Hygiene Hunter

Within Reach V.

2012-01-30T12:08:00.002-07:00

Within Reach IV.

2012-01-30T12:06:00.006-07:00

Within Reach III.

2012-01-30T12:06:00.005-07:00

Within Reach II.

2012-01-30T12:05:00.002-07:00

Within Reach I.

2012-01-30T12:04:00.002-07:00

I adore a hotel that notes my preferences aka peculiarities. Thank you Covent Garden Hotel for ensuring my tissue is always within reach.

Points for Buca.

2012-01-12T22:59:00.004-07:00

Sweet and simple. I adored the fact cutlery was placed on the plate as opposed to on the table.

The perfect amenity.

2012-01-11T21:22:00.001-07:00

I found this in my room at the Hotel Le Germain in Toronto. A perfect welcome for the Hygiene Hunter. If you are not fluent in French, Google Refermables.

The No-Hand Press.

2012-01-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

The best way to avoid germs on elevator buttons is by not directly touching them. A room key can be really useful in this situation. Especially if you do not want to carry around a tissue box like me. Just remember to handle the right end.

Overprotective at the Mercer.

2012-01-09T08:09:00.001-07:00

Just the way I like it;) You'll find complimentary protection among your bathroom amenities AND sneeze-proofed food delivered to your room. This is my mighty Kale Shake that helps boost immunity.

This is how I like my carpet.

2012-01-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

Lint free. With a sold-out hotel this was a triumph for Mercer housekeeping staff.

A bath at the Mercer anyone?

2012-01-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

No, this is not an invitation. Instead of waiting over an hour to strip naked for the Carsten Holler: Experience at the New Museum I chose to bath in my clothes in private.

A bath at the museum anyone?

2012-01-04T21:15:00.002-07:00

The only thing missing from the Carsten Holler: Experience at the New Museum is the smell of corn dogs. Thank you Carsten Holler. You can literally slide through the museum starting on the fourth floor, have your retinas fried on the second by flickering lights and take off way more than your shoes on the third for an out-of-body experience in the sensory-deprivation pool entitled the Giant Psycho Tank. Even though the policy for the tank is one person at a time, a shower was mandatory, the water salt, I passed on this experience since sensory deprivation is said to lead to bizarre thoughts. And quite clearly, I do not need any more of those.

A perfect start to the New Year.

2012-01-03T09:00:00.003-07:00

The Mercer's Resident Pillow Fluffer ensures no fruitcake, turkey basters or New Year's Resolutions have slipped through the cracks in the sofa.

Barney's 40% Off Sale.

2011-12-05T09:35:00.002-07:00

My very first thought is, "How many more people are going to touch Barney's door during their sale season?" followed by "How many more people are going to touch Barney's door during their sale season?" Then there is the trying-on-the-clothes-part. Have you ever noticed how disrespectful people can be to a $5,000 plus evening dress when sales madness takes over?

Bare hands okay if ...

2011-11-28T07:22:00.002-07:00

I watched The Cheeseman for three hours and he did not once touch anything he wasn't supposed to. Like his eyes, ears, nose or nether region. Those are places others unfortunately do venture -- even with food prep gloves on. Kudos to The Cheeseman and his co-workers at Buca. If I witness an infraction at a restaurant I ask for the food to be remade. Obviously this only works with an open concept design.

Hygiene at the Halekulani.

2011-11-21T05:13:00.002-07:00

To a vegetarian this is a well-handled crime scene. To a hygiene hunter this is a well-handled piece of prime rib and a thoughtfully fondled bun.

Why Hygiene Hunt?

2011-11-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

This is one question I am often asked. Followed up, at times, with, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I prefer to be proactive with my health. This includes a good diet, exercise, proper handwashing and not walking into traps set by others who are less hygiene focused. Think booger on doorknobs, feces on mobile phones and God-knows-what on gas pump handles. As soon as people hear of studies they freak out. Why not be constantly vigilant instead? And no, not in a freakish way. You can leave that to me. Boards of Health exist for a reason. According the Canadian Patient Safety Institute proper handwashing is key to infection control and avoidable deaths. Peace out. Just please don't try to shake my hand.

