Some of David Rosengarten's Past Tours

 If you like any of these tours, let us know - we may already be planning to go back! Some of these tours can be done with a small group, so if you have a group already, we may just need to work out dates. 

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Dear Wine, Food and Travel Enthusiast,

There are cruise ships, and there are cruise ships.

And then, nautical miles in front of all the others, gliding in its own luxury category, there's the Sea Cloud.....which will transport a lucky few of us to some of the Caribbean's most romantic ports in March, 2009.

Only once did I sail on the Sea Cloud.....but, truth be told, I haven't stopped dreaming about her since that voyage. These were frustrating dreams, since the owners told me that all cruises on this unique vessel were booked through 2010. Such is the global demand for this small, ravishing wonder. 

Then the tide turned: I was informed just a few weeks ago that, due to a cancelled charter, a spot had opened for March 9-16, 2009. I was ecstatic and flattered at the same time. But mostly ecstatic.  

Not only is the Sea Cloud a masterpiece of nautical architecture and engineering, she is also beautiful. When the Sea Cloud pulls into port, hundreds of local residents swarm down to the dock to admire her. Built in the late 19th century, she sports four masts and thirty sails—each one of which is unfurled every morning as the sailors climb to the sky in an unforgettable ritual. The crew numbers 60 in all—an amazing number for a ship with only 32 cabins. And what a crew it is!—skillfully blending the grandest luxury with a breezy casualness that makes everyone feel part of a group of old friends who've been sailing the seven seas together for years. Before every dinner, we’ll gather under the canopy of the Lido Bar to watch the friendly bartender of 20-plus years, Bebo, demonstrate the “cocktail of the day” – and the first cocktail every evening is on me! As we enjoy the sunset, I will prepare you for the complimentary wine pairings that Sea Cloud’s sommelier is offering with our evening courses, and I will offer suggestions for those of you who wish to try something different.

And just where in the Caribbean are we going? With the Sea Cloud’s unique proportions, she has the ability to get into the smallest of harbors….which means we will visit some of the most naturally beautiful and pristine islands and beaches left: St. Vincent, Bequia, Grenadines, St. Lucia, Iles des Saintes….. 

Of course, once we're on these islands, we'll experience together the best of the local cuisine....

You’ll find all the information you need, including pictures and pricing for every cabin level – from the original staterooms of EF Hutton, Marjorie Merriweather Post and their daughter Dina Merrill, right down to the bunk bed cabins off the main deck – in the right column. Or call toll-free 877-814-6502 and speak to my travel experts at Joseph H. Conlin Travel Management.

In our future, I see a Piña Colada, a Rum Runner, a Bahama Mama, a Daiquiri, a Planter’s Punch, a Cuba Libre…..against the backdrop of spectacular, technicolor Caribbean sunsets, dancing to the tune of gentle breezes.

Life is good, matey.

Yours in high nautical anticipation,

David Rosengarten

To download a .pdf of David Rosengarten's Biography, click here.

 

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ROUTE DETAILS:

Date               Arrive    Depart   Port
09 Mar 2009    18:00      --       St. John's (Antigua)
10 Mar 2009          At Sea
11 Mar 2009   08:00    12:00    Kingstown (St. Vincent) [1]
11 Mar 2009   17:00       --       Port Elizabeth (Bequia)
12 Mar 2009      --       13:30    Port Elizabeth (Bequia) [2]
13 Mar 2009   07:00    13:30    Mayreau (Grenadines) [3]
14 Mar 2009   08:00    13:30    Soufriere (St. Lucia) [4]
15 Mar 2009   08:00    13:30    Terre-de-Haut (Iles des Saintes)* 16 Mar 2009   08:00        --      St. John's (Antigua)

All shore excursions are included – take some or all, make up your own excursion or enjoy one of the many nooks and crannies on the Sea Cloud:

[1] St. Vincent Island Tour and Botanic Gardens

Saint Vincent is the Capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  Christopher Columbus landed here for the first time on the 22nd of January, 1498.  The independent State is a member of the British Commonwealth.

