Triangle Trip

Having lived in most of the major cities in the US, and even some major ones in Europe, I have always enjoyed dining at the top restaurants those cities had to offer. It struck me that, while I have never had a problem getting into restaurants I love, my friends have not been as lucky. Sometimes it was through my connections that I was able to get a table, but most times it was just through smart planning. Here are five tips on how to get that table at the current “it” spot:1.  Sometimes, smaller is better — This should be obvious, but trying to secure a table for a large party at Per Se in New York City isn’t going to work.

2. Reservations open 30 days in advance for most US restaurants — Pre-planning has never been so important. Some exclusive restaurants open reservations 2 weeks in advance, others are 60 days, and some go up to 1 year; but a majority are 30 days. Make sure you call the restaurant on that exact day when the reservation opens or you may not get your spot!

3.  Avoid rush hour and prime days — Most people tend to want to eat at restaurants between 7:00 to 9:00PM, and the prime dining evenings are usually Wednesday through Saturday. If you are flexible, dining during the off hours is a great way to get into that hot restaurant. This is a good strategy for those on vacations, who usually have more flexibility on their eating times.

4.  Walk-in accepted — Don’t be afraid to walk into a hot/hip restaurant if you are a couple or by yourself. You’d be surprised at the number of times I was able to get seated using this strategy, without suffering through a long wait. Most exclusive restaurants would accept walk-in patrons.

5.  Take advantage of the concierge — If you are staying at a top quality hotel, this is by far the best strategy. If you are trying to get into a tough restaurant, and you are flexible with day and time, you would be surprised at the amount of “pull” that the concierge service has. Some restaurants reserve tables specifically for those favorite concierges who consistently make reservations with them. Note though, that while they can pull off reservation miracles at times, you shouldn’t expect to show up on Friday morning and get a reservation at Nobu New York that very same evening at 8:00PM!

If you are stranded at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for more than a couple of hours or have a long layover with a craving for In-N-Out Burger, here’s how you can get your hands on an “animal style” Double-Double!

Unfortunately LAX does not have an In-N-Out Burger at any of its terminals. To satisfy your craving for that Double-Double, you will need to exit the LAX terminals and head to the nearest In-N-Out Burger in Westchester, which is Northeast of LAX (see map below).

You can spend $7 or so by hopping in a cab that will take you there. However, you may have trouble finding a cab to take you back to LAX. So I am going to recommend the following free approach:

As you can see from the map, there is a parking structure right next to the In-N-Out Burger. The parking structure is a long term parking lot operated by The Parking Spot. The Parking Spot has shuttles that circles LAX terminals. You can catch the Parking Spot Shuttle on the middle island of the arrivals area.

Hop on one of the free Parking Spot Sepulveda shuttles that will take you to the long term parking structure which is next to the In-N-Out Burger. Note that I have highlighted “Sepulveda” as the Parking Spot has another shuttle that goes to their “Century Boulevard” location. Make sure you get on the shuttle that has “Sepulveda” or an “S” at the end of the shuttle (see picture below).

Even thought the In-N-Out Burger is less than a mile from LAX, make sure you give yourself enough time to get back to the terminals and pass through security so you don’t miss your flight!

Whether you’re in Hong Kong for business or pleasure, the most economical way to stay connected (with web, voice and text) is with China Mobile’s prepaid plans. China Mobile operates as “Peoples” in Hong Kong. Unlike other Hong Kong mobile providers (i.e., PCCW which has great international mobile plans), China Mobile is the only carrier offering pay as you go mobile data. As long as you have an unlocked GSM phone, you will be able to access the web, send SMS texts, and make phone calls.

I am really impressed with China Mobile’s prepaid mobile data plan because it is surprisingly cheap – even when compared to alternatives like global WiFi (here’s a link to my previous post), hotel internet access, and Internet cafes. For HK$38 (a little less than US$6), China Mobile will give you a week of unlimited mobile data service — YES, seven (7) days. China Mobile also has daily and monthly prepaid data plans. Here’s the link to China Mobile’s website for more details including one number access while you are traveling in Hong Kong and China.

The downside to China Mobile’s mobile data services are:

1) You are on the slower EDGE network, as there is no 3G service. I guess you get what you pay  for.

2) You may not be able to access major US websites like Twitter, Facebook, or even Google apps. This is due to the Chinese firewall censoring mobile content. You probably can’t access your company’s email if it is hosted on Google Mail, either. Sorry – there aren’t any alternatives or hacks.

You can pick up the prepaid mobile SIM at any Chine Mobile retail store, 7-Eleven, Circle K or Hong Kong grocery stores/newstands.