Friday, November 30, 2012

FOXNews.com: Hotels scramble for security solutions after hackers compromise room locks

FOXNews.com
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Hotels scramble for security solutions after hackers compromise room locks
Nov 30th 2012, 21:26

You might want to think twice about leaving your valuables in the hotel room. 

Millions of hotel rooms around the world are believed to be at risk to hacking break-ins after a 24-year-old Mozilla software developer figured out how to pick a widely-used room lock from a company called Onity. 

Forbes first reported that the compromise came about because of a security flaw in Onity's hotel door locks, and now hotels are scrambling to make a fix after a string of robberies in Texas.

Some hotels have reportedly resorted to quick fix solutions by putting epoxy putty onto the bottom holes on the locks, or have hired extra security guards.

Hyatt Hotel, one of the properties target in the robberies, told FoxNews.com that safety and security is the primary concern for their guests. 

"Hyatt is working together with Onity, our hotel owners, and the hotel industry to ensure that Hyatt properties using Onity locks have a comprehensive solution in place as soon as possible,"  it said in a statement to FoxNews.com. "Hyatt hotels with the affected model locks implemented various security measures to help mitigate the potential vulnerability. To maintain the integrity of these security systems, we cannot provide specific details about those steps." 

The security flaw was first demonstrated by Mozilla software developer Cody Brocious at the Black Hat hacker conference in July. Brocious showed how he could simply unlock a hotel door in a couple of seconds by using tools that cost around $50, which he could easily hide in a dry erase marker pen or an iPhone case.

Just months later -- in September -- a laptop was stolen from the Hyatt hotel room of Dell IT services consultant Janet Wolf via a hack that had been demonstrated by Brocious, Forbes reported. Police later told NBC News that they arrested Matthew Allen Cook on Oct. 31, after the stolen laptop showed up at a pawn shop and employees identified the suspect.

Bruce Schneier is a security technology blogger. He says Onity has a big problem on their hands and guests should be better informed of the situation. "That it is possible that anyone can pick their room lock and enter their hotel room," Schneier says. "Those of us who work in the security of technology know that more technology doesn't necessarily mean more secure. Sadly, this is an example of that," he says.

After the break ins, Onity issued a response that laid out ways customers could perform repairs --while paying out of pocket for the fix.  That has since been removed from Onity's website. The company is now suggesting that people call its helpline, which it says was staffed with specialists who can help. 

Onity told FoxNews.com that they are working hard to ensure safety and security of its products after the flaw was brought to their attention. 

In a statement to FoxNews.com, Onity said, "Immediately following the the hackers public presentation of illegal methods of breaking into hotel rooms, Onity engineers quickly developed both mechanical and technical solutions to address the issue."

The two security firms that tested the solutions are N2Net Security and Applied Communications Services, however Onity did not mention what the solutions are. 

"These solutions have been tested and validated by two independent security firms, and are available to customers worldwide. All requests for these solutions have already been fulfilled, or are in the process of being fulfilled," the company said.

Michelle Macaluso is part of the Junior Reporter program at Fox News. Get more information on the program here.

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FOXNews.com: 5 free things: Phoenix more than sun in the desert

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5 free things: Phoenix more than sun in the desert
Nov 30th 2012, 11:00

PHOENIX –  With cactus and strip malls obstructing the views at times, visitors could easily write Phoenix off as a place where water and culture are scarce. But this metropolis — which includes upscale Scottsdale and college town Tempe — is a nature lover's oasis with pristine peaks and the vast Sonoran desert.

As for the urban landscape, it's more than just golf courses crowded with retirees. In central Phoenix, which predates Arizona's 100 years of statehood, you can find historic homes and classic bungalows, including one designed by master architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Brightly colored murals around town show how much the Hispanic community has influenced the city.

Now that the summer months have given way to milder temperatures and snowbirds are finding their way here to escape colder climates, here are five free ways to heat things up in Phoenix:

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN HIKE

One of the most popular views is from the top of this red, sandstone landmark situated between Phoenix and Scottsdale. Trekking to the top, which extends 2,704 feet (824 meters) above sea level isn't for the faint of heart. Fortunately, there are less exhaustive trails at the base. You may also get a warm-up having to park a little farther away. The free lot fills up quickly. City officials are tentatively scheduled to begin improvements to traffic congestion in early 2013. Considered one of the best hiking cities, Phoenix has several other peaks that don't cost a cent to climb: http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/index.html .

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Downtown Phoenix takes on another life come night fall the first Friday of each month. This walk started out in 1994 with galleries and other venues staying open later to showcase local artists. In recent years. But First Friday has snowballed into a people-watching phenomenon. Art aficionados, skater-boys, and teens looking like they just came from Comic-Con deluge Roosevelt Street in the Roosevelt Row neighborhood. Artists selling anything from T-shirts to Day of the Dead figurines are stationed along the sidewalks. It's also worth venturing onto streets off Roosevelt. You'll find numerous old homes converted into businesses. The locals frequent this area for the bars, late-night munchies and Roosevelt Growhouse, a boutique and community garden that also houses a beehive.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE

This 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) man-made lake that provides flood control for Tempe is also a haven for cycling, jogging and other activities. Feel free to skate or stroll the 12-foot (3.6-meter) paths that lie on either side of the lake. On any given day, you can spot people kayaking, sailing and even dragon-boat racing on the water. The lake is also the site of free special events, from July Fourth fireworks to the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade every December (this year, Dec. 8). Typically, there's no fee to watch annual sporting events such as Ironman Arizona.

RIO SALADO AUDUBON CENTER

Forget about city life just a couple miles (kilometers) south of downtown at this hidden nature center. The Rio Salado Audubon Center is nestled in a 600-acre (242-hectare) preserve along the Salt River. The park is home to at least 200 different species of birds and other wildlife including coyotes and jackrabbits. Take a walk or bicycle ride along the 16 miles (26 kilometers) of riding trails. Indoors, there are interactive and photo displays to peruse. Parents looking to amuse their children can choose from numerous free activities after-school and on weekends. You can also toast Mother Nature at a monthly Birds 'n Beer talk (lecture and snacks are free, beer from a local brewery is offered at a reduced rate). Closed Mondays, http://riosalado.audubon.org/

HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS TOUR

In 1996, a coalition of city residents led by Gerry and Marge McCue sought to dispel the myth that downtown Phoenix wasn't safe and had no decent housing. Their grassroots effort culminated in a handy guide to 34 historic neighborhoods. You won't find any cookie-cutter rows on these tree-lined streets. Each one is a showcase of past architectural trends. The styles range from Tudor to American Colonial and craftsman. Make sure any self-guided tour includes a stop at Encanto Park. Home of the Phoenix's first public pool and golf course, the lush 222-acre (90-hectare) park is a historic landmark. Paddle-boat across the lagoon or take the kids on the carousel. With an estimated 80,000 printed over the years, the free maps have become staples in some hotels and antique stores. You can also get a copy by calling the McCues, who say they will leave it on their porch for pick-up. If the couple happens to be home when you retrieve it, you may also get free advice about how to make the most of your visit (602-253-5579).