The island tour offers a scenic drive to historical and cultural attractions. It will take you uphill to Fort Charlotte - a former British garrison completed circa 1806. The Fort houses a collection of paintings depicting the history of the Black Carib inhabitants. There are also cannons, a lighthouse and a panoramic view of the northern Grenadines, the capital, Kingstown, and its environs. The tour continues to the Botanic Gardens – the oldest in the western hemisphere.  Here, you will see a variety of tropical flora, including a breadfruit tree derived from a suckling brought to St. Vincent by Captain Bligh.  You will also see the aviary, which houses the protected National Bird, the Amazona Guildingii parrot.

The tour continues to the Mesopotamia Valley, called “The Food Basket” because of its rich and fertile soil. Lots of root crops and fruit trees are grown there, including bananas, which are the mainstay of the economy. The tour then concludes at a beach facility where you will taste a local rum punch and fruit juices – all complimentary.   From here you rejoin your ship in Kingstown.

Duration: App. 3 hours  -- Bring your bathing suit!

[2] Bequia Island Tour and Visit of the Turtle Sanctuary

Bequia pr. (Beck-way) is a jewel in the necklace of islands called the Grenadines. Only five miles long and three miles wide, it is in the southern part of the Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela, and it looks like a mountaintop that was sheared off and dropped in the sea.

Known for years by sailors, it is now being discovered by travelers seeking a natural place to relax and unwind. It has all the prized qualities of the old Caribbean – friendly people, natural beauty, and island charm  – making Bequia a very special place, indeed.

The tour will proceed across the island in delightful (and colorful!) open safari trucks. You pass through spectacular scenery on your way to Park Bay and Brother King's Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Founded in 1995, Brother Orton King has dedicated his life to safely releasing Hawksbill turtle hatchlings into the nearby waters. Raising the turtles from eggs deposited on nearby beaches, Brother King strives to increase the survival rate of these beautiful and fascinating creatures by feeding and protecting them through their most vulnerable time. His special attention to these animals has lead to a local appreciation for the tenuous situation these animals face. The turtles are no longer hunted here, as in some parts of the world, but are valued for their beauty, uniqueness and even their contribution to sustainable tourism. How the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary got its name and how Brother King came to this calling is a story best heard from the man himself.

We later re-board our safari-trucks and drive across to the south side of the island.  Here you will enjoy a complimentary rum punch at the Friendship Bay Hotel beach bar – and a chance for an optional swim!

Duration: App. 3 hours  -- Bring your bathing suit!

[3] Sailing Tour to Tobago Cays

This exclusive sail-away tour takes you through part of the Grenadines archipelago, experiencing coastlines garlanded with white sand beaches from Mayreau to – The Tobago Cays.

The Cays are made up of four secluded islets surrounded by a huge Horseshoe Reef, which offers the best snorkelling in the Caribbean, an idyllic setting for snorkelling enthusiasts. It has also been declared a National Marine Park. The high density of reef, most of it in shallow waters makes the area very attractive for marine life.

The catamaran will drop anchor upon arriving in the Cays, providing sufficient time for swimming and snorkelling in the warm crystal waters.

On the catamaran, drinks are available (fruit punch, rum punch and water) as well as snorkelling equipment, but no flippers.

After this stop you will return to Mayreau.

Duration: App. 4 Hours  -- Bring your bathing suit and sunscreen!

[4] Sulphur Springs and Botanical Garden

Natural grandeur is the focus of this tour, visiting the volcano, a working plantation and a splendid botanical garden.

St. Lucia is one of the richest and most well developed islands in the Caribbean. Named after Santa Lucia by Columbus, the ever-bloody history of the island saw Carib Indians subdue the Arawaks, Spanish expeditions in search of gold, French pirates in search of plunder and English fleets in search of an Empire. In the Colonial period the island changed hands 13 times between the English and the French. Today, as an independent member of the British Commonwealth, the inhabitants speak both a French-based patois and the national language: English. The Sea Cloud anchors in the deep-water bay at Soufrière, a charming fishing village with virtually no sign of the modern tourism that has so much changed parts of the northern end of the island. Two huge volcanic spires, the Pitons, guard the bay. These landmarks are visible from sixty miles out to sea on a clear day, and were considered sacred by the Pre-Columbian inhabitants.