Pizza Scissors.

2011-10-14T06:35:00.002-06:00

Not to be confused with nose hair scissors.

How I fight the flu.

2011-10-13T22:01:00.001-06:00

Instead of opting for a flu shot, I increase my Kale Shake intake by one, continue to avoid unprotected interaction with doorknobs and hold my breath for two months.

What a relief!

2011-10-12T08:20:00.003-06:00

My freeze-dried raven IS allowed to dine with me.

Antipasti at Buca.

2011-10-11T09:00:00.002-06:00

As long as it doesn't touch my glass, I can most certainly appreciate the view.

Vindicated.

2011-10-03T10:00:00.003-06:00

"I wouldn't walk on this floor barefooted either," said one airport security guard to another after I was granted permission to walk through the metal detector with slippers on.

Better than a hypoallergenic pillow.

2011-09-30T09:29:00.002-06:00

Kiki is so loveable she would likely let you rest your head on her.

Green equals clean.

2011-09-29T08:42:00.001-06:00

The greener your surroundings, the cleaner the air you breath. If you live on Salt Spring Island you have it made. AND, as if that was not blessing enough, you have this delightful bakery to encourage carb consumption.

How I like my vegetables.

2011-09-28T01:08:00.001-06:00

Oddly enough I still bought my market vegetables from this vendor. Hey, as long as THAT does not come in contact with any of the produce, it is all cool.

Monster hand soap.

2011-09-27T08:52:00.001-06:00

With the number of times I wash my hands this is the size of soap I need. Remember, soap and water -- when properly executed -- is better than hand sanitizer for eliminating germs.

A better trick than sit.

2011-09-26T01:14:00.000-06:00

What they said.

2011-09-16T03:15:00.002-06:00

Thankfully, Photoshop does not cause mild itching, stinging, redness or dryness in the area of application.

Defaced.

2011-09-15T01:17:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow we go in for a much closer look at this annotated shop hoarding in SoHo.

Mercer Hotel takes no chances.

2011-09-14T02:03:00.004-06:00

A vigilant Mercer employee ensures there are no leftover fashionistas from Vogue Fashion's Night Out. They also prove gloves are always in style.

Fashion's Night After.

2011-09-13T13:15:00.004-06:00

Vogue Fashion's Night Out brings the concept of High/Low to the streets of New York. Courtesy of litterbugs.

Thoughtful.

2011-08-29T06:52:00.001-06:00

I wonder if it includes a list of germiest germs.

Not to be outdone by the gym.

2011-08-23T08:40:00.001-06:00

The armrest is one of the filthiest places on an airplane. This is why I use hand sani to wipe down my area. Despite crazed or confused looks from fellow passengers.

A safer workout here.

2011-08-22T22:45:00.002-06:00

Jellyfish, sunburns and the odd condom aside ... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/08/germiest-places-at-the-gym_n_920649.html?ref=fb&src=sp#s324142&title=Water_Fountains

Hurray for local lycopenes.

2011-08-19T03:39:00.001-06:00

Thoughtful and planet friendly.

2011-08-18T08:41:00.001-06:00

This takeaway concept is smart. No, not for your leftover meal, but rather your dog's.

What not to wash with.

2011-08-17T03:51:00.001-06:00

As they say, the fewer ingredients the better.

What to wash with.

2011-08-16T03:48:00.000-06:00

It's great to support a product that has been on the market since 1963. With this track record, you can be confident they are not just weasling in on the Organic Movement.

Why you shouldn't let a fawn lick your face.

2011-08-15T02:41:00.002-06:00

If only this worked on humans.

2011-08-12T06:05:00.003-06:00

Particularly those who don't wash their hands properly after going potty. This zapper keeps the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company fly-free.

Communal blankets.

2011-08-11T08:38:00.001-06:00

If I lived in a commune, these blankies would be just fine with me. Since I don't, I'll pass. Pretty patterns though.

Argh!

2011-08-10T01:03:00.001-06:00

I found one of these in my fridge yesterday. Much smaller though. That's what you get for purchasing organic produce. I sauteed it. Tasted just like tofu.

Nicely done.

