hamburger expressing the diverse community in London. This sumptuous creation starts with Kobe Wagyu beef from Japan topped with New Zealand Venison. The Glamburger is seasoned with Himalayan salt served with Canadian Lobster poached in Iranian Saffron. A hickory smoked duck egg, black truffle brie, beluga caviar, and bacon coated in maple syrup add level after level of flavor to be enjoyed savoringly. For even more elegance the bun is seasoned with Japanese Matcha, cream mayonnaise and coated in gold leaf, garnished with mango and Champagne jus and grated white truffle. Wow. At $1770 USD this burger weighed in with top points for mouthwatering appeal and creative genius.

Perhaps ambitious for the home barbecue but these lavish, luxurious meals give great ideas to experiment with. Happy Hamburger Day!

Ervin Lóránth Hervé “Pops Up” as Internet Art Sensation

Ervin Lóránth Hervé’s Art Installations Pop Up Across Europe

Hungarian artist Ervin Loranth Herve has been creating wonderful, stunning art for decades. Perhaps his most famous work though has been a giant coming out of the ground by the Gresham Palace in the Szechenyi Square in Budapest. Named Feltpve “ripped up” or “popped up” in English, the angry giant was installed as part of the Art Market, a festival highlighting central and eastern European artists. The festival brings in over 20,00 tourists each year and features various kinds of art to be enjoyed, interviews, book launches, and presentations. The behemoth instantly became a sensation over social media and the internet at large.

The Gallery Out of Home in Budapest said “The creation has several meanings, such as the symbolism of freedom, the desire to break free, the curiosity, and the dynamics of development.”

The location has its own storied history with a large building behind it originally housing offices, then Red Army barracks in World War II, it was abandoned for many years and eventually turned into a luxury hotel displaying, ‘Art Nouveau’ architecture for the Four Seasons Hotel in Gresham Palace. The stained glass, mosaics and views provide something for everyone while the Four Seasons does what it does best by delighting guests with top service and amenities.

Ervin Loranth Herve spoke about his work as something which could become more than just a temporary installation. “I think that this is a truly contemporary piece of artwork, in an extremely large size. My goal was to show people that pieces of contemporary art can be integral parts of a city. I’m positively sure that not only tourists would love them, people living in the city would too.”

Apart from the grandeur of public art Herve is known for his pop art inspired paintings and multimedia aptitude. He sometimes plays with multiple layers in paintings and in other instances with multiple time periods within the same work of art for an intriguing and captivating effect.

The Advantages of Owning a Tesla

Innovation drives the progress towards a better future and with a Tesla one can drive that innovation for a sublime experience. Every feature is designed to enhance the simplicity and purity of the driving experience. Keyless entry and ignition is just the beginning, tap the brakes to ‘wake up’ the car and be ready to drive. Put the car in park and the car automatically turns off. Close the doors and walk away and it automatically locks.

Not impressed? They have retractable door handles make the car sleeker and more aerodynamic. In the Model S, air suspension allows the car to automatically lower suspension on the highway for greater efficiency and raise up again when exiting the highway. Pure genius.

Many question the range and charging of electric vehicles but Tesla has answered all these easily. All charging stations show up in the navigation system and light up when in range. As more stations are added the map gets updated automatically. With updates to the range with each new version, Tesla continues to push the boundaries making it exceedingly rare that anyone but the most intrepid road tripper would be constrained by the fact that the car needs to be charged. The Model S 100D is rated as being able to drive 514 miles at 45 mph on a single charge!

Another crucial attribute is that Tesla has been consistently rated one of the safest brands of car to drive. While the acceleration is way above the industry standard, so is safety. A feature called Traction Control allows for extra grip and feel for winding roads or rainy conditions.

Participate in the acceleration of the future. Electric is on the way to becoming the standard, perhaps sooner than later, but now is the best time to join the bandwagon. No longer in its infancy the product is fantastic but still rare enough to stand out and be a pioneer, doing what can be done to reduce emissions and positively influence other people.

The New Tower of London

A Modern Revamp of London’s Skyline

England is home to iconic buildings rich with history and flair. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Windsor Castle have been around for centuries. As London continues to grow so does the skyline. Taller buildings can house more residents, a problem which Mayor Sadiq Khan attributes to “a systematic failure for decades to build enough new homes that are genuinely affordable.” He has called for 66,000 new homes to be built each year. There are 541 tall buildings (20 stories or taller) planned or under construction, a record for the city.

