Latest news with #Michelin-starred
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
7 times JD Vance probably should have just stayed home on the couch
JD Vance looking like a dweeb as always. Vice President JD Vance can't go anywhere! Vance has a history of being off-putting, making people uncomfortable, and getting booed basically everywhere he goes. But now, President Donald Trump's second in command can't even go to his home state of Ohio without having the population make their dislike of him very clear. And it's not just states or the happiest place on earth that don't want him around; entire countries want nothing to do with him, either. He may only have a 47.4 unfavorable rating from Real Clear Polling, but if the crowds that gather every time Vance tries to exit a plane or car are any indication, people really don't like him. We can't imagine why. Here are 7 places that the populace has made it clear that he should steer clear. Ohio Even in his home state of Ohio, Vance isn't guaranteed a warm welcome. On July 28, the vice president visited the Metallus steel mill in Canton, Ohio to brag about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but was met by a few dozen protestors with a giant sign accusing Vance of 'protecting pedophiles' in reference to The Trump administration's refusal to release the files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Ohio Capital Journal reports. Nantucket Last week, Vance traveled to Nantucket for a Republican National Convention Committee fundraiser and was met by boos from protesters who trolled the vice president with giant posters of the AI-generated bald Vance Meme and protest signs with messages like 'go hump a couch,' in reference to the hilarious rumor that he once made sweet sweet love to a piece of furniture. Disneyland After Trump started gleefully ripping families apart as part of his 'immigration policy,' ICE protests sprang up all over Los Angeles, so when Vance decided to roll into town to take a family trip to Disneyland, the protestors set up camp outside the park. But that's not all, once he arrived, Vance and his family were met with people confronting, heckling, and recording them. Also, if you haven't seen him running while at Disneyland, do yourself a favor and check it out now. You can thank us later. San Diego Vance is so unpopular that he can't even have dinner without facing hate. Over Fourth of July weekend, Vance was heckled and booed while coming out of a sushi restaurant with his wife. "Hope your Michelin-starred sushi was worth it with 82 people dead in Texas! Thanks for cutting the National Weather Service,' someone can be heard shouting in the video, while another person says, "Get the hell out of San Diego, a******!" The Kennedy Center As Vance and his wife Usha took their seats at a National Symphony Orchestra concert at Washington's Kennedy Center back in March, the concert hall filled with booing, jeering, and shouts of 'You ruined this place!' from the crowd. This came after Trump sacked the chairman of the Kennedy Center board and appointed himself instead, and named Usha as one of the new board members, all while vowing to change the Kennedy Center's offerings because he deemed them to be too 'woke.' Greenland In March, Vance and Usha arrived in Greenland on a controversial trip as part of Trump's bizarre push to take Greenland from Denmark, but instead of being welcomed with open arms by the locals, Vance was ignored by the people of Greenland and told the trip was 'highly aggressive' by the government. People protested the trip outside the airport where Vance landed, and organizers of a dog sled race, the second lady intended to attend, announced they never invited her. Ouch. Canada Conservative Canadian MP Jamil Jivani, who befriended Vance while the two were at Yale, uninvited his old friend to the Great White North after Trump's comments about Canada becoming the 51st state and the administration's threats of tariffs. 'They need to probably reconsider some of their rhetoric and their policy before coming to Canada,' Jivani told Politico. 'Our country should deserve more respect before being able to welcome them.' Vermont Vermont's normally very welcoming people gathered by the thousands to protest Vance when he and his family descended on the state for a ski trip. People lined the streets leading to the ski resort with protest signs expressing concerns about the state of democracy, climate change, the war in Ukraine, and LGBTQ+ rights, and aimed their ire at the vice president, the Maine Morning Star reported. And stores Listen, the whole story about Vance d*cking down a sectional might have been just a rumor that got out of control, but furniture stores aren't taking any chances! This article originally appeared on Pride: 7 times JD Vance probably should have just stayed home on the couch RELATED The internet can't stop mocking JD Vance for being the 'antichrist' after the Pope's death 30 HILARIOUS reactions to JD Vance allegedly in drag as #SofaLoren trends & we CACKLE JD Vance made a mockery once again, this time he's besieged with devastating AI eyeliner videos
