Robert Pattinson ditches New Moon and dines at a New York City diner

Soon after the staggering Twilight New Moon numbers started pouring in, Robert Pattinson and pals were spotted at La Esquina restaurant in New York City.

The decadently and rather unexpectantly restored diner draws plenty of attention, even without the presence of New Moon hottie Pattison. A top taqueria, the hipster friendly dining spot gives great eye candy with a goth look -- dripping candalabras, wrought iron gates, and the like in a dungeon style setting.

The stylishly gloomy spot, perfect for a vampire confab, is effected partially because the part of the restaurant where you actually eat is located in the basement. In fact, guests must pass through a rather dowdy kitchen and down a set of stairs to get there.

Speaking of getting there, besides New Moon star Robert Pattinson, other celebrity masticators at La Esquina include George Clooney, Kate Hudson, and Julia Roberts.

Not too shabby.

Neither is the festive food, courtesy food consultant Richard Ampudia of Cafe Habana fame. Included is the expected Mexican fare -- tacos, seviche, and the like -- but done with amazingly high-food-fashion flair.
Fancier fixes are on the carte, most popular of which is the chipotle and guava glazed pork spareribs and served with sweet plantains.

One caveat at La Esquina: This IN spot of the moment is so popular that lines form in the evening even though reservations are required -- and yes, there is a bouncer on hand. No worries: Go for breakfast instead. None of the hassle and all of the fun -- just like going to a Twilight Saga New Moon midweek matinee screening while everyone else is working.

Photos: Bing, public domain

Adam Lambert gets wild in Los Angeles on American Music Awards at Nokia Center

By Jane Lasky

November 22, 2009, Los Angeles, California: Over-the-top entertainer Adam Lambert goes out all as he performs in Los Angeles at the Nokia Center L.A. Live during The American Music Awards (AMAs) broadcast on the ABC television network. Gasps could be hear from the crowd as the American Idol contender took on Tinseltown one more time, this version one for the books.

People from all over the world visited The City of Angels to sit in the audience and cheer for their favorite musical acts at the 37th annual American Music Awards (AMAs). Adam Lambert, for one, didn't disappoint during the closing number.

The former American Idol TV show contestant's preformance was pure showmanship, though some naysayers were shocked by his man-on-man kiss at the end of his flamboyant number at the closing of the show, causing quite a controversy. While the wild choreography raised eyebrows, the number surely entertained, for good or for bad according to the viewer's sensitivies.

Which leads me to wonder:

Given the Britney Spears/Madonna kiss shared during a very memorable MTV Awards show, should this Adam Lambert version be banned? Are we talking double standards here? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, look online for pictures of the event or take a look at images of Lambert by clicking HERE and HERE for more of the action November 22, 2009, at Nokia Center L.A. Live. in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Robert Pattinson hangs up his fangs in New York City while New Moon hits theaters with a vengeance

Photo, right: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, together again after The Twilight Saga: New Moon premiered in New York City.

As movie lines wind around the corner of your favorite theater so fans can see Robert Pattinson and his fang gang on the big screen in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the harried actor stayed away. Instead, he enjoyed some R&R in New York City.

One stop on his low-key Manhattan adventure: Avenue.

Pattinson partied on the downlow with his co-star, Kristen Stewart, at the so-called gastro-lounge (pictured, below), a moniker coined by owner Noah Tepperberg.

His place is THE place in Manhattan to get cozy, listening to tunes while the lights move and strobe and then zone down to mellow late in the evening.

Some say this is a club. I say the bi-level Avenue is more a snazzy conversation pit since, although there is a great DJ, there isn't any dance floor, just a lot of cushy seating.

Food comes by way of bento boxes holding little noshes of waffle frites, Kobe sliders, and pretzel dogs. Cocktails are a bit on the daring side, especially when you order the fruity Belvedere Sex on the Beach, not a common Manhattan drink where Manhattans have been more the style in years past. Then there's the Dom Perignon Bellini, a favorite among regulars.