From the tender landing stage in Soufrière village, minivans with drivers/guides will take you to the Diamond Botanical Garden, where you will see the Diamond Waterfall and the Mineral Baths. These baths are rich in history and vivid in exotic color and flora. You will be introduced to a wide array of exotic flowers, fruits and fabulous rock coloration’s due to sea mineral deposits. Then you will proceed inland behind the towering twin peaks of the Pitons.  Here the Sulphur Springs are a short drive, renowned as the world's only "drive in" volcano. Spend a bit of time viewing the sulphuric fumeroles as they gurgle and spout steam. The tour continues to Morne Coubaril Plantation, with displays of plantation life of by-gone days. On your way back there will be a short photo stop.

Duration  App. 3 hours

* Terre-de-Haut (Iles des Saintes)

Although there is no formal tour in this major pristine beach nirvana, Plage de Pompierre beckons, as it curves around the bay like a half moon, set against a backdrop of palms. The beach is generally uncrowded, filled with mainland French enjoying the powdery-white sand wearing next to nothing. If you want to bare all, head for Anse Crawen on the western coastline. It is the legal nudist beach, although people often go nude on the other beaches, too. The best snorkeling is on the southern coast at Plage Figuier, which, chances are, you'll have almost to yourself.

Be back on board by 13:00 for a final afternoon under the graceful sails of Sea Cloud and to prepare for our final amazing meal...

 

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CRUISE PRICES PER PERSON:

Click to link to all Sea Cloud Cabin picture and descriptions - including 360-degree panorama

Category A
Owners Suites 1 & 2                                                 $8,590

Category B
De-Luxe Original Cabins 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10            $7,660

Category 1
Captain’s Deck Cabins 30 & 31                                   $5,820

Category 2
Captain's Deck Cabins 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 & 37             $5,740

Category 3
Promenade Deck 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25         $5,330

Category 4
Promenade Deck Cabins 28 & 29                               $4,660

Category 5
Promenade Deck Cabins 14, 15, 16 & 17                     $4,160

Single Supplement: 100% in cabins 1-10, 25% in others

 

A deposit is 10% of the cabin price secures your reservation. Full payment due 60 days before sail date, i.e., January 8, 2009.

Cabin availability must be verified by Sea Cloud Cruises, so the best way to proceed is to call toll-free 1-877-814-6502 and speak to Kelly De Marco or Brian Hunter. We can take the following information over the phone:

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Reserve Cabin Number:___________ @ $______________ pp

Name(s): ___________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________ 

City: ___________________ State:____ Zip Code: _________

Tel–Hm: ____________________ Alt:____________________

Email:______________________ Fax:____________________

Enclosed is my 10% deposit in the amount of $_____________
OR
Charge my 10% deposit in the amount of $______________ to the following credit card:

Card Type:    Amex    MC    Visa    Discover

Name on Card:_______________________________________ 

Number:____________________________________________

Exp. Date:__________

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Cancellation policy:

1. JHC Travel does not charge a cancellation fee, but if you use a credit card, you will only be refunded the full amount that the credit card company refunds. 60 days after the charge, they do not refund their fee, which is presently 3.1%.

2. Sea Cloud Cruises charges the following cancellation fee - this is excerpted from their Terms and Conditions, which you can download in its entirety by clicking on the underlined text below this excerpt:

"Our flat rate claim to reimbursement consists of a processing fee of EUR 25.00 per person for cancellation of a reserved trip up to 150 days prior to commencement of travel. The following annulment fees shall arise in the event of later cancellation:
5% of the tour price for cancellation 149-100 days prior to commencement of travel;
10% of the tour price for cancellation 99-50 days prior to commencement of travel;
25% of the tour price for cancellation 49-22 days prior to commencement of travel;
50% of the tour price for cancellation 21-15 days prior to commencement of travel;
75% of the tour price for cancellation 14 days or less prior to commencement of travel."

Sea Cloud Cruises requires your signature on their Registration Form, which states that you have read and agree to their Terms and Conditions.

Click here to download a .pdf file of the Sea Cloud Terms and Conditions.

