After seven days of sun, surf  and sand in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico I’m back. Am I happy about it? You figure it out. If you’re looking to spend seven days in beautiful weather (30 degrees-no clouds) amazing food and a resort right on the beach then I highly recommend the Riu Palace. I’ve never been to Mexico nor have I stayed at a Riu resort but now I’m hooked. From the service staff to the rooms and again the food I was 100% satisfied and I learned if you spend a little more, you get a whole lot more. I have absoloutely no complaints- other than the fact that I had to leave.

Oh and the Riu website (www.riu.com) pictures are exact representations!

It’s cold, windy and the winter jackets don’t seem to be going anywhere for a long while. Wouldn’t it be nice to just get away for a bit? With the economy heading into a downward spiral most of us are discouraging ourselves from spending money on a Timbit let alone a weeklong vacation. Surprisingly, vacation packages are also heading into that same downward spiral and good thing for us because that can only mean one thing, they’re a lot cheaper. For an average price of an airline ticket to New York and back you can get an all inclusive vacation package (all inclusive = free alcohol too).

Every winter, I spoil myself and head to a sunny destination and I was damned sure this year wasn’t going to be any different. So I checked the usual websites: itravel2000, Selloffvacations and Belairtravel. Cuba and Dominican being the more popular destinations you should expect to payless. But I wanted to go somewhere differentl this time around and I decided on Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. After all if it’s good enough for Heidi and Spencer it’s good enough for me. I finally decided on The Rui Palace Cabo in beautiful SUNNY Mexico courtesy of Sunquest Vacations. It’s a 5.5 star hotel right on the beach with an ocean front suite- what more can you ask for? Typically you would expect to pay more than $2000 but I got a deal, only $1400! But before you start planning your vacation, make sure you set a budget and stick to it! Also if your hotel is right on the beach it cuts traveling costs.

Me in T- Minus 3 weeks

Enough about me. If it’s not in your budget to go away you don’t have to - The Hospitality Guide will take you, especially to delicious eateries right here in Toronto and around the world. We will make your mouth water in San Francisco with crab legs at The Crab Shack, try some amazing coffee in Sweden and of course go to the best Hamburger joint in all of the U.S of A at Le Tub burgers. See, even the Hospitality Guide can make the winter blues disappear.

But to curve your appetites, enjoy cooking with George at the opening night gala for Toronto’s International Film Festival.

Schools out, the snow has fallen and you’re sitting at home wondering what you should do during the holiday season. First thing that comes to mind: it has to be cheap. After all, you’ve spent all your money trying to buy people good gifts (even though they’ve probably returned them by now) So after much Googling as I like to call it, I came up with a list of things you can do right here in Toronto that will cost you little to no money.

1.    If you’re ever downtown, you will notice Nathan Phillips square is decorated just like a movie set. Winter isn’t complete without skating at the outdoor rink under the beautifully lit backdrop. Harbourfront centre also has an outdoor rink. Both are free if you bring your own skates! BYOHC (bring your own hot chocolate!).

2.    Toronto’s annual winter festival Wintercity offers a city-wide celebration of Toronto’s delicious culinary experiences, unique free entertainment and a showcase of Toronto’s arts scene.

3.    The Toronto Zoo is open 365 days a year and has discounted tickets when visiting in groups.

There’s also so much that goes on around the world once the snow falls. Here’s a list of unique winter activities from across the globe.

Ski-jöring in Switzerland: This popular activity is when a skier is pulled by a horse, a sled dog, a motorbike or snow scooter.

Wok Racing in Germany & Austria: A sport developed by a German TV host modified Chinese woks are used to make timed runs down an Olympic bobsled tracks.

Snowshoeing in Mont Tremblant: Discover Mont-Tremblant along with some nature interpretation and native fire carrying techniques and chances to see deer! DEER!

Ice climbing in The Canadian Rockies: Climbers are roped, protected and climb icefalls, frozen waterfalls, cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice refrozen from previously flowing water.

Then again you can always just sit by the fireplace and eat lots and lots of marshmallows and smores, I consider that a winter activity!

-P

New year, new season, new adventures, new shows and a new promo for The Hospitality Guide. Two minutes. That’s all you need to know what The Hospitality Guide is all about. Find out where we’ve been and what we’ve seen as George Tsioutsioulas takes you on an adventure each and every week here on The HG. Sweden, Buffalo Wingfest, Ft. Lauderdale, Kelowna and much more. So make sure you watch and leave your thoughts, comments, suggestions and places you think we should check out!