Reportedly, Pattinson liked the food, drink, and atmosphere at this cherished Chelsea establishment so much so that he stayed there with girlfriend (?) Stewart until 3 a.m. For some of that time, Joan Jett was also on hand, enjoying DJ Mike Nouveau's rock oriented play picks.

One song on the roster: "Common People" by Pulp, a tune to which Pattinson sang along from his seat on the mezzanine, according to Us magazine.

More New York adventures ensue for the young New Moon star, coming soon. Meanwhile, read more travel adventures about Pattinson, Stewart and the Twilight Saga: New Moon vampire clan HERE andHERE and HERE and HERE and HERE.

Photos from Bing, public domain

Robert Pattinson and Twilight Saga: New Moon take refuge in Italy (video)

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By Jane Lasky

Have you seen The Twilight Saga: New Moon yet? Or, are you going for a second time?

When you do, take a good look at Volterra, resident location for the Robert Pattinson Edward Cullen character and all his blood-sucking buddies when you do.

That's right.

In the Stephenie Meyers's Twight book series, Volterra is the prehistoric town where ancient vampires from the powerful Volturi Royal Coven make their home.

But don't be deceived by the celluloid version. Volturi is a real place: In Italy.

According to The Twilight Saga: New Moon author Stephenie Meyers, who writes on her web site:

I wrote the whole Volturi scene before I'd picked a location for it. For the first time, I was planning to create a fictional city .... I was going to call this place "Volturin," and I knew it needed to be located in Tuscany about an hour or two from Florence—I'd already written the drive from the airport. I'd also already written my descriptions of the plaza and clock tower and Volturi turret. So I pull up a map of Tuscany, trying to decide if Alice should drive north, south, east, or west, and look at that—there is a city named Volterra just about an hour from Florence. So I google image search Volterra, and the very first picture that comes up is the Volterra clock tower. Chills. I called my sister (who'd already read about my fictional Volturin) and told her to go look at Volterra. She freaked, too, because she'd pictured it the same way, too. It was actually a rather creepy moment."

This is the dictionary definition of kismet.

Volterra was the perfect spot. And, like in the Twilight Saga, this Tuscan outpost's history has been long and arduous.

Originally a picturesque place run by the Romans during the 1st century BC, Vulterra became a Bishop's residence during the 5th century, After the 12th century, when the town was deemed an episcopal power, the Florentines took over Volterra. This was horrible for locals, who tried to resist but ultimately lost their foothold. The Florentine republic fell in 1530 and from then on, the powerful Medici family reigned.

More about Volterra's assets coming soon. Meanwhile, go see New Moon and this beautiful Italian destination on the big screen.

Meanwhile, take a look a a great slideshow of Robert Pattinson at New York and Los Angeles premieres for The Twilight Saga: New Moon HERE

And then click HERE and HERE and HERE for more New Moon stories,

Watch Twilight Saga: New Moon and Robert Pattinson while you watch Vancouver, Canada too

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Coming soon to Vancouver and the rest of the world: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Photo: AP, Summit Entertainment

By Jane Lasky

On screen in cities everywhere in just two days (November 20), The Twilight Saga: New Moon gang will show off Vancouver like never before.

After all, the vampire movie saw stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Nikki Reed and all the other celluloid bloodsuckers spend plenty of time in the Canadian city while shooting there on location. In New Moon, they studied at David Thompson Secondary School (playing the part of Forks High) and they hung around the Ridge Theater in Kerrisdale.

But when it came to sleeping during the fang gang's Vancouver stay, they did that for real at the swanky Sutton Place Hotel. Besides soaking up the atmosphere in the Burrard Street property's Gerard Lounge, the cult film's cast members also did some unwinding in Sutton Place's Vida Spa. In fact, perhaps, just perhaps, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart -- reportedly romantically attached -- may have enjoyed the latter by indulging in the spa's signature couple's massage. Or not.

