Lodging: Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, Providence, RI

November 19, 2012 -- As you might already know, I'm a Platinum Elite Marriott Rewards member and I have several eCertificates built up that I need to use before they expire.  That was the case Saturday night.  I wanted to surprise my wife with a nice dinner in Providence followed by an overnight stay.  I used my expiring eCertificate for the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel and later that afternoon we made the drive to Providence.  The area was hopping since their was a show at The Vet, a wedding in the hotel, and a dance competition held close by.  When we got to the check-in counter we were told that our room was not ready.  I was a little disappointed, but Amy at the front desk went to work making sure I would be able to check in.  While we waited, Casey (another front desk helper) asked what our plans were for the evening and I told her we were going to Hemenway's Restaurant for dinner.  She excused herself and quickly came back with a coupon for a complimentary appetizer!  Nice!

After a few minutes, Amy told me that she found an available room and said I'd be happy and surprised.  She handed me the keys and my wife and I headed for the elevators.  We arrived on the sixth floor and proceeded to walk the length of the hallway until we came to a set of double doors.  I checked my room key -- #616 -- and it was the same as the placard on the wall.  I'm having problems uploading the video directly to this blog, but if you go to my Facebook page you can watch it there.  You really need to watch this video to appreciate what we saw next!  Here are some pictures to hold you over:

Not only was the room ridiculous, but the whole staff treated us like we were royalty.  My wife and I were so happy with everything and you can bet that we will stay at the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel again soon.  Can we get the same room, please?

NEWS: Sudbury/Framingham, MA

November 8, 2012 -- Once again, like Willie Nelson sings, I'm on the road again!  This time I'll be spending some time in the Sudbury/Framingham, MA area.  I'll be sure to gather my knowledge on hotels, restaurants, fitness centers, and the social scene while I'm in the area.  Stay tuned for updates, they'll be sure to come!

Food: The Venus De Milo, Swansea, MA

October 9, 2012 -- Oh boy, where do I begin.  OK, let me start by saying that my wife and I have frequented the Venus De Milo many times in the past and it's one of the restaurants in our "rotation", you might say.  However, that might all change.  We visited the Venus this past Saturday night and when we got there the main dining room was under construction for remodeling.  I'm perfectly fine with a restaurant closing parts of its main dining area and kitchen to perform upgrades.  I'm also fine with a limited menu, decor, furnishings, staff, you name it, while the place readies itself for a re-opening.  I blame myself for not checking before I left for dinner.

This was the case on Saturday.  However, after being seated we were handed "new" menus.  As I just stated, I'm fine with limited offerings during a renovation.  Sadly, this wasn't the case; this was their new menu.  You know when you go to a specific restaurant to order that specific dish you can't get anywhere else?  The Venus De Milo just blew themselves up!  My wife and I went specifically for their signature Seafood Alfredo dish only to find it's no longer offered.  Furthermore, they have downsized their menu so much, nothing looked appealing.  Seriously.

Thoroughly disappointed to the point where I had to talk my wife into not getting up and leaving -- it would have been rude -- we decided to stay and choose something else.  After a long debate, we both settled on the Shrimp Scampi.  In the past, the entree came with a choice of soup or salad, and vegetable.  Not anymore.  Now let me say that I felt the meal was very good, but my wife was able to finish her whole plate then and there.  This is the same woman who takes home restaurant food in a doggy bag and eats it for three more meals.  What I'm saying is, the prices went up but the portions are smaller.  Furthermore, the new menu is a major step backwards in my opinion.

The Venus is also famous for their three-pound baked stuffed lobster.  The old menu prominently boasted this fact and that Emiril Lagasse gives it a big thumbs up.  The new menu has this listed inconspicuously on the bottom of the first page.  I hate to say this, but we're most likely not going back to the Venus.  Way too many signature dishes are gone -- signature dishes for crying out loud! -- and the new menu is lacking in quantity, variety, and portion size.  Very sad indeed.

Health: Andover Massage Therapy, Andover, MA

September 21, 2012 -- My body has been taking a beating from baseball, TRX training, and my routine running schedule, so a massage was in order.  Since I'm working away from home during the week and that my regular masseuse doesn't book appointments on weekends, I needed to find someone in the Andover area.  I searched Yelp and found favorable reviews for Andover Massage Therapy. I went to their website and used their appointment schedule to easily choose a masseuse and book an appointment.  The technical aspect of the visit had worked flawlessly.  Now, on to the actual massage.

