Last week, I met colleagues at Woodward, the bar at the new Ames Hotel in Boston. The setting was lovely. We sat in the quiet second floor bar in comfortable club chairs overlooking the old State House. When the waiter came over to take our order one in our party asked if he was pouring a Sauvignon Blanc. He said he’d get the wine list and promptly turned on his heel and left.

I thought that perhaps this toney new establishment had a plethora of wines by the glass. What fun we’d have debating between Sauv Blancs from around the world. There might be a new wine to try.

He returned with the list and they were indeed pouring Sauvignon Blanc. One. Uno. Un. Adeen. A Kim Crawford — a perfectly fine if not particularly original by-the-glass offering that should not be  hard to remember. There were, I believe, a total of twelve wines by the glass: six white and six red running between $9 – $12 a glass.

I find it increasingly common to have a wine list thrust my way when I ask for something “crisp and white” or “red and full-bodied.” It should be part of basic training — especially in a bar in a hotel that aspires to sophistication but also in any establishment beyond a corner pub — to have waiters understand what is available such that they are able to make a recommendation to a customer. Crisp and white? They had the Sauv Blanc, a Gruner Veltliner, and a Pinot Gris. The GV was quite lovely. by the by.

The Ames is a Morgans Group hotel so it is not as if they are strangers to the business.  They should, however, learn to be a little less impressed with themselves and their decor and pay more attention the most fundamental ingredient in good hospitality: informed and attentive service.

From now on, I’m going to begin demanding tastes if the waiter can’t describe any given selection. If mangement can’t educate the staff, I’ll just have to do it for them.

I thought I’d add some tips of my own:

My suitcase of choice is an expanding Hartmann roller. The telescoping handle seems to take up less space in the inner compartment than in other models and I can carry on sufficient gear to travel on business for a week without expanding it (that handy feature is generally used to haul home some fine wine — up to six bottles at a time have made it home safely). I’ve dragged it across North America, Asia, and Europe for several years and it has held up well. For overnights, a smaller roller by TravelPro — about the size of a large computer case — has enough room for a spare shirt, tie, underwear, socks, toiletries, laptop, and a couple of files.

The case is the easy part. I used to work at Mark Cross, the storied manufacturer and retailer of fine leather goods including travel gear (it has since been sucked up into a conglomerate and vaporized). There I learned a number of critical packing tips: First, take less — you always can get by with less than you think. Make a commitment to one color and make sure that everything goes with everything else to give yourself more possible combinations. Use accessories like ties and scarves that are light and take up minimal space to spice things up. Keep paring down until you have the bare minimum. That will make the CEO of Spirit Airlines smile.   If you get bored with what you brought, shop (see expanding roller above). Second, use plastic dry cleaner bags over your pressed garments to keep them from wrinkling. It really works. Roll or weave garments together to avoid creases where you don’t want them. Third, gentlemen, bring a blazer or sport coat that can work with dress pants or jeans — think multi-functional.

Now for those little tricks that can make a big difference. Stain removing wipes can save the day after you’ve dripped puttanesca sauce on your pants. Keep a couple on hand. Similarly, moist towelettes can clean up your face and hands in a hurry. New disposable teeth cleaners (see the Wisp in the photo) are invaluable if you need to freshen and don’t have access to your toiletries. I find that the scissors in the Victorinox TravelCard come in handy though the nail file was confiscated by the TSA; I guess there had been threats of offering manicures as a way to get access to the cockpit. If not traveling by air, a pocket knife with a corkscrew will inevitably be in my bag so as to be ready for any wine and cheese that might cross my path. A notebook — never travel without a notebook that can fit easily into a jacket pocket so that you can take — or pass — notes without firing up your computer or looking like you are e-mailing on your PDA. Finally, I invested in an after-market charger that can handle both my laptop and Blackberry at the same time. It is lighter and smaller than the original that came with the computer and lets me leave the PDA charger in the office.

So you are packed. You’ve made it to the airport. You’re set. Not quite: with the increase in airport delays, I suggest that you pick up an analog publication or two, some chocolate, perhaps some crackers in case you get stuck on the tarmac. You’ll be able to be productive and nourished — and can smirk at the Kindle lovers who aren’t allowed to turn on their precious babies. Offer a copy of The Economist or a bite of 64% cocoa Ghiradelli to strike up a conversation with the charming passenger you’ve had the luck to find next to you. Business travel, after all, can still be an adventure.

There’s craft, too, in making sure that you wind up on the concierge floor at the hotel. Sometimes it requires demanding and other times a bit of flirtation much like a woodworker will vary technique when working with different kinds of wood. Of course, one can brandish a frequent guest card but that’s no fun at all.

