The Best Michelin-Star Restaurants in New York City

When Michelin isn’t slinging tires, it’s granting restaurants highly sought-after stars.

Three stars for a truly unmatched culinary experience. Two stars for a masterclass in cuisine. One star for an extraordinary meal.

For those who don’t know, a restaurant that nabs a Michelin star (nonetheless three) is the culinary equivalent of an angel that has just earned its wings.

That Michelin star can change a restaurant’s outlook, propelling it to stardom. It can put chefs on the map, guiding them toward legendary status.

Most of all, Michelin stars highlight the painstaking process of creating world-class delicacies.

While Michelin stars sound elitist (and they are, that’s the point), they aren’t handed out to famous chefs and their dreamboat, experimental restaurants. Michelin’s rubric is innovation and painstaking attention to detail.

Even street food vendors have been handed Michelin stars—so long as they’ve got a seriously uptight approach to food prep and a tasty product.

Michelin Stars in the United States

In other words, Michelin might be situated at the uppermost echelon of the culinary world, but it has kept its focus on delicious foods that are prepared in an old-school way.

Unsurprisingly, in the United States, New York City takes the cake when it comes to the number of Michelin-star restaurants.

The city is home to 77 Michelin-star restaurants, including 51 one-star locations, 12 two-star hotspots, and four three-star locations.

By contrast, LA has no three-star restaurants. Chicago has two and San Francisco has three. (For comparison’s sake, the world’s Michelin capital is Tokyo, which has 12 three-star spots.)

For now, let’s shine a light on New York City’s four Michelin-star restaurants. First up: the vegan spot. (Don’t worry, that’s not what it’s called.)

Eleven Madison Park

Innovative vegan food from Chef Daniel Humm

This experimental vegan restaurant seeks to combine the very best in luxury dining with plant-based vegan dishes. There are radish tostadas, caviar imposters, and frozen cherry blossoms, just to name a few of the culinary delights offered here.

While I’m usually suspicious of vegan food, I would scrap for a chance to taste this menu. Not only has Eleven Madison Park delivered next-level vegan dishes, but it’s been doing it for a while. Back in 2017, this restaurant nabbed first place in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Book a dinner date.

Masa

Japanese crossovers from Chef Masa Takayama

This is a master class in Japanese cuisine, from the restaurant’s ambiance to the subtle movements of Chef Takayama’s blade.

He’s got a creative mind that’s taking fusion food to the next level. Think: foie gras repackaged as nigiri.

There’s also a special focus on seafood, including stunning abalone and Osetra caviar. Michelin describes Masa’s flavors as offering a balance between luxury and excess. But keep in mind that this is an ‘omakase’ restaurant, meaning there’s no menu. You simply show up hungry and let the master do his thing.

Book a reservation.

Per Se

Modern French twists from Chef Chad Palagi

Every single plate is a piece of art—vibrant, striking, and inviting.

Chef Chad Palagi’s work combines the savory art of classic French cuisine with insane visual appeal. From what I can tell, that’s the true allure here: straight-up classics done delectably well with a tasteful amount of frill.

Similar to Eleven Madison Park, Per Se has been around for a while. In fact, it first earned its three-star status from Michelin after opening its doors in 2006. It hasn’t strayed since—even when the owner and original chef, Thomas Keller, handed Palagi the reins.

Book a dinner date.

Le Bernardin

A twist on French classics from Chef Eric Ripert

If you know anything about fine dining in New York City, then you’ve probably been waiting for me to bring up Le Bernardin.

This spot blows all others out of the water in terms of duration, notoriety, and influence.

It’s kept its three-star status since it opened its doors way back in 1986. It’s also the longest-running restaurant to have a four-star rating from The New York Times.

What’s the secret of their success? An unrelenting hold on French culinary traditions, with a perfect balance of select Asian ingredients.

Chef Eric Ripert—a long-time friend of Anthony Bourdain and recurring guest on his show—took over back in 1994. Shortly after, he became a co-owner of the restaurant.

Since then, it’s been named one of the best eateries in New York City, the United States, and even the world.

Book a reservation.

Hyatt Centric vs Unbound: Lux Brand Comparison

For travelers who want to get more out of their lodging experience, joining a hotel’s loyalty program is a solid move.

Loyalty programs connect you to steeper lodging deals, from last-minute upgrades to priority treatment during the peak travel season.