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
I've Lived in France for 10+ Years—Here's How to Visit Paris on a Budget
A dream trip to the City of Light doesn't have to be a pricey one—here's how to plan an affordable trip in Points Travelers can enjoy Paris without overspending by timing trips for the off-season, booking early, and skipping touristy hotspots. Budget meals, cheap transport, and affordable stays make it easy to explore the city for less. Planning smart helps visitors experience the best of Paris—charm, culture, and cuisine—without breaking the living in France for nearly a dozen years, I still swoon every time I see the Eiffel Tower lit up. Calling Paris romantic is an understatement—the city has inspired poets and artists, who still pilgrimage here today in search of inspiration that can be found in nearly every turn, in every arrondissement. The city is a must-visit destination for many, but you don't need to shell out on splashy hotels and haute cuisine to experience the best Paris has to offer. A fresh baguette and beautiful bottle of wine on the Seine can be just as memorable as a Michelin-starred meal. With the right planning, you can have the trip of a lifetime in Paris without breaking the bank—here's everything you need to know. Planning Your Trip While it's always a good idea to visit Paris, some seasons are busier than others, particularly around the end of May during Roland-Garros (the French Open), the summer months, and around Christmas and New Year's. While hotels and airfare may be lower in the winter, Paris can be wet and cold—not ideal for strolling and sightseeing, but great for museums and cozying up in warm cafes. 'To keep to a budget, timing is key,' says Mark Bonte, co-founder and CEO of French Side Travel. 'Booking your trip at least six months in advance means you're getting not only better availability for top guides and iconic hotels, but better pricing as well.' It seems like my social calendar is consistently packed with friends visiting the city from May through July—and this is actually the time of year I skip town to avoid the crowds. This is also the most expensive time to visit; those looking to save money should aim for the shoulder seasons in October and November or February and March. As a travel writer who plans trips that revolve entirely around restaurants, I'm often asked the best places to try in Paris and when to book. Even in low season, Paris has become busy enough that nearly every sought-after restaurant requires a reservation—especially classics like Le Bistrot Paul Bert, which only accepts reservations via phone. This isn't New York, though. Unless you're planning a splurge-worthy meal at triple Michelin-starred Plénitude, whose waiting list is months long, you can reserve three weeks to a month in advance at most. And while most spots are known to shut in August for summer holidays, this is slowly changing as more restaurants keep their doors open or host pop-ups with guest chefs. I'm one of the few people in Paris who actually wants to be in town this time of year, enjoying long, balmy summer days sipping rosé on rooftop terraces or sprawled on a blanket sunbathing in my neighborhood park, Buttes Chaumont. Related: The Best Times to Visit Paris for Great Weather, Events, and Fewer Crowds How to Save Money on Flights Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish recommends booking flights on a Sunday, which can save up to 17 percent compared to Friday bookings, and departing on a Thursday instead of a Sunday, which also saves around 17 percent. If you're flexible, Fish says you can score deals on last-minute trips as well. Last year, the sweet spot was around 60 days, but this year, the best deals (around 10 percent off) have been between 18 and 29 days out. 'If this is cutting it too close, use Price Drop Protection on the Expedia app,' she advises. 'Add it to your flight booking and get an automatic refund if the price of your flight drops on Expedia after you've booked.' Business-class-only La Compagnie offers daily flights between New York and Paris, with round-trip prices starting at $2,500—a fraction of the cost of other business-class fares. Another budget-friendly option is low-cost carrier French Bee, with one-way fares from New York to Paris Orly starting at $118. Air France also has its twice-annual Le Rendez-Vous promotional periods in late summer or early fall and winter, and it's when travelers can find some of the best prices of the year. 