Dreaming in Bangkok

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, Thailand

Naming a hotel Dream can be a risky endeavor, as you are setting your guest’s expectations high from the get go. But a hotel in Bangkok has successfully tackled this feat, Dream Bangkok.

The hotel’s goal is to make you feel as though you are sleeping on a cloud…this effect is accomplished by super soft bedding and blue lights penetrating from under the bed.  Other features in the room include large plasma TVs, preloaded iPod players, plush bathrobes and free bottled water (a must after the grueling long flight to Bangkok).

Set in the heart of the city and close to the Skytrain, the hotel is easy to navigate to and from.  The chic modern interior has been used for many music videos and is popular amongst Asian glitterati. 

The best part is that this hotel offers all the amenities you would expect of a five star hotel but at super low prices with rooms starting at $75 per night. dreambkk.com

Chimichurri

Posted by Staff in Argentina, World Recipes

This week’s recipe is from Argentina.  Chimichurri is a sauce that is used over steaks and also used as a dipping sauce.  Enjoy!

1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 Cup Water
1 small bunch flat leaf-parsley; chopped (should equal about 1/2 cup)
1 medium onion; finely chopped
4 cloves garlic; finely minced
1/2 of a red bell pepper; seeded and finely diced
1 tomato; peeled, seeded, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Teaspoon bay leaf (laurel); very small flakes
1 Tablespoon coarse salt
1 Teaspoon ground black pepper
hot chili flakes to taste

Make sure all of the fresh ingredients are well washed and clean before preparing.

Add all of the ingredients except the oil and vinegar into a large bowl and toss well to make sure that the salt is spread evenly around the ingredients. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Next add the vinegar and water. Mix well. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Finally add the oil and mix well. Make sure that the liquids cover the rest of the ingredients. If not add equal parts of oil, water, and vinegar until they are covered at least by a quarter of an inch. Transfer to a non-reactive clean bowl or jar that can be covered. Make sure to cover well. Place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend overnight. For better results prepare at least 2 or 3 days ahead of time.

“Apon” by Fani Drakopoulou

Posted by Staff in Greece, Travel Tunes

Enjoy some Greek pop music from Fani Drakopoulou…the song is called “Apon”

The modern Romeo

Posted by Staff in Italy, Luxury Monday

For those looking to experience modern luxury in Naples, Italy, there is a new offering available…the Romeo Hotel, which just officially opened this past week.

Conceived by the famed Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, and completed by his son Paul…the Romeo looks like it will be the place for modern art loving jet-setters. The hotel is adorned with both rare and commissioned works from contemporary artists such as: Francesco Clementa, Segio Fermiello, and Lello Esposito, and permanent installations by top Neapolitan photographers such as: Monica Biancardi, Antonio Biasiucci and Mimmo Jodice…which accent Tange’s overall design. 

What looks particularly interesting is the spa’s design, which is said to pay homage to two of the city’s defining natural features: the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius…juxtaposing the themes of water and fire, the relaxation steam room and Jacuzzi feature soft, red lighting, while the outdoor terrace and pool seamlessly blend into the blue sea on the horizon.

Although I have not had the pleasure of jetting over to Naples in the last week to fully inspect it, I thought I would point this boutique hotel out as one to watch.  Rooms start at $450, for more information visit RomeoHotel.it