The Horasis meeting was held at the Radisson Blu at the airport — convenient but not very interesting. I stayed in town at the sleek and modern Hotel Greulich and saved enough money on the room to more than make up for the train trips back and forth. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room was spacious if a bit odd in layout — the TV couldn’t be seen from the bed. Bottled water was included as was free wifi.

Staying in town also gave me the chance to explore the city a bit. I was about 12 minutes from the train station and the main retail district along the Bahnhoffstrasse.

The Bahnhoffstrasse offers all of the shopping one could ever want — including an English language bookshop, chocolate shops, and the usual collection of international fashion houses. A bit more original were the shops near the hotel. I was particularly fond of Weisbrod, a  maker of fine silk accessories for men and women. A new purple and grey pocket square was soon mine!

The most memorable meal of the trip was at Caduff’s Wine Loft just around the corner from the Greulich. The restaurant works with fresh, local ingredients — whatever the market has to offer that day — and offers more than 2,000 wines.  I had a simple winter salad followed by an Irish fillet of beef with long beans and spaetzle. There were two amuse bouche: one a corn chowder of sorts and the other a bite of veal with fresh peas. I accompanied this with a hearty Bordeaux. Everything was delicious, well prepared, and served with a smile. It would be a lovely spot for dinner with a business associate although be warned that the menu is only in German (although the staff speaks English pretty well).

Zurich is a business city but it has retained a good bit of charm. Its streets are pleasant for walking and there is ample public transportation. One can get to meetings and still have time to take in a bit of culture and history. We’ve added a new Zurich page to give you all of the tips you need for a great business trip.

I was also a guest of a client at Bourbon Steak at the Westin St. Francis hotel. I am generally not a fan of steak houses as the portions are ginormous with prices to match. The same was true here though I was being treated (that took care of the price) and I was able to get a reasonably sized filet mignon that was tender, tasty, and well prepared. The meat is all from sustainable, organic farms. The side of frites was delicious. We washed it all down with a delightful 2007 Elizabeth Spencer Cabernet from Napa.

I don’t have hotel news to report as I was able to stay at the elegant Olympic Club courtesy of a friend. I had business meetings at The Clift which was, in the Morgans Hotel Group tradition, as self-consciously hip and dimly lit as ever. The Redwood Room remains an lovely spot for a cocktail.

Not as thorough as my usual report, I know. What treats have you found while on business in San Francisco lately? For me, it’s off to Atlanta next week…

Cary Grant once phoned hotel mogul Conrad Hilton in Istanbul, Turkey, to find out why his breakfast order at the Plaza Hotel, which called for muffins, came with only one and a half English muffins instead of two. When Grant insisted that the explanation (a hotel efficiency report had found that most people ate only three of the four halves brought to them) still resulted in being cheated out of a half, the Plaza Hotel changed its policy and began serving two complete muffins with breakfast. From then on, Grant often spoke of forming an English Muffin-Lovers Society, members of which would be required to report any hotel or restaurant that listed muffins on the menu and then served fewer than two.

I think that this is a society in which all Nomads should be active. There’s a restaurant in Boston’s Kenmore Square called Eastern Standard. Lovely place and most active in the evenings where it has a lively bar scene. However it is open for breakfast as it is attached to the Hotel Commonwealth. It is a quiet, refined place to start the day — but they only serve one slice of toast. Drives me mad.

It’s good to know that Cary and I have something important in common.

Heaven?

Apparently not if you live in Meadowview in southwestern Virginia. That’s where Steven Hopp is trying to run such a restaurant: Harvest Table. Yet the locals — the very people he is working to benefit — would rather eat at Pizza Hut. Even the farmers are not enthusiastic because they’d apparently rather grow tobacco or monoculture crops for large buyers.