Frank Lloyd Wright fans should go to east Phoenix to gaze upon the home Wright built for his son at 5212 E. Exeter Blvd., which sparked a recent controversy when it was bought by a developer who announced plans to tear it down. Constructed in the 1950s, the home has a circular spiral layout modeled after the Guggenheim Museum in New York. The property remains in preservation limbo as the city council considers granting it landmark designation, which would delay demolition for up to three years.

___

Follow Terry Tang on Twitter: twitter.com/ttangAP

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FOXNews.com: Five of the most expensive minibar items in hotel history

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Five of the most expensive minibar items in hotel history
Nov 30th 2012, 14:30

Hotels are notorious for placing ridiculous price hikes on minibar offerings. That bag of chips that looks so good after a long plane ride becomes a lot less appealing when it comes with a $9 price tag. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. From sex toy collections to custom chocolates, hotel minibars are becoming more and more exorbitant every day. Here's a list of some of the priciest minibar offerings in hotel history. Prepare yourself for some serious sticker-shock!

$400 Pleasure Pack at The Drake Hotel, Toronto

And with peek-a-boo showers, do you really need that $400 pleasure pack?


This funky boutique hotel in Toronto's newly gentrified Art and Design District is full of unique, modern elements that attract a hip crowd — as does the hot nightclub on-site. But even the serious visitors might balk at the $400 price tag on one of the hotel's in-room pleasure packages. The Lap of Luxury set includes a black silk scarf and a 24-karat-gold waterproof vibrator for some serious (and seriously luxurious) sexy time. Batteries are included, so that's something.

$60 Cannabis Candle at The Drake Hotel, Toronto

Minibar offerings are pricey at this Toronto hotel.


The Drake's minibar also offers some more standard items but they, too, come with hefty pricetags: A Malin + Goetz 9 oz. candle will cost you $60 from your room's minibar. The scents vary but all are, shall we say, party-focused? Guests can swap out the cannabis candle for other scents like dark rum, mojito, or tobacco. We're usually paying the big bucks to get that pervasive cigarette smell out of our clothes, but to each his own!

$80 Chocolates at The Peninsula Beverly Hills

A four-course gourmet meal or 10 chocolates? You decide.


Chocolate is such a guilty pleasure. And when you're paying $80 for a box, you'll feel even more guilty when only the wrappers remain. Just 10 artisanal chocolates come packaged in a hotel page cap box at the Peninsula, perhaps suggesting that this treat is also meant to be a keepsake. But memory or no, that price tag is out of this world.

$25 Bottled Water at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Is Bling H2O more refreshing than tap? Hard to say, but the bottle is pretty.


Rooms at this Trump boast a "water library," offering four different types of designer bottled water (yeah, we're not quite sure what qualifies as "designer water" either). And the creme-de-la-creme of this ode to the one percent is Bling H2O. Hand-decorated with Swarovski crystals, this $25 bottle of water may come from the English Mountain Springs in Tennessee, but it certainly has a Park Avenue price tag.

$65 Macallan 12-year Scotch at The James New York

A true mixology experience can be enjoyed in the comfort of your room.

A true mixology experience can be enjoyed in the comfort of your room.


In addition to its gourmet goodies, the minibars at The James New York come outfitted with all of the necessary ingredients for guests to indulge in a true (re: expensive) "mixology experience." In addition to the Macallan, serious drinkers can indulge in Gosling's Dark Rum ($35), Patron Silver ($45), and artisanal spirits like Tuthilltown's Hudson Baby Bourbon ($50) or Corn Whiskey ($45). The kicker is the $28 array of mixers that guests can request, which includes bitters, dry and sweet vermouth, fresh lime, lemon, and orange juices, ginger beer, a shaker, and more. It's not cheap, but it might be delicious. (If your bartending skills are on par with the ingredients, of course.)

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FOXNews.com: Taking the Kids -- and lighting up the holidays

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Taking the Kids -- and lighting up the holidays
Nov 30th 2012, 12:52

Ready to light up the holidays?

I'm not talking about the strings of holiday lights you are busy hanging around your house. (Why is it they're always so tangled when you take them out?)

I'm talking about holiday light displays that seem to go up earlier, get bigger and more elaborate every year. It's worth the effort, I promise, to take the kids and grandkids. For a few hours you can forget the baking, the shopping and the wrapping and just enjoy the holidays and each other. You might even start a family tradition -- or continue one from when you were a child -- at lots of places beyond the local mall. (My kids always bawled when I tried to get that picture with Santa, anyway.)

That's assuming it isn't freezing and you don't have any misadventures along the way. They're memorable too, of course. We still tease my older daughter Regina, about the time she got her lips stuck when she tried to "kiss" the doors of the Museum of Science and Industry one sub-zero day in Chicago.

Reggie was a preschooler and we'd gone to see the famous Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights exhibit that boasts 51 gaily decorated trees strung with thousands of lights and ornaments decorated by volunteers from Chicago's ethnic communities and designed to represent their cultures and traditions. She was just trying to "thank" the museum for such a fun day.

We've made "Seeing the Lights" part of our multicultural holiday celebrations wherever we find ourselves over the holidays -- visiting the in-laws in Austin, Texas (Zilker Park's "Trail of Lights," is a mile-long stretch with seasonal scenes composed of multicolored twinkling lights), visiting friends in Jackson Hole, Wyo., (thousands of LED lights are wrapped around the famous elk antler arches and strung around the trees at the Town Square) or Colonial Williamsburg where we could travel back to Revolutionary War times and see how the holidays were celebrated then. One year after Thanksgiving with relatives, we found ourselves in Palm Desert, Calif., where the kids loved the spectacle at the Living Desert zoo and botanical garden, which features thousands of lights.

Last Christmas, I even shared the holiday lights with my youngest daughter Mel in Hong Kong. (More about that frenetic holiday in an upcoming column.)

The other day, walking past Rockefeller Center in the middle of Manhattan and the 80-foot Christmas spruce illuminating the Big Apple this holiday season, I smiled thinking of all the years when I was a kid and we trekked in to see the tree and all the displays on Fifth Avenue. Somehow it didn't seem as crowded as it does now.

Of course you don't have to trek into a big city to enjoy fabulous holiday displays. The Coeur d'Alene Resort in Idaho launches the largest water holiday show in America on Friday, Nov 23, offering more than 1.5 million lights, 250 displays and a 160-foot tall living Christmas tree. Check out the largest holiday light festival on the Gulf Coast in Galveston, Texas, at the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens with a mile-long trail of more than 100 lighted holiday scenes. Virtually every house in McAdenville, N.C., is decorated, making it a must-see for North Carolinians and Hershey, Pa., lights up with 2 million twinkling lights.

We've got "Fifty-Plus Great Places to See the Holiday Lights in 2012" and hopefully start, or continue, a tradition with your kids and grandkids.

Here are six ideas guaranteed to please:

-- Check out a new neighborhood famous for their lights like Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills, Calif. (They've been at it for more than a half-century.) Or try the Candy Cane Lane that stretches for four blocks just north of Oklahoma Avenue in the West Allis neighborhood of Milwaukee.

-- Head to your favorite museum. At the annual Jolly Days Winter Wonderland exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the largest in the country, where among other things, the kids can climb and slide on the Snow Castle and pose for a picture with Santa who incidentally arrived in a race car. Seeing the Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History is a holiday tradition for NYC families; the fantastic ornaments hand-folded by volunteers mimic the museum's collections.

