Meryl Pearlstein

The best restaurants on the Upper East Side to head to after a day of museum-hopping.

Spending hours walking the galleries of Manhattan’s famous museums can certainly make you hungry. Museum Mile has a concentration of cultural institutions to satisfy every interest, whether it’s classical art, New York City history, or the fascinating rhythms of the city’s Latinx community. It’s fitting that you choose a restaurant to harmonize with these diverse offerings.

Museum Mile stretches along Fifth ...

What’s Happening Now In Las Vegas
Las Vegas is on a roll. And I’m not just talking about the roll of the dice. Sin City hits the jackpot with new developments in attractions, hotels, restaurants, and things to keep you motivated and moving as you navigate the Strip and beyond. And, yes, the casinos are alive if you’re feeling the gambling vibe. Here are some exciting happenings recently opened or planned this year.
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Reserve a table at these new dining spots to sample some of...

The more I travel, the more I appreciate not having to pack and unpack, carry bags up and down stairs, or worry about whether I can figure out a transfer from one point to another. Even though I speak numerous foreign languages, it’s still a godsend to have someone else deal with the details like confirming reservations and itineraries. With increasing numbers of travelers and concomitant travel complications, it’s wonderful to have someone else grab the reins.
With a cruise, a lot of the leg...

I’ve always loved Mexico and now I have a reason to love it even more: Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos. The all-inclusive resort, set along an uncrowded stretch of the Pacific coast, invites you to vacation, leave your wallet in your safe, and create your own version of paradise.
Generally, all-inclusives are big affairs where service is good but somewhat anonymous. Ditto for the food, and...

El Fish Marisqueria is a new restaurant from Chef Julian Medina. It offers a delicious, beautiful and efficient choice near Lincoln Center.

Per Se Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Thomas Keller’s Per Se has the ingredients that restaurant legends are made of: understated but elegant décor, a gorgeous location overlooking Central Park and Columbus Circle, hospitality and service that establish a new high, plus a wealth of creativity and meticulousness that continually re-define the concept of haute cuisine.
Despite all this, there is a natural warmth and friendliness that makes even the first-time diner feel that they’re p...

Walking tours are the perfect way for solo travelers to explore Rome's cultural, archeological and culinary treasures

New York Restaurant Trend: Dining at the Bar by Meryl Pearlstein Interested in eating at some of New York City’s best restaurants, but put off by the prices? Try dining at the bar! Not only is it less expensive, but the bar or lounge atmosphere is often a more relaxed experience than in the main dining room. It’s a wonderful trend that many top-rated New York restaurants are embracing, including Le Bernardin, Eleven Madison Park and Per Se, where diners can avoid having to order the prix-fixe...

Where to eat, drink, and enjoy the bounty of California in San Francisco, Oakland and Wine Country

The 10 best foods to try in Istanbul and where to find them

I used to hum Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” repeatedly. It was my go-to tune that served as my ringtone, hinting at my itinerant lifestyle to anyone within earshot. But I’ve found that even the most seasoned traveler can become jaded and lethargic. Determined to keep my journeys fresh, I’ve sought out challenging activities that take me out of my comfort zone and ensure new travel memories.

Here are 10 ways I’ve freshened up my travels:

Morphing From Beach Bum To Winter Adventure Junkie...

A Match Made at Sea

When I asked what time we were leaving for our wine tasting and château visit, I was told “10ish.” “10ish?” “Yes, 10ish,” the captain replied. That set the tone for my leisurely barge trip through Burgundy. Everything had a schedule, but there was built-in flexibility to accommodate changes and unexpected discoveries and, above all, encourage relaxation.
And, as envisaged, everything operated on “ish” time. What a remarkable change from the precision of the daily...

Broadway is back and better than ever. For the ultimate dinner and a show experience, writer Meryl Pearlstein shares the list of her favorite restaurants in the theater district in New York City with Real Food Traveler readers plus her tips for the best shows to see now.

New York theatergoers joyfully returned to Broadway in 2022 after a closure of 18 months. 2023 promises to be even more jubilant. With the many openings scheduled for this spring along with continuing and long-running shows, ...

Alinea Review

About the restaurant and décor: Alinea demands participatory fun. It’s not for the faint of heart, or the timid eater; this restaurant is an entirely different experience. In a space that’s both elegant and simple, adorned with meaningful artwork and a spotless kitchen with chef's table, Alinea stands out as a showplace for chef Grant Achatz's creativity.
Our dinner at Alinea.
About the food: With a playfulness that belies the exceptional quality and presentation of the dishes, Alinea shine...

My dining and wine experience aboard the luxurious all-suite Scenic Diamond.