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.

The hotel delivered typical Kimpton style: a bit playful yet not over the top. The robes now sport only a zebra collar rather than allowing one to be wrapped in a full faux beast. My room was tiny yet spacious thanks to a thoughtful layout, sliding bathroom door, and floor-to-ceiling windows. I can see where it might be a bit too cozy for two but for one it was just right.

I was in town to help host the Executive Council’s Sustainable Cities leadership forum that brought together execs from IBM, Cisco, Siemens, Coca-Cola, and the like for a day of discussion about the intersection of urbanization and sustainability. You can read more about the sessions at richerearth.com.

All that conference work meant that my dining was limited but I can report that the outdoor Cafe at the Bryant Street Grill is still a delightful place to meet for a glass of wine on a spring evening. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists — fairly low key the evening I was there; any Sex in the City wannabes finding their inner Carries somewhere else (hurrah!)  – and Bryant Park is one of Manhattan’s great treasures. Earlier, I met a colleague for a Cuban lunch at Guantanamera on 8th Avenue. While the food wasn’t particularly memorable, it was more than adequate. The place had a nice, neighborhood feel and the service was friendly. It might be more fun in the evening when mojitos could be tossed back with abandon.

For me, however, it was the Acela back home. Just a sack dinner from Pret a Manger and a surreptitious Shiraz accompaniment. After all, your Nomad in Chief is also president of the Acela Wine Club!

Next up — Washington, Atlanta, and London. And check out our updated listings for Brussels.

I wasecently 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.

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.

Instead I found Sam & Harry’s, which proclaims itself to be in the classic steak house tradition. It didn’t feel it, but in a good way: the interior was airy and well-lit. The staff was friendly if a bit slow at first. I think that I chose a bar stool on the dividing line between the territories of two barkeeps. Once they worked out who was going to wait on me, the service was great.

My Coulotte steak ($14) was just the right size — about 6 oz — and cooked exactly as ordered. It was tender and flavorful. Dining in “the classic steak house tradition” means that you get meat and not much more on your plate unless you order sides. I had the broccolini which was nicely al dente. I refrained from ordering a starch in anticipation of an offering of bread that never materialized. That would be my most fervent recommendation to Sam & Harry: delicious bread is part of the classic steak house tradition.

The menu is quite reasonable with my steak just costing $2 more than the burger (although the burger came with fries that were $4 as a side order if you want them with the steak). There are salads and other sandwiches though it is clear that steak is the main thrust. There were, I believe, six variations on offer.

The by-the-glass wine list is adequate if not adventurous — this is a chain after all. I had a Tierra Secreta Malbec that paired nicely with the steak.

Sam & Harry’s was a good place to refuel before the flight home and would have been great for a business lunch or dinner. Still missing Legal’s? Not so much.

Looking to dine away from the airport? Fellow Nomads have some updated suggestions: Masa 14 for Latin and Asian small plates, Monmartre if French is what you crave, or The Oval Room for contemporary American.

Have you been to DC lately? Share your favorites for a business lunch or dinner.

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.

I stayed at the Fairmont as that was where the event was held (with a 7 a.m. call time, I wasn’t going to look farther afield). It was, well, the Fairmont: lovely if not inspiring. The room and bathroom were both spacious and featured all of the amenities that you’d expect. The service was  friendly and courteous throughout my stay. Internet service was a bit spotty as they were having issues with the system (though I was happy that it came free of charge as I am a President’s Club member — that alone makes it worthwhile to join this frequent guest program). I was in the tower building which made each walk to the lobby rather a long one. As chains go, I find Fairmont a step above the Hiltons and Westins of the world yet generally priced well below the Ritz and Four Seasons and this is a well cared for property. It’s old-school, not hip but they know what they do and they do it well. My biggest complaint is that the two options for printing one’s boarding pass — a lobby kiosk and the business center — both come with a charge. It felt like nickel-and-diming. I simply checked in online from my room and waited until the airport to print my documents.

Alas I have no great scoops on dining either. One dinner was at the hotel (a function related to the event) and the filet-and-lobster offering was quite tasty (have your cardiologist on speed dial). The other, an early informal dinner with a colleague took us to Gordon-Birsch: decent steak frites and other bistro pub fare but nothing remarkable.

So did I come home empty-handed from this trip? Of course not. The big scoop is the nearby wineries. I visited two: Windy Oaks and Jason Stephens.  Windy Oaks co-owner Judy Schultze was kind enough to open the winery for my visit. The drive took about 45 minutes and brought me up winding mountain roads through lush redwood forests. The winery is in the perfect setting for pinot noir — cool and moist with a long growing season — though they also cultivate about an acre of chardonnay. All of their wines are made from the grapes produced on the estate in the Burgundian tradition. I left with bottle of two wonderful pinots: Henry’s Block (made from a single clone, 1 acre vineyard block) and Whole Cluster (which, as the name implies, are whole cluster fermentations). The wines were rich, complex, and well-structured without being heavy. In other words, they showed off the quality of the grapes and the skill of the winemaker. Truly exceptional.

Heading back to San Jose I had a number of wineries from which to choose but time for just one (and I did need to arrive at the event function “business ready” and not showing too much evidence from my afternoon’s activities). Would it be Clos La Chance — the “best tasting room in Silicon Valley” and recommended by colleagues? Perhaps Kirigin Cellars? There were two or three others but I chose Jason-Stephens simply because I liked their logo and I’m glad that I stopped in. While wine has been grown here for some time, they have only been making and selling their own wine for under two years. The tasting room is still under construction (and a bit chilly) but Angela, responsible for the tastings that day, was a charming and knowledgeable guide to the five wines currently on offer (two cabs, a syrah, a merlot, and a chardonnay). While all were rewarding, I left with the chardonnay and the syrah. The chard was crisp and smooth, only lightly oaked in the French style. I bought it as something to  look forward to when spring finally arrives back in the northeast. The syrah, a double gold medal winner, was silky and elegant; full of flavor without being heavy-handed in the delivery. I’ve already consumed that bottle and can’t wait to have an excuse to go back for more.

The flights both ways on United left on time and arrived early (hooray!). I appreciate the reasonably priced upgrades to Economy Plus that are offered as it is the only way that I can be comfortable enough to work in coach. Everything on United is a la carte these days: upgrades, priority security/boarding, Red Carpet Club, etc. so you really can tailor your ticket.

And there you have it. I always find San Jose a bit less interesting than I think it should be — sort of a giant corporate campus rather than a bustling city. But now that I am more familiar with the wineries less than an hour away, I know I’ll always have something interesting to do.

What have your experiences been in San Jose? Any insider tips to share?

Among the highlights: restaurants L’Ecallier du Palais Royal for traditional Belgian cuisine and Lola for something more nouvelle; the Royal Windsor Hotel representing a long history of luxe and the Hotel Amigo if your taste is more contemporary. Bring home some specatacular leather goods from Delvaux or delicious choclate from Mary Chocolatier.

Have you spent time in Brussels? We’d love to add your suggestions to our Executive Nomad guide.