Top 10: 2009 Health Resolutions

Let’s be honest: People rarely keep their New Year’s resolutions. A week in the gym and maybe two weeks without sweets often ends with one stray Mars bar that destroys the motivation to keep going. You fall back into your hedonistic ways, guzzling beer and gravy, spending your free time wedged between the couch cushions. This far-too-common scenario leads us to one conclusion about resolutions: be realistic. If you’re addicted to Sugar Smacks, don’t vow to eat nothing but muesli and yogurt for breakfast. If you haven’t seen a set a dumbbells in 20 years, don’t pledge to pump iron like Arnold.

You didn’t develop your bad habits overnight, and you won’t kick them on January 1st. It’ll take time and compromise (and maybe even a little cheating) to reach your goals. With that in mind, here are our very manageable top 10 2009 health resolutions.

No.10 - Have more sex

Now this is a resolution you can really live with. Having more sex can do wonders for your health, including lowering blood pressure and even extending your lifespan. Queens University in Belfast tracked the health of 1,000 middle-aged individuals over the course of a decade. They found that guys who got lucky a few times a week had about half the death rate of guys who got less action. Later, they also found a direct correlation between frequent sex and a reduced risk of heart disease. That’s not all, though -- Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that people who have sex once or twice a week get sick less often.

No.9 - Stress less

Even if you can manage to keep up with the first resolution, sometimes even a good old roll in the hay isn’t enough to melt away your stress -- and stress can be a killer. Chronic stress can lead to hypertension, a weakened immune system and even a shortened lifespan. Do your best to drop your stress. For example, enroll in a meditation class. Mindfulness meditation can give you the tools to deal with everyday challenges without letting them get you stressed. Many HMOs even offer mindfulness meditation classes for free, so check with your health care provider.

No.8 - Sleep more

You don’t need a doctor to tell you what sleep deprivation does; miss a few hours of sleep and not only will you be caught in a fog of fatigue, but simple thoughts can also seem complex, and you often can’t remember a thing. A 2007 study published in the medical journal Hypertension found that people who sleep an average of six hours a night have a 42% higher chance of developing hypertension than those who get seven. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to stress, depression, immune-system suppression, and obesity. Go to bed at the same time every night. Turn off the TV, computer or anything that shines bright light in your face at least an hour before bed -- getting a few more winks can save your life.

No.7 - Read

If you don’t use your muscles, they’ll atrophy. This same principle goes for your brain -- neglect it and it’ll shrivel up like a prune. Luckily, there’s one easy, enjoyable thing you can do to keep your neurons pumping iron: read. Neuroscientists at UCLA recently stuck a few dozen middle-aged volunteers into an MRI machine to watch how their brains responded to reading. The scans showed that reading triggered significant activity in the language, memory and visual centers of the brain. In fact, when the test subjects surfed the internet for specific info, their centers for complex reasoning and decision-making lit up.

No.6 - Audit your diet

In 2009, take a good look at what you eat; chances are you’re missing a lot of what goes into your mouth. It’s easy to overlook that “fun size” candy bar you had after lunch or those extra Oreos you ate during the movie. It’s also easy to overestimate the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat. Get a notepad and write down what you eat for a week. Just knowing what you throw down your gullet can inspire you to eat healthier, and if it doesn’t, you’ll have a good starting point for planning a revamp of your diet.

No.5 - Eat clean

When Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, advises readers to “eat food,” he means stick to stuff that’s easily recognizable as food. Steer clear of anything that looks like it was made in a lab or a factory. This means no day-glow cheezy poofs, sanguine Red Vines or TV dinners. All that crap is typically loaded with extra calories (that make you fat) and questionable chemical compounds (that could do much worse). Stick to fresh fruits and veggies (or frozen if it’s the off-season) and fresh meats from the butcher. Don’t worry -- cheese is food, whipped cream is food and apple pie is food (even if they are all man-made). The list of real food goodies goes on and on -- just don’t overdo it. Eat mostly vegetables, a little meat and just enough to satisfy your appetite without getting grossly stuffed.

No.4 - Eat nuts

Drop the chips and pick up some almonds or walnuts instead -- both nuts have been shown to lower cholesterol. A 2002 study published in the journal Circulation found that people who ate two handfuls of almonds a day lowered their bad cholesterol (LDL) by 9.4%. Walnuts performed even better, with a handful of the nuts slashing LDL by about 10%. Walnuts aren’t just good for your cardiovascular system: Malaysian researchers found that a compound in walnuts can, in significant doses, have similar effects to Viagra. Of course, you’d have to eat a few pounds of walnuts to get such a powerful effect, but small amounts could give you a little oomph.

