Celebrate the Season With Wine Tastings, Cooking Demos and Special Appearances Featuring Kwame Onwuachi, Brooke Williamson, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Douglass Williams, Linda & Drew Scott, Alexander Smalls and More
Meredith Corporation‘s FOOD & WINE will host its second virtual FOOD & WINE Classic at Home event, offering a special culinary experience to celebrate the holiday season on December 5 at 5 pm ET, with tickets on sale now at foodandwine.com/ClassicAtHome.
Hosted by FOOD & WINE Culinary Editor at Large Justin Chapple, the FOOD & WINE Classic at Home: Holiday Edition will include cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs Kwame Onwuachi, Brooke Williamson and Douglass Williams; wine pairings with wine experts Ray Isle of FOOD & WINE and Leslie Sbrocco; and special appearances by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Linda & Drew Scott, Alexander Smalls, Marissa Mullen, FOOD & WINE Editor in Chief Hunter Lewis and more. FOOD & WINE will make a contribution to No Kid Hungry to further support their mission of ending child hunger. To learn more about No Kid Hungry, visit: www.nokidhungry.org/foodandwine.
Hunter Lewis said, “We’re excited to bring the pages of FOOD & WINE to life and partner with our friends in the food world to kick off the holidays in style. No matter how you’ll be celebrating this season, we’ll offer up smart ideas for holiday cooking, advice for finding the perfect wines to pair and pour, and tips for small-scale entertaining. We’ll also be making a donation to an important cause, No Kid Hungry, and we hope that those who are able to will join us in donating to No Kid Hungry to support their mission of ending childhood hunger.”
Wine packages are available for purchase to the sip along with the live tastings and to enjoy throughout the holiday season at www.wine.com/classicathome.* The two featured wine seminars with corresponding wine packages available for purchase are Cozy Winter Reds with Leslie Sbrocco and Spectacular Sparklingfor the Holidays with Ray Isle.
Enjoy the best of both worlds with the ultimate city and mountain getaway filled with winter fun, including skiing, snowmobiling, ice-skating, snowshoeing, a spa retreat and the finest gastronomy the city has to offer
Guests can take advantage of a Third Night Free offer when booking two consecutive nights to extend the fun
Montreal is the seductive Paris of North America sitting at the edge of the Canadian wilderness. So, as such, the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal has crafted the quintessential winter experience to treat travellers and locals to the perfect Montreal winter escape. The luxurious package features a two-night stay with a complimentary third night to enjoy seasonal activities from intense to utterly relaxing.
On arrival, guests will settle in at MARCUS Lounge + Bar inside the Hotel’s bustling Social Square, where the city’s who’s who and global travellers mingle. They will challenge the resident mixologist to craft a bespoke cocktail just for them and follow their libation with dinner at MARCUS Restaurant, the first Canadian outpost by internationally-acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Their senses will be awakened with an innovative feast of seafood and farm-to-table vegetables at this lively contemporary brasserie.
On the second day, guests will head for a rugged snow adventure at Mont-Tremblant, North America’s #1 ski resort in the East. They will ride a chauffeured SUV or private helicopter to exhilarating mountain slopes and sharpen their skiing and snowboarding skills with elite instructors. Alternatively, they may explore invigorating forest trails on a snowmobile, snowshoe or skate on a majestic frozen lake, and warm up with a hot chocolate at a luxurious mountain chalet. At nightfall, they will stroll under the twinkling lights of Mont-Tremblant’s European-style pedestrian village and enjoy dinner before returning downtown to the enveloping comfort of their Four Seasons room.
On the last day, their winter adventure will continue on Mount Royal Park, a mountain in the heart of the city, minutes away from the Hotel. They will venture through its winding paths on snowshoes or cross-country skis, skate on Beaver Lake, or snow-tube down the hills with their whole family. As the sun sets, they will relax and restore their body and mind at Four Seasons Spa, where they may explore the sensations of Kneipp hydrotherapy, solo or couple massages, steam sauna, and a glass of champagne poolside before drifting to dreamland on a Spa daybed.
Advance booking is required with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Inclusions cannot be modified or substituted. This experience is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract, and does not apply to groups. Rates are per room, per night, may vary by arrival date, and do not include taxes, service charges, gratuities or surcharges, unless otherwise noted. Early departure fees may apply, and rates and availability are subject to change, with some blackout dates in place.
All Images provided by the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal.
STORY at Macy’s teams up with Well+Good to demystify wellness with curated products, health tips and experiences at 36 stores nationwide
STORY at Macy’s, the ever-changing, narrative-driven retail concept inside 36 Macy’s stores nationwide, unveils its latest theme: “Feel Good.” Now through April 2020, Feel Good STORY brings a fresh focus on wellness and uses merchandise curation and events to explore simple and actionable ways for customers to find greater balance, energy and nourishment. In partnership with the award-winning fitness and wellness media platform, Well+Good, Feel Good STORY leverages its expertise in the field to help define and demystify what it means to live a healthy life through both editorial tips and product picks.
The wellness-focused retail narrative invites discovery through three curatorial spaces and each introduces merchandise and experiences to help you feel Balanced, Energized and Nourished. The Balanced moment is all about mindfulness and invites guests to pause for a complimentary meditation in partnership with Calm, the number one app for sleep, meditation and relaxation. To feel Energized, customers are invited to explore something new, from weighted arm bangles by Bala to an in-store barre fitness class. Finally in Nourished, healthy habits are the focus with new takes on snacking from Dada Daily and alcohol-free elixirs by Seedlip.
