February 27, 2013

Ajijic, Mexico: Jardin Plaza; restaurant review

Jardin Plaza  

Jardin Oriente 2, 376-766-0039. 

Jardin Plaza restaurant in Ajijic, Mexico
Jardin Plaza restaurant in Ajijic, Mexico


When I dined at Jardin Plaza, I met Gravy, an ex-pat from Manhattan who is not fond of tall buildings.  A guy who is almost as colorful as Ajijic itself, he described the “Guad squad” that comes into town from nearby Guadalajara on weekends.  “In their late 50s and 60s, all the men are looking for a nurse with a purse.  This is God’s waiting room.” You might not meet someone this colorful when you dine here, but you can enjoy the view of the plaza from under large protective umbrellas while sipping on a bowl of exceptional tortilla soup and a nice cold beer.  Just a few steps away are a plethora of enticing handicrafts shops with good prices. 



More things to do in Ajijic.

More ideas for exploring Canada and Mexico.


image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 25, 2013

Leipzig, Germany: Spinnerei; things to do

Spinnerei  

Spinnereistrasse 7, in Plagwitz district west of city center, +49 (0) 341 4 98 02 00. 

art gallery in Spinnerei in Leipzig, Germany
art gallery in Spinnerei in Leipzig, Germany


Between 1884 and 1907, this historic factory housed the largest cotton-spinning mill in continental Europe.  Today the sprawling collection of brick buildings jknown as Spinnerei is the center of the "Leipzig School" and draws artists from around the world.  A little city within the city, the premises retains a rustic, raw beauty and accommodates hundreds of artists’ studios and 11 galleries, plus the "Spinnwerk" drama workshop dance and choreography center.  Three exhibition spaces change shows regularly.  It is also home to a cafe and pension. 

The surrounding area has many galleries, including the nonprofit art space D21 and Spread Shirt t-shirt and tattoo shop on Narembergerstrasse.



More things to do in Leipzig.

More things to do in nearby Dresden.


image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 21, 2013

Leipzig, Germany: Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig/Museum der bildenden Kunste Leipzig,

Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig/Museum der bildenden Kunste Leipzig 

Katharinenstrasse 10, +49 (0) 341 216 99 0.  Tu, Thur-Sun 10-6, W 12-8.

Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig/Museum der bildenden Kunste Leipzig in Leipzig, Germany

Though the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig was established here as early as 1837 and is the second-oldest civic art museum in Germany, it is now housed in an ultra-modern glass cube of a structure built in 2004.  Museum highlights are late-medieval paintings, 17th-century Dutch paintings, and 19th-century German art.  The “New Leipzig School”—Max Beckmann and Max Klinger-- is well represented.



More things to do in Leipzig.

More things to do in nearby Dresden.


image by LutzBruno, from wikipedia 

February 19, 2013

Pismo Beach, California: Ventana Grill; restaurant review

2575 Price St., (805) 773-0000.  L M-Sat, D daily; $$$.  Reservations advised. 

Diners come to the Ventana Grill for the extraordinary ocean view and gigantic portions—the burrito was described by a waitress as “the size of a small child,” though that is an unfortunate choice of wording and an exaggeration.  Particularly tasty items include fish tacos, sea scallop salad, and tortilla soup.  Tortillas are made fresh in house, and margaritas are always unblended.  Reserve a window booth.




More things to do in Pismo Beach.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 15, 2013

Pismo Beach, California: Pismo Lighthouse Suites; hotel review

Pismo Lighthouse Suites  

2411 Price St., (800) 245-2411, (805) 773-2411.  70 rooms.  Some gas fireplaces.  Heated pool; hot tub; fitness room.  Afternoon cookies at check-in; continental breakfast.  Pets ok. 

ocean view from Pismo Lighthouse Suites in Pismo Beach, California
ocean view from Pismo Lighthouse Suites in Pismo Beach, California


Built in 1994, this bluff-top property holding the Pismo Lighthouse Suites is positioned right off the freeway and features extraordinary views from some rooms.  It is a five-minute drive from downtown and the town’s landmark pier.  An expansive continental breakfast that includes fresh fruit and make-your-own waffles is served in the morning in a dedicated breakfast room.   The pool and hot tub are situated bluff top with an ocean view, and a second-floor roof-top activity deck has putting greens, Ping Pong, a life-size chess set, and badminton.  Complimentary use of clay tennis courts can be reserved less than one mile away, and beach access is just next door from a scenic coastal walkway.  Beds are double-sheeted and topped with a light duvet—all in white—and decor is ocean city-themed.  Each unit has two ceiling fans but no air conditioning.  Note that the best views are found in the 3-story Oceanfront building (#3).