More on The Twilight Saga: New Moon with Robert Pattinson and company's travel adventures soon.

Meanwhile, click HERE and HERE and HERE for more Twilight New Moon-related travel articles.

Five of the best travel quotes ever

By Jane Lasky

Last year, during a 19-day Regent cruise from Auckland to Los Angeles -- by way of Tahiti and the Cook Islands --I went to sleep dreaming about what I was doing: traveling.

But before I drifted off to never never land, I relished the piece of premium chocolate Regent staffers set on my pillow. Then, before I turned off my light, I took the little envelopes that protected these delightful morsels and read what was written there.

All of them talked about travel, quoting some famous people, some infamous people, and some people who chose to remain anonymous. That said, here are five of the best travel sayings I came across during that unforgettable Pacific crossing on the Regent Seven Seas Mariner.

It is not enough to say I have been there. A voyage is not just a journey. It's a period of time, when the impossible can happen." - Unknown

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page." - St. Augustine

Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember and remember more than I have seen." - Benjamin Disraeli

It is better to travel well than arrive." - Buddha

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannor be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

Shopping madness in Paris

By Jane Lasky

I was psyched.

My assignment was to research the best hotels and smartest shops in Paris.

What hotel/shopaholic could ask for anything more?

Unfortunately, reality set in not too long after I checked into The Crillion, perhaps Paris's ritziest hotel.

I didn't even wait to unpack; I had my bags sent up to my suite so I would not waste another minute. Within seconds, I was walking to the St. Germain, ready to shop, shop, shop -- all in the interest of research, of course. I checked out each boutique, mentally taking notes about the items that I would buy could I afford to pay for them.

Finally, at Hermes, business was about to become pleasure. I couldn't resist the temptation to buy a gorgeous silk scarf from that famous French company. OK, $300 is a lot to pay for an adornment that ties around your neck -- but how nice it would be to remember Paris every time I wore it and someone admired it.

I lovingly handed my chosen scarf and my gold Visa card to the gleeful saleswoman.

But as she readied my purchase, her smile was suddenly replaced by a scowl. She cut the procedure short. Clutching the Hermes scarf far beyond my reach, she haughtily told me that I had exceeded my credit limit.

I was in shock. Knowing I had a $10,000 limit and rarely used the card, I tried to explain that there must be some mistake. But the saleswoman told me there was no mistake. Turning on her heel, she ignored me as I practically crawled out of the store.

My shopping expedition cut short by sheer embarrassment, I walked back to The Crillion. I had to clear up the matter as soon as possible. Even the sight of my enchanting suite with its marble bath and roaring fireplace could not placate me. A collect call to the States was the only thing on my mind.

That call cleared up my confusion and taught me an important lesson.

It seems that the gold card I used for check-in at the hotel was the same one rejected at the Hermes store. The hotel's policy is to block enough charges to cover double my week's stay -- in this case thousands of dollars -- rendering that credit card useless until I settled with the hotel upon check-out.

To avoid this predicament on future trips, I never leave home without my American Express card (and no preset credit limit) since that way I can use it whenever I check into a hotel, with a second card in reserve for other purchases if need be.

Now all I need is another Paris assignment so I can show up at Hermes for my scarf and the chance to regain a little of the dignity I lost there on my previous visit.

Delving into Dublin, my Irish cultural pursuit

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By Jane Lasky

To do Dublin due diligence, take in a typical Irish pub -- someone's local and the place in which a hectic day ends with Irish wit and a bit of beer to wash away lingering worries.

However, if you -- like me -- don't drink daily but want to experience the ambiance and cultural nuances of said Irish pub (translation: rationalize your decision), opt for a Dublin literary tour. These walking excursions lead to establishments once frequented by famous writers like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. Before entering, accomplished Irish thespians perform short yet perky readings outside each entrance to put you in the mood for that particular drinking den.