No.3 - Walk

This one is easy -- take a break and take a walk. A 30-minute walk six days a week has been shown to have profound health benefits. A study by Duke University found that walking can decrease hypertension, lower bad cholesterol levels and help you lose weight. The study also found that people who took a leisurely stroll after dinner gained almost all the same health benefits as those who jogged six days a week. Add a quick walk into your daily routine and you’ll see great results.

No.2 - Do push-ups

Almost nothing can beat the push-up: they’re simple, they’re effective and they’re free; you can drop and push out a dozen of them in less than a minute, and they work your chest, shoulders, triceps, abs, and legs. Push-ups are one of the best strength-building exercises ever devised. Keep your body straight like a plank, drop down and then push up. Try to work a set of 10 to 20 push-ups into your daily routine. By adopting this simple habit, you’ll build upper body strength and stamina in a matter of weeks.

No.1 - Play a sport

The best exercise is fun exercise, so pick a sport and join a local team. Playing sports will get you fit, and, more importantly, will keep you motivated to stay fit. Softball, basketball, soccer, rugby, and Frisbee football are all good options. The key is finding something that you enjoy and then striking a balance between fun and competitiveness. Too much competitiveness can lead to conflict, injury or worse. On the other hand, have too much fun and you might not feel like it’s even worth playing. Finding the right mix between "fun" and "fight" will keep you in the game. Playing a sport will also help you forge friendships that could last a lifetime.

Resources:

• www.nytimes.com
• www.reuters.com
• www.webmd.com
• www.michaelpollan.com
• www.sciencedaily.com
• www.washingtonpost.com
• www.mayoclinic.com
• www.latimes.com
• www.nlm.nih.gov
• http://health.discovery.coml
• www.forbes.com

Top 10: Bizarre Health Fads

Time and time again, we here at AM come across stories that sound too outrageous to be true. Yet, without fail, we are reminded that there is no shortage of people willing to try anything at least once -- no matter how bizarre. The following is a prime example: our top 10 bizarre health fads.

No.10 - The Master Cleanse

Perhaps the longest-lived fad on our list is the Master Cleanse, the detoxification program that consists simply of drinking a concoction of lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, water, and Cayenne pepper -- no eating or drinking anything else -- for a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 45 days. Since 1941, Stanley Burroughs, master of the Master Cleanse, has been promoting his program as a means to rid the body of toxins. Not surprisingly, the lack of macro-nutrients and vitamins can lead to headaches, fatigue and constipation, not to mention that any weight lost is usually replaced once old food habits resume (like that wacky “eating” thing people seem so attached to). But, with a hefty amount of celeb support, the Master Cleanse will probably be around for many years to come.

No.9 - Biotape

Building on our last example of health fads gone wrong is Biotape, the pain-relieving tape disseminated by Smart Inventions Inc. Made of a space-age conductive Mylar that connects broken circuits that cause pain, Biotape and its makers fell flat when confronted by the Federal Trade Commission, having to settle for $2.5 million in consumer refunds. The product’s website is still functional, but can now only claim that the tape connects the broken chi in all of us. Who knew that our chi was broken?

No.8 - Q-Ray Ionized Bracelet

You’ve probably seen the infomercials on the Q-Ray Ionized Bracelet, a breakthrough in science that was first marketed as a pain-relief product, but then went on to promise those who wear it enhanced performance, balance and vitality. How did it achieve its magical effects? Ionization, of course. Not surprisingly, when tested, the Q-Ray was not ionized at all and its makers were court-ordered to turn over $16 million in profits as refunds to consumers due to false advertising.

No.7 - Ear Candling

When you place a long, hollow cone coated in beeswax or paraffin into your ear and let it burn, a subtle vacuum effect is created in the ear canal. This vacuuming effect reportedly draws ear wax out of the ear and thus cures a wide range of medical problems, such as ear aches, sinus infections, headaches and even vertigo -- at least that’s what proponents of ear candling claim. Of course, there is absolutely no medical support for these claims, and instead, serious reports of burns and even punctured ear drums have surfaced. Topping things off, experts even cite that ear candling offers no help for the simple management of ear wax. Next!

