Sweetwater Tavern and Grille - A Great Chicago Sports Bar!

Sweetwater Tavern and Grille
http://sweetwatertavernandgrille.com
225 N. Michigan Avenu, Chicago, IL  60601

Hello folks!  Just wanted to give a shout out for Sweetwaters Tavern and Grille on Michigan Avenue.  We popped into this place as an afterthought, but it should have been out first stop.  Great beer, reasonable prices.  Totally kickin' array of HiDef sports TV.  If you want a certain game on, I'm sure that can be arranged.  The staff was very friendly, and Kevin tending bar had two great beer suggestions - The Anti-Hero IPA (the tap had a green fist...) and Surly.

Since I didn't eat there, I can't speak for the cuisine, but what I saw looked great.

Also, I'm here in Chicago during one of those Polar Vortex occurences - which just basically means friggin' cold!  -1 F for a low and 8 for a high.  But here's the cool part - you can get to Sweetwater's by using the maze of tunnels and bridges under the Hyatt and never have to step out into inclement weather.  Just take the escalator down from the West tower.  Follow that tunnell to a T intersection.  Turn left (right takes you out to Wacker...).  Jink slightly left and go up a half flight of stairs to the ped overpass.  Then down the stairs on the other side, and follow the signs to Sweetwater.

Sweetwater offers 10% off for Hyatt guests on the entire bill, including libations.  To take advantage of this, you have to get the voucher from the Hyatt Concierge first, so prior planning will pay off.

FRA: Sam's Sports Bar

http://www.samssportsbar.de
Sun-Fri 18:00-05:00, Sat 15:00-05:00 clock
Phone: +49 (0) 69/35103573

My fellow crewmates turned me on to this neat sports bar right next to the Westin Grand hotel.  It is only a 1 minute walk from the front entrance.  Sam's Sports bar does amazing things in its modest and well appointed square footage - 4 or 5 hi def screens and a staff that is eager to please with the freshest libations.  I didn't get a chance to taste the food, but I hear that the hot wings are very good.  Please post a comment if you have anything to add in regards to the menu.

Here I am with Moe and his hot sidekick, Giti.  They were playing the SFO, NE Patriots game in the background.

Cluck, ever the lady's man, makes an appearance...

Narita: Best Thai Restaurant at Narita Airport

Jai Thai
www.jaithai.co.jp
Central Building 5F of the New Section, Terminal 1
Narita Airport, Narita City, 282-8601
Tel: 0476-32-9191

If you have time at the airport and find yourself wanting some Thai food, then mosey on up to the food court on the 'new section' (in the vicinity of the observation deck).  Go to the Jai Thai restaurant and get the crew special Chicken Pad Thai for 1000¥ (about $10).  Generous portion with just enough hotness.  You'll have it in about 5 minutes.



Getting there is kinda tricky, but it's one level above the security level.  Just fade right after you enter the terminal, go up an escalator, and E & E your way towards the food court/observation deck.

There's a Lawsons convenience store nearby as well, if you want something else last minute.  Enjoy!

Sao Paulo: Restaurant A Griffe do File Mignon

267 Al. Ministro Rocha Azevedo, Cerqueira Cesar, Sao Paulo

This is a great casual restaurant.  Generous portions are meant to be shared with a large table of your friends.  The mixed grille can feed quite a few folks, especially if you get a plate of polenta on the side.

mixed grill

Polenta

Sao Paulo: Pamplona Restaurant

No sign, look for two awnings

Right across the street from McDonalds on Rua Pamplona is the Pamplona Restaurant.  This is a great place to get standard Brazilian fare at very reasonable prices.  They have a cafe counter as well as a sit down section.

Look for Fejoada (wiki article about Feijoada) on Wednesdays and Saturdays (pictured below).  If the unidentified meat pieces makes you a bit squeamish, try the Frango Filet Executivo, which is a nice thinly cut slice of chicken over a bed of rice.  It comes with beans and fries and a salad, and a fried egg on top of the slice of chicken.  Also good is the fried chicken, which is served as small bone-in sections of thigh and leg meat (I think).

The staff is extremely friendly and will probably recognize you as UAL (no special prices - but they are already very reasonable).

Feijoada

Cluck Returns!!