-- Talk to the animals at your local zoo. During Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park you can make toys for the animals or join the festivities at the San Diego Zoo, which stays open late each evening for its Jungle Bells celebration, complete with a nightly tree-lighting ceremony and lighted animal figures everywhere. There are nearly a million lights illuminating America's only Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

-- Time travel at a living history museum. You can visit 1876 New England at a Lantern Light Tour at Mystic Seaport. Take a holiday stroll with a costumed interpreter along the Freedom Trail in Boston or check in on Revolutionary War holidays at Yorktown Victory Center in Virginia and those experienced by the early colonists at Jamestown Settlement.

-- Get inspired to build a gingerbread house. You'll see dozens on display in the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park's Gingerbread Village-- each submitted as part of the annual gingerbread competition. Or watch the life-size gingerbread house being constructed at Great Wolf Lodges throughout December.

-- Go to the park. In Charleston, S.C. Charleston boasts more than 2 million lights and hundreds of displays at its Holiday Festival of Lights in James Island County Park. St. Paul touts Holiday Lights in the Park with more than 50 huge light sculptures in Phalen Park.

Save a candy cane for me.

Eileen Ogintz is a syndicated columnist and writes about family travel on her Taking the Kids blog. Follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

FOXNews.com: Best hotel teas just for kids

FOXNews.com
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Best hotel teas just for kids
Nov 29th 2012, 20:10

These days you don't need to be a grown up to enjoy the elegance and tradition of a high tea. Increasingly hotels across the country are now catering to a much younger clientele.  

And it's not just a spot of tea with pinkies held high and stogy cucumber sandwiches, either. High tea menus are designed especially for kids in mind and include nibbles of PB&J, gelato --and of course, tea.   

Legend has it that afternoon tea was started in the mid-1800s by the English Duchess of Bedford who found herself  "sinking" with fatigue from hunger. She decided to have some friends over for assorted snacks and tea. Soon the idea of gathering for afternoon tea spread across high society  -- and the tradition was born. 

With the holiday season in full swing, here are some on the most creative and fun hotel teas where you can start your own tradition, and taking a break from all the Christmas shopping. 

Chicago

Peninsula Hotel, the Lobby

108 E. Superior St. Chicago (312) 337-2888

The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago, Ill. offers an exquisite tea and treat menu, including goodies such as Toasted Almond Pot de Crème or Bavarian Cheesecake between scones, sweets and tea. The Children's Tea menu includes PB&J and mini cheeseburgers. The elegant lobby is modeled after the original Peninsula in Hong Kong and serves afternoon tea daily. Children's menus are available each day with a variety of offerings. 

$36 per person or $18 kids' (under 12) menu, $25 with Peninsula teddy bear

Seattle 

Georgian Tea at the Fairmont Hotel

411 University Street  Seattle, WA (206) 621-7889

Pack up the kids and visit the Georgian Tea at the opulent Georgian Room at the Fairmont. For the holiday season, join the Georgian Tea with a delightful holiday tea in the warm and festive setting of The Georgian. Holiday tea includes a selection of tempting sweets, house-made scones and delicate finger sandwiches. Their Tea Sommelier suggests our Olympic Holiday Tea- perfect for a winter warm-up.

Price ranges between $39 - $49 for adults and $19 for children aged 6-12

New York City

Madeline's Tea at the Carlyle Hotel

35 East 76th Street at Madison Avenue (212)-744-1600.

This next place is a must-visit for the children! Taking place in the famous Bemelmans Bar, Madeline's Tea pays tribute to the creator of the Madeline children's book series. Surrounded by the author/illustrator's delightful murals, the setting is small and intimate, the food and tea are plentiful and the music is beautiful. The kids will love the foods and Madeline dolls, books, napkins and plates strewn about. Tina deVaron, singer and pianist, get the children up on their feet singing requests, everything from "The Sound of Music" to the Twelve Days of Christmas to Taylor Swift. The menu is a child's heaven with a buffet that offers children's favorites like chicken fingers, as well as more traditional tea sandwiches. This place is perfect for children under 10 who love music and dressing up fancy!

$70 per person, $35 for children under 3

Chapel Hill

Little Prince and Princess Tea: Tradition of Afternoon Tea Service at The Carolina Inn

211 Pittsboro Street Chapel Hill, NC (919)-918-2735

Served in the cozy hotel lobby at the Carolina Inn Piedmont Dining Room overlooking our garden terrace, the Afternoon Tea service welcomes the children for a traditional warm greeting from the south. Their Tea Hostess and Pastry Chef Suzanne Menius will adjust their menu to flatter the tastes of  the young patrons. The Afternoon Tea wishes for the children to experience the grace and charm of our Afternoon Tea and partake in this cherished tradition. 

The Classic Tea $20.00, The Little Prince & Princess Tea (ages 7 - 12) $17.00, Children (ages 4 - 6) $12.00

Los Angeles

Tres at the SLS Hotel

465 South La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA  (310) 247-0400

The SLS Hotel is known for its avant-garde décor and Trés is known for its avant-garde menu. You won't find any scones at this tea, but I bet your kids will enjoy the unique take on peanut butter sandwiches its famous chef José Andrés has conjured up, as well as his chocolate pop rocks. The décor is so fascinating, it's sure to keep your kids occupied playing I Spy while your tea is served. Afternoon tea, served seven days a week, showcases traditional sweets and savories paired with a premium selection of distinctive teas and coffees.

Mommy and Me Tea is served daily from 3pm – 5pm and costs $29 per person

Philadelphia

The Four Seasons

1 Logan Square  Philadelphia, PA (215) 963-1500

Bring your children with you to indulge in one of the most extensive afternoon tea menu. From the home-made scones with lemon curd, to the tea sandwiches, to the delectable desserts, it is flawless. Served on mismatched china in the lovely Swann Lounge.

Dallas

Ritz-Carlton Dallas

2121 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX (214)-922-4817

Enjoy Saturday Afternoon Tea in the hotel's Lobby Lounge. Kids will love pastry chef Morgan Wilson's Holiday Cupcake Teas, featuring a flight of five mini cupcakes and one choice of beverage (tea, coffee, chocolate or cider).Indulge in the hotels lobby boutique, offers morning coffee, fresh pastries, and gelato.

$28 per person

San Francisco

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz 

600 Stockton at California Street - San Francisco, CA (415) 296-7465

From November 30 - December 24, 2012 at  two seating's: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., children and their favorite stuffed animals gather in The Terrace Courtyard Tent for this popular tradition featuring Santa Claus' Elf and the giant Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear. A special tea experience of hot chocolate, teddy bear cookies and assorted sandwiches will be served while the kids enjoy holiday entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation.

 $85 per guest, exclusive of tax and gratuity

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FOXNews.com: Gift guide: Travel books

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Gift guide: Travel books
Nov 29th 2012, 16:32

From memoirs and maps to beautiful hard-covers suitable for coffee-table display, here are some ideas for holiday gifts from this year's crop of travel books and publications. (Prices shown are cover list prices.)