Some of the more elaborate structures stand out and showcase why London continues to be an architectural hub. The Gherkin for example totals 500,000 square feet, is aerodynamic, looks spectacular and does not ruin the skyline. It is easy to see why it was the winner of several awards (Stirling Prize, London Region Award, Emporis Skyscraper Award) when observing the sleek design outside and the chic style inside.

There are people hesitant about tall buildings for fear it will take away from tourist and historic sites such as the Tower of London. Heathrow and experts in aviation oppose some buildings over 300 meters due to risks for planes and changes to flight paths. 22 Bishopsgate in the city had its plans for 307 meter building rejected and reduced to 288 meters.

The newest human made marvel coming to London however will be ‘The Tulip’ which is planned to be 1000 feet high (304 M). With stunning 360 degree views to enjoy in the restaurant and bar, gondola pods on the sides, internal bridges and glass slides, it is sure to be an attraction with estimates over one millions visitors annually. Innovative design for zero combustion energy, interactive guides on the city history and an education center make this building stand out for more than just the size. With 20,000 free visits a year for kids from state schools, company found Norman Foster said it would be “a cultural and social landmark with unmatched educational resources for future generations.” Construction begins in 2020 and is planned to open in 2025.

Savor These Amaretto Cocktails on National Amaretto Day

April 19th is National Amaretto Day and though it is uncertain why this date has been chosen, it is certainly a reason to try an Amaretto cocktail! Italian for “a little bitter,” Amaretto is traditionally made from bitter almonds and sometimes from apricot kernels. The nuts are infused with pure alcohol or brandy and provide bittersweet almond and vanilla flavors.

Legend has it that this spirit was created in the small town of Saronno in Italy, Saronno of the popular Disaronno brand. Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci, was commissioned to paint the sanctuary and frescoes of the church. He needed a model to help him depict the Virgin Mary and found a young widowed innkeeper. In some versions of the legend she became more than a model for him. Grateful for having been chosen as a muse she wanted to give Luini a gift, her secret blend of brandy and almonds.

While the almond flavor might not be for everyone, in most drinks it is subtle enough to add a nice undertone without overwhelming the senses. For those with a bit of a sweet tooth the Italian Sunset scores well on presentation and taste.

Italian Sunset Recipe

Combine:

-Fill a tall glass with crushed ice

-Pour in 2 ounces of amaretto

-Slowly pour 3 ounces of orange juice and then 3 ounces of club soda to add layers.

-Add a dash of grenadine and garnish with an orange slice.

-Do not stir and you have a cool, colorful cocktail to enjoy!

For those looking for a more sophisticated beverage to enjoy, the Marsala Martini has distinctive flavors and is well balanced. Featuring dry Marsala (an Italian wine), gin and dry vermouth as well as almond bitters there is a lot to enjoy and explore with this cocktail.

Marsala Martini Recipe

Combine:

2 ounces Gin

1/3 of an ounce Marsala secco

1/3 of an ounce martini extra dry vermouth

a splash of amaretto

almond bitters (optional)

Shake with ice or stir and strain into a chilled glass.

Visit These Luxurious Mountain Resorts for a Peak Experience

Mountains can provide an amazing opportunity to ground us, be in awe, give great views and different perspectives. There are spectacular hotels and resorts in mountain towns or remote areas that can supply all the assets and amenities of a wonderful vacation but these two are the pinnacle of peak sightseeing.

The first is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta which shows off some of Canada’s finest natural splendor year round. The summer provides endless outdoor activities and adventures such as: horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, helicopter tours, a gondola ride, white water rafting, ATV tours, paragliding, a kids camp and more! There are various levels of adventure for all walks of life and the spa has plenty to pamper those who wish to stay on site. Complimentary campfires and movie nights allow for cozy relaxing time.

In the winter there are maybe almost as many adventures to be had such as skating on the frozen lake, snow tubing, sleigh rides, ice climbing, snowmobiling and over 4200 acres of ski-able terrain. For the adept and bold skier heli skiing in Alberta is some of the best untouched mountain in the world going up 4000 meters vertically.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has a luxurious mountain lodge in the heart of the American west, Jackson Hole. As all Four Seasons, the service and amenities are exemplary, taking care of every need. Just one mile away from Gran Teton National Park there are hiking and wildlife tours, a ropes course and many other activities. In the winter, there is incredible skiing with the Four Seasons earning one of the few 5 Star ratings from Forbes for a ski resort in the USA. Heated pools, hot tubs and complimentary s’mores give warmth and comfort.

