Thomas Davenport-Cruise Planners

06/23/2024

According to Tuuci, “ In the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, rooftop bars and restaurants have carved out a niche that continues to soar to new heights—both literally and metaphorically. As we step into next year, the trends shaping these elevated spaces are not just about breathtaking views, but also about creating unforgettable experiences through innovative design, top-notch service, and savvy marketing strategies.“ In an effort unlock the full potential of hotel's rooftop revenue some hotels have gone way beyond the bar, restaurant, social gathering location Jake Emen’s InsideHook article takes you to the world's best and most adventurous hotel rooftops. The article creates a bucket list for the adventuresome.

Take to the skies at the world's best and most adventurous hotel rooftops

06/18/2024

On this day in 1815 an allied army under the Duke of Wellington defeated the Grand Army of France under Emperor Bonaparte. The Waterloo 1815 Memorial (French: Mémorial Waterloo 1815) is a Belgian museum complex located on the site of the Waterloo battlefield in Belgium. It includes a museum the Lion's Mound, the Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo and the Hougoumont farm. This memorial depicts the events of the famous battle that led to the defeat of Emperor Napoleon in 1815, and is a true tribute to the 40,000 soldiers killed or wounded during the fights. The surrounding area is rich in monuments celebrating the battle, such as the Monument to the Belgians, the Monument to the Hanoverians, the Gordon Monument, the 8th Line Infantry Regiment Stele, the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot Stele and the Picton Stele. To fully experience the battlefield and surrounding area, plan on spending a couple days on your next European adventure.

At Waterloo in Belgium, Napoleon Bonaparte suffers defeat at the hands of the Duke of Wellington, bringing an end to the Napoleonic era of European history. The Corsica-born Napoleon, one of the greatest military strategists in history, rapidly rose in the ranks of the French Revolutionary Army duri...

06/13/2024

Oklahoma may be known for its football and weather, but Oklahoma's true signature is the onion burger. The onion burger is tasty and messy . It also represents the people of Oklahoma. Legend has it that the burger was invented at the Hamburger Inn (sorry foodies closed) in El Reno, a 20-minute drive from Oklahoma City, in the 1920s in an effort to keep prices down. Adding onions to the patty meant that owner Ross Davis could use less meat in his five-cent burgers The video shows the staff at Chuck’s Burgers PVC making an Oklahoma Onion burger, I have already added a stop Chucks this December

06/08/2024

I freely admit I drink when I fly because it’s available when I fly first class on domestic flights and on international either business or premium economy. I don’t drink like I normally would because they don’t serve Irish Whiskey so I have to settle for bourbon. However in the last year I had been reducing alcohol consumption when flying for two reasons: drinking can have increase in heart rate could exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions and the terrifying January 2024 crash at Haneda Airport. Madeline Holcombe’s on the potential detrimental effects of drying and flying. I had to give smoking to fly now it appears drinking ban is on my personal horizon.

Trying to get through your long-haul flight with a glass of wine and a nap? New research shows that tactic can hurt your health — and your sleep, experts say.

06/08/2024

Want to live longer eat spicy foods. A couple of days ago I posted on the “Swicy” trend in food products focused on bolder, fiery flavor. I had a number of comments regarding eating “spicy” food is healthy as well as more flavorful. I think they are right, I know Nashville hot chicken with its the cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika, sugar, and garlic combines to make a tasty spicy (now healthy) meal for me. I have been amazed watching Shortstuff put Tabasco sauce or Chin-Su (original Vietnamese hot sauce) on just about everything including “sunny side up” eggs everyday for a while I tried to keep track of what she didn’t put it on mainly salad and crème brûlée. Spicy foods are common in many Asian cultures lined to longevity. For example, a seven-year study of adults in China matched regular consumption of spicy foods, such as chilli peppers, to 14% reduced risk of death. Thinking back to my recent trip to Vietnam i realize the people I was around usually ate spicy food six or seven days a week. This week i had Chin-Su on my bratwurst, I see myself trying spicy food in the future and corresponding rise in consumption of Red Stripe and Pabst.

Breakthrough research is great news for buffalo wing addicts.

06/06/2024

Food plays a crucial role in shaping Japanese culture. Japanese cuisine is closely related to nature, taking inspiration from the four seasons as well as from the rich selection of edible ingredients the land and the sea have to offer. Japanese cuisine is centered around fresh, seasonal food. Rigorous food safety management helps food stay fresh even after being delivered to local markets or restaurants, making sure almost nothing goes to waste. Of the Japanese cities have visited and spent time I like Kyoto the best, food was one of the main reasons. Kaiseki ryori has its origin in the tea ceremony, but later evolved into an elaborate dining style popular among aristocratic circles. Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (kyo kaiseki) is particularly refined, placing an emphasis on subtle flavors and local, seasonal ingredients.

Lindsay Stein’s article does a wonderful job of explaining Kyoto’s food scene.

From tempura to gyoza, exploring this ancient city is a culinary adventure

06/05/2024

As a follow up to last Saturday’s Regional Saturday posting, here is Ellen Gutoskey‘s Mental Floss article;”Why Is It Called a “Hamburger” If It Doesn’t Contain Ham?”. There is a connection, enjoy the article.

Pigs claiming any part of the credit for burgers is stolen valor.

06/01/2024

This Saturday’s Travel Tidbit is about burgers. The hamburger/cheeseburger are considered a national dish of the United States. In the USA, burgers are usually classified as either fast food hamburgers and individually prepared burgers made in homes and restaurants. In the US, burgers are not just food but a cultural phenomenon. In America, burger culture is closely tied to the rise of fast food chains, which popularized the dish and made it an accessible food item for people across the country. Olivia White’s article covers the burger style from almost every region in the U.S. Next time traveling try one of these regional favorites. Chuck’s in Ho Chin Minh City, serves the best American burger in Southeast Asia.

Almost every U.S. region has its own burger variation. Check out America's regional burgers here, including the Juicy Lucy and Butter Burger.

05/30/2024

Enjoy Lindsey Tirling’s performance of “Evil Twin” in Egypt.

Filmed in Giza, EgyptEvil Twin out now: https://found.ee/LS_EvilTwinPre-Order & Pre-Save "Duality" - the new album out 6/14: https://found.ee/LS_DualityThe D...