Bala – Bangles Resistance Loop Bands, Set of 5 $19.00
STORY at Macy’s product curation meets with editor-approved intel from Well+Good to add a simple, informative layer to the experience. For example, shoppers will discover that to get a good night’s sleep, editors suggest “cooling down your bedroom,” alongside the dodow, a glowing timer that teaches you to fall asleep. Additional tips cover topics like the benefits of dark chocolate, relaxation techniques, and how to maximize your crystals. Well+Good also supports STORY’s merchandise curation by leveraging its 2020 Wellness Trends to inform product selections like snack-able chickpeas. Within these broad moments, STORY at Macy’s and Well+Good take aim at trending topics like sleep, self-care, exercise, hydration, muscle recovery and healthy snacking.
Bala – Weighted 1lb Bangles $49 Bed of Nails – Pillow $49
“Well+Good decodes and demystifies wellness to help our community live a healthy lifestyle in a way that works for them,” said Alexia Brue, co-founder of the award-winning media company Well+Good. “Partnering with STORY at Macy’s allows us to share our rigorously researched editorial content in a new and exciting way, giving people in-person tips to feel more Balanced, Energized and Nourished.”
VIM & VIGR-Compression Socks $36.00Well + Good 100 Healthy Recipes + Expert Advice For Better Living Cookbook $29.99
To bring the Feel Good experience to life, STORY energizes its in-store environment with meditation spaces in partnership with the Calm app at all locations and a range of community-centered events focused on wellness. The concept will host events featuring local experts in the health and wellness space for cooking classes, panel discussions, journaling and meditation workshops, a manicure bar, yoga and barre classes, and mocktail-faking workshops.
AcousticSheep -Sleepphones Headphones $100.00The Growing Candle-Hyggelight Edith Sandalwood Growing Candle $28.00Eat For Beauty by Susan Curtis and Tipper Lewis 25.00The Wellness Project By Phoebe Lapine $25.00
A special selection of STORY at Macy’s wellness product will also be available on macys.com, curated by the three focus areas. From a lavender mimosa candle by Paddywax in Balanced and collapsible foam roller by Brazyn Life in Energized to a mocktail faking kit by Luckies of London in Nourished, online shoppers will be able to discover something that will make them feel good, too.
Booking.com Offers Exclusive, Themed Experiences for the 72%* of Americans Interested in Traveling to Help Achieve New Year’s Resolutions
This holiday season, Booking.com, the global travel leader with a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, is encouraging consumers to book a trip to help kick start 2020 New Year’s resolutions. In an effort to offer inspiration, Booking.com is custom designing 20 incredible experiences available for guest bookings, with each “Resolution Suite” themed to align with 20 of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2020. With 72%* of Americans interested in taking a trip to help kick start their resolution, Booking.com is encouraging consumers to #BookYourResolution to help them come true.
Located at 25 Broad Street in downtown Manhattan at the Broad Exchange Building, the 20 exclusive suites allow guests to aspirationally enter an accommodation tailored to their resolution, and exit in true “new year, new you” fashion with an assortment of related activities, affirmations, and amenities. The 20 resolution suites for 2020, which will be exclusively available on Booking.com, will feature all the must-have necessities for nailing that New Year’s promise to yourself. From Finding Your Funny to becoming Financially Savvy, guests can literally—and figuratively—check into their resolution by reserving their desired experience on Booking.com, including:
Be More Active: a space that motivates and empowers to hit those athletic aspirations
Practice Self-Care: reinvigorate your inner-self in a wellness setting that’ll make you go ‘spa’-aaah
Meet New People: up your extrovert game by learning how to mix and mingle
Be The Best Host: channel the entertainer in you with tips and tricks
Find Your Funny: laughter is always the best medicine and this spot has got the formula
Volunteer: learn the art of giving back and making meaningful connections
Snap The Best Shot: from family photos to beach sunsets, amp up photography skills
Cook Up A Storm: create culinary magic by learning this tasty craft
Starting on January 13that 12:00 PM EST, consumers will be able to reserve their desired resolution experience for two-night stays beginning January 17th for $20.20. The resolution suites range from one-bedroom to two-bedroom apartments, with full modern kitchens, bathrooms with luxury amenities and custom programming to help guests kick-start their resolution in style. A full list of the resolution suites can be found by visiting https://www.booking.com/articles/epic-suites-to-spur-on-ny-resolutions.html.
The 20 Booking.com resolution experiences for 2020 are a part of Booking.com’s new creative marketing campaign, which debuted on a national level December 23 across TV and digital channels. The integrated campaign highlights how “there’s a booking for every New Year’s resolution” showcasing how Booking.com makes it easier to book a trip for any occasion, including to kickstart a New Year’s resolution, through key features such as search filters and a user-friendly mobile-optimized experience.
Hailed as one of Asia’s most revered dining destinations since opening its doors in 1928, The Peninsula Hong Kong received a double seal of approval from the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2020. World-renowned French fine-dining institution Gaddi’s was awarded one Michelin star, and refined Cantonese restaurant Spring Moon garnered a coveted Michelin star for the fourth consecutive year.