I find the model inspiring. There is a commitment to the local economy and celebrating what the nearby land can produce. They even source all of their wine from Virginia. Hopp told the New York Times that he wants the business to benefit as many local people as possible. And this is no charity — though the restaurant has not yet turned a profit yet the plan is to do so. The service is apparently wonderful. I want a restaurant like this in my neighborhood and am lucky that Boston offers several (though all at higher price points).

What is so depressing is that the local community chooses mass produced, mediocre fare — food that offers fewer nutritional benefits (I’ll leave taste to the palette of the beholder though I know I’d be happier at Hopp’s Harvest Table – Pizza Hut doesn’t even make vey good pizza) served by establishments that will contribute a lower percentage of their profits to the local economy: chains typically do as most profits go back to headquarters. Perhaps the local population are in a sugar-MSG induced coma. Perhaps they are relatives of the folks in West Virginia who fought so hard against Jamie Oliver when he tried to introduce healthier food to their schools. Perhaps they need to wake up and smell the kale.

Let me simply say that I am profoundly grateful to have multiple farmers’ markets that I can visit and many restaurants that support local food producers. And to Mr. Hopp, keep the faith.

The Shanghai Museum

There is no shortage of diversions in this city located in eastern China on the mouth of the Yangtze River. It is a bustling city built for business but with a vast array of interesting experiences waiting for you. We introduce you to three of the best and quickest to-do things in this happening town. These are activities you can sandwich between business meetings and they are definitely worth the investment of time.

Here are three “must-see” things if you’ve got a few hours to spare in Shanghai. If you don’t have time, make some: Shanghai has too much to offer to limit yourself simply to business.

The Shanghai Museum- This is a museum of ancient Chinese art. What is unique about this museum, is that the building itself is a work of art. From the enormous skylight, to the sweeping staircases. This museum houses collections ranging from beautiful calligraphy, to ceramics, to sculptures, to coins and currency. This museum is a modern building safeguarding the most ancient of relics and treasures. This contrast cannot be missed. Well appointed, with interesting and unusual artifacts, this is a museum that is well worth the hour or so, you may have to spare.

Say you’ve got about two hours or so to spare, it may be a perfect opportunity to fine tune and update your wardrobe! Shanghai fashion is hip and stylish, and the possibilities are endless for what you may be able to obtain. Forget about wasting time going to endless stores, trying to find the best merchandise. Enter the Shanghai Personal Luxury Shopper. This is the fastest and most efficient way to shop in Shanghai when your time (and patience!) is limited. They can take you to couture by appointment, fittings for custom suits, footwear boutiques, and even artisan bedding and household furnishing design houses. Tip: The best personal shoppers live in the city, and have a firm pulse on the latest society happenings and activities. Ask your concierge for a recommendation.

The Bund in Shanghai

Shanghai’s third must-do, is taking a walk on The Bund. The Bund is a one mile long river walk in the Huangpu District on the banks of the Huangpu River. The Bund runs from  Yan’an Road to Waibaidu Bridge. You’ve probably done boardwalks before (think Atlantic City, New Jersey), but this one is different. It is uniquely Shanghainese! From the rich Art Deco buildings that adorn the river walk, to people-watching, to the merchants who want to sell you their wares. If you really love architecture, hire a guide to show you the different buildings and styles that adorn this lively thorough-fare. Otherwise, you can just take a leisurely stroll, and take in the local flavors, sights and sounds. When you’re done, take a seat at M on the Bund, (The super trendy Bund hotspot that is often mentioned as a Shanghai must do as well!) for a pick me up cocktail, or a delectable full course dinner while you marvel at the fabulous views.

Andrea Spooner the founder of Executive Travel by Andrea, a business and first-class travel concierge service for corporate and senior executive business travelers. You can learn more at http://www.executivetravelbyandrea.com

Interested in being a guest blogger? Send us a note using the “Contact Us” tab.

Your Nomad-in-Chief is a lanky guy and has long been challenged with finding interesting shirts at reasonable prices (Blank Label’s start at $55) in the right size. The aforementioned Brooks Brothers offers a wide range in its basic shirt collection; however its seasonal offerings are available in a much more limited range — even stooping to department store-type split-the-difference sleeve sizing (e.g. 34/35).  Ugh.