No.6 - Ozone Therapy

The use of triatomic ozone (O3) in medicine, referred to as ozone therapy, is nothing new. The process actually dates back to 1856 when ozone was first used to sterilize surgical equipment. Fast forward to the present and it’s still being used extensively in sterilization, extending now to food and water. Beyond sterilization, the bizarre act of infusing the blood or body cavities with ozone has been met with contentious debate, particularly since doing so can pose major health risks. Until these issues are clarified, do yourself a favor and steer clear.

No.5 - Colonics

Remember the whole Michael Phelps and Kellogg’s debacle? While it was undoubtedly a contentious issue, it was almost ironic when you consider that Kellogg’s, a company attempting to uphold moral virtue, was founded by John Kellogg, a man who insisted on the importance of performing regular yogurt enemas and who discouraged female masturbation by use of carbolic acid mutilation. While colonic cleansing does have its place in medicine -- before radiological endoscopy for example -- regular colonic cleansing is dangerous and should be discouraged.

No.4 - Cow Urine

For our next bizarre health fad, we turn our attention to a South Asian nation of one billion -- India. The cow is a sacred creature in India, to such an extent that India's biggest and oldest Hindu nationalist group, the Cow Protection Department of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), hopes to turn cow urine into the next soft-drink craze. The RSS has been steadily building hype for cow urine over the past few years, promoting the liquid as a cure for a range of ailments including liver disease and, of course, cancer. By the end of this year, RSS hopes to release its "cow cola" to the masses, assuring the public that it will taste great. The taste, however, may be of little concern, considering that imposters have already begun selling knock-off buffalo urine as the real thing.

No.3 - Bee Venom

What better way to find out if you are fatally allergic to bee venom than by deliberately letting yourself get stung in the name of health? Welcome to the practice of bee venom therapy, whereby therapists apply bee venom to specific points on the surface of the body to cure or reduce symptoms of arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, herpes, and even breast cancer. Although the practice is rare in the Western world, bee venom therapy is still abuzz in China, being offered as one of an exhaustive list of folk remedies at any of the 3,000 or so traditional folk medicine clinics across the country. While apitherapy (the medicinal use of bee products, such as honey) has some medicinal usefulness, the claims for bee venom therapy are just too far-fetched to believe.

No.2 - Malariotherapy

It shouldn’t take a lot of smarts to pick up a brochure entitled Malariotherapy and promptly deposit it into the nearest trash can, yet for a fad to even exist there must be at least someone who’s tried it. Since the early 1980s, Dr. Henry Heimlich (of Heimlich Maneuver fame), has been touting the deliberate infection of malaria (a mosquito-borne disease) as therapy for a variety of ailments including Lyme disease, syphilis, and, most recently, AIDS. Yes, AIDS, a disease that attacks the immune system. Thankfully, the FDA, the CDC and numerous clinical experts have strongly rejected the practice.

No.1 - Tapeworm Diet

Anytime your dieting involves sharing your semi-digested foodstuffs with a parasite, more specifically a five meter-long beef tapeworm, it’s likely you’re taking your diet a little too far. This is the tapeworm diet, an archaic diet introduced in the early 20th century. The idea behind the tapeworm diet is rather simple, albeit stupid: Swallow a bunch of beef tapeworm pills, happily consume excess calories as your food is now being partially digested by your newfound friend, and then take medicine to rid your guest once they’ve overstayed their welcome -- fantastic! This obviously dangerous diet fell out of favor rather quickly once the FDA intervened, banning this wildly unsubstantiated fad.

Top 10: Hottest Historical Women

During Women’s History Month, we’d like to celebrate an aspect of historical females often overlooked by historians: their hotness. Powerful women throughout history have used their beauty as well as their intelligence to get ahead. It’s something successful modern women continue to do today. Here we will explore the history of hot and resourceful women and celebrate them the best way we know how: with a top 10 list.

The women on our list are ranked not only by beauty, but their historical significance and their effect on the men of their time. To be considered, they have to be dead and mentioned in history classes. We’ve excluded entertainers because there are already too many of those lists. Besides, we didn’t need them. Our list is political, royal, literary, and stands up to any celebrity list on the sexy scale.

No.10 - Charlotte Brontë

The eldest novelist of the three famous Brontë sisters, Charlotte Brontë had a dark family past. You know what that means? Daddy issues. Case in point, she married her father’s caretaker when her father was dying. Regardless, her wit and intelligence could match any gentleman of her time. Her book Jane Eyre sparked an early feminist movement and made her very popular in London’s high-class social circles. Still, she remained a homebody, preferring to curl up with a book of poetry. Imagine her reading to you by firelight with her impeccable English accent.

