Happy Hour International

Throw the book

It’s time to sharpen your knowledge of literary trivia for the fourth annual Throw the Book at MS, which raises funds for research into multiple sclerosis.

Chat Thai Manly
Amy Chanta and her team of culinary masterchefs have long been a staple of the Manly takeaway scene with eager queues almost every night of the week at her Manly Wharf shop where scents of a fragrant penang curry or a zesty prawn stir fry quickly lure you to Chat Thai. However, recently converted to a 50-seater restaurant with a new dessert kitchen and expansive new menu, Chat Thai has finally given Manly the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality Thai food in a vibrant environment, or takeaway if you prefer to lounge at home. Word on the street is that they will have a liquor license soon, but in the meantime they are happy to provide BYO for minimal corkage. <br>

Tiger Heron in Corcovado [PHOTO]

A prehistoric looking bird.

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Tiger Heron in Corcovado [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Can you see this image hanging on your wall?Buy a Print

This majestic bird is called a Bare-throated Tiger Heron. It was searching for fish & crabs in the tidal pools along Playa Madrigal in Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. I had stopped to take a much needed break and go for a swim before continuing on my 9 hour beach/jungle trek into the heart of the reserve.

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Tiger Heron in Corcovado [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Travel With Hiking Boots

I’ve owned many pairs of hiking boots over the years. The Zamberlan Tundra GT Hiking Boots are definitely the most comfortable boots I’ve ever used.

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Travel With Hiking Boots is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

I travel with a pair of hiking boots. Many people don’t though. The decision to travel with hiking boots should be based on what kind of adventures you plan on getting yourself into.

Simple day hikes can easily be done in a pair of sneakers – they are comfortable & lightweight. But if you plan on doing a lot of serious hiking & multi-day trekking while you travel, I believe a pair of strong, comfortable, lightweight boots is essential.

They provide greater support and protection while stumbling over volcanic boulder fields, sloshing through jungle mud, and maneuvering your way across a river.

I’m actually a big fan of the barefoot movement, and travel with a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. But trying to attempt a barefoot 4 day snake-infested jungle trek with 40 lb. of food, water, and camera gear on my back is not a realistic option for me.

Because I frequently do these kinds of trips, I need rugged footwear with good ankle support.

Strong, Comfortable, Lightweight

I’ve owned many pairs of hiking boots over the years. The Zamberlan Tundra GT hiking boots are definitely the most comfortable boots I’ve ever used.

The first time I tried on a pair of Zamberlans, I was hooked!

I’ve never used a more comfortable pair of boots right out of the box. These things require almost zero break-in time. They are made in Italy, a country with a well deserved reputation for quality footwear going back hundreds of years.

Zamberlans are waterproof and moisture wicking with a thin lining of Goretex. But even with the lining, the 198 Tundra GT model I use is still super comfortable to wear in summer heat.

These Boots are Made for Walking

My hiking boots are about a year old, and still going strong. They’ve powered me up ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, climbed onto exploding volcanoes in Guatemala, survived wild drug plane expeditions in the Honduran jungle, sloshed through muddy salt marshes in Nicaragua, and have withstood multiple river crossings deep inside the Costa Rican rainforest.

I’ve NEVER had a blister using these boots, and I’ve put a lot of hard miles on them.

By the looks of things, I think they’ll last me at least another year with the prolonged travel torture I put them through.

The only modifications I’ve made to them is to replace the laces with 550 parachute cord and replace the stock insoles with Premium Superfeet Greens (also highly recommended). They’re practically as comfortable as a pair of sneakers now!

While sneakers may be fine for some people, I know I can count on my trusty pair of boots to safely take me into some pretty remote locations on my travels. They work great on sidewalks too.

You can pick up a pair here.

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Disclosure Information

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Travel With Hiking Boots is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

The Betty & Barney Hill Incident

On the night of September 19th, 1961, Betty & Barney Hill were driving home from a vacation when they both witnessed something in the sky.

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The Betty & Barney Hill Incident is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

A pasport is not required to travel around in your own backyard.

Plenty of adventures await those who take the time to explore the country, state, and neighborhoods where they live.

I’ve been guilty of a failure to travel locally in the past. Did you know I once lived in Hawaii for a year, and never even visited Pearl Harbor? Completely unacceptable!

We often take for granted the many interesting and historic places around us. If you don’t have the money or time to visit India, Paris, or Antarctica, don’t worry.

There are many travel experiences available around your hometown.

You just need to make an effort to discover them.

America’s First Reported Alien Abduction

While home visiting family for a few weeks in the state of New Hampshire (located in the North Eastern United States), I had a sudden urge to go on a little travel adventure. It just so happened to be September 19th, the 50th anniversary of the Betty & Barney Hill Incident.

On the night of September 19th, 1961, Betty & Barney Hill were heading home from a vacation in Montreal, Canada. While driving South on Route 3 in New Hampshire, they both witnessed something in the sky.

Shooting Stars? Airplanes? Something Else?

The couple assumed it was a falling star at first. But as they kept driving, they changed their minds and decided it was an airplane.

But it continued to get closer and moved erratically through the sky, causing them to stop the car altogether and get out for a better look with some binoculars.

After a while their curiosity quickly turned into paralyzing fear when a pancake shaped craft hovered only 100 feet directly over them, and through the binoculars they witnessed 8-10 human-like creatures moving around inside.

This was no airplane.