In the summer, order a custom picnic basket to take with you to explore Yellowstone or Grand Teton National park. Seeking culture? There is a big classical music festival in July and into August. Seeing the stars as clearly as one can here is another boon to this locale, so much so that the hotel has an astrophysicist on site who can give a private telescope tour with a professional grade 11 inch Schmitt-Casgranian Telescope!

National Deep Dish Pizza Day!

Chicago can claim to have one of the few truly iconic American culinary meals with their deep dish pizza. It speaks to a reckless abandon and optimistic outlook. Worry not about the future and enjoy the present thoroughly, deeply. For those who have not tried a deep dish pizza, it is an experience. It is almost not comparable to other pizzas, enjoy it for what it is: rich, decadent, heavy, delicious, over the top.

Usually served in a cast iron pan, cutting out the first cheesy slice makes for a great picture. Although there are so many quality pizzerias in Chicago, a couple in particular always top the lists.

Lou Malnati’s sets the standard and also produces the most with over 50 stores in the Windy City. Most people recommend it and for good reason. The Lou has the signature buttercrust, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes and three cheeses. Lou Malnati’s uses California vine-ripened tomatoes and Wisconsin Mozzarella and their buttercrust, which is trademarked, is crispy on the bottom and can handle the heavy ingredients.

Pizzeria Uno is the actual birthplace of the Chicago deep dish style pizza and continues to provide excellence in every pie. Rudy Malnati Sr. (father of Lou Malnati) was the pizza chef and one of the inventors of this recipe. A crispy short dough for the pie is covered with cheese and crushed tomatoes. Any topping is liberally applied but the sausage adds a thick savory layer to an already solid pizza.

Where can one find the best deep dish outside of Chicago? San Francisco has a pizzeria named Capo’s (presumably for Al Capone) owned by Tony Gemignani. A 13 time World Pizza Champion, Tony has won all sorts of awards for his pizzas as well as Guinness world records. Capo’s uses Ceresota flour from one of Chicago’s oldest mills and a mix of butter and lard in the crust for ideal flavor and consistency.

Celebrate Chicago’s namesake pizza, on this, the day of the deep dish pizza.

Scuba Diving in Fiji

Anyone looking for a tropical paradise vacation will thoroughly enjoy the many idyllic islands Fiji has to offer. With 332 islands (and only a third of them inhabited), 1000 miles of white sand beaches, beautiful lagoons, numerous coral reefs and gardens, the options are nearly endless.

Photo Courtesy by vladi-private-islands.de

For scuba divers it is a bucket list expedition as the water is warm, visibility is exceptional (120 feet is not uncommon) and the variety of dive sites available within a day trip is unmatched. Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world providing astonishing colors when the currents flow. Somosomo Strait has a wide spectrum of colors highlighted be Rainbow Reef in Taveuni. Dives are reliant on the right conditions of currents, tides and nutrient levels in the water which affect the soft coral activity, recommended for experienced divers. Many dives are drift dives allowing you to see large lengths of coral walls and cover a lot of ground.

Photo Courtesy by taveunioceansports.com

The Shark Reef Marine Reserve at Beqa Lagoon allows for numerous shark sightings both in quantity and type of sharks. Present are bull sharks, whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, sicklefin lemon sharks, tawny nurse sharks and maybe even tiger sharks. With a dive depth of 98 feet it is accessible for most levels of experience, Beqa Dive Adventures has a special dispensation from PADI to take all levels due to their strict safety protocols and diver supervision.

The best time to go to Fiji is from April to October. While diving is possible all year long, the weather, visibility and lower risk of rain or storms make April to October ideal. The water temperature is often no lower than 70 F (21 C) so while a wetsuit is recommended, the thickness of 3 to 7 mm is a personal preference.

Whether visiting for a relaxing getaway, staying at the award winning luxurious Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort or on a liveaboard excursion to maximize your diving opportunities, scuba will be a highlight of the vacation, enjoy it!