No.9 - Joan Of Arc

There’s something sexy about a fair French girl who could kick your ass. Add the suit of armor and things just get kinky. This hot historical woman grew up a farm girl during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. At 12 years old, divine visions told her to drive the English from her homeland. By 16, she led French forces in a number of successful attacks against the British. She had to wear men’s clothing and cut her hair short to not be seen as a sexual object. Still, she managed to inspire an army of men twice her age to follow her.

No.8 - Marie Antoinette

At 14 years old, Marie’s parents married her off to the 16 year-old Louis XVI. The young Austrian’s high fashion sense, height, fair skin, pale blond hair, and deep blue eyes stole the French people’s hearts. Known for such feminine virtues as charity and musical ability, this hottest of historical women could also hang with the guys; she loved horseback riding and gambling. Louis XVI was a lucky man -- too bad he was a dud in the sack. This led many rumors about the Queen’s affairs with both men and women, making her one of the naughtiest women on this list.

No.7 - Soong Ching Ling

Known in China as “mother of the nation,” Soong Ching Ling assured her place in history by advocating for internationalism and peace. The Chinese people loved her beauty, fashion and intelligence. Having gone to the United States for college, she had an uncommon perspective for a Chinese woman in the early 20th century. Refusing to take the quiet role expected of most Chinese women of her era, she openly criticized the government even though her family members were political leaders. After the Communist Party took control, they honored her activism and later named her Honorary President of the People's Republic of China.

No.6 - Queen Elizabeth I

An early inspiration for the Pussycat Dolls, Elizabeth sang “I Don’t Need A Man” way back in the 16th Century. Known as The Virgin Queen (although that’s doubtful), this hot historical woman ruler attracted more suitors than a pack of Angelina Jolies. Elizabeth’s serious game of “playing hard to get” drove men mad. Guys always want what they can’t have, especially when it’s a sexy, all-powerful queen. It’s said that her last courtship ended when she was aged 48; it was with François, Duke of Anjou, 22 years her junior. That mature minx!

No.5 - Princess Diana

Known for her beauty, fashion sense, charisma, and high-profile charity work, Diana became a worldwide celebrity after her marriage to Prince Charles. She breathed new life into the stuffy British aristocracy, wearing elegant gowns that screamed rather than whispered. During her lifetime, people often called her the world’s most photographed person. Unfortunately, that also led to her death. A BBC poll named her the third greatest Briton of all time, ahead of Charles Darwin and Margaret Thatcher. Of course, she’s a lot hotter.

No.4 - Mata Hari

A Dutch-Frisian exotic dancer in Paris during World War I, Mata Hari also worked as a double agent. She moved to France from her native Netherlands and won acclaim as a dancer with her promiscuity, flirtatiousness and willingness to flaunt her body in a way that was rare in the early 1900s. Since the Netherlands remained neutral during WWI, Mata Hari could move freely between borders as a Dutch subject. She was a courtesan to many high-ranking allied military officers during this time. In 1917, French intelligence agents intercepted a German message describing their spy in Paris known as H-21. They later identified H-21 as Mata Hari and executed her by firing squad. There’s always something sexy about the Bond villainess, and this hot historical woman was the real thing.

No.3 - Martha Washington

Chock this one up to science being used for good and not evil. A team of historians, curators and forensic anthropologists have concluded that our very first First Lady was not the droopy double-chinned frump we previously thought. She was a hottie! Using a computerized age-regression portrait, they peeled away the wrinkles and revealed a slim, sexy, brunette Helen-Hunt lookalike in her 20s. No wonder Washington killed so many Redcoats and crossed the Delaware. He had to get home to America’s first pinup girl.

No.2 - Cleopatra

In recent years, historians have wondered about the extent of Cleopatra’s beauty. Certain depictions of her from the era show her nose to be quite large. However, back then a strong nose showed dominance and strength of character. Cassius Dio, a Roman historian, wrote of this hot historical woman: "For she was a woman of surpassing beauty; she also possessed a most charming voice and a knowledge of how to make herself agreeable to every one.” Big nose or not, she charmed and bore the sons of the most powerful men of the Roman Empire: Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The latter forgot he had a wife back home and married Cleopatra.

No.1 - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

A stunning beauty well before the White House, Jackie made her society debut in 1947, causing a Hearst columnist to dub her “Debutante of the Year.” It didn’t take long for the wandering eyes of John F. to catch sight of her. At age 31, Jackie O. became one of the youngest First Ladies in history. Cultured and intelligent and with the looks of a supermodel, the American people immediately loved her. Her love for art and music brought hipness to the Pennsylvania Avenue that hadn’t been there before. She remains the sexiest First Lady ever. Sorry Michelle, you’re hot, but Jackie is a tough act to follow.

