http://www.sothebyswine.com/ Travel

Friends and clients who know us well understand that working in Wine involves a lot of travel - often to fun and interesting places. Naturally, we need to find a good place to eat, have a decent glass of wine, and get a good night’s rest - so we are often asked for our best suggestions while on the road. Anyone can look up the fanciest hotel or most expensive restaurant online, but a personal recommendation is always best.


We have compiled a few of our old standbys and newest favorites - Where We Eat and Where We Sleep - as our suggestions for your next trip. These "travel notes" will always be followed by the traveler’s name and will continue to be updated as we find new places.




Sao Paulo - Brazil






WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Fasano
Fasano
One of the best hotels in South America - sophisticated design paired with the fact that everything is where you think it will be, and it all works. The black-out shades are a must if you are staying long in Sao Paolo. Our wine dinners there start and end late, so we don't get to see much of the mornings and often head straight to lunch. Due to the Fasano and the legendary Brazilian hospitality, we do not return home too tired. The location is also great, as you can walk to so many things. I also heard they now have a Fasano in Rio, so that may also be well worth checking out. Highly recommended. April 2006: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Beijing - China
Beijing remains to be one of the few places where English speakers are hard to find – be sure you have your hotel’s business card with the name in Mandarin with you at all times (as Jamie and Serena recently found out after being abandoned by their cab driver who spoke no English). An obvious stop is the Forbidden City.




WHERE WE EAT

  • Bei
  • Beijing Governmental Cuisine
  • LAN Club
Bei
One of about 5 restaurants in the much talked about, and very trendy, Opposite House, Swire's first hotel. The service was impeccable, the wine list interesting and the Japanese food by Chef Max Levy was incredibly good. Well worth trying. April 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • The Park Hyatt
  • The Opposite House
  • Beijing Clubhouse, Hong Kong Jockey Club
The Park Hyatt
Great atmosphere, with a good vibe – stylish, modern and fun. Took a while to find where everything was in the room, but hey, that’s a modern luxury hotel nowadays. Good for both business travel and hanging out in Beijing.
Where We Sleep

Hong Kong - China
The wine craze has hit an all new level in Hong Kong, and we are racking up frequent flier miles on Cathay (the only way to fly – flat beds are a must for any 15+ hour flight) as our auction business there keeps expanding. So much time there has helped us progress past ordering just shrimp dumplings, and despite what you may read about wine pairing with Chinese food, we are happy to report that certain dishes like frog’s legs with garlic and chili, Peking duck and sliced beef shank are all worthy dishes for a wine dinner. Listed below are restaurants and hotels that have become part of our routine.




WHERE WE EAT

  • Fook Lam Moon
  • Yung Kee
  • Mak's Noodle Ltd
  • China Club
  • Hong Kong Club
Fook Lam Moon
Our favorite restaurant in Hong Kong – we always try to get here at least once each trip. Excellent food and HKD100 corkage – that works! January 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Island Shangri-La
  • Mandarin Oriental
Island Shangri-La
This is spitting distance from Sotheby’s Hong Kong office, so it's super convenient for us and close to Central. It is typical of the best HK hotels – stylish, efficient and great service. We like it here. PS – The coffee shop in the basement has excellent croissants! February 2009: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Bordeaux - France




WHERE WE EAT

  • Cafe Lavinal
  • Chez Greg
  • Le Lion d'Or
  • Le Cochon Volant
Cafe Lavinal
Another great Cazes success, as they have developed the little hamlet of Bages from a group of run down buildings into a little village, the center of which is their wonderful Café Lavinal - a low key, non chi-chi place for breakfast, lunch or dinner - recommended. April 2008: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Sources de Caudalie
  • Cordeillan Bages
  • Hotel de Normandie
  • Au Logis des Remparts
Sources de Caudalie
Our home away from home - we love staying here. The Cathiards are a very talented family with Smith Haut Lafitte and Sources de Caudalie. The hotel is set among the vineyards and is incredibly peaceful with perfect views. If you don't like the gym (like me) you can go running in the vineyards. The spa, swimming pool and bar are all just as you want them and the food in both restaurants excellent. When we bring clients to Bordeaux, we always stay here - I know we might have to drive a bit further, as we are a little down south, but waking up at Sources de Caudalie is well worth it. April 2008: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Burgundy - France