The downsize of ordering online is that you don’t get to see and feel the fabric. Nor can you try them on. And with all of the customization comes a wait — it takes a couple of weeks for the shirts to arrive.The upside with Blank Label is that you can get your exact collar size and sleeve length (and preferred collar, placket, and cuff style) – and their helpful website makes it easy to figure out what is your correct size. If you’re not happy, they’ll take it back and try again for no additional charge.

The shirts we ordered, four in all, all fit perfectly and the fabrics had a good hand. One, the light blue pictured above, was heavier than anticipated, but that was a pleasant surprise. The others were all of a typical weight and the construction seemed quite good. We’ll report back after they’ve spent some time in the suitcase and had a few trips to the laundry.

The service at Blank Label exceeded our high expectations. There was a problem with our initial order — something to do with having ordered on an iPad which meant that the customization was lost — and they made good on the error even though it was actually ours. No questions. No hassles. Just help. All of life should be like this. 

Note: As always, Executive Nomad is not compensated in any way for its reviews. We just pass along the good stuff that we find to you.

Cognac Bistro Photo: Boston Herald

The restaurant scene in Boston is always lively. Recently, your Nomad-in-Chief has had the chance to try three new eateries. I’m happy to say that all are worth a visit.

First is Tico, the new Mediterreanean bistro from chef Michale Schlow (of Radius fame). Tico features a wide range of small plates: Serrano ham and tomato-rubbed bread, salmon ceviche, tender pork tacos, chorizo risotto, and more. Four of us shared a wide selection of these and none disappointed. For dessert we shared a thin, rich chocolate tart and bread pudding with raisins. Yum. We accompanied it all with a couple of bottles of resaonably priced Albarino — a  memorable evening. The friendly service rates an A+.

Not far away, on the edge of the theater district, is Rustic Kitchen. The Park Square area has attracted a number of mediocre chains and Rustic Kitchen makes for a great alternative (perfect for a pre-theater dinner). The salads are oversized — the mozzerella was fresh though the “vine ripened” tomotoes were a disappointment — and the pasta fresh. The tagliatelle bolognese and orecchiette with crumbled sausage and broccolini were both rich without being heavy. Neither swam in its sauce — the mark of pasta done well. We washed it all down with a lovely Sangiovese Grosso. As with Tico, the service was excellent — friendly and able to keep us on a pre-theater schedule without rushing us.

Finally, if you are heading just a couple of miles west, you must stop at Cognac Bistro. I’ve been dreaming of an authentic, local French bistro for some time and this spot was worth the wait. It is small — just 31 seats — and offers a traditional bistro menu with steak frites, roast chicken, and lamb shank. Did I mention the oyster bar?! All of the dishes we tried were flavorful and prepared well. The wine list was short and well-priced. We had a delightful Chateau Sargent Bordeaux. Mini desserts offer a few bites of sweetness without loading on the calories.  (Read the Boston Herald review)

The most useful of all was simply a laminated folding map: Artwise Florence Museum Map – Laminated Museum Map of Florence, Italy
(not pictured). I borrowed this from a friend and it took care of 90% of my navigational needs. I had researched what sights I wanted to see in advance which lessened the need for in-depth information. It is a simple tri-fold so it fits easily in one’s pocket.

The DK Guide Top 10 Florence and Tuscany (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides) was great for research prior to the trip, checking opening and closing times while traveling, and navigating the larger museums. It is, however, heavy as are all of the DK guides with their laminated luxuriousness.

The Lonely Planet Florence Encounter guide made for interesting reading before the trip but I never even looked at it while in Italy. You can skip this one unless you like Lonely Planet’s style and particular info. It is smaller and lighter than the DK.

