THINK YOU'RE A JET SETTER? PROVE IT...

Tell me where this is and what important building this is?

PRAGUE

Prague, Czech Republic. It's such a magical and mystical place! I got the chance to jet set to Prague this same time last year, and just wanted to take a moment to tell all you jet setters what an incredible place it is. Why Prague, you ask? Well, Prague is architecturally stunning, thanks to the fact that it was pretty much untouched during World War II- so what you see is original and not replicated. Prague has so many beautiful cobblestone streets and hills (not fun for the feet- so wear comfy shoes and make sure to get foot massages while you are there), but awesome to see and wander through the tiny alleyways. Prague is about history, art, culture, architecture, and it's beauty. Plus, besides all of this, it has a fun night-time/party scene (in fact, quite popular choice for bachelor parties). When to go: Avoid July & August- too many tourists and you'll pay too much! The smart time to jet set there is in April, May, June (perfect touring weather mid 60's- high 70's). I promise you...Prague will amaze and fascinate you in so many different ways!

JET SETTING TO ASIA

I just wanted to let all of my faithful readers know that I will be jet setting to two different countries in Asia for a couple of weeks. I may have limited access to email and internet while I am away, so I may not be updating JSS while I'm gone. I will be attending a wedding while I am overseas, and I plan to have tons of great material when I return...so stay tuned! Thanks to all of my jet setting readers!

Hugs,

Lori

TIMED TRAVEL

People often ask me how I get to jet set so often? My answer to them is always the same...I plan most of my trips during "Shoulder Season" (jet setting between peak and off seasons). The weather is good, the crowds are much smaller and the prices are at least 30% lower! Here's some Jet Set Smart travel ideas for Shoulder Season.

DESTINATION BEST TIMES
CANCUN- MAY, AUGUST, NOVEMBERCARIBBEAN- JANUARY, FEBRUARYHONOLULU- SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBERLAS VEGAS- JANUARY, OCTOBER, NOVEMBERLONDON- MARCH, APRIL, SEPTEMBERLOS ANGELES- MARCH, APRIL, SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBERMIAMI- JANUARY, JULY, AUGUSTNEW YORK- SEPTEMBER, OCTOBERORLANDO- MAY TO AUGUSTPARIS- MARCH, APRIL, AUGUST TO OCTOBERSAN FRANCISCO- MARCH, APRIL, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBERSEATTLE- MARCH, ARPIL, NOVEMBERWASHINGTON, D.C.- JANUARY, MARCH, APRIL, SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER

MUNCHIES IN THE MARINA

Last Friday I told you about all of the great shopping there is to do in The Marina area of SF. Today, I want to fill you in on where to eat if you find yourself in this part of San Francisco. Again, The Marina is known for it's young beautiful crowd, and the restaurants go along with that theme...they are hip, trendy, and they have great food. Some of the restaurants in The Marina will remind you of some of the best restaurants in New York City!

Mamacita- Mexican Tacolicious...need I say more? You know the saying "When in Rome...do as the Romans do?" Well the same goes for California...when in Cali, eat Mexican food! If you happen to be in The Marina, then the place to go for awesome Mexican cuisine is Mamacita.

The food is fresh, the drinks are fabulous, and the atmosphere is is very cool. Be aware that it's a small place so it may be hard to get a reservation, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. But, the good news is is that they save over half of their tables for walk-ins every night, so you might have to wait, but at least you won't be turned away. I went with my friends Louisa and Elaine on a Friday night (around 9pm), and we couldn't get a reservation, so we went to the bar and had to wait no more than 15 minutes. While we waited, we ordered their chips and guacamole...some of the best I have ever had! It was so creamy and light with just the right amount of chunky texture. Wash it all down with one of their Pomegranate Margaritas (pomegranate tequila and fresh squeezed lime juice) or a Guava Mojito (classic mojito with cruzan guava rum). For main course we had the Carnitas Especial, which is a sizzling platter of crispy pork “confit” (1/2 lb) with a 7-layer “queso fundido” dip and fresh tortillas. The pork was perfectly crunchy on the outside, but nice and juicy on the inside.We also ordered the Mayacoba, which is seared ahi tuna “tacos” that comes with a persimmon-apple pico de gallo, chayote and aguamiel in jicama wraps. This dish was so nice, light and refreshing. The tuna was just slightly cooked on the outside and pretty much raw on the inside- just like tuna tacos should be. The sweetness of the pico de gallo complimented the fish perfectly, and the wraps were so thin, that it was almost like eating sushi. Delicious!!! The other dish we tried was the Pollo Taqueria- crispy chicken tacos with “cascabel” chile salsa, queso oaxaca, shredded lettuce and refried beans. The shell on these tacos is like eating a tortilla chip (nice and crunchy), so be careful you don't loose everything that's in the taco when you are eating it. If you do don't worry, just grab your fork...trust me, you won't want to leave an ounce of this dish behind on your plate. Finally, for dessert we had their flan. As someone who grew up eating my grandmother's homemade flan, I have to be honest and say this one did not come close. The consistency is more like a cheesecake than of a light and airy traditional flan. I would skip out on ordering this if I go back, but that's just my opinion. My friends Louisa and Elaine really enjoyed it!California Wine Merchant- A great wine bar to head to for a before dinner drink, or afterwards because they have a great night scene as well. They specialize in California Wine and carry many small production, hard-to-find California Wines.