National Geographic's "World's Best Travel Experiences" ($40) looks at wild places, urban spaces, man-made wonders and other extraordinary destinations, from beach paradises to religious pilgrimage sites. There's even a list of best places for dance lessons, whether you want to hula in Hawaii or tango in Argentina. The book also includes reminiscences from well-known writers like Bill Bryson and Anna Quindlen.

From Lonely Planet, "Great Adventures" ($40) offers inspiration for hikes, dives, biking, climbs, and drives, plus animal adventures like tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda and washing elephants in Thailand; winter trips from ice-trekking an Argentine glacier to dog-sledding the Yukon; and trips by water, in canoes, kayaks, sailboats, rafts and other conveyances.

Also from Lonely Planet, "Food Lover's Guide to the World" ($40) offers food history, recipes and recommendations for where to eat, from a Bangkok vendor of noodle dishes, Yen Ta Fo JC, to tips for cooking mofongo, a combination of plantains and pork rinds popular in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Travel writers Don George, an editor at large for National Geographic Traveler magazine, and Pauline Frommer, creator of Pauline Frommer Guidebooks, both said travel books they've recently enjoyed include actor Andrew McCarthy's memoir, "The Longest Way Home" (Free Press, $26). Frommer said the book has "the same wary, watchful charm" that McCarthy displays as an actor. McCarthy made his name in Brat Pack movies like "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Pretty in Pink."

Frommer says she also enjoyed the "behind-the-scenes hijinx of 'Heads in Beds,'" by Jacob Tomsky (Doubleday, $26), a funny insider's memoir of the world of high-end hotels, along with "Wild,' by Cheryl Strayed (Knopf, $26), a memoir of a grueling 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail that helped the writer put her life together. Frommer said the book gave her a "cathartic cry or three."

Other recommendations from George include "Among the Islands" by Tim Flannery, about his adventures researching animals of the Pacific islands (Penguin, $25) and "The Black Rhinos of Namibia" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $25) in which writer Rick Bass recounts his experiences tracking animals in Africa with conservationists. George himself is out with a new anthology of travel stories he edited called "Better Than Fiction" (Lonely Planet, $16) featuring work by Joyce Carol Oates, Peter Matthiessen, Kurt Andersen and others.

Travel bookstores have fallen on hard times with the rise of digital travel content and online book sales, but the Globe Corner bookstore, which closed its Harvard Square location in 2011, has gotten a second life as the Globe Corner Travel Annex at Brookline Booksmith, an independent store in Brookline, Mass. The store has a travel section in its online holiday gift guide.

Gift suggestions from Globe Corner manager Jodie Vinson include "The Travels of Marco Polo" (Sterling Signature, $40) which Vinson describes as a "stunning new illustrated version of the classic travel text, complete with over 200 paintings, maps, illuminated manuscripts, and photographs" and "Pictures from Italy" by Charles Dickens (Tara Books, $16).

"It can be surprising how many of our favorite novelists were travel writers as well," said Vinson.

Vinson also offers an unusual idea for a stocking-stuffer: Crumpled City Maps, $20, available for three dozen international cities. "These maps will fit snugly in the toe of any stocking and you don't have to worry about messing up the creases!" she said, noting that the maps are waterproof and made from paper that is designed to be stuffed in your pocket.

Finally, for a traveler with the right sense of humor, "Gross America: Your Coast-to-Coast Guide to All Things Gross," by Richard Faulk (Tarcher/Penguin, $14) offers quirky destinations like a walk-through model of human intestines in Houston and the preserved brains at Philadelphia's Mutter Museum.

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FOXNews.com: Carnival reverses dress ban on drag-themed cruise, offers full refunds

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Carnival reverses dress ban on drag-themed cruise, offers full refunds
Nov 29th 2012, 15:59

Carnival Cruise Lines has reversed a controversial decision to ban dressing in drag from a drag-themed Dec. 2 cruise, claiming that it resulted from a miscommunication between group organizer Al and Chuck Travel and the cruise line. Carnival is also offering full, last-minute refunds for passengers who wish to cancel their trip, according to Cruise Critic.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival's CEO, says in a letter that was also posted on the cruise line's Facebook page that "anyone who wishes to dress in drag may do so."

"When the group was presented to us we were advised that only the performers would be dressed in drag during the private events," the letter goes on to say. "We sincerely apologize for the miscommunication and for any unintended offense we have caused."

Cahill says that passengers who would like to cancel "for any reason" will be given a full refund for their cruise fare and be "reimbursement for any non-refundable travel related expenses."

The Drag Stars at Sea cruise will feature performances by more than 30 drag queen's from Logo TV's "RuPaul's Drag Race." Earlier this week, Vicky Ray, Carnival's vice president of guest services, sent an email to passengers of the Miami-departing Carnival Glory informing them that, unless they were performing on stage in the main theater, they would not be permitted to dress in drag on the ship in order to "present a family friendly atmosphere."

"Although we realize this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognize that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas," the email said.

Following the email, Al and Chuck Travel said it supported Carnival's rule because it is in place for safety purposes --and not meant to be discriminatory.

"Carnival's "no costumes rule" is NOT meant to be an insult to the gay community," Al Ferguson, president of Al and Chuck Travel, wrote on the agency's Facebook page on Monday.  "It is in response to the post-911 world we live in. It is meant to protect passengers and guests - NOT to marginalize a few."

Al and Chuck Travel later posted that it worked with Carnival executives "fine tuning many of the issues our guests have faced from the email and other items brought to our attention."  

The Drag Stars at Sea cruise aboard the Carnival Glory is scheduled to leave from Miami on Sunday and stop in Nassau, St. John, St. Thomas, San Juan and Turks and Caicos.

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FOXNews.com: Top 10 luxury hunting lodges

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Top 10 luxury hunting lodges
Nov 29th 2012, 13:00

Luxury has crept into the most unlikely of industries, including that of hunting. In the past, hunting was all about checked shirts, sleeping on the ground and roasting your kill on homemade bonfires. Nowadays, the thirst for bloodshed is as strong as ever, with everyone from rock stars to royalty enjoying a spot of hunting. However, this new breed of hunter demands a little more from their hunting experience, including five-star accommodation, world-class hospitality and Michelin-worthy food.

Here are the top 10 most luxurious hunting lodges on the planet for you to take a well-aimed shot at.

No.10 Rancho Caracol

Brownsville, Texas

Hidden in the undulating foothills overlooking Mexico's famous Lake Las Alazanas, Rancho Caracol allows guests to live out their very own Mexican fantasies in a luxury beach resort-style hacienda. Set adjacent to the largest white-wing nesting colony in the worlence.

No.9 Dymond Lake Lodge

Manitoba, Canada

Offered by adventure firm Webbers Lodges is Dymond Lake Lodge, hailed as Canada's most exclusive luxurious hunting lodge. Positioned in the heart of the Central Flyway in Manitoba, the route taken by millions of birds when journeying south, Dymond Lake Lodge is the perfect place for those who like their game covered in feathers. Those who prefer fur won't be left out either, with thousands of moose, Arctic caribou and other big-game species roaming about the locale for your choosing. The lodge itself is simply spectacular, with stone fireplaces, screened decks, a hot tub, a sauna, a games room, and four luxury rooms to kick back in. Offset by a lake that's teeming with trout and grayling, this is the ultimate huntsman's paradise.

