Dine & Delight for Less Than $100

Would you love to catch dinner and a show but don’t want to be out too late or empty your bank account? Here are 6 great options for lunch and a show. A great meal and a great play all for under $100 (and we’ll drive)!

Happy Days – Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, PA (June 23, 2013)

Happy days are here again!

Come join us for lunch at the Allenberry Playhouse before experiencing the melodious production based on the hit Paramount Pictures television series. “Happy Days – A New Musical” reintroduces one of America’s best-loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin’.  The famed drive-in, Arnold’s, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and tv-worthy wrestling match. Come join in the fun with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, and the “king of cool” Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli. This family friendly musical will have you rockin’ and rollin’ all week long!

Footloose the Musical – Pines Dinner Theatre, Allentown, PA (July 14, 2013)

For all you theater lovers, come join us for a fun filled day that will have you dancing in your seats!

Based on the 1984 hit movie, Footloose, The Musical bursts onto the live stage with a production that you don’t want to miss.  Featuring exuberant dance numbers, and a Tony-nominated top 40 score, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, and guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

Annie – Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, PA (July 28, 2013)

Come join us for lunch at the Allenberry Playhouse before experiencing this charming production of “Annie”.

The story begins December 1933 in an orphanage in New York City. One of the orphans, Annie, is restless and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.  Annie yearns to find her parents who left her at the orphanage with a locket and a promise to return for her one day.  She meets some new friends along the way, including a stray dog named Sandy and a well- to-do billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.  Sing along to your favorite songs including “It’s The Hard Knock Life,”  “Easy Street,” “Tomorrow” and many more.

South Pacific – Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, PA (August 17, 2013)

South Pacific spins a romantic tale of love and loss on a tropical island naval base during World War II. Two couples – U.S. Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and Lt. Joe Cable and a young local native girl fall in love. Many songs are considered the finest Broadway classics including Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than Springtime, Bali Ha’i, There is Nothin’ Like a Dame, Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair and A Wonderful Guy.

 Menopause the Musical – Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, PA (September 8, 2013)

Menopause The Musical has entertained and inspired women from coast to coast and internationally.  It’s set in a department store, where four women with nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale.  The women make fun of their hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges.  This hit show includes parodies of songs from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and culminates with a salute to women who are experiencing The Change!

Christmas Show – Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, PA (December 6, 2013)

Allenberry Playhouse opened in the summer of 1949 and has become a leading attraction.  Each year they present an original story written just for Allenberry filled with laughter, music, and holiday cheer! Come celebrate the holidays with us!

For more information or to book your getaway today, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist by calling 800-755-8020 or emailing travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Viking River Cruises – Viennesse Hot Chocolate

This recipe, courtesy of Viking River Cruises, comes to us from Reiner Marks, who prepared this drink aboard Viking River Cruises ships in Europe many times. Reiner has fond memories of how much our guests enjoyed the drink, which he says “tastes delicious.” Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Seven ounces premium dark chocolate, grated
Three cups of low-fat milk
One tablespoon granulated sugar
One cup heavy cream, chilled
One-half teaspoon vanilla paste (or vanilla extract, organic if possible)
One tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions:
Gently heat one cup milk with the grated chocolate. Simmer in a saucepan over low heat until all chocolate has dissolved. Combine the remaining milk and the granulated sugar in another saucepan and whisk until all sugar has dissolved. Gently heat while stirring. Add the chocolate mix to the sugared milk and continue simmering over low heat. Whisk heavy cream and vanilla together on high speed and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar until peaks form. Remove hot chocolate from heat and divide into cups. Place a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each. Garnish with a pinch of cocoa powder or sprinkle with chocolate shavings and serve.

Makes 4-6 servings, depending on mug size.

For more information on Viking River Cruises, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, call 800-755-8020 or email travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Breakaway on the Breakaway

Last year I shared some impressive details about Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and most incredible ship. She sets sail on May 12, 2013 from New York City and we couldn’t be more excited!

NCL has been slowly releasing more information on this massive, floating fun zone. In addition to The Waterfront, 678 Ocean Place, Breakaway Casino, The Manhattan Room; there is much more included for its lucky passengers.

My favorite thing about traveling has always been the food, so let’s start with all of the great on-board restaurant choices. Besides the six different complimentary dining options on the Breakaway, including O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, there are also eight different specialty restaurants from a range of cuisine choices.