Now on a different topic: If you like sushi, sashimi, tempura, dumplings, chicken teriyaki and let’s not forget the green tea ice cream look no further than Wasabi, a Japanese Buffet style Restaurant. For $16 (lunch buffet) you can have endless amount of delicious seafood, platters of freshly sliced fruit and rows of sushi rolls and sashimi. All you can eat.  So if you’re sitting at home craving Japanese food for a great price, I highly recommend Wasabi.

Wasabi is located at 270 West Beaver Creek in Richmondhill.

So far we’ve seen Niagara Falls from the sky, gambled our way through Las Vegas, been to Halifax to meet some of the nicest people and got acquainted with Mickey Mouse in Disney. After Disney we made our way to Quebec for a French version of the HG (don’t worry it’s not actually in French, it took a while for George Tsioutsioulas to pronounce the province name properly…don’t worry he got it by the end of the trip). If you’re hungry you have to tune into the Wing Festival episode when we crossed the border to Buffalo for a day dedicated to chicken wings. Are you obsessed with celebrities? We got a backstage pass at The Toronto International Film Festival. Two words: Brad Pitt. The HG crew’s next stop was San Francisco where we got to try some of the best crab legs in the world. Let’s not forget a weekend in Montreal and drum roll please…SWEDEN! From the ice hotel to mushroom picking the HG did it all – Swedish style of course. I can’t possibly forget The Wine Festival in the Okanagan Valley. I highly recommend starting everyday with a glass of wine – don’t forget to swirl, sniff, swoosh then swallow. And lucky George leaves the cold Toronto weather on Sunday for a week in Fort Lauderdale filled with beaches, palm trees and warm sunny weather of course. Not jealous AT ALL!

Now on a different topic. Ever since our office moved to 355 King street west I’ve realized how many different types of restaurants there are in Toronto. I’m the type of person where if I like something it’s my go to place but I think I’m turning a new leaf. Last Friday I went on a shoot with Chris, one of our camera man to a sushi bar called Blowsfish. The chef demonstrated how to make two of their most popular dishes: Black and White makimonos and tower of tuna served with crab crisps. The bartender Nishan made a Pomegranate saketini and a Mango Passion saketini. After our shoot was done, the people at Blowfish insisted Chris and I eat the dishes and drink the drinks. How can I say no? Plus it was the end of the day so a little treat wouldn’t be so bad. Everything was delicious. The sushi rolls? Never tasted ones that were that fresh. And The tower of tuna was a tower of yummy. Don’t even get me started on the drinks. I’ve already made plans to go back and I suggest anyone whose into Japanese cuisine to head over to Blowfish.

Blowfish is at 668 King Street West. Two can dine for as low as $60.

 Hej mitt namn är Lisa, och du läser den bästa bloggen i stan! 

Translate that.

Stockholm, where urban meets rural. As you walk through the heart of downtown Stockholm, full of stunning architecture, museums, cafes and shopping, you are also surrounded by the beautiful, crisp, clear waters of the Baltic Sea -water so clean that you can drink from it, swim in it, fish in it and bathe in it from no matter where it flows.  Much like everywhere in Europe, no matter where you snap a photograph, the shot always turns out to be award-winning.  This city is architecturally blessed with some of the oldest buildings in Europe and some of the most modern structures to date. Sweden known for their creativity -whether it’s in their designs; (IKEA is actually considered cheap rather than trendy for most Swedes) their delicious meals; (believe it or not meatballs are a very popular dish in Sweden!) and even in the laws of society; (’All Man’s Right’ - All non-military property that is not fenced in, or is not a farm or someone’s personal garden is open to anyone for hiking through or camping for one night.) On that note, I get vexed if the mailman walks across my lawn, let alone letting him crash in my backyard! 

That just proves the European mentality vs. a North American one.