Clearly, there’s a strong impetus to go exclusive with a specific hotel chain. But which one? And that’s just the start of the selection process. All hotel loyalty programs work differently—even across a hotel’s different tiers.

Loyalty programs can be geared toward certain brands, whether focused on luxury, frequency of travel, business amenities, and so on. The higher up you venture into a loyalty program, the more exclusive offers you receive.

That’s particularly relevant at a more affordable chain like Hyatt. Compared to Hilton and Four Seasons, Hyatt is a lot more accessible thanks to its reasonable prices from its standard brands.

But that doesn’t mean the chain lacks luxury.

I’m taking a closer look at two of the most lavish-but-accessible brands from Hyatt: Unbound and Centric. Of the 14 distinct brands from this chain, these are two of my favorites.

Hyatt Unbound consists of 20 hotels that dot cities around the world. The idea behind the Unbound brand is to provide guests with ‘the freedom to be extraordinary’.

On the other hand, Hyatt Centric offers a more immersive and boutique hotel experience that’s specific to each of its locations in 35 cities.

Want to dig deeper into these distinct programs? Here’s what you need to know about two of the most exciting hotel brands from Hyatt, Hyatt Centric vs Hyatt Unbound.

Hyatt Unbound delivers boutique luxury

The goal of Hyatt Unbound is to provide travelers with a totally bespoke and extravagant experience.

It’s by far one of Hyatt’s most luxury-centric brands, alongside its Miraval Resorts. World-famous designers have worked hard to incorporate elements of each city’s identity into every interior.

For example, the Comune by the Great Wall gives travelers the chance to sleep, lounge, and dine with views of the Great Wall of China. The hotel is integrated into the hilly landscape, creating a well-balanced experience between the forest setting and world-famous landmark.

In New Orleans, by contrast, The Eliza Jane Hotel celebrates one of its former tenants: the first female publisher of The Daily Picayune, which was headquartered inside. This type of care and attention to historical detail is really what defines Hyatt Unbound, in my opinion.

Hyatt Centric focuses on lifestyle—emphasis on the style

Hyatt Centric is also focused on lifestyle and boutique design—except its take on luxury is a bit more casual. That makes Hyatt Centric slightly more accessible to the average traveler.

Think: urban and upscale hotels that developers are allowed to customize. That equates to a lot of style and flare—something that many visitors are after.

But what does this actually look like? Hyatt Centric locations include features like spray-painted murals from local artists, menus from hit chefs, drink lists from top-tier mixologists, and even playlists that feature local musicians.

It’s bespoke, it’s local, it’s designed to take you straight into the heart of your destination. Seriously—even the room design reflects local tastes.

World of Hyatt Rewards

You can stay at a Hyatt Unbound or Hyatt Centric location without signing up for the chain’s loyalty program or one of its credit cards.

That being said, you’ll save on your stay if you do go exclusive.

When you join the World of Hyatt rewards program, you have access to its timeless collection, boundless collection, inclusive collection, and independent collection of hotels.

You can also choose from several memberships, starting with a basic format and advancing up to a globalist status, which includes 60 free nights for 100,000 base points.

Stay Cool in Summer at These US Vacation Spots

Snowbirds like to flee the frigid winters.

But some of us are more concerned with beating the heat in summertime.

Around the world, cool-cationing has taken off as travelers look to skip out on summer’s hottest days. For Americans in the South and Midwest, that might also mean avoiding the stickiest and most humid weeks… and hordes of mosquitoes.

But where do chill-seekers go when temperatures start to soar?

Some head to the Pacific Northwest where the climate stays cool and temperate year-round. Others might look to the Rocky’s towering peaks and fresh air. A few more might simply head north of the border into Canada or slightly west into Alaska.

But if you don’t want to venture far off the beaten path, I’ve got suggestions. There are a handful of cities and towns around the US where temperatures barely rise into the 80s, even in July and August.

You might even need a coat when you visit.

San Francisco

If you’ve been to the Bay Area, you know that it defies logic.

For a major hub in the Golden State, it’s usually cloudy. And for all its hippy associations, it’s not warm enough for tie-dye bandana tops. Oh, and there’s always a gray wall of fog on the horizon.

But if you’re desperate to escape the desert heat or the mucky humidity of your hometown, then those characteristics are probably welcome. Best of all, San Fran doesn’t usually get warmer than 70 degrees… even in the height of summer.