Missing Time

Betty & Barney ran back to their car, and sped off down the road to escape the ship. But soon the whole car started vibrating, and they heard un-explainable buzzing noises. When it was over, they found that they had traveled 35 miles down the road, and had almost no memory of doing so.

They finally arrived home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, nearly 7 hours after they had first started the trip. The drive should have only taken 4 hours – leaving them with 2-3 hours of “missing time” that they couldn’t remember.

Betty discovered her dress was ripped in multiple places, and it was covered with a pink powder. Barney’s shoes had scrape marks on the toe box, and he felt an inexplicable need to check his genitals in the bathroom when they got home. He found nothing wrong with them.

The car they were driving had shiny metallic circles in a concentric pattern on the trunk that hadn’t been there before.

The next day, Betty reported the incident to Pease Airforce Base. The military followed up with a phone interview and the whole report was forwarded to Project Blue Book, the US Airforce’s UFO research project.

Military radar had recorded a mysterious object in the same vicinity that night. There were no airplanes in the area at the time.

Betty’s Sculpture of the Aliens

What Really Happened?

Betty & Barney kept their experience a secret from all but a few close family members & friends. They were afraid of being labeled eccentric or crazy. Barney worked for the US Postal Service, and Betty was a Social Worker. Both were active Christian church goers, members of the NAACP, and Barney sat on a board of the US Civil Rights Commission.

But privately they wanted an explanation about what had happened to them. They both began driving down to Boston for hypnosis sessions with Dr. Benjamin Simon, based on the recommendations of others.

Under separate sessions, both Betty & Barney recalled similar (yet slightly different) unbelievable memories. They were brought onto the ship, and taken into separate rooms for medical examinations. The creatures were not hostile, and even tried to comfort them.

The aliens could speak English, but when they did, their mouths didn’t move. They also spoke a mumbling language. Betty was shown a hologram star map, indicating where the aliens were from.

Both Betty & Barney exhibited considerable emotional distress during the hypnosis sessions.

The Star Maps Seem to Match…

Visting the Site

Eventually a newspaper got wind of the story, and soon the whole country knew about the encounter. It became the first widely publicized and documented alien abduction story in the United States.

So on the 50th anniversary of Betty & Barney’s unexplainable experience, at the same exact time of night they had their encounter, I drove through the mountains down Route 3 in Lincoln, New Hampshire to follow in their footsteps.

The road was eerily empty, and I couldn’t help looking up at the stars every few minutes…

I like to think I’m a pretty logical person, and I believe that many UFO sightings can probably be explained away. But there are some that just don’t add up. Like jaw-dropping reports from trained military pilots, air traffic control towers, and group sightings witnessed by multiple soldiers & police officers from around the world.

As I drove down the road, following Betty & Barney’s route, I thought about what may or may not be out there in our universe.

Best of all, I was able to enjoy this little travel adventure in my own backyard.

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Specific Details

Location: Indian Head in Lincoln
Notes: There is a sign marking the general location of the encounter on the side of Route 3 in Lincoln, New Hampshire. You can read many more details about the Betty & Barney Hill Abduction here. It’s quite a story!

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The Betty & Barney Hill Incident is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Barrio El Cerrito in San Jose [PHOTO]

Exploring the ghetto.

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Barrio El Cerrito in San Jose [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Can you see this image hanging on your wall?Buy a Print

This is what a typical lower-class neighborhood looks like in Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose. I spent an hour wandering up Barrio El Cerrito’s steep streets practicing my Spanish by chatting with anyone I met. People were friendly, but somewhat guarded too. I don’t think they get many tourists here…

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Barrio El Cerrito in San Jose [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Oktoberfest at The Franklin Tap
Specials include $4 Sam Adams Octoberfest, $5 Spaten Oktoberfest, $9 beer-cheese dip with pretzel sticks and $10 German sausage platter.

Dine and dally
Lingering is one thing, but camping? Pull up those stakes!

We all know these people: The party guest who will not leave, even though the hosts have changed into pajamas. The person on the phone who won’t hang up until you fake an emergency. (“Oh my God, there’s a bear on my patio! Yes, in my high-rise! Gotta go!”)

Chicago Cinco de Mayo Events
OK, so technically it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day (that’s in September), but Cinco de Mayo is no less reason to celebrate. Fiesta the day away at one of these hot spots, offering Mexican-themed deals throughout the day (all events on Wednesday, May 5, unless otherwise noted).

Bull & Bear
Local cover band Jank presides over this Janko de Mayo party featuring $5 shots of Herradura, $6 Jankaritas (aka margaritas with Herradura), $6 yard glasses (signature vodka cocktails with Finlandia) and $7 sangria.

Carnivale
6:30-8:30 p.m.; $25
In honor of the holiday, sommelier Elizabeth Mendez will lead a hands-on class instructing guests in concocting both a classic and a seasonal margarita. In addition to creating and sampling drinks, you’ll enjoy appetizers from chef Mark Mendez. If you just want to drink, the restaurant is offering five special margaritas, including a Cavarita ($12.50) and a pomegranate variety ($9.50).

La Casa De Isaac
The Highland Park foodie destination will offer a three-course menu for $32.

Chilam Balam Cocina Mexicana
The Lakeview Mexican restaurant will offer a three-course menu for $32.

Cinco de Mayo Festival (Douglas Park)
April 30-May 3
There will be live music, food, carnival rides and games at this three-day festival in Douglas Park. Make sure to stick around for the parade, stepping off from Cermak and Damen at noon on Sunday.