• Ocean Blue – NCL’s first-ever fine-dining seafood experience brought to you by Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian.
• Le Bistro French Restaurant – NCL’s signature French restaurant with new Atrium Al Fresco seating options.
• Cagney’s Steakhouse – NCL’s classic, signature steakhouse perched high atop The Manhattan Room.
• Teppanyaki – A guest favorite, Teppanyaki is an exciting hibachi-style dinner and show.
• Moderna Churrascaria – The first Brazilian-style steakhouse at sea, Moderna Churrascaria offers beautiful indoor and outdoor seating options to complement their mouth-watering menu options.
• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar – The largest noodle bar at sea is the answer to your cravings for a taste of the Orient.
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant – This colorful piazza-style trattoria offers family style Italian dining on The Waterfront.
• Wasabi Sushi Bar – Sushi, sashimi and more, artfully presented and prepared as you watch.

In addition to all of the great options already mentioned, the Breakaway went a step further and added some extra tasty treats to their menu. Setting sail for the first time in May is Carlo’s Bake Shop, the famous bakery from TV’s “The Cake Boss”. And if you are looking for a way to cool down while indulging your sweet tooth, check out Dolce Gelato; a true mouth-pleaser.

Believe it or not, Breakaway’s dining options aren’t the only headliners aboard; the entertainment options are out of this world!

Viking River Cruises – Potstickers with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

Potstickers

Potstickers, or Chinese dumplings, consist of a meat or vegetable filling in a thin dough wrapper and can be steamed, boiled or fried. They are a traditional treat served during the Chinese New Year when families gather and make them together. You can double or triple the recipe below and freeze uncooked potstickers until ready to prepare and serve. Just one of the many treats you can enjoy on one of Viking River Cruises’ China itineraries.

Ingredients:

Filling:
One-half pound ground pork or ground turkey
Two green onions, minced
Two tablespoons minced bamboo shoots
One teaspoon minced ginger
One tablespoon cornstarch
Two teaspoons soy sauce
One-eighth teaspoon white pepper

Twenty-two round potsticker wrappers
Two tablespoons vegetable oil
Two-thirds cup water
One-third cup spicy soy dipping sauce

Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce:
Six tablespoons soy sauce
One-quarter cup Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
Two tablespoons sesame oil
Two teaspoons chili garlic sauce

Directions:

Combine all filling ingredients; mix well. Put one tablespoon of filling in the center of a potsticker wrapper. Brush edges of wrapper with water, fold in half and press edges to seal. Place potsticker on work surface and press lightly to form a flat bottom. Repeat for all 22 potstickers.

Heat nonstick frying pan to medium high and add one tablespoon of oil; swirl around to coat bottom. Add half the potstickers seam side up and cook until the bottoms are golden brown (about 3 minutes). Add one-third cup of water, cover and reduce heat; cook until water is absorbed (about 3 minutes) and remove from pan. Repeat with remaining potstickers. Serve with dipping sauce.

Makes 22 potstickers.

For more information on Viking River Cruises, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, call 800-755-8020 or email travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Viking River Cruises – Easy Apple Strudel

Making strudel dough from scratch is notoriously difficult and time-consuming. Here, Viking River Cruises has simplified this recipe using widely available frozen puff pastry dough so you can create a similar treat easily in your own kitchen. Strudels are a well-known central and eastern European treat; enjoy them on our Rhine and Danube cruises.

Ingredients:

One sheet (half box) frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
One-half cup sugar
One-quarter cup finely chopped walnuts
Five tablespoons raisins
One-half teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel
One teaspoon cinnamon
Two or three Pippin or Granny Smith apples (approximately three cups chopped)
One tablespoon toasted plain dry bread crumbs
Two tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. On a very lightly floured, plain-weave kitchen towel, lay out puff pastry dough. Lightly flour top and gently roll out to a thin rectangle about 14″ x 17″, sealing any tears in the dough. Dough will be quite thin; do not over-handle. Set aside, keeping dough on towel.

Peel, core and chop apples into small chunks. Toss with sugar, walnuts, raisins, lemon peel and cinnamon.

Lightly brush dough with one-quarter of the melted butter. Sprinkle with dry bread crumbs. Add apple mixture in the center of dough, leaving a 1″ margin around the filling. Fold in 1″ along three sides of the dough, leaving one long side unfolded. Moisten all folded edges and remaining flat dough edge lightly with water. Using the towel to assist you, roll the dough toward the unfolded edge, enclosing the filling. Press gently but firmly on bottom seam and sides to seal.