Seattle

If San Francisco’s semi-gloomy climate is a turn-off, then you might write off Seattle, too.

But I have good news: Seattle’s summers tend to be sunny. They’re also a bit warmer than San Francisco, with temperatures rising into the low 80s.

Plus, you’ll get to join thousands of happy locals as they enjoy Puget Sound and Lake Washington, hike through the surrounding national parks, and wander through the city on the hunt for a perfect meal.

Kennebunkport (Maine)

If you read through my series on Martha’s Vineyard alternatives in Maine, then you might already have plans to beat the heat this summer.

As the northernmost state in the continental United States, Maine is home to dozens of beat-the-heat hotspots (pun intended). I highly suggest heading to Kennebunkport.

This coastal town has a serious charm factor thanks to its historic downtown area. It’s home to antique shops, art galleries, and dozens of highly-rated eateries. If you want a bit of classic Americana feel in your cool-cation, it’s a great choice.

Estes Park (Colorado)

This Rocky Mountain basecamp is a first stop for many heading into the mountains during summer.

But Estes Park has all the amenities you’ll need for a solid summer vacation. It’s home to campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, cottages, and high-quality hotels. (I’m sure you’ve heard of one of them.)

You can use Estes Park as your home base while you explore the mountains, swim in high-altitude lakes, and mountain bike across its off-road courses. For adventure lovers who are wary of high temperatures, Estes Park is a fantastic cool-cation option.

Durango (Colorado)

I have one other Colorado recommendation.

This outlier is located on the western side of the Rocky Mountain Range, tucked into a narrow valley amid the picturesque hills. Welcome to Durango. Similar to Estes Park, it’s a great jumping-off point for outdoor adventurists.

However, the town is also picturesque, combining the charm of Kennebunkport with the views and wonders of Estes Park.

Seriously—I’ve spent some time in Durango and I can’t believe it’s not mentioned on more travel guides. It’s even got a historical angle, as this was a lonely stop on the frontier trails of the 1800s.

Ridesharing Apps: Best Choices for International Travel

Getting across town isn’t always easy.

Even cities with extensive public transportation networks can be difficult to navigate. Maybe there are linguistic barriers to taking metros and buses. Maybe the maps are unintuitive and confusing. Maybe there are conflicting suggestions on how to get from Point A to Point B.

When we leave home, we also leave behind our cars and favorite rideshare apps.

The farther from home that you wander, the more research you need to do when it comes to hailing a cab. From escaping tourist zones to getting to the airport on time, there are dozens of reasons to keep rideshare apps on your radar.

But which should you use? And where?

I recommend researching the location(s) where you’re heading.

I live in Barcelona where Uber is banned but other rideshare apps like FREENOW and Cabify work, for example. (While Uber is the standard in many US cities, it’s notorious internationally for its business model, which focuses on growth at all costs. By notorious I mean controversial.)

That being said, you can still use Uber in many places. I just recommend you take a closer look at which rideshare apps locals are taking.

For the US & Southeast Asia: Uber

Uber is the most familiar ridesharing app for most Americans—and you’re in luck. Uber is available in over 35 countries around the world, from Singapore to Australia to the US.

Here’s where I recommend using Uber:

United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore)

For Europe: FREENOW

I use FREENOW in Barcelona—and I’ve found the rideshare app works in most European countries. If you’re heading to Europe, I highly recommend this app. It works just like any other rideshare app, allowing you to get around with a few clicks on your smartphone.

Here’s where you can use FreeNow in Europe:

United Kingdom
Germany
Ireland
Spain
Italy
France
Poland
Austria
Greece

For South America: Cabify

Cabify originated in Spain back in 2011 but has since expanded its reach globally. Most of my South American friends still use Cabify here in Spain, but it’s more popular across the Atlantic. If you’re heading to South America, Cabify will work in just about any location you travel. (Note: Cabify no longer serves Brazil.)

Here’s where it works:

Chile
Argentina
Uruguay
Mexico
Colombia
Peru

For East Asia & Australia: DiDi-Rider

Also known as Didi, this rideshare app serves two massive countries on opposite sides of the world: China and Brazil. (Random, I know.) Thankfully, the platform is available in English, meaning you can use it easily to hail a car in either country. Randomly, Didi is also a popular choice in Australia.

