ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: New York City Favorites

Every February Alpen Schatz packs its bags with lots of Alpine goodies and sets up a booth at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City - one of the worlds largest dog shows.


2015 Westminster Champion

See this year's amazing behind the scene
Alpen Schatz Westminster pictures HERE!

Just blocks away...

Uh-hum...back to the subject....New York City! This means that we get to spend a whole 10 days in the Big Apple where we get to stay in a fantastic hotel, eat at amazing restaurants, shop at our favorite stores and engulf ourselves in culture galore.

For this segment of ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS AND PICKS  I wanted to share with my Alpen Travel Enthusiasts my favorite haunts that I cannot resist frequenting every time I visit this enrapturing world-class city.

Hotel Tip - a WOW Hotel in NYC

AVALON HOTEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my annual 10 day long trip to New York City, THE AVALON HOTEL on 16 East 32nd St (between 5th and Madison) wins hands down as my favorite hotel choice for a number of reasons. 

Palatial Suites

After staying in multiple hotels over the years from 5 star Classics (such as the Waldorf Astoria) to quaint Boutique hotels, the Avalon stands out among the rest for the following reasons: It has THE most friendly STAFF, a great LOCATION, large and immaculate ROOMS, palatial BATHROOMS, and although downtown, it is extremely QUIET.

 

Double Queen Suite - my pick!

Living area with pull-out couch



Large marble bathrooms with
 shower AND full bath

The Hotel is centrally located - only a block away from the Empire State Building and blocks from Macy's and lots of shopping as well as the Theater District. The staff are courteous, professional and very helpful. The rooms and bathrooms are newly refurbished, clean and well appointed. I always book a Double Queen Suite with two Queens AND a pull-out sofa bed, as I never know how many of my volunteers for my booth will need a place to spend the night. The rooms are exceptionally spacious and quiet which is unique for New York City. 

Empire State Building a block away...

 

See my full review on Trip Advisor

 

 

NYC Restaurant & Entertainment Tips - My Favs...

 

BUKHARA GRILL - INDIAN

 

217 E 49th St (Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), New York, NY 10017

(212) 888-2839

 

An Indian Feast at the Bukhara Grill

Check out that NAN!

One of the things I love most about travelling to New York City is the vast variety of ethnic cuisines from which to choose. One of my favorite ethnic cuisines is Indian - addicted to after living in England for so many years, where Indian restaurants can be found in every village, town or city - with the BEST that Indian Cuisine can offer.

THE BUKHARA GRILL is the top Indian restaurant I have ever found so far in North America, with fantastic Pompadoms and pickles with which to start, through to perfectly spiced dishes for all tastes. My favourite is Tandoori Chicken along with garlic or keema Nan bread and a Saag (Baji) dish as a veggie side.

My number one tip is that any ethnic restaurant is good one when one is actually the minority...AND each time I have dined at the Bukhara Grill, the place has been packed with New York City's finest Indian residents and visitors.

The Bukhara Grill is a must if you love Indian cuisine.

RIPOSO 46 - WINE BAR 

 

Owner and his
great staff

667 9th Avenue & 46th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 247-8018

A cozy, intimate restaurant with gourmet small plates and fabulous wines, RIPOSO 46 is another one of my repeat favorites whilst visiting New York.

Creative dishes made from organic ingredients,  Riposo 46 boasts creative, flavorful dishes such as (some of my personal favorites): Wild Mushroom Grilled Flat Bread,  house made Cheviche, and Grilled Asparagus with Prosciutto di Parma, Parmesan and Truffle Oil - divine!



Grilled Asparagus - Yum!

The owner and his staff are wonderful and actually remember me year after year.

This great bistro is also my pick when I go swing dancing at SWING 46 - not even a block away!

If you like great wines, fantastic food and a cozy atmosphere, Riposo 46 is the perfect place!




Great wines to choose from. Cheers!

SWING 46 - RETRO SWING DANCE & SUPPER CLUB

349 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
(212) 262-9554

A few steps away from Riposo 46 is a unique 1930's look and feel Supper & Dance club with live big band music nightly: SWING 46.