Using the towel as a sling, transfer strudel seam-side down to a cookie sheet; gently remove towel. Brush lightly with the remaining melted butter, and prick sparingly along the top with a fork. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cut crosswise into 12 pieces and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a vanilla custard sauce.

Makes 12 servings.

For more information on Viking River Cruises, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, call 800-755-8020 or email travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Viking River Cruises – Apple Cranberry Tart

Here is one of the recipes Viking  River Cruises has collected while traveling through France—the almond paste, an ingredient often used in French baking, gives this delicious dessert a Continental flavor. Serve alone or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy many apple-based pastries on a Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise through a region famous for its apple orchards.

Ingredients:

One unbaked, room-temperature 9-inch tart shell
One roll (about 7 ounces) almond paste
One cup fresh cranberries
Five medium-sized apples (preferably Macintosh), peeled and sliced to make approximately 5 cups
A quarter cup sugar
One teaspoon cinnamon
A half cup uncooked oats
A half cup all-purpose flour
A half cup brown sugar
Six tablespoons unsalted butter, very cold or frozen
A quarter cup sliced almonds
Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Flatten almond paste on a sheet of wax paper with a rolling pin, to form an 8-inch circle. Press almond circle into the bottom of the unbaked tart shell. In a bowl, combine cranberries, apples, sugar and a half teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour on top of almond circle, into tart shell. In a bowl, combine the remaining cinnamon, oats, flour and brown sugar. Cut butter into very small pieces and stir into cinnamon mixture until crumbs form. Spoon crumb mixture evenly over the top of the apple mixture. Bake 50–60 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced almonds during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Makes 6 servings.

For more information on Viking River Cruises, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, call 800-755-8020 or email travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Great Eats: San Francisco, California

They say if you want to know what passion drives a city, listen to people’s conversation. In San Francisco, talk is all about the restaurants. The city’s location on the edge of the Pacific Rim draws influence from the many immigrants who have settled here, particularly those from China and Japan who opened many of the city’s first restaurants. In fact, it’s here where Asian-fusion cuisine was born.

While sampling Asian food is a must when in San Francisco, you may want to consider passing on Chinatown and instead head to the multi-ethnic Mission District to indulge your appetite. As the city’s first neighborhood, the Mission District is edgy and artsy, and you’ll find delicious meals in venues ranging from funky new pop-ups to elegant eateries.

Quince – 470 Pacific Avenue

This divine Jackson Square restaurant, housed in a historically landmarked brick and timber building, offers a truly special-occasion-style dining experience. Its menu, created by Chef Michael Tusk (2011 recipient of the James Beard award “Best Chef-Pacific”), features an Italian-inspired menu with some French influences. Quince’s menu selections change to celebrate the seasonal bounty of Northern California and the restaurant even lavishes a four-course dinner menu and a Chef’s Tasting Menu that change nightly. An extensive wine list features a particular focus on Italian reds from Piedmont.

Foreign Cinema – 2534 Mission Street

“Dinner at a movie,” you ask. How good could the food possibly be? Well, if the grilled cocoa-ajwaan kobe bavette steak with truffled potato-celery root puree and Zinfandel butter at Foreign Cinema is any indication—very good indeed. And did I mention the oyster selection is amazing? This is no gimmicky spot at all, but rather white-tablecloth elegant. The films, independent and foreign (with subtitles), are projected on the restaurants courtyard wall for an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Not to be missed is Foreign Cinema’s adjacent bar, Lazlo, which exudes a very cool industrial-chic ambience with unique small plate offerings.

Commonwealth – 24 Mission Street

The Mission District is also home to one of the city’s most buzz-worthy restaurants whose hallmark is producing “serious food in casual surroundings.” Commonwealth’s progressive American cuisine incorporates an array of international ingredients and standout dishes include sea urchin with sweet potato tempura. The restaurant offers a 6-course tasting menu for $65, from which $10 is donated to a local charity.

