All posts filed under: Critiques

LUXURY PRODUCTS AND EXPERIENCES WE LOVE

The Luxury of Mexican Cuisine at the Chic Empellón

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

Gourmet Mexican food? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Yes, we hear some of you out there muttering that under your breath. In the world of luxury and fine dining, Mexican cuisine has traditionally gotten a bad rap: many of us associate it with margaritas, ground beef tacos, guacamole and chips, and a cold Dos Equis. Cheap, simple, filling party food. But recently, the traditions of Mexican cooking are getting a lot more respect. Why? Well, one reason is the masterful work of Chef and restaurateur Alex Stupak, founder of the Empellón restaurant group in Manhattan.

What should you buy when you visit chic St. Barth’s?

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

Fashionistas of the world generally agree that one of the many joys of travel is the shopping opportunities that it presents. We were lucky enough to find ourselves on the tony island of St. Barth’s recently. It was our first visit, and despite the damage from the brutal hurricane season of 2017, the luxury shops along the streets near the harbor in Gustavia were all open. Which raised the pressing question: what should one buy on a quick shopping run on the island?

How to do Spring in New York City like a Luxury Insider

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

The rites of spring in New York City are many and splendid. If you’re planning a visit, or you live here and just need a nudge to get out and enjoy springtime in your magical city, here are 11 only-in-New-York and only-in-spring activities that the luxury class will be pursuing in the coming weeks (we set out to share our top 10, but there were just too many good ideas to limit them arbitrarily). Take these tips from the insiders, and you’re guaranteed to have a fine time.

the best luxury brands to wear to make a statement now

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

What are you trying to say with what you’re wearing right now? Is it possible to be both on-trend and on-message? Many of us view fashion as a strong and effective way to send a message to others: about who we are, what we value, and how we’re currently feeling about the world in general. Consciously or not, what we choose to wear every day signals a great deal to others – which is why it pays to put some thought into it. Done well, fashion helps us claim our space in the world; support what we are passionate about; or just inject some wit and color into a dark or dull situation. Our feeling is that you have to get dressed anyway – so why not make your attire work harder for you?

What is a Typical Day on a Luxury Cruise Ship Like?

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

If I go on a luxury cruise, will I be bored? Is it going to feel claustrophobic? What do people do all day with all that time? These are logical questions, since almost any ocean cruise is going to involve at least a couple of days at sea (and sometimes many, many more). So what does one do all day when the shoreline is nowhere in sight? Recently, we took a 10-day cruise on the ultra-luxurious Regent Seven Seas Explorer. What follows is a photo journey to share the details of how we managed to pass the time. Spoiler alert: dear reader, you will definitely not be bored should you decide to embark on a luxury cruise on the high seas, at least if you go on this ship.