Chef Trento, Chef Xavier, Chef Albin and Chef Lam leads the Michelin-starred Gaddi’s and Spring Moon Fine Dining Restaurants at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Gaddi’s at The Peninsula Hong Kong just earned its first Michelin star Gaddi’s Chef de Cuisine Albin Gobil
Acclaimed by guests and gastronomes the world over since opening in 1953, Gaddi’s is consistently commended as one of the city’s most sophisticated French fine-dining restaurants. Leading Gaddi’s golden culinary trio is Chef Albin Gobil, who transports guests on captivating epicurean adventures brimming with creativity and refinement. Chef Gobil describes his cooking style as “modern classic” with a deceptively simple and elegant approach to his gastronomic art. Striving to combine the best of past and present, Restaurant Manager Michele Drusacchi ensures that Gaddi’s sumptuous interiors and superlative cuisines are matched by impeccable service. Chief Sommelier Bojan Radulovic is a passionate storyteller who enriches each dining experience with expert anecdotes about more than 700 labels from the world’s leading vineyards on the extensive wine list.
Spring Moon, the fine dining Cantonese restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong has recieved a one star rating from the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2020 for the fourth consecutive year. Continue reading →
Thanksgiving weekend draws nearly 190 million shoppers, spending up 16 percent
Retail sales in November, and especially around the Thanksgiving/Black Friday period are some of the most important sales data in all of retail. And this year’s numbers are even more important than ever before.
Per the analysts at the National Retail Federation, retail sales in November increased 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted over October and were up 2.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year, marking the first half of the holiday season with billions of dollars in shopping left to be done. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants.
“November showed modest growth on the surface, but you have to remember that the late timing of Thanksgiving delayed the beginning of the busiest portion of the holiday season and pushed Cyber Monday’s billions of dollars of retail sales into December,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “These numbers are more about the calendar than consumer confidence. Consumer spending has been solid, and there’s still a lot of spending to be done. With strong employment and higher wages, we’re on track for a strong holiday season.”
Kleinhenz noted that the year-over-year comparison was challenging because November 2018 was up an unusually strong 4.7 percent over the year before. But December 2018 was down 0.2 percent from the year before, making it likely that next month could show a strong comparison.
In addition, many consumers began their shopping early this year, with some starting before November. NRF surveys showed that 39 percent planned to begin by Halloween, and that consumers on average had completed 52 percent of their shopping as of the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
“Whether they’re looking for something unique on Main Street, making a trip to the mall or clicking from the couch, this is when holiday shoppers shift into high gear.” – NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay
NRF’s forecast predicts that holiday retail sales during November and December will increase between 3.8 percent and 4.2 percent for a total of between $727.9 billion and $730.7 billion.
November’s results build on October’s increase of 0.2 percent month-over-month and a strong 4.1 percent year-over-year. As of November, the three-month moving average was up 3.3 percent over the same period a year ago, compared with 4.2 percent in October.
NRF’s numbers are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which said today that overall November sales – including auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants – were up 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted from October and up 3.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Specifics from key retail sectors during November include:
Online and other non-store sales were up 7.2 percent year-over-year and up 0.8 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
Sporting goods stores were up 4.3 percent year-over-year but down 0.5 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
Grocery and beverage stores were up 4 percent year-over-year and up 0.3 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
Furniture and home furnishings stores were up 1.4 percent year-over-year and up 0.1 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
General merchandise stores were unchanged year-over-year but up 0.1 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
Building materials and garden supply stores were down 1.2 percent year-over-year but unchanged month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
Electronics and appliance stores were down 1.7 percent year-over-year but up 0.7 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
Health and personal care stores were also down 1.7 percent year-over-year and were down 1.1 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
Clothing and clothing accessory stores were down 2.9 percent year-over-year and down 0.6 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
And the good news, such as it is, continued into the proceeding Thanksgiving Day weekend. A record 189.6 million U.S. consumers shopped from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year, an increase of 14 percent over last year’s 165.8 million, the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics said.
“Americans continue to start their holiday shopping earlier in the year, and Thanksgiving is still a critical weekend for millions,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Whether they’re looking for something unique on Main Street, making a trip to the store or searching for the best deals from their mobile device, this is when shoppers shift into high gear. With the condensed holiday season, consumers are feeling the pressure to get their shopping done in time. Even those who typically wait until the last minute to purchase gifts turned out in record numbers all weekend long.”
A Reassuring Presence Instilling Calm, Confidence, And Connection
Tapping into sight, sound, smell, taste, and texture Pantone makes PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue the first multi-sensory Color of the Year in the company’s history.
Pantone, provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions, today announced PANTONE 19-4052, Classic Blue, as the Pantone® Color of the Year for 2020; a timeless and enduring hue elegant in its simplicity. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation from which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.
Pantone Reveals Color of the Year 2020: PANTONE® 19-4052 Classic Blue
“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Imbued with a deep resonance, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.”
The Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even up-coming sporting events that capture worldwide attention. For 21 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past selections for Color of the Year include:
PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral (2019)
PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet (2018)
PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery (2017)
PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)
PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)
The color selected as the Pantone Color of the Year 2020 was taken from the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standards system for fashion, textile, home, and interior design.
Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser-like clarity, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.
As technology continues to race ahead of the human ability to process it all, it is easy to understand why we gravitate to colors that are honest and offer the promise of protection. Non-aggressive and easily relatable, the trusted PANTONE 19-4052, Classic Blue lends itself to relaxed interaction. Associated with the return of another day, this universal favorite is comfortably embraced.
“The Pantone Color of the Year highlights the relationship between trends in color and what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time, a color that reflects what individuals feel they need that color can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions, designers and brands should feel inspired to use color to engage and connect. The Pantone Color of the Year selection provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.”
To fully bring to life the true meaning of PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, Pantone has translated PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue into a multi-sensory experience. By extending the sensory reach of PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, Pantone is hoping to reach a greater diversity of people to provide everyone with an opportunity to engage with the Color of the Year 2020 in their own unique way.
“As we all head into a new era, we wanted to challenge ourselves to find inspiration from new sources that not only evolve our Color of the Year platform, but also help our global audiences achieve richer and more rewarding color experiences,” added Pressman. “This desire, combined with the emotional properties of PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, motivated us to expand beyond the visual, to bring the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year to life through a multi-sensory experience.”
Classic Blue in Fashion
PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a poised and self-assured blue hue elegant in its simplicity. Genderless in outlook and seasonless in endurance, this foundational anchor shade enables color mixes throughout the spectrum, as well as making a strong statement on its own. Emblematic of heritage but at the same time highly contemporary, versatile PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue takes on distinct appearances through application to different materials, finishes and textures from shimmering metallics, lustrous sheens and high-tech materials to hand crafted looks and more fragile fabrics.
Classic Blue in Beauty
In the ultimate display of personal expression, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue makes a dramatic statement for eyes, nails and hair in a variety of finishes from glittery and glam to dusty matte.
Classic Blue in Home Décor
Offering the promise of protection PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a pervasive favorite for home. Creating a stable foundation from which to build, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue injects creative confidence into interiors, transforming a space through unique color combinations and tonal statements. Easily applied across so many different materials, textures and finishes, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a dependable blue that can take you in different directions expressing tradition and elegance as well as unexpected boldness.
Classic Blue in Graphic Design and Packaging
Because of PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue’s relation to the sky at dusk, something we see every day, it maintains a perception of dependability and constancy. A color we respond to viscerally as being trustworthy, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is an ideal shade for many applications of graphic design. This is especially true for packaging where PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue conveys the message of honesty, credibility and reliability that today’s consumers are connecting to.
The Peninsula Hotels has announced a calendar of fun festive activities and experiences for all to enjoy this season, including bountiful brunches brimming with festive fare; celebratory cocktails crafted by on-site mixologists; gingerbread making classes led by each hotels’ professional pastry chefs; and live story-telling sessions of The Peninsula’s digital storybook for children ‘The Gingerbread Man’s Tale,’ available to download on a complimentary basis via Peninsula.com’s festive webpage.
Six Festive Ornaments
Putting The Spice Back Into Life The hero and leading character of this year’s story – which has been specially written for The Peninsula Hotels – is the Gingerbread Man. A familiar sight hanging within decorated trees, the Gingerbread Man represents the ‘Stories from within the Tree’ chapter of The Peninsula Hotels’ three-year festive campaign titled ‘Stories from the Tree’.
A Digital Children Storybook
After kicking-off with ‘Stories from Under the Tree’ last year and closing with ‘Stories from the Tree Top’ next year, this year’s theme is about sharing the joy and fun of the season. Adding a Scandinavian touch to the festivities, The Peninsula Hong Kong will welcome Santa Claus from Finland Santa Claus Village on December 11 at The Lobby as the Grande Dame joins hands with Finnair this winter. More collaboration will be announced by the end of December 2019 for a truly Nordic celebration.
Christmas Gifts and Kid: Sharing the joy at The Peninsula Hotels
In line with this, the magic of the festive season will be celebrated at each of the ten Peninsula hotels around the globe with giant Christmas trees erected in the grand lobbies, and resplendent decorations on view for all to enjoy. To prolong the festive joy throughout the season, the hotel mascot, The Peninsula Bear will appear at The Lobby, giving adorable surprises spontaneously to guests.
Gingerbread Making Class at The Peninsula Hotels
A Time Of Reflection Often, the joy and fun of the season is felt most strongly by the children in our lives. In support of those less fortunate, the six ‘Stories from the Tree’ characters will be available to purchase at each hotel in the form of tree decorations and pins, with US$5 from each purchase being donated to Make-A-Wish® Hong Kong and Room to Read. Make-A-Wish® Hong Kong, an organization that grants one life-changing wishes for children aged between three and 17 with critical illnesses in Hong Kong and Macau, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Room to Read, a global organization transforming the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.
The Lobby – Teas of Hope Afternoon TeaThe Lobby – Teas of Hope Afternoon Tea
In The Peninsula Hong Kong’s legendary lobby, the much-loved tradition of Afternoon Tea will be given a festive makeover to present ‘Teas of Hope’ Afternoon Tea. Available now through to December 20 and December 27th to 30th 2019, the set is priced at HK$ 398* per person or HK$ 718* for two, and includes a festive pin. For each tea set sold, US$5 will be donated to the above charities.