'For travelers looking to experience Paris in style without splurging, winter and the shoulder seasons are ideal,' says Christian Vernet, CEO of La Compagnie, who recommends booking two to three months in advance and staying flexible with your travel dates. 'Our best deals to Paris are typically available for travel in January, February, and again in the fall, particularly from late September through November.' By using tools like price tracking on the Expedia app or setting up Google Flights alerts, you can compare prices and snag the best one when a deal pops up. With Expedia's Flight Deals tool, for example, you can search for flights departing from your home airport anywhere in the world and see where to fly for less. Right now, it's showing round-trip flights to Paris from New York JFK in August for around $438 (40 percent less than the typical price), while round-trip flights from Los Angeles are 45 percent less than usual, around $681. Finding Affordable Accommodations 'The beauty of Paris is that it isn't a weather-dependent destination—no matter the time of year, there is something to do and reason to find yourself in the City of Light,' says Bonte. "Travelers are often faced with inflated prices because they don't know where to look and go to what they have heard of or what pops up on a quick search—and these properties will often be more expensive due to their brand recognition.' Bonte suggests that to get the most out of your money, look at boutique hotels like Hôtel La Fantaisie, Hôtel Hana, and Château des Fleurs. Visiting in off or low season months like early December or January through March (outside of events like Fashion Week) is also when you'll find lower hotel rates, especially at some of the more sought-after five-star and Palace properties. August is when locals flee the city and many restaurants shut for summer holidays, but it's also 'a rare opportunity to experience Paris at a gentler pace,' says Magalie Murillo, general manager of SO/ Paris, adding that hotel rates are lower during this time. 'With many Parisians away, the city reveals a more intimate side, ideal for wandering through the quiet streets of the Marais, enjoying riverside walks along the Seine, or admiring Notre Dame without the crowds.' Airbnbs can be a budget-friendly alternative to a hotel, especially for groups or families traveling together. Similar to hotels, look outside of the landmark-heavy arrondissements and popular neighborhoods like Le Marais, opting instead for an area like Bastille or Belleville, where you'll still be centrally located but may find better deals. Related: The Best Affordable Hotels in Paris Transportation in Paris Ask any local the quickest way to get around Paris, and they'll all give you the same response: le métro. A single ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for two hours (as long as you're connecting and not leaving the network) on the metro, bus, funicular, express tram, and RER (suburban railway system). If you download the Bonjour RATP app, you can purchase tickets at a reduced price and get the latest updated information on any service changes or strikes that may be taking place. If you're planning a full day of sightseeing, opt for a one-day Navigo unlimited travel pass, which costs €12 a day and offers access across the Paris region. You can also purchase airport tickets through the app, as well as at ticket booths in both Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Tickets cost €13 and include access on the RER B from Châtelet in central Paris, as well as Metro Line 14, which runs to Orly Airport and connects to major metro stations like Gare de Lyon, Châtelet, and Pyramides (near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden). If you're comfortable on two wheels, you'll find the Vélib' city bike stations scattered all around the city with options for a single ride (€3 for a classic bike or e-bike for up to 45 minutes), 24-hour pass (€5 for a classic bike or €10 for an e-bike), or three-day pass for €20. Uber and Bolt are the main rideshare apps in Paris, and while prices surge during major events like Fashion Week or when it's heavily raining, you can snag deals and price reductions (particularly on Bolt), which can make it a more affordable option than a traditional G7 taxi. I've found the Citymapper app to be the most accurate when it comes to navigating Paris, since it pulls in the time and price for each mode of transport—and helps you map out the quickest route on the metro or bus. Eating on a Budget 'If you're willing to shell out a bit more, one of the best ways to get a taste of Paris's famous fine dining without the exorbitant price tag is to take advantage of the weekday prix-fixe lunch,' says Emily Monaco, a Paris-based journalist who runs culinary tours and plans bespoke itineraries for visitors in Paris. 