As a Jazz musician myself as well as a lover of all forms of dance, I cannot resist spending at least one night in New York dancing the night away at SWING 46.

Whether a swing, boogie-woogie or jive dancer, jazz music aficionado or both, you will enjoy listening to top jazz artists playing everything from Glenn Miller to Benny Goodman while sipping a cocktail in their swanky atmosphere in-between tearing it up on the dance floor.

Not a dancer, but want to learn,? Check out their calendar, as they offer dance lessons on select nights of the week!

They do serve food in cozy booths surrounding the dance floor and I would highly recommend reservations if you plan on dining. The food is good, but it is not inexpensive - the price for a great table next to the dance floor all evening as opposed to the bar.

PETIT POULET - FRENCH BISTRO
52 W 33rd St (Between 5th and Broadway), New York, NY 10001
(212) 244-0440



Finishing off the meal with a
perfectly chocolate dipped
Strawberry.

Not far from the Avalon Hotel is a gem of a French restaurant called PETIT POULET. It is tucked away in the back of the Historic Beaux Arts HOTEL MARTINIQUE (a Radisson Hotel). Designed by the same builder of the famed Waldorf Astoria, the whole building boasts an air of French Renaissance elegance with mosaic tiled floors and classic tinned ceilings - setting the perfect scene for this charming French Bistro.


Their French Onion Soup is to die for, their Beef Tartar divine and of course their rotisserie Cornish Hen is a must to try.

They have an extensive wine list of fine French wines that I always take delight in perusing through and of course ordering a fine cuvée each time.

The atmosphere is romantic and the staff professional and knowledgeable.

 

Cured Meats, Pate and European Cheeses are hand picked from
their own extensive deli counter

 BALTHAZAR - BRUNCH BRASSERIE STYLE
 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
 (212) 965-1785



Relaxing with Mimosas and a great Brunch

A New York City institution since 1997, BALTHAZAR is one of the most unique 'hip' restaurants in the city. Complete with high ceilings, large mirrors and great train station size clocks adorning the walls, this French Brasserie serves from morning to late night  and is a place to see and be seen.

I like to go for their champagne Sunday Brunch, for which they are famous, although I have also been spotted having a late night dinner now and again, which is their other unique specialty (they serve up until midnight nightly and until 1pm on Fridays and Saturdays!)

Posh Spice, Victoria, leaving after
a Balthazar Brunch

Their menu is reminiscent of those French Brasseries I visit when in Paris, full of such savory dishes such as Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Mousse (YUM!), Salade Nicoise, Steak au Poivre and of course the classic Moules Frites.

On one occasion, as we arrived for Brunch, there were masses of people and paparazzi outside peering in the window. We waltzed through the crowd and were give a prime table near the grand entrance. We then found out that British Soccar star David Beckham and his wife, Victoria (Posh Spice of the Spice Girls) were having brunch with their children only a couple of tables away.





Indeed, Balthazar, for its great food, amazing dining hours and European atmosphere is another one of my favorite haunts when I visit Manhattan.


NICHOLAS ROERICH MUSEUM - A UNIQUE CULTURAL NYC EXPERIENCE
319 West 107th Street
New York NY 10025

On the upper West Side is a small non-descript stone house tucked away in a residential neighborhood. However, this is no ordinary abode, for it houses the Collection of one of the most prolific Russian artists of the 19th-20th Century: NICHOLAS ROERICH.  

My fiancé just happens to be an artist with Nicholas being a strong influence behind his own paintings. He insisted that we visit the Roerich museum, and boy was I in for a treat.

Nicholas Roerich was not only one of Russia's most prolific artists, but a 20th Century Renaissance man, with his additional talents in writing, archaeology, theology, in addition to also being an enlightener, philosopher and public figure.

His art is said to have a hypnotic quality...which I saw and felt the moment I entered his gallery. So if you love art and want to avoid the crowds in all of the larger galleries - be sure to visit the Roerich Museum - you won't be disappointed!