Mission Chinese Food – 2234 Mission Street

This hip restaurant serves up creative Asian food in a space shared with the old-school Chinese restaurant, Lung Shan. Best described as a “dive” (I mean that in a good way), it’s getting rave reviews from the likes of the New York Times’ Mark Bitman, scores of food bloggers, and even came in #2 on Bon Appetit’s Best New US Restaurants for 2011. Bon Appetit’s restaurant editor, Andrew Knowlton, says, “…it’s worth the wait to get some of the most out-of-this-world creative (and seriously delicious) Sichuan-inspired dishes in America right now. The cumin lamb belly? Fiery and addictive. Warm egg custard with duck confit and sea urchin? Brilliant. Hot-and-sour pork dumplings made to order? Further proof that the runaway success of MCF is no accident…”

Heirloom Café – 2500 Folsom Street

This charming rustic café—think wooden floors, high ceilings and common tables—offers simple, seasonal and very well-prepared food at reasonable prices. It features an open kitchen and its cellar, boasting mature, impeccably sourced wines from California and Europe is its pride and joy. Insiders tell us that the best dish is not on the menu. Ask for the Heirloom Burger, which has Époisses cheese worked into the ground sirloin.

For more information on San Francisco and other great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

10 Day Trips for Under $100

Looking for a quick getaway? Check out these great Boscov’s Motorcoach trips that get you away from it all, but stay within your budget.

Atlantic City Air Show – August 17, 2012
The Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over The Boardwalk,” is one of the most popular events in Atlantic City with heart-
stopping feats, aerobatics maneuvers, formation flying and solo routines by military and civilian pilots. See the show
from the boardwalk or lay on the beach and catch some rays along with the show!
See flybys and demonstrations that reach up to 15,000 feet and go as low as 50 feet over the water in front of the
Atlantic City skyline, along with performances and demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Coast Guard
Search and Rescue, Geico Skytypers, Golden Knights Parachute Team and much more!!

Adventure Aquarium/Battleship New Jersey – August 19, 2012
First, take a trip around the world, from the back-bays and beaches of the eastern coast to the outer reaches of South
America, without having to actually board a plane!
If it feels like you’re being stalked, you are. The moment you enter our new 40-foot shark tunnel, you’ll feel it. Dozens of
hungry eyes following your every move. They’ve got ghostly jellyfish, creepy Giant Spider Crabs and even a Giant
Pacific Octopus.
At INTERACTIVE INLET, you will get to see and TOUCH many of the world’s exotic and seldom-experienced sea
creatures including slimy shrimp, pulsing moon jellyfish, fresh-water stingrays, lobsters and much more

Then head over to The Battleship New Jersey, the ideal destination for fun and informative, interactive visits for all ages.
Tours of the “Big J”, led by expertly-trained docents, give visitors an up-close-and-personal look at so many things that
make the Battleship New Jersey unique: weapons systems, berthing areas, command and control centers, galley, on-
board museum exhibitions and so much more!

New York City Food Lovers’ Tour – September, 8, 2012

Zabars ~ has to be experienced, in person to be truly understood. You will have the opportunity  to see the crowds, hear the banter of the sales help, smell the croissants baking, admire the rich brown hues of the coffee, sample cheese from every corner of the world, enjoy the beauty of hand sliced nova and walk upstairs and see the largest selection of imported copper cookware anywhere.  It really is a one of a kind adventure.

Magnolia Bakery specializes in hand crafted classic American desserts. They make everything fresh from scratch in small batches throughout the day using only the finest ingredients. They bake the old-fashioned way without the use of preservatives or stabilizers so their desserts are meant to be enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Eataly is more than a supermarket with restaurants. It is an energetic marketplace, an opportunity to taste and take home the products of artisans who till, knead and press to bring you the highest quality products at a fair price. They have assembled the absolute best Italian producers from every region under one roof and the absolute best chefs to cook their wares.  Eataly is the heartbeat of Italy.

Russ & Daughters  BEST OF NEW YORK “Best Bagel & Lox” says New York Magazine: ”The bagel: hand-rolled and boiled. The cream cheese: all-natural and double-whipped. The salmon: speaks for itself.”

Chelsea Market - A one stop culinary food shop, a gourmet lover’s wholesale-retail wonder world and an energetic, industrial-chic hotspot, all meshed into one million square feet of space, along a historical 800 foot concourse on the most unique city block in Manhattan.

Statue of Liberty & 9/11 Memorial – September 9, 2012
9/11 Memorial - Visit the 9/11 Memorial. The Memorial honors the lives of those who were lost through models, films and genuine artifacts

Liberty Enlightening the World - The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

Mt. Airy Casino – Moments to Remember - September 19, 2012
This high energy musical extravaganza will take you on a musical journey that will delight audience members with the stories and events that took place during the 50’s and 60’s. Rock and Roll of this time talked about “Teenagers in Love.” They “Twisted”, “Rocked Around the Clock” and talked about a cheating girl named “Runaround Sue.” The fabulous decade of  the 1960’s started off with sweet and innocent love songs of the “Four Seasons” and “The Monkees.” It ended with the psychedelic rock experience.

