Tempe (December 2004)

Coming Soon

Hotel:

• Tempe Mission Palms Link to my review

Restaurants:

• Grilled Expedition Link to my review
• Rula Bula Link to my review
• Rustler's Rooste Link to my review
• PF Changs Link to my review
• Coldstone Creamery Link to my review

Tempe Mission Palms (December 2004)

We stayed at the Tempe Mission Palms for 3 nights in late December 2004. The hotel is located near Mill Avenue in Tempe, just 4 Miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 5 Miles from Scottsdale, and 7 Miles from Phoenix.

The hotel’s guestrooms and suites feature elegant interiors designed to reflect the sprawling rose-colored deserts of the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Featuring a variety of comfortable amenities and plush furnishings, the guestrooms and suites can accommodate couples, larger families and business travelers. The hotel features a rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool, rooftop tennis court and basketball hoop, two Jacuzzis, an elegant garden courtyard, a business center, concierge, and fitness center.

The in-house Mission Grille serves traditional American and international cuisine. Harry's Place
indoor/outdoor lounge is a great meeting spot for enjoying creative cocktails with friends and
colleagues for a traditional meal, or to nosh on delicious appetizers. The Cabana Bar and Grill is
the perfect place to unwind and enjoy refreshing drinks or casual faire by the rooftop pool.
 

Tempe: Rustler's Rooste Steak House (December 2004)

Rustler's Rooste was founded in 1971 and is still family owned and operated. Legend has it that the original site, atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain, was a hideout for cattle rustlers. Today it is  the valley’s highest and brightest beacon of the total cowboy western experience. Rustler's Rooste has it all.  Our critter out front, an enormous long horn steer named Horney, greets guests upon arrival. Open the door and enter part of an old mine shaft to the top floor to our Mountaintop Saloon. Saunter over the indoor waterfall and take our Famous “Tin” Slide into the dining room. (For the faint of heart, there’s a staircase as well.) Enjoy the live country western band and our strolling cardshark/magician. The building is bordered on the north side by plate glass windows, so there is a view form every seat in the house. The all-wood walls echo with history and are full of things from different points in time of this area and the west in general. Many ranchers brought their brands and branded the walls. All this with the muted comfort of sawdust covered floors and the aroma of mesquite grilling promises the elusive cowboy experience. Rustler's Rooste serves the finest steaks, ribs, chicken, and seafood. Appetizers are different and delicious. (Don’t worry - we’ve got rattlesnake). Their desserts will tempt you. They also serve quality cocktails, wine, and, of course, a variety of beers. Better come hungry!

Tempe: Coldstone Creamery (December 2004)

Coming Soon!

Tempe: Grilled Expedition (December 2004)

Grilled Expedition is located on Mill Ave. It specializes in wine, seafood, and pizza. As for decor, the flame the greets you when you walk up to the entrance.

Tempe: PF Changs (December 2004)

P.F. Chang's China Bistro is continually committed to providing their guests with an exceptional dinning experience each time they walk through the doors. Each dish is prepared using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients all with the goal of providing guests with a stylish, comfortable, and upbeat dining experience. Their ever-evolving menu encourages exploration. Discover dishes that become the topic of your conversation. Toast classic cocktails with a modern twist. Enjoy that moment of surprise when you taste something so unique, exciting and fresh, you can’t keep it to yourself.

Tempe: Rula Bula (December 2004)

My spouse and I ate at Rula Bula in late December 2004. Guinness, music, literature, its people, and original pubs have been some of Ireland’s greatest commodities. An Irish pub is not just a bar or restaurant. In Ireland, the pub is at the heart of social life. It is a community gathering place for friends and musicians. A true Irish pub is distinguished by its “craic,” an Irish term referring to positive interaction among people through conversation, stories and music. To create an atmosphere of “craic” our pub is uniquely designed to offer a meeting place for good conversation, live Irish entertainment, good food and, of course, the perfect pint of Guinness. Choosing the right name for our pub was extremely important. We wanted our name to tell a lot about the pub experience and, after studying many names, cities in Ireland and pub culture, we decided on Rula Bula. Taken from the Irish Gaelic language expression "ri ra agus ruaille buaille" it translates to "uproar and commotion" in the context of a celebratory and fun time. We phoneticized the expression into Rula Bula to simplify pronunciation in English. We felt Rula Bula was an appropriate selection for the upbeat, fun image the City of Tempe portrays. Particularly on Mill Avenue, which is often, open only to foot traffic during the many festivities that take place throughout the year. Rula Bula is located in the historic Andre Building in downtown Tempe. R.G. Andre, a skilled saddlemaker, was a prominent businessman in Tempe. Long ago, before statehood, when Arizona was a pioneer town. While living in Phoenix, he built a Victorian-styled commercial building on Mill Avenue in 1888 and opened a saddlery and harness shop. In 1893 he moved to Tempe, Andre  later joined with M. Mertz, who became his partner in Andre and Mertz, a store specializing in harnesses, saddlery and vehicles. Rula Bula pays tribute to Captain Andre with an Irish saddlery-styled pub, which contains many of the bric-a-brac, flooring, lighting and interior design elements reflective of those more than 100 years ago in Ireland. In Ireland, a merchant’s shop would often double as a pub. A corner of the shop would be set aside for this very purpose. Customers would sit, sip Guinness and converse surrounded by shelves of merchandise. Irish pubs are a retreat from the real world and at the heart of Rula Bula is the ready smile, the invitation to relax and enjoy good conversation, great food and drink, hospitality, and humor.