Cinco de Mayo Festival (Little Village)
May 7-9
Celebrate for three days at this inaugural fest, featuring live music, food, crafts, family activities and more in Little Village, the home of Chicago’s largest Mexican population.

Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl
8-11 p.m.; $15
Take a tour of six Lincoln Park/Lakeview bars, with domestic drafts, margaritas and a Mexican buffet at each stop. You’ll be drinking at Duffy’s Tavern, Durkin’s, Maeve, McGee’s, Redmond’s and Wrightwood Tap. There will be a trolley to take you from bar to bar.

Congress Theater
7 p.m.; $15 (two for $25 in advance)
The Cinco de Mondo event goes all out with Lucha Libre wrestling, burlesque performances from Lola Van Ella, Bella Sue Devianti and Gravity Plays Favorites, live music from the Del Moroccos and The Suspirios and more. Comedian Dash Bravado hosts.

Cuna
Indulge in a quesadilla burger (with cheese quesadillas instead of the bread, $7), $1 bottles of Miller Lite and Coors Light and $4 Patron shots at this Lakeview bar.

Dawali
Enjoy $5 specials like shawerma and chicken shawerma wraps all day at this Northwest Side Middle Eastern spot.

Dick’s Last Resort
It’s a Hot Huevos fiesta at this riverside bar, where you can enjoy a free taco bar from 4-6 p.m., $3 margaritas and $4 Coronas. There will also be a spicy food eating contest at 7 p.m., and music from Noche Caliente beginning at 8 p.m.

Division Ale House
The Ale House celebrates with $5 lime margaritas and $3 Corona bottles.

D.O.C. Wine Bar (Lombard)
The West Suburban wine bar offers a $12 chicken enchilada plate with rice and black beans and margaritas martinis for $5 each.

Dos Diablos
The new River North Mexican spot opens its doors for lunch on Wednesday, offering its full menu featuring fajitas, margaritas and more. Try The Big Mel, a four-pound chimichanga; finish it in under 20 minutes and you’ll get your name posted on the wall.

Dunlays on Clark
Drink specials at this Lincoln Park neighborhood restaurant include $4 Pacifico and $3 Cuervo tequila shots, while there will be a few Mexican dishes added to the menu, like guacamole, a skirt steak torta, posole hominy, pork shoulder sopes and more.

Durty Nellie’s
Get $3 margaritas and featured food specials like a trio of tacos at this Palatine hangout.

English
English celebrates with all-day specials like $5 Don Julio shots, $7 Don Julio margaritas and $4 Corona and Dos Equis bottles.

Faith & Whiskey
The Lincoln Park bar’s Cinco de Mayo party includes tons of drinks specials, including $1 Cabo Wabo tequila shots and skinny margaritas, $2 Dos Equis and domestic drafts, $3 well cocktails, $3 Accidental Threesome shots, $3 Jim Beam Red Stage shots, $6 40s and $5 Death’s Hot Rod cocktails (Death’s Door white whiskey, Cointreau and lime juice). Tom Petty/Johnny Cash cover band Petty Cash will perform live at 9 p.m., and the bar will award a 15-person private party to the person with the best “Most Interesting Man in the World” costume (from the Dos Equis commercials) at midnight.

The Fifty/50
Mariachi Michoacano ? an eight-piece live mariachi band ? will play live starting at 8 p.m. Drink specials include $6 Pama margaritas, $6 Cazadores tequila maragaritas, $4 Cazadores Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequila shots. The Wicker Park bar will also award a free private party to the person with the “best mariachi mustache.”

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
The Lakeview restaurant will offer a Mexican pizza featuring ground beef, cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, onion, tomato, cilantro and refried beans ($9). Wash it down with $3 bottles of Corona.

HUB 51
11:30 a.m.-midnight
Fittingly, this River North hotspot offers five specials for Cinco de Mayo. There will be $10 tacos, $6 guacamole, $5 margaritas, $4 Coronas and $4 Grande Tecate available all day and night.

Hunt Club
Munch on free chips and salsa, $3 cheese quesadillas with pico de gallo, salsa & sour cream, and a Cinco De Mayo burger (8-ounce ground beef and chorizo patty topped with Chihuahua cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo, and salsa) for $5 from 6-8 p.m. All-day drink specials include $4 Cuervo shots, $5 Corona and Corona Light bottles and $6 Patron margaritas.

John Barleycorn
Both the Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville locations offer up specials. In Lincoln Park, get $4 lime margaritas, $3 Sol and Dos Equis bottles, $4 Sauza shots and $4 Jose Cuervo shots, along with free sombreros. In Wrigleyville, get $6 house margaritas, $5 Sauza shots, $3 domestic drafts, $3 wells drinks, 25 cent wings and $1 select sliders.

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Kit Kat Diva Jade will perform as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and other Latina musical superstars as you enjoy half-price margaritas at this Boystown club.

LaSalle Power Co.
Q101 (101.1 FM) broadcasts live from 3-7 p.m. and specials include include $5 Cabo Wabo shots and $7 Cabo Wabo margaritas.

Lottie’s Pub
Grab $3 Dos Equis and Negra Modelo and $4 Corona and Corona Light at this beloved Bucktown bar, and pair them with half-price guacamole and some smoked chicken quesadillas.

Luxbar
Buy a pitcher of margaritas ($35) and you’ll receive a complimentary large chips and guacamole platter on Cinco de Mayo.

