the ritz-carlton, washington dc

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explore 70 ritzcarlton.com breaks with tradition By Josh Krist As the airplane veers toward Osaka Bay, I search in the mass of buildings below for a runway. Instead, the plane keeps descending, seemingly into the bay, until I spy a small dot of white in the azure water. That’s where I’m landing — on a man-made island that’s a testament to the modern ingenuity of this ancient port town. I could take a train into Osaka, but the bridge that connects the airport to the metropolis is two miles long and has great views. I notice that the jagged profiles of buildings at a distance look like a staircase that can’t decide whether it wants to go up or down. I, like many travelers, know Osaka as the center of business for the western half of Japan (the greeting in the local dialect translates to “How’s business?”). But to reconnect with the Japan of samurai and shogun, I venture to Osaka Castle, just a short walk from the city’s subway loop line. “Its garden and surrounding moat are beautiful,” says Sohei Wada, concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. “Especially during the cherry blossom season, many people come here to enjoy the atmosphere of old Japan, to enjoy the rebirth of spring as they’ve been doing for generations.” I like to get reacquainted with modern Osaka 328 feet above the ground on the ferris wheel next to the Osaka Aquarium, a huge place with a must-see massive tank of whale sharks. Or, I might head to the adjacent Suntory Museum, a sleek building made of bulging, rounded metal that holds a 15,000-piece poster collection with plenty of Toulouse-Lautrec, lots of shopping and a sky lounge with nice views. At night, the Namba area is where unremarkable streetscapes full of stores and restaurants transform into long canyons of hectic neon and strolling locals, every bit as dynamic as Tokyo. Before it gets too late, I wander the Tenjimbashi-suji shopping street, a 1.5-mile covered pedestrian-only street packed with shops selling goods that range from traditional lacquerware and kimonos to funky clothing with nonsensical English phrases like “Happy Door” printed on them. Those who want a glimpse of the future should head to Den-Den town, a section of the city that sells electronic gizmos that the rest of the world won’t see for a few years. Even if I’m close to the hotel, I always end the evening with a taxi ride. The drivers wear white gloves, and the back door opens automatically to let me in and out. I’m careful never to tell the driver to take me home — because in Osaka, unlike almost any other city in the world, I feel like I’m already there. the ritz-carlton, osaka Sohei Wada, concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, is happy to answer any question about the city or his property, which is a testament to Japanese calm and Western warmth in the heart of Osaka. He likes to point out that at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka: • Public areas are decorated with more than 450 paintings and authentic Japanese antiques. • The Japanese suites have a tatami-mat floor; a deep, traditional-style bathtub; and a futon bed. “One can enjoy authentic Japanese-inn accommodation and at the same time enjoy Western-style hospitality,” Wada says. • A Chinese government-certified tea evaluator (like a sommelier) can recommend a tea to match your menu and physical condition. Above, from left: A traditional Japanese suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka; sushi at Hanagatami restaurant. Opposite page: The neon-streaked streets of Osaka. osaka PHOTOGRAPHY BY XXXXXXXX PHOTOGRAPHY BY mALcOLm WRAY/ALAmY ritzcarlton.com 71
explore 72 ritzcarlton.com philadelphia american history and style By Jessica Merrill Before I visited Philadelphia, two things came to mind when I thought of it: the Liberty Bell and delicious cheesesteak sandwiches. Those are two valid — and wonderful — associations with Philly, but in reality the city is sophisticated and surprising in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Even now when I visit, whether I’m sitting out at one of the elegant sidewalk cafés that ring leafy Rittenhouse Square, sipping a mojito at a swanky late-night lounge in the Old City, or window-shopping the designer boutiques on Walnut Street, I sometimes have to remind myself I’m not in an emerging New York enclave. Sometimes Philadelphia gets overlooked, sandwiched the way it is between New York City and Washington, D.C., like a middle child overshadowed by its louder siblings. But Philadelphia grew up to be more cosmopolitan than anyone expected, and now its funky, fun attitude is getting noticed. With a rich Colonial heritage, Philadelphia has always been a great city for American history; but with fantastic restaurants, shopping and nightlife, I can’t help but admire how the city has evolved into a fine place to experience American style. The selection of architect Frank Gehry to design the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s sweeping expansion project is one example of just how forward-thinking the city is. As for the museum, you should note those are the steps of Rocky fame. It’s worth running up them yourself — not to prove your endurance, but to catch one of the museum’s first-class exhibits, such as “Cezanne and Beyond” (through May 17) or “Henri Matisse and Modern Art on the French Riviera” (through Nov. 1). Philadelphia’s less-glamorous charms are still my favorite, though. The rustic outdoor Italian Market in South Philly is also a fun diversion for sampling parmigiano reggiano, homemade sausages and other Italian delights. Di Bruno Bros. is just about legendary for its selection of hundreds of fine cheeses. James Portner, concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, suggests taking advantage of the city’s setting on the banks of the Schuylkill River, especially in the springtime, with a bike ride or walk along Boathouse Row to Fairmont Park. “It’s really scenic and a great place to get some fresh air,” he says. Philadelphia’s historic roots, ethnic diversity and hipster sophistication have given the city a nickname, “New York City’s sixth borough.” But the truth is, Philly stands just fine on its own. the ritz-carlton, philadelphia The elegantly grand Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia is located in a spectacular landmark building that was originally built in 1908 as a bank. The marble exterior columns give way to a soaring domed lobby inside. With its central location downtown, it’s a grand base for exploring the city. • Relish the opulent setting with a cocktail at 10 Arts Lounge in the lobby, Concierge James Portner recommends. “There’s a 140-foot ceiling that looks like the Pantheon, and it was made with 9,000 tons of marble,” he says. • Looking for a classic American snack with a twist? Chef Eric Ripert’s warm pretzel bites with cheddar sauce, jalapeño jam and Dijon mustard are addictive. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SuPeRSTOcK/JuPITeR ImAGeS Claes Oldenburg’s Clothespin sculpture lights up the night at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Opposite page, from top: Chef Eric Ripert at 10 Arts; Ripert’s pretzel bites; the Rotunda at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. ritzcarlton.com 73
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