IRISH PUBBING IT UP - NYC STYLE

Being half Irish, I cannot resist frequenting at least one (or multiple)  New York City Irish pubs for food, drink and good old fashioned Irish cheer.

Two of my favourites are Tír na nÓg in the Threater District & Midtown and St James Gate (not far from the Roerich Museum) on Amsterdam, upper West Side.

Smoked Salmon & Shepard's Pie - two of my favourites!

Both pubs have stellar food and (of course) a great choice of beverages of every description.

 

A fine selection of beverages
 

My friend Claire and I
"Slàinte!"

Tír na Nóg                                             St James Gate

315 W 39th St, New York, NY                      441 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY           
(212) 760-0072                                               (212) 362-6202

 

*************************************************

These are just a few of the many places/things I enjoy whilst on my visits to this bustling city - more in another post down the road. In any case...
 

 

ENJOY YOUR NEXT VISIT TO NEW YORK!

"LIKE" this Post? Be sure to "LIKE" our Facebook Page:

ALPEN SCHATZ BOUTIQUE

QUENTIN TARANTINO: ALPEN SCHATZ STYLE



Alpen Schatzi's Adam and Anneke with DaVinci, Hagen
and Valentino on the film set with the production crew

This winter's filming of Quentin Tarantino's new Western film, "The Hateful Eight", set in Wyoming, but filmed in Telluride, has once again put our sleepy little Colorado resort town on big time Hollywood radar - as well as Alpen Schatz!

 

 

 

 

Quentin films in the old-fashioned method of using REAL film as opposed to digital. In this film he used 70mm film. Using real film gives his productions a more original, richer look and feel - just like playing music on a record album as opposed to a CD.

 

To liven up the filming process, there is a "theme party" luncheon after every 300th reel of film which is shot. Well, one of the last luncheon theme parties that they threw was a SWISS theme! 

 

Adam and Anneke with DaVinci, Hagen
and Valentino on the film set

They asked the Alpen Schatz crew to dress up in our Alpine garb, adorn our pups with Swiss Kegs and Cowbells, and be there to greet the 200 strong film crew and actors and actresses in true SWISS style.

 

Adam and Anneke got to meet Quentin and the whole crew - I was unfortunately on a plane to NYC for the Westminster Dog show, so could not participate in the fun :(

 

Well, Quentin fell in love with our Alpine Franzözin hat and it is reported that he wore his hat for much of the rest of the filming of "The Hateful Eight"!

 

Apparently, Quentin is also a big "toy" buff and walked away with one of our Beer Drinking Singing Marmots!

 

Yodel-eh-hi-HUIIIII!

 

 

 

  

So if you happen to be walking around Hollywood and see a man strolling around wearing a green Alpine hat and holding a beer drinking Marmot...be sure to congratulate him on his upcoming film :)

 

WATCH FOR "The Hateful Eight" TO HIT BOX OFFICES SOMETIME LATER ON THIS YEAR OR NEXT!

 

Filmed in the breathtaking Alpine scenery of Alpen Schatz's HQ in Telluride, Colorado!

 

Check out the TRAILOR!

"LIKE" this Post? Be sure to "LIKE" our Facebook Page:

 

 

ALPEN SCHATZ BOUTIQUE

SPECIAL GUEST at THE WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW in New York City: Feb 14-18, 2015

 

Come visit our Alpen Schatz booth with its unique European Pet AND People treasures and our Special Guest this weekend and early next week at

2014 Best in Show Champion

The Westminster Dog Show in New York City
 




Alpen Schatzis waiting to greet you

 

Alpen Schatz will be

exhibiting at the Westminster Masters Agility Trials (Sat Feb 14) and

The Westminster Dog Show (Mon-Tues Feb 16-17) 2015.
 

 

2015 SPECIAL GUEST

Animal Artist Lawrence Giles

Lawrence of LDGILES Art & Design is our Alpen Schatz pick for custom pet portraiture. His love of animals is transported through his artistic talent, capturing the very essence of his subjects and bringing them to life on canvas.