Bloomsburg Fair – September 23, 2012
Horticultural exhibits, Farm & Garden exhibits, Food exhibits, Hobbies exhibits, Arts & Crafts exhibits, Needlework exhibits, 4-H & FFA exhibits, Agricultural exhibits, Livestock exhibits, Flower exhibits, Poultry exhibits, Rabbit exhibits, Antique Farm Machinery Museum, Free Entertainment at the Bandshell & Millennium stage, Restored Farm House, Historic Restored One Room School House and lots of food stands, merchandise stands, games, rides and more. Bring the family for a day of fun!

Fall Foliage Train Ride – September 25, 2012
Come enjoy all the beauty that Northeast Pennsylvania has to offer while taking a relaxing train ride through the most colorful splendors of fall. Also, enjoy the Joey Vincent Show – the best one man show you’ll ever see! His singing, comedy and impressions are sure to put a smile on every face!

Cape May Zoo & Whale Watch - September 28, 2012
Come join us for a day of fun and excitement full of animals and marine life. We will start off the day with free time at the Cape May Zoo, which is home to over 250 species and more than 500 animals. Among the many animals, you will see the newest additions to their zoo, two beautiful snow leopard cubs. Be sure to check out the train and carousel rides that are also available. Then it’s off to the Marina for a three-hour whale & dolphin watching cruise. The Delaware Bay Estuary is a sanctuary for many species of marine life. The unique  confluence of fresh and salt water make for a nutrient rich area teaming with life and conducive to whale and dolphin activity. Unlike other areas, where the whales are far away, many of the whale and dolphin sightings occur within the Delaware Bay or within ten miles of land. The excursion is fully narrated by your Captain who will point out local history as well as many types of marine life.

American Girl Place in New York City - October 10, 2012
Spend a day you will never forget—at American Girl Place New York.  Situated in the heart of the Big Apple’s most prestigious shopping, cultural and business neighborhood, American Girl Place New York is much more than a store. It’s a place for magical experiences and memories you will cherish forever.
From the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue to a magical world of dolls, books and toys just for you – that’s how far you’ll travel when you step through our doors.  It’s your day, so lead the way into the boutiques at American Girl Place New York.

Sweet & Salty “Foodie Tour” - October 30, 2012

Come join us for a day full of wonderful food and fun on a foodie tour of the Landis Valley and Lititz areas.
We will begin our day at the Landis Valley Museum with a guided tour of the village. The tour will include a horse-drawn wagon ride and a tasting of sticky buns, snitz and cider. Lunch will be served at the historic Landis Valley House Hotel.
We will then visit the Sturgis Pretzel Factory where we will each hand roll a pretzel. After the demonstration and tour, each person will receive a soft pretzel and enjoy a bag of pretzels for the road.
Our next stop will be the Wilbur Chocolate Company where we will savor the aroma of freshly made candy while watching the candy makers hand dip chocolates. We will sample their famous Wilbur Buds and have time to shop.
Our final stop will be in the downtown area of Lititz where there will be time to browse the quaint shops and find a souvenir to take home before departure.

For more information and pricing, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Good Eats: Melbourne, Australia

Dining out in Melbourne is an adventure on the forefront of contemporary Australian cuisine.  With a driving gastronomic scene that’s as sophisticated, edgy and multi-cultural as it is downright lovable, it’s easy to understand why so many foodies hail the city as Australia’s “culinary capital.”  Here are some tried-and-true favorites not to be missed on your next trip down under…

Chokolait.
Shop 8, Hub Arcade
18 Little Collins Street

Since it was established in 2007, Chokolait. has remained a steadfast favorite of Melbournians and those visitors lucky enough to sink their sweet-tooth into the shop’s decadent chocolates, chocolate drinks and chocolate-based desserts.  Owners Ross and Marianna Harvey have a simple philosophy: to make and serve the most extraordinary chocolates, the finest chocolate beverages and superb handmade desserts in a warm, relaxed and friendly environment.