The most useful of the books was Knopf MapGuide: Florence (Knopf Mapguides). This was my first encounter with this series. It features small fold-out maps of each neighborhood with a bit of info on key sights and attractions for each. It is thin, light, and the neighborhood maps provide more detail that you’ll find with Artwise yet aren’t as cumbersome as a traditional map. If you think you’ll have the chance to play one hour tourist on your next business trip, bring one of these along. They are available for a couple of dozen cities.

An excursion to Rome for a meeting gave me the chance to try to old format guide books: the Blue Guide Rome (Tenth Edition) (Blue Guides) and the Michelin the Green Guide Rome (Michelin Green Guides). Both were earlier editions than that to which I’ve linked as they were borrowed from a friend. The Blue Guide sprung from what I call the “homework” school of guide books: lots of reading because you are going to learn, damn it. Helpful for history buffs but not for one who is going to squeeze in a couple of sights around a business meeting. Too heavy as well.

It was good to be back with a Michelin Green Guide as I cut my teeth in foreign travel with them many years ago. They were long far superior to Fodor’s and the other more pedestrian guide books though they’ve lost their luster: DK is more visually appealing and publishers of all sorts have brought out myriad variations to tease and tempt. Oh for the old Baedecker. The Michelin maps were useful, the elongated format easy to carry and reference, and the alphabetical arrangement of sights made it easy to find things I could name. For vacation, perhaps, but too much for this trip.

The winners then are Artwise Florence, part of the Streetwise series, and the Knopf MapGuides Florence book. More on the trip itself in my next post.

Rosenblum is  a consistent maker of lovely wines that capture the territory of their little piece of Sonoma.

The bar service at Wildfire is another reason to check them out on a Monday. My barkeep, Nicole, was friendly and accommodating. She was conversational enough to make me feel welcome but never imposing or overly chatty.  The perfect balance for the solo business traveler.

This is a pretty desolate part of Atlanta but Wildfire makes it feel a bit more humane.

I was recently on a whirlwind trip to New York and DC and did a fair amount of hotel dining. In Washington, Arlington, VA actually, I was staying at the Hotel Palomar. It’s a Kimpton property and they run their restaurants as independent entities. Damaso Trattoria Moderna has an Italian theme, as you might expect, and I found the pasta good though not groundbreaking, the service attentive, and the prices fair. Breakfast was excellent and served promptly. It’s a good choice as there wasn’t much else around unless you walk across the bridge to Georgetown (and if you go for that short walk, try Mendocin0 Grille and Wine Bar for an elegant dinner). The Palomar itself is an elegant property though I abhor lobby-on-an-upper floor designs of which this is an example.

Heading to New York, I chose Blu using Open Table as it appeared to be close to my hotel, The Indigo. Upon arrival, I discovered it couldn’t be any closer — it was off the lobby. It proved ideal for a late dinner with a business colleague though I could see that it could get crowded and loud at times. I had Alsakan Cod that was quite moist and flavorful. It was pricey given that it was associated with a mid-range hotel but in this case I was happy to have it be a step above (though the Indigo is fine for the business traveler looking to stay in Chelsea).

More recently, I had about ten minutes to book a restaurant in New Orleans. Again, I turned to Open Table and chose 5 Fifty 5. When we found the address, 555 Canal Street, we discovered that the restaurant was in the Marriott. Not an option when in a culinary capital like NOLA. Luckily my antennae are always up and I remembered passing an elegant spot a couple of blocks back, Le Foret. We retreated there and had a wonderful meal. Our bouches were amused three times before our first courses arrived (a grilled asparagus salad in my case). This was followed by naturally raised tenderloin that was tender and flavorful. We were served ginger chocolate bites as a closer so there was no need for dessert. The wine list was reasonably priced: we chose a Gundlach Bundchu Merlot for $48.

My lessons learned: when traveling on business, take the extra click to look at the Web site of a restaurant to make sure that you know what you are getting (we provide direct links here on Executive Nomad). Some hotel restaurants are quite good; others are middle-of-the-road at best so know what you are getting.