'Chantoiseau's €29 lunch deal is a total steal given the quality and precision—not to mention the address in the heart of Montmartre.' La formule, a prix-fixe, seasonally driven menu of two or three courses, is offered at some of the city's buzziest bistros, like natural wine favorites Café les deux Gares, Paloma Belleville, and Le Maquis—and typically costs around €18 for a starter, main, and dessert. If you want to indulge in a splashier meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, reserve for lunch, when you'll still get the full experience but at a more accessible price point. At one-starred Substance in the 16th arrondissement, for example, a three-course lunch is €68. 'There are loads of restaurants in Paris that won't break the bank, like Brasserie des Prés, a charming néo-brasserie located down a picturesque cobbled street just off Boulevard Saint-Germain,' says Monaco, adding that the poireaux vinaigrette (leeks vinaigrette) with toasted hazelnuts is her favorite in Paris. 'The dining room is built around one of the few remaining pieces of Paris's medieval fortifying wall, and they even make their own ice cream in-house! I also love the Lebanese sandwiches from Le Cèdre just off Place de la Contrescarpe in the Latin Quarter and the delicious Thai food at Funky Ba—you can easily eat well for under €15 at either spot.' What started in the 19th century for the working class to eat affordably, the bouillon concept has more recently been revived in the city thanks to Art Nouveau-style spots like Bouillon Julien and Bouillon Pigalle, with its retro red leather banquettes and mirrored walls. The philosophy is still the same: French classics like steak-frites and Burgundian escargots bathed in garlic and parsley served all day long. Prices start as low as €2.50 for eggs mayonnaise and €13 for duck confit with fries, with a pitcher of wine equivalent to the size of a bottle for around €12. 'I love to assemble a picnic of top-notch produce to enjoy somewhere beautiful,' says Monaco, adding that the Canal Saint-Martin is a popular spot among locals, especially in summer when picnic tables are set up. 'I get cheese from Fromagerie Fernin, which specializes in phenomenal raw milk specialties and loads of rare goat cheeses ideal for summer. Pair them with a bottle of natural wine from Les Caves Saint-Martin, fresh berries from locavore grocery store satiō, and organic sourdough from bakery Sain, and you'll have a Michelin-worthy picnic on your hands.' Free and Low-cost Activities There's a reason why Paris is a city for flâneurs—its leafy boulevards and sprawling parks are designed for strolling. 'Something we suggest to most of our clients is a gourmet walking tour of one of Paris's iconic neighborhoods,' says Bonte. 'Rather than planning a more typical walking tour followed by a separate lunch, you can get two in one and engage all your senses on your visit to Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or even Paris's covered passages.' If you're planning to check multiple museums off your list, the Paris Museum Pass offers access to some of the most famous in the city, including the Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and even the Château de Versailles (a two-day pass costs €70). Museums in Paris are generally on the more affordable side, although some require you to book for a specific time. Tickets for the Fondation Louis Vuitton are €16, but popular exhibits like David Hockney 25 require reserving a few days in advance since slots fill quickly. When my parents visited, we skipped the Louvre in favor of smaller museums and galleries like the Musée Gustave Moreau, meaning fewer crowds and time waiting in line—plus, tickets are nearly half the price. One of the best ways to get acquainted with the city is from the water, but instead of booking a pricey dinner cruise, I'll often take friends in town on one of the iconic Bateaux Mouches, a €17, 70-minute boat ride along the Seine that passes landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Another option that debuted this summer: swimming in the Seine, with three new sites paying tribute to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. More Money-saving Tips As a fashion capital, Paris is a city people visit specifically for shopping the gilded grands magasins department stores like Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette, as well as haute flagships like Hermès and Louis Vuitton. While the tax refund on items from the same brand purchased over a maximum of three days and totaling €100+ is one way to save on bigger-ticket items, the best time to snag deals is during the twice-annual sale season. Taking place in early January and late June, les soldes is the French equivalent of Black Friday, with prices reaching nearly 