Festive Afternoon Tea
The Joy Of Festive Gastronomy The festive sounds of Rhythm and Harmony will also be a feature of the lobby, with the big band performing live each evening from December 24th to 31st. Guests can enjoy movie theme-tunes, bossa nova hits, and popular songs from the 70s and 80s. The nightly live entertainment of top performers will make this place the live lounge music capital of Hong Kong. Guests who enjoy a more traditional approach to Christmas are well catered for too, priced at HK$ 508* per person, the classic afternoon tea will be served in The Lobby from December 21stto 26th.
Gaddi’s Christmas Eve – Brittany Lobster
For lovers of classic Cantonese cuisine, there are few better places in Hong Kong to ring in the New Year than at Spring Moon. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on December 31st will see the Spring Moon Band performing a blend of Shanghai classic songs and American music, to celebrate ‘East meets West’. A festive lunch and dinner will also be available from December 24th and 25th.
Felix New Year’s Eve – Grilled Toothfish LoinGaddi’s Chef de Cuisine Albin Gobil
French fine dining institution Gaddi’s offers the perfect Christmas Eve treat with a six-course festive dinner on December 24th created by Chef Albin Gobil, in addition to a four-course festive lunch and five-course dinner menu on Christmas Day. Guests can enjoy ‘new vintage’ music performed by the Gaddi’s band, which mixes 1940s jazz and classic pop in a roaring 20s-style adaptation.
Felix Sunday Brunch ExperienceGaddi’s New Year’s Eve Menu – Pithivier
Those with a penchant for the avant-garde can enjoy a Christmas meal created by Chef de Cuisine Juan Gomez in Felix on December 25th, choosing between a three-course early seating from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, or a five-course dinner from 8:00 pm onwards. Those dining between 24 to 31 December will also be treated to live music each evening from 8:00 pm onwards.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is delighted to announce a one-of-a-kind culinary collaboration with Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como. From January 3 to 10, the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech will showcase the creativity of Chef Vincenzo Guarino,Executive Chef at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como during two exclusive starred dinners at Mes’Lalla and an Italian week presenting a special menu available for guests at the Pool Garden restaurant.
Chef Vincenzo Guarino
Promoting authentic cuisine, acclaimed Chef Vincenzo Guarino has been awarded one Michelin star in 2019 for L˜Aria, the resort’s fine dining restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como. This prestigious distinction confirms the great Chef’s talent in marrying high-quality ingredients, precise techniques and inspiring flavours and aromas to produce a multi-sensory experience that pays homage to traditional Mediterranean cuisine and brings it to life.
Vincenzo Guarino’s passion for the culinary arts started at a young age. After attending culinary school, the Chef honed his skills at Michelin-starred establishments both in Italy and abroad. Over the course of his career, Vincenzo Guarino has worked alongside celebrated chefs such as Gualtiero Marchesi in Capri and, in 2019 Chef Guarino took on a new challenge as Executive Chef of the new Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como.
Mes’Lalla Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
During this Italian week, diners can enjoy two exclusive dinners in the cosy atmosphere of the Mes’Lalla restaurant on January 3rd and 4th. The seabass and re-imagined eggplant parmigiana are just two of the delightful dishes on offer.
Mes’Lalla Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
From January 5 to 10 , Lake Como will take over the Pool Garden restaurant and surprise guests with a varied menu offering Mediterranean delights such as the unmissable octopus “Alla Luciana” and the “Acquapazza” seabream.
Proceeds Benefitting AutoNation’s DRV PNK Initiative, February 8-9, 2020
The Seaglass Group, together with AutoNation and Mercedes-Benz, has announced the launch of its Mercedes-Benz and AutoNation SEAGLASS | A Greater Fort Lauderdale Rosé Experience(SEAGLASS), taking place February 8-9, 2020, on the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach.
SEAGLASS is a first-of-its-kind event immersing guests in a rosé experience second to none, benefitting AutoNation’s DRV PNK initiative which has raised more than $20 million for cancer research and treatment. With the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, the inaugural event will showcase the world’s finest rosé wines with perfectly paired culinary options throughout the weekend.
SEAGLASS | A Greater Fort Lauderdale Rosé Experience is a first-of-its-kind two-day event immersing guests in a rosé experience second to none– set on the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach — and benefiting the AutoNation #DrivePink initiative with proceeds going to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.
“Rosé is more than another wine; it’s a lifestyle,” said SEAGLASS co-founder Carlos Suarez, who also serves as publisher for Venice Magazine. “Greater Fort Lauderdale’s coastal environment, luxury lifestyles and year-round ocean breeze create the perfect canvas for this immersive rosé experience.”
Hosted by Venice magazine, SEAGLASS highlights the community of Greater Fort Lauderdale creating an immersive atmosphere that celebrates the best in wine, art, music and fashion. The rosé paradise will deliver luxurious stops at every turn, unlimited pours of the finest wines, Instagram-worthy moments and rosé-themed activities.
