City Center Las Vegas: The Crystals

Entrance to Crystals from the pedestrian bridge that connects to the
Cosmopolitan and Planet Hollywood.

Above Crystals are the Veer Towers.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Boasting over 500,000 square feet, the Crystals shopping mall and entertainment district at City Center ups the ante to compete with similar ventures on the Las Vegas Strip with a collection of over 40 high-end shops and restaurants targeting those willing to spend top dollar for the very best.

The Forum Shops at Caesars (636,000 square feet, over 160 stores) still is tops among the largest shopping centers tied to a casino. Though Crystals is similar in size to the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian (500,000 square feet, over 140 stores), it has far less retailers. The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood (475,000 square feet, over 140 stores) is located adjacent to Crystals with a mix of more affordable stores. If you include malls not connected to a casino and hotel, the Fashion Show Mall rules the Strip (1,888,151 square feet, over 250 stores).

Sometimes it's nice to window shop and it's likely the average Las Vegas visitor will do just that at Crystals. Among the luxury stores at Crystals are: Bulgari, Cartier, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany & Co. and Versace. Many would find the dining options at Crystals more affordable. These include Todd English P.U.B. and Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina.

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The ceiling reflects the unusual shaped buildings that is Crystals.

The shops of Crystals are located on two levels.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Visitors walking south to City Center will not be able to avoid a stroll through Crystals. The pedestrian bridge that connects Planet Hollywood and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas leads into Crystals. At one end of the mall is an grand entrance to the Aria Resort & Casino. Even those taking the Aria Express to City Center will find the central stop is at Crystals.

I'm sorry I missed the opportunity to see the three galleries in Crystals. Those who admire the glass sculpture above the registration lobby at the Bellagio would want to visit a gallery featuring the work of artist Dale Chihuly. The other galleries features the works of photographer Rodney Lough Jr. and artist Richard MacDonald. This will definitely be a must thing to do upon a return visit to Vegas. Fans of the Bellagio fountains should stop by to gaze at two of five water features created by WET for City Center located in Crystals.

Crystals is bright and airy without the distractions of a theme that prevails at its competitors. The building that is Crystals has unique design elements (e.g. the Treehouse) that will make one take notice. Some may question if such a high-end shopping complex can succeed on the Las Vegas Strip. Some of these retailers have locations elsewhere in the city but they are mixed into a broader collection of shops. The concentration of stores will bring in those attracted to such similar central shopping attractions such as New York's 5th Avenue or Beverly Hill's Rodeo Drive. The unusual look of Crystals will bring in the average Las Vegas tourist with many of them just wanting to make their way to the Aria casino or showroom. Let's not forget the built in audience of guests and residents of the City Center's five buildings.

Crystals opened on December 3, 2009. Visit crystalsatcitycenter.com for more information. Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight.

Before the noon, the crowds at Crystals are sparse. Crowds should build
as visitors to Las Vegas awake from a late night of gambling and entertainment.

The Pods by Wolfgang Puck is a full-service coffee bar.

A touch of Las Vegas glitz on a stairway at Crystals.

The 80-foot-tall "Treehouse" houses the Mastro's Ocean Club Restaurant.

A grand exit on the Level 2 leads to the Aria Resort & Casino

A mix of real and artificial greenery and water features brighten the
surroundings of the shops at Crystals.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Rittenhouse Row: Shop Till You Drop Destination

(photo: ukealesfan/flickr)

(photo: ErinC/foursquare)

I had some time to kill in the late afternoon and wondered over to Rittenhouse Row. This area between Broad and 21st Streets and Spruce and Market Streets in Philadelphia is filled with a shoppers paradise of swanky stores, tony boutiques, art galleries, jewelers and many chain stores (a branch of the Apple Store is found here). Just walking along Walnut Street from Broad Street to Rittenhouse Square, the area is a buzz with crowds in search of deal.

I really didn't need anything. But I admit I succumbed and bought a cardigan sweater from Banana Republic and picked up a couple of drinks at DiBruno Bros. By the time I circled back along the other side of Walnut Street it was time to find some dinner and something to do on my last night in the city.

The top of photo is of the Barnes & Noble and a view east of Walnut Street. At left is the Banana Republic on Walnut Street. Below is the interior of Di Bruno Bros on Chestnut Street.

