Beer babe’s favorite European bars

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Katarina Van Derham, the 2009 St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel, doesn’t like to spend all her time in one place. The Slovakia native now lives in Los Angeles and still loves to get out on the road as much as possible. When she’s home, her favorite place to grab a pint is Barney’s Beanery in Santa Monica. She can have a relaxing drink on the patio, which is a prime people-watching spot. Of course, she has favorites on the other side of the Atlantic, as well.

The 2009 St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel‘s European Favorites are:

Morrison Pub (Cannes, France): there’s always live music and a welcoming crowd; Cannes’ “beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe” help

Phanas Pub (Rijeka, Croatia): Phanas is a great party place with rock music piped in; Katarina came here while shooting a music video for a Slovakian band

Mermaid Bar (Ibiza, Spain): this bar caters to an international crowd, has clear water and a great club scene

U Medvédku (Prague, Czech Republic): a house beer and authentic Czech food are served, and you’re only footsteps from the city’s stunning architecture

CK Browar (Krakow, Poland): grab a beer at this bright brewery before shopping at the outdoor street fairs on Saturdays

Salm Bräu (Vienna, Austria): located in a charming old building, this bar is a great stop en route to Slovakia (since Vienna has the nearest international airport)

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Is a romantic getaway in your future?

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Nothing beats dashing off for a weekend of pure bliss. Your husband, wife, girlfriend, whatever plans a great trip to a romantic spot, and you’re the main event. Well, you’ve probably noticed in my Valentine’s Day posts that there’s a lot of belt-tightening going on. And, the news just keeps getting worse.

A pool by SpeedDate.com shows that first dates are costing the bare minimum. Most singles, according to the site, are spending less than $100 on their first dates. Almost a third are spending less than $50, while a bit more than a third are willing to shell out between $50 and $100. Close to 20 percent are willing to spend between $100 and $200, but only 13 percent see $200 as the low end.

The good news is that your first date probably won’t involve travel. But, could this sort of frugality suggest that a snowed-in weekend at a lodge in Vermont isn’t in your future?

It sounds like a good conversation for that first date!

Enter Madrid’s red light district

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Just north of Gran Via, you’ll find all the leather, sex toys adult novelty items, prostitutes and hook-up bars you’ll need – whether you’re in Madrid for a few hours or several months. For wholesome distraction, however, look elsewhere. The narrow streets and tight alleys can frustrate navigation and make a sketchy space feel even more confined. A mere two blocks from my hotel, I found an “erotic boutique,” “Bears Bar” (which is not a celebration of Yogi or Winnie) and several posters advertising all manner of gratification.

So, why would you hit this neighborhood?

Aside from the obvious anonymous lust-fueled jaunts into a neighborhood designed to satisfy with minimal effort, the bars may be worth the trip. There is an evident party scene in this corner of Madrid, and it’s not limited to the Bears’ niche. After 9 PM, the restaurants and bars along Calle des Infantes [verify street name], especially, attract a young, energetic crowd. Stop by El Tigre for tapas (and be prepared to eat standing), and then crawl from one dive bar to the next … there are plenty to occupy your evening. Finally, in a drunken stupor (or, “stooper,” as a commenter on one of my previous stories put it), decide whether to hunt or pay for an evening’s companionship.

A word of caution: I’ve read that this part of town can be dangerous for accompanies women after dark. While I’ve made light of some of the risks in this neighborhood, please be smart. Both prostitution and drugs, I understand, are common just north of Gran Via. There is a cool bar scene up there, but you probably don’t want to check it out alone.

Bet on a bargain at Mohegan Sun

by Tom Johansmeyer on

When even the loosest of slots can’t get you up to Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is ready to up the ante. Its “Bets & Bites” deal is designed to lure you and that big jar full of change on your bedroom floor to the casino … of course so you can win big.

For $129 a person (for two people), you’ll get a one-night stay at the casino’s hotel. When you’ve drained your cash at the tables, use a reservation at Todd English‘s Tuscany, Bamboo Forest or any of the other reservations on the property – made a bit easier by the $100 meal credit which will be applied to your room. The chef will even stop by to see how you’re doing.

After you bring your signed copy of Under the Sun: A Celebration of Cuisine & Culture, Mohegan Sun’s cookbook, back to your room, head back downstairs for one last bet. Mohegan includes a $10 play as part of the package. When you book this getaway, mention code PTFBV to take advantage of the deal.

And, there are more. See a full list after the jump, including some great ideas for Valentine’s Day!Here are a few more for you to consider!

Rest and Relax – Zen (starting at $219 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay in Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • Your choice of two 50-minute massages or one 50-minute couples massage at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • Whole fruit delivered to your room
  • An Elemis Spa gift bag
  • A bonsai tree to take home

Mention code PTSPA when booking.

A Pregnant Pause (starting at $189 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • A 50-minute massage for the mother-to-be at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • A gift for mom and baby including Elemis Spa milk bath products
  • A credit for Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, located in The Shops at Mohegan Sun

Mention code PTBAB when booking.

“In Like” Package (starting at $109 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • A half-dozen chocolate covered strawberries and bottle of champagne delivered to your room
  • One complimentary in-room movie

Mention code PTRML when booking.

“In Love” Package (starting at $219 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • VIP Hotel Check-In at Aquai
  • A dozen chocolate covered strawberries delivered to your room
  • Two complimentary martinis at Leffingwells Martini Bar
  • A couples massage at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • One complimentary in-room movie

Mention code PTRMH when booking.

No Boys Allowed (starting at $239 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • VIP Hotel Check-In at Aqaui
  • A martini mixing station delivered to your room
  • Two martini-themed manicures and pedicures at The Elemis Spa at Mohegan Sun
  • Two complimentary martinis at Leffingwells Martini Bar
  • Two complimentary breakfast buffets at Seasons Buffet
  • One $10 free bet per person

Mention code PTGRL when booking.

You Could Use Some Sun (starting at $99 per person for two people)

  • A one-night stay at Mohegan Sun’s luxurious hotel
  • A $25.00 food and beverage credit applied to your room
  • One $10.00 free bet per person

Mention code PTSD when booking.

Find love on the NH slopes

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Are you a die-hard skier who has always wanted to meet the love of your life on the slopes? Good, go to New Hampshire. For the price of a lift ticket at Black Mountain in the Mt. Washington Valley, you could experience a life-changing eight-minute ride in a chairlift.

Back for a third year, the Black Mountain Chairlift Speed Dating event has been upgraded to include “love potions” from the bar and a menu sure to set your heart racing. The best pick-up line will score you a free night at Whitneys Inn, two tickets to Black Mountain, a dozen roses and a bottle of champagne. If the line really is a winner, though, none of this will compare to the real prize!