Prague, Czech Republic (September 2004)

4 nights (September 30 through October 4)

Hotel:

• Maximilian (Golden Tulip chain) Link to my review

Restaurants:

• Reykjavyk Link to my review
• Dim U Minuty Link to my review
• U Orloje Link to my review
• U Prince Link to my review
• U Zlateho Hada Link to my review
• U Zlateho Stromu Link to my review

Activities:

• Charles Bridge
• Prague Castle
• Astronomical Clock

I just returned from Prague on 10/4/04, a little over a week ago. It was the most beautiful city! Beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and all those red roofs! I liked it because there wasn't a whole laundry list of things to see like in Paris or Rome. We concentrated on the Royal Route from the Powder Tower in Stare Mesto across the Charles Bridge and to the castle in Mala Strana. We spent a lot of time sitting in outdoor cafes (primarily in Old Town Square) having drinks or meals and just watching the world go by. Note that although this trip was taken in late September/early October, we couldn't have eaten outside anywhere that didn't have those huge heaters--it was chilly! There were many other things to do: museums, shopping, heading out to the countryside to visit other castles like Karlstejn and Konopiste, but we were content to stay in the city and relax. We spent four days there. It was easy to walk everywhere--we didn't need to use the metro. Everyone spoke English, and everywhere we ate had menus translated into at least five different languages. I would highly recommend Prague.

 

Just flew from Philadelphia to Prague and back on USAir, and drinks were NOT free over the Atlantic. Only on the Lufthansa/USAir code share connection between Munich and Prague were drinks complimentary. Fantastic service by Lufthansa, BTW. On an hour-long flight (which was full), we got two rounds of drinks along with some food service. While pillows and blankets were provided, there were no eyeshades or socks for those in coach, neither was there a little toiletry kit like you get in envoy class. As for movies, only the Airbus equipment has the PVS (personal video system). If you're on a 767, it's still the old-fashioned full-cabin movie

Prague: Hotel Maximilian (September 2004)

My spouse and I spent four nights at the Hotel Maximilian in late September 2004. The Maximilian is a 10-minute walk from Prague's main attractions such as Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square. It is located on the quiet and peaceful Hastalske namesti, facing the magnificent St. Hastal Church. Located in a building originally designed by Czech architectural historian and critic Karel Teige in the 1920s, the Maximilian Hotel opened in Prague in April 1995. In 2004, Eva Jiricna, in collaboration with AI Design, renovated the Maximilan. They transformed it into a signature property offering a greater degree of comfort and a design statement of its own without requiring major reconstruction. Just walk in the lobby to see the splendid result: a backlit yellow onyx wall provides a dramatic backdrop for the reception desks, made of walnut and black lacquer. The materials and design are a gesture to the 1920s, a time of transition from Art Deco to Modernism. Other period references abound, starting with the colors — blue bed throws, red and purple chairs in the library, and the Eileen Gray chairs used by Pierre Chareau for La Maison de Verre in Paris. The graphic works on display throughout the hotel are by Czech artists of the era, on loan from Prague’s Museum of Decorative Arts. Keen eyes will spot other reference designers such as Giuseppe Terragni, or Arne Jacobsen, along with elements of the original building. Composed of two buildings ("Black House” and “Red House"), the Maximilian Hotel offers 70 Deluxe and Superior Deluxe Rooms, and 1 Suite equipped with a glass partition-bathroom with a Philippe Starck-bathtub and shower. Guests enjoy professional service, friendly staff, and a high standard of quality. All rooms are equipped with rainfall showerheads, telephone, TV, and mini-bar. Bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, toiletries, air-conditioning, and a safe. All rooms are soundproof and most face the courtyard.