WHERE WE EAT

  • Hostellerie des Clos
  • La Table de William Fevre
  • L’Espérance
  • Chez Guy
  • Castel de Très Girard
  • Le Chambolle
  • Caveau des Arches
  • L’Ecusson
  • Ma Cuisine
  • Le Chevreuil
Hostellerie des Clos
A one-star Michelin Restaurant in the capable hands of chef and owner Michel Vignaud. Superb food and the most comprehensive Chablis wine list in town. This is also a hotel with reasonable pricing and a perfect spot to begin your tour of the Yonne. 2010:Duncan www.hostellerie-des-clos.fr
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • L’Hotel
  • Hostellerie de Levernois
  • Puligny-Montrachet
L’Hotel
An excellent hotel in the center of Beaune, just off Place Carnot. L’Hotel also offers terrific food served in the main dining room, as well as on the terrace in the courtyard. Complete internet access and business friendly. A perfect outpost while you are visiting. 2010: Duncan www.lhoteldebeaune.com
Where We Sleep

St. Paul de Vence - France






WHERE WE SLEEP

  • La Colombe d'Or
La Colombe d'Or
A great, low-key hotel, with seriously good paintings and sculptures. But the best thing is to have lunch (preferably) or dinner in the garden. January 2010: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Piedmont - Italy




WHERE WE EAT

  • La Ciau del Tornavento
La Ciau del Tornavento
A fabulous restaurant, with a great view, a great Chef and a great wine cellar. We were with Elisa Scavino and Weston Hoard, and after a long afternoon tasting, we thought we would get a quick bite to eat with our young children, Ella (8) and Archibald (5). At 1:45am, with Ella and Archie still going strong, we finally decided to call it a day...This is a great restaurant and on my "do not miss list" for a visit to Piedmont. July 2009: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Cascina Barac
Cascina Barac
An Agriturismo in the heart of the vineyards and a perfectly tranquil retreat from tasting and eating. The staff could not have been nicer, making us a special late lunch, as we arrived mid-afternoon. We will definitely stay here again. If they built a swimming pool, it would be even better! July 2009: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Marrakech - Morocco




WHERE WE EAT

  • Yacout
Yacout
An essential Marrakesh experience - great food in a wonderful atmosphere - fun! September 2009: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Riad El Fenn
Riad El Fenn
We were totally spoilt here, as two friends took over this incredible Riad in the Medina to celebrate their 40th Birthdays, so it was a non-stop party from the minute we arrived. It is the perfect place from which to explore Marrakech and an ideal place to hang out, relax and have fun. Highly recommended. September 2009: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Seoul - South Korea






WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Westin Chosun
Westin Chosun
Very efficient, organized and very central - we were only here for a night, but we liked it and I am sure we will be back again soon. May 2010: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Taipei - Taiwan
An ever-growing city, Taipei boasts the world’s second tallest building – the 101 Tower. It is quite a view from the top (and windy!), but if you are worried about earthquakes, we would suggest checking it out from street level. For those adventurous types, a meal at the Night Market is required. This typical Taiwanese street food is delicious, but not for the weak – the good news is Stephen and Michelle lived to tell about it.






WHERE WE SLEEP

  • The Sherwood
The Sherwood
Conveniently located, and comes with typical Taiwanese efficiency – everything works extremely well – a great business travelers hotel.
Where We Sleep

Chinnor - United Kingdom




WHERE WE EAT

  • Sir Charles Napier
Sir Charles Napier
One of my all time favorite restaurants, run by the mother of a good friend, Caroline. I have lived in New York for 15 years and there is no restaurant like it here, so we try to get back to the Sir Charles Napier as much as we can. When living in London, we frequently would drive down for a long (or very long) Sunday lunch - driving back was the issue. Good local beers, a great wine list and lots of good English food, particularly game. Worth a detour! August 2007: Jamie
Where We Eat



London - United Kingdom




WHERE WE EAT

  • Noor Jahan
  • The Wolseley
  • Le Caprice
Noor Jahan
You gotta love the Noor. I have been going to the Noor, one of my favourite Indian restaurants in London, for over 20 years and it always delivers - same great Indian food, same quirky service - good beer and decent enough wine to pour down with a spicy curry. I only wish I could find the same in NYC. Not fancy, but a great local restaurant. April 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • The Mayfair
The Mayfair
Sotheby's designated hotel when visiting London on business - great location off Berkeley Square, close to Hyde Park and Green Park for an early morning jet lag run. Everything works well and the casino always produces some interesting eye candy at all times of the day and night. April 2010: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Washington DC - United States




WHERE WE EAT

  • Two Amy's Pizza
  • Proof
Two Amy's Pizza
My family's favorite restaurant in DC, a city which has not yet become a gastronomic destination. Two Amy's is packed on the weekends, so we tend to go on a weekday. Great design, excellent pizza and good wine - we wish we had one of these near us in NYC. May 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