Mac’s American Pub
All-day Cinco de Mayo pecials include $5 16-ounce Cuervo margaritas, $3 Corona bottles and chicken quesadillas with roasted tomatillo salsa ($6). After 5 p.m., enjoy tacos de pescado: corn tortillas, crispy cod, pico de gallo, avocado and sweet jalapeno mayo ($6). Mahoney’s Pub & Grill
6-9 p.m.; $30
The inaugural Cinco De Rhino event, which benefits the American Association of Zoo Keepers, includes food, drinks, a silent auction and games like “Poacher Pinata” (you can just play on the Wii, too). The purpose? To save critically endangered rhinos and other wild animals.

Martini Park
The River North bar becomes “Martinez Park” for a night, offering $8 Silver Patron cocktails and $4 Coronas. There will also be complimentary quesadillas and nachos from 6-8 p.m. Donate $10 to High Jump at the Latin School and you’ll get a free drink.

May St. Cafe
The upscale BYO spot will offer a three-course menu for $32.

Mercadito
Head to this River North Mexican spot to try the Vato Loco, the self-described “hottest cocktail on earth” which contains tequila and…some hot stuff (it’s a secret recipe). You’ll have to sign a waiver first. The restaurant will also offer a special $40 dinner menu, $5 tequila shots and live mariachi music from 9-10:30 p.m.

Moe’s Cantina
Cinco specials include $1 steak or chicken tacos, $3 house margaritas, $3 Coors Light bottles and $4 Jameson Irish Whiskey, Absolut Vodka and Malibu Rum cocktails. Moe’s staffers will also hand out free sombreros to revelers.

Nacional 27
6-9 p.m.; buy tickets here
Nacional 27 is offering a $27 party package that includes margaritas, sangria, passed tapas/snacks and dancing to the beats of a live percussionist.

O’Donovan’s
April 30-May 5
The North Center bar/restaurant will have a number of drink specials available all week, including $4 Milagro shots and $5 Milagro margaritas, $5 micheladas, $3 horchata ($6 with tequila), $1 off Corona bottles and more. Special food items include zopes, carne asada and caramel flan.

Palmer House Hilton
May 7; $375
The annual Cinco de Mayo Gala, a benefit for the National Museum of Mexican Art, features music from Angel Melendez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra, a silent auction and more. Pinstripes
Both the South Barrington and Northbrook locations of this bocce/bowling/bistro establishment will offer Mexican-themed food and drink specials like $5 margaritas and $5 fajita flatbread.

The Pony
This Lakeview bar’s regular Honky Tonk Wednesday event (featuring free hillbilly bingo and country tunes spun all night) gets an added kick with $1 tacos, $3 Cabo Wabos and $3 Dos Equis. There will also be a taco-eating contest at 9 p.m. (sign up by calling Kevin at (773) 531-2881).

Rock Bottom Brewery
Enjoy Mexican-inspired dishes like quesadilla rolls and smoked chicken enchiladas as well as $5 house margaritas and $4 beer-of-the-day at this River North brewpub.

Rockit Bar & Grill
May 3-7
Both the River North and Wrigleyville locations will serve up Mexican-style cuisine throughout the week, including roasted red pepper and cumin-braised chicken tamales with chive creme fraiche ($8), mushroom fajitas with skirt steak, wild mushrooms, sweet peppers and spanish onions ($18) and cinnamon and sugar churros with cayenne chocolate ($6). Weeklong drink specials include $3 Dos Equis, $6 margaritas and $6 sangria.

Sabor Saveur
Monday, May 3 – Sunday, May 9; $32
The French-Mexican restaurant in Wicker Park offers a three-course prix-fixe menu including choices like pumpkin flower and cream cheese taquitos, chocolate-braised salmon filet and pineapple rice pudding. BYOB.

She-nannigans
The Division Street bar is the headquarters for the sixth annual “Cinco Division” party, featuring a performance from Led Zeppelin cover band Kashmir (9 p.m.), $4 bottles of Corona and lots of roaming mariachis all over the area (including at other area bars.

The Southern
Chef Cary Taylor offers some Mexican-themed specials including Southern Nachos with fried corn chips, smoked pork, black-eyed pea and green tomato pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese sauce and roasted peppers ($8). The restaurant will also offer $6 cocktails like Luis’ Dirty Peach (tequila, peach schnapps, mint-infused syrup) and a jalapeno lime margarita.

Stretch Run
The River North OTB will offer $5 bottles of Corona and Corona Light and $5 Heineken bottles.

Sushi Taiyo
Mexican sushi? Sounds fishy, but it’s a reality at this spot on Cinco de Mayo. Choices include the Mexico City Roll (spicy tuna with unagi and avocado, $12), the Sombrero (steamed lobster, spicy mayo, cucumber, jalapeno, tobiko and wasabi tobiko, $10) and the La Bamba (salmon, shiso, jalapeno, melted provolone cheese and shallots, $12).

Timothy O’Toole’s
Festivities will feature a “best moustache” contest, awarding the wearer of the most impressive facial hair a $50 bar tab. There will also be a hot pepper-eating contest and a pinata stuffed with adult prizes. Enjoy $10 33-ounce margaritas, $15 buckets of Corona and Corona Light and a $20 tequila shot buffet. Guests wearing a poncho or sombrero get a free order of chips and salsa.

Tin Lizzie
The post-work bash begins with $5 taco pizza and $3 shots of tequila, and continues, as it should, with the bashing of a pinata. Grab for prizes like tickets for food and drinks, t-shirts and even coupons for parties at the Lincoln Park bar.

