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Spring 2012 Digital Edition





Lifestyle

Destinations


Even though they are the financial centers of the United States, San Francisco and New York City could not be more different. However, they both offer more than just a great place to do business, they offer some of the best in accommodations and dining in the nation world.

By Tiffany Weatherman

 

Separated by 2,913 miles (to be precise) San Francisco and New York City share much in common. They’ve mastered an attempt to break into the world’s money elite and found themselves commonly regarded as two of the financial capitals of the world, serving as the headquarters to over 10% of the 2011 Fortune 500 while claiming 8 of the top 20. One is anchored by Wall Street and is residence to the New York Stock Exchange, the other is often referred to as the Wall Street of the West.
Economics aside, there are other similarities to these two thriving metropolises. With skylines that are recognizable worldwide, iconic attractions, world-class shopping, and over 30,000 restaurants, it’s no wonder these breathtaking cities welcome over 60 million visitors from all areas of the globe every year. Although fundamentally bonded, each city beats with its own distinctive rhythm offering a one-of-a-kind destination location.


San Francisco presents a multi-faceted peninsula where your days may be spent clinging to the side of a cable car while it whisks you over some 40 hills of breathtaking landscape and frolicking through the 1,017 acres of lush greenery at Golden Gate Park. Providing a glimpse of unique history with ferry rides to Alcatraz Island and adventures through the California Academy of Sciences, this City by the Bay treasures its windows into its past. Stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge and discover why it has been declared one the modern ‘Wonders of the World’ or take in a sample of San Francisco’s cultural offerings with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art.


New York City
Charming and rich in its own history, New York City is by far one of the most amazing cities in the world. Explore its diverse cultural tapestry while strolling through the picturesque streets of Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, and the Lower East Side. Proud home to the world-famous Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art as well as newcomers such as the Museum of Arts and Design and the New Museum of Contemporary Art, these are what keep this city at the cutting edge of the art world. Visit the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock Observation Deck to gain a bird’s eye view of this unique and breathtaking metropolis. New York City’s grandest treasure, Central Park, sits amid the soaring skyscrapers of this concrete jungle offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the serenity of this welcoming oasis.


SF STAY: The W San Francisco

181 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
415/777.5300

Undoubtedly the trendiest hotel in San Francisco, The W is located in the heart of downtown, neighboring the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and within walking distance to every shopper’s paradise, Union Square. Recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council and the California Green Lodging Program, this eco-friendly hotel takes pride in its environmental practices in helping keep San Francisco one of the top 10 greenest cities in the country. Capturing the city’s vibrant personality with guest rooms offering spectacular views of the Bay Bridge and city skyline, a heated lap pool, the famous Bliss Spa, a fully equipped SWEAT fitness center, and 24/7 Whatever Whenever concierge service, this hotel welcomes you with an unprecedented level of luxury.


SF STAY: The Fairmont

950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
415/722.5000

The Fairmont flawlessly joins together over 100 years of fascinating history with today’s demand for high-tech amenities. Standing as one of the city’s elite residences atop Nob Hill, The Fairmont resides minutes from the city’s main attractions and offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Once acting as a command post for city officials after the earthquake of 1906 rocked San Francisco, this landmark continues to host the visiting “Who’s Who” from around the globe.


NYC STAY: The Mark

25 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10075
212/744.4300

Where old-world comfort meets modern technology, The Mark exists within the walls of a beautiful 1927 building and resides on the corner of 77th and Madison in the epicenter of Manhattan’s most elegant neighborhood. With New York City’s most premier museums, shops, and restaurants lining the surrounding streets and Central Park one grand block away, this five-star hotel boasts style and luxury all the while providing the finest in service and amenities. Housing its signature restaurant, The Mark, by award-winning chef Jean-Georges, the Frederic Fekkai Salon, a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, serene guestrooms offering stunning views of 77th Avenue, or the beautiful courtyard complimented by an unmatched level of personal service, it is no wonder this five-star hotel remains one of New York’s finest and holds the crown as one of the Top Ten Business Hotels in the world by Fortune and Wallpaper.


NYC STAY: The Plaza

Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
212/759.3000

Proud owner to New York’s most prestigious address, The Plaza sits where Central Park meets 5th Avenue as the ultimate in luxury hotels. Meeting the highest and most demanding of standards, this distinctive landmark provides the largest overall square footage of any New York City hotel. Offering the foremost in technology; an iPad in every guestroom gives you the control of your entire hotel experience at your fingertips while 24-karat gold fixtures spread throughout, maintaining the hotel’s grand style and design. After recently undergoing a three-year, $540 million dollar renovation, this century-old hotel stands as a cherished piece of New York’s history.

Where to dine in San Francisco

Where to dine in NYC


Michael Mina

252 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
415/397.9222

Internationally renowned restaurateur Michael Mina takes small-plate dining to the next level at his chic signature restaurant. Serving up a unique blend of American cuisine infused with Japanese ingredients complimented by a French influence and offering an eclectic selection of wine by Rajat Parr, it is no wonder this San Francisco eatery is one of only two restaurants in the city to earn two-stars in the Michelin Guide.


Gary Danko

800 North Point Street

San Francisco, CA 94109
415/749.2060

This intimate, perfect date-night destination welcomes diners with a staff carefully selected from San Francisco’s elite servers ready to offer the freshest seasonal dishes prepared by the skilled hands of Gary Danko himself. Danko’s signature restaurant sits in the heart of one of San Francisco’s most prominent neighborhoods boasting an ambiance of relaxed contemporary California and Upper East Side chic.


Park Avenue Summer

100 East 63rd Street
New York, NY 10065
212/644.1900

Named after its location, Park Avenue Summer resides on the corner of Park Avenue and East 63rd offering more than just a mere eatery. Here, diners will experience the breathtaking New York City seasons change both inside and out. As the décor changes to welcome the arriving summer season, the menu is transformed with cuisine and beverage choices to coincide.


Benjamin Steak House

52 East 41st Street
New York, NY 10017
212/297.9177

Residing in the century-old Chemist Club Building, Benjamin Steak House fills the space with a charming, sophisticated ambience. Eminent ceilings, large white columns, brass chandeliers, and a grand 10-foot fireplace adorn this historical building while Chef Arturo McLeod presents a menu he has delicately and thoughtfully prepared, showcasing his 30-plus years of experience in the meat-preparation business.