Click here to download a .pdf of the Sea Cloud Registration Form - Sign this form and fill in the basic information (you don't need to fill in details, such as your flight and passport information until 60 days before sailing) and either scan and email to bh@jhcbh.com or fax it toll-free to 866-307-1778, or mail it to:
        Joseph H. Conlin Travel Mgt. LLC
        853 Seventh Avenue
        New York, NY 10019

It's going to be a fantastic week – you're going to love the Sea Cloud, David Rosengarten, the Caribbean in early March, and the customer service of Joseph H. Conlin Travel Management!

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Doing New York Right, 2007

Click on banner below to download the 2007 .pdf brochure:

HTML version: drny1205.htm

David created a relaxed whirlwind, with some of the very cream of New York (including meals at reignited Fiamma and two three-star Michelin restaurants - Le Bernardin and per se...). The dates were December 5-9, 2007, which happened to be the height of New York's shopping season -  The holiday season turned out to be such a perfect time to visit the Big Apple, that we're planning to do New York right in December again and again. Click here or the tab above, or call Joseph H. Conlin Travel  toll-free at 1-877-814-6502 for information.

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India of the Maharajas

January 12-26, 2008

 Click on banner to download .pdf brochure!

If the link above doesn't open or download, copy the address below into your browser:

      http://jhcbh.com/DRosengartenIndiaoftheMaharajahs.pdf

MAJOR CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL BROCHURE: WE STAYED IN THE 2007 TRAVEL AND LEISURE #1 RATED HOTEL IN THE WORLD, THE OBEROI UDAI VILAS FOR OUR TWO NIGHTS IN UDAIPUR. WE STILL DINED AT THE LAKE PALACE'S MAGNIFICENT MAWAR TERRACE OVERLOOKING THE LILY POND AND THE ENTIRE LAKE. WOW! NOTHING LIKE EITHER THE UDAI VILAS OR THE SILVER-TRAY SERVICE ATOP THE PALACE!!

*****
India--what a great country! This was an amazing, intense trip. The hotels and gastronomic experiences were beyond description. I, personally, would love to return to several of these hotel/spas for more than two days each. I will always crave Indian cuisine, but after experiencing this trip with the superb guidance of David and Prasad, I will be looking for regional cuisines like Mughal or Rjastani or Keralan or Punjabi or Maharastran - it's not just tikka masala and tandoori ovens for me! I'll forever be comparing what passes for vindaloo elsewhere to the sensational pork and chicken vindaloos we experienced in its Goan birthplace. I want more mouth-watering kebabs, and I want more vegetarian dishes in my life! I used to say along with Dorothy Parker, "Only the rich can do vegetables." Now I know the poorest Indian can make a gastronomic celebration out of vegetables and a careful blend of spices!

We would love to make India an annual trip - we are already planning February 2010, coming to a climax on Valentine's Day in Agra after a visit to the Taj Mahal! We've tweaked the 2008 model, making a couple of fewer stops in order to stay three nights at the great hotels instead of two, but this 2008 trip is basically THE WAY to taste and enjoy India!

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Abercrombie & Kent

presents

Southward from the Peak

Hong Kong to Bora Bora by Private Jet

December 27, 2008 – January 19, 2009

Dear Valued Clients – Past, Present & Future,

We know how important vacation time is and in our effort to bring you the world's best, we bring you private jet journeys hosted by Abercrombie & Kent. We are proud of David Rosengarten's involvement with this world-class company and hope that we can show you even more of our glorious globe!

If you choose to travel on this amazing adventure, we would like to offer you an additional incentive of $1,000 to you rebated to you after your journey. This is in addition to any discounts you may qualify for with A&K.

Please call us to make your reservation or with any questions you may have about this trip southward from Hong Kong's Victoria Peak!

Kelly De Marco and Brian Hunter
kd@jhcbh.com        bh@jhcbh.com
Joseph H. Conlin Travel Mgt., LLC
1-877-814-6502

Abercrombie & Kent's friendly and informative crew.

 

 

If you would prefer to have A&K's brochure mailed to you, you can click on the CONTACT US tab and mention "A&K brochures" or call us toll-free at 877-814-6502 or email your request to gastrotours@jhcbh.com.

