CL RECOMMENDS
 Sprucing Up San Fran
In a 1930s auto house building in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights, the new Spruce restaurant is luring hip neighborhood families and travelers with their two- Michelin-star-quality cuisine delivered in a “jeans and T-shirt” style. One of the Bay Area’s hottest chefs, Mark Sullivan (chef at The Village Pub, the owners of which are opening Spruce), oversees a menu that moves from gourmet burgers to butter-poached lobster. Other fun elements: a gourmet takeaway program, a lounge outfitted with a fireplace and wingback chairs, and tables where you can sip a Sonoma vintage while playing a game of backgammon. www.sprucesf.com — Nicole Alper
 In the Heart of Wine Country
This summer Calistoga, famed for its subterranean mud baths, will unveil one of its first modern boutique hotels: the 89-room Solage Calistoga. Solbar, the hotel’s hip bistro, delivers a mix of healthful and comfort foods, all overseen by executive chef Brandon Sharp (former sous chef at the famed Gary Danko in San Francisco). Wine tasters can while away the hours sipping Silverado Trail classics on the outdoor terrace or around the 130-foot-long swimming pool, which at night transforms into a cool lounge scene replete with DJ. www.solagecalistoga.com — N.A.
 Superbly Southern
At HeroNS, the restaurant in Cary, North Carolina’s new Umstead Hotel and Spa, the focus is Southern classics with a twist. You’ll be wowed by local seasonal ingredients — farmstead goat’s milk cheeses, ossabaw pork, even local black truffles — and under chef Phil Evans, dishes such as a simple shrimp and grits magically morphs into stone-ground grit soufflé with butter-poached lobster. Other features include Herons’ own herb garden and a variety of North Carolina wines (16 by the glass, to encourage tasting). Also available: a spa-inspired menu to go along with the hotel’s 14,000-square-foot spa. (866) 877-4141, www.heronsrestaurant.com — n.a.
 Sailors’ Delight
A chic new global-fusion restaurant set smack-dab on the Chicago River serves boaters and landlubbers alike. Watercraft up to 80 feet long can moor outside of Flatwater — set just under Chicago’s Clark Street Bridge — and guests can climb a ladder aboard. Those without boats can just enjoy the sleek, modern interior, and, on clement days, the outdoor deck with outstanding views of the Loop and the river. Executive chef Todd Ryan Downing is making waves with his innovative cuisine (spice influences range from Chinese to Indian) and creative cocktails. (312) 644-0283, www.flatwater.us — Laura Vogel
Midtown Newcomer
Open since spring, Mio is a vibrant restaurant newcomer in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s new “Midtown.” At this joint partnership between Manuel Iguina, John Paul Damato, and Domingo Rodriguez, you’ll dine on global American cuisine to the backdrop of local piano talent. Designed by Georgetown-based Grupo 7 Design Studio, the look is earthy, with plenty of exposed brick. (202) 955-0075, www.miorestaurant.com — n.a.
 Two to Try in Philly
It doesn’t get more distinct than the settings of two of Philadelphia’s newest restaurants: Rae, in the new sleek Cira Centre connected to Amtrak’s 30th Street Station (ideal for train travelers), and M, so tucked into the courtyard of the Morris House Hotel you practically want to read it a bedtime story. Pull up a chair at Rae’s oval-shaped bar — a welcome respite from the bright Cira Centre lobby — where you can feast on everything from surf and turf to caramel walnut apple pie (pictured below). Restaurant M’s secret courtyard location (hosting some of the city’s best outdoor dining) has kept this newcomer a relative secret, but not for long. Chef David Katz dazzles with a five-course tasting menu featuring such dishes as sautéed Griggstown quail with Medjool dates and balsamic brown butter. www.raerestaurant.com, www.mrestaurant.com — N.A.
 MODERN FRENCH Revolution
Louis XVI and Empire styles were a big influence on French furniture maker Andre Arbus’ Art Moderne designs. “He took pieces from the past and reinterpreted the essential elements — the hardware, the inlays, even the architecture — to create something entirely new,” explains Allan Switzer, vice president of Canadian-based William Switzer, which recently began to reproduce Arbus’ original early 20th-century designs after acquiring the rights from the designer’s only daughter, the late Madeleine Arbus, with the assistance of Yves Gastou, Arbus’ French dealer. A four-door buffet, elegant desk, curvaceous dining chair, and elaborate end table with a kaleidoscopic marquetry top are some of the new additions this summer to the 36-piece collection, priced from $4,000 to $25,000. (604) 255-5911, www.andrearbuscollection.com — William Kissel
 Seriously Smooth
Montblanc, the Germany-based luxury pen maker, calls its new prestige line of handmade satchels and briefcases “Cashmere in Leather” because the sophisticated bags are produced from the finest American alligator and lined in sensuously soft calfskin. The collection also includes portfolios, wallets, business card holders, and organizers, all of which can be monogrammed and customized to the individual client’s needs and specifications. Those too impatient to wait the four months required by Montblanc’s master craftsmen to produce the bespoke bags, priced from $1,365 to $22,750, may opt to buy their ready-made goods. Available through Montblanc in New York. (800) 995-4810, www.montblanc.com — W.K.