(above two photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

AJ Pickel Patch & Salads at Reading Terminal Market

Before leaving the market after enjoying my first Philly Cheesesteak, I picked up one last item to bring home. I was rather interested in the many bottled james, jellies, fruits, pickles and relishes at AJ Pickel Patch & Salads and brought a bottle of tiny red hot peppers for a gift to take home. The vendor is one of the dozen or so Pennsylvania Dutch merchants at Reading Terminal Market.

Shopping for gifts is always a chore so I always go the practical route and find something that can be consumed. It's better than risking purchasing something that will land on a "crap souvenir" list.

Aj Pickel Patch & Salads is open Wed 8am-3pm; Thu 8am-5pm; Fri 8am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-5pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Reading Terminal Market Where Eating & Visiting is a Treat

(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Considered one of America’s best public markets, the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia which has origins going back to 1859 occupies a former train shed in the heart of the city and features Pennsylvania Dutch specialties along with cheesesteaks and soft pretzels among its more than 80 restaurants, shops and farm stands. Vendors sell a variety of products including handmade soaps, cookbooks and kitchen wares.

The lack of chain restaurants and eateries and availability of quality goods make this one of the most unique diversions for visitors and residents alike. It’s location adjacent to several hotels make it popular with guests at these properties.

Walk the aisles and get lost among the aromas and delectable displays and you may find yourself in a state of indecision. So why not come back to this lively place if you’re in the city more than one day. If you’re not looking for a meal right away, buy something to take away or bring as gift back home. You’ll be sure to find something good and meet some of the nicest vendors ever. If you're a new visitor to the city, the market also has a information desk near the 12th and Filbert Street entrance.

There is seating available at some merchants but the market has dedicated areas for chairs and tables. But when it gets busy you may find yourself out of luck in finding an empty one.

There are about a dozen Pennsylvania Dutch merchants and be sure to plan your visit carefully since most of them are only open Wednesday through Saturday. The market is generally open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm and Sun 9am-5pm. Visit readingterminalmarket.org for more information.

Click on the links below to learn more about these Reading Terminal Market Vendors.

Beck’s Cajun Café

Miller’s Twist

Termini Brothers Bakery

By George! Pizza, Pasta & Cheesesteak

AJ Pickle Patch

A Random Hour along Front Street in Lahaina, Hawaii

Walking north along Front Street.

The neighbor island of Lanai can be viewed from Front Street in Lahaina.
Whale watching is popular here.

I was on the island of Maui last month for business and had a meeting in the town of Lahaina. Since I had an hour to kill I decided to explore part of Front Street which is the main road running through town that offers lots of shopping, restaurants and some historical sights all within steps from the ocean. Lahaina is located in West Maui and can only be reached via a long two-lane road that winds along the mountainside. Visitors driving along Honoapiilani Highway heading toward the resort area of Kaanapali will pass by Lahaina.

At one time Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii until it was moved to Honolulu. Lahaina was the center of the whaling industry in the 19th century. One of the striking attractions is that along the waterfront visitors can clearly see the neighbor island of Lahaina across the bay.

Here are a couple of links for information about this historical Hawaii town:
Lahaina Restoration Foundation
Front Street Lahaina - Maui's Unofficial Shopping and Dining Mall

Walking south along Front Street.

On stretch of Front Street runs right along the ocean.

The Wo Hing Museum. Built in 1912, the temple was used by the Wo Hing
Society where the Chinese community maintained social and political ties
with their ancestral homes.

The weather on the west side of each island is often dry and warm. Today
was particularly hot. Picked up some coconut juice at the ABC Store
on Front Street to help quench my thirst and cool down.

'The Book of Mormon' Shop: I Went to New York And This Is the T-Shirt That I Bought

Not on the best terms with God today? Express your true feelings with the
 Hasa Tee. "Hasa Diga Eebowai" means "F*@# You, God" in the native Ugandan
 language. Please refer to track #4 on the Book of Mormon Original Cast Recording.

You know a couple of months ago I wrote a post about a website where people could post their crap souvenirs. Well I may or may not have succumbed to making such purchases on my recent visit to New York City. But in the euphoria after seeing the hysterical musical 'The Book of Mormon' all logic was pushed aside as I left with not one but three t-shirts (or tees). Now I rarely fall prey to making purchases at the concession stand at musicals other than the souvenir program and poster so the fact that I purchased these tees says something about either the quality of the musical (written by Trey Parker & Matt Stone of "South Park" fame with Robert Lopez of 'Avenue Q' fame) or my enjoyment of the show or both.