2011-08-09T09:01:00.001-06:00

Upside. If you pass out on the grass due to heatstroke, you won't wake up with a third eye.

Not just one glove.

2011-08-08T03:07:00.003-06:00

Two for YOUR added protection at the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company. AND ... elbow length. In a pinch can carry you into evening wear:)

NYC according to the doors I never touched 10.

2011-07-29T08:29:00.005-06:00

Open doors are a great way for shops to get noticed in SoHo. And earn No Touchy points from the Hygiene Hunter. Space NK carries an interesting range of skincare products including Tata Harper -- an organic line made in Vermont.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 9.

2011-07-28T09:35:00.001-06:00

If you inadvertently touch the doors to Radiance, the restrooms are to your left. Follow with a cup of Matcha to detox your system.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 8.

2011-07-27T02:41:00.001-06:00

The stunningly gorgeous Alexander McQueen exhibit Savage Beauty is such a draw The Met has extended the dates. Last day August 7. That means no shortage of people to do your dirty work. Or mine.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 7.

2011-07-26T03:33:00.001-06:00

In the city that never sleeps; the restaurant that never sleeps. At most you'll have a one second wait for someone to go in or out of the door of the enduringly popular Balthazar. Year! It's like having your own doorperson! If you haven't made reservations a year in advance you will have to wait much longer for a table.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 6.

2011-07-25T05:31:00.001-06:00

I trained my new dog to open this one at DoggyStyle. Affenpinschers are clever and have paws that comply.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 5.

2011-07-22T03:29:00.001-06:00

This door handle is a nice nod to the Wolford brand. I wonder which part of the leg is touched the most? I opted to push my way in.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 4.

2011-07-21T06:35:00.001-06:00

I would bust through the Crosby Street Hotel doors for their Brussel Sprouts. Luckily, they have a doorman.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 3.

2011-07-20T03:34:00.001-06:00

I respect The Cowboy for two very good reasons. One. He is truly a craftsman and perfectionist when it comes to shoe repair. Two. On the way into his shop you are greeted by a push rather than pull door. On the way out? Use a shoe horn.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 2.

2011-07-19T05:01:00.001-06:00

Kiki de Montparnasse enticed me with their open door policy. And, complimentary Champagne. They are, after all, in the business of seduction.

NYC according to the doors I never touched 1.

2011-07-18T04:35:00.003-06:00

First up. The Mercer Hotel. Another reason I love this hotel is because I never have to touch the front door. The Boys are always on it and I love them for it. (Remember, don't touch your face before cleaning your hands.) They also know who is a guest and who isn't. Germ warfare and security detail.

Spooning at the Mercer.

2011-07-14T03:31:00.003-06:00

Hahaha. I love the fact this fork is not touching the table courtesy of the spoon and that I was eating cake not soup. No, my mind never rests.

Gemma's sneeze guard.

2011-07-13T05:51:00.001-06:00

Points for protecting the lemon and lime wedges from the sneezies. AND points for Alejandro the Bartender for being Alejandro the Bartender.

Street cleaning in NYC.

2011-07-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

Even people with umbrellas stood still as Mother Nature worked around us.

The Mercer Hotel.

2011-07-11T08:39:00.002-06:00

99.9% lint free. I'm not sure who spends more time cleaning? Moi or them?

Bad people?

2011-07-08T00:28:00.001-06:00

Bad-people-trying-to-be-good-people-on-Broadway? Tip. If the trash bin is full, carry it to the next one.

When to drop your fork on the floor.

2011-07-07T03:33:00.001-06:00

No napkin? No fresh table cloth? No immune system? Conveniently drop your fork on the floor and, "Waiter, I dropped my fork on the floor. Could you please bring me a new one?" Merci.

The Hygiene Hunter is perplexed.

2011-07-06T05:26:00.002-06:00

Seriously. I have no idea JUST WHAT The Plaza staff were sprinkling on their steps after the witching hour. It looked like sawdust to me. Not that I am not well acquainted with sawdust. Hmmmmm ... Organic confetti? Rat poison? Lounge lizard repellent?

Happy July 4th on July 5th

2011-07-05T08:58:00.004-06:00

This is why you should never leave home without toilet paper. As opposed to a credit card -- much colder to the touch. Although, you could buy toilet paper with a credit card. BUT, not in the moment:)

Never thought of this.

