QF009 visits the US of A [dedicated to taipeiflyer and HUGE AL]

[Keith009]

And where is the award for best lobster?

The lobster rissoto at The Ivy was actually pretty damn good, if not for the fact that it nearly killed me. Also had great lobster in Dubai and at Caviar House in London.

*sigh*

Oh well... at least I can still eat caviar.

 

[futaris]

The lobster rissoto at The Ivy was actually pretty damn good, if not for the fact that it nearly killed me.

So would you say it's not quite in the "to die for" category?

 

[turtlemichael]

Almost topped the St Peter's Basilica as the best cultural attraction on my visit but I'd face the wrath of the 'history/culture' brigade if I mentioned that in the awards list.

Studiously ignoring that last comment, , many thanks for a great report. You put the joy in reporting travel and have set a standard for us all to aim at. I fear the bar is too high though and in my case at least I'll have to settle for a fosbury flop flop.

Personally, reading of someone's exploits here does enthuse me. I have learnt more about shopping than I thought I'd ever need to and I think I am grateful for that! Reading about you doing it saves me from actually having to do it myself!

Well done spunk and look forward to the next one! Take moi and TMSO with you, parakelo!

 

[NM]

So would you say it's not quite in the "to die for" category?

It was for the lobster .

 

[Keith009]

The food at The Ivy in general is "to die for." Not literally mind you. But the food is so good and fresh. They even have a little vegetable patch where they grow their own vegies for your salad. We also had lunch there the day before where I had a really noice roast beef salad.

Plus it's SO trendy and such a good spot for people watching.

 

[Commuter]

Thank you for the shopping recommendation, QF009! Should be particularly good with the weak USD.

Where were there decent shopping venues in Europe? Since I'm in Europe for quite some time, I feel 'obliged to' make the most of the opportunities and go shopping here as well :mrgreen:

P.S. Very much enjoyed your TRs!

 

[Keith009]

Where were there decent shopping venues in Europe? Since I'm in Europe for quite some time, I feel 'obliged to' make the most of the opportunities and go shopping here as well :mrgreen:

Barcelona was very good for shopping, both mid market and high end.

Amsterdam isn't so big on shopping but is perhaps one of the most interesting cities to shop in Europe; they had a very eclectic selection, and they were big on local and Scandinavian labels that are quite rare elsewhere, some of which I've never even heard of.

Rome was disappointing - apparently Milan is a lot better so that might be where I'm off to next.

London is of course a great shopping city - especially as I was staying in Knightsbridge with Harvey Nicols and lots of nice shops just around the corner.

Didn't check out the shopping in Malta but I don't think the place is particularly known for shopping. Paceville nightlife was awesome though!

On the whole I reckon I like visiting the USA most as, amongst many other reasons, I find the shopping there a lot better. Am actually looking at doing graduate school in LA. Hopefully UCLA so I can be near WeHo and Beverly Hills, but OTOH even though the location sucks I might meet a nice trust fund pretty boy at USC.

Edited to add: For Europe I don't think you can go wrong with Paris for shopping. I was there 2 years ago and had an awesome shopping experience. Especially with the LV store on Champs Elysees - THE cultural attraction of France. Heaps better than staring at the Eiffel Tower (the one in Vegas actually looks nicer for some reason ) or snoozing in the Louvre.

 

[Commuter]

QF009 thank you for the recommendations and leading me further astray into the naughty world of shopping.

Barcelona was very good for shopping, both mid market and high end.

That's my next holiday destination! :mrgreen:

Rome was disappointing - apparently Milan is a lot better so that might be where I'm off to next.

Rome can be forgiven for disappointing shopping, seeing the photos of historic buildings (I like three things when visiting a city - historic architecture, great food, and shopping).

Milan was pretty damn good last time I was there. I couldn't buy anything I already had a major luggage issue before I even started shopping, but I thought it was great, so for shopping, I do recommend it (assuming it hadn't changed too much. It was years ago when I went there).

Amsterdam sounds interesting. I have to give that a go too. I've never been there.

London is of course a great shopping city - especially as I was staying in Knightsbridge with Harvey Nicols and lots of nice shops just around the corner.
...

For Europe I don't think you can go wrong with Paris for shopping. I was there 2 years ago and had an awesome shopping experience. Especially with the LV store on Champs Elysees - THE cultural attraction of France. Heaps better than staring at the Eiffel Tower (the one in Vegas actually looks nicer for some reason ) or snoozing in the Louvre.

London and Paris are dangerous places for excess baggage! I'm popping over to Paris in a few weeks and I've got to be careful with how much my luggage might end up weighing. Luckily I'm only there for 24 hours mainly to catch up with friends, so there is a limit to how much shopping I can physically do. And don't tempt me with the LV store. I am feeling the LV-guilt as it is (bought too many in the last 2 years).

I find the shopping there a lot better. Am actually looking at doing graduate school in LA.

Good luck with getting into the course/location of your choice!! US shopping does sound good, especially combined with low USD. Besides, graduate studies are fun.