No.8 Rainbow Bay Resort

Pedro Bay, Alaska

Both luxurious and rustic, the Rainbow Bay Resort in Alaska has got the balance just right. Located to the south of Anchorage near Lake Iliamna, guests are able to enjoy hunting bear and moose, as well as a spectrum of colored fish that flit about just beneath the water's surface. Each bedroom is furnished with two queen-size beds and en-suite baths, with exposed log-walls and cedar-covered interiors. The communal rooms are just as cozy, and guests can sink into plush leather couches, prop up the wooden bar in the Great Room or enjoy a family-style meal around the long table in the dining room. After a long day's hunt, you're also able to relax on the deck out front and take in the shimmering lake by moonlight. Those who say they come to Alaska solely for the hunting obviously haven't stayed here before. 

Gourmet game: Wild Alaskan salmon on herb mash with chili garlic butter  

No.7 The Aloes Camp

South Africa

As part of one of the most exotic continents on the planet, it's hardly surprising that South Africa is home to some of the most luxurious hunting lodges. Enter The Aloes Camp, offered by IKAMVA Safaris. Animals available for hunt here include black-backed jackal, bushpig, fallow deer, and wildebeest, with the guidance of a professional hunter ensuring that all local rules and regulations are followed. The accommodation is just as varied with a number of haute suites to choose from. Housed in a renovated 1870 farmhouse, the lodge also features a pool, a bar and a restaurant with a meat preparation facility. Enjoy a sundowner beside the crackling fire before you hit the sack for another day's hunting.

Gourmet game: Fillet of wildebeest marinated in South African spices and served with fresh vegetables

No.6 The Resort at Paws Up

Greenough, Montana

 If you like the camping concept, the Resort at Paws Up in Montana is the perfect place to lay your head after a day of hunting elk. While you could stay in the resort's Big Timber Homes, we recommend checking out Tent City to experience sleeping under the stars in style. A community made entirely from canvas, the resort's tents are more like luxury hotel rooms than the dwellings you used to make between armchairs as a kid, with fine-thread count linens, artworks on the walls and full electricity. The tents even come with their own en-suite bathrooms, with heated floors and power-showers. When you've freshened up after a long day's prowling head to the Dining Pavilion at Tent City, where you can enjoy sumptuous food with breathtaking views out over Lookout Rock.

Gourmet game: Fresh Rocky Mountain trout sauteed with herbs

No.5 Glenroy Hunting Lodge

Queenstown, New Zealand

Haven't heard of the Remarkables Mountains? You should have. Head to New Zealand and go on the prowl for Himalayan tahr, red stags, fallow deer, and American elk with your shotgun slung over your shoulder in a manly fashion. Afterward, hunker down at Glenroy Hunting Lodge, a rustic ranch just 15.5 miles from the glitz of Queenstown. Set beside the craggy Kawarau River canyon, famed for the goldrush that took place here in the 18th century, the lodge is New Zealand's largest private hunting reserve and can accommodate you and 11 of your closest pals. With everything a man could ever need on a hunting trip, including a large barbecue area, a house bar and a spa pool, Glenroy Hunting Lodge will make you feel like you're the king of the land.

Gourmet game: Chef's saddle of wild rabbit with a spinach puree

No.4 LaFonda Ranch

Brackettville, Texas

If hunting in Texas is good enough for the likes of JR Ewing then it's certainly good enough for you. Land on the mile-long illuminated airstrip at LaFonda Ranch, where you'll be able to run wild across 8,000 acres of rugged Texan countryside. Whether you're hunting whitetail, quail or Rio Grande turkey, you're sure to return to the 27,000-square-foot lodge with a grin on your face and game under your arm. Deserving of every one of its five golden stars, the lodge can accommodate up to 40 people and features an in-house chef and swimming pool. For those looking for something to do between reloads, there's a lake stocked with fish and rifle ranges galore to hone your aim.

Gourmet game: Cajun-friend wild turkey with Caesar salad

No.3 Tarr Farm

Dulverton, Exmoor, England

For a spot of British hunting you could do worse than to check into Tarr Farm. In fact, it would be hard to do better. A magnet for the upper-crust hunting crew, Tarr Farm is situated in Exmoor and offers some of the best shooting opportunities in Europe. When you aren't buying bullets for another day on the prowl you can make use of the spectacular surroundings with a number of alternative outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking, rock climbing, abseiling, horseback riding, and fishing. Naturally, five-star home comforts await at the lodge itself, with each of its nine rooms as cozy and as comfortable as you'd imagine for the hefty price tag. Complete with Egyptian cotton sheets, DVD players and organic bath products, it'll be hard for you to leave. But if you do, you'll be pleased to find an exceptional restaurant in the bowels of the hotel, serving (naturally) the best damn meat around.

Gourmet game: Roast saddle of venison with bubble and squeak

No.2 Barnsley Gardens

Adairsville, Georgia

Voted as one of the Top Places to Stay in the World by Conde Nast Traveller, it's hardly surprising to find Barnsley Gardens on this list of luxurious hunting lodges. Comprising of shooting grounds, historic ruins and 30 acres of heirloom gardens, the sprawling resort offers wingshooting in the type of scenery only imagined by the most experience huntsman. While its game isn't as extensive as that offered by other lodges in other parts of the U.S., the surroundings are unsurpassed. Accommodating guests in 87 guest suites and 33 Old World English cottages, Barnsley Gardens makes any average-Joe guest feel like lord of the manor.

Gourmet game: Pot-roasted quail with Muscat and grape risotto

No.1 Three Forks Ranch

Savery, Wyoming

Open fireplaces, plaid armchairs, beamed cathedral ceilings, hand-carved European paneling and stone walls; what more could you want from a luxurious hunting lodge? Enter Three Forks Ranch, set amidst trickling trout streams, soaring mountains and Aspen-covered meadows. Offering the hunting of elk, deer and antelope in 50,000 private acres of Colorado countryside, as well as fly-fishing, horseback riding, four-wheeling, and photography, Three Forks will leave you hungry for more. Retiring to the luxury lodge, you'll find 15 well-appointed rooms to catch some shut-eye in, an in-house spa to ease away those aches and pains and a world-class restaurant in which to eat, drink and be merry.

Gourmet game: Elk medallions with roasted shallots

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

FOXNews.com: KFC takes to the skies on Japan Airline flights

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KFC takes to the skies on Japan Airline flights
Nov 28th 2012, 19:45

Japan Airlines is partnering with KFC to take fried chicken to great new heights --and just in time for the holidays. 

Japan Airlines announced that meals of a drumstick, chicken breast, flat bread, coleslaw and "special mayonnaise" will be served to passengers on select trips out of Narita Airport from Dec. 1 through Feb. 28.

"Air Kentucky", as the airline is calling it, will be served in packaging made exclusively for the airline during the second meal on flights to the cities of New York, San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, London, Frankfurt and Paris. 

Japanese love KFC and other American fast food chains that offer food with a decided Asian twist. Wendy's in Japan serves up lobster and foie gras burgers and Burger King has pumpkin burgers and black-bunned burgers made with squid ink. 

In case you're wondering, the KFC being offered on flights is strictly the traditional original recipe.