David's Invitation Letterto A&K's
"Southward from the Peak" Jet Charter

Dear Lover of the Good Life:

     I know you are one.....because you're on a very exclusive list of people who take their luxury seriously!

     I hope you know all about my travel adventures, organized by my partners Joseph H. Conlin Travel Management in New York City; in the last few years, we have led extraordinary culinary journeys (I'm a cookbook author and TV chef) to France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Malta, India, and many other exciting places.

     But our team recently expanded the business, by connecting with the very prestigious travel company Abercrombie and Kent, based in Chicago. Chances are you've heard about their legendary, ultra-high-end tours to Africa, Asia and other places. There is no luxury beyond Abercrombie & Kent luxury!

     Now, I have a new deal with them: when it's possible, they're going to include me as lead food maven on portions of their big trips!

     The first such collaboration is an astonishing trip across Asia, on our own private jet, that leaves from Seattle on December 27, 2008. There will be stops and stays in Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Hawaii, returning to the U.S. on January 19, 2009.

     That means New Year's Eve in Asia.....my part of the trip! And I can't tell you how excited I am!

     I will greet the group in Seattle and, before we even leave the country, create an evening of gastronomic excitement with my good friend Tom Douglas, Seattle's top chef.

     Then.....as we soar over the Pacific on our private 737, I will give you a preview of the marvelous foods to come. En route to Hong Kong, we overnight in Tokyo, where I will be your guide for all the delights of the sushi bar.

     Finally...on to Hong Kong, one of the world's most exciting cities. We will dine sumptuously on way upscale Cantonese food on New Year's Eve, tour traditional Chinese wet markets the next morning, stop for a dim sum breakfast, then go on to a live seafood bazaar where we'll select the fish that local chefs will cook us for lunch. Dinner, on Jan. 1, will be at another one of Hong Kong's top Cantonese palaces.

     The next morning.....you're on to Hanoi, I'm on to the U.S......all of us with amazing memories tucked away.

     If you have an interest in participating in this grand adventure, please contact Joseph H. Conlin Travel Management toll-free at 877-814-6502 or drop an email to gastrotours@jhcbh.com. 

Yours in breathtaking travel,

David Rosengarten

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 Doing New York Right with David Rosengarten

 Unfortunately, this trip was canceled, but we will use these ideas in a future tour of New York:

David's Invitation Letter  

 

Wednesday, December 3
Arrive for check-in Park Lane Hotel with stunning Park View rooms, 36 Central Park South (59th St. between 5th and 6th Ave.).
6:00 PM Welcome cocktails and seasonal hors d'oeuvres in the newly renovated second floor Park Lane restaurant, overlooking Central Park. We walk or taxi to  the sublime three-starr Michelin Jean Georges, 1 Central Park West (59th Street and 8th Ave.). 

 Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Alsatian-born Executive Chef of 17 restaurants, including Jean Georges...

Thursday, December 4
Helicopter tour of Manhattan - the days of helicopter tourism over Manhattan may be coming to an end and we'd like to be among the number that were able to take this breathtaking and pride-filling ride.

We continue by coach to The Bronx. We'll do a few touristy things like swing around the old and new Yankee stadiums, but as our main destination (of course), David will lead us on a pilgrimage to Arthur Avenue to meet his favorite store owners and taste their  authentic cappuccino and pastries, fresh made-before-our-eyes mozzarella; we'll visit David's favorite seafood markets and salumerias; finally, lunch at the renowned Roberto Restaurant - reservations? Fuggedabowd it! (But he knows we're coming...)Roberto Paciullo, Executive Chef and Owner. No reservations allowed for over a decade, but customers who wait will be rewarded - that's a done deal. 

Train back to Manhattan for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Evening options include Radio City's Holiday Spectacular, Lincoln Center (from Balanchine's Nutcracker to the Met), Carnegie Hall, Broadway or anything you can dream up - you pay ticket prices only - we're preparing a full list of the Big Apple's offerings for you to consider, from Columbia University's Miller Theatre to the 92nd Street Y to South Street Seaport!