Besides the standard tee of the logo slapped on the front of the shirt, marketers have taken advantage of the humor and subject of the show for other shirt designs. This is one of the few shows in recent memory where the concession stand was still quite busy even after everyone exited the auditorium. Based on what I observed at the show, the "Hasa Diga Eebowai" was the top seller.

Visit bookofmormonbroadwaystore.com to purchase these tees and other collectibles from the show's Mission Shop. These tees sell for $30-$35 online (before shipping) and at the show. Manufactured of 100% cotton they are available in sizes small to X-Large. All photos and tee descriptions (above and below) from the 'The Book of Mormon' Mission Shop page.

Wear this tee and fit right in with your Mormon Missionary friends!
Tee features tie image on front with 'The Book of Mormon' logo and
name tag with the phrase "God's Favorite Musical".

Above and below: Standard tee with the 'The Book of Mormon' logo on
the front. Back of the shirt says "God's Favorite Musical" in orange.

Rewind NYC: La Maison Du Chocolat

The Rockefeller Center location on 49th Street. A second entrance is
 located along the 30 Rockefeller conccourse.
(image credit: Kevin Sharkey)

Since I did not have a chance to visit La Maison du Chocolat during my visit to New York last week, I thought I would take a look back when I visited this chocolate boutique in 2008.

Decadent and expensive. Two simple words to describe the not so simple confections at La Maison du Chocolat. Many would see such a shop as strictly for fans of high-end chocolate delights but it probably wouldn't hurt to try one of the blissfully sweet treats at least once.

The boutique's timeless array of chocolate ganaches start at about $2 per piece or available in signature boxes ($9-$75). Otherwise choose from their collection of pralines, fruited chocolates, eclairs, tarts and cakes.

The shop has become famous for their macarons. Despite costing almost $3 per piece don't be surprised to find the the shop sold out of these creations before closing each day. Various flavors of ganache (raspberry, Arabica coffee, salted caramel) are sandwiched between soft Macaron shells. Definitely heavenly delights to partake once in a while. Couple it with one their chocolate drinks for that extra indulgence ($9).

The boutiques selection of macarons.
(image credit: nicknamemiket/flickr)

Chocolates in the display case.
(image credit: abakedcreation.com)

The company's fine creations are sold online at lamaisonduchocolat.com. The New York boutiques are the only retail locations in the United States. International boutiques are located in Paris, Cannes, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Some items are not sold online and may be exclusive to the boutiques. Back in 2008 I picked up a selection of preserves that I'm not sure are still available. For those traveling, the boutique also sells insulated bags to cushion the delicate chocolates for the journey home.

Visit lamaisonduchocolat.com for more information. The boutique at 30 Rockefeller Center is on 49th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-7pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm. Other Manhattan locations: 1018 Madison Avenue (the first New York location which opened in 1990) on the Upper East Side and 63 Wall Street.

Learn about the recipes from the La Maison du Chocolat pastry chefs in these books:
La Maison du Chocolat: Timeless Classics with a Twist by Gilles Marchal
La Maison du Chocolat: Transcendent Desserts by the Legendary Chocolatier and the company's founder Robert Linxe

Interior of Rockefeller Center location.
(image credit: abakedcreation.com)

My purchases from 2008: square of chocolates, preserves and insulated bag.
(image credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Dagoba: The Art of Chocolate Alchemy

Hershey's candies extend beyond their well-known brands. Acquired and now owned by Hershey's but marketed as separate entities are Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts and Dagoba Organic Chocolate. Mauna Loa candies are sold on a very limited basis on the U.S. mainland to preserve the market it has built in Hawaii. However while visiting the Hershey's Times Square store today, I came across their Dagoba line of specialty chocolate bars.

Since I can't recall seeing them sold in Hawaii I decided to pick up a few bars to bring home as gifts. After visiting New York City almost every year since 1995, the odd souvenirs have lost their meaning so I opt for something consumable. The unusual flavors of chocolate bars carried in the store caught my eye. Chai, lavender blueberry, lemon ginger and roseberry are among their more unique offerings. It's also among the high-end organic brands currently on the market and sells at about three dollars per bar. Sadly I forgot to pick up an extra bar for myself so I have yet to attest to the taste and quality of the chocolate.