“We are thrilled to be title sponsors of this incredibly luxurious event. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase the renaissance underway in Fort Lauderdale while raising funds and awareness for critical cancer research,” said AutoNation Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Marc Cannon. “Through this fantastic partnership we’ll be directing all funds raised for DRV PNK to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge- supporting cancer research and treatment right here in South Florida!“
“We are creating a sanctuary for rosé lovers and experientialists alike,” added SEAGLASS co-founder Trevor Fried. “Fort Lauderdale deserves the splendor of what the SEAGLASS experience will deliver.“
Tickets are on sale now for the SEAGLASS | A Greater Fort Lauderdale Rosé Experience at www.seaglassexperience.com where guests can choose from the full all-inclusive Rosé Experience ticket at $150/per day. Discerning guests who seek further exclusivity can opt for the VIP Cabana Experience, priced at $5,000/per day.
Explore the Best Restaurants and Bars Around the World
50 Best, the brand behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars annual ranking and awards, announces the launch of 50 Best Discovery.
For 17 years, 50 Best has been compiling authoritative rankings based on the votes of its extensive international network of experts. Until today, 50 Best only revealed the restaurants and bars which received sufficient votes for them to be ranked. With the launch of 50 Best Discovery, the organization now provides a deeper, richer library for people to draw on for eating and drinking inspiration as they traverse the world.
50 Best Logo
50 Best Discovery is the world’s most exciting database for eating and drinking and operates as an unranked extension of the annual 50 Best rankings of restaurants and bars. The venues featured on 50 Best Discovery have all received votes from the experts who create the rankings of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars, as well as Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Asia’s 50 Best Bars and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. The digital collection is compiled from the results of these five annual 50 Best rankings but extends far beyond the elite establishments celebrated in each list. The result is a more diverse range of expert-recommended restaurants and bars across the world, offering everything from emerging talent and local favourites through to fine dining and fine drinking establishments. To qualify, a restaurant or bar needs to receive a significant number of votes in the most recent round of polling for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants or The World’s 50 Best Bars, or appear on one of our other annual rankings. Restaurants and bars cannot apply to be part of 50 Best Discovery.
50 Best Discovery gives discerning diners and drinkers the chance to explore restaurants and bars that have received votes from 50 Best experts across the world, featuring more than 1,600 reviews of venues in 75 countries. The library combines destinations from all the lists’ rankings and other far-flung locales to comprise a diverse and tempting range of restaurants and bars, empirically recommended by its Academy. This 1,700-strong Academy comprises the world’s leading food and drink writers, chefs, restaurateurs and bar owners, global gastronomes and regional cuisine specialists.
A new website features a powerful search engine, which allows users to search by city, town and region to find restaurants and bars in a destination they may be travelling to, or to look for a reliable new dining or drinking experience closer to home. Locations and reviews sit side by side to allow easy-to-navigate functionality with each entry displaying location, price, contact details, imagery and a bite-size profile.
Whether searching for the hottest back-street ramen bar in Tokyo, boundary-pushing fine dining in San Francisco, or the best martini in Madrid, 50 Best Discovery allows adventurous gourmets to explore hidden gems, secret spots and timeless classics, providing a unique itinerary for culinary and cocktail adventures.
William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best, says: “This exciting new way to explore the world is completely guided by the recommendations from the 1,700-plus independent expert voters behind the 50 Best restaurant and bar rankings. Never before have the best local and international destinations in which to eat and drink been featured in one place, on one intuitive website. We are confident that it will become a go-to resource for anyone looking for a reliable gastronomic experience almost anywhere in the world.
“When The World’s 50 Best Restaurants was established in 2002, it started a journey that would see us showcase the very best places to eat and drink. Gastronomic tourism has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, evident in the rapid expansion of our social media followers to more than two million and the continued growth of our global events. For the first time, we are now able to offer a comprehensive library featuring a vast number of restaurants and bars. For food and drink lovers this is the ultimate map of the world; essential for planning gastronomic adventures.“
The 50 Best family includes The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars, Asia’s 50 Best Bars and the #50BestTalks and 50 Best Explores series, all of which are owned and run by William Reed Business Media. Since 2002, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has reflected the diversity of the world’s culinary landscape. The annual list of the world’s finest restaurants and bars provides a snapshot of some of the best destinations for unique dining and drinking experiences, in addition to being a barometer for global gastronomic trends.
Spotlighting Iconic, Well-Loved And Highly Shareable “Masterdishes” From Around The World
After
a record-setting year in cuisine, boasting 27 Michelin stars at 18
dining establishments worldwide, Four
Seasons is
spotlighting its Masterdishes
–
the most coveted, shareable and iconic menu items from all over the
world to guests, followers and locals alike. Ranging from newly
conceived creations to recreated classics, these Insta-ready dishes
and drinks showcase flavour mastery, passion and technique, and are
as distinct as the restaurants and bars where they originate and the
artisans who created them.
Every
Friday from November
22
until December
27, 2019
on Instagram,
Four Seasons
will be spotlighting a selection of Masterdishes via @FourSeasons
and
#FSMasterdish.
With the festive period fast approaching, culinary enthusiasts are
invited to experience Masterdish creations for themselves at Four
Seasons restaurants and bars or digitally through the dedicated
hashtag.
“Four
Seasons is home to some of the very best restaurants and bars in the
world,”
says Christian
Clerc,
President, Global Operations. “With
Masterdish we are placing our most iconic dishes centre stage,
celebrating the passion and artistry that are at the root of
everything we do.”
