The Hotel Waldorf Astoria Berlin, a 387 ft skyscraper overlooking
Germany’s oldest zoo, opened in Berlin earlier this year; its presidential
suite is now the highest in the city. Considering the legacy of its Waldorf
Astoria mother hotel in New York City, I was somewhat surprised by the eclectic
Art Nouveau style within this brand-new hotel. The Waldorf Astoria Berlin
provides all the amenities and gadgets one would expect from Germany's first
Waldorf Astoria. My "junior suite" was very well equipped and well suited;
however, the outsourced cleaning service did not seem to live up to Waldorf
Astoria’s highest standards....
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...
We did feel that the breakfast buffet might have had a more prominent and
accessible location. Tucked away in an adjoining wing of the Solistes
Restaurant, it lacked the elaborateness of what one expects from one of Berlins
finest. But, what did impress me immediately was the Welcome, Mr. Buehrmann!
chant I heard as I approached the main entrance. Of course all the world's
elite hotels now "google" their guests before their arrival as a standard
procedure, but how the bell staff recognized my persona and called me by name,
even before I approached the front desk, remains undisclosed. Well done!
...
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Seven Stars and Stripes Inc. now offers, for the first time, this
extraordinary, custom designed ‘His & Her Seven Stars Cufflink
set. Limited Edition.
Aschau im Chiemgau,
Germany
7 Stars and 7 Stripes
As if it were a pearl, resting snugly at the bottom of the ocean,
encapsulated in an environment of peace, luxury and tranquility, exists a
formidable dining venue that competes on a global level with the consistency of
a hand-made timepiece. The Venetian Restaurant, Heinz Winkler’s flagship
eatery at the Residenz in Ashau im Chiemgau, measures perfection on a scale
heretofore not seen in most restaurants. World Level Perfection, means that
every dish, served to every guest, must be perfect in creativity, taste and
plate presentation all the time or it does not reach the table. Granted, it
helps to have Mr. Winkler as the inspiration and driving force behind such high
standards and expectations, after all, he is one of the most decorated and
recognizable chefs in all of Germany and Europe for that matter.
...
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Mr. Winkler cant possibly do it all alone, and therefore has hand picked his
kitchen and service team himself according to his high standards. Executive
Chef Stephan Brandl comes from a background of expertise at several Michelin
Star rated restaurants including earning three stars for the Venetian. In the
service area, Mr Winkler has chosen his son Alexander Winkler as Restaurant
Manager and Alberto de Val as Sommelier to insure that unobtrusive, seamlessly
perfect service and wine expertise will back up the top notch food creations.
...
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In our opinion, one of the outstanding selections from Mr. Winkler’s
tasting menu, was the Grassfed Beef Tartare with Beet gelee and Wasabi.
This outstanding appetizer outperformed all our expectations with excellent
palate appeal displaying delicate organic flavors from the earth mixing root
and hoof for an unparalleled flavor packed experience. In turn, a bottle of
2010 Pinot Bianco, Haberle, Alois Lageder, Alto Adige, Italy became our
wine pairing of choice. Just over the border in the German speaking part of
Italy, a history of winemaking has perfected the production of Pinot Bianco as
one of the most food friendly wines available.
...
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Please
join us on ‘facebook® (CLICK HERE), a brand
new fan page where you get a chance the catch up or get the latest scoop on
what might be of interest to todays distinguished global traveler.
Congratulations to all, from your Guests and from Seven Stars and
Stripes:
For your visible commitment to excellence.
For your willingness to be recognized for your latest
innovations.
For your devotion to your staff and company.
For your ability to receive.
For your decision to raise the bar.
For our hospitality professionals: We partnered with ‘Tourism-Insider, a
valuable newsletter that reports about current affairs in the tourism industry.
Joachim Fischer, the editor-in-chief, who joined our Seven Stars Advisory
Board, is represented at all major trade affairs around the world (WTM, ITB,
IMEX, AIME, IT&CMA, ATM, ATF, MITTM, EMITT, IT&CM etc.) and reports
about the newest trends and events as well as political developments pertaining
to the promotion and development of tourism.