 Bringing Home the Cup
Just because the four-year race for yachting’s biggest prize will be drawing to a close in Valencia, Spain, this summer, those not taking home the America’s Cup don’t necessarily have to go home empty handed. Each year Louis Vuitton, the luxury goods maker that lends its name to the Louis Vuitton Cup challenge races leading up to the Fourth of July America’s Cup finale, produces a limited edition collection of fashionable items to commemorate the event. This year’s LV Cup collection includes a nautically inspired loafer ($540), sneaker ($590), sandal ($470), sports watch ($7,730), and bags ($600 to $1,500), and are all limited editions sold exclusively through select Louis Vuitton shops. (866) 884-8866, www.louisvuitton.com — W.K.
Summertime Views
Make your vacation memories last with these hot new high-tech cameras. By Chris Tucker
A Perfect 10
If you’re one of those tech fans who can’t get enough touch screens in your life, grab the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-N2. Besides the three-inch LCD monitor, from which you access multiple menus, this 10-megapixel machine features a Carl Zeiss 3x optical/2x digital zoom. Kids will like the Paint Function, which lets junior shooters add wacky graphics, drawings, and letters to their images without altering the originals. Also included: a tiny anti-fingerprint stylus for tapping the screen. $349. www.sonystyle.com
High-Def Hero
Three S-words sum up Panasonic’s superior shooting star: size (smaller than most high-def camcorders, because it’s tapeless); sound (it records in 5.1 surround sound); nd stills (takes still pictures while shooting video). $1,299. www.panasonic.com
Shadow Master
Olympus’ Stylus line of digital cameras has long deserved more respect; maybe the 7.1 MP Stylus 780 will be the breakout star. Those challenging bright daylight shots are easier with the 780’s Shadow Adjustment technology, which compensates for the extreme contrast between light and shadow areas. Another nice touch: Perfect Shot Preview lets shooters view and select effects before taking the picture. $349. www.olympusamerica.com
Face Time
The buzz around the Fuji FinePix S6000fd comes from something called “face detection,” which sounds like a new security measure but actually means the camera can scan up to 10 faces in a frame and then set the correct focus for the shot. With full manual controls and 14 scene modes, this camera will please both amateurs and more advanced shooters. $399. www.fujifilmusa.com
Water Wonder
Next time you’re at the beach, tote along SeaLife’s DC600 underwater digital camera. The 6.1-megapixel unit takes vivid pictures down to 200 feet. And when you’re not in the deep blue, just pop the camera out of its airtight chamber and snap away. Nice touch: The Spy mode lets you take continuous pictures (think sunsets, schools of dolphins) at intervals from five seconds to 30 minutes. $549. www.sealife-cameras.com
 Animal Attractions
Lions and tigers and bears and fish, too. This summer, zoos and aquariums are giving visitors the chance to learn about, explore, or interact with wildlife at new exhibits and shows. Here are a few not to miss. BY Julia M. Klein
Zoom around the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park on a new tram ride, Journey into Africa, which offers close encounters with dozens of species, including rare rhinos, giraffes, and gazelles. At the zoo, families can enjoy Safari Sleepovers on select July and August nights on the theme, “Awesome Adaptations: How behavior and body structure are important for survival.” The overnight experience, open to adults and children 4 and older, includes a bus tour, dinner, show, crafts, breakfast, scavenger hunt, and visit to the Children’s Zoo. (619) 718-3000, www.sandiegozoo.org
Portland’s Oregon Zoo introduces Black Bear Ridge, populated by three black bears and two bobcats — the final piece of its $36 million Great Northwest experience. Visitors can now traverse a 100-foot-long suspension bridge over snowcapped mountains, watersheds, forests, farms, and seashore habitats, all teeming with animal species. (503) 226-1561, www.oregonzoo.org
 Just a short drive from the Colorado Springs airport, the Pueblo Zoo, in Pueblo, Colorado, opens Islands of Life, where exotic species roam two restored 1930s architectural landmarks, the Animal House and Monkey Island. Helping to tell the story of isolated habitats will be hyraxes and meerkats from Africa, Amazonian squirrels, and lemurs from Madagascar. (719) 561-1452, www.pueblozoo.org
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, reopens its popular Touch-a-Shark exhibit, featuring smooth dogfish sharks and southern stingrays. Aquarium highlights include the West African River Experience, with two 3,000-pound hippos, and Penguin Island. For tickets and information: (856) 365-3300, www.adventureaquarium.com
Need more quality shark time? The National Aquarium in Baltimore has a “Sleepover with the Sharks” for children 8 and up, including a behind-the-scenes tour and the chance to traverse a catwalk above the sharks. Or try the Rain Forest Sleepover or Wild Extremes Sleepover, with unusual Australian species. For advance aquarium tickets: (800) 551-7328, www.aqua.org
 At Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, “Lizards and the Komodo King” rules. The special exhibition stars the eight-foot-long, 145-pound Komodo dragon, Faust, along with 25 other lizard species. Also check out the marine mammal shows, with the aquarium’s whales and dolphins. (312) 939-2438, www.sheddaquarium.org