Caesar Park Hotel, Guarulhos, Brazil

With the protests occurring in Brazil recently, UAL crews as well as others have been staying at the Caesar Hotel - the one just south of the approach end of 9R.  It's pretty isolated - no way to walk to anything.  We may be back at the Tivoli by now, but just in case this situation crops up again, I've recorded a few tidbits here for posterior:

Free internet for all of your devices.  There is wired ethernet at the desk, but it seemed to actually be slower.  The TV has an HDMI input, so you can watch your favorite movies using your iPad or laptop.

Free breakfast buffet from 6am to 10:30am.  It starts to get really crowded after 9.  Inbound crews might make this as long as your not delayed too long.  They start taking the trays of food away right at 10:30.  The custom made omelets are pretty good - ask for a 2 egg omelet or they'll just give you one.  The eggs in the buffet line aren't that good, so it's worth the wait.

There is a crew room with a TV and some tea - go to the business center and its the last room on the right after the conference rooms.  There is a hot water machine and a microwave (no hot water kettle in the rooms, so if you need hot water, this is the source).  Starting the crew party here is fun.  You can later migrate outside by the pool if you want.  The restaurant will deliver to this room.

We get a 20% discount on food (and bar, too, I think...).  The pizzas aren't bad, and are probably the best deal - 30R for a pizza that can serve 2.

The hotel bar is nice, but standard higher prices.  If you wanna imbibe more economically, bring your own, or buy a bottle of Stoli on the plane with duty free.  You can grab some beers in the airport shopette.  They'll be pricier than a store, but less expensive than the hotel bar.  A bag of ice or two off of the airplane is a nice touch, since you have to 'room service' order any ice.

There are a couple of restaurants nearby - some that'll pick you up.  I've heard that the nearest churrascaria is just average in quality with above average prices.  There is a Mexican restaurant near also, that is apparently pretty good.

There is a huge mall nearby with many American style stores and restaurants.  There is a shuttle bus that runs between the hotel and the mall 4 times a day.  The schedule is at the concierge.

The pool can be used to swim laps (~25m), although the water was pretty chilly.  The cabana by the pool has a ping pong table and a pool table.  It appears to be a perfect spot for a continued crew party.

There is a tennis court and a basketball court for use, and equipment to sign out.

The gym on the 10th floor is certainly not the best, but if you're creative you can still get a workout in.  Best to just to play basketball and swim lap, IMO.

If you owe money at checkout, allow some extra time or pay up or pay up at your convenience a few hours in advance.  The counter was swamped with crews checking in and out and it can cause delays.

Post here if you have any questions!

Here are some links for further research...

• The Caesar Park Hotel website
• Tripadvisor RE Caesar Park Hotel

London: Halloween at the Church

Don't miss this year's Halloween party at The Church on Sunday, the 30th! An amazing bash!

But be sure to go early! Last year the Capt and I decided to go to The Church, but we were late to the door. The line snaked around the block, and they stopped letting people in at their max capacity. So don't let this happen to you!

Check out my Church post from a few years ago, to get a glimpse of what goes on inside...
http://crewtips.blogspot.com/2009/06/lhr-church.html

or visit The Church's website for more info:
thechurch.co.uk

Enjoy!!

KWI: Great Filipino Restaurant

OK, so unless you're blind, you must have noticed that there are quite a few Filipinos in Kuwait City. No doubt they've come here for promised jobs and a crack at a better life for themselves and their families.

It stands to reason then, that they probably tend to prefer their own cuisine. I love Filipino food, and I had a hunch that I'd find the good stuff here in Kuwait. Well, lucky for UAL crews staying at the Sheraton 4 Points, there is a great Filipino restaurant right across the street in the indoor mall.

It's called Lutong Pinoy, and I ate there recently and got a great filling meal for about $11 (3.25 KD split between the two of us...)  that included dessert!

The captain and I ate family style - we both ordered a main dish which came with white rice, and we ordered a plate of pansit, which is the classic Filipino noodle dish.

They let us sample the dishes, so don't be bashful! You wanna like what you order, and you probably wouldn't know what you're ordering unless you have a Filipino friend or relative. If you have a question, just ask!  Just about every Filipino that I've run into in Kuwait speaks English, and they don't mind helping you out.

