The bar at New York Ace Hotel's Breslin restaurant serves the full menu, from Scotch eggs to fried head cheese
Photo: Melissa Hom

by Ondine Cohane

A decade ago, a hotel restaurant was mostly an afterthought, the sad stomping grounds of weary business travelers and harried families who couldn't make it off site to somewhere better. But in the last few years particularly, an on-site eatery has become a property's star attraction drawing both well-heeled locals as well as discerning out-of-towners. This season it's Manhattan's turn for some new hotel joints helmed by some of the city's top chefs. Last week, for example, I checked out Danny Meyer's new Maialino in the Gramercy Park Hotel, an inspired take on a typical Roman trattoria. Two weeks before, I had dined at a similar spot in Italy's capital and I have to say that the food in Meyer's place was even better: classic pasta alla amatriciana (spicy tomato and pancetta sauce), lip smacking lamb chops "Scottadito," which literally means finger-blistering, and a delicious whole spigola, sea bass delicately cooked with olive oil and a touch of lemon. The place was bustling but friendly and the wine list excellent, albeit a bit pricier than its more humble Italian counterparts. This week, the restaurant is also launching its breakfast service.

But Meyer isn't the only New York celeb chef opening a hotel outpost. The new Breslin in the Ace Hotel, the latest from April Bloomfield (who made a big name for herself at the Spotted Pig and the late John Dory), will be on my must-stop list for the new year.

Cooking with Top Chef finalist Fabio Viviani was a challenge, especially for this kitchen nitwit.

by Beata L. Santora

Ho, ho, ho! Merrrry Christmas!

The fat man has almost landed, which means it's time for us to look back at the naughty and nice of 2009, Boldface-style. So hitch up your mouse pads and think back to a simpler time when....

* We got the lowdown on smart travel with style-guru Clinton Kelly.

* We partied with celebs at the annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards (check out the winners).

* We said good-bye to more than a few bright stars (hope you're at peace, Michael).

* We praised do-gooding celebs, like Alicia Keys for her efforts in Africa, Kate Walsh and Paul Walker for saving our seas, Ed Norton for supporting the Maasai, and Ken Burns for showing us the magic of the National Parks.

* We cooked (somewhat successfully) with Top Chef pro Fabio Viviani (see above for proof).

* We got hitched during a Roman Holiday.

* We were baffled by the celebrity pairing of Bette Midler and 50 Cent.

* We realized that a plane with a naked supermodel painted on it is far better than a plane without one. Call us crazy.

* We traveled in TV Land to The Tudors.

* We discovered the solution to the economic crisis: celebrity weddings.

* We got fashionable on NBC Mobile.

* We found that there's more to Vegas than strippers and casinos. Check out its awesome deals on hotels off The Strip, on savory cuisine, on fab entertainment, and even on the hot newcomers!

What was your favorite celeb travel moment of the year? Let us know in comments.

The lobby at Milan's Principe di Savoia

by Ondine Cohane

One of the main hotel trends I have noticed in the last few years is the revamp of the grand dame properties. Basically after these places become a little fusty the owners inject a good amount of cash, hire a hot shot interior designer, add a few funky details like a great spa or bar, and voila the place gets a whole new round of buzz and a new generation of guests. Among the impressive models for this kind of reinvention (and there are lots more): La Mamounia's redesign by Jacques Garcia (Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston added to the celeb quotient when they went to grand opening over Thanksgiving), the Pierre's $100 million refurbishment and a new Le Caprice restaurant, the Plaza Athenée with its great Champagne bar, and the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat in the south of France. The Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles is currently closed for renovation, but I am expecting the same kind of buzz after its unveiling in 2011, with a new spa and villas among the additions.

Another recent debut that I am excited about is Milan's Principe di Savoia following a $50 million redo. Rock star designer Thierry Despont--who was behind other such reinvented classics as Claridge's and the Dorchester--has given the place new life, added some suitably sexy new suites, and brought in the former DJ from Miami's Delano to pump up the bar scene. But the centerpiece is a new rooftop pool with its great views of the city--and the Alps on a clear day. Of course, the fashion crowd is already jostling for a prime room for the spring shows.

"A yurt's-eye view
of the Kyrgyzstan sky"
Photo courtesy of Concierge

by Ondine Cohane

It's that time of year again, the moment to unveil my annual It List for Concierge.com that features the destinations that I think travelers will (or should be) keeping on their radars in the upcoming year. Some highlights:

* A number of the places are spots that I would love to travel to myself, like Burma and Sri Lanka.

* Two destinations that have made big impacts on me: Colombia and Venice, which has a number of recent hotels and museums breathing some new life into the must-see city.