Here’s where I would use Didi:

China
Brazil
Australia

Global Pick: Bolt

Here we have our global champion. Bolt operates rideshares around the world, along with bike and scooter rentals in certain cities. Its goal is to offer the cheapest rideshares in any city, which means you can find some serious deals on this app. Its focus for now is expanding in Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Car-Free Zones from Around the World

Interest in green transportation is higher than ever before.

For the most part, that interest in geared toward sustainability. It focuses on minimizing the usage of non-renewable resources.

On the other hand, interest in ‘green’ transportation might just relate to savings.

As fuel becomes more expensive, so does every form of accessible transportation, from cars to planes to ferries. Electric vehicles aren’t off the hook either. Though they contribute less to pollution and offer some savings, all that electricity still has to come from somewhere.

These factors have led to added interest in car-free zones—even in car-dependent places like the United States.

Some towns and cities around the US have already taken legal steps to make life easier for pedestrians, cyclists, and others. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to interest in car-free living around the world.

Beyond the US, dozens of countries are home to car-free zones. Some of these are the result of concerted efforts to minimize pollution. In other cases, there’s simply no room for cars… or even roads for them to travel on.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the world’s most unique car-free zones. (Just a heads up—I’m skipping Venice since I’m sure you’ve already heard of its cute gondolas.)

Giethoorn (aka Dutch Venice), Netherlands

Given Amsterdam’s obsession with cycling, Giethoorn’s car-free status shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The city is located on the northern coast of the Netherlands. Like Amsterdam, small canals run through most of the town—and a whopping total of 180 bridges allows locals to get around. But you can also take gondolas and small boats on the water, which means this scenic city often looks like a suburban version of Venice.

Photo by Linn Legros on Unsplash (Pools used for dyeing fabric in historic Fes)

Fes el-Bali, Morocco

Fes is one of Morocco’s largest cities. Its Old Town is known for its winding, medieval alleyways—they almost look like something out of Harry Potter.

Because the alleyways are so small, cars can’t access the densest streets. I live in Barcelona’s Old City, which also has streets too narrow and twisting for cars.

But Fes el-Bali is on a much, much grander scale. Thousands of carless streets tangle in the city center, full of bazaars, merchants, and shops.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Nestled high in the Swiss Alps near the country’s tallest mountain (Matterhorn), you’ll find a quaint village called Zermatt.

Though it resembles other Alpine towns in terms of size and population, there are no cars. This is the result of some diligent city-planning, as locals banded together to protect their view of Matterhorn from pollution.

Ilha de Paquetá, Brazil

Just outside Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay is Paquetá Island.

This historic island has been occupied for centuries—you’ll notice this antiquity in its cobbled streets. Given its remote nature, there are no cars allowed. Similar to Mackinac Island in Michigan, this makes the island a huge tourist attraction. Along with horse-drawn buggies, they can take eco-taxis around the island.

Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker is a small island off the Yucatan Peninsula—and its motto is ‘go slow’.

The island has an extremely laid-back atmosphere. Though it’s home to many locals and dozens of tour groups, there’s a palpable emphasis put on maintaining the status quo. Locals regularly walk to get around the four-mile island, though some might use golf carts when necessary.

Kotor, Montenegro

Just like Barcelona and Fes el-Bali, Kotor’s innermost streets are too winding and narrow for car travel. (Love it.)

This beautiful medieval town sits on the coast of Montenegro—you might actually recognize its architecture from Venice, as Kotor was a fort city that dates back to the Venetian Empire. But beware of crowds here. Kotor is a popular stop for cruises.

La Cumbrecita, Argentina

In case you didn’t know, there’s a major Alpine influence in Argentina.

This is thanks to the number of central European immigrants who packed up and headed to the country throughout the 20^th century. Many sought to recreate elements of their homes in Argentina—particularly its mountainous Calamuchita Valley.

This snowy, Alps-inspired town went the way of Zermatt, officially banning cars in order to preserve its quaint charm.

Floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia

Floating villages? Yes—and this isn’t an outtake from Waterworld. Welcome to the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Tonlé Sap Lake.

It’s so large that it’s actually home to four distinct floating villages. Obviously, none have roads and so none use cars. However, it’s worth pointing out that motorboats aren’t uncommon here—which are basically just water cars.

Still, it’s a veritable floating village—and given this is a budding idea around the world, I think we’ll start to see and hear more about Tonle Sap’s four floating villages in the coming years.