We just returned on 10/4, staying at the Maximilian in Josefov/Stare Mesto. We liked the hotel quite a bit. It's a member of the Golden Tulip chain. I think they have three properties in Prague. I found the prices on the Golden Tulip site to be less than half the prices quoted on the hotel site when I made my reservation (months ago). Our room with a king-size bed was approximately $160 USD per night, including a great (full) breakfast buffet. The Maximilian website lists open dates at the bottom of the Reservations page (they show availability for Oct 17 to 20). The Maximilian has a sister hotel, Hotel Josef, which looked really hip and happening. I don't think it is a Golden Tulip property, though.

Prague: U Zlateho Stromu (September 2004)

My spouse and I dined at U Zlateho Stromu for dinner in late September 2004. U Zlateho Stromu is located on Karlova Street in Old Town, just a few steps from the Charles Bridge. The hotel offers 19 rooms. The restaurant features specialties from both Czech and international cuisine. The covered atrium offers relaxed seating surrounded by a charming terrace and fountain. Enjoy the renowned music club, featuring diverse entertainment below the ground level.

Prague: U Zlateho Hada (September 2004)

My spouse and I dined at U Zlateho Hada for dinner in late September 2004. Charles Street was named after Charles IV since 1848, prior to that time, it was named Jezuitska, and long before that, it was named by craftsmen who used to live here, such as the goldsmiths that lived in a house on the corner of Charles and Lilova Streets. The house was built on two medieval building plots around 1419. Sometime after 1570 the house was modified the Renaissance way. Its facades in the Renaissance style were changed in the 18th century to a Baroque style. On the facade towards Charles Street even today, you can recognize the extent of the two original objects. The main two-wing building has rooms with Renaissance arches but in its cellars you can find Gothic arches. In Lilova Street, you can see a smaller wing, arched in the Baroque style. The building got its golden snake house sign in the second half of the 18th century. The decorative cartouche relief has a twisted golden snake with the royal crown on her head. The snake was a symbol of the devil, who seduced Adam's wife Eve, but also according to a legend, was saint George´s guidance and a gothic healing symbol . House “U Zlateho hada” ("At the golden snake“) is however most famous for the fact that here was probably one of the first cafés in Prague. At the beginning of the 18th century, an Arab or Armenian merchant came to Prague via Cairo, Tripoli, Rome, and Vienna, converted to Catholicism here, and started selling coffee. At first he walked the streets in his oriental costume, wearing a container with burning coal and a pot on his head, cups, sugar, and drink in his hand. In 1714, he opened his cafe.

Prague: U Prince (September 2004)

My spouse and I dined at U Prince for dinner in late September 2004. Hotel U Prince, a remarkable World Heritage Site, is located in the historical heart of Prague on revered Old Town Square, where in times past, both Czech and European history were played out. In the authentic environment of this painstakingly reconstructed building from the 12th century. Our Hotel U Prince Restaurant offers sumptuous specialties from both Czech and international cuisine. You can adventurously sample these items while seated with our other guests, or if you prefer, privately in one of our intimate stylish salons. As an alternative, our lovely outdoor terrace offers you the unique experience of relaxing and dining on Old Town Square, with a view of the Old Town Hall and its Astronomical Clock dating back to the 14th century. The well-known Restaurant U Prince on the ground level, with its fashionable furnishings, exceptional service and sumptuous Czech/international specialties, is linked to the celebrated tradition of hospitality at Hotel U Prince, which has been located here

for almost a century. Enjoy live music during the evenings. A glance at our enticing menu will sway you to try more than one of our creative drink recipes. Perusing our menu and wine and cocktail offerings will convince you that we are capable of pampering even your most demanding taste buds.

 



Next time that I visit Prague, instead of staying at the Hotel Maximilian, I might try to stay at the Hotel U Prince. It was one of the prettiest hotels that I saw in Prague, located right on Old Town Square facing the Astonomical Clock. Very picturesque.

Prague: U Orloje (September 2004)

My spouse and I dined at U Orloje for dinner in late September 2004. Directly facing the world famous Old Town Astronomical Clock is the U Orloje restaurant. It is located in the U Modre Hvezdy house (At the Blue Star) which has an early Baroque facade and Roman foundation. The atmosphere of this unique ancient place is enhanced with an extensive collection of antique clocks that are part of the restaurant interior, and with pleasant folk music. This stylish enterprise offers tasty meals from both Czech and international cuisines, as well as quality wines. Besides traditional Czech dishes like the boar ragout with plum sauce served with potato rosti and fried slices of bacon or the trout fillet, lemon roasted with potatoes and cherry tomatoes also international dishes such as the cheesy bacon cheeseburger with two kinds of cheese and fries, and the quesadilla with grilled chicken thighs, onions, peppers and cheddar are to be found on the menu. When you feel hungry while sightseeing in the heart of Prague, you will know where to stop.