I ordered the Crab with Coconut Milk. Totally awesome!!! But this dish had the crab body meat still in the shell, so you had some sloppy work cut out for you. But I've never tasted crab this good! The meat was incredibly tender and had been marinating in a creamy rich coconut sauce, so it was worth the extra effort. But it helps to be familiar with how to eat a crab and get the meat out of all the nooks and crannies. If you've ever eaten Maryland blue crab from the shell, then you'll have no trouble with this dish. The dish was rounded out with some tasty yams and other veggies in the sauce.

The captain ordered the Chicken Menudo. Also a very good dish. It had a hint of sweet and sour taste to it.

The pansit with chicken was a great side.  They made it a bit salty with soy sauce, but that also lended itself to meshes great with the other dishes.  The little cabbage leafs made it just healthy enough.

For dessert we both had the traditional Filipino sweet treat - Halo Halo. This dessert is basically candied items layered with condensed milk and crushed ice. This restaurant put a dollup of strawberry ice cream on top, but that is a local touch. The sweet/candied items can be anything - fruit, beans, coconut gelatin, jelly, yams or more. It truly is a surprise when you dip your spoon way down to the bottom, cause you're not sure what you're gonna get.

To get there:
Go through the UTC main entrance and turn left at the first hall.  This leads to an open area atrium with a stairwell.  Take it to the second floor.


At the top of the stairs look diagonally across the atrium and you'll find Lutong Pinoy in the back corner.
 

Sorry for digging in before the pics, but we were hungry!  On the left is the coconut crab, in the middle is the chicken menudo, and off to the right and with a portion already on my plate, is the pansit.


I am going to do some research on some of the dishes listed here on the door.  The lumpia is Filipino version of a fried eggroll, but I don't know what the difference is between Shanghai and Prito.
 

Good Paris Indian Restaurant

Hey y'all, after a day on the Paris Plages (Seine Beach event), I was hankerin' for some food. It was a Sunday, so the pickin's were slim. I happened across an Indian Place not too far from the Hotel, and they did a very good job with my lamb vindaloo, basmati rice and garlic naan for 18€. It wasn't the cheapest takeout, but I was hungry and in Europe on a Sunday.

So give 'em a try.
Taj Mahal Restaurant Indien
8 Rue Humblot - 75015 Paris
Tel: 01 45 75 56 85
www.tajmahal.com


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Paris Beach!

I finally got a Paris trip during the famed Paris Plages month. This year it's going on from 21 July to 21 August.

Plage is French for 'beach' so Paris Plages means Paris Beaches. Sure enough, they convert an entire section of the north bank of the Seine to a summer paradise. The entire event spans from the Pon des Arts bridge to the Pont de Sully bridge. The sand beach section is from Pont des Arts up to Pont d'Arcole (the Notre Dame bridge). There are four sand volleyball courts but they are a short walk north of the OPon d'Arcole bridge in front of the Hotel de Ville. Check out the map below...



I must admit to being a bit skeptical, but the Parisiens have done a great job with this event. It doesn't pretend to replace the entire beach atmosphere, but if you ever wished to soak up some rays on the river banks amid a festive ambience, this is the ticket!

Complete with Sand Castles!


and beach volleyball!

As the Saying Goes

OK, so I'm flying with this Captain from Texas. Every once in a while, he'd come up with a side-splittin' funny gem of wisdom that only a country boy could pull off. Kinda Jeff Foxworthy style. I thought I'd share a few of them with ya.

That boy couldn't find his ass with a handful of fishhooks!

She could talk the horns of a billy goat!

You were busier than a one-legged man at an ass-kickin' contest!

That woman was as old as the hills on grandma!

Why he's wound tighter than grandaddy on blue cheese! (I needed this one translated - think constipation...)

I gotta piss like a tied up dog in July!

Well, enjoy them and use these sayings sparingly and judiciously!

PEK: Renaissance Hotel

We've recently moved from the J.W. Marriot in Beijing to the Renaissance Hotel. I was never able to get a Beijing layover during the J.W. era, but I hear it was pretty good. With the bar set high for the Beijing regulars, the Renaissance has it's work cut out for it.

The rooms are great, with a hardwood foyer, and a fluffy comfy bed. There is a big screen LCD and free high speed internet (just charge it, and they remove it from the bill at checkout).

The bathrooms are great. The shower has both a handheld showerhead and a rainforest-type showerhead above that can operate simultaneously. There is a big standalone tub by the bathroom windows, which look into the bedroom. There are motorized shades that lower them.