Late-night feast at David's favorite Mexican restaurant, fiesta-decorated Toloache, 251 W. 50th St. We can choose from 110 brands of tequila, three different guacamoles, seven signature ceviches, twelve innovative tacos from tilapia to veal cheek to foie gras, and a line up of entrées from Veracruz-style paella to brick oven-roasted suckling pig...

Friday, December 5
We begin this morning with the Frick Museum, 10 East 71st Street (at 5th Ave.). In addition to the glorious permanent Frick Collection, we will enjoy a privately-guided tour of their exclusive exhibit, Andrea Riccio: Renaissance Master of Bronze.

On to the Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave. (at 89th St.), for a privately-guided tour of their two special exhibits, Catherine Opie: American Photographer and their own Theanyspacewhatever project. After some free time to wander through the permanent collection, we should have worked up an appetite, and since we're halfway there...

We coach to Harlem in seek of its soul...food. There is great comfort cuisine all over Harlem and we're going to lunch at the venerable Sylvia's Restaurant of Harlem, 328 Lenox Ave., There may be a surprise or two along the way, but one thing's for sure, nobody's going home hungry! 

After an afternoon of leisure, men don their jackets and ties and ladies their finery because we are guests of the private Lotos Club, 5 East 66th Street, for a pre-theater wine tasting. While sharing a couple of bottles of extraordinary wine, James Ross, President of Oakwood Advisors, will talk to the group about “How to drink the best wines in the world without paying for them”  as well as share some of his anecdotes from his decades of purveying the most expensive wines on the planet.

Relax until Evening Options (Radio City, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Broadway, etc.) followed by late night dinner downtown at Il Buco, 47 Bond St. Simply stated, this is David's favorite restaurant in New York right now. 

 

Saturday, December 6
Day at leisure. We have personal shoppers available to you throughout the tour in many of the stores, including Bergdorf Goodman - right across the street from the Park Lane. Why not set up an appointment and have your holiday gifts shipped?

Matinee Options include Radio City, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Broadway or anything you can dream up we're preparing a full list of the Big Apple's offerings for you to consider....

8:00 PM We'll walk three blocks or take a short taxi to our Gala Dinner at Alain Ducasse's newly-annointed jewel of New York, Adour at The St. Regis Hotel, 2 East 55th St. (at Fifth Ave.) This menu was created with wine pairings from inception, and its wine program is phenomenal - we are in the hands of a master!

Sunday, December 7
For some of you with morning flights, we say a fond farewell. But if you don't have to fly out early, we have more options! Why not head with us to B.B King's Blues Club and Grill for a soul-food Gospel Brunch with the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir? We'll provide the transportation - and if you still have time to kill, you'll have plenty of time to take in a Broadway Sunday matinee!

Does anyone do New York more right than this?

Best wishes,

Brian & Kelly

Brian Hunter  and  Kelly De Marco
bh@jhcbh.com      kd@jhcbh.com
Joseph H. Conlin Travel Mgt., LLC
Toll-free: 1-877-814-6502 

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PRICING

Doing  New  York  Right, including  four  nights  at  the Helmsley  Park  Lane  Hotel, Park View Room:

  - Double Occupancy: $4,865 per person, i.e., $9,730 per couple 
  - Single Occupancy $6,265

Doing New York Right, no hotel:

- $3,465 per person, i.e., $6,930 per couple 

Want to do your own hotel and save some money? Recently found on www.expedia.com, these are very good three-stars and just a short walk to the Park Lane, which is between 58th/59th and 6th/5th:

     Wellington, 55th & 7th: $364.65/night
     Ameritania, 54th & B'way: $399.20/night
     Park Central: 55th & 7th: $439.20/night 

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Valentine's Day Quickie in Iceland

INVITATION FROM DAVID ROSENGARTEN

Dear Fellow Traveler,

     As readers of The Rosengarten Report know.....I've always got Iceland on my mind! Not only do I co-own a restaurant in Reykjavik, but I find this dramatic northern Atlantic island (only 4 1/2 hours from New York) one of the most compelling places on earth. The weirdly gorgeous moonscapes. The volcanic environment, with geo-thermal steam gushing from the ground everywhere. The old Viking culture. The witty, beautiful, fascinating people (only 300,000 of them!).  And....to top it off....the combination of traditional Icelandic food (still there if you know where to go) and modern Icelandic cuisine makes for an eye-opening gastronomic time, with some of the most pristine ingredients on earth!