Restaurants
and bars are the heartbeat of Four Seasons hotels, offering
communities inviting spaces to gather, connect and dine. Read on to
explore the very first global sampling of standout creations and
beloved signature dishes from Four Seasons restaurants and bars
worldwide. Travel to Geneva, Mexico City, Seoul and Vail, among other
culinary destinations as Four Seasons explores some of the most
buzzworthy creations to date.
Food
fans should stay tuned for more Masterdishes as they are unveiled by
following @FourSeasons
and
#FSMasterdish.
White Millefeuille, La Dame de Pic London, Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
Its
first broadcast appearance on BBC’s Masterchef: The
Professionals launched Chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s take on
the classic “thousand leaves” dessert to social media stardom.
Crack into its pristine façade to expose layers of crispy
triple-folded puff pastry, Tahitian vanilla cream and jasmine jelly.
A sheet of royal icing covers the delicacy for added crunch, while
dollops of voatsiperifery pepper-infused milk foam flank either side.
The dazzling dessert fuses purity, lightness and surprise, easily
earning the title of most Instagrammed dish in the two Michelin star
restaurant.
Roasted Scampi Surrounded by Chef’s Garden, Il Lago, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
In
this complex piece of culinary art, 35 different vegetables are
featured in various preparations, inspired by memories of Chef
Massimiliano Sena’s childhood on Italy’s Sorrento Coast. The
vibrant plate features roast scampi served in its own bisque
surrounded by a garden of seasonal produce and topped with a squid
ink tuile. Within the first hour of its social media debut, Sena’s
star dish generated incredible intrigue, garnering more than 100k
views on Instagram and encouraging eager tasters to visit
Michelin-starred Il Lago to see and taste the work of art first hand.
Spaghetti with Ham, Ceps and Black Truffle, Le Cinq, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
One
of the most sought-after menu items at three Michelin star restaurant
Le Cinq, Chef Christian Le Squer’s luxurious take on a much-loved
classic never fails to impress. Profiled on France’s Top Chef
and online in French Vogue, a dedicated @fsgeorgevparis
Instagram story achieved more than 12.5k views, while a post on
@lecinqparis earned the most-liked photo of the year. Perfectly al
dente noodles are tossed in butter and parmesan and carefully laid
out side by side to form the walls of a rectangle. Inside, ham,
truffles and cep mushrooms are glazed in jus and drizzled with
truffled cream. Topped with a thin parmesan crust and adorned with
gold leaf, this rich, savoury and tender architectural masterpiece is
served throughout the year and is a “must-try before you die” for
Parisians and international travellers alike.
Haute Chocolate, Pastry Chef Andrew Schweska, The Remedy Bar and Flame Restaurant, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
Recently
voted one of the world’s best hot chocolates by Travel +
Leisure, a video of its epic marshmallow drop amassed the highest
number of organic views on Four Seasons Instagram channel in 2018. At
any given time, someone is eagerly taking a slow-motion capture of
the suspenseful splash in Vail’s The Remedy Bar, Flame Restaurant
or in the comfort of their guest room or private retreat. Piping hot
Valrhona chocolate, heavy cream and steamed whole milk are churned
tableside and poured over a hand-made dark chocolate lattice,
resulting in a perfectly-timed marshmallow plummet and pillowy
landing. First featured by Forbes more than seven years ago,
it remains one of the most popular items on the menu at Four Seasons
Resort and Residences Vail, a must-visit après ski destination.
Mandarin Oriental, Munich is launching two luxury accommodation offers for the upcoming festive season, including a ballet performance package. Guests booking A Nutcracker Christmasroom package will enjoy The Nutcrackerballet by Tchaikovsky and other seasonal indulgences on selected dates in November and December, while A Magical Christmasincludes a seven-course dinner on Christmas Eve and other festive treats over the Christmas holidays.
A
Nutcracker Christmas
When booking A Nutcracker Christmas, guests can make the most of their stay by shopping for gifts and sampling local delicacies at Munich’s famous Christmas markets. In the evening, they can experience The Nutcracker ballet from the best seats at the historic Gärtnerplatztheater. On returning to the five-star hotel, a special late-night bento box awaits each guest at the highly acclaimedMatsuhisa Munich.
For
a perfect holiday experience, Christmas decorations will adorn each
guestroom and suite and a specialty hamper filled with stollen and
seasonal biscuits will be presented to guests on arrival.
First
category tickets to The
Nutcracker ballet
at Gärtnerplatztheater on 28 November, 12 December or 13 December
A
post-ballet late-night bento box at Matsuhisa Munich
A
Magical Christmas
The
hotel’s A Magical Christmas offer is available from
December 23 – 26. So guests can immerse themselves in the festive
spirit from the moment they arrive, they will be presented with a
specialty hamper in their sumptuous room or suite, which will be
filled with Christmas decorations.
Matsuhisa
Munich will serve an exquisite, seven-course Japanese-Peruvian
feast for A Magical Christmas guests on Christmas Eve,
December 24th. A festive interpretation of award-winning
chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s innovative cuisine, it will feature
John Dory, Ox Cheeks and other extraordinary culinary
delights. For December 26th, an extravagant brunch will be
offered, with special menu options including the restaurant’s
signature dish, Black Cod, which will be served with
gingerbread crumble, as a Christmassy twist.