Dagoba's founders regard chocolate as a sacred food and wanted to impart that in the name. Dagoba is taken from the Sinhalese (the main language for most Sri Lankans) word for stupa which is sacred structure containing Buddhist relics. The manufacturers of this high-quality organic chocolate produce the brand in a manner that is responsible to the environment. Visit dagobachocolate.com for more information. Other Dagoba products include drinking chocolate and baking products. Dagoba is sold online and in specialty grocers, natural stores and fine-chocolate retailers.

Hershey's Times Square Equals Candy Heaven

The retailers in Times Square know that to lure visitors, the store itself must be an attraction in itself. The façade of the Hershey’s Times Square store soars 16-stories and utilizes their iconic brands to resemble a candy factory in motion to become a tourist magnet since it opened in 2002. As hundreds snaps photos of the shop, it’s free advertising for the candy maker that is priceless.

The store’s façade measures 215-feet high and 60-fee wide and is one of the largest ever constructed in Times Square. Four steam machines and over 4,000 chasing lights accompany the monster size versions of Hershey’s iconic candies.

Reese’s, Almond Joy, Kisses, Bliss, Kit Kat, Mounds, Twizzlers and York Peppermint Patties line the shelves of the white-bright interior. Pick up a snack size to consume immediately or a bag to share with friends. Probably the best souvenirs or gift items are emblazoned “Times Square” or “New York” on the packaging. Gift tins, mugs, t-shirts and stuffed animals are other options. The store is also a launching pad for limited editions and new brands not found elsewhere (see the next post about Dagoba Chocolate).

Some visitors choose to pick up a bucket of they personal candy favorites using the “Original Automatic and Gravitational Chocolate Machine”. Spin the gears and the candy flows down twisting chutes that are ceiling high and funneled to a waiting bucket below.

The Times Square location was Hershey’s first major store to open outside of its home Hershey, Pennsylvania. Retail locations now are open in Chicago, Niagra Falls, Shanghai, Dubai and Singapore.

Hershey’s Times Square is located at the 48^th and Broadway corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and open daily 10am-10pm. Visit thehersheycompany.com for more information.

Minamoto Kitchoan: Artful and Delicious Confections

Window display

The scrumptious collection of sweets at Minamoto Kitchoan
(all photos except where noted: TheHopefulTraveler)

Exquisite Japanese confections await visitors to Minamoto Kitchoan in New York City's Fifth Avenue shopping district. Step into the shop and gaze at the inviting colors of beautifully prepared sweets and their finely wrapped packaging. Even people passing by outside can’t help to take in at least a brief gaze at the alluring window display of culinary delights.

These Japanese pastries or “Wagashi” are traditionally served with tea and are created in endless variations using natural (plant-based) ingredients that range from red bean, rice, sweet potatoes, sesame, agar-agar, sugar and other various fruits, berries, nuts and grains. Because they contain very little animal fat, the sweets at Minamoto are healthier alternatives to heavier desserts. They are not cheap with single pieces starting at about two to three dollars and larger gifts sets costing upwards to over $50.

The rice flour deserts are like tender and pliant pastry pillows while the gelatin desserts are light refreshing treats and come with little spoons. For those wanting something more traditional, try one of their sponge cakes or cookies. Because of the fresh ingredients, these goodies are meant to be consumed immediately. However for those wishing to take some of them home, expiration dates on the packaging range from 10 to 60 days depending on the ingredients and storage requirements.

My selection today as a gift for my parents is a set of baumkuchen (layered sponge cake, $25) with a set of fukuwatashi senbei (vanilla cream cookies, $2.50 each), pictured above. I've been making Minamoto a regular stop during visits to New York either to find a treat for myself or to find a unique edible gift. Below are photos of other desserts from the Minamoto Kitchoan website.

Minamoto Kitchoan opened their first international store in 1993 and today has branches in San Francisco, London and Shanghai in addition to their Tokyo location. The New York City is located at 608 Fifth Avenue, accessed via 49th Street, and is open daily. Visit kitchoan.com for more information.

The above three photos were taken on previous visits to Minamoto Kitchoan.

Sakuranbo (Japanese cherry covered with lightly sweetened jelly) 

Hakutoujelly (jelly made from fresh white peach)

Tsuya (sweet red beans sandwiched between sweet mini cakes, $3.20 each)
(above three photos: kitchoan.com)