70 to 80 percent off as they drop in stages over the course of four weeks. If you have time for a day trip, The Bicester Collection's La Vallée Village is a destination in itself, with more than 110 outlets from designers like Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Chloé, and Prada offering deals up to 70 percent off. Located about 40 minutes from the city center, you can hop on a direct Shopping Express shuttle from Bercy in East Paris (€25 round-trip) or take the RER A to the Val d'Europe station. While shopping, you'll be treated to some of the best of Paris eats, from the Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse gourmet chocolate shop to Menu Palais, a restaurant serving up reimagined French classics designed by three-starred chef Christian Le Squer, of Le Cinq at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. The Village is also just five minutes from Disneyland Paris, if you plan to combine shopping and a day at the theme park. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
3 Amazing Off-The-Beaten Path Things To Do In Chicago
Chicago is full of fun things to do, see, and eat. getty If you're a seasoned and savvy traveler, and you've been to all of the major tourist spots in Chicago many times before—Navy Pier, 'The Bean', The Magnificent Mile—add something extraordinary and curious to your itinerary this time around. Chicago is full of excellent places to eat. getty Now operating out of bigger and better digs, Duck Sel, Michelin-starred chef Donald Young's brainchild, is back in business. Since the initial launch in 2021, this culinary juggernaut has evolved into an experience like no other—especially since it was named a semifinalist for a James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes award. But, I can't tell you where. It's a secret. Seriously. Once you book your preferred time slot and date, you'll be notified that the address will be given just before your reservation. You'll be given a code and a secret password to enter and once inside you'll be taken on a wild and whimsical ride through 15 courses. Young will walk you through each plated dish, relaying stories from not only his childhood, but also, his classical French training in France and his avant-garde techniques he learned on his own. There will be surprises—you won't find spoilers here. This will be the dinner you tell all your friends about later. The Chicago Fire at a recent match at Soldier Field. Wendy Altschuler Soon, there will be a new massive privately-funded soccer-specific stadium for The Chicago Fire, built in the city's newest neighborhood: The 78. But, until that grand day comes, The Men in Red will play at Soldier Field for loyal fans at home matches. Whether you purchase a single-match ticket, or you're looking for something a bit more special with Premium Seating—Fieldside Seats and Lounges or Executive and Skyline Suites, you'll enjoy a thrilling time from the first whistle to the last. Where to stay: Located within walking distance, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago has everything you might need. For dining and drinks, pop in Arc Bar, Sixes and Eights, or Third Star, or grab snacks from Market. The fitness studio and swimming pool also make this hotel an excellent choice for families. Hyatt, the official sponsor of Chicago Fire FC, is the perfect choice. For Fitness Buffs Who Love Fresh Air The waterfront bike trail along the Lake Michigan shore, with the downtown skyline, is an incredible sight to see. getty Chicago has plenty to do in the summertime and it's no surprise that the outdoors are where locals and visitors like to hang out. The Windy City's 18-mile Lakefront Trail, operated by the Chicago Park District, is the ideal place to go for running, walking, biking, and indulging in the best of what this season has to offer. Stretching from Ardmore Avenue on the north side to 71st Street on the south side, this trail provides not only access to the lake, parks, and beaches, but also, an opportunity to get your work out in while exploring the city. And if you get hungry, there are plenty of places to stop and eat along the way. Pro tips: One of the city's best gems, the Lakefront Trail is a dream for cyclist. Whether you hop on the trail at Monroe Street, near Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain; Museum Campus; or Montrose, you'll have a wonderful day riding along Lake Michigan. For supreme comfort while riding, choose cycling jerseys, bibs, and shorts from Mission Workshop—you'll love the soft feel, extra pockets, and protective chamois. Finally, if you plan on riding the whole trail—or further—you may want to invest in an on-bike storage system that can hold all of your supplies. The longer you can be outside, enjoying Chicago's paved waterfront trail, the better.
