The World’s Most Versatile Travel Chopsticks

by Willy Volk on

Tripstixx claim to be the world’s “most versatile collapsible chopsticks.” Compact and hygienic, the sleek, globe-trotting ensemble includes two handles that are interchangeable with two separate styles of tips: sushi (pointed) and banquet (rounded).

These eco-friendly chopsticks are made from reusable, high-density polycarbonate, which means no trees were harmed in their production — and you can pack them in your carry-on without any worries. One complete set, which includes a carrying case, runs $15.

Previously:
China Sticks
The Chork: Chopsticks + Fork Fusion

Gipfelbier, or Another Excuse to Drink Beer

by Justin Glow on

I read an interesting AskMetafilter question the other day, it asked: “What is the German word for a beer enjoyed at the top of a summit that you have just climbed?” Apparently the asker climbed Mount Tongariro on the North Island of New Zealand, where they ran across two German men on the summit, each enjoying a beer along with the beautiful view. “They told us that this was a traditional thing for German hikers to do on top of mountains that they summit, and they even had a specific word for the beer enjoyed on such an occasion.”

It turns out there is a term for such a thing: Gipfelbier, or “summit beer.” According to a response posted to the original question, “Gipfelbier or Gipfelhalbe (Halbe = half a liter of beer), it’s simply a reward for having made it to the top, Gipfelschnaps is also common.”

Any excuse to drink beer is fine with me, even if it means lugging it up a mountain first.

Restaurant in the Sky

by Erik Olsen on

I saw this story about a restaurant suspended in the sky by a crane and at first thought it was a joke. Then I thought it was stupid. Then I thought it was brilliant. My guess is you might have a similar range of perspective about this extremely novel idea out of Belgium. The concept, called Dinner In The Sky involves a massive table, seating some 20 people, with waiters moving hither and yon (ok, just hither, the table’s not THAT big) in the middle. While based in Belgium, the table can be shipped anywhere….(some assembly required, monster 150 foot crane not included).

The table has been used throughout Europe at events in Paris and Brussels, but it looks like New York and Niagara Falls are on the agenda. As I say above, thought, the owners say that they can bring the table in the sky to you for a mere $20,000 or so, which you KNOW is going to be big among the Hamptons crowd. Expect to see this one written up soon in the US press (if it hasn’t already). Oh, and if you get the chance to eat dinner in the sky sometime soon, please let us know. And for goodness sakes, be careful .And don’t drop your fork .that first step is a loo loo.

One for the Road (04/29/07)

by Kelly Amabile on

Here’s one for the foodies: Everybody Eats There: Inside the World’s Legendary Restaurants dishes up the scoop on 100 of the world’s most exclusive dining establishments. Veteran journalist Bill Staidem teamed up with Mara Gibbs, of the Morton’s Restaurant family, to gather the goods (and gossip) on the top restaurants around the globe.

The result is a collection of backstories about chefs, owners and menus about well known high-profile places like Elaine’s (NY), Spago (L.A.), Stresa (Paris) and the River Cafe (London). I’m no eatery expert, but my guess is that those in the know about these “it” establishments may not be so interested in reading this book. (In fact, they might be mentioned in it!) But travelers with a soft spot for Hollywood stars and their dining habits may find this a particularly enjoyable read. Bon Appetit!

Chinese Restaraunt Keeps 143-Year-Old Fire Burning

by Justin Glow on

Qianmen Quanjude, a 143-year-old roast duck restaurant in Beijing, China is closing for renovations, but its oven — said to be burning non-stop since opening day — will remain lit.

“[T]he restaurant has served 115,330,259 ducks in over 140 years of service,” according to China View. “It has hosted dinners for millions of people from all over the world, including former president of the United States George H. Bush, Japan’s former Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Cuba’s President Fidel Castro.”

The ancient, still-burning embers will be removed from the oven and placed in a vessel that will remain on-site while the renovations take place. After completion, they will be moved back into the oven, and the restaurant service will continue for another few hundred years.

Perhaps we can get Ember Swift, Gadling’s resident Canadian-in-China, to investigate further. Ember?

[via Neatorama]