InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Especially in Tokyo, Sushi isn’t just food— it’s art and tradition. Although there aren’t set rules for ordering and eating sushi, there is etiquette that will get you more attention and a better experience. Here are a few tips:

-Sit at the bar, if you can, and ask the chef for recommendations on the freshest, or his favourite.

-Greet the chef, whether you sit at the sushi bar or not.

-Relax; don’t rush. Sushi is an event, not a quick meal.

-When eating rolls, dip your piece in soy sauce with the fish or veggie side down, not rice-side down. (The rice absorbs the soy sauce far too much, drowning out the other flavours.)

-When your item has a sauce or topping, avoid the soy sauce. Your chef has prepared it just the way he likes, which is probably best.

-Choose your courses one at a time, and in order from the most delicate flavour to the strongest.

-Have your miso soup last, and drink straight from the bowl.

If you have a weekend in Chicago but no agenda, let us help. Here are a few places you’ll be sure to visit:

Hoosier Mama Pie Company
Head to the Ukrainian Village neighborhood to pick up an old fashioned pie. Whether cinnamon-y Apple, tart Lemon Meringue, or salty-sweet Peanut butter, you’re sure to find a home-style treat. Also, check out their website for tips on baking your own.

Habit Design Collective
One-of-a-kind pieces are the name of the game at Habit, where local designers and crafters show their wares. Each trip is a different experience, with revolving designers and items— from frilly summer dresses, mod handbags, and neat, tailored trenches.

The Museum of Science and Industry’s German U-Boat Tour
Chi-Town’s Museum of Science and Industry is an afternoon all to itself, but one of the main highlights of your visit will be a tour of America’s only German U-Boat.

Buddy Guy’s Legends
Although most famous for its line-up of legendary electric blues artists, you’ll also find that some of the biggest names in contemporary pop and rock have also graced Buddy Guy’s veritable stage. If you’re feeling hungry be sure to try one of their great Southern-style Po’ boy sandwiches.

Flight 001
Frequented by savvy flight attendants and business travellers alike, stop into Flight 001 for stylish and efficient travel gear. You’ll find pre-packaged travel-sized toiletries, unique neck pillows, luggage and luggage tags, and specially marked zipper bags for ties, shoes, and lingerie.

Buenos Aires is known as the South American nightlife capitol, with a plethora of choices from dance shows to lounges, nightclubs to cocktails. Here’s just the beginning:

La Ventana
Take in a delicious steak dinner, a glass of Argentinian wine, and an exciting tango show at La Ventana, complete with dancers, a full orchestra, and solo singers.

El Podesta Super Club de Copas
Definitely for the young and carousing set, El Podesta is an all-night dance party great for locals and visitors alike.

Jackie O
Part nightclub, part relaxing lounge, and part restaurant, this tri-level club is the local mainstay of the trendy neighborhood of Las Canitas. Enjoy an entree or appetizers, a convivial cocktail, some conversation, and a bit of dancing.

Le Bar
Cool, comtemporary Le Bar is the place to enjoy the perfect cocktail, a cheerful and tastefully done decor, and the seen-and-be-seen atmosphere.

Clams and chowder. That’s what Boston is famous for— and for good reason. But here are a few compelling reasons to branch out:

Kingfish Hall
Part of the Chef Todd English empire, Kingfish Hall lives up to this renowned restauranteur’s name. With the ambiance of a contemporary-style steakhouse, hearty seafood meals are served by friendly service. We recommend the swordfish, which is served with tomato cous cous.

B&G Oysters
Combine stylish ambiance, a few oysters, a famous lobster roll or skate entree, and presto! Welcome to B&G.

Daily Catch
Leave your suit jackets or heels at the hotel. Established in 1973, this family-run business is awash with personality, flavour, and… well, an extended Sicilian family. They literally serve whatever was caught that day, straight from old-time fishermen. Your choice of broiled, fried, or grilled.

Many visitors use Bangkok as their jumping-off point to a outdoors adventure, but we recommend lingering in the capitol for just a bit longer. Here’s why:

The Grand Palace
Dating back to 1782 and mixing European and Thai Architecture, the Grand Palace is a wonderful way to begin your Bangkok adventure. Although it’s no longer used for royal residence, many of the official ceremonies, such a coronations, are held in its halls.

Wat Arun
Aside from being an absolutely stunning temple, or wat, Wat Arun is also a fascinating Buddhist symbol for “the center of the universe,” or “the center of self.”

Jim Thompson House
American Jim Thompson first encountered Thailand during World War II, and fell in love with the culture, the environment, the people, and especially the architecture. As a trained architect, he loved the fascinating teak houses he found, promptly asked for his discharge from the Army, and built his own house.