One thing that Toronto really needs to invest in…an Ice Bar. Actually, the city absolutely needs an Absolut Ice Bar - sorry, had to do it.  This bar is the first permanent ice bar in the world, at minus 5 degrees all year ’round, could you say this is the ‘coolest’ bar on the planet…? - Hello, my name is Cheese.  Still, it is a pretty amazing concept - where everything is made out of ice; from the seats, to the actual bar, to the walls and with your disposible ice glass your drinks are sure to be chillin’ - just drink one Absolut Vodka Martini and it’s enough to help you defrost! The average person stays no longer than 20 minutes, well, I’m proud to report that the HG team (minus myself, I whimped out) lasted a whopping hour and a half! That’s 45 minutes longer than what Pierce Brosnan lasted when he was in Stockholm’s Ice bar! Go Team! - again, minus myself. Clearly, I did not have enough drinks to keep me from my frost bite. 

After all my experiences in Stockholm, I must admit that the image that stuck into my head the most  was simply my view from the plane upon landing. Within minutes of descent, the clouds parted, the smog dissipated and the sun beamed down onto the blue of the sea and the green of Sweden’s Archipelago, it took a while for my eyes to adjust to the vibrant colours.  Soon, I was going to be a part of this land, this culture. It was so picturesque. I felt as though we were flying right into the heart of a history lesson. 

Ah, Europe.

My trip to San Fran was very…. expensive.  Prada and Coach were my neighbours, DSW stared at me through my window, Versace was around the corner and Guess and Holt Renfrew greeted me up the street.  But, needless to say, I wasn’t complaining.  The shopping here is like no other. And so is the weather.  Contrary to popular belief, just because the city is located in California, does not mean that it produces oranges either. Bloody freezing. We - George the host, Chris, the cameraman and I, all had to purchase winter gear, to keep from frost bite.  Ok, I’m exaggerating.  George and Chris praised the weather being so cool.  Apparently it’s cool/ freezing all year round, and especially so in the summer time which is their winter oddly enough.  But enough about the climate, let’s talk about the food - my favourite subject.  San Fran is HUGE on their crab legs, known as the crab leg capital of the world.  It definitely live up to its title! Do your taste buds a favourite and head to The Crab House at Pier 39. Executive Chef Andrea Froncillo is a seafood God! A master chef, owning 7 restaurants in San Francisco, he creates wonders by mixing seafood with Italian tradional dishes… and sex.  Yes, I said sex.  Check out his website at sexandthekitchen.com.  Not only does he cook well, he…… never mind. Just check it out!

Supperclub. This is a whole different category of things to do and see in San Fran.  I’ll paint you a picture: You eat in bed, get spanked with a paddle, get Tequila poured down your throat, transvestites are your servers and nudity and sex is encouraged. Probably one of most unique - for lack of better words- crowd, food, concept, that I have ever experience. And I loved it. It’s like nothing you have ever seen before. HG honour.

Oh, and you’ve probably never seen so many sealions in your life, in one place, at one time, then at Pier 39.  How did they all get there? Why won’t they leave? Nobody knows……..

Nova Scotia. If I had to sum it up in one word? Beautiful. The people? Amazing.  The food?  Excellent.  The hospitality? Even better.  My first real adventure with the HG to Nova Scotia was much more than I had anticipated. For me, the East coast is like a world that is hardly spoken about, not by the media, not even the average Joe Schmoe knows much about the East side. Just a place where beer and lobster come cheap. But believe it or not, there is actually more to it then that!  (well, lobster and beer are still fairly priced- I wasn’t that far off! ) Not only are the views stunning, the people are so nice and genuine that a Torontonian, such as myself, could become a little skeptic of their friendliness; only to find out that Nova Scotians, are just that. The cleansiness of the entire province and the joie de vivre about the population, does make it seem like we aren’t in Kansas anymore.  It’s a great escape from all that that is concrete. 

 George, the host/ producer of the show, Claudio the camera stud and I shared many great moments on our way to Cape Breton.  Taking a very long, but scenic route to the most northern point of the province, 8 hours later from Halifax, actually, 4 hours too many - getting lost doesn’t help, and not to mention 8 hours of listening to possibly the worst music my ears have ever experienced (sorry boys, my blog) we finally arrived in Cape Breton. The views were simply spectacular; the air so fresh, so CO2- free; and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see, made the  drive definitely all worth while.  This is also where we met Graham Hudson- epidemy of hospitality - Operations Manager for Highlands Links Golf Course, a public golf course owned by Parks Canada, equipped with your choice of moose, bear or bald eagles. Sheer beauty.

Lisa