Meanwhile, if architecture and art suit, visit The Merrion. This former quartet of Georgian edifices, with their timber sash windows and plain exteriors, has become a fine hotel. But, checking in isn't necessary (though certainly a treat) to get a sense of these now-merged buildings. A seemingly seamless transition from one to the next, each grade one townhouse was carefully restored to effect the original feel of an 18th-century manse.

Next to the rococo plastered lobby, entered by a subtle ramp joining the two rooms and lowering into the next house, is the drawing room. Created by Alice Roden, a local designer and weaver, and done in period colors, Irish fabrics and fine antiques, the lounge effects the look and feel of an exclusive parlor -- but without so much formality that you can't have a good time. So that I did, taking high tea there with friends.

After soaking up my Merrion brew, a glance into the swimming pool, drenched in miles of tiles (photo above), and the hotel's vast 19th- and 20th-century private art collection (one of Ireland's most respected), I strolled around central Dublin. I enjoyed the familiar scenery, thinking that even though I had been to this city many times, like with my hesitance to try the national drink, I had been wary to really delve into Irish life.

So, I did.

And by going through this intense cultural process, I came away with a better understanding of Ireland -- and I had a lot of fun, too.

One way into the groove was by taking a traditional Irish dance class at the Temple Bar Gaelchultur , Dublin's cultural center. I learned from a young hoofer who insisted the most senior in our group (me) try the traditional jig. My performance wasn't magnificent, but I did get through the basic steps.

Another aspect of Ireland that doesn't come in the shape of a building or a monument, but does help immerse you into Irish life, is to learn a bit of Gaelic. I did that too, also at the Temple Bar Gaelchultur by way of a singing lesson from a very patient teacher, ever encouraging despite the fact that our class desecrated traditional Irish songs like nails on a blackboard.

An intrinsically artistic nation, Ireland offers some of its most enjoyable entertainment for free -- or, at the very least, for the cost of a gratuity. This opportunity comes straight from famous Grafton Street. Stop by and listen to a child protégé playing bagpipes or a boy band emulating the Beatles. On this pedestrian-only thoroughfare, buskers are everywhere, trying out acts that run the gamut -- and then some.

Nearby, on any random sidewalk, chalk artists create elaborate works, their masterpieces only to be washed away with the next rain. And so it goes.

For anorther article about Ireland, click HERE.

New Moon's Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner munch on Munich

New Moon crew catches Germany before opening worldwide November 20, 2009 
Photo: AP, Summit Entertainment

Robert Pattinson went to Germany with Kristen Stewart. Taylor Lautner (not in vampire mode) went too. So did The Twilight Saga: New Moon director Chris Weitz.

But what did these filmmakers do in Munich except answer questions, sign autographs, and generally get mobbed?

Apparently, not much.

The sought-after, thespians-of-the-moment and their fearless leader stopped by Olympiahalle Muenchen multi-event venue to ramp up the mood for their forthcoming film on November 15. Jet lag was probably  part of the program as the Twilight gang finished up their whirlwind European tour that also included London, Paris, and Madrid.

Too bad there wasn't more time on their last stop.

Munich is a glorious German city, with amazing architecture (like like St. Michael's, the largest Renaissance  church north of the Alps), a spirited town square/marketpace called Viktualienmarkt, and Europe's best beer gardens (like local fav Schumann's).

But, it was auf wiedersehen to Germany before the Twilight foursome could even get a small bite out of this big city. 

Next stop: Los Angeles on Monday. 

Welcome home, New Moon stars, welcome home.

For more on New Moon antics in Europe, click HERE and HERE.

  



 

Crystal and castles: The wonders of Waterford, Ireland

By Jane Lasky

One stop on a recent Crystal cruise took me to Waterford. What I expcted was lots of fine crystal, what I found was so much more.