     Open your eyes.....with me as your guide.....right now! Actually, I'll give you a few weeks to indulge your impulse. But I am setting off for Iceland on February 13, 2009, for five days of ultra-Icelandic adventures. We will:

* view the psychedelic Northern Lights in the wintertime sky
* swim outside in the huge geo-thermal puddle called the Blue Lagoon
* view powerful waterfalls, and the world's original geyser (called Geysir!)

Hungry? We will:

* taste a huge array of traditional Icelandic food, while we "Skál" our way to merriness on Icelandic schnapps
* visit a number of restaurants (including one in a heated tent on the beach and a barbeque on a glacier) for various versions of Icelandic lobster
* enjoy a raucous dinner at Reykjavik's best bistro
* dine in an Icelandic home to get the real feel of the place and of the people (and the real taste of Iceland's amazing naturally seasoned lamb)
* get an insider's view of Iceland's best restaurant (well, I think so)......Icelandic Fish & Chips, my restaurant, directly across the street from the fjord and harbor, where you will find northern delight in the incredibly fresh seafood on the blackboard menu

     As if all that were not enough.....the Icelandic Kroner, in the recent global meltdown, has fallen further against the dollar than any other currency in the world. This may not be the case when the ice thaws in the spring.....but.....right now....Iceland is the best travel bargain on earth for Americans!

     And your cost will be kept lower still by the incredible network of friends and colleagues I have in Iceland, all dedicated to giving you a REAL Icelandic experience, as well as a value-conscious one.

     So join me, thrill-seeker! Inquire today as to the exact price of the package by contacting Brian or Kelly at  Joseph H. Conlin Travel Mgt., LLC. Call toll-free 1-877-814-6502 or email info@jhcbh.com.

     You will be amazed by it all.....the country....the food.....the people.....the adventure.....the price.....and the fact that all of this unfolds with the usual sense of Rosengarten luxury.

     All things considered....this February, 2009 trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Yours in great food and travel,

David Rosengarten

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To download a .pdf of David Rosengarten's Biography, click here.

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Our Hotel: Reykjavik Centrum

The Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is a four-star luxurious hotel located in the heart of Reykjavik on one of Reykjavik's oldest streets, Adalstraeti, in a lovely pedestrian square. Iceland's parliament building is next to the hotel, and the streets around the hotel are dotted with cafes and bars. Tjornin Lake, the National Museum and the National Library are less than a kilometer away. The hotel, constructed in 2005 to adjoin two restored town houses, is designed in the style found in Reykjavik around 1900. During its construction, the remains of a Viking longhouse from the Settlement Period were found. It can be viewed in an exhibition hall beneath the hotel together with related exhibits.

The lobby is light and airy due to being almost entirely constructed of glass, but it still radiates traditional charm. It is located between the two old Reykjavik town houses that form the two main wings, housing rooms and dining facilities.

The medium-sized rooms are among those of the highest quality in Iceland. They are very modern, despite the hotel's traditional exterior, with warm wooden floors and soft pastel colors in every room. Both the rooms and bathrooms are exceptional. Each room is fitted with modern amenities, including satellite TV, telephone, internet access, wifi, mini-bar, tea & coffee set, iron and board, hair dryer and safe.

Enjoy breakfast in your room or a fine buffet breakfast in the cheery breakfast area with panoramic views of Reykjavik.

 

 

 

Cafe and bar, with a roaring fire throughout the winter, is open in afternoons and evenings.

 

 

Hotel Amenities

• 24 Hour Front Desk
• 24 Hour Room Service
  
• Bar/Lounge
• Concierge
• Laundry/Valet Services
• Meeting/Banquet Facilities
• Safe Deposit Box

In-room Amenities

• AM/FM Alarm Clock
• Coffee Maker in Room
• Hairdryers Available
• Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
• Mini Bar
• Modem Lines in Room
• No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
• Television with Cable
• Wireless Internet in Room