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FOXNews.com: Survivial guide to Inauguration Day 2013

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Survivial guide to Inauguration Day 2013
Nov 28th 2012, 14:50

Good news for visitors interested in joining the country's biggest political party when President Barack Obama will be inaugurated for his second term on Jan. 21, 2013: Hotels in Washington, D.C. are still available, as are tickets for many prominent inaugural balls and galas.

The not-so-good news: They're not exactly cheap.

According to Destination D.C., the city's official convention and tourism corporation, visitors shelled out an average daily rate of $605 to bed down at a Washington, D.C. hotel during Obama's inauguration in 2009. The average rate for 2013 can't be calculated until after the event, but the packages being offered by hotels suggest that they expect high demand – as well as deep-pocketed guests who can pay for the high prices.

Most of the city's top properties are offering amenity-filled packages that run as high as five or six figures, and prices for standard rooms are generally more than double their typical rates. Meanwhile, a recent search on Expedia revealed limited inventory for mid-range hotels in downtown Washington, D.C.; most properties also are requiring a four- or five-night minimum.

In addition to receiving upscale extras such as engraved mementos and access to private cocktail parties, high-end hotel guests will also enjoy the results of a $250 million investment in property renovations across the city in preparation for the inauguration. For example, The Madison, a luxury hotel popular among the political set, is fresh off a $22 million facelift, though rooms are almost at capacity.

"There's a lot that's been new in the last four years – D.C. has bloomed," Kate Gibbs, Destination D.C. media relations manager, told FoxNews.com. "Most of these hotels are unrecognizable from what they looked like four years ago. There's been this great smartening up, and D.C. really feels special these days."

Tourism officials aren't expecting quite the turnout of the historic 2009 inauguration, when President Obama became the first African-American president in U.S. history and drew a record 1.8 million people to the National Mall. Even with the massive crowds, there were no arrests on Inauguration Day – a plus for visitors interested in making the trip.

"These are historic moments in Washington, and the city is happy and proud to be able to host them every four years," said Jonathan Thompson, manager of media relations for the Newseum, a media-centric museum that's offering a unique inauguration package (see below). "It's an exciting time. People are there to witness history, and that's not something you get to do every day."

Since the typical Jan. 20 Inauguration Day falls on a Sunday in 2013, the observed celebration will happen on Mon., Jan. 21 (the date also coincides with the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday). In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, inaugural address, parade and 11 official balls, the days leading up to the big event will be packed with unofficial balls, galas and more. Here, our guide to help visitors get their political party on.

Hotels

--About two blocks from the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Willard Intercontinental has hosted nearly every U.S. president since 1850. The historic, 335-room property is once again rolling out presidential treatment for guests during the inauguration, with well-appointed Oval Suites, priced at $5,700 per night for a four-night minimum (and a total catering minimum of $27,000), upscale gifts for guests (in 2009, they included American flag pins from Tiffany's and white chocolate White Houses), and a concierge ready to assist with any wardrobe malfunction. Prices for deluxe rooms start at $1,149, with a four-night minimum.

--The super swanky Mandarin Oriental is offering a three-night package starting at $1,195 per night, which includes breakfast for two and goodies such as a daily amenity or a luxury commemoration keepsake. Basic rooms are still available at the hotel, starting at $895 per night.

--The "Inauguration Rate" at the W Washington D.C., which is just two blocks from the White House, starts at $1,250 a night. The hotel is coming off a refurbishing and rebranding that was unveiled in 2009, and A-list guests since then have included Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. Check out the hotel's eye-popping rooftop terrace for an incredible view (though note its closure on Jan. 20-21).

--The inauguration package at The Jefferson starts at $950 per night, with a four-night minimum. The package includes breakfast for two, access to a Neiman Marcus satellite store for evening gowns and daily goodies such as a graphite writing quill and pre-ball photos.

--Traveling with a youth group of more than 10 members? Score an enviable $185 per night rate (including breakfast) at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, located about a mile from the D.C. border in Maryland. A two-night minimum is required; reservations are non-refundable and must be booked by Dec. 31, 2012.

Swearing-In Ceremony and Pennsylvania Avenue Parade

--Tickets to the swearing-in ceremony, which begins at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building, are distributed in advance by U.S. senators and representatives. Contact your senator's or representative's office for information about tickets, but keep in mind they're limited and in very high demand.

--Attendees without tickets to view the swearing-in can watch from about 20 Jumbotrons around the National Mall. There will be certain secure entry points along the National Mall for the public and ticketed sections; passing through security can take a while, so allow plenty of extra time. Expect to have your bag searched, so travel as lightly as possible to avoid delays. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be on your feet for several hours.

--The swearing-in ceremony is followed by a parade along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. Limited ticketed bleacher seats are available (check the Facebook page of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for updates), but the public is invited to stand along the parade route. The First and Second Family will be part of the procession, as well as various marching bands, military units and other entertainment.

--The Newseum still has tickets available for its unique Inauguration Day package. For $100 (children six and under are admitted free), guests will have access to the museum, which is located on the parade route, to watch the behind-the-scenes action as up to a dozen major media outlets, including CNN, NBC and ABC, will broadcast from the museum. Guests can watch the parade though the building's large glass walls (though space will be limited), and a large screen will broadcast live media feeds from the event. Thompson was unable to share specific names of media personalities, but told FoxNews.com "there will be recognizable faces."

Inaugural Balls, Parties and Events

Many state societies host inaugural balls, with tickets available for both members and non-members. In addition, unofficial balls and parties will take place across the city.

--There will be plenty of boot-stomping amidst the black ties at the Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball. Scheduled for Jan. 19 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the event promises a Texas-style shindig, with six stages and Texas-centric food, drinks, and performances. Cowboy hats are optional, but tuxedos and boots are the dress code for gents, with evening gowns for the gals. Tickets are $250 for members and $300 for nonmembers.

--A "Sunshine and Stars" theme will anchor the Florida Inaugural Ball, held Jan. 19 at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. A reception and dinner with Florida Congressional delegates kicks off the black tie affair, followed by live music. Tickets for the event, which go on sale Nov. 28, are $200 for the ball and $500 for dinner and the ball.

--Other state-centric festivities include the Garden State Inaugural Gala on Jan. 20 at the Washington Court Hotel, with an Atlantic City casino, Jersey Diner buffet theme, and Bruce Springsteen tribute band; proceeds are dedicated to victims of Superstorm Sandy and first responders. The South Carolina Presidential Inaugural Ball, also on Jan. 20, will be held at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

--The Peace Ball: Voices of Hope and Resistance takes place on Jan. 20 at the Mead Center's Arena Stage. The event, which is dedicated to promoting peace and justice throughout the world, includes such guests as activists Ralph Nader and Alice Walker; tickets are $140.

Restaurants

Many of Washington, D.C.'s most popular restaurants are still putting together inauguration-specific parties and packages, but wherever you end up, expect a festive vibe and plenty of toasting. Many places will host private parties and gatherings, so it's a good idea to call or check online ahead of time to avoid arriving at a closed event.  

--A decades-old D.C. institution, Ben's Chili Bowl served up 555 gallons of its world-famous chili – the perfect antidote to chilly January temperatures -- for the 2009 inauguration. The beloved establishment is a must-do for visitors during any visit to the nation's capital; keep an eye out for the First Family, who made a stop there in 2009.

