Men Who Like to Travel - David Latt

What comes to mind when someone mentions Houston? Don't think about it. Respond emotionally. Probably you said something that included "Texas, oil, Gulf Coast hurricanes, cowboys, barbecue, and Tex-Mex". Maybe you also remembered that Houston is home to an important complex of medical centers and that NASA's Johnson Space Center is nearby. Now add really good food to that list. Houston has come of age. Serving up plenty of hamburgers, barbecue, enchiladas, and carnitas, Houston's food scene stays connected with its Western traditions. But the food landscape now includes a range of restaurants serving the cuisines of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. There are plenty of upscale restaurants and many affordable, neighborhood joints. On a recent trip to Houston I took an eating tour of the town and I have some recommendations to pass along. If you have money to splurge, be sure you stop at Voice (Hotel Icon, 220 Main, Houston, Texas 77002; 832/667-4470

When Albert Roux and his brother Michel arrived in London in the early-1960's their future was uncertain. They had a grand ambition to open a world-class restaurant specializing in high-quality, classic French cuisine in a country that famously preferred fish and chips. Le Gavroche was instantly recognized for the quality of its preparation and attention to detail and began a revolution in English cooking. Chef Albert Roux recently turned his attention to America when he opened Chez Roux on the grounds of La Torretta del Lago Res or t and Spa (http://latorrettadellagoresortandspa.com/), 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgom e ry , T ex as 77356 (936/448-4400), on the edge of Lake Conroe , an hour north of Houston. He chose the location of the renovated La Torretta because o f his long friendship with the ow ner Ronnie Ben- Zur . Chez Roux specializes in a cuisine Chef Roux developed with his son, Michel Jr. , at Le Gavroche . Using sauces made with jus and reduc

If you're planning a couples' getaway or a family reunion you might think about a rental villa as an alternative to a hotel. The last time I traveled with a group was for a family reunion on the Jersey shore. The resort was lovely, but when we wanted to be together, we had to find space in the lobby with the other guests or break up into small groups to meet in our cramped hotel rooms. We missed having a private space where we could hang out and not deal with other people. Recently my wife and I planned a weekend with four other couples. We were going to meet in the Sonoma Valley where we like its bucolic mix of small towns, cafes, vineyards, dairies, farms, and ranches. For foodies, with hundreds of organic farms, world famous wineries, and access to fresh seafood, the valley is nirvana. We only needed to decide where to stay. At first we considered one of the luxury hotels in the area: Meadowood , Auberege du Soleil , or the Calistoga Ranch . There's no quest

Spring is the perfect time for an off-season, weekend in California 's Sonoma Valle y . Premium rates don't begin until just before the Memorial Day weekend. Off-season extends from the end of harvest in November through mid-May. During December, January, and February there can be a bit of rain, which is good for the grapes. Even for visitors, the inclement weather adds to the valley's charms, especially with so many restaurants serving comfort food and delicious wines. During March and April, day time temperatures hover in the mid 60's to low 70's, with the nights still in fireplace-cozy mid-40s. A few buds are beginning to appear on the grape vines, but brilliantly colored wild flowers are already in full bloom. Fields of bright yellow mustard plants spread as far as the eye can see. Tall green grasses glistening in the morning light surround mile after mile of still dormant, grayish grape vines. The lifeless looking vines mask the vitality that is

Arriving in Doha On our delivery flight from Seattle to Doha, the coach cabins were completely e mpty. Only 20 business class seats were occupied on the 259 seat Boeing 777-200LR. But we weren't complaining. We relaxed, slept, read, and watched movies. When we arrived in Doha in the afternoon, the pilot announced that we would make an approach low over the field but not land. We assumed this was the airplane's "salute" to its new home. We discovered it was something else entirely. Traditionally, the first time a new model of an aircraft is delivered to Qatar Airways, fire trucks welcome the plane with an archway of water. Since our plane was the second Boeing 777-200LR, there would be no ceremony. When we flew low over the field we saw that we were in fact getting a welcoming. There were a hundred or more yellow jacketed men and women and dozens of men in traditional white Arabic robes and headdresses. When the plane landed, red carpeted stairs were pushed up

On our delivery flight from Seattle to Doha, the coach cabins were completely e mpty and only 20 business class seats were occupied on the 259 seat Boeing 777-200LR. But we weren't complaining. We relaxed, slept, read, and watched movies. When we arrived in Doha in the afternoon, the pilot announced that we would make an approach low over the field but not land. We assumed this was the airplane's "salute" to its new home. We discovered it w as something else entirely. Traditionally, the first time a new model of an aircraft is delivered to Qatar Airways, fire trucks welcome the plane with an archway of water. Since our plane was the second Boeing 777-20 0LR, there would be no ceremony. When we flew low over the field we saw that we were in fact getting a welcoming. There were a hundred or more yellow jacketed men and women and dozens of men in traditional white Arabic robes and headdresses. When the plane landed, red carpeted stairs were pushed up to the p

First impressions are important but sometimes they can be deceiving. When you pull up in front of the Qatar Airways' Premium Terminal in Doha, you'll think you're checking into a hotel because you are met at the curb by valets who load your bags onto luggage carriers. Unless several flights are leaving at the same time, which can happen in the morning, there are no queues. A concierge leads you to a desk where you take a seat in a plush leather chair while an airline clerk relieves you of your bag and checks you in. After a quick walk through security and a look through the Duty Free Shop, it's upstairs to the second floor lounges. Besides a fully serviced business center and conference rooms, there are men and women's prayer rooms, a children's play area and nursery, a room for families, and a video game room. The Business Class and First Class Lounges have waiting areas with more of those comfortable leather chairs and a restaurant with a full buffet