DolceBunnie

Showing posts with label Cocktail bar. Show all posts

Flair & Scena at The Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai | Shanghai, CHINA

Our room at the The Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai wasn't the only thing that impressed us about the hotel. The dining options available also wowed us.

Upon returning from a rather memorable dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund, we figured that it was too early to call it a night and headed to Flair on the 58^th floor. For those of you who know Shanghai, you would have definitely heard of Flair. Stylish and fashionable Flair is a fantastic place that offers not only breathtakingly beautiful views of the city from above, but it is also one of THE happening places in town. Being guests of the hotel, we easily scored what otherwise would be a rather hard to get table. A yummy cocktail and a single malt scotch were all we needed to end a beautiful night.

The next morning when we woke up, we enjoyed a scrumptious buffet breakfast at Scena overlooking the picturesque Bund. The verdict? Definitely one of the best buffet breakfasts we've ever had (although not the very best, which was discovered by us at the end of our trip to China).

Ozone at The Ritz Carlton | Hong Kong, CHINA

When the plane finally landed at Hong Kong International Airport, I let out a long breath of relief. The flight wasn't my worst, in fact other than some minor turbulence along the way and what seemed like an unusually long landing, it was pretty good. But, I was ready to have a nice drink at Ozone to calm my nerves, as I've never been a fan of flying.

Perched above the clouds on level 118 in The Ritz Carlton, Ozone is the tallest bar in the world and it happened to be right next door to where we were staying for the night, W Hong Kong.

We wanted to sit outside where fantastic views across the Victoria Harbour can be seen, but on that particular night, a Category 3 cyclone had reached Hong Kong, so we sat by the bar and watched a talented bartender worked his magic on my Lychee Martini (which is one of their signature cocktails). It was sooo yummy.

The other travel bunnie had a beer, which was no where near as exciting as my drink, but given that neither of us are drinkers, the beer was more than enough to put him into the holiday mood.

Ozone is modern, sleek and sexy. Despite there being many funky bars in Hong Kong, not one is quite like Ozone, where you can get a delicious taste of the high life (quite literally).

Total Bunnie Dollars Spent: $200HKD (or thereabouts)

Rendezvous with Versace | Miami, FLORIDA USA

The bunnies are currently making some exciting changes to their apartment in the city and the best way to describe the changes is to use a phrase that we have created; our apartment is getting “Versace-sised” and I can't wait to share the finish product with you. So in the spirit of that bold Medusa head, I want to take a little detour on the posting of the bunnies' recent USA trip and take you all the way to Miami, Florida.

One of the key attractions of Miami has to be South Beach, and if you walk along the Ocean Drive, you will undoubtably notice a lavish property. This urban Palazzo, my darlings, was once Gianni Versace's residence.

To fulfil my desires, we went inside to the mansion for a couple of personalised cocktails. The visit was completely impromptu and in fact was more of an enquiry by the other travel bunnie to the security guard from through the iron gate separating the tourists taking holiday snaps from those inside. From the second we were welcomed inside the gates of this ultra plush and extravagant hotel my eyes were drawn to every corner of the residence. From the well dressed staff to the mosaic tiles that lined the open air courtyard, from the gorgeous looking people perched at the bar to the stunningly vibrant pillows lining the couches in the bar I love, love, loved this place. Oh, and the drinks were pretty good to :) (but extremely strong!)

I have to say, if we had more time in Miami, we would've definitely stayed in one of their outrageously opulent rooms.

Total Bunnie Dollars Spent: $60USD (including tips).

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar | San Francisco, CALIFORNIA USA

After our little trip out to Alcatraz Island, the weather was still wet. The rain hadn't stopped and we were left out in the cold trying to get a cab. We were in need of a drink to lighten up our mood and to get warm. We hailed a cab and not long after arrived at The Fairmont Hotel. An iconic building set high above the beautiful San Francisco city.

I wouldn't have known the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar existed if it wasn't for Anthony Bourdain. In fact, a lot of the places that we visited while in America were discovered by watching his shows.

This place is a tropical paradise within The Fairmont and it is inevitable that you must, have one of their signature cocktails (or two...) and watch the tropical storm falling down from the ceiling. The experience is one-of-a-kind and the drinks are strong (if not memorable).

Total Bunnie Dollars Spent: $35 (including tips)

Alfred and Constance, Corner of Alfred & Constance Streets, FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006

Friday last week was a very exciting day, a day on which the other travel bunnie and I scheduled our first movie date since we've been married. Even before I started my french lessons, I'd developed a deep fascination for French films. When we were in New York, I saw a trailer of 'Farewell, My Queen', a movie with a storyline centred on the life of Marie Antoinette. Luckily the Brisbane French Film Festival is on at the moment and 'Farewell, My Queen' is amongst many of the French films screening.

After seeing the movie at Palace Centro on James Street, we wandered along the street and thought about where to go for dinner to satisfy our empty stomaches.

And so we decided on Alfred & Constance. It was about time.

Set in two classic Queenslanders, Alfred & Constance is like an über cool combination of restaurant and bars. The drinks are fun and creative. I had the roast pork roll with apple sauce, red wine jus & hand cut coleslaw with chips ($11.90) and the other travel bunnie enjoyed the slow wood roasted butterflied leg of lamb with garlic, oregano & salt crust ($29). Both were good but I thought mine was better given the quantity, the price and the taste. The food was affordable, although not overly delicious.

I like Alfred & Constance, not only for its food, but also for its drinks. My Flower Fizz ($16), a cocktail of elderflower liqueur, house made lemon syrup, orange bitters and sparkling wine, was so refreshing and delicious.

Alfred & Constance is overpopulated with hipsters, perhaps not a good place for a romantic date but it's definitely a good way to get a weekend started.

Total Bunnie Dollars Spent: $65

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