Zocalo
The River North Mexican restaurant hosts a party featuring $5 pineapple-lime margaritas and tequila sunrises, giveaways and music spun by a DJ in the evening.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Citizen of the World
In his humorous solo show, comedian Azhar Usman explores his experiences around the world as an Indian-American Muslim from Chicago.

09/30-10/02 Hokkaido Food Fair in Yoyogi Park
Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products, lamb, potatoes, and of course Sapporo ramen, and you can sample them at more than sixty stands in the “Gourmet Zone” during this three-day outdoor festival. There’s also a Craft Sake Zone showcasing the products of Hokkaido’s small, regional breweries.

Recipe – Satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cakes)
1. On a paper-lined sheet pan, lightly salt the mackerel fillets, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours….

XEX
Leafy Ginza is home to the hippest most romantic jazz bar in the Orient. Pronounced Zecks, it’s an ultra-modern space, with a baby grand and majestic floor-to ceiling-windows in its main room; and an extraordinary terrace with reflecting pool, lanterns and mini-waterfall beyond. The dusty tones and sleek low-slung furnishings and cushions resemble a Schrager design hotel in a desert, although you’…

What a Lovely Recession burlesque 70s 80s funky house night @ The Peacock Bar (30th Sep 11)
A 70s night 80s & funky house club night with a twist combining burlesque shows early with retro indie tinged 80/90s/00s Djs. Popular with birthday parties, girls nights out, hen nights, leaving parti…

Manicures and Martini’s @ Living Bar (30th Sep 11)
For an elegant and fun night out in an urban and swanky enviroment, nothing beats our weekly Manicures and Martini evenings at the swanky Living Bar, in Vibrant Brixton. Your indulgent evening incl…

Cut, W1 – review
Carnivores heading for the first London outpost of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s international food empire will need deep pockets

Keep it Sassy @ Buddha Lounge (30th Sep 11)
After the Huge success of the launch of keep it sassy, the people who brought you Sassy Sundays are back.Kis are back on Friday 30th September at Buddha Lounge romford alll the way til 3:30 in the mor…

Turrbotax? at The Cove
A bit of Brit spirit in BK as nasty beats pound the night.

?Wepa! Welcome to ?El Barrio?
This neighborhood-based bash serves up both fever and flavor.

Party Down?
Can the soir?es of summer last through the fall? A hot-spot handicapper.

Bartifacts
Yup, that?s a real human skull in the fridge. Plus eight other watering holes? most prized possessions.

What’s New: Restaurant reopenings kick off fall rush
The beginning of September means back-to-school buzz and symphony galas, but it’s also restaurant opening season. On cue, the fall rush is underway. The W hotel has flipped its XYZ Restaurant into Trace. Chef Paul…

Bar Bocce review: Entertaining dining in Sausalito
Seeing the spectacular views overlooking the bay at Bar Bocce in Sausalito, the cynic in me wanted to turn around and not waste a meal. So often a restaurant with a great view serves indifferent food. It didn’t help…

Spice I Am – The Restaurant – To really appreciate the food at Spice I am choose from a fabulous three co…
To really appreciate the food at Spice I am choose from a fabulous three course menu for only $55.00 per person for a minimum of four diners.

Moncur Terrace – Fancy yourself as a bit of a Foodie? Don’t miss this new fun-filled night o…
Fancy yourself as a bit of a Foodie? Don’t miss this new fun-filled night of Food Trivia at Moncur Terrace! 7pm every Wednesday. Reserve a space for up to 8 people or just come along and join in the fun!

East Ocean Restaurant – Supper Special East Ocean Restaurant opens everyday till 2am! The ne…
<b>Supper Special</b> East Ocean Restaurant opens everyday till 2am! The new supper menu is now available with Live Mud Crab Congee on special! Do not miss! Valid till 30 September.

A Travel Fear Becomes Reality

All of us have secret fears about traveling far away to foreign countries. Many of them turn out to be unfounded. Some become reality.

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A Travel Fear Becomes Reality is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

All of us have secret fears about traveling far away to foreign countries. Many of them turn out to be unfounded.

But occasionally those things we feared actually manifest themselves into reality. I honestly have to say this is the first time it’s happened to me since I started my journey.

Ten months ago when I decided to quit my day job and travel long-term around the world, I was forced to plan for things I had never felt the need to really worry about before.

How would I manage my finances from other countries? What happens if I lose everything I own? Who do I contact if I get sick? Where do I go in an emergency?

The process of planning for these scenarios gave me the courage to face any new challenges that might pop up on the road.

I thought I was prepared for anything.

Yet there was one little fear that was lingering in the back of my head: What happens if someone in my immediate family get’s very sick or dies while I’m thousands of miles away?

I made a mental note of this possibility, but didn’t dwell on it too much.

I Wasn’t Prepared

Well, a few days ago that little fear of mine become a reality. And it certainly doesn’t feel little anymore.

I’m writing this from an airplane as I fly back to the United States from Panama to attend the funeral of my grandmother Irene.

She was the proud mother of 6 children, loving grandmother to 8 grandchildren, and just missed meeting her first great-grandchild. My grandmother was probably a lot like yours; an incredible, caring woman who lived an extraordinary life. I’m honored to be a part of her family, and love her very much.

I’m going to get a lot of shit for posting this photo…

Actually I’m Lucky

While I’m completely devastated by her sudden death, I know it could have been worse. I had been preparing to travel through Panama’s Darien jungle, getting ready to spend weeks living with indigenous tribes of Embera & Wounaan Indians.