More Munchies in The Marina:
Abigail's: California-French food that's supposed to be excellent!
Ace Wasabi: Hip, loud, young and hot: Ace's does have decent sushi for a reasonable price, but the flavor of the place will either keep you coming back or drive you fast and far away. Alegrias: Tapas like tortilla espanola, sauteed spinach and baked goat cheese are fabulous. Wonderful flan.
Andale Taqueria: Don't let the "taqueria" fool you; this restaurant serves up clean, fresh, and healthy Mexican food.
Baker Street Bistro: Great prices for excellently prepared, classically inspired French fare.
Barney's Hamburgers: What first strikes the eye in this eatery is the lineup of Best Burger awards from a variety of sources. Barney's sets the mood with a comfortable wood decor, or there is an outdoor garden.
Betelnut: This self-described "pan-Asian tapas" restaurant is bursting with atmosphere and flavor. Giant fans swoosh back and forth from the ceiling while waiters carrying trays of towering tropical cocktails nudge their way around customers in the usually packed bar. While it may be an impossible to get same-day reservations, Betelnut does take walk-ins. The minced chicken with lettuce cups, spareribs, crispy calamari and towering tropical cocktails are worth planning ahead for or waiting in line for.
Bistro Aix: Local Marina dwellers head to this understated, calming bistro for its fresh food and list of 150 wines, mostly French and Spanish. The chef uses simple ingredients and offers organic daily specials. The menu takes on several international flavors, including a thin-crust pizza, several pastas, and duck confit. Aix is open only for dinner.
Bistro Yoffi: The food, by all accounts, is yummy California fare with Mediterranean accents, but it's Bistro Yoffi's charming ambiance that will bring first-timers back for more. This small, skinny bistro, decorated primarily with dozens of lush potted plants and colorful Tuscan village-style accents, is quaintly romantic.
Bombay Curry House: This is the first Indian restaurant in the Marina. The tiny space (40 seats) is open for lunch and dinner daily. The menu features traditional Indian favorites, with entrees generally under $10, and the most expensive item -- rack of lamb -- at $14.95.
Brazen Head: An English pub atmosphere offering a mostly American menu.
Cafe Organic Lettus: California cuisine with global touches, like Asian-inspired mango chicken lettuce cups with chile-tamarind sauce, or Mediterranean-style butter bean bruschetta. They also have made-to-order salads, and breakfast is served all day and includes great choices like lemon-ricotta pancakes and French toast. You must order at the counter and servers will bring the food to your table.
Cafe Maritime: Evoking a New England seafood shack with hammered galvanized steel covering the tables, a boat-shaped wooden bar and a wave-like, silvery divider, Cafe Maritime offers seasonal catches like soft shell crab and Copper River King salmon. Appetizers include grilled calamari with smoked tomato sauce and lime-spiked creme fraiche, and grilled sardines served over white bean sauce and a tart salsa verde. Alaskan halibut and Oregon Bay shrimp linguine are among the entrees. Hand-cut Kennebec fries, finer than even shoestring fries, accompany the lobster roll and hanger steak. Desserts include coconut cream pie, a hot fudge sundae and root beer float.
City Tavern: Stick to simple favorites like fried calamari with remoulade dipping sauce and crispy pizzas at this inviting pub/restaurant.
Cozmos Corner Bar & Grill: Since its opening in November 2001, Cozmos has steadily built a reputation as a Marina hangout. The brick walls and large center bar give Cozmos a casual feel. Though entrees change daily, some past specialties have included rare seared ahi with a sticky rice cake and stir fried Chinese long beans and wasabi aioli.
D Den: Great Thai dishes, including good larb ped, salmon yang and panang gung.
Dragon Well: This tiny, airy pan-Asian food joint offers a small selection of healthy, flavorful dishes at moderate prices.
E'Angelo: Old-fashioned Italian dishes haven't changed and neither has the small, crowded dining room. Good veal Parmigiana, pasta carbonara, and pizza. Fast, efficient service.
Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe: Stop in to this Northern Italian-influenced cafe for a quick breakfast or house made panini, soups and salads. The cafe offers a large selection of homemade Italian gelato and pastries, such as cassata, a traditional ricotta cheesecake. A wine bar serves Italian wines, small plates and dinner until 10 p.m. During holiday time, make sure to order their Pane Tone- supposed to be the best other than the ones you find in Italy!
Enoshima: The sushi chefs can get quite creative at Enoshima, offering nearly 60 types of rolls. Creations include volcano make -- spicy tuna with jalapeno and tobiko -- as well as the New York roll -- shrimp, cream cheese, and avocado.