Top 10: All-Time Adventure Vacation Deals

Are you a thrill-seeker looking for an adventure this summer? Fortunately, you won’t have to travel abroad. America is full of regions in which you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of adventure sports at reasonable prices. Whether you’re into adventures in the air, on the ground or in the sea, there are plenty of spots just calling your name. Here are our top 10 all-time adventure vacation deals.

No.10 - Eloy, Arizona

Available adventures: Skydiving

Eloy, Arizona, is a small town of less than 20,000 residents, but it’s a key spot on the map if you’re interested in skydiving. The town is home to Skydive Arizona, the largest skydiving site in the U.S. If you’re a beginner or advanced jumper, this may be a place you’d want to visit. Hundreds of skydivers visit the region each year to enjoy the view of Arizona from 13,000 feet in the air -- just be prepared to go fast. Skydive’s website advertises that divers travel 120 miles per hour when in free fall.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Phoenix/Chandler

No.9 - Sebastian, Florida

Available adventures: Skydiving, deep-sea fishing Skydiving is pretty much the same regardless of where you’re doing it, but if you’re looking to soar high above a picturesque setting, jumping in Sebastian, Florida, might be your best bet. In this region, skydivers jump from planes over the Atlantic Ocean and soar above the coastline in what is perhaps America’s most scenic skydiving location. If you’d rather stay out of the air, Sebastian offers some great deep-sea fishing; in particular, the famed snook fishing season in September.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Vero Beach

No.8 - Fayetteville, West Virginia

Available adventures: BASE jumping

BASE jumping is illegal in many parts of America, not that that stops daredevils. If you want to stay on the right side of the law while trying one of the most extreme sports out there, consider visiting the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, Virginia. The third Saturday of each October is dubbed Bridge Day, and for six hours, BASE jumping is legal. The annual event attracts nearly 500 jumpers (many make more than one jump) and close to 200,000 people turn up to see what the fuss is about. The bridge is 876 feet above the river, but you won’t free fall for long before having to pull the cord on your parachute.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Beckley

No.7 - Pierce County, Washington

Available adventures: Mountain climbing, hiking

Mount Rainier, an active volcano, is one of the top mountain-climbing sites in the U.S. Each year, roughly 10,000 adventurers flock to this region to attempt to navigate their way to the peak, more than 14,000 feet in the air. The mountain features the largest glaciers south of Alaska, so the ascent isn’t easy. Most experienced climbers take two to three days to get to the top, but if you’re not as daring, the wilderness around Mount Rainer offers some excellent hiking trails and camping areas.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-North/Lynwood

No.6 - Rising Fawn, Georgia

Available adventures: Hang gliding

Located near the Tennessee border, Rising Fawn, Georgia, is a small town that’s known for being passionate about hang gliding -- and with good reason. The region boasts Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding, the largest hang gliding school in the U.S., complete with a 55-acre property that features beginner and advanced hills from which to take off. The school teaches hundreds of people to hang glide every year and many more flock to the area to perfect their craft.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Chattanooga-W-I-24/Lookout Mountain

No.5 - White Mountains, New Hampshire

Available adventures: Mountain climbing, rock climbing, hiking

New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer some of the best outdoor adventures in the Northeast. With several schools located in the area, and a number of climbing areas for adventurers of all skill levels, this is a great region to learn a new pastime or perfect your craft. If you’re really daring, the White Mountains feature enormous ice walls that will challenge even the most advanced climbers. The mountains are a bit of Everest right in America’s backyard.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Tilton

No.4 - Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Available adventures: Surfing

Considered one of the best places to surf on the East Coast, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, is popular among thrill seekers because of its structure. In this area, the continental shelf drops off very quickly, resulting in bigger waves reaching the shoreline quickly and powerfully. Cape Hatteras isn’t necessarily for beginners, but if you’ve surfed in some tough locations and want to try somewhere that will get your heart racing, this region might be the answer. Residents and tourists have been surfing the area since the 1960s and, since then, it has boomed in popularity. Just be careful: This region has the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of the havoc it traditionally wreaked on ships. Make sure not to bite off more than you can chew in the water.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn Sanford