--A perennial favorite on the political circuit, the Occidental Grill & Seafood will be buzzing even more than usual during inauguration weekend. The restaurant, which overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue, is packed with autographed photos from A-listers from politics to Hollywood, and everywhere in between.

--Johnny's Half Shell is a Capitol Hill hotspot serves up almost as much political celebrity-spotting as it does fresh seafood like Chesapeake oysters and Maryland crab cakes. Says Gibbs, a fan of the restaurant: "They've got a staff that spends the night there during the inauguration. They just wear their iron smiles and get it done."

--Even if you can't snag a room at the swanky Madison hotel, you can still belly up to its Lobby Bar at PostScript and rub elbows with the political elite. Cocktail connoisseurs are invited to try their hand at creating a concoction that will be featured on the bar menu from Jan. 18-22; the winner, which will be chosen in mid-December, will receive a weekend stay at the hotel.

Getting Around

--Public transportation is the way to go, and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid long lines at kiosks. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metrorail will operate rush-hour service from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m., with peak fares in effect. Its bus service will operate weekday rush hour service the morning of the inauguration, followed by an early rush hour in the afternoon, with many routes operating on detours.

--In addition, the WMATA is offering a commemorative SmarTrip card for $15, which includes an unlimited, one-day pass on the Metrorail and Metrobus. Commemorative paper Farecards (used for rail travel only) will be available with the purchase of a one-day pass for $14.

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FOXNews.com: Best airport restaurants around the world

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FOX News Network - We Report. You Decide. // via fulltextrssfeed.com
Best airport restaurants around the world
Nov 28th 2012, 13:00

Faced with concourses filled with ubiquitous shrink-wrapped sandwiches, greasy fast-food burgers, and processed pastries, the thought of eating at an airport is rarely appetizing. But that may soon change, as airports around the world are revamping aging terminals and the world's best chefs, several of them Michelin-starred, are recognizing the value of serving exemplary meals before liftoff.

The Daily Meal's list of the 31 Best Airport Restaurants Around the World was carefully curated through a six-month-long nomination process. Globe-trotting gourmands that we are, The Daily Meal staff packed its bags, hit the road, canvassed concourses around the world, and compiled a preliminary list of more than 100 restaurants. We also consulted food and travel experts like Nikos Loukas of InflightFeed and other trusted sources and added their recommendations to those of The Daily Meal's editors, who have traveled and dined extensively around the world.

Restaurants were judged in two categories: cuisine and style/décor/service. From innovative menu options to plating and presentation to freshness, quality, and taste, The Daily Meal evaluated each restaurant's cuisine and only included the restaurants that were deemed to be extraordinary. For the second category, panelists evaluated the dining experience, from the restaurant's interior and dining room ambiance to the service, voting for the restaurants that offer an unrivaled experience. Each restaurant had the chance to be voted on twice. Finally, the percentage scores from each category were averaged to arrive at the final ranking.

From Miami to Munich and Seattle to Singapore, there are dozens of outstanding airport restaurants, many a destination in their own right. From the Full Monty Breakfast (two free-range sausages, crispy smoked bacon, crispy black pudding, "Burford Brown" eggs, potatoes and sticky onions, roast tomatoes, field mushrooms, and organic baked beans) at Jamie Oliver's Union Jacks Bar at the U.K.'s Gatwick Airport to the seasonally changing prix fixe menu at Michelin-starred chefs Gilles Dupont and Thomas Byrne's Altitude at Genève Aéroport in Geneva, dining at the 31 Best Airport Restaurants Around the World is likely to make you wonder why you ever settled for a lackluster lunch during your last layover.

"When you're flying, you want something healthy and light," said Iron Chef Cat Cora, whose Cat Cora's Kitchen, located in three restaurants around the country, serves healthy fare made from sustainable, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. The grilled avocado Cobb salad and baked jalapeño poppers stuffed with feta cheese and breaded in panko breadcrumbs are enticing enough to make our list and make travelers think twice about eating plane food, unless, of course, you are referring to Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food at Heathrow Airport in London, which also made the list.

Whether you're in the airport for a few minutes or a few hours, make sure you packed your appetite.

Tadnda Anadolu (Istanbul Atatürk Airport)
Featuring Anatolian cuisine, Tadnda Anadolu is a self-service restaurant, located next to Gate 109 of the domestic terminal, run by BTA Catering, which operates dozens of airport restaurants in Greece, Macedonia, Tunisia, and Turkey. Travelers can get a quick, traditional Turkish meal to go and pick up some Turkish souvenirs, such as natural products like honey, jam, and olive oil, at the same time.

Dutch Kitchen Bar & Cocktails (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol)
Dutch Kitchen Bar & Cocktails, located between Terminals 2 and 3 in the airport's Holland Boulevard, definitely lives up to its motto: Making the Traveler's Day Better. Soak up the Dutch experience by sitting in large teacup chairs or relax at the communal "Mad Tea Party" dining table. You'll enjoy organic and locally produced Dutch cuisine, including kroketten (croquettes on farmhouse bread), poffertjes (traditional Dutch pancakes), and organic burgers using Koningshoeve beef from Spaarnwoude. The bar was designed with Lucas Bols B.V., the oldest distilled spirit brand in the world, and its drinks are impressive, too, focusing on taste, smell, and image. Order the Amsterdammertje, which is made with Bols Jonge Jenever (young Dutch Genever), Bols Peach, cranberry juice, and lemon juice.

Anthony's Fish Bar (Seattle Tacoma International Airport)
Founded by Budd Gouldin Bellevue, Wash., in 1969, Anthony's Restaurants now includes 22 locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. While each restaurant features a different concept — from waterside seafood restaurants to fish and chip bars, all are focused on presenting fresh, local seafood. Located in the Central Terminal, Anthony's Fish Bar serves Puget Sound oysters on the half shell and wild Alaskan king salmon. For dessert, order the signature wild mountain blackberry cobbler.

One Flew South (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
This restaurant, located in Terminal E, dubs its travel-inspired cuisine "Southernational." A Georgia forest photo-mural serves as the backdrop in the dining room, which features an 18-foot marble-backed bar and a 30-foot pine and Cherokee marble sushi bar. The name One Flew South http://www.oneflewsouthatl.com/ is emblazoned in Japanese on the backs of menus that list the exceptional Japanese fare created by sushi chef Allen Suh and the modernized globetrotting dishes of executive chef Duane Nutter. "Salute to Aeromarine," the cocktail list inspired by Aeromarine Airways, which carried wealthy passengers from Miami to Nassau and Havana aboard Floatplanes ("flying boats") so that they could drink legally during the Prohibition era, has signature drinks like Taylor Made, a concoction of Hendricks gin, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, and lime.

Altitude (Genève Aéroport, Geneva)
Michelin-starred chefs Gilles Dupont and Thomas Byrne's concept restaurant, Altitude, is  located on the third floor of Genève Aéroport's public area. Chef Fabien Legon's seasonal menu includes two- and three-course set menus and an à la carte menu with starters like ricotta and mushroom gnocchi with Datterino tomato and Parmesan lace, mains like golden Saint-Jacques scallops in a light potato cream with salted butter and a truffle and leek gratin, and duck breast and roasted foie gras with hibiscus flower, black pepper, rissoles' stew thighs, and chestnuts. Save room for desserts like chocolate mille-feuille with orange confit, orange sorbet, and a light saffron syrup. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from September until May.