Los Angeles , California - United States




WHERE WE EAT

  • Osteria Mozza / Pizzeria Mozza
  • Lucques
Osteria Mozza / Pizzeria Mozza
The Batali/Bastianich/Silverton show in LA is way out of the way of everything and still has crowds lining up for tables at either the pizzeria or the main restaurant. Both are great - I have just had more luck getting in to the Osteria, so I know it better. They are both great places to hang out in LA and watch the scene - truly a spectator sport here - well worth going... April 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Avalon
  • Bel Air Hotel
Avalon
Though it appears hip and trendy, it is neither cool nor un-cool. The set-up is rather odd, with rooms in different buildings, but that's no problem - the rooms are spacious and quiet, with everything you need. The staff are very helpful (all of them are concierges) and their specialty cocktails help you unwind after a long flight. I like staying here and the price is right. October 2006: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Napa Valley , California - United States




WHERE WE EAT

  • Terra
  • Bouchon
  • French Laundry
  • AOC
  • Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
Terra
After 18 years, the staff seem to have lost their enthusiasm - being aloof rather than inattentive. The raw dishes (hamachi and tuna ceviche) were excellent, the rest rather disappointing, except for a good and reasonably priced wine list. October 2006: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Meadowood
  • Rancho Caymus Santa Fe
Meadowood
When in Napa, try and stay at Meadowood - it may not be the best (I have no idea), but it is the complete package. The rooms are fabulous (make sure you go to sleep with a log fire burning), the grounds are beautiful, the food and wines excellent and you can play golf or tennis. But more importantly, you are at the epicenter of what is happening in Napa. The brilliant Bill Harlan is always around and so are the other movers and shakers of the valley, so hang out and become part of the scene. Whatever your plans, this is the best place to lay your head. April 2010: Jamie
Where We Sleep

San Francisco , California - United States




WHERE WE EAT

  • Slanted Door
  • A16
  • Swan's Oyster Depot
Slanted Door
Charles Phang's wonderful Vietnamese is always buzzing with a happy crowd. The room is elegant and relaxed, the service is fast and attentive, and the wine list interesting and reasonably priced. Always worth a visit. October 2006: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • Huntington Hotel
Huntington Hotel
A slightly old fashioned hang out on Nob Hill, but we have been staying here for years and it's become home. April 2010: Jamie
Where We Sleep

Santa Barbara , California - United States




WHERE WE EAT

  • La Super Rica
La Super Rica
My favorite Mexican restaurant anywhere - if you go to Santa Barbara try it! Ok, it's a shack, with not much more than a tarp to cover you, but the food is just what I like and the beers are cold - no wine here! April 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



Palm Beach , FL - United States
Palm Beach is no gastronomic temple, so here is a survivors guide. At least the sun always shines there!




WHERE WE EAT

  • Café Boulud
  • Club Colette
Café Boulud
OK, it’s not quite as slick as the New York original, but Daniel is a great restaurateur and this outpost is a good option in PB for a quick heart-starter or lunch al fresco – PB not being renowned for its gastronomic temples. February 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • The Brazilian Court
The Brazilian Court
Very central and a little old-fashioned, but hey, that’s Palm Beach – it has a good atmosphere and works well for our short stays (being just around the corner from our office). After all, we are in PB to work not hang out at the pool or beach. February 2010: Jamie
Where We Sleep

New York , New York - United States
New York is home to our retail store, on the Upper East Side (UES as the locals call it). Most of us call the city home as well, and we are definitely spoiled when it comes to eating well. There are simply too many restaurants to list as ‘favorites’, but to a visitor it is easy to go wrong – below are our current recommendations – the insider’s guide if you will...




WHERE WE EAT

  • The Mark by Jean Georges
  • Sasabune
  • Sushi Yasuda
  • Jean Georges
  • Hasaki
  • The Boathouse
  • Le Bernardin
  • DBGB
  • Cafe Boulud
  • Balthazar
  • Otto
  • Spigolo
  • Bar Boulud
  • Minetta Tavern
  • Kurumazushi
  • Le Charlot
  • Lupa
  • Serefina
  • PJ Clarke's
  • Mary's Fish Camp
  • Phoenix Garden
The Mark by Jean Georges
I was there when it just opened, so Jean Georges was holding court- always a treat. Fun and stylish room, which is much better than I expected, with a mix of jacket & tie Upper East Siders, along with a more edgy crowd. The menu covers everything from Jean Georges classics to a burger - all the food was good to excellent. A strange mix being half hotel and half restaurant, but it works and is a very welcome addition to the UES - we'll be back...frequently. February 2010: Jamie
Where We Eat



WHERE WE SLEEP

  • The Surrey
  • The Carlyle
  • Affinia Gardens
The Surrey
Recently re-opened, The Surrey has great rooms, a smart staff and a perfect location. Add to that Daniel Boulud's Bar Pleiades & Café Boulud and you have ready made entertainment, with great food. April 2010: Jamie
Where We Sleep