Hot Spot
OUT The Disneyesque MEGA RESTAURANTS monopolizing New York’s Chelsea, Las Vegas, and—it seems—the entire globe
IN THE WAVERLY INN in NYC’s West Village, a nondescript pub made chic by a new chef and by a redesign that includes an Ed Sorel mural of famous area residents
Hotel Service
OUT Lackadaisical, semi-clueless CONCIERGES.
IN PERSONAL BUTLERS like Dmitry at Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow, who unpacks after your eight-hour flight and secures a good table at the Pushkin Cafe.
High-End Beverage
OUT POMEGRANATE juice, touted for its high concentration of antioxidants.
IN ACAI juice, which has 60 percent more antioxidants—and a third less calories
Restaurant Ratings
OUT The mercifully minimalist MICHELIN THREE-STAR SYSTEM.
IN STAR INFLATION—New York magazine’s newly instituted system allows for five stars, and Time Out has upped the ante to six.