He creates in many mediums, to include oil, pastel, water color and charcoal.

Lawrence can paint from a picture or create a painting around your wishes - say transporting your pet into a different landscape... such as into the Swiss Alps or in front of your family home or fireplace.

We are excited to have him on our booth to meet with our pet loving Alpen Schatzis  and consult on how he can create a lasting memory of your beloved furry companion.

For more information be sure to EMAIL us for a custom quote.

THE ALPEN SCHATZ BOOTH 

Pier 94



More Alpen Schatzis

See HIGHLIGHTS of last year's show HERE

Serious shopping for a toy

We get to meet all sorts of Alpen Schatz lovers from pups
 

 

to people -
 including kids...
 



 

 

...to grown-up kids!

 

 

Hope to see you in New York very soon!

 

Alpen Schatz will be in New York City

exhibiting at the Westminster Masters Agility Trials (Sat Feb 14) and

The Westminster Dog Show (Mon-Tues Feb 16-17) 2015.

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: World Class Excitement in VAIL - Feb 2015

In just a couple of days, Vail, Colorado will turn into the "Olympics" of World Ski Championships, hosting the biggest event  (next to the Olympics) in the Alpine Ski World: The FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Usually hosted in Europe, this thrilling event will take place for the fourth time ever in its 104 year old history here in in the USA. The event will attract ski enthusiasts from all over the world who will be cheering on their National teams.

The Vail Valley Foundation quotes, "The World Championships represent the largest and most impressive collection of ski racing talent in the world, second only to the Olympics. To host such an event is not only a great honor for our community and our state, but a great opportunity to rally the nation around the sport of skiing..."

Visit their website to find out more about the FIS Championships beginning 2 Feb 2015.

If you go...

be sure to get your good luck SWISS Cowbell to cheer on your favourite team!

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS

With all of the excitement about to descend upon this "Alpine" looking American ski town, I thought it appropriate to share with my Alpen Schatz Travel Fans my "Alpen" Travel Picks in Vail, including my favorite hotel and places to dine and shop in this colorful "Alpine" styled Colorado ski town.

HOTEL PICK: SONNENALP RESORT

Being the ultimate Europhile and therefore extreme critic when it comes to fine places to stay in America, the SONNENALP in Vail tops the list in European fine luxury accommodation, true Alpine ambiance and the European style professionalism demonstrated by the staff.

DaVinci enjoying our rather large
suite, complete with fireplace

Pet friendly and situated in the heart of Vail, the SONNENALP is by far my top choice, not only for my pick in Vail, but one of my top picks in the world as one of the finest and most enjoyable places to stay - oozing with European gemütlichkeit and refined elegance that I so relish in European five star resorts - and the SONNENALP being situated right here on our back door step! 

Not only are their rooms tastefully decorated with Alpine Baurernhaus (Farmhouse) furnishings, inviting Alpine fireplaces and romantic balconies, but their extensive European SPA is a reason in itself to stay at the hotel.




Relaxing at the spa

The SPA is one of the most beautiful, relaxing, all encompassing spas I have ever experienced - complete with a rather large pit fireplace and snack/beverage bar for light indulgences inbetween soaking in the hot tub and swimming in their indoor-outdoor pool.


Baked Artichoke Dip in Sourdough Bowl, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad
and over-the-top Cobb Salad at Bully Ranch

For dining, the Sonnenalp has two of my favourite restaurants in Vail - which in the summer are also pet friendly when dining on their romantic patios: The Swiss Chalet Fondue Restaurant and their Alpine "rustical" Bully Ranch Bar & Restaurant. The food in both establishments is top notch and highly recommended by myself and Valentino and DaVinci who have experienced their patio dining and of course tasty samples of my meal :)

Read our full review of the Sonnenalp HERE

Coming back to the FIS Ski Championships, the Sonnenalp is one of the main host hotels for the FIS, accommodating the German Ski Association amongst other FIS Ski celebrities.