The agenda must be massaged of course in order to create small pockets of down time for sneaking off to a museum, a massage, or a bit of shopping. I find it useful to block off two hours for each meeting to judiciously allow for various delays and detours. Inevitably, some time opens up and a good crafts person knows what to do when opportunity arises.

The seasoned business traveler knows the beauty and power of routine. Routine frees the mind from the mundane by eliminating some needless decisions. When the dopp kit and the shoes always go in the same place, one needn’t think too much when packing.

I generally try to find a local place where I can be a regular – sometimes for breakfast, other times for a night cap — that gives me a sense of being at home. New Orleans has been particularly good for this: I once ate lunch at the restaurant at the Hotel Monaco every day for a week. I made friends with the barkeep, Arianna as I recall, and we’d chat while I enjoyed their fabulous pan fried chicken. On another trip I spent three nights in a row watching baseball at bar called Ryans. They didn’t serve food but one of the locals would go out and get me take-out from down the block. I met different people each night and had great conversations. Rolling Rock was two bucks a bottle.

Travel is a craft that is fine and noble and rewarding. The art, that comes when filling out the expense report.

Three cheers, then, for 3floz.com. They bring you great products and top brands for hair, face, and body that all will slide through the security scanner. If you have to fly, fly beautiful.

This Nomad is thrilled to find The Art of Shaving, Pangea Organics, and Archipelago Organics. Delicate skin, that dry airplane climate, and the the unsightly effects of fatigue: it’s a brutal world out there. The right products can make all the difference and thanks to these entrepreneurs, looking good on the road is easy at last. Read more at The New York Times.

I do enjoy Jermyn Street whenever I am in London: it is the home to a greater concentration of fine menswear and related accessories than any other street I’ve ever found anywhere. I guess it is a bit of a competitive cluster, as Michael Porter might say. I’ve purchased shirts and found some wonderful pocket squares however I have not (yet) indulged in haircuts or toiletries purchases as has Ebert.

The essay is a bit long but quite wonderful. It’s worth the read and has me longing to rack up some miles on BA or Virgin soon.

What are your hidden gems in London (or elsewhere)? I will say that I have a similarly romantic attachment to The Main House in Notting Hill though it doesn’t have near the charmth and warmth as Ebert’s description of Eyrie Mansion.

Thanks to Katherine, a fellow Nomad from Brussels for passing along the link to Ebert’s blog.

The Perimeter is in the Sandy Springs area and is rather desolate: a modern landscape of malls, undistinguished office buildings, chain restaurants, and hotels like the Marriott. Even the W seemed forlorn. Taking a walk one evening I felt like an alient being: the only two-legged creature roaming the concrete tundra.

Still the MARTA was nearby which made it easy to get to the hotel from the airport without burning a lot of fossil fuel.

All was not lost, however. This nomad is not easily defeated. One of my local hosts brought us to the Float Away Cafe, a chic modern spot located in a renovated warehouse. The elijay apple, endive, and raddichio salad with fresh cheddar was crisp and delicious. The calves’ liver appetizer also received raves.  For entrees, the ahi tuna with blood orange was tender and flavorful, the quail with bartlett pears was moist and tender, and the mountain trout with brussels sprouts also got high marks. The wine list was quite reasonable (we had a Terrazano Malbec for $26).

I made two visits to the Woodfire Grill: one for lunch and later for a glass of wine after dinner. The place felt like a chain, perhaps because of its location next to a mall or the design that felt like it could be replicated easily and efficiently – but a Capital Grille sort of chain that was fine for a business lunch or dinner. However, it is a locally owned spot that features many local and organic ingredients. The service was friendly (though it was difficult to get them to stop clearing plates until we’d all finished a course). We four all had the Alaskan Cod lunch special that was flaky and moist with a panko crust. We left pleased.

When I returned later in the evening, I was pleased to find a bar that was dark enough that it felt like a place where adult beverages could be consumed yet light enough for reading a magazine (I find that key when out alone). The wine list was unadventurous but adequate and there was a Hanna special that was quite tasty. I’ll visit again when I am in the neighborhood.

I was also lucky enough to have two home-cooked meals which is a real treat while on an extended business trip. The only words I’ll share on those are praise: both were delicious and generous. The other treat: I snuck into the Varsity for a chili dog and onion rings one day at lunch – a real down-home treat.

Last by not least, should you need to bring a gift for your host or hostess in the event of a home-cooked offering be sure to check out Wine Styles. All of the wine at this shop is $25 or less (so you won’t break the bank) and they offer regular tastings. We found the staff quite helpful and the wines generally of good quality and excellent value. They also stock a nice selection of gift bags. Now you know why we try to list a wine shop, florist, and chocolate shop in every city we cover. We’re still looking for a great florist and chocolatier in Atlanta. Thoughts? Recommendations?