Probably the neatest thing about the hotel is the gratis food and beverages. There is an open bar and hors d'oeuvres on the 24th floor. The food is served until 7:30pm and the booze flows freely (literally) until 9:30pm. In the morning, there is a complimentary breakfast in the 24th floor, as well as complimentary admission to the buffet on the 4th floor, which I only learned about until eating my fill on the 24th floor. So, unless your taste buds are bored, you'll not need to spend much on food and drink during your Beijing layover.

Be prepared to be surrounded by the local massage and spa folks when the bus pulls up. They'll follow you up to the lobby (on the 4th floor) as they hand out cards and try for your business. I got a 1 hour in-room massage for 100 yuan, and if you want more attention than the norm, the price will go north from there. Just let them know the time, and they'll knock on your door promptly and get to work.

The van to the Peal Market works a bit differently (apparently) than other hotels. This one was a small 12 pack van under contract by the Pearl Market. It left full for the 15 minute ride to the market. I didn't get a schedule, but was able to figure out the one of the pickup times for the return was 1:30pm at the front of the Pearl Market, perfect for the pickup time.

The fitness center and pool is on the top floor, and is fantastic. Very well maintained machines, and a wide range of dumbell weights. There is a squat cage also. The pool is a 25M lap pool on the same floor, but hang a right at the desk instead of a left. So, if you're into swimming, be sure to bring the goggles, speedos and cap!

Overall, a great hotel! The regulars will say its a step down from the J.W., but don't let these naysayer comments sway you. The Renaissance is no slouch! All things considered, I'd still rank it as one of the best hotels we stay, maybe even taking the top spot.

Have fun!

DXB: Zinc Nightclub

After a few beers at the Belgian Beer Cafe, I was ready to head out for some dancing. I got a tip from some locals that said the Zinc nightclub was rocking on Monday nights - it was their 80's retro night. I was the only one of the crew wanting to head out, so I grabbed a cab (and a beer for the road) and headed out to Zinc.

Zinc is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, kinda the main drag of Dubai with tons of hotels and bars. Rumor has it that the Virgin crews stay around here somewhere, but I can't confirm that. The bar is on the lobby level of the Crown Plaza Hotel. If you are staying at that hotel, you'll get in for free, but it's 100 dirhams if you are not. Someone had said that you need a 'date' to get in, but that was not the case with me. I tried to get out of the 100 dirham cover charge, saying I was a Crown Plaza guest at Festival City, but that went nowhere. The cab ride was about 12 minutes, and cost about 25 dirhams each way.

I'm not sure if there's a dress code, but you'll be out of place in shorts and sneakers/sandals.

That night, the music was awesome! The mix was indeed heavily 80's, even getting in some AC/DC and the Footloose song. I did not have any drinks there, due to planning ahead, but I hear they are pricey. So plan accordingly. Last call was around 2am.

Zinc is definitely a place to check out.  You'll bust your bank account if you go there thirsty, but pick the right night, and you'll have a great time!

Belgian Beer Cafe, Dubai

The Belgian Beer Cafe is located at the lobby level of the Crown Plaza Festival City. The location and atmosphere combine for a fun experience, not to mention the wide variety of authentic Belgian and European beers.

UAL Crews get a 20% discount on the food, but not the booze. Their signature dish is a plate of mussels served in a few different styles. They can also whip up a mean plate of sausages and mashed potatoes. If you're in the mood for more of a snack, go for the french fries. These delectable fries a cooked in an oil that is probably banned in the US, and come complete with a small cup of mayonaisse to be true to the euro-style. These fries will russle up your european memories, but jsut don't plan on getting a cholesterol check for a few days...

Smoking is allowed in the indoor bar, so that can be a bother if it's crowded. Head outside if the temperature is bearable for a more relaxed atmosphere. Prices are high all around. Expect to pay 30-40 Dirhams for a big beer (about $9-10). Food prices are also on the high side, but the %20 discount makes it bearable.

NEW!! Crewtips Maps

A new feature that I've been working on is to geo-tag my blog posts via Google Maps. Currently, I have 4 city maps with more to come.
Crewtips World Map The place to start - each city map will be listed here.
Crewtips Tokyo - Downtown Tokyo - Roppongi neighborhood.
Crewtips Narita - The namesake city for the Tokyo Narita airport
Crewtips London
Crewtips Sao Paulo


View Crewtips World Map in a larger map

Being on reserve limits the cities I fly to. I've only had one Rome and one Beijing in the 3 years I've been on the 777. But, if you'd like to offer up your time to be a collaborator, either with blog posts or via the map points, please let me know.