Had my grandmother passed away while I was exploring this remote wilderness, there would have been no way to contact me and I would have missed my chance to fly back for the funeral and grieve with the rest of the family. In this way at least, I feel lucky.

I know of other travelers who didn’t get this same opportunity.

The whole ordeal has reminded me of the fact that no matter how much you prepare for the unexpected in life, the universe may have plans of it’s own.

So if you get a chance, give your grandparents a call.

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A Travel Fear Becomes Reality is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Tiger Heron in Corcovado [PHOTO]

A prehistoric looking bird.

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Tiger Heron in Corcovado [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

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This majestic bird is called a Bare-throated Tiger Heron. It was searching for fish & crabs in the tidal pools along Playa Madrigal in Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. I had stopped to take a much needed break and go for a swim before continuing on my 9 hour beach/jungle trek into the heart of the reserve.

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Tiger Heron in Corcovado [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Fairytale Magic: Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste

Hidden within the cloud forests of Tenorio National Park, the magnificent Rio Celeste Waterfall will take your breath away.

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Fairytale Magic: Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Hidden within the cloud forests of Tenorio National Park, the magnificent Rio Celeste Waterfall will take your breath away.

Who knew camping in the pouring rain alongside monkeys & snakes could be so much fun?

After doing some of the more typical tourist activities in Costa Rica like visiting Monteverde Cloud Forest and whitewater rafting in Turrialba, I wanted to find an activity that was a little more off the beaten path.

I heard a rumor about a secret waterfall located in the North of the country, and decided it would be worth checking out. It was 5 hours by bus from San Jose to reach the town of Guatuso on the Eastern edge of the reserve. That was followed by an hour long ride in a local bus filled with little old ladies who stared at me the whole way.

Once at the tiny village of Rio Celeste, it’s a 2 mile hike up the steep dirt road leading into Volcano Tenorio National Park.

Camping in the Cloud Forest

After half a day of travel, drenched in sweat & ready to pass out, I finally made my way into the entrance of the park and paid $4 to hang my camping hammock in the trees. Access to bathrooms & showers was included, and there was even a small restaurant nearby.

Summertime is rainy season in Costa Rica, and the skys often open up in the afternoons. Luckily I had my hammock set up before the daily deluge began. Although I did scare off at least 5 different snakes in the process.

The next few hours were spent lazily swinging from my dry cocoon while reading a book and listening to the family of howler monkeys screaming directly above me. Finally I put in some earplugs and fell asleep.

Hiking to Rio Celeste

The next morning I rose with the sun and began my journey into the forest in search for the famed waterfall. It was a muddy 45 minute hike through a scenic canopy of trees alive with curious white-faced monkeys, colorful red poison dart frogs, singing birds, and fluttering blue morpho butterflies.

Not a bad way to start my day.

But the best was yet to come.

I heard the roar of the waterfall before I saw it. Slipping and sliding down the muddy trail I rounded a bend and suddenly stopped cold…

Was This for Real?

I couldn’t believe my eyes. It looked like something out of a fairytale story. A powerful river came crashing 60 feet down from the trees above into a dazzling pool of turquoise blue water. It created a cold mist that floated through the air around me.

Rarely does my mouth drop open dumbfounded at the beauty of a place!

Standing alone in the middle of an emerald green forest transfixed by this beautiful bright blue wonder of nature, I had another one of those special surreal moments that all travelers long for.

Climbing the Rocks

Time for a Swim

I couldn’t wait to take a dip in that cold water! It felt great after my early morning hike. The intense color of the pool is created by volcanic minerals in rocks underneath.

The rest of my day was spent climbing rocks and playing in the vibrant blue liquid. There is a pretty strong current at the base of the waterfall that pushes you away, so it’s impossible to swim too close to the powerful cascade of water.

A few other people stopped by the falls that day, but for the most part I had this magical place all to myself. To top it off, my adventure was completed with a dip in natural hot springs located further up the trail.

While it’s definitely not the easiest place to get to without a car, a trip to Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste waterfall is an unforgettable experience.

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Specific Details

Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Place to Stay: Rio Celeste Lodge (or camping)
Notes: There are two entrances to Tenorio National Park. The East entrance near Guatuso is more rustic with less tourists. You can camp, or rent a bungalow. For complete instructions on how to get here, check out my Rio Celeste Waterfall Backpacker’s Guide.

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Fairytale Magic: Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Hitchhiking & Road Cheese in Costa Rica

Abby and I had stranded ourselves on the top of Costa Rica’s Volcano Irazu, and needed a way to get back down to catch a local bus to San Jose.

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Hitchhiking & Road Cheese in Costa Rica is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Abby and I had stranded ourselves on the top of Costa Rica’s Volcano Irazu, and needed a way to get back down to catch a local bus to San Jose.

Because there were still a lot of trucks in the parking lot at the top of the volcano, we decided hitchhiking back would be a fun way to see the countryside.

Volcano Irazu is not like other volcanoes I’ve visited along my journey. Even though it’s the highest volcano in Costa Rica, there is a road that goes right to the top. This makes it easy to visit if you have a car.

The top of the volcano is often covered with a thick layer of clouds, but luckily we had a short window of time when Irazu’s famous blue/green crater lake revealed itself.