No.3 - Flagstaff, Arizona

Available adventures: Mountain biking, hiking

Flagstaff is a popular spot for retirees from across the U.S., but it’s quickly growing in popularity among the younger crowd, too. When it comes to mountain biking, no spot is better than Flagstaff, Arizona. Several dozen trails, ranging from short, simple tracks to long, challenging ones are located in and around Flagstaff. Mountain biking websites offer detailed reviews on which courses are toughest to master, so make sure to brush up on the region before unloading your bike. Also, be prepared to share the path -- many of these courses are also used by hikers.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff

No.2 - Grand Canyon, Arizona

Available adventures: Rafting, hiking, bungee jumping

Every year, thousands of domestic and foreign tourists make the trek to see the Grand Canyon. And while many visit for the views, plenty hit the area with adventure in mind. If you’re looking for perhaps the best rafting site in the U.S., the Canyon’s Colorado River runs could be your answer. You can camp along the banks of the enormous river, and regardless of your experience level, explore the variety of hiking trails around the region.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff

No.1 - Oahu, Hawaii

Available adventures: Surfing, scuba diving, mountain biking

You may think of Hawaii as a place to brush up on a little R&R, but if you’re adventure-minded, it’s a great spot for getting the adrenaline rushing. If you’re into board sports, the legendary surf scene on Oahu’s northern shore is a must-see spot. If something a little more tranquil is on your agenda, the scuba diving off Oahu is out of this world. Back on land, check out the many mountain trails for biking, ATV riding and horseback adventures.

Nearest Hampton Hotel: Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Resources:

• www.adventuresportsholidays.com
• www.trails.com
• www.hangglidingclub.info
• www.surfline.com
• www.visit-newhampshire.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org
• www.nps.gov
• www.skydiveseb.com
• www.skydiveaz.com

Top 10: 2009 Restaurant Openings

No.10 - Unnamed project

Galvin Brothers, London

Brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin may be two of the best chefs you’ve never heard of. Their two London restaurants -- Galvin Bistrot de Luxe and Galvin at Windows -- are packed regularly, and they’re no strangers to popular acclaim.

This year, the pair is rumored to be opening a new house in the East London area of Spitalfields. There's no word yet on the name and style of the property, but we’re sure it will be excellent.

No.9 - Unnamed project

Rick Bayless, Chicago

Chicago restaurateur and Chef Rick Bayless plans to expand his holdings this year with a low-key little Mexican sandwich shop to be opened in the spring of 2009 not far away from his other properties: Frontera Grill and Topolobampo.

Bayless’ hook, apart from the great, traditional Mexican food, is that the restaurant building will be ultra energy efficient, with solar panels and furniture made from recycled materials.

No.8 - rn74

Michael Mina, San Francisco

We’re excited for San Francisco’s restaurant opening, rn74, because it will showcase the best wines available and pair them with regional French cuisine prepared by Chef Michael Mina.

The house itself, which is named after Route National 74 that passes through France’s Burgundy region, will focus as much on good food and drink as it will on education.

No.7 - Jamie's Italian

Jamie Oliver, UK

Jamie Oliver has plans to open at least three new Jamie’s Italian restaurants by the end of 2009. He chose sites in Brighton, Canary Wharf and Cardiff as the new homes for his affordably priced Italian restaurants.

Think classic Italian foods such as fresh pasta and grilled foods complemented with fresh breads, antipasti and salads.

No.6 - 25 Degrees

Tim and Liza Goodell, Phoenix

If you’re after the best burger in the southwest, then look no farther than 25 Degrees.

Think of the best local organic ingredients such as grass-fed beef, artisanal cheese and a wide selection of traditional and atypical condiments. Pair those with one of more than 50 wines and you’ve got the concept behind 25 Degrees: familiar fare prepared lovingly with the best ingredients.

No.5 - Quattro Gastronomia Italiana

Nicola and Fabrizio Carro, New York

When the new Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium New York opens this spring, it will be anchored -- in culinary terms, at least -- by the chic Miami Beach Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, which is run by identical twin chefs Nicola and Fabrizio Carro.

Quattro in New York will feature hearty Northern Italian dishes that use the best produce simply and classically.

No.4 - Elysian Hotel

Charlie Trotter, Chicago

Charlie Trotter’s plans to open his hot new house in Chicago’s ultra-luxe Elysian Hotel in 2008 fell on hard times. However, that hasn’t stopped the master chef from taking another stab at the house in '09.

Trotter’s house will be open for dinner only -- it’s his first new house in the city in more than 20 years -- and will feature the inspired and flawless cuisine for which he is famous.