Enjoy this new feature! It really does help to have a map view to get yourself oriented.

Tokyo - Roppongi: Kadan Turkish Restaurant

I've been passing by this little Restaurant/Stand on each layover. I finally decided to stop in and grab a bite.

Turn left at the top of the Roppongi hill (away from the elevated freeway and towards the McDonald's). It'll be a few hundred feet down on the left. Big red sign and rotisseries spinning. Can't miss it!

You'll be pleased with the prices and the food is very good. I had not had a beef pita sandwich in that style before - it was a unique sauce, but still it was very flavorful. The sandwich and the beer was 1000Y. It's also a great place to duck into if the Nigerians become unbearable.

The sauce was good, but if try it first to see if it suits you.

Restaurant seating inside.

Tokyo-Roppongi: Geronimo! Shot Bar

Geronimo Shot Bar
Yamamuro Bldg, 2nd floor
7-14-10 Roppongi, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3478-7449
Google Place page w/ map

The Geronimo Shot Bar is a small little 2nd floor bar with lots of ambiance. It seems to cater to ex-pats, but it's not exclusive. When we walked in, there was just a few folks at the bar with Stone Temple Pilots blaring. Beers are 900Y (standard Roppongi price). Luck for us, there was a wealthy Russian dude, who thanks to his deep pockets, bought 2 rounds for everyone at the bar. The deal is, if you bang the drum (shown in one of the photos) you buy the bar. So, we had two shots of Stoli thanks to glasnost!

Their music selection is top notch - they probably have what you wanna listen to.

The Russkie was a little freaky, but the vodka was flowing -


Great crew, with Geronimo statue on the right


"Yup, peace bro! I'm outta!"

Motown Bar

This bar is probably one of the best in Roppongi. There is no cover and the music that they play is a great mix of Classic Rock, Motown, and current pop. Beers are a bit pricey at 900¥, but just don't drink that much and you'll be OK.

Go up the hill towards Roppongi, and turn left at the main intersection, Gaien Higashi Dori. Just about 100' down on the left is Motown, marked by a subtle sign and an outdoor staircase entrance.

So, have fun! But two words of caution. You'll often find a few ladyboys there, usually up towards the entrance, so be heads up.

Also, if a girl asks you to follow her to a different bar, it's probably for a reason. Many bars will give ladies a cut if they bring patrons in. And you'll probably get soaked, so don't go along. If you're having fun at Motown, why leave?


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Tokyo: Pepper Lunch

UPDATE!! Pepper Lunch was closed last time I was in Tokyo. I dont' know why, as the sign was all in Japanese. The next time I'm back, I'll check on it again and report back. I'll keep the post up until I find out for sure.... Tim

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I stumbled upon Pepper Lunch while looking for some late night food. If you've got a hankerin' for some sizzling steak at reasonable prices, then this place is for you!

For about 1000¥, you get a 300g slice of meat sizzling on a hot iron skillet that you cook to taste. You'll also get a side of corn and a place of rice. There is a dollop of garlic butter which can be set into the skillet to add flavor. There is also a garlic soy sauce to pour into the skillet to add even more zip.

For a good steak at a great price in Japan, it can't be beat!

The vending machine to take your order:


A poster showing the selections:

Tokyo: Roppongi Noodle Shop

I have been searching for a noodle shop that serves noodles in the same style as Ramen Bayashi in Narita Town. I've found a shop here that comes close, if not surpasses the noodles served at the old haunt. I have no idea what the official name of the shop is.

On the north side of Roppongi Dori, east of the main intersection, you'll see a Daily convenience mart, and then to the right, a Yoshinoya fast food restaurant. Take the stairs below the Yoshinoya, and you'll arrive at this noodle shop. There is seating for about 15.

There is a vending machine around the corner of the stairs. If you have not used a Tokyo restaurant vending machine, you will have to learn at some point. After deciding what you want and the price, you input your money and select the item. It won't allow you to select an item that is priced more than you've inputted. You'll get a little ticket printed below, and when you sit down, you give the ticket to the chef.

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Great Noodles! Spice 'em up to your liking...

Draft Beers were about 300Y as I recall...



Me & the Chef go way back.