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
This Miami restaurant has a Michelin star and an award-winning chef. Now it's closing
Another Michelin-starred Miami restaurant is closing, this one from a celebrated James Beard Award-winning chef. Itamae Ao, the stunning 10-seat Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Midtown from Chef Nando Chang, has announced that it's closing, with the final service Saturday, Aug. 2. The announcement comes a month after Maty's, the Peruvian restaurant operated by Chang's sister Valerie, also a James Beard Award winner, shut down. Itamae Ao's future was immediately uncertain: It's accessed through the adjoining Maty's space, and with Maty's closure, there was no way for customers to enter the smaller restaurant. Chang, who said he is looking for a new home for his award-winning concept, said he was grateful for 'the great run we've had in this special space.' 'Itamae AO has always been closely tied to Maty's — not just because my sister was its chef but because it literally serves as the entrance to our restaurant,' he said. 'When she stepped away, we knew it would soon be time for us to move on as well. Itamae AO isn't going away, and I'm excited to find our new home.' This summer, while he actively seeks a new space, Chang plans to take Itamae on the road with pop-ups in Milwaukee and New York City. The Changs entered the Miami restaurant industry with their father Fernando, operating the original Itamae counter at a Design District food hall. Later, they opened the restaurant as a standalone. Valerie Chang went on to open Maty's, earning the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South in 2024; her brother earned the same award in 2025, a two months after Itamae Ao earned a Michelin star. The guide praised Chang's skill with classic Peruvian-Japanese flavors. 'Searing levels of acidity and spice figure prominently on this bold tasting menu, often in the form of leche de tigre,' the guide says. 'From lobster bisque with sweet potato gnocchi to creamy rice with Hokkaido scallops and parmesan, the cooking possesses style and substance in spades.' At the Michelin ceremony in Orlando, Chang delivered an emotional speech, thanking his family and the city where he has found a home. 'I want to say I could not be prouder . . . to be a part of this beautiful country,' he said. 'Thank you, America, and thank you, Miami. ' He also thanked the James Beard Foundation for their commitment to diversity: 'All food is immigrant and immigrants make America great.'
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Travel + Leisure
4 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in the U.S., According to OpenTable and Kayak
Gone are the days of bland hotel breakfasts and lifeless nighttime buffets. Now, hotels and resorts are dedicated to making each meal better than the last. And with keeping the trend of hotel restaurants becoming destinations in their own right in mind, booking site Kayak and OpenTable worked together to release their first-ever list of the top 100 hotel restaurants in America. The list was created based on "diner insights" and spanned more than two dozen states, including spots from James Beard Award winners and Michelin-starred haunts. "Hotel restaurants have become formidable players over the years as hoteliers have recognized the power of serving their guests memorable and locally-inspired dining experiences," Scott Hudson, the VP of global sales and services at OpenTable, said in a statement. "The hotel restaurants we have on OpenTable are not just attractive to the 60 percent of diners that use us while on the road—but many are equally as popular among locals too." Orlando topped the list with seven total restaurants in the area (which also encompassed Lake Buena Vista and Golden Oak), including Nami, the Bull & Bear Steakhouse, and Ravello at Four Seasons Orlando. Next was Las Vegas where six Sin City restaurants make the list. Those included Beauty & Essex, the Catch at Aria, and Momofuku Las Vegas. Miami also boasted five of the top hotel restaurants in the country, including Gianni's at the Former Versace Mansion, and The Roof at Esmé. Other highlights on the list included California's three Michelin-starred Addison in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Philadelphia's Vernick Fish from James Beard-winning Chef Greg Vernick. The abundance of incredible hotel restaurants is great news considering nearly half of Americans (47 percent) said they have booked a trip specifically to visit a restaurant, according to the study."Travelers aren't just asking 'Where should I go?' They're asking 'What's on the menu when I get there?'" Kate Williams, the chief communications officer at Kayak, said in the statement. "Great dining experiences are an essential part of today's travel itineraries, and hotels are rising to the occasion." To complete the study, Kayak and OpenTable surveyed more than 1,000 Americans who had dined at a restaurant in a hotel within the last five years as well as looked at data on flight and hotel searches made on Kayak between Jan. 1 and June 22. OpenTable also analyzed seated diners by traveler type from online reservations for all active hotel restaurants on the OpenTable platform in the United States between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. See all the winners, and find your next hotel and restaurant to book all in one, at