* Black Tomato's Clemmie Harvey turned me on to Kyrgyzstan. At first, I must confess, I was somewhat skeptical, but after a little research, I was completely convinced that it is an adventure person's dream: heli-skiing in the peaks of the Tien Shan mountains (with no other tourists around), horseback riding along the Silk Route. If I wasn't knocked up right now I would head there in a heartbeat.

* Cuba has been on my wish list for years. With a bill going through congress that might open up travel there, it seems like we might be legally able to make the journey in 2010.

Read my It List for more.

by Beata L. Santora

Have you noticed that each year, a fresh crop of European romantic comedies attempts to lure us to the theaters? Whether it's Mandy Moore Chasing Liberty in Prague, or Ethan Hawke metaphysically disrobing Julie Delpy Before Sunrise in Vienna, or even Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck taking a Roman Holiday, all these flicks have one thing in common -- silly Americans crashing headfirst into "foreign" European customs, and ultimately finding true love amidst the confusion.

This January two more films join the hallowed ranks of the European RomCom. In Leap Year, cutie pie Amy Adams hightails it to Dublin to propose to her stuffy boyfriend (per Irish lore, a thing proper ladies can only do on February 29). Of course, she gets waylaid by a handsome Welshman who turns out to be "the one."

When in Rome stars Kristen Bell as another perky American who goes splashing around the purported "Fountain of Love" in Rome in order to change her bad romance mojo. Things go haywire when a bevy of misfits falls for her while handsome Josh Duhamel smolders on the bleachers. He turns out to be "the one" as well. Natch.

The story lines of these movies are about as surprising as finding pulp in your OJ. But that's not the point. What keeps us glued to the screen in these formulaic tales is the luxurious European scenery. Whether the rolling Welsh countryside, the Roman forum, or the Maria am Gestade church in Vienna, the settings are the real stars (except in Roman Holiday -- Audrey owns that one).

What are some of your favorite European films? Tell us in comments.

When I visited Mozambique a
few years ago, villagers
on Gorongosa's borders were
already embracing alternatives to
traditional slash-and-burn farming.

by Ondine Cohane

One of the most memorable trips I have taken for Condé Nast Traveler was to Mozambique a few years back (read "A Once and Future Eden" from the December 2007 issue). The country was spectacularly beautiful, with barely developed tropical islands in the north and south (and some of the best diving I have ever experienced), vibrant cities like Maputo with its Afro-Portuguese influences, and huge tracts of park land at its interior. The richness of both the culture and the landscapes made Mozambique's devastating Civil War that much more poignant--although I was very heartened by the way the country was recovering.

One of the most inspirational of the places I visited was Gorongosa National Park, reputed to be the place where Noah left his ark and animals. Once a glorious wildlife retreat, it had been decimated by the war: most of the animals had been wiped out by the opposing armies who used them as bush meat. Even though the accommodation was very basic at the time, the place had an incredible amount of potential for eco-tourism. So I was very happy to receive word that after three years of restoration, the property has opened a new safari camp, the Explorer's Camp, with trips starting to run there with luxe outfitters like Caznove + Loyd. There are only four tents (so, a maximum of eight guests) with custom itineraries on foot to see the returning populations of elephants, lions and hippos (not to mention the amazing bird life) and to explore Gorongosa Mountain with its beautiful forest and waterfalls. I am so pleased that the destination is opening up for more visitors while being conscious of its impact.

Further reading:
* A Once and Future Eden: Recovered from a civil war and balancing the conservation of great natural beauty with sophisticated resorts, Mozambique is an African hope fulfilled
* Word of Mouth: The buzz worldwide

by Beata L. Santora

'Tis the season for giving. 'Tis also the time when celebs ramp up their charitable works to impress Santa. From mugs for meals, to speaking against domestic violence, to bringing music to children, everyone has a cause. But it's no secret that not all celebs are created equal; some simply arrive for the photo op or sign a mug for auction, while others get really and truly involved. Singer Alicia Keys falls into the latter category. During her Tuesday night concert in New York, Keys announced a massive campaign to raise money for Keep a Child Alive, an organization that works to support children in Africa affected by the AIDS crisis. But that's not all. Anyone who texts a $5 donation to the cause is eligible to join Keys on a five-day trip to Africa.

Keys traveled to the continent in 2002 and was so inspired that she now wants to bring five guests to share her experience. So for $5, you'll gain points with Santa and have a chance to go on an incredible trip with a superstar. It's win win. Of course you could also donate to Ben Stiller's Stillerstrong campaign which does double duty in raising money for children in Haiti and mocking Lance Armstrong. Again, win win.