It’s done in the classic style — furniture reminiscent of some not-quite-discernable previous period — Edwardian, perhaps — which is a bit different now that most new properties are grasping for hipness. The room was certainly adequate and well-priced: the weekend rate was just under $200. The bed was comfortable and requests for decaf coffee for the in-room coffee maker and extra towels were seen to promptly. The staff was courteous throughout.

The television was set on a wall perpendicular to the way one lies on the bed which made viewing awkward, particularly given that there was no side chair as an alternative. However, that was a mild distraction — when one is in NY, the last thing on the agenda should be watching television.

It’s generally true that the farther east or west from 5th Avenue you are willing to venture, the greater value you’ll find. Most of the comparable hotels we’ve found are farther south — Murray Hill has quite a few — and if you want to be a bit more uptown, The Fitzpatrick is a good choice. Just two blocks south of Bloomingdale’s, it is a bit dangerous if you have a shopper in tow.

We did discover two wonderful restaurants to put on your list (they’ll be going on our NY page shortly): Toqueville and 15 East  both on East 15th Street. We visisted both as part of a private affair so please take these observations in that context. Toqueville offers French cuisine in a cozy, comfortable setting. The roasted pear salad, golden beet risotto, and beef two ways were all memorable. The portions were just right for a four-course meal.

We didn’t actually get to eat at 15 East (it was the site of a wedding ceremony we were attending) but several of the people we met during the evening confirmed that it is a great local spot: neighorhood-y yet still elegant enough for an evening out to feel special. We will be stopping by to try the sushi when next in NYC.

Delta’s service is provided by GoGo. I found the log-in process a bit cumbersome in part because of a game they offer through which one is guaranteed a discount on the session. One bets on one of three whirly gigs that race to 35,000 feet. I chose “news” which finished last — great, my first experience on GoGo is that I’m a loser — but I did get a consolation prize of a 25% discount that dropped the cost of my one-time pass from $9.95 to under $8. The whole process, including the game, burned about six minutes of battery time. It will be faster in the future as I had to create an account on this my inaugural visit.

It took seven tries to log into Executive Nomad’s admin page but things seem to be going well now. I’ll check e-mail shortly and report back in a comment. I was able to open a second browser window and download the stock photo that appears with this post in about the same amount of time time it takes on the ground.

The biggest complaint is not with GoGo but with Delta. As I am still a man of the people, I am in coach and that is a cramped place to be on an MD88. My small laptop can barely balance on tray table and my arms are cramped as I type.

I’m sure that I’ll grow to love in-flight wifi though I may still choose to say that it was unavailable on my flight if I’m more attracted to a good book. And speaking of which, Walter Kiechel’s new look inside corporate strategy as practiced by the big consulting firms, The Lords of Strategy, is in my bag and I’ll be tucking into it as soon as I log off.

Now as long as I can avoid cell phone service…

What is your experience with in-flight wifi? Love it? Hate it? Your fellow Nomads want to know.

We need to learn from the Israelis and engage in greater behavioral screening (which is not racial profiling). Terrorists’ methods will change as they adapt to our defensive measures. What remains much more constant, however, are the wiring of the human brain, the body’s reactions to stress, and the signals that reveal someone is lying or being deceitful. Teaching airport security personnel to identify the behavioral cues consistent with illegal activity will be far more effective than investing in another generation of super scanners. New scanners and other technologies should be deployed randomly to keep terrorists guessing but universal deployment is a waste of time and money. The “thing” will never be foolproof and under-investing in human capabilities in order to buy more machines is short-sighted at best.

Further, we the traveling public must take seriously the role we have as first preventers and first responders. It was passengers who saved the Northwest flight and any of us may be called upon to take similar action. We are not merely along for the ride: we are part of the security system. While the TSA can be an easy target for our rage, we must accept some responsibility ourselves.

Meanwhile as the lines grow longer for the masses, airlines are rolling out more perks for those who have achieved the most elite status in their frequent flier programs. As the New York Times reports:

“Members at these levels, in addition to getting bragging rights, might be offered free access to airport clubs and automatic check-in, might get fees for extra bags waived, and might be allowed to go to the front of any line — and sit in the front of the cabin — even when other travelers paid more for their tickets.

Once inside those airline clubs, these elite fliers can get free cocktails and buffet meals, perhaps a shower, and in the case of some Delta clubs, practice time on putting greens.”