Hitchhiking in Costa Rica

After 2 hours of exploring, we walked away from the parking lot a bit and sat down to wait for a ride. I’ve hitchhiked many times throughout Central America – in Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

But this was going to be Abby’s very first hitchhiking adventure. Ever. I could tell she was a bit nervous, but excited at the same time. I was excited for her! One of my favorite parts of travel is embracing new experiences.

Hitchhiking often gets a bad rap. Unfortunately the people who are quick to warn about it’s dangers have zero experience themselves… the armchair quarterbacks.

Talk to anyone who’s done it, and you’ll get quite a different opinion.

Finding a Ride

The first 2 vehicles I approached said no. Well, that’s not entirely correct. They made up lame excuses as to why they couldn’t take us. One was a bus full of fellow gringos! The group leader, obviously lying through his teeth, claimed there was no room…

I guess the common local practice of standing in the asile wasn’t an option either?

Of course I don’t expect these people to feel obligated to drive two total strangers down the mountain for an hour. But I always think it’s funny when they feel the need to make up a reason why they can’t.

On our third try, success! A big local family looked deeply into our eyes, understood that we weren’t a pair of axe murderers on vacation, and let us jump in the back of their brand new pickup truck.

Fluffy Clouds & Tasty Cheese

The first part of the trip on a rutted-out dirt road was a bit bumpy, and we tried to make ourselves comfortable as best we could. We soon needed sweatshirts too. It’s cold in the back of a pickup truck at 11,000 feet…

The ride down the volcano was incredibly scenic though, and more than made up for the discomfort. Clouds came rolling into the side of the mountain as we passed farms and small villages.

Locals had set up little produce stands on the side of the road, and our truck stopped to buy some local Costa Rican cheese called Queso Palmito. I got into the action and bought a giant ball of it to snack on for the rest of the ride. Soft, watery, and ice-cold – road cheese was the perfect hitchhiking treat.

At the end of our journey, we thanked our new friends and found a bus into the city.

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Specific Details

Location: Irazu Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Notes: There is a tourist bus that leaves from San Jose and Cartago that will take you to the top of the volcano, if you don’t feel like hitchhiking. Beware of the rapid change in altitude, it’s possible to get sick from it. You won’t get sick from road cheese though.

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Travel Tip: Are you tired of lugging around heavy tents? A camping hammock is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to set up. Try one out on your next camping adventure.

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Hitchhiking & Road Cheese in Costa Rica is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Belle & Sebastian Night
Chicago-based Canasta performs covers of the Scottish indie pop band at a bash featuring DJ sets by Heaven Malone and DJ Elia of This is England.

A new place to play
River East newbie melds sports bar, lounge and restaurant

We tend to think of a split personality as a bad thing, but it seems to be working, so far, for Quay, which opened in late July in the River East Arts Center and offers — one part sports bar, one part smoldering nightspot and one part restaurant — a little something for everyone.

Rooftop Revelry

When the weather gets nice in this city, you’d better enjoy it. What better way than to get high…at one of Chicago’s rooftop bars. Check out these watering holes where the breeze is free and the brew comes with a view.

Roof
The Wit Hotel features a number of restaurants, bars and attractions, but none of them garners the attention nor the crowds that this 27th-floor indoor/outdoor lounge does. You’ll pay for the views (of both the city and the good-looking crowd), as drinks cost $8-$12 and food is more than at your average pub, but you can’t top the scene.

C-View
As if the killer view from the top of the Affinia Chicago hotel weren’t enough, this 29th-floor lounge has upped the ante with a brand-new list of luxury cocktails, including the Shake Rattle and Hum (featuring master mixologist Adam Seger’s Hum botanical spirit along with Bacardi rum, lime juice and simple syrup) and Back Porch Punch (Southern Comfort, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, sweet tea). When hunger hits, head downstairs to the C-House restaurant, owned by famed chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Epic
The newly opened rooftop at the already massive (14,000 square feet) River North spot, dubbed Epic Sky, offers lounge seating, two private cabanas and a 28-foot long bar serving up signature cocktails, wine and beer. Expect a food menu coming soon.

Vertigo
This sky-high, indoor/outdoor watering hole atop the Dana Hotel and Spa offers strong cocktails, breathtaking views of the city and waitresses in skin-tight catsuits. Combine that with the ultra-chic d?cor and a DJ spinning everything hip in rock, funk, pop and electronic, and you?ve got the perfect meeting place for young business professionals (the co-ed bathroom could be a good place to break the ice. Don’t miss out on the gourmet food options from the downstairs restaurant, aja, and be prepared to spend: drinks cost $9-$12.

Market Bar and Restaurant
Professional hockey and baseball players may not all be beautiful, but they and their paychecks can certainly hang with a sultry crowd. This snazzy restaurant and lounge is partly owned by White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams, and the place is popular with Chicago sports stars (some live down the street) ? as well as sexy clientele sporting mascara, pearl necklaces, silicone cleavage and pressed suits. The newly remodeled rooftop deck, open daily from 2 p.m.-midnight, features eight private cabanas, a walk-up bar, flat-screen TVs and a small-plates menu including spring rolls, a cheese plate and a tuna tartare trio (available 5-10 p.m.; dishes range from $10-$13).

Plymouth Restaurant and Bar
This three-story establishment has dining and drinking options on all levels, but the rooftop deck is the real draw. The view isn’t as spectacular as the loftier spaces (unless, of course, you’re looking at the mural of Chicago celebrities on one wall), but it’ll get the job done. Tip: On an extra-hot day, make sure to grab a spot near the edge of the rooftop; every once in a while, the bar will turn on the misters and give you a nice, refreshing shot of cool moisture.