More things to do in Pismo Beach.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers (view from room 3301)

February 13, 2013

Leipzig, Germany: St. Thomas’ Church; things to do

St. Thomas’ Church/Thomaskirche  

Thomaskirchhof 18. 

Johann Sebastian Bach was organist and choirmaster for 27 years at St. Thomas’ Church/Thomaskirche, a circa 1212 late Gothic Lutheran church.  He is buried here.

interior of St. Thomas’ Church in Leipzig, Germany
interior of St. Thomas’ Church in Leipzig, Germany



More things to do in Leipzig.

More things to do in nearby Dresden.


image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 11, 2013

NYC: Xi'an Famous Foods (CLOSED); restaurant review

CLOSED  67 Bayard St.  No reservations.  Cash only. 

A proverbial hole in the wall, this cramped spot serves up tasty filling fare fast.  At Xi'an Famous Foods, everyone buses their own trash to help keep the prices rock-bottom.  Favorite dishes include:  chewy, cold A1. vegetarian liang pi cold skin noodles made entirely of plain wheat flour (the cubes are gluten, not tofu; stir-fried hot A2. liang pi cold skin noodles; spicy D3. mount qi pork hand-pulled noodles tossed with a distinctive sour sauce and small chunks of pork; unspicy vegetarian D5. mount qi hand-pulled noodles.









February 8, 2013

Guadalajara, Mexico: Mercado Libertad; things to do

Mercado Libertad 

(also known as San Juan market
On Avenida Javier Mina/Calle Independencia.  Daily 6am-8pm. 

The gigantic Mercado Libertad market—it is Latin America’s largest indoor market--features traditional handicrafts and flowers and more on the ground floor, and fruits and vegetables in fondas (food stalls) on the second floor.  You can buy everything from a taco or parakeet to fine silver jewelry and fancy leather boots.

boots for sale at Mercado Libertad in Guadalajara, Mexico
boots for sale at Mercado Libertad in Guadalajara, Mexico


More things to do in Guadalajara.

More things to do in Mexico City.

More ideas for exploring Canada and Mexico.

image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

February 6, 2013

Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico: Hotel Nikko; hotel review

Hotel Nikko  

Campos Eliseos 204, in Polanco, 5283 8700.  5 stars.  43 floors.  Indoor pool; fitness center, sauna, steam room, tennis courts.  Several restaurants; coffee house-bakery off lobby; 24-hr. room service. 

art in lobby at Hotel Nikko in Mexico City
art in lobby at Hotel Nikko in Mexico City


A favorite with business people, the Nikko’s spacious open marble lobby displays contemporary art and opens into a huge central bar area where an artificial waterfall soothes.  Dining options include El Jardin serving Mexican and international cuisine, Teppan Grill offering Japanese dishes cooked on a grill in front of you, and the English pub-style Shelty Bar serving cocktails and light fare. Many more restaurants are within easy walking distance, including several Starbucks, and three similar hotels are next door—the Intercontinental Presidente, the Marriott, and the W.  Rooms feature spectacular city or park views, and do ask for a renovated room.  It is important to arrange for taxi services at the concierge desk, because not all Mexico City taxis can be trusted. 



image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 4, 2013

Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico: Klein’s; restaurant review

Klein’s  

Av. P. Masaryk 360 B-2, in Polanco, 5281-0862. 

chilaquiles and molletes at Klein's in Mexico City
chilaquiles and molletes at Klein's in Mexico City


This well-established cafe is a great place to have a traditional breakfast of chilaquiles or molletes (like a melted cheese open-face sandwich), and maybe some fresh-squeezed mandarin orange juice.  Klein's patio area fills with local in the morning, and usually someone is available to shine your shoes. 




image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

February 1, 2013

Odem Mountain, Israel: Odem Mountain Winery/Har Odem Winery; things to do

Odem Mountain Winery/Har Odem Winery 

12473 Moshav Odem, in village of Odem Mountain, +972 4 6871122. Sun-F 10-4. Tour/tasting 10 sheckels; call for reservations.

Established in 2003, this infant winery does still observe the kosher rule of the Bible that dictates leaving 10% for the poor, the widow, and the stranger. Tradition lives on, but though they make kosher wine at this family-run boutique winery, they no longer boil it! The dry Volcanic Chardonnay and light Merlot are favorites, and I loved the rich Cherry Liquor dessert wine made with sour cherries and sweet blackberries. Root stock comes from France and California.







Popular Posts