Gatip Classic Thai Cuisine: For those who like their Thai food spicy and authentic, Gatip is the place to go. The Thai iced tea that is out of this world, as is the sticky rice!
Grove Cafe: Ah, the Grove, a breath of fresh air on busy Chestnut Street. Tasty salads and a great selection of teas, light pastries and snacks make this a relaxing way to start the day, grab a light lunch or enjoy a sober happy hour.
Home: Standard American cuisine...you can never go wrong here.
Home Plate: Take a number and wait your turn for homey breakfasts that include scones, buttermilk pancakes and homemade granola.
Isa: French-inspired cuisine varies from truffled risotto with mushroom fricassee and reggiano to potato wrapped sea bass with brown butter, capers, lemon and parsley, all at reasonable entree prices. Three course prix fix options are available.
Izzy's Steakhouse: This is just the kind of old-school steakhouse where you might have bumped into DiMaggio in his day. Stiff cocktails, red studded-leather booths, quality steaks, robust red wines and a mouthwatering selection of side dishes all make up Izzy's.
Liverpool Lil's: If it's fish-and-chips you're seeking, you've found the place! Enjoy along with a pint (or two) of beer!
Mezes: Really cute Greek restaurant that has many wonderful dishes meant to share, including fried cheese and moussaka.
Naked Fish: The tech feel at this sushi spot permeates in its decor as well as background music. Even more hip is the selection of creative sushi rolls including the Cherry Blossom Roll with salmon Hamachi, scallion topped with garlic spicy tuna and pesto, and the Red Caterpillar Roll, filled with spicy and seared tuna and a honey glaze.
Osome Sushi: Locals often rate Osome as one of the best sushi restaurants in the city!
Pacific Catch: Delicious fish and shrimp tacos, salmon salads and hot fish sandwiches go perfectly with the sweet potato fries at this Marina seafood spot. Try the wasabi bowl, filled with seasoned sushi rice, cold vegetables and a hot piece of grilled ahi or salmon.
Parma Ristorante : This neighborhood Italian eatery offers great lasagna!
Perry's: Serving since 1969, Perry's has become an institution on Union Street. The New York-style bar and grill is known for its burgers, though it also serves a variety of soups and salads and comfort food entrees, such as Perry's meatloaf, and fried chicken. The lobsters, which arrive every Wednesday and Saturday, are a Perry's institution.
PlumpJack Cafe: The California cuisine at PlumpJack is varied enough to appeal to many tastes. Entrees include grilled local king salmon with fig leaves and pan roasted petite chicken. For a lighter meal, the artisan cheeseboard with any of PlumpJack's renowned wines fits the bill.
Pluto's: Known for its fast and consistently fresh salads and grilled meats, Pluto's is a clean, bright order-at-the-counter-style restaurant that is always packed. The grilled turkey breast or flank steak, served over your custom-built salad (try the Caesar -- it's amazing) will make your mouth water and your wallet sing. Add a yummy side of mashers or spicy curly fries and you've got a substantial meal for under $10.
Rose's Cafe: This classic light Italian bistro is wonderfully located right at the edge of the Union Street shopping area; once inside, you'll feel like you are a world away. The varied dinner menu makes it difficult to settle on one dish, but it's hard to go wrong. Rose's also serves up a mean Sunday brunch, but be prepared to wait, as it's no secret!
Saji Sushi and Japanese Restaurant: Over the past 30 years, Saji has been rolling sushi for the local crowd. Specialty rolls have a local twist, including the 49ers roll with avocado salmon, and salmon on the outside. The San Francisco is a take on the basic California roll with fresh water eel on the outside. Prices are very reasonable.
Sushi Chardonnay: This low-key eatery offers unique special rolls, including the Chardonnay roll with strawberry, apple, mango, and melon on the outside. All the regular sushi rolls are offered as well. The $20 all you can eat sushi deal is a popular option. The restaurant also has an extensive sake list.
Thai Noodle House: This late-night Asian-style diner serves a lot of food for little money. Good Thai white pasta and calamari.
Three Seasons: Regulars gush about this casual Vietnamese bistro with fresh, reasonable fare and super-friendly waitstaff. If you plan to go on a weekend, it's best to make reservations a few days in advance.
Tichada: Friendly service and pretty decor. Some delicious Thai dishes, especially curries, while other dishes seem ordinary.
Yoshida-Ya: Go here to cook your own chicken, meat, seafood, and vegetables on a small hibachi at your table.
Zao Noodle Bar: Bringing together Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, Zao is a quick, comfortable, and inexpensive option for Marina dining.

