Ural’s early reputation for iffy reliability came from their insistence on manufacturing every last nut and bolt in-house. But they’ve since seen the light and departed from stubbornly vertical integration, incorporating some of the most capable components in the industry: German-built gear sets by Herzog, an alternator sourced from Japanese …

Older aircraft are a bargain these days, but if the cockpit panel has old-style “steam gauge” instruments, it can be a challenge to upgrade to today’s fully integrated all-glass computerized gear. It will soon be easier, however, for owners of older Cessna Citation jets.
Innovative Solutions & Support is now flight-testing …

Opened in June, 2009, this chic boutique hotel features 63 spacious rooms—all boasting spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The Ravel Hotel’s big surprise is, of course, its location—the luxe, modern hotel is situated within a stone’s throw of the Queensboro bridge in Long Island City, less than 10 minutes to Manhattan. And while not necessarily associated with glamour, Long Island City does has an industrial-chic appeal, having long been home to a diverse community of artists, making the Ravel Hotel a viable alternative to similarly trendy, modern hotels in Manhattan. Guest rooms feature dressed-up details like 9-foot-tall ceilings, 42-inch plasma-screen TVs, private balconies, glass enclosed shower stalls, and ultra-deep sunken tubs.  There may not be a restaurant on-site, but the Ravel Hotel does offer some unique extras—including a spectacular, Miami-themed rooftop deck outfitted with cabanas, creative cocktails, reclining chairs, and stellar, 360-degree views of the cityscape. Nightly parties are hosted by well-known DJs, and some nights include trend-oriented touches like hand-rolled cigars and premium whiskey tastings.—Alexis Korman

The Ravel Hotel

8-08 Queens Plaza South

Long Island City, NY 11101

(718) 289-6101

www.ravelhotel.com

Tao – Las Vegas and New York

With locations in both New York and Las Vegas, this gorgeous, upscale Asian eatery is a haven for power diners, trend-loving tourists, and those who adore the dinner-as-theatre trope. As seen on a famous episode of Sex and the City, a stunning, 15-foot-tall golden Buddha statue welcomes well-heeled customers to the New York City location, transporting all who walk through Tao’s doors to a romanticized version of the (far) Far East. The Sin City outpost (located inside the Venetian Resort Hotel) was created in 2005, and offers an astounding 40,000 square feet of space. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Vegas Tao transforms into a bumping club late into the night. Both locations feature dazzling décor details like soaring ceilings, imported artifacts, bamboo accents, silk upholstery and dramatically backlit screens, while the menu focuses on premium sushi and Asian-fusion fare, including popular signature plates like the Peking Duck for Two and the Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass. Creatively mixed cocktails, like the Xi Gua Tini ($12), utilize refreshing ingredients, such as watermelon and lime juices, along with premium spirits.—Alexis Korman

Photo by: Tao

TAO (NYC)

42 East 58^th St

New York, NY

212-888-1233

TAO (LV)

3355 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV

702-388-8338

Executive Chef (NY): John Villa,

Executive Chef (LV): Mark Andelbradt

Hungry? The NYC location will offer a 3-course $38 prix fixe menu before 7pm and after 11pm

Insider Tip: The NYC location will incorporate free delivery service to those in the neighborhood.