No.3 - BLT Steak

Laurent Tourondel, Charlotte

When the Ritz-Carlton selects a partner to do business with, you know it will be special.

That’s why we’re not surprised to see the company choose Bistro Laurent Tourondel -- known as BLT Steak to its friends -- to fit the bill in the new Bank of America Center.

Tourondel is known across the world for his approach to fine dining: it’s more casual than most, but he never compromises on the best ingredients, served simply and presented elegantly.

No.2 - Bouchon

Thomas Keller, Los Angeles

Angelinos rejoice: Thomas Keller is coming to town.

The American chef par excellence will open a new house -- Bouchon -- in the Beverly Hills Garden Building in late 2009.

This will be a casual-dining house that features the best of Keller’s creations -- and given his three Michelin stars, that’s pretty good!

No.1 - The Savoy Grill

Gordon Ramsay, London

OK, so London’s Savoy Hotel hasn’t actually gone anywhere, but its two-year £100-million restoration program has us giddy. That’s because, when it reopens in the spring, it will feature a brand new Savoy Grill run under the watchful eye of Gordon Ramsay himself.

No word yet on the new concept, but we’re sure it will live up to its opulent surroundings. What else would you expect from one of the world’s top chefs?

Resources:

• www.caterersearch.com
• www.foodarts.com
• www.bnbwire.com
• www.trumpsoho.com
• www.charlietrotters.com
• www.fairmont.com
• www.gordonramsay.com
• www.tkrg.com
• www.bltsteak.com
• www.quattromiami.com
• www.jamieoliver.com
• www.michaelmina.net
• www.galvinrestaurants.com
• www.rickbayless.com
  

Top 10: Luxury Islands

No.10 - Cousine Island

Seychelles

Part luxury resort, part nature reserve, Cousine Island is one of the most visually stunning remote islands in the world, and it's just 62 acres in size. One of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, this tropical isle is like something out of Robinson Crusoe and can only be reached by helicopter. The five-star Cousine Island Resort and Spa is the perfect place to stay on the island for travelers looking for high-end creature comforts, while the stillness and natural beauty that surrounds it affords all-important peace and quiet so desperately sought by city slickers. Brimming with lush vegetation and all kinds of birds and turtles, Cousine Island is like the Garden of Eden of the modern-day world.

No.9 - Necker Island

British Virgin Islands

Second home to Sir Richard Branson, Necker Island is the Virgin entrepreneur’s very own private island in the heart of the British Virgin Islands. Spread across 74 glorious acres of tropical forest and fine sand beaches, this luxury island was snapped up by Branson in the late '70s and transformed into a glamorous, first-class island retreat for no less than $10 million. For $47,000 a day, well-heeled guests can have free reign of the island, which includes a Balinese-style villa with 10 bedrooms, two private beaches, a number of swimming pools, tennis courts, a personal chef, water sports, and amenities galore. Decked out with luxurious Brazilian hardwoods, antiques and authentic Balinese furniture and fabrics, it’s no wonder the likes of the late Princess Diana, Mariah Carey and Oprah Winfrey have stayed here. Fortunately for us, Branson is a man who likes to share -- and who can blame him?

No.8 - Mnemba Island

Indian Ocean

Although it’s a mere 2.8 miles off the eastern tip of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is about as far from civilization as you’re ever likely to feel. Every vista here looks like a shot from a honeymoon brochure, with 10 romantic beachside lodges each with their own verandas overlooking the sea, untouched white beaches, shimmering blue waters, and the type of glowing sunsets only ever seen in the movies. The island is just one mile in circumference, with a conservation barrier that protects the coral reefs, giant turtles, ghost crabs, and tropical fish that surround it. It’s no wonder it was voted one of the top three most romantic islands in the world by trusty Condé Nast. Walk barefoot along the shore in your linen trousers, indulge in fresh fruit for breakfast and fresh lobster for dinner, enjoy a spot of windsurfing, deep-sea fishing or kayaking, and sink into crisp linen sheets all in one day at Mnemba Island.

No.7 - Cocoa Island

Maldives

The perfectly named Cocoa Island has it all: silky white sand underfoot, a lagoon that couldn’t be bluer if it tried, and a specifically built five-star resort that, for once, matches the pictures in the travel brochure. Set over water, 33 villas are available for guests to check into, while facilities include beautifully manicured gardens, shimmering swimming pools, an on-site spa, yoga pavilion, water-sport center, and an elegant restaurant offering lip-smackingly good Thai food. The actual island itself is about as eco-friendly as it gets, with a strict green policy that ensures its pristine natural environment remains pristine. Think Castaway, but with romantic teak decking.