2011-07-01T06:41:00.001-06:00

Thank you nice-lady-walking-your-dog-in-SoHo for a really, really super idea. Train your dog to poop on newspaper wherever he/she goes! Then of course pick it up. Totally, totally civilized. I feel blessed to have witness this -- in a hygienic way, not catholic.

Hmmm.

2011-06-30T08:39:00.005-06:00

My live-and-let-live side says, "Cool, you would not have to invest in a wallet." Then my follow-the-germ-trail side kicks in and says, "This is how common colds and other yuckies are spread."

My housecleaning knee.

2011-06-28T07:17:00.005-06:00

I do not mess around. And trust me, in this state, a blurry photo is a courtesy.

The guilt-free latte.

2011-06-27T08:11:00.002-06:00

If you don't carry a reusable cup around and you frequent a coffee shop like Credo there is no need for environmental guilt. Credo cups go back to where they came from. As for PLA Lining will investigate.

Not just wearing the gloves.

2011-06-22T09:19:00.002-06:00

The Jugo Juice employees I've encountered at their Vancouver International Airport location always observe proper glove etiquette. Meaning, not once I have caught them doing anything other than what they are supposed to be doing with their food prep gloves on. And, that would be handling food and only food. Thank you Jugo Juice employees for preventing cross contamination.

Sorry.

2011-06-21T05:33:00.003-06:00

Seriously, sad puppy dog eyes have no effect on the Hygiene Hunter. I wouldn't even touch my dog's chewy thing.

What's right at the Opus.

2011-06-20T08:04:00.003-06:00

Everything on this tray delivered by room service is either covered or turned upside down! That means my food is protected from sneezy-coughy germs that could be encountered enroute to my room. And that makes me ecstatic.

Stymied by the Opus

2011-06-17T06:49:00.001-06:00

I spent the last few days attempting to inspect my mattress at the Opus Hotel in Vancouver. As hard as I tried to find an opening in my bed-in-a-bag, I couldn't. So what did I do? Unlike a disgruntled hockey "'fan" I didn't torch it. Since the cover was stain-free I, The Hygiene Hunter, decided to let loose and just sleep on it. Ah, the faith I havet in the Opus. Unbelievable! When I woke up the following morning I didn't even grow an extra head. I do, however, plan to learn more about this impenetrable mattress cover.

A very unlucky penny.

2011-06-13T04:16:00.000-06:00

A complimentary exhibit outside Centre Pompidou.

2011-06-10T05:33:00.003-06:00

I am curious. Was this dog also clever enough to apply for a grant?

Look. Free earphones.

2011-06-09T15:00:00.001-06:00

Left behind by a courteous passenger. I suppose the airplane grooming staff felt they were also doing someone a favour by leaving these behind. But little did they know I would be sitting in this seat.

The dreaded washroom key.

2011-06-08T08:39:00.001-06:00

Camel time!!!

Lint-free Fairmont Pacific Rim.

2011-06-07T06:41:00.004-06:00

Another nice detail that caught my attention at this hotel was the colour of the slippers -- in addition to white, they offered black. A brave colour choice because black attracts dust. Mine remained dust-free. Kudos to housekeeping.

A Fairmont Pacific Rim surprise.

2011-06-06T07:36:00.005-06:00

In all of my travels I have never encountered pink tissue to signal the end of a box. Pink definitely looks fresher than the traditional yellow found in most boxes. I wanted to work through the tissue box faster just to reach the pink tissue, but I practiced self-control.

Thumbs up for glass bottles.

2011-06-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

Cold-pressed juices are available at Organic Avenue in New York for those looking to maximize nutrient intake. And, a bottle return program is in place for those determined not to overburden our planet.

Radiation free Matcha.

2011-06-02T05:11:00.002-06:00

The Matcha sold by Harney & Sons in New York comes with a letter of reassurance from the producer. Clean food is as important as clean thoughts in church.

I am afraid to ask ...

2011-06-01T03:03:00.001-06:00

what else this restaurant washroom sink may have been used for.

How community gardens are kept clean.

