Becco: NYC

Becco puts a whole new meaning to "when you're here, you're family." I was with a group of 6 colleagues when we stumbled across this restaurant near Times Square. We arrived late and at first thought the place was about to close. However, the wait staff smoothly ushered us to a large table, took our coats, and after a few words to the head of our group, quickly started bringing us plates of food. We had ordered their pre fix dinner which included antipasti, bread, ceasar's salad, and 3 different types of pasta. The professional staff were attentive without being overly so. A wonderful experience and great food. Nice place to bring a group.

Sala: NYC

If you are looking for a Spanish restaurant in New York City, Sala is a nice choice. As I walked past their Bowery location one day during lunch time, I was lured in by their sidewalk "lunch special" sign. The place is quite dark inside and on that day, empty. As my eyes adjusted to the candle light and I helped myself to the delicious sangria, I easily forgot what time it was as well as the work I had yet to do. The lunch special was excellent, inexpensive, and quite authentic. I recommend going on a day you don't have a lot going on at the office.

Butcher and Singer: Philadelphia

Butcher and Singer is a great place to get a steak- albeit an expensive one. The restaurant may remind you of a bank with its tall marble pillars or Wall Street with its bronze bull statues. The decor provides insight into the building's history. Around 1900, it started out as the The National Bank. It then moved on to become the "Butcher and Singer Stock brokerage." It's a very large space, but the low, warm lighting and leather seating gives it a cozy feel.

The website states "you are sure to feel like a celebrity" and indeed you do. Their staff hound you like the paparazzi, though they are quite respectful. Our attentive waiter told us of the remaining bank vaults in the basement. He also told us of the restaurant's claim to fame- on a fully booked night, the owner turned away Bill Clinton during Bill's term as president.

The portions are large and are enough for two- even though our waitress (yes, we had a waiter and a waitress) told us otherwise.

NYC Tango

I've only gone tango dancing in NYC once, and I went to the Thursday night milonga at Tango La Nacional, located at 239 West 14th Street. The atmospher was very nice- low lights and lots of tables for sitting. However, I was disapointed with the dancing. As a visitor, few leaders asked me to dance. Compared to other East coast cities such as DC, Philadelphia, and Boston, the dancers in NYC weren't nearly as friendly. I do look forward to dancing in NYC again,  but will check out a different milonga next time.

Icelandic Paradise

My short 4 day stay in Iceland was difficult. I had packed for a Minnesota August only to find that sweaters and mittens were a must. The only affordable place we could find to stay was a hostel with a communal bed that could fit around 20- to which I instantly called "I get the wall!" We waited almost an hour for a bus only to learn that we were told to wait at the wrong stop. I admit that I did enjoy walking around Reykjavik- after buying some warmer gear- and I enjoyed watching the Olympic handball final with the locals at the library. They were going crazy- and ended up getting the silver medal. But, overall, I was anxious to get home and relax in a more comfortable bed. Then, we stopped at the best hot springs I've ever been to- The Blue Lagoon. It was so wonderful that I've completely changed my mind about Iceland and would love to go back- even if I had just a few hours - to relax in the brilliantly hot aquamarine waters.

Famous Hot Dog Stand

Iceland was freezing during the month of August. In Reykjavik we came across this hot dog stand whose claim to fame was that Bill Clinton, while president, bought a hot dog here. They were quite tasty, and compared to Iceland's overly high prices, this was a nice inexpensive lunch.

Stockholm Tango

In August 2008, I attended a wedding in Sweden. While there, I stopped in Stockholm for a milonga. Great atmosphere. I liked that the space had two areas (divided by a row of chairs): one for dancing and one for practicing.

Court of Neglect

I had a brief stay in Iceland last year and couldn't help but feel sorry for this neglected basketball court.

Philadelphia Tango

While in Philadelphia, I attended a wonderful milonga on Friday at the Buttonwood Studio. The studio is about a mile from the central part of the city. The surrounding area has a dark and deserted feeling at night, so I don't recommend walking there alone. The entrance way thankfully has a sign clarifying that this indeed is the place for the milonga. You walk upstairs into an apartment space with a large cleared off space and wonderfully smooth wood floor. A kitchen sink and cabinets line one wall, the other is lined with velvet covered seating and in the corner was the DJ with laptop. To your left you'll find a hallway for hanging up your coat and seats to assist with shoe change. The hallway leads to a more brightly lit room with chairs and a table with food. I did not investigate this area but headed directly to the velvet covered chairs along the dance floor and observed the dancers. I was greeted by ladies and gentlemen alike, who made me feel very welcomed. The hostess, Lesley, introduced herself and was delighted to have a visitor. Such a wonderfully welcoming community! I danced the next two hours with highly competent and gracious leaders. While I did not have high expectations on the way to this milonga, it has become my favorite milonga as an out of town visitor.

DC Tango

When I travel, I make a point to observe the local tango scene and attend at least one milonga, practica, or lesson. While in Washington DC, I attended the Tuesday milonga at the 18th Street Lounge. What a wonderful place! The entrace way is a bit hidden- next to a mattress store (in the image, it is behind the tree). You walk upstairs find the door to a space that feels like an art studio with high white walls and some paintings. The light was low and small lights lined the floor along the walls- very hip. The leaders were quite friendly, and I was asked to dance all night. The Washington DC tango leaders are a joy to dance with. I highly recommend attending this milonga, it is one of my favorites in the U.S.