Chinese Creature Invades the Hudson River

Markets fascinate me, especially food markets. In Guangzhou China I was just plain blown away at the Wet Market especially when I was escorted by the Ritz Carlton’s Executive Chef Hoeksel. The many strange creatures were fascinating to this round eye and the Chef’s explanations took my visit over the top.

I was reading Hudson Valley magazine this afternoon and learned that the Hudson River has its own battle going on with a strange creature, the snakehead; The Snakehead is a fish that can grow up to three feet, has many teeth, and can survive and travel on land for up to four days. There is a lack of predators and it thought that the fish was brought here from Asia as part of the food market. Severe risk to the echo system is being battled by using rotenone, a poison extracted from the roots of tropical plants. Better is to find strange creatures in a food market in China.

Ritz Carlton in Shenzhen China, WOW!

I am a true hotel freak; I love checking them out and see many in the course of a year. One of my new favorites is the Shenzhen Ritz Carlton in China. The huge living room and super large work area was such a plus. The roomy balcony over looking the pool and city, perfect for a place to sip a strong coffee from the machine in room.

One of the best meals of my trip was the Chiu Chow cuisine from the hotel’s Xingli Restaurant, the Cantonese specialties sublime and setting calm and elegant. One great feature of their Spa was the treatment rooms with complete privacy. If I were Dorothy I would be clicking my heels to return right now!

Ritz Carlton, Guangzhou and the Fabulous Lai Heen Restaurant

It is all about Asia tonight, sparked by memories of a recent visit to the amazing Ritz Carlton, Guangzhou. One of the best things about my visit was a memorable meal in the lai heen room. The many courses were matched by various teas; they have close to a hundred different types. The large spinning center table was filled with delicacies that will long be remembered.

Cantonese cuisine is said to be the finest China, it certainly was well represented at lai heen, Dim Sum delight. One of my favorite things about Ritz properties is the fantastic dining venues, a rarity in the hotel world.

Ritz Carlton in Guanzhou, a Feminine Hand

z Carleton, Guangzhou, a Feminine Hand

Newsweek proclaims that despite a worldwide economic melt, China had a very good year. From my perfect perch on the 35th floor of the Guangzhou Ritz Carlton, I can believe it. Below and above new buildings are sprouting like mushrooms after a rain. This part of Guangzhou is called Pearl River New City and it will indeed be a new city.

On another front the RC is headed by a new woman GM, the energetic Michelle Caporicci, a southern California native. That news has spread like wildfire in the media here. Things are changing in China and Ritz is playing a leading role here, first as an anchor for New City and second by the high posting of a most talented GM. My experience here has given me plenty of face time with her. A more hands on GM, I have never met. Things here are certainly looking up, literally.

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Guangzhou/Default.htm

Ritz Carlton, Cathay Pacific and Guangzhou A Winning Combination

Sometimes when I am flying half way around the world I get a little anxious, just a bit. This time though I have nothing but great vibes about my trip to China tomorrow. When you have Ritz Carlton and Cathay Pacific doing the planning, your mind should be at ease. The long flight to Guangzhou will be made much easier with totally flat seats and 300 movie choices, not to mention great wine and food choices.

The Ritz Guangzhou is known as world class, what Ritz isn’t? The rooms have a bird’s eye view of the opera house and mighty Pearl River. A winning combination that is such a win, win.

All Social Media Trip to China, Ritz Carlton and Cathay Pacific

 

Max’s recent blog about social media was right on and proof of that for me is an up coming trip to Shenzhen and Guangzhou China very soon. The trip will be with Ritz Carlton and Cathay Pacific, two companies that certainly are up front in hospitality in the travel world. I and three others will be one of the first all social media participants on this type of trip. The itinerary looks fantastic and besides some great cultural events heaps of that great Ritz service, such as in room bath menu and Spa services are on the agenda. My blog, facebook and twitter pages will be on overdrive!

Ritzy Georgetown

The Ritz Carlton in Georgetown is elegant and exclusive; it is one of the Carlton’s smallest properties yet carries a lot of zip. The property is near the heart of Georgetown and near M Street so a short walk takes you to the local action. The suites are spacious and filled with amenities, the tub more like a small pool. The hotel offers privacy to celebrities and guests that is prized in DC.

Perhaps the most amazing part of the Ritz Carlton Georgetown is its history. The building was once an historic incinerator then was left empty for many years. The 130 foot smoke stack still stands and today houses a private room. The sleek interior of the hotel is filled with art work and the lobby perfect for sitting in and having a “Fahrenheit 5 Martini”, the signature cocktail.