Chokolait. uses only genuine Belgian courverture chocolate (which contains the highest-quality cocoa beans) and when paired with artisan care and fine attention to detail provides the ultimate chocolate experience.  If you find yourself in need of a chocolate fix, don’t miss out on one of their sinfully shippable hot chocolate drinks which include flavors such as cinnamon, mocha, and chili.

Melba
Melba at The Langham
1 Southgate Avenue

Melding a diverse range of flavors from different cultures with a posh, yet friendly and informal atmosphere, Melba forms a unique interactive dining experience like few others.  Culinary adventurers can create their own entrées from an amazing variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients ranging from luxe sashimi and sushi selections to mouth-watering gourmet cheeses.  Taking center stage is the restaurant’s colorful open kitchens, where passionate chefs prepare every customized dish.  With cooking stations offering sushi, Asian stir-fries and dumplings, Italian pastas, Indian dishes, tandoori oven specialties and a classic carvery, guests can enjoy flavors from around the world.  Oh, and the desserts are totally decadent.

Kamel
19 Victoria Avenue

An oasis nestled in Melbourne’s bayside suburb of Albert Park, Kamel is the go-to place for transcendent Middle Eastern and North African inspired dishes.  Kamel has a seemingly never-ending selection of dishes, each large enough for sharing.  Fresh seasonal dishes run alongside Kamel’s signature dishes, enhanced by weekly specials.  The wine list supports Australia’s finest independent winemakers, including both known and undiscovered vintages to complement any meal.  Our advice: spring for the twice cooked rolled duck stuffed with couscous, fig, ginger and coriander, and the lamb kofta with spiced tomato concasse.  For dessert, don’t miss the halva ice cream or the chocolate and rosewater mousse with crushed pistachios and rose cream.

Flower Drum
17 Market Lane

In china, the “Flower Drum” is known as a traditional dance famous for its beauty and elegance.  In Melbourne, it’s the top Chinese restaurant displaying the same elements of refinement and delicacy through its own take on fine Cantonese cuisine.  Executive Chef Anthony Lui showcases his skillful execution which utilizes a variety of high quality local ingredients.  Dishes like aromatic baked crab and made-to-order braised lamb claypot are well loved—though none more so than the restaurant’s signature Peking duck which features tender pieces of roast duck wrapped in a thin handmade pancake accompanied with sweet plum sauce, spring onion and cucumber.

For more information contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Ann Arbor, MI – A Break From the Ordinary

As a traveler, one of the greatest thrills of crisscrossing the globe is being wowed by a city you would normally have written off as nowheresville.  And when that happens, it’s like unearthing a buried treasure and wanting to show everyone what you discovered. That’s pretty much the feeling first-time visitors leave with after experiencing the overwhelmingly charming and shockingly delightful city of Ann Arbor, MI.

When it comes to the ultimate question of What’s there to do?, Ann Arbor holds its own extremely well against cities two or three times its size. Ann Arbor is a rare jewel: a small, friendly town with big city sophistication; a close-knit community with vibrant neighborhoods and a rich mix of cultures; a world-class educational and high-tech research center. As the locals like to say, ‘Ann Arbor is 28 square miles surrounded by reality.”

Getting There

Perfectly proportioned with just the right amount of sights, sounds, tastes and shopping diversions, Ann Arbor makes a fantastic weekend getaway. The city is located about 25 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, is accessible by Amtrak and is within driving distance of cities in the Midwestern  U.S. and Canada. As well, there are many luxury and budget-friendly hotels, and unique bed and breakfasts here to choose from.

Out on the Town

Although geographically small, the Ann Arbor area is perhaps most renowned for its cultural offerings. From exclusive art exhibits to performances by jazz legends, there are abundant arts and cultural offerings. More than 30 independent bookstores, dozens of unique galleries and a variety of top-notch museums—including the newly-renovated University of Michigan Museum of Art—are all within the downtown limits. The Ann Arbor are also offers a bounty of recreational activities for those looking to golf, hike, or cycle, and three metroparks are within a short drive of the city center.

There’s no underestimating the integral role the University of Michigan plays in cultivating the city, shaping its economy, population, and cultural awareness. On Saturdays during the football season, the city is electrified with Go Blue Fever. Even if you’re not a big football fan, the atmosphere throughout Ann Arbor is energized with plenty of shops and restaurants feeding the masses late into the night. Though the city is certainly a college and sports town, Ann Arbor is multi-faceted, having reinvented itself to become a top Midwest food, culture, outdoor recreation destination.