Paris is famous for many things. But its boulangeries, or bakeries, are at the top of that list. Here are a few of the ones we love:

Poilane
Boulangerie Poilane is a very tasteful chain of bakeries that span Paris and has been serving delicious baked goods since 1932. We love them for their “decorated sourdoughs” and beautiful packaging just ready to be carried all the way home. If you do get home and crave more, they also ship.

Jean Pierre Cohier
Jean Pierre Cohier has been baking since 1969, and in 2006 won the “Best Baguette in Paris.” Stop by his bakery to have a taste of the prize-winning honeycomb-coloured crust.

Le Grenier a Pain
Not content just to taste? Head to Le Grenier a Pain for a workshop in baking. Great for the kids too!

Le Boulanger de Monge
The breads at Le Boulanger de Monge are wonderful, but their delicate pastries are what shines. Absolutely do not leave the bakery without a taste of the Mille-feuilles.

Heading for Madrid? Stop by these restaurants for the authentic Spanish experience— from traditional to contemporary.

Restaurante Botin
Touristy but still delicious, Restaurante Botin is touted as the oldest restaurant in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. It dates back to 1725, and has been in its current location since the 1950s. It was also written about in Ernest Hemmingway’s famous novel, “The Sun Also Rises,” and rumor has it that the painter Goya worked there as a dishwasher. Have a look at their menu.

Restaurante Cornucopia
Restaurante Cornucopia features a colourful dining room and a colourful menu full of comfort food. For a healthy but mouthwatering dish, try the grilled grouper.

La Barraca
Cozy up in the dining room of this charming little restaurant for some of the best fresh seafood you’ll have— paellas, mussels, delicate tuna, and hearty fried cod fish fritters. That said, one of our favourites is always a nibble of their Manchego cheese.

Bali is a fantastic place for the entire family to go. Kids and adults will find a myriad of wonderful experiences. Here are a few that you can all do together:

Waterbom
Show the kids a great time at Waterbom. Featuring numerous waterslides, from favourites such as tube slides, to the unique such as the “Superbowl.”

Horseback Riding on the Beach
Every pre-teen girl’s dream come true. Safety is number one, and they do provide helmets and basic instruction.

Monkey Forest
Head over to the Monkey Forest (it is as cool as it sounds) to check out the lifestyles of the long-tailed macaquea. Although you can see monkeys all over Bali, at the reserve, they’ll walk right up to you. Also, be sure to visit Desa Pakraman Padangtegal (“The People’s Village of Padangtegal”) to catch sight of a fascinating ritual and to snap up some handicrafts.

Bali Baik
If you’re travelling with older kids, take them for a fun —yet educational— bike ride through the countryside. Don’t worry, the tour is a fairly easy ride, as it gently winds on a downhill slope. You’ll see Balinese village life among the rice paddies and have a wonderful lunch mid-day. Although they don’t have a website, feel free to ask your concierge to arrange your tour.

Although there are bars, cafes, and restaurants dotting every corner and block of Athens, Greece, here are a few to get you started:

Bar Guru
Part tiki-bar, part Thai restaurant, part Jazz club, and part minimal art gallery. These are the elements that make up the eclectic Bar Guru. Stop by for a sampling from their specialty cocktail menu.

EnMerei
Go where the locals go. EnMerei, a quieter little neighbourhood bar, is perfect for convening with friends or just stopping by for a drink.

Gallo
At Gallo, you’ll find comfy seating, a playful ambiance, outdoor patios, and sports (especially football) on the big screen.

Jackson Hall
Jackson Hall is an incredibly entertaining place to go for everyone, but especially if you’re American. Filled to the brim with American tchotchkes and antique paraphernalia, you’ll feel as if the Old West had somehow mixed with the Roaring Twenties. Their drinks are delicious and as quirky as the place itself.

Although Amsterdam has many wonderful choices for shopping, the best way to pick up some unique items, and a bit of culture, is by hitting one of their many open air markets.

Bloemenmarkt
Whether buying or just looking, make sure to stop by the Bloemenmarkt , or flower market, where vendors showcase a myriad of cut and potted flowers, and bulbs just ready to be taken home.

Spui Book Market
Stop by the Spui Square on Fridays to browse the huge selection of rare, international, new and antique books. Also, the Square is a great place to take lunch.

Noordemarkt Flea Market
Noordemarkt is the flea market to end all flea market. The fastidious bargain hunters at Apartmenttherapy.com have touted the market as a fantastic to find homewares- from mid-century modern to traditional and shabby chic. While you’re there, also be sure to check out their vintage and re-made clothing.