Dear Friends,
Ahhhh summer, this one took a long time to come
through in the northern hemisphere. We were grateful that one of the reviews
was scheduled in the Maldives during a relatively cold spring in Europe. The
weather was exactly what one expects from a tropical paradise, pleasant
temperatures all year round. We flew Sri Lankan Airlines in order to procure a
flatbed night flight allowing us to wake up at our destination. Flying an
airline for the first time is always thrilling. In the northern Atolls of the
Maldives we discovered The Island Hideaway Spa Resort & Marina, privately
owned and professionally managed by hospitality-veteran Michael Wieser, is
featuring an exceptional spa, a full-service marina, excellent cuisine,
personal butler service and a dedicated staff. Berlin, always worth a trip--
business or leisure, and the NEW Waldorf Astoria Berlin has been on our agenda
since its inception. And when Chef Pierre Gagnaire took over the Solistes
Restaurant, it moved to the top of our list. The Hotel Waldorf Astoria, a 387
ft skyscraper opened in Berlin earlier this year; its presidential suite is now
the highest in the city. Talk about cuisine, we had the great pleasure of
revisiting with Mr. Winkler, one of the most decorated and recognizable chefs
in all of Germany and Europe and his signature restaurant The Venetian at the
Residenz Heinz Winkler in Aschau am Chimsee. Until next time,
I remain yours truly
Thorsten Buehrmann
Dhonakulhi,
Maldives
6 Stars and 6
Stripes
After a twenty-minute cruise we docked at a state-of-the-art marina,
said to be the first of its kind. Our arrival at The Island Hideaway was all we
expected it to be and more. The Welcome Center was surrounded with white
powdery sand that reflected the whitewashed sculpted walls, and offset the dark
wooden accents of the custom-made furnishings, fixtures, fittings and art
pieces throughout the resort. Here we were offered cold towels, neck massages
and fresh exotic flower necklaces resembling the petals dangling in the
ornamental water basin with ‘Welcome’ printed in the sand below.
...
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...
Our Jasmine Garden Villa (#48) was a spacious and elegant house surrounded by
traditional West Indian stone walls. Though only steps to our secluded, white
sandy beach, the sparkling waters of the generous, private pool looked
enticing, and were maintained at a perfect temperature. Here one could enjoy
nude sunbathing in a completely private setting, falling asleep to the gentle
lapping of the waves from the shore. The villas were designed and built with
exceptional craftsmanship--from the landscaped sandy outdoor shower facilities
to the casual indoor and outdoor dining and living areas. The heart of this
remarkable compound, with its vaulted ceilings and carefully appointed
traditional furniture, sets the architect and designer apart from the norm.
...
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We were especially thrilled to witness a fish feeding frenzy at night where
huge wild stingrays swam up to the beach and were hand-fed by members of the
staff. Natural coral reefs are located right along the island and provide the
grandest scuba-diving and snorkeling adventures of a lifetime. Professional
instructors are available for private and group lessons. I dived with a
professional instructor from Meridis, a scuba diving center of the highest
standards that is affiliated with Island Hideaway and that we highly recommend.
...
(CLICK HERE for more)
In Next Gazette:
* Mystery Review
Business
Class
A330 FRA <> CMB
<> MLE
4 Stars and 5
Stripes
SriLankan’s Airbus A330 Business Class accommodations appeared
wide and spacious, with the comfortable light brown full-flatbed leather chairs
that are now available on many long-haul flights. From this point our outbound
business flight experience was nothing short of pleasant. The "welcome"
beverages were served, and having missed dinner in the business lounge, we
decided to dine above the clouds. The food was presented on attractive white
bone china that displayed the colorful SriLankan Airlines logo--from plates to
buttercups to salt and pepper shakers--all on a white tablecloth. The
breadbasket offered an assortment of
...
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...
The smoked salmon with flavored pasta salad was unusual, and the taste of the
combination was astonishing. A lamb noisette, with fiery coriander chilli
sauce, was served with buttered vichi carrots, broccoli florets romanesco and
roasted cubed potatoes; it was decent. Although there was no wine menu, the
wines and aperitifs provided before, during and after dinner were nicely
paired. The sumptuous fresh fruit and cheese platter, as well the coffee and
dessert course (mousse au chocolate and lychee dessert), were presented
tableside with passion and pride from a trolley in charming old colonial
silver. Sri Lanka, known until 1972 as Ceylon, is an island country in the
northern Indian Ocean that is famous for its coffees and teas.
...
(CLICK HERE for more)
NEW: Seven Stars Travel TV-Show™
The Seven Stars and Stripes team films at request on
location!
The team often travels with two of their distinguished advisory board
members, four time Emmy-Award winning TV host and celebrity chef Walter Staib
(A Taste of History) and Ms. Ingrid Lemme, host of the long standing American
Dream Show, based in New York; she also guest hosts the Seven Stars Travel
TV-Show™. ‘A
Taste of History is a TV cooking series that explores Americas culinary
beginnings from the Birthplace of American Cuisine. This innovative series
brings Americas history to life and makes it vibrant as Chef Walter Staib steps
back in time and discovers the roots of American cuisine all over the world.
Then Mr. Staib presents the Seven Stars and Stripes culinary awards personally
to the Chef de Cuisine on location.
