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East London: Micro Gude
Soho aside, London’s East end holds the reputation as the fastest changing area of the city. A constant flux of new restaurants, bars and concept stores keep the hip crowds coming and the rental prices sky-high. But you already knew that right? Well then read on for the new openings that you couldn’t possibly have […] -
Intimate Music—Nashville Style
Fans of the new ABC drama “Nashville,” are getting a glimpse of one of the beloved venues among songwriters and singers in Music City. The Bluebird Café only offers seating for 100 people, but its reputation spreads worldwide. With the new weekly TV drama, interest in seeing the real place is exploding. When singer songwriters […] -
Five Questions for Bob Kramer
Legendary Master Bladesmith Bob Kramer spends his days forging top-of-the-line kitchen knives in his Washington-based shop. His work has been featured in Saveur, Bon Appetit, The New Yorker, GQ, and Vogue, as well as on Bravo’s Top Chef. He is one of 120 master bladesmiths in the United States. To get their hands on one […] -
Central Bottle: A Taste of Venice in Boston
Hey. Let’s go to Italy and drink a lot of wine, and then come home and open a wine shop. Maybe substitute the wine for pizza, but this is probably every twenty-something, (or thirty or forty-something) American’s fantasy. But for longtime friends Dave and Maureen Rubino, Nick Zappia, and Liz Vilardi, this fantasy became a […] -
The Brussels Sprout Boom
Brussels sprouts have been gaining buzz for the past three years. What was once the stereotypical vegetable for childhood punishment, has now become a go-to side dish for the most gourmet holiday meals. Because it seems that everyone has jumped on the Brussels sprouts bandwagon, The Manual decided to find out firsthand why the once […] -
Sam’s Natural Wants to Groom You
What happens when a mechanic named Sam can’t find quality, natural products to clean his hands? Like any resourceful man, he somehow unearths them, even if it means creating them himself. Sam began experimenting with recipes until he finally developed his first product, the Walnut Scrub. His fellow mechanics wanted in on his concoctions, asking […] -
Cole Haan x fragment design
For anyone who lives in a walking city or is on their feet all day, a brogue or loafer can get awfully uncomfortable by mid day. We will never know how women do the heel thing all day. Yet we are vehemently against the late 90s sneaker and suit trend. Luckily Cole Haan has come […] -
Top 5 Vacations for 2022
Generally speaking, January sucks. Alas, The Manual suggests you kick those broke, beginning of the year blues with some serious trip planning. With our top five international destinations for 2022, you’ll be punching the air and setting off on new adventures in no time. Istanbul Sprawled across two continents, this vibrant city offers a diverse […] -
The Dirt about Detergent in Hand Soap
Whether you sport a wedding band, your high school class ring or or a family heirloom on a daily basis we bet you have had this dilemma- cracked, irritated skin under the ring. How does this happen when we do what mama told us and wash our hands after bathroom breaks, before eating and pre […] -
Dog Friendly and Design: Monaco Hotel, Washington DC
Ruby was pretty chill as we walked past the 19th century corinthian-style columns (uplit by chrome and alabaster torcheries) to the mahogany reception desk. The lobby, with low-slung sofas of navy mohair before a Neoclassical fireplace (apple green walls and translucent evergreen chandeliers), didn’t look quite the place for dear, little Ruby, but the concierge […] -
Oman The Nomadic Way
Oman promises little but delivers lots; more culturally rich, politically stable and less religiously punishing compared to its Gulf neighbors, it has a great deal to offer. From unspoilt beaches to historic settlements to glorious deserts – in fact it boasts one of the largest all sand deserts in the world, The Empty Quarter, which […] -
Every Gentleman Appreciates A Good Cocktail
Some people think that the holidays are all about family, food, and giving gifts, when in fact, between us, it’s really about good alcohol. Let’s be blunt, you’re sitting with your in-laws for three hours – you need a drink. You spent all day shopping – you need a drink. You couldn’t find a parking space […] -
A Wood-Fire Experiment at Area Four
During a recent phone chat, restaurant owner Michael Krupp suddenly stops mid-conversation: “I’m sorry, hold on. There’s something very strange happening in my restaurant.” After a brief moment of muffled voices, Krupp returns to the line. “I just had a bunch of college kids walk in here carrying instruments. They were measuring the air quality.” […] -
Compass Box Whisky’s John Glaser talks Scotch
It may be a well known fact that, when it comes to liquor, bourbon works for any occasion. However, very often a well-made Scotch can be a man’s best friend. In order to get the latest from the world of Scotch, The Manual managed to chat with John Glaser, the founder of specialist Scotch whisky […] -
Not your Father’s General Store
Tastemaker husband and wife team, Kevin and Bo Carney decided to open a perfectly curated shop for the fashion elite in the heart of LA’s trendy Silver Lake neighborhood and we are a better city because of it. Mohawk General Store has a brilliant way of meshing luxe brands like Dries Van Noten with vintage […] -
Well Booted !
There is nothing like an American Classic, Sebago. Classic can also be done with a twist. The Osmore Boot. In many ways, this is a true classic, with even more of a twist. Featuring full grain waterproof leather uppers with waxy leather and plaid wool panels, the Osmore’s stitch detailing brings it all together with […]
