South Place Hotel in London runs an art competition and makes contemporary work part of its decor.arcaidimages
The latest openings and events from around the world.
London - South Place Hotel, one of the newest boutique hotels to take up residence in the hip Shoreditch district of East London, is a destination for art lovers and foodies. Owned and managed by D&D London, the restaurateurs behind such trendy eateries as Blueprint Café, Quaglino's and Coq d'Argent, the hotel's slick interiors are accented by a collection of contemporary art by local artists such as Gavin Mitchell and John Vincent Aranda. It also sponsors its own Art Prize, an annual competition open to graduates of London art schools, with the winner's work showcased in a lobby-level window. Even if you're not spending the night, make a reservation at Angler, the rooftop restaurant that specializes in fine seafood, or stop in for a more casual bite of chicken pie and Kashmiri curry at 3 South Place, the lobby-level diner. southplacehotel.com
SIT, DON'T STAND
Vancouver - If you prefer not to eat your street food on the street, stop by the Tacofino Commissary in the up-and-coming Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood of East Vancouver. The tiny restaurant serves the same scrumptious bocadillos, tamales and Baja-style tacos that have made the Tacofino mobile food truck a favourite lunch stop for the past few years. Fish lovers should try the signature Tuna Ta-Taco, made with lightly seared albacore tuna, wasabi-ginger mayo, mango salsa and seaweed salad. Also on offer are grilled chicken hearts, chicken wings dressed in tamarind, black garlic and mint, and, for dessert, banana churros. Arrive early to avoid lineups. The eatery opens for dinner at 5 p.m., seating is limited and reservations are not taken. tacofino.com
BOUTIQUE NAPA
Napa - Travellers who favour the modern amenities of a big city hotel over the chintz of a traditional wine country inn should check out the recently opened Andaz Napa. The 141 guestrooms are outfitted with comfy king-size beds, natural hickory hardwood floors, sparkling white marble bathrooms and complimentary snacks and soft drinks. Check-in is done with an iPad in the lobby lounge, where guests can sip their first glass of local wine while perusing the wall-length Napa Valley map. If you don't want to head far for dinner, indulge in farm-to-table sharing plates at Andaz Napa Farmers Table. napa.andaz.hyatt.com
SWISS ART NOUVEAU
New York - The largest American exhibition of work by Swiss art nouveau artist Ferdinand Hodler is on display at Neue Galerie until Jan. 7. Ferdinand Hodler: View to Infinity features 65 paintings and 20 drawings, including a number of self-portraits and a selection of his renowned landscape paintings. Also on show is a collection of paintings that follow the tragic decline in health of his muse and mistress, Valentine Godé-Darel. Hodler's own life is portrayed in photographs by Gertrud Dubi-Muller. neuegalerie.org