No.6 - Barbados

Caribbean

While it may be one of the most prominent luxury islands out there, Barbados still hasn’t lost its exclusive appeal. Hundreds of celebrities still flock there each and every January, hoping to catch a ray or two of glorious winter sunshine. The 166-square-mile island is completely flat, meaning luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants are aplenty along its stunning, white-sand coastline. Highly recommended is the Sandy Lane - Luxury Golf & Spa Resort at St James, the island’s most prestigious place to stay and much-publicized wedding venue to Tiger Woods a few years back.

No.5 - Bermuda

North Atlantic Ocean

While sailors may get mysteriously gobbled up trying to get to the island, Bermuda does offer Old World luxury for those who make it ashore. The second-oldest British settlement in the New World, Bermuda’s aesthetic is a mix of colonial-style architecture and paradisiacal settings -- a heady mix that has attracted the filthy-rich for years. The Fairmont Southampton is the best place to stay; from there you’ll be able to enjoy Bermuda’s iconic pink-sand beaches, smudged amber sunsets and lush green gardens. Whittle your day away beneath a crisp white umbrella at the hotel’s private beach club, enjoy a game of tennis (very popular on the island), or indulge in the finest cuisine at The Newport Room, the only AAA five-diamond restaurant in the entire Caribbean/Atlantic. Breathtaking stuff, we’re sure you’ll agree.

No.4 - Palm Island

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Made up of 32 jaw-droppingly beautiful islands, it would be easy to miss Palm Island in the cluttered archipelago that makes up Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Nevertheless, once you’ve found it and taken the mile-long boat trip from Union Island, you’ll never want to leave; 135 acres of tropical paradise await you, with a private resort catering to your every whim no matter how frivolous. Casuarina Beach runs along the entire length of the western coastline, and is quite a sight to behold. Crystal clear waters swoosh against its sand beaches, coconut trees shimmy on its coast and general gorgeousness abounds. The resort itself is small but perfectly formed, with just 40 guest rooms to maintain exclusivity, a Michelin-star restaurant serving up the best international fare, and a bar in which you and your loved one can grab an umbrella-free sun-downer at dusk. Wish you were here? We certainly do.

No.3 - Turtle Island

Fiji

Although Lost is actually filmed in Hawaii, it’s supposed to be set in Fiji -- meaning that a real Fijian island is going to be even more beautiful than the sets on the TV show. Turtle Island lives up to that promise, with more than 500,000 trees planted over 30 years by its entrepreneurial owner, Richard Evanson, dozens of private beaches and a stunning resort comprising 14 eco-friendly villas -- it’s no wonder The Blue Lagoon, the 1970s film starring Brooke Shields, was filmed here. If this place doesn’t take your breath away, then we’re afraid nothing will. And this is the place to honeymoon if you’re serious about your marriage.

No.2 - Mustique

West Indies

There’s a very good reason rock stars and royal family members jet across the globe to vacation on the private island of Mustique. Spreading across 1,400 acres of tropical paradise, Mustique is located in the southern Caribbean and is owned and operated by the Mustique Company (made up of the island’s privileged homeowners). Upholding its exclusivity and protecting its natural beauty, the firm allows only a select group of people to stay on the island, with visitors ranging from Prince William to Mick Jagger. While there, designer-clad guests can frolic in the aquamarine surf, sprawl on its pristine white beaches or party the night away at Basil’s Bar, a favorite haunt of the jet-set vacationers.

No.1 - Musha Cay

Exuma Cays

You’ll have to be friendly with famous magician and owner David Copperfield to pay a visit, but once you’ve touched down in Musha Cay with your Louis Vuitton bags in tow you’ll never want to leave. Comprising four private islands, 85 miles southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas, the mini-archipelago offers some of the best diving on the planet, with transparent waters and miles of jaw-dropping coral reef. There are five houses in which to hunker down for the night, with every conceivable luxury found inside, and more than 30 staff members to cater to your every whim. Copperfield also claims to have found the Fountain of Youth on the island, but even if you don’t find it while you’re here, you’ll still return home looking 20 years younger.

Resources:

• www.cousineisland.com
• www.neckerisland.com
• www.mnemba-island.com
• www.andbeyondafrica.com
• www.cocoaisland.como.bz
• www.visitbarbados.org
• www.bermuda.com
• www.palmislandresortgrenadines.com
• www.turtlefiji.com
• www.mustique-island.com
• www.mushacay.com