Meet the German Ski Association at the Sonnenalp

In fact,  over the next two weeks, they are hosting TWO exciting events nightly whereby you can meet the German and Swiss Ski champions over dinner - in the "German Haus" at  Bully Ranch (the German Team) and in the "House of Switzerland" at the Swiss Chalet Restaurant (the Swiss Tearm). Reservations recommended. 

Dine with the European Ski Champions at the Sonnenalp

Make your reservations now!

SONNENALP

20 Vail Road, Vail, CO

Tel. 970-476-5656

 European Shopping Pick: GORSUCH

Established in 1964 and situated in the heart of Vail's village core, Gorsuch is a family run European emporium filled with beautiful Alpine designer clothing, home furnishings, stylish ski gear and much more.





Gorsuch carries a fine selection of Alpen Schatz imports, including our famous yodeling, dancing and singing marmots and many of our classic handcrafted Swiss cowbells and collars.





Gorsuch's baby Berner, Zeus at 4 months

They also have their own signature Bernese puppy waiting to greet you - sweet Zeus.

Valentino and DaVinci got to meet the little guy on a recent visit we made to Vail and we all fell in love with their miniature (but not for long) equivalent!

Gorsuch is indeed one of my favourite shops to visit when in Vail - full of Europe's finest temptations and true Alpine eye candy everywhere you look.

GORSUCH

263 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, CO

Tel. 970-476-2294



DaVinci meeting Zeus -
"Let's play!"



Fido Shopping Pick: THE PET BOUTIQUE OF VAIL

HUNTER Swiss Cross Collars

Situated just steps away from Gorsuch in the Village Core of Vail is an amazing pet's treasure chest filled with gourmet dog and cat accessories, treats and toys.

The Pet Boutique of Vail is hands down, Valentino and DaVinci's favourite shop, where they insist on spending as much time as possible on our visits to Vail.

Valentino, DaVinci and two Doodles
getting their "Treat Fix" from Deena
Woof!

Deena, the owner, is extremely friendly and always seems to have yummy treats on hand for visiting pups. 







The Pet Boutique of Vail carries one of the most extensive collections of Alpen Schatz Swiss, German and Edelweiss "Herzli" Austrian pet accessories in the Nation - in addition to a wide range of our original Swiss Handcrafted Cowbells of ALL sizes.







She even carries our signature oak Swiss Alpine Kegs- for one's pup to wear proudly or to sit with honour on the bar.

So, be sure to visit The Pet Boutique of Vail on your next visit - a must for both you and  your loving four-legged faithful friend!



Vast Array of Swiss Cowbells at the Pet Boutique of Vail

THE PET BOUTIQUE OF VAIL

182 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, CO

(970) 476-0255


Ski Enthusiast Pick: 
The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum
and Hall of Fame

For those who have a passion for history, Vail houses a must visit: 

The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and Gift Shoppe

Conveniently located on the third level of the Vail Village Parking Lot, the Museum offers a nostalgic walk through the history of skiing (& boarding). With its vast array of pictures and memorabelia, one is transported back to the beginning of a sport that is now one of the biggest recreational sport industries in the world.

They have a number of exhibits, including one honoring the fames 10th Mountain Division - the ski troopers of World War II.

GIFT SHOPPE

German Custom
Steins

After visiting the exhibits, wander through the museum's Alpine Gift Shoppe, which features many Alpen Schatz goodies, from our limited edition German Handcrafted Steins, custom labeled with VAIL, COLORADO or BEAVER CREEK, to our popular Italian Silk Edelweiss Scarves and Scarf Ornaments. 

They also have a nice selection of our cute and cuddly mini stuffed Bernese toys - complete with Swiss scarf! Woof!

The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum
231 South Frontage Road East
Vail, CO
970-476-1876

ENJOY YOUR NEXT VISIT TO VAIL!

"LIKE" this Post? Be sure to "LIKE" our Facebook Page:

 

 

ALPEN SCHATZ BOUTIQUE