Cat Cora's Kitchen (San Francisco International Airport)
Iron Chef Cat Cora has expanded her culinary pursuits to the concourse by opening Cat Cora's Kitchen in Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport, in Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and in Concourse B at Salt Lake City International Airport. With a focus on using organic and fresh ingredients, the restaurant, cocktail, and tapas lounge serves a variety of health-conscious fare. Cat Cora suggests travelers try the grilled avocado Cobb salad and the baked jalapeño poppers stuffed with creamy feta cheese and breaded with panko breadcrumbs.

La Moraga (Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, Costa del Sol, Spain)
This reasonably priced gastropub in Terminal 3 serves classic Andalusian tapas crafted by chef Dani García, a friend of legendary Spanish chef Ferran Adrià. La Moraga is García's casual restaurant (his flagship two-Michelin-starred Calima is in Marbella, Spain), where he serves small plates including an oxtail burger, cherry gazpacho, and pringá (meat) croquettes.

Kim Choo's Nonja Kitchen (Changi Airport Singapore)
Lee Kim Choo first learned her grandmother's masterful Nonya dumpling recipe in 1946 when she was 12 years old. The family sold the triangular, bamboo-leaf dumplings packed with meat and sticky rice every year at the annual summertime Dragon Boat Festival. The tradition later turned into a dumpling business, Kim Choo's Nonya Kitchen, which started with a stall Lee set up under a tree in front of her house and has since expanded to four locations, including one in Terminal 3 of Changi Airport in Singapore. Aside from the portable dumplings, spicy chicken curry, satay, otak (meat cakes), ikan asam manis (a fish head dish), sambal petai (a spicy vegetable dish), and Nonya kuehs (sweet, colorful cakes) are also served.

Union Jacks Bar (Gatwick Airport, London)
Celebrity chef Jaime Oliver's Union Jacks Bar features an all-British menu with top-sellers from Jamie's Italian and Union Jacks, plus new items like breakfast and British tapas. Located after security in the North Terminal Departure Lounge, the menu includes pan-cooked breakfast Naked Chef-style, like The Full Monty (two free-range sausages, crispy smoked bacon, crispy black pudding, "Burford Brown" eggs, potatoes and sticky onions, roast tomatoes, field mushrooms, and organic baked beans) and Jamie's Italian Burger (a British chuck and flank steak with fontina, mortadella, sticky balsamic onions, tomato, pickles, and chiles).

Piquillo (John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City)
During a layover or before your flight, tuck into tapas at Piquillo, the first-ever Spanish tapas restaurant in an American airport. Located in Terminal 5, chef Alexandra Raij's tapas restaurant serves small, shareable plates including hot and cold tapas like buñuelos de bacalao (fried salt cod fritters), gambas en gabardina (battered fried shrimp), alcachofas con jamón (artichokes with serrano ham and sweet peas), and huevos rellenos de anchoas (anchovy-stuffed deviled eggs).

Tagliare (LaGuardia Airport, New York City)
While you're in the Big Apple, check out Tagliare, a New York-style pizzeria, located in Terminal D by gates 1 and 2 (in the same terminal at Crust, which serves Italian-style pizza and is #6 on The Daily Meal's 31 Best Airports Around the World). Run by Domenick DeMarco, whose family is behind Brooklyn's famed Di Fara Pizza (ranked number one on The Daily Meal's 35 Best Pizzas in America 2012), Tagliare includes breakfast stromboli (thin pizza crust turnovers stuffed with sausage, egg, and cheese or egg, onions, peppers, ham, and cheese). Pizzas are available by the slice or by the whole pie at lunch and dinner. Check out pizza combinations like sun-dried tomato, black olive, and mushroom; pepperoni, garlic, and black olive; and baby artichoke, sausage, and mushroom. A second location can be found in Concourse G at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport).

Brasserie Flo (Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport)
Modeled after the original Parisian brasserie in Paris' 10th arrondissement, Brasserie Flo, located in Terminal 2F, offers a variety of meals, from full breakfasts (served from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. daily) to traditional lunch and dinners. Popular dishes include steak tartare, a Mediterranean prawn salad plate with pickled vegetables and sesame, and profiteroles with Valrhona Grand Cru chocolate, all of which can be paired with a selection of Alsatian wines. In a hurry? Order off the express menu, which means you'll be served within 30 minutes.

Pink's Hot Dogs (Los Angeles International Airport)
Paul and Betty Pink started Pink's hot dog stand in November, 1939 after seeing an advertisement for a $50 hot dog cart, which they purchased and set up on the northwest corner of La Brea Avenue and Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. When the price of rent was raised to $25, the Pinks opened their iconic hot dog shop which now serves about 2,000 hot dogs each day. Pinks opened at LAX Bradley International Terminal in July 2010, giving time-strapped travelers a taste of Hollywood near the tarmac. Of the 35 hot dogs and 12 hamburgers on the menu, Pink's signature hot dog is the chili cheese dog, which is topped with secret-recipe chili. Whether you order the guacamole dog, the Chicago Polish dog, or the bacon burrito dog, there's no denying Pink's hot dogs are something special.

Legal Sea Foods (Boston Logan International Airport)
The first Legal Sea Foods started as a fish market in 1950 under the ownership of George Berkowitz in the Inman Square neighborhood of Cambridge, Mass. Berkowitz was inspired by his father Harry's Legal Cash Market, an adjacent grocery store which also likely inspired the current motto of the restaurant, "If it isn't fresh, it isn't Legal!" Legal Sea Foods' first restaurant opened next to the fish market in 1968. Berkowitz's son Roger took over the business in 1992 and opened a location in Terminal C at Logan International Airport. Legal Sea Foods now has four restaurant locations within the terminals of Logan International (terminals A, B, and C). Want to dine like a U.S. President? Order a customer favorite — a bowl of Legal Sea Food's New England clam chowder, which has been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981.

Custom Burgers by Pat LaFrieda (LaGuardia Airport, New York City)
Located in the food court in Terminal D, Custom Burgers by Pat LaFrieda serves hamburgers made from a special blend by the fourth generation of the LaFrieda family, who make 75,000 hamburgers a day in their 36,000-square-foot facility in North Bergen, N.J. Their original hamburger blend is made using a 90-year-old recipe and includes a combination of American Black Angus beef chuck, brisket, and short rib. The restaurant's most popular menu items include a Goodfellas double burger with Italian peppers, smoked mozzarella, mushrooms, and onions, and the Fat Cat, a double burger with bacon, and egg, and each burger is cooked to order. For the perfect sides, order a fresh-made thick milkshake and french fries.

Five Guys (Dulluys, located in Concourse A and Concourse B, isn't just another burger chain. Made-to-order hamburgers and cheeseburgers served with copious amounts of fresh cut french fries are the special here. Add on as many toppings as you want, including barbecue sauce, jalapeños, hot sauce, onions, mushrooms, and more. President Obama orders his cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, and mustard.

See all 31 of the best airport restaurants around the world here

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