FISHIES & COCKTAILS

Does the idea of going to an aquarium after-hours, and having a cocktail while you are there sound good to you jet setters? If it does, then I know just where you should go in SF...the California Academy of Sciences. Every Thursday night is something called Nightlife, where you get the chance to see the museum and aquarium animals, have a drink and some food, hear great music and dance to some of SF's best DJs!Louisa and I decided to check it out last Thursday night (thinking if it's not a good event, who cares? It only cost $12.)...well we had so much fun, we did not want to leave, the place was packed with people, and we said we would definitely go back!They had penguins, alligators, and a Planetarium (we didn't see it, if you want to go, you must purchase the tickets in advance and pay extra). But look at some of the awesome exhibits we did see!

It's a fun place to head to with a friend, a date, or alone. There is so much to see and do, plus there's also a hands-on section where you can really get up close and personal with some of the animals. If you live in San Francisco, then I definitely say you must go. If you are planning a trip to SF, put it on your list of things to do if you are in town on a Thursday night. Consider yourself a Jet Set Smart Insider for knowing this, because while it's open to the public, you won't find many tourists here!

Event Details:
When: Thursdays, from 6:00-10:00pm
Price: Tickets are $12 ($10 for Academy Members). Last entry is 9:00pm.
Note: You must be 21+ with a valid ID to enter. Food and drinks are not included in the price, so bring cash with you!

THINK YOU'RE A JET SETTER? PROVE IT...

Can you guess where we are standing?Hint #1: This room is one of the most famous rooms in the world
Hint #2: The place where this room is, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hint #3: More than 2.5 million tourists from around the world visit this place every year

SHAPE UP MARRAKESH STYLE

Ever thought about jet setting to Marrakesh? A place where exotic and luxury meet, a place full of history that is ultra chic and uber fabulous, a place that has chaotic markets and fantastic shopping, a place with breathtaking natural beauty including majestic mountains and vast desert...now may be your chance to go and let your senses come alive! I have told you before about Escape to Shape- the amazing traveling fitness spa (click here for post). Well, Escape to Shape will be jet setting to Marrakesh in May, and if you are interested, there are only a few spots left to sign up. DETAILS:
- Seven nights of rich cultural traditions, fitness and flavor in a luxurious private Kasbah
- Daily Yoga Practice
- Hiking through the Atlas Mountains
- Belly Dancing
- Eating delicious and healthy cuisine
- Ideal for Solo travelers, friends or couples

DATES:
- May 8th-15th
- May 15th-22nd
- May 22nd-29th

OUR SIDEWAYS TOUR

There is so much to see in Santa Ynez, California, and on a short trip there, it's hard to do everything. Something we did that helped us see a lot was to follow the Sideways map. The Sideways map is a map you can download here and use to taste your way through the Santa Barbara Wine Country the same way Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) did on their bachelor party road trip in the movie. Again, I say watch Sideways first, and then when you go you will recognize the same places...plus it's fun to snap a few pictures from the same route! :) There are 18 stops on the Miles and Jack map...we didn't even check out half of them (guess we'll have to go back)!(1) Foxen Vineyard: 7200 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CaliforniaThe Foxen Boys have been making wine together for 20 years. They have a very rustic tasting room that's really cool to see. They are open daily from 11am to 4pm.

