Orbitz Blog

Articles for ‘Food & Wine’ Category

Biz-friendly historic hotels in Charleston and Savannah

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

History in the making: Circa 1886 restaurant, at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston.

By Mark Chesnut

The cities of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia are tourism magnets, thanks to their Southern hospitality and beautifully maintained historic attractions. But they can also be great places to hold a business meeting, as many of their most attractive landmarks are also available for private events. And that includes hotels in both cities, where Southern charm and stunning settings combine to create unique venues for a variety of gatherings. (more…)

Balmy weather, beer: Atlanta’s looking good in February

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

The Winter Beer Carnival is a beer lover's paradise with more than 100 brews to sample.

By Erin Behan

It’s winter, you’re in Atlanta, and you like beer? You’re in luck.  The third annual Winter Beer Carnival proffers up more than 100 different beers and—when you need a break from beer—carnival games. All of this can be sampled for $40 with advance tickets or $50 day-of on Feb. 11 at midtown’s Atlantic Station. (more…)

Foodie’s getaway: Mid-January cooking classes in NYC

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Baby, it's cold outside, but it's the perfect time to get cooking in NYC. Credit: Randy Le'Moine Photography.

By Jennifer Olvera

There’s no denying January is a dreary time of year. Given it’ a long stretch far from any significant holiday – sorry, but Valentine’s Day doesn’t count – it’s a wise time to spice things up.  Here’s an idea: take a cooking class in early 2012, while settling in to affordable New York hotels. (more…)

Edible getaway: Food fêtes take bite out of NYC

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

A place to rest after your food coma during New York Restaurant Week: Distrikt Hotel New York City.

By Jennifer Olvera

Post-holidays can be a dreary time of year. Fortunately, the winter leg of New York Restaurant Week — slotted for weekdays from Jan. 16-Feb. 10 – offers a good excuse to book stays at New York hotels, since more than 130 restaurants will offer three-course, prix-fixe meals for $24.07 at lunch and $35 during dinner, plus beverages, tax and tip. (more…)

Holidays in Hawaii: How to feast like the President

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

There's no better way to cool off in Hawaii than with shave ice. Credit: _e.t.

By Erin Behan

Why not travel in the president’s footsteps when it comes to food? Hawaii has some great restaurants, and like the locals, President Obama knows them well.  No matter how you feel about his politics, his food choices couldn’t be more spot-on. (more…)

A festival of food and drink fit for the Mayan gods

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Enjoy the relaxing Riviera Maya while noshing during the Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival.

By Erin Behan

I get hungry just thinking about the Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival. The affair — to be feted from March 15 to 18 — boasts a host of celebrity chefs, many from Mexico, but the chef de resistance is Ferran Adria of (now shuttered) El Bulli restaurant fame. Ticketed festival guests will enjoy an eight-course molecular gastronomy dinner cooked in his honor by chefs from Mexico who studied under his tutelage. (more…)

A Charleston Christmas: Holiday happenings in the Lowcountry

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

The poinsettia was imported to the U.S. by Charlestonian Dr. Charles Poinsett. Credit: Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com.

By Blane Bachelor

Temperatures may be getting colder, but there’s never been a hotter time to visit Charleston. Home to an exploding culinary scene, this southern belle is also abuzz with its recent ranking as Top U.S. City in 2011 by Condé Nast Traveler readers. See what all the excitement is about this holiday season, when the city gets into the spirit with its popular boat parade, Lowcountry shopping and elegant progressive dinners. (Bonus: Some Charleston hotels feature packages with jolly good extras like carriage rides and hot cocoa.) (more…)

In Austin, restaurants, venues, hotels with Texas flavor

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Lone Star after dark: Austin, Texas is offering new venues, restaurants and hotels. Photo: Daniel Mayer

By Mark Chesnut

Considering that Austin is the Texas state capital as well as a major hub for higher education, it’s no surprise that there is always something new to discover when it comes to dining, entertainment, hotels and meeting venues. (more…)

Onolicious Honolulu: How to eat like an islander

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Decisions, decisions: A selection of fryer-fresh malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu. Credit: _e.t.

By Amy Drew Thompson

Sure, you can sample pork and poi at whichever of the Honolulu hotels you choose as your base in Oahu exploration. Maybe you’ll even spring for some of the city’s best fine dining at the five-star Halekulani‘s upscale Orchids, Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider A Westin Resort and Spa, or while absorbing the Pacific panoramas at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. But if you want to eat like a real Hawaiian, press your palate past pineapple and macadamias and try some of the more adventurous fare – everything is delicious. Or as the locals say, “Ono!” (more…)

Food truck fiesta: Tampa cashes in on the craze

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

The Tampa Taco Bus serves authentic Mexican fare, vegan and gluten-free options. Credit: amanderson2.

By Amy Drew Thompson

The Lime Truck recently took home the honors (and the cash) in the latest season of Food Network’s hit “The Great Food Truck Race,” and cities across the nation have been granting licenses to grill on-the-go. Tampa is no exception. Its recent “Food Truck Fiesta” drew some 3,000 would-be gourmands, a turnout that so impressed city officials it’s gone monthly. Guests at Tampa hotels who aren’t around for the event (held the first Wednesday of every month in Lykes Gaslight Square Park) need not worry, as the most mouthwatering mobile diners are out every day serving up seriously fashionable foodie fare. (more…)