Prague: Dim U Minuty (September 2004)

My spouse and I dined at Dim U Minuty for dinner in late September 2004. At the Prague Old Town Square is located the beautiful example of the high-Renaissance architecture, the house "At the Minute". Covered in ornate sgraffito decorations depicting rulers from the Hapsburg house, Greek mythology as well as references to biblical and Renaissance legends, this house is easily recognizable with such an impressive facade. The house "At the Minute", originally a late-Gothic structure from the 15th century, was rebuilt in Renaissance style in late 16th century. The house, called "At the White Lion", was used to be a pharmacy. A sculpture of a white lion is still there, at the corner of the building. The present name "At the Minute" means "at the diminutive", because of the tobacco in little pieces, thatused to be sold there. The writer Franz Kafka lived in the house with his family from 1889 to 1896. His three sisters Elli, Valli, and Ottla were born there.

Prague: Reykjavik (September 2004)

My spouse and I dined at Reykjavyk for dinner in late September 2004. A piece of Iceland in the midst of the busy pedestrian street. The majority of animals will be shed from the island arrived. It is hard to miss this restaurant, situated on the main tourist drag from Old Town Square to Charles Bridge. The Reykjavyk serves up well-prepared Icelandic dishes, with an emphasis on seafood flown in daily from the homeland. Although it also serves burgers and chicken, stick with the staple seafood treats, which are served in large portions - the lobster and salmon steak are brilliant. The interior is comfortably elegant, and the staff are friendly and capable.

Theatre: Jerry Seinfeld at the Benedum Center (September 2004)

Jerome Allen "Jerry" Seinfeld, born April 29, 1954, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. He is widely known for playing himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David. As a stand-up comedian, Seinfeld specializes in observational comedy; in 2005, Comedy Central named Seinfeld the "12th Greatest Stand-up Comedian of All Time.”

Seinfeld was born in Brooklyn, New York City.  His father, Kalman Seinfeld was of Hungarian Jewish descent, and collected jokes that he heard while serving in World War II. His mother, Betty was of Syrian Jewish descent. He holds a degree in communications and theater.

Seinfeld developed an interest in standup comedy after brief stints in college productions. In 1976, he tried out at an open-microphone night at New York City's “Catch a Rising Star”, which led to an appearance in a Rodney Dangerfield HBO special. In May 1981, Seinfeld made a successful appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, impressing Carson and the audience and leading to frequent appearances on that show and others, including Late Night with David Letterman. In 1988, Seinfeld created The Seinfeld Chronicles with Larry David for NBC. The show was later renamed Seinfeld to avoid confusion with the short-lived teen sitcom The Marshall Chronicles. Along with Seinfeld, the show starred Saturday Night Live veteran Julia Louis-Dreyfus and experienced actors Michael Richards and Jason Alexander. Alexander played George, a caricature of Larry David. Seinfeld holds the distinction of being the only actor to appear in every episode of the show.

Seinfeld wrote the book Seinlanguage, released in 1993. Written as his television show was first rising in popularity, it is primarily an adaptation of his stand-up material. The title comes from an article in Entertainment Weekly listing the numerous catch-phrases for which the show was responsible. By its fourth season, Seinfeld had become the most popular and successful sitcom on American television. The final episode aired in 1998, and the show has been a popular syndicated re-run. After he ended his sitcom, Seinfeld returned to New York City to make a comeback with his stand-up comedy rather than stay in Los Angeles and continue his acting career. In 1998 he went on tour and recorded a comedy special, titled I'm Telling You for the Last Time. The process of developing and performing new material at clubs around the world was chronicled in a 2002 documentary, Comedian. Seinfeld was the first guest on Jay Leno's talk show, The Jay Leno Show, which premiered on September 14, 2009.

Link to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article about the storms on the night of the show here

Pittsburgh: Bridge Bar at the Renaissance (September 2004)

The Bridge Bar is located inside the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel on 6th Street. You can enter the bar from the street or from inside the hotel. It's a small, but cozy bar. The bar offers a separate bar food menu, or you can order off the menu for the restaurant located in the hotel. The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel on 6th Street is an architectural landmark and an unmistakable piece of the city's skyline. Just across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from PNC Park, this luxury Marriott hotel is  convenient both for sports fans and for guests who want a view of the Allegheny River. The aptly named Bridge Bar is traditional, decked out with photographs of
Pittsburgh's many bridges.