My massage therapist, Adrienne Gill, was very professional, a gifted masseuse, and above all showed a genuine concern for my overall well-being.  The hour massage was fantastic!  She was able to massage away my stored up lactic acid and I left feeling rejuvenated.  The massage studio is in downtown Andover and is exactly what you would expect when looking for a massage.  The price was equivalent to the service provided and in the range of other massages that I had received in the past at other studios.  When I need another rub down, I'll definitely go back and see Adrienne at Andover Massage Therapy.  And if you're in the area, be sure to check them out as well, it'll be well worth the visit!

Fitness: Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover, MA

September 6, 2012 -- Well, I bit the bullet, signed up for TRX Training at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, and attended my first group class yesterday.  Let me tell you, I'm sore today!  The TRX class is a 40-minute session where you use suspended cables and your own body weight to do multiple exercises.  The workout is a cross between weight training, cardio, and yoga.  There's plenty of movement to get a good sweat going, exercises to hit your larger muscle groups, and plenty of core training to tighten your abs.  I'm a bit clumsy when trying to adjust the straps to my handles, as well as to hook them over my heels and ankles, but the reward is worth it!  I'm sure after a few more sessions I'll get the hang of the straps and be able to zip through the workouts more smoothly.

I did have to pay extra to take these classes.  I spent $120 for the Fall session on top of my monthly membership fee.  Also, since I'm a visiting member, I had to pay the community price, which is a bit more than for a local member.  All in all, its been a great experience.  I can feel the fat melting off of me now!  Hope to see you there for the next session!

Food: The Chateau, Andover, MA

September 6, 2012 -- Papa Jim has found a restaurant suitable to his liking!  Mr. Jim is very particular in his food intake, so trying to get him to the perfect place has been a little of a challenge.  The Chateau Italian Restaurant is now Jim's #1 food spot!  I have to admit, I like their food and menu myself.  I've had everything from steamers and stuffies, to New England clam chowder and minestrone soup.  Yesterday I had shrimp cocktail followed by Tuscany Styled Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables over rice -- fantastic!  However, I really like their Lobster, Shrimp, & Scallop Diavalo -- I've had this dish more than once!

Papa Jim has only had fried scallops and hamburgers, but he swears by them!  If Papa Jim says it's good, then you know it's good!  If you're around Andover, or anywhere in Massachusetts for that matter, give The Chateau Italian Restaurant a try.  You'll be glad you came!

Food: On the Bone, Wyndham Hotel, Andover, MA

August 30, 2012 -- On the recommendation of AP (remember him from San Diego?  He's terrorizing Andover too!), he said that I needed to try On the Bone at the Wyndham Hotel.  With anticipation of yet another stellar meal, a coworker of mine, let's call him Papa Jim, and I visited the restaurant a couple of weeks ago.  Well, let's just say I didn't share AP's enthusiasm.

First off, I can say that we didn't have very long to wait for a table.  Now I know Tuesday night isn't a big dinner night, but me and Papa Jim arrived around 7:00 PM and there was NO ONE in the restaurant!  Needless to say, we were seated immediately.  After sitting and ordering our drinks, we both turned our attention to the menu.  The prices are ridiculous and this is coming from someone whose company is paying for meals!  We both had to calculate how much we could spend (and our per diem is generous) before ordering.

Being known for its steaks (it's not called On the Bone for nothing!), I figured a good steak was in order.  I ended up getting a NY Strip steak for $29 and Papa Jim ordered a scallops dish.  The waitress first brought us our salads, which were probably the best part of the meal.  The salads for cripe's sake!  The bread that was brought to our table was hard and not to my liking.  Finally, the main entrees arrived.

My steak was fine, but it had too much fat and grizzle for a $29 piece of meat.  It was OK, but for the price and reputation I expected spectacular.  Nope.  The vegetables were fine but the baked potato was hard and not fluffy.  Again, this might sound knit picky, but when you spend over $45 for a meal, it better be good.  I was very disappointed.  Even Papa Jim's meal was below average and overpriced.

AP, I know you liked the place, but I can't justify the cost.  Too expensive, even for per diem.  Maybe that's why there was no one in the place.  I'm all for giving second chances to places, but the only reason why I would give On the Bone another chance is because someone else is paying for it.  Sorry.