I have no issue with those who rack up buckets of miles getting extra benefits. Flying enough to get to that status takes a toll on the body, mind, home life, and more so a couple of free cocktails is small compensation. What bothers me is that these additional perks seem to come at the expense of even minimal levels of service in the main cabin. I don’t begrudge anyone their pass to the Red Carpet Club unless it comes at the expense of my on-board pillow. (Full disclosure: I have enjoyed elite status with various airlines from time to time though because of my varied travel schedule and preference for direct, non-stop flights as well as an editorial interest in sampling various carriers, hotels, car rental companies, etc.,  I’m not a mile slut who will do whatever it takes to get the most miles on a single airline. I generally fly steerage plus domestically).

One of my hopes for 2010 is that frequent flier programs get more rational. For example, the airlines shouldn’t encourage everyone who flies to become a member (it’s expensive to maintain those memberships and people who fly only a few flights a year won’t earn any free travel). Set a threshold for membership. This is what we did when I helped launch the first retail frequent buyer program (Mark Cross Preferred around 1984) and the threshold helped ensure that only frequent buyers were in the program and allowed us to make the benefits more generous because we avoided the expense of tracking purchases of occasional customers.

Second, the programs need to wean themselves from the sale of miles to be “given away” through marginally related third parties (like credit card companies). I know that the airlines like the cash as it helps them to offer seats at below cost (this twisted business model is fodder for another post) but it pollutes (and dilutes the effectiveness of) the program by mixing those who actually fly frequently with those who buy groceries using their Delta Amex card so they can get a free flight once a year to see the grandchildren. Keep the mileage accumulating opportunities related to the behavior you hope to enourage.

Third, and this is really a combination of the first two: it’s time for a giant flush of the system because there are far more miles accumulated than there are seats to fulfill them. Thus we find airlines sending us catalogs through which one can buy cameras and televisions using miles. Get back to a point where those loyal fliers who can’t make it to the double-dip elite super status still have some chance of deriving actual benefits from the program.

But enough ranting. Let’s end 2009 on a high note. If you haven’t yet seen Up in the Air, the new film staring George Clooney as an uber-traveler, fly on down to the nearest theater and grab a seat on the aisle. It’s well-written, well-acted, and quite thought provoking. And Vera Farmiga is a shoo-in for the Academy Award for best shot involving a neck tie. It might even encourage a resurgence in men’s neckwear (though perhaps more as lingerie then office attire).

Happy New Year! See you in the 10.

Photo: George Clooney in Up in the Air.

Increasingly, there are options — if you are willing to pay for them, according to the New York Times. More and more airlines are offering exit rows, aisle seats, and “extra legroom” seats for a price.  Reported fees range from $5 – $100+ depending on the airline. If you have elite frequent flier status, you may even be able to do it for free.

I’m have mixed feelings about this trend: as I am 6’3″+, I feel like some coach seats should be outlawed on humanitarian grounds and think that all seats should have more room (I used to have a fair amount of success just asking — OK, begging — for a more spacious seat at check-in but no longer); on the other hand, if I can ensure a bit more room for a few bucks, it is money well spent.

My biggest objection is when these are fees and not baked into the ticket price making it tougher for business travelers to be reimbursed for this minimal upgrade. At $5, it’s no big deal but at $50 or $100 each way, that’s a significant amount out of my pocket when, in truth, one of the main benefits of the extra space is having enough room to get some work done.

I’ve long advocated for extra charges for exit row seats but my objective, and model, is quite different: I think that the airlines should offer paid training in emergency procedures and those who successfully complete that training should qualify for preferred seating in those rows. They are, after all, emergency exits.  I think that a program that offers a few hours of hands-on experience opening those exits, maneuvering the doors, and sliding down the chutes would be valuable to everyone in the event of an emergency.

Of course the airlines are more interested in revenue than safety. The Times reports that Jet Blue will generate $65 million in revenue from its extra legroom seats this year. Jet Blue has a special section at the front of the plane dubbed “Even More Legroom” seats so that revenue is not based entirely on exit rows.

I also object to aisle positions being part of the fee-for-seat bazaar. Please (baby, please) leave some luck-based option for those of us with long legs.

One test that I’d like to see if a middle seat discount. What if the basic ticket price is $X and upon learning that you, sigh, only have middle seat options you are given a $10 instant rebate on the flight? That intervention might take some of the sting out of it. Harrah’s, the casino folks, has done research and found that if they artfully  interrupt a customer having a bad string of luck on a slot machine by presenting a food certificate (with the suggestion that the unlucky person take a break), the person is much more likely to return to the casino again. It’s the good luck fairy in action — and we could all use a bit more good luck when booking flights

I also rely on www.seatguru.com to help me find the best seats whenever I fly though I have to say that I find that the airlines are increasingly restrictive in letting me choose a seat when I book (unless it is a full fare flight) so the knowledge derived from seatguru can’t always be applied.

What’s your experience? Do you have any tips or tricks to share with your fellow Nomads?