Sideways: During the split screen portion of the film, Miles and Jack help themselves to full glasses when the pourer turns her back. I have to say this was one of my favorite wineries...I pretty much liked everything we tasted...could see why Miles and Jack helped themselves to full glasses! All of their Pinot Noirs are excellent, as is their Syrah from the Tinaquaic Vineyard.(2) Kalyra Winery: 343 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CaliforniaSideways: While tasting wine, Miles and Jack meet Stephanie, a flirtatious wine pourer who becomes the object of Jack's affection. We didn't have time to do a full wine tasting here, but grabbed a bottle of their Shiraz and a bottle of their Merlot to go...both were fantastic!

(3) Hitching Post II: 406 E. Highway 246, Buellton, CaliforniaSideways: Miles and Jack share a bottle of Highliner at the bar. While having dinner, they talk to Maya who waits tables there. Later, Miles returns on his own. We just had to do the same thing when we were there...so we went ahead and ordered a bottle of the Pinot Noir Highliner...we loved it so much and were excited to find out that they sell it at a wine store near our house...so we know we'll be buying more in the future!(4) Los Olivos Cafe and Wine Merchant: 2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, California

Sideways: Miles, Jack, Maya and Stephanie enjoy dinner and several exquisite bottles of wine. Unfortunately, we didn't get to have dinner here on this trip...but, we know we'll go the next time we are there for sure. Since the restaurant was located right in the center of the same town where we stayed, we decided to snap a picture of it anyway.

(5) Bucolic Santa Rosa Road- Jack and Miles drive through vineyards. Just look at the scenery in this incredible part of the country...sometimes it was hard to believe this is the U.S. Gorgeous!

Stay tuned for more on the other vineyards (not from the Sideways tour) that we visited, as well as other great restaurants and of course, shopping!

SANTA YNEZ BASICS

Santa Ynez, California has become one of my new favorite obsessions on the west coast. The Santa Ynez Valley is located in northern Santa Barbara County (about a two hour drive north of L.A) and is the heart of Santa Barbara's Wine Country. If you've seen the movie Sideways, then you'll know what I'm talking about (refer to Sideways post). Why Go:
The Santa Ynez Valley has more than 100 wineries which feature some great white and red wines (more than just Pinot Noir- if you saw Sideways, you'll know what I'm talking about). Even if you are not a wine lover, you'll enjoy the landscape of rolling hills and farms. The Santa Ynez Valley is naturally beautiful beyond words or pictures. Need I say more?When to Go:

Really any time of year is good to visit...this is California, my jet setters! Winter months are chillier and the grapes are off the vine, but the rates are cheaper. Spring, Summer & Fall are obviously warmer and when you can see the vineyards are their peak...it's up to you! Below is a temperature guide to Santa Barbara county to help you decide what you like.

Where to Go: Santa Ynez Valley has six towns, all cute and quaint in their own way:Los Olivos: Where I recommend you stay. It has art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and wine tasting rooms.
Solvang: A Danish-inspired town (see picture above) that truly looks and feels like you are in Holland. There are Danish bakeries and restaurants, shops, museums, wine tasting rooms, and dozens of places to stay.
Santa Ynez: Really sweet little turn-of-the 20th century village that reminds you of what life was like back in the old west. There are a couple of restaurants, inns and boutiques here.
Buellton: Big town that you can almost just drive through and not stop to check out, other than The Hitching Post restaurant which was featured in the movie Sideways.
Ballard: A really small town with only two restaurants, a bed & breakfast, and a little red schoolhouse which is still used.
Los Alamos: With only a seven-block long main street, this town also has a western feel, a historic train depot, shops and restaurants.

Where to Stay:
We rented a house through Home Away. It was located in the town of Los Olivos and was absolutely perfect in every sense of the word. The house was close enough to town that you could walk and it had an infinity pool...so nice!If that's not for you and you prefer to stay in a hotel rather than someones home, then the place I suggest to stay in Los Olivos is at the Fess Parker Inn.In Santa Inez, I would say to stay at the Santa Ynez Inn.If staying in Solvang is something you want to do, I would recommend staying at either the Wine Valley Inn & Cottages...Or the Hadsten House Inn & Spa. I'll have more on the wineries we visited, where to eat and where to shop in the Santa Ynez Valley in the coming days!