New at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in Monterey, California, is “Wild about Otters,” five galleries that highlight the otters’ Asian and African habitats. (831) 648-4800, www.mbayaq.org
 EASY RIDING
Water, snow, dirt, and now road: Bombardier Recreational Products is no stranger to the adrenal crowd. Now the makers of Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, and ATVs have turned to the road. In February they unveiled the Can-Am Spyder Roadster, a marriage of technology that makes for easy riding. Two wheels in the front and one in the back allow for stability not found in a motorcycle, but a 1,000-cc engine capable of 120 mph keeps the thrill intact. $15,000. www.can-am.brp.com — Ken McAlpine
 Green Tees
Ask golfers about the golden age of the sport and they’ll rattle off the accomplishments of Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, and Ben Hogan, players that also defined men’s style on and off the course. Today Fairway & Greene is one of the few golf brands that keep the sartorial tradition alive on the links by offering classic looks inspired from the 1920s to the 1940s interpreted in technically advanced fabrics for the 21st century. This summer the Shelton, Connecticut-based company, voted the leading apparel supplier by the Association of Golf Merchandisers, is rolling out its new Fall 2007 collection, which will feature their new line of PureFormance knitwear. The company distributes exclusively to more than 3,500 private and resort golf shops nationwide. (800) 926-8010, www.fairwayandgreene.com — W.K.
 A Place in the Sun
Think high velocity and body scrubs have nothing in common? Then check out The Lodge at Sonoma’s new three-day “Speed & Spa” package. Partnering with the Jim Russell Racing School, guests spend three days channeling Dale Earnhardt behind the wheel of a formula race car and getting course instruction at the world-famous Infineon Raceway. Each night you return to a deluxe guestroom at The Lodge at Sonoma. What else is included? Dinner for two at Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, two 50-minute Swedish massages at Raindance Spa, and a wine tasting for two at Viansa Winery. Available Sunday through Thursday for $4,795. For reservations contact Jim Russell Racing School at (800) 733-0345, extension 21. www.thelodgeatsonoma.com — N.A.
 Furthermore
Your summary of what else is new and noteworthy
Stress is banished at the gourmet all-inclusive Azul BluE HOTEL + SPA in Riviera Maya, where London-trained butlers will unpack your bags, draw a bath, and even arrange a sushi and champagne sleepover on a four-poster beach bed. (866) 527-4762, www.karismahotels.com/azul_blue
For classic drama, head to Ontario for the Stratford Festival OF CANADA and the Shaw Festival. Stratford artistic director Richard Monette directs The Comedy of Errors, the festival’s 200th Shakespeare production. Other plays include two musicals, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, and Gershwin’s My One and Only. (800) 567-1600, www.stratfordfestival.ca. Highlighting the 10-play Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake are Shaw’s own Saint Joan and The Philanderer, as well as Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke and Somerset Maugham’s The Circle. (800) 511-7429, www.shawfest.com
 The Slovenian embassy, to open this summer at 2410 California Street in Washington, D.C., is using new technology to print a digital image permanently on glass, dramatically displaying the work on the building’s exterior.
Located on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast, the new villa hotel Kiana ResortS is all about eco-action. Guests can surf, horseback ride through the jungle, even play Tarzan and Jane on a canopy tour. (506) 889-7687, www.kianaresorts.com
Fendi furnishings and the largest Baccarat chandelier in Europe are just part of the $150 million renovation to London’s The MayFair. Also included in the makeover: 10 new luxury signature suites, 10 terraced “al fresco” rooms, a new Asian-inspired spa, and the new restaurant, Amba. (800) 333-3333, www.radissonedwardian.com
Love sea life but hate bulk? The AquaVista 500 wall-mounted aquarium looks and acts more like a flat-screen television than a home for your tropical fish. www.aquavistainc.com
The Philadelphia Museum of Art spreads its wings with the new Ruth and Raymond Perelman
extension in a landmark art deco building that will house a costume and textiles collection, prints, drawings, and photographs. Next up: a $500 million Frank Gehry addition that will increase the museum’s exhibition space by 60 percent. (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org
 Aren’t birthdays great?
Especially when you get to share in the presents. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Citi/AAdvantage credit card, and to celebrate this milestone and reward cardmembers for their loyalty, Citi and American Airlines are offering some cool promotions this summer.
Check out www.privatepass.citi.com for a special online auction featuring vacation destinations and celebrity packages, and get more details about the 20th anniversary celebration.
Tired of walking down the plane aisle and having your laptop case strap snag on an armrest? The SOLO SGL673-4 Leather Smart Strap Rolling Laptop Case features a retracting Smart Strap. $179. www.solocases.com — N.A., J.M.K., and J.T.
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