2011-05-31T03:07:00.001-06:00

Too bad the sign is vintage.

2011-05-30T04:09:00.002-06:00

Details at the Mercer.

2011-05-28T03:24:00.001-06:00

This liquid hand soap is another reason I love the Mercer. Their powers of observation are just about as awesome as mine.

Live dangerously.

2011-05-27T03:14:00.002-06:00

Maybe next time.

2011-05-26T07:15:00.003-06:00

No, I am not going to name this restaurant. Part of the fun is looking for the As.

Michelin Stars are passe.

2011-05-25T05:30:00.002-06:00

I recommend you choose your restaurants in New York by sanitary grading. Prominently displayed in windows.

The Mercer needs to lower their standards;)

2011-05-24T03:00:00.002-06:00

If a wrapped drinking straw results in sheer joy, imagine the reaction a factory-wrapped plastic mattress elicits in me. My apologies to the guests staying a floor below.

Sold.

2011-05-23T14:02:00.004-06:00

At first, I thought, "How thoughtful!" The owner was warning passersby about Bed Bugs. Then I saw the 'No' that was obscured by tape. And ... immediately called the movers to pick this gem up;)

... but not necessary.

2011-05-19T05:39:00.006-06:00

Seriously, do we need more people talking on their mobile phones? In washroom stalls? Think of the germ trail. And the sound effects.

Call me old-fashioned ...

2011-05-19T05:37:00.006-06:00

Awesome Possum.

2011-05-18T05:35:00.002-06:00

Day Two and my Kale Shake at the Opus Hotel is made perfectly. This shake is a great way to start your day and incorporate into your travels almost wherever you go. A high-powered blender is a must -- possum doesn't blend that easily;) Once again the recipe is 2 cups of organic kale, 1 ripe organic banana and 1 cup of spring water.

Yeah Opus!

2011-05-16T17:44:00.006-06:00

Some people like to have "Travel Companions" waiting for them in their hotel room. I am perfectly content with slippers. Two pairs is pure joy.

Of course I found this on my wall.

2011-05-13T05:23:00.001-06:00

And it wasn't a painting:(

A fine example of cross contamination.

2011-05-12T05:46:00.002-06:00

Why, oh why, deliver clean bedding on a luggage trolley? I appreciate it is easier to transport, but it really does defeat the purpose of changing the bed sheets. And it makes the Hygiene Hunter cranky.

Finally, a flu that's not contagious.

2011-05-11T05:26:00.003-06:00

Definitely not a piece of wood.

2011-05-10T06:07:00.002-06:00

This seriously dehydrated creature near the Eiffel Tower is a reminder to WATCH WHERE YOU STEP. Otherwise you could track creature germs into your home.

A sunbaked roach?

2011-05-09T06:01:00.002-06:00

More likely dead since cockroaches tend to be nocturnal. But since I did not poke and prod and because I am feeling generous today, let's go with on vacation from pesting.

My mistake.

2011-05-05T08:09:00.001-06:00

Apparently, this was a buffet. At least for someone or something:( A neat predator nevertheless.

Not a buffet.

2011-05-04T10:00:00.003-06:00

This is a tidy nest outside my window at the Halekulani Hotel. Mother Bird is watchful of her babies.

Better in his mouth than nose.

2011-05-03T05:03:00.004-06:00

If I were a famed (or unfamed) chef this would not be the promotional photo I would choose. But that's me. I am not Alan Wong who happens to make the most delicious Loco Moco. Chefs are clearly a different breed than Hygiene Hunters. Walking around with a finger in my mouth -- particularly if it was someone else's -- would be disastrous to my brand. Onward. While eating at Alan Wong's two restaurants (not at the same time) I never once saw Alan do the above. Perhaps because he wasn't there.

Excellent colour choice at Colette.

2011-05-02T07:40:00.001-06:00

I really like the staircase at Colette in Paris for a number of reasons. Hygiene Hunter reason number one. The white handrails provide the perfect camouflage for the white tissue I use to avoid direct contact with handrails. Hygiene Hunter reason number two. Sticky jam prints and boogers are more noticeable one white anything. Not that I saw anyone in Colette with a finger up their nose.