Cowboy Country: Best Rustic Airbnbs for the Cowboy in You

Cowboy culture runs deep in the United States.

Even the most modern city-slickers in New York and Chicago probably have a little bit of that Yeehaw spirit in them.

After all, even though the Wild West era is long over, its impact stretches across the continent.

Here’s what I mean by yeehaw spirit—

Though most Americans couldn’t survive on the frontier, we’re very independent. Though many of us don’t work in manual labor, we still respect that type of hardtack work. And while we live under a unified legal system, we still value having the gumption to push back when times get tough.

And, of course, many Americans still hear the call of the wild.

Looking to reconnect with the cowboy in you? Then you need a rustic cabin to host your retreat (and maybe a horse, but I can’t help you there).

Though most of the Wild West er took place in the American Southwest and West, you’ll find remnants of this period across the United States. Here are a few of the very best cowboy-inspired and cowboy-centric Airbnb rentals.

Dogwood Cabin

Athens, Texas

This simple, single-story cabin is located beside a man-made pond with beautiful stone features. (I can almost hear the relaxing sound of the waterfall feature.)

There’s also a large covered porch for added outdoor time, along with an unpaved dining area in the forest. Though the outside of this cabin doesn’t look ultra ‘cowboy’ in my opinion, the inside includes a blend of woodwork and wooden furniture that you’d expect to see in a rustic cabin.

Plus, the design and layout are ultra-cozy, providing a perfect balance between a remote getaway and a modern rental—one that includes air-conditioning, for example.

Book here.

Ivory Gabel Cabin

Crane, Missouri

Who says cowboy vibes can’t be elevated?

Ivory Gabel Cabin offers a perfect blend of rustic cowboy décor, hidden and magical forest vibes, and modern amenities. Seriously, this must be some novel mashup between cottage-core and cowboy-core design.

Unlike the other cowboy hideouts on this list, Ivory Gabel Cabin is tucked into the woods. It’s giving a Jesse James-on-the-run type of vibe.

Inside, however, you’ll find a slightly more elevated and modern design. It’s not quite as rustic as others listed here, but the atmosphere is awesome.

Book here

Blue Door Cabin

Chanute, Kansas

This studio cabin is the paragon of coziness.

The renovated rental sits along a peaceful pond with a private dock—the perfect place for taking in sunsets and listening to the croon of cicadas. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully renovated cabin with paneled walls, a cobbled fireplace, and modern furniture.

But keep in mind that this is a very small setup. There’s a lofted twin bed for those who want to bring along a little one, but it seems like it would be a fantastic getaway for Mom & Dad. (Same for the Honeymoon Log Cabin, below.)

Book here

Cozy Cabin in Tucson Mountains

Tuscon, Arizona

Enter an actual frontier cabin at this Arizona rental.

This incredibly rustic cabin is located on three acres of desert outside Tucson. Though the grounds are also home to the owner’s main house, you’ll feel entirely remote while you soak up the sights and sounds of the high desert—just like the cowboys of yore.

Seriously, all you need to do is take one look at this cabin and you’ll be able to smell the woodwork, hear the croon of insects, and feel that bead of sweat drip down your back. (Don’t worry—there’s a pool on the grounds.)

Book here

Unique Cabin

Ardmore, Oklahoma

This remote getaway is perfect for a cowboy on the run from the law. Or on the hunt for a great family getaway. (Or both? I won’t ask any questions.)

At this Ardmore cabin, you’ll have all the rustic atmosphere of the Wild West with updated features. The wood interior (including uncut beams) transports you back a century, along with the tilework and stone pieces.

In other words, it offers that cowboy feel. But you’ll also have the benefit of modern amenities like ultra-comfy mattresses, renovated plumbing, and an outdoor fire pit that’s perfect for sharing s’mores.

Book here

Lake View Honeymoon Log Cabin

Garfield, Arkansas

This unique bespoke cabin offers two amazing features.

First, it overlooks the beautiful and forested Beaver Lake. Second, its interior floor plan is open—and it’s designed for an adult getaway. I’m talking there’s a no-children policy and a cobbled jacuzzi tub next to the bed. (Yeehaw, baby!)

I also love the woodwork in the interior, covering the floor, ceiling, and beams. Even the exterior has a traditional stacked log cabin edifice. There’s also a cobbled fireplace, which makes me think this would be a super cozy couples’ getaway in winter.

Book here