Jurassic Thailand
What started as a vision to turn a classic French garden into a botanical valley quickly evolved into something wilder. Nongnooch Pattaya Garden added a playful twist by introducing its first dino residents, starting with a set of triceratops. Fast forward to now, and you'll find over 230 species of 814 of dinosaurs scattered across the grounds. It's a dino maze where every turn reveals another prehistoric surprise. Snap a selfie with a stegosaurus, get lost among the raptors, or just take a peaceful stroll away from the city lights and soak up the Jurassic vibes.
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This 100-year-old Bed-Stuy building is now home to a chic oyster bar
Bed-Stuy's latest wine bar hopes to introduce a space where the wine is accessible, the vibe is French and the oysters are freshly shucked on the half shell. A combination of the French words sel (salt) and lune (moon), Selune opened its doors on June 17, taking space in a 100-year-old brownstone. The wine and oyster bar is a labor of love from couple Marc Lioussanne and Bilen Gaga, who lean on their shared passions to bring it to life. Owner of Bistro Général & Mabel in Paris and previous beverage director of Eden Rock in St. Barths, Lioussane brings the hospitality angle, while Gaga's hand touches the interior, with an eye that is shaped by her fashion background and her Ethiopian roots. Salvaged from the previous tenant, a long, hand-stained walnut bar runs the length of the 50-seat wine bar, illuminated with globe lights. Across it, you can find two-seater tables and chairs plus a singular booth that's pushed up against the exposed brick walls painted white. Among a palette of tan leather, brushed gold and deep green accents, including live greenery, a single portrait hangs on the wall. Found near the rear of the restaurant, the painting depicts a scene of African women preparing a shared meal, nodding to Gaga's Ethiopian heritage. Naturally, wine is on order and there is plenty of it thanks to Lioussanne. Curating a selection over 120 bottles deep, the natural wine list is heavy on the regions of France with stops in Italy, New Zealand and Spain. They seem to be making good on their claim for accessibility as glasses can be had for $8-14 and bottles start as low as $27. There's also a list of cocktails for the partaking, including the miso-based Sunset Martini with rice vinegar syrup and the Ti Carib, an island-y number with coconut, allspice, juice and rum. Even the zero-proof varieties hold interest such as the Daisy with chia seeds, apple juice and a smoked lime as does the cherry tomato water-based Ruby Red, complimented with vanilla syrup and black peppercorn. Rounding it all out, the list includes a range of sakes plus beers sourced from Catskill Brewery. No matter what you drink, it can all easily be paired with Selune's French bistro fare and selections of the sea. Oysters are one of the main draws here, plucked from the eastern coasts of Cape Cod and Nova Scotia to Washington's Hood Canal. All can be dressed your way with a fleet of mignonettes for the choosing: ponzu scallion, shallot wine vinegar and lemongrass. If you'd rather your food come from land, you can build your own charcuterie board, starting with cured Jambon De Paris and Duck Foie Gras before selecting a few artisanal cheeses for the nibbling. Each board comes with a baguette and a swipe of butter to eat it all up.
Time Out
13 hours ago
- Time Out
Jurassic Thailand
What started as a vision to turn a classic French garden into a botanical valley quickly evolved into something wilder. Nongnooch Pattaya Garden added a playful twist by introducing its first dino residents, starting with a set of triceratops. Fast forward to now, and you'll find over 230 species of 814 of dinosaurs scattered across the grounds. It's a dino maze where every turn reveals another prehistoric surprise. Snap a selfie with a stegosaurus, get lost among the raptors, or just take a peaceful stroll away from the city lights and soak up the Jurassic vibes.
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
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'I took my toddler to unique UK 5 star hotel - this is what it was really like'
I'm sure most people would wince at the thought of taking their toddler to a five-star hotel. The image of trying to manage an unwieldy child in the hushed corridors of a plush hotel would put most parents off. However, I recently took my 15-month-old to the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Eastbourne and it was the rest we all needed as a family. We decamped for the weekend to the iconic Grand Hotel Eastbourne which is known as the 'White Palace' of the South Coast and has been serving up luxury since 1875. The hotel has welcomed many famous faces over the years, including French composer Claude Debussy and Charlie Chaplin, and it is one of a very small handful of five star hotels at the British seaside There's hints of that old world glamour throughout with pictures of the hotel orchestra and illustrated images of the stylish Victorian set enjoying afternoon tea. While the hotel is very much 'grand' with tall ceilings, luxurious furnishings and stunning sea views, it wasn't stuffy like some establishments can be. Our sea view suite was large and comfortable with plush furnishings and a gorgeous terrace overlooking the coastline. The hotel facilities were equally luxurious with both and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Situated at the front of the hotel with its beaming white Victorian architecture, the outdoor pool is truly one of its unique selling points. Heated to a balmy 29C, the outdoor pool is ideal for children and parents alike and my daughter loved splashing around in the sun. The indoor pool is heated to a similarly bath-like temperature and the leisure centre also boasts a steam room, a spa bath and gym for when parents want to take a break. For those hoping for some chill time, the spa has eight treatment rooms and offers a range of treatments and massages. Feeding toddlers can often be a bit of a nightmare and I was a tad concerned about causing a ruckus in a fancy dining room, but I needn't have worried as the staff couldn't have been more helpful. Without even asking, a waitress appeared with plastic bowls and spoons for our little one at breakfast and another server brought her some warm milk at dinner. And no one batted an eye when a substantial amount of Weetabix / mashed potato ended up on the floor. It's so easy to worry about disturbing other diners but most people were delighted to say hello to my toddler as she pottered about waving at everyone and hiding behind the heavy drapes. While being a very grand hotel - please pardon the pun - the atmosphere was really inclusive and we really felt like we got a break. As many parents will know, not having to cook and clean for a few days is bliss and we didn't feel confined to our room whatsoever, enjoying the leisure centre, plush common areas and the Lounge Terrace. We could tag team going to the leisure centre, enjoyed leisurely breakfasts in the stunning Garden Room restaurant and took afternoon naps in our sea view suite. Not only was the hotel wonderful, but it's just metres away from the seafront with stunning views of the English Channel, making it the perfect location for exploring the beach, Beachy Head and the town of Eastbourne. We walked the promenade, which was really accessible for a buggy and also a safe distance from the road if our daughter wanted to walk. We also spent a sunny afternoon pottering up and down the beach and enjoying some music as we sat outside a pub on the pier. My takeaway? Don't be afraid to take your children to a hotel if it's something you're considering. I've often thought it might not be the most practical but the staff were so attentive, we didn't feel like we were in the way and there was lots to do. And what's even better is that we got a bit of a break as well. You can get a breaking travel stories along with some of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your phone every day by subscribing to the Mirror Travel WhatsApp. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is celebrating 150 years with a special Afternoon Tea – from £36 per person. Honouring The Grand's rich 150-year history, a limited-edition afternoon tea pays fitting tribute to timeless luxury. In addition to delicate sandwiches, and scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, an exquisite pastry menu - delicacies offering a journey through time – includes an 'Opera Gȃteau' to die for. Book here or via 01323 412345. Stay overnight at The Grand Hotel from £220 per room per night (two sharing), including breakfast.