Citizen Bar
Don’t bother bringing your passport; everyone can claim citizenship at this River North bar, though the outdoor patios will make you want to take up residency. Enjoy the company of the city and take your glass of wine and Cowboy burger out onto the 2,000 square-foot patio or rooftop deck. Weekday specials, like half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays, sweeten the sight. .

NoMI
Less intense than the main space, an upscale French restaurant at the Park Hyatt Chicago hotel, NoMI’s rooftop lounge serves lighter, seasonal fare and a variety of NoMI’s signature cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices. The 2,000-square-foot garden, with lush landscaping and sweeping city views, sits on the hotel’s seventh floor.

Rock Bottom Brewery
Sure it’s a chain, but this River North microbrewery’s in-the-thick-of-it view of the Chicago skyline solidifies its status as a killer rooftop hangout. The vista’s no well-kept secret, though; show up early as it gets crowded quickly. The rooftop has its own bar, making it easy to grab a cold Chicago Gold (pale ale) to cool down on hot days. As expected, the atmosphere and decor feel corporate, but to score refreshing brews and reasonably priced pub grub, you could do worse than hitting Rock Bottom.

Sidetrack
As Chicago’s biggest and most popular gay bar, Sidetrack has become a mainstay of the Halsted scene. Indulge in some fun, frozen drinks like the highly popular Ketel One Crush, a grape-flavored tart concoction, on its sleek rooftop deck, which has its own bar and seats 350. If you’re looking for a place to meet that special someone or just hang out with friends, add this one to your summer roster.

Pegasus
Get the best view in Greektown on the rooftop patio (open Memorial Day to Labor Day), which accommodates 160 people and boasts a full bar, live music and a spectacular view of the skyline. The al-fresco menu features an extensive selection of tapas-style appetizers and desserts.

SushiSamba Rio
A haven for chic Chicagoans, this clubby sushi bar offers a rooftop lounge perfect for people watching. Enjoy a mojito or one of SushiSamba’s many signature drinks like the Lemon Samurai (Svedka Citron vodka, apple liqueur, peach, guava), but make sure your ‘do can stand the elements ? you’re sure to be the recipient of gratuitous ogling.

Twisted Spoke
It may not feel quite like cruising on a Harley, but visitors to the Twisted Spoke’s rooftop patio can catch some rays while their hair blows in the breeze. With picnic tables and umbrellas to accommodate about 60, the casual second-floor patio at this biker-themed hangout is the perfect spot to waste away a beautiful day. The Fat Boy, a big honkin’ half-pound burger topped with your choice of cheddar, swiss, grilled onions, bacon and barbecue sauce, holds court as the restaurant’s most popular menu item. Bonus: It serves Jim Beam on-tap.

Vines on Clark
Round up the troops post-Cubs game and head on over to this outdoor anomaly: Vines rules as Wrigleyville’s only rooftop-dining venue (if you don’t count the lucky fans grilling out on their squint-and-you-can-see-the-field roof decks). The patio can also be rented for private parties on non-game days, when Lakeview locals capitalize on the quiet time to enjoy a Honey Weiss or specialty martini.

Zed 451
With a sweeping 2,300-square-foot rooftop, this carnivore’s paradise has already become a popular hang. With non-stop visits from chefs wielding large skewers of steaks, chicken and fish (for a fixed price), patrons are sure to get their fill while they bask in the sun and sip a seasonal cocktail. A large fireplace, grass, foliage and a copper-roofed clerestory add to roof deck’s ambiance.

Bottom Lounge
You’re probably here for the music, but don’t forget to scope out the rooftop deck before you leave. Located on the second-level, the outdoor locale is an extension of Bottom Lounge’s tiki-themed bar, the Volcano Room. Sip a freshly muddled mojito while taking in the cityscape view.

Terrace at Conrad
Perched five stories above Rush Street on the top floor of the Conrad Chicago hotel, this seasonal spot provides a retreat reminiscent of 1950s South Beach. A stunning bar sits out of the way from plush over-sized lounge chairs, sofas and daybeds, while umbrellas offer a little cover from the sun during afternoon outings. Tack on something from the restaurant’s globally inspired tapas menu and a pitcher of vodka lemonade or mojitos, and you’ll feel far from the street below.

NV Penthouse Lounge
Some will be impressed with the escort to the elevator and the attendant who takes you up to the 8th floor of this River North building, but the real selling point of NV is its outdoor terrace, which offers amazing views of the city. Of course, such serenity comes at a price ? on prime nights, you’ll have a tough time accessing the space without renting a cabana or being part of a private party.

Avenue Ale House
This Oak Park pub is known for heaping portions and hearty food, so make sure your stomach is empty when you cross its threshold. After all, you’ll want to enjoy every second of your time on the cool rooftop patio, a definite hot spot during the summer months. You’ll find everyone from families dining with small children to groups of friends sharing beer buckets and enjoying the occasional acoustic performance.

Shanghai Terrace
Located within the celebrity-frequented confines of the Peninsula Hotel, this fourth-floor restaurant offers upscale Chinese fare in a sleek environment filled with artwork and hand-carved wood. When the weather permits, you can head outside to the terrace for cocktails and Asian-inspired iced teas alongside a top-shelf view of the city skyline.

Like to drink outside, but afraid of heights? Check out our roundup of Chicago beer gardens and sidewalk patios.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

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