Home to Ireland’s oldest metropolis, Waterford City was First visited by Vikings in 825 AD. Small yet vibrant, this thriving enclave offers a dramatic blend of the ultra-modern (in shopping centers and pedestrianized walkways like John Roberts Square) and the very old (like the medieval Reginald's Tower monument and Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity).

Not far away, smaller County Waterford villages perch on the edge of beautiful bays. One, Lismore, is home to the appropriately named Lismore Castle, the Irish retreat for all the Dukes of Devonshire since the mid 1700s.

This landmark structure was built in 1185 by King John as the namesake castle of the Heritage town. During the 1580s, the grand property was leased to Sir Walter Raleigh, where he enjoyed enormous hallways, awe-inspiring tapestries, and mesmerizing gardens today landscaped with modern sculpture by contemporary artists like Anthony Gormley.

One castle room is set aside simply for the pleasure of playing cards, while another is for billiards. Most impressive is Lismore's banquet hall. Designed by Pugin, the name behind the English House of Commons, this space resembles a miniature of the same, complete with marble fireplace and musicians' gallery.
While poking around Lismore, you'll come to realize that people, do, indeed, live in this castle, whether that be by spotting a half written letter on a desk or seeing an umbrella waiting to be used by a doorway.

One last bit of good news at Lismore: Private groups of up to 23 people can book the whole place when the Duke is not in quarters. So, get your friends together and get to County Waterford for a chance to live like royalty in an authentic Irish castle.

Click HERE for an insider's article on Dublin.

Below: an amazing Waterford chandelier, made of the world's finest crystal; then a video of Waterford City at night

 

 

Remember, remember, the 5th of November: Guy Fawkes Day in the UK (video)

By Jane Lasky

Bonfire Night. Cracker Night. Fireworks Night. Bonny Night.

All these monikers mean it's Guy Fawkes Day, a British celebration remembering a scandal when a guy named Guy (actually, his name was Guido) and a bunch of his martyr cohorts attempted to kill King James 1 (a protestant) and then blow up the British Houses of Parliament.

The plan failed.

This was back in the early 1600s, with the result being that Guy and his guys were burned in Lewes, England for their crimes.

A holiday came out of the crisis, where towns and villages all over the United Kingdom enjoy big bonfires and blasts of fireworks into the night.

They also dine on toffee apples, black peas in vinegar, and potato pie accompanied by pickled red cabbage. That's tradition.

Not your thing? No worries.

We don't celebrate this British holiday in the U.S. but we do acknowledge it, if unwittingly. In fact, the Guy Fawkes mask is the one worn on the screen version of Alan Moore's V for Vendetta and it is also worn by anti-Scientologists protesters, each known simply as "Anonymous."

One more way we can identify with Guy: In Milton's Paradise Lost, the Satin character was based on this long ago criminal who inspired the Brits to come up with a holiday where they can play with fire.

And there you have it.

Oh, Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

Alanis Morissette sings the Phillies and Citizens Bank Park into a win in game 5 of the World Series

By Jane Lasky

Photo above: PHILLIPES ONE Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz warms up before Game 5 of the Major League Baseball World Series against the New York Yankees Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

BREAKING NEWS: November 2, 2009: Before heading back to New York and the new Yankee Stadium, Philadephia's Citizens Bank Park showed off the Pennsylvania stadium's strength by helping the Phillies take game 5 over the Yankees in the World Series.

Click HERE for highlights that visitors will discover at the entertaining Philadelphia ballpark and then look below at some of images of this alluring stadium at play today.

Meanwhile, details on the super duper Yankee stadium to come before Wednesday's game.

Photo below: Kate Berninger shows off her Philadelphia Phillies' "P" on her cheek before Game 5 of the Major League Baseball World Series between the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Photo below: Philadelphia Phillies' Raul Ibanez fails to catch a two-run RBI double to center field by New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez during the eighth inning of Game 5 of the Major League Baseball World Series Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Photo below: Alanis Morissette sings the national anthem before Game 5 of the Major League Baseball World Series between the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)