The
A Magical Christmas offer is priced from EUR 1,078 per night, and
includes:
A
speciality Bavarian Christmas hamper upon arrival
Festive
decorations in all rooms and suites
A
seven-course Christmas menu at Matsuhisa Munich on Christmas Eve, 24
December
Quietly
tucked away in a side street, yet centrally located near the famed
Maximilianstraße, Mandarin Oriental, Munich is an elegant gem,
combining timeless, sophisticated charm with a contemporary, modern
design and subtle oriental accents. Mandarin Oriental provides the
highest levels of personalized service in the very city center and is
home to a selection of stylish, elegant restaurant and bars,
including the city’s hottest new restaurant Matsuhisa Munich by
world renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The hotel’s elegant and
spacious 48 guestrooms and 25 suites offer the finest in
international luxury and, along with the stunning rooftop pool,
feature views that stretch across the picturesque surroundings of the
old town.
A
Nutcracker Christmas can
be booked for overnight stays on November 28,
December 12
or
13 December 2019. A Magical
Christmas
is available from December 23-26,
2019
for a minimum two-night stay. Both offers are subject to
availability. Reservations for both offers can be made online,
by e-mail to momuc-reservations@mohg.com
or
telephone to
+49 (0)89 29098 820.
STORY
at Macy’s, the always-changing, narrative-driven concept
store inside 36 Macy’s locations nationwide, kicks off the holiday
season with the launch of its latest theme: “Home
for the Holidays.” As an editorial-inspired, living
gift-guide, the concept showcases gifting options within home-themed
environments. Up and running through December 31, “Home
for the Holidays STORY” offers a one-stop destination
for everyone on your holiday list as shoppers explore stylized spaces
that correspond to different gift recipients. Featuring more than 900
gifts from 200 small businesses, including items for foodies, lovers
of travel, glam treats, tech and DIY kits, pet accessories and more,
STORY at Macy’s is the home base for a wonderland of
presents to explore and discover this holiday season.
“For this year’s living gift guide, we are bringing shoppers a wonderland of gifts for everyone on their list in the ultimate home setting!” — Rachel Shechtman, STORY founder and Macy’s Brand Experience Officer
STORY
is a retail concept that changes every few months to bring a new
narrative experience to life through curated merchandise and event
programming. The ever-changing experience began in 2010 in New York
City, where STORY operated as an
independent small business for seven years and pioneered a retail as
media business model that changed every eight weeks to open a new
theme while engaging brands as sponsors for each themed story. Macy’s
acquired STORY in 2018 and its founder, Rachel
Shechtman, now serves as Macy’s brand experience
officer. STORY relaunched in spring of 2019 as STORY
at Macy’s. (Visit www.macys.com/STORY
for more information.)
Drink Mixers at the STORY at Macy’s 2019 Holiday Shop at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City
“This is our first ‘Home for the Holidays’ installation at our new home inside 36 Macy’s stores nationwide,” noted Rachel Shechtman, STORY founder and Macy’s brand experience officer. “For this year’s living gift guide, we are bringing shoppers a wonderland of gifts for everyone on their list in the ultimate home setting! Our special event programming will bring the magic of the season to life helping shoppers enhance their holiday celebrations.”
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special, STORY at Macy’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ Installation have endless finds —over 800 plus gift-giving ideas— for the person who has everything or just wants to treat themselves. Interested in seeing more and can’t come in-store?Check out a few of their favorite gift picks online for the first time!
Movie Night at STORY at Macy’s 2019 Holiday Shop at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City Gifts for the man in your life at STORY at Macy’s 2019 Holiday Shop at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City
Each
section of the ultimate holiday home features merchandise that speaks
to a number of recipients. For the person who has everything,
shoppers will discoverfood-themed
finds, party and entertaining
gifts, whimsical games,
as well as travel, office, and pet accessories. For someone who
deserves to treat themselves, it’s all about glam
and comfort gifts. Cozy up with cold weather must-haves
from Echo, candles from illume,
and super-soft cashmere socks from iLux,
all housed inside a warm and woodsy space. For someone especially
hard to shop for, “Home for the Holidays
STORY” offers the perfect gifts from grooming kits
to tech items and rock music-inspired collectibles, and
even a cocktail kit from Brooklyn’s Hella Bitters. And
finally, for someone little and bright on your list, customers can
discover great space and science-themed gifts, DIY
kits and animal plush toys.
Gifts for Her — in an icy bedroom filled with party-right pieces that will make you say freeze — at STORY at Macy’s 2019 Holiday Shop at Macy’s Herald Square in New York CityMore gifts for Him at The STORY at Macy’s 2019 Holiday Shop at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City
Home for the Holidays is also about how we spend time together – so drop by for pop-up card making sessions and ornament crafting. Tired from shopping? Pop in for a workshop or art class where the staff will be customizing gifts for everyone on your list – yourself included. If you’re gearing up to host family friends this season, join us to discover how to take your tablescape up a notch with napkin ring customization, decorating tips, ceramic bowl customization, and cookie decorating classes for mini-makers. This season, it’s all happening at Home for the Holidays – so remember to RSVP and get on our nice email list for updates and more.
It’s a Rice Krispies World at STORY at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. In the onsite retro kitchen,they’ve stocked up on tasteful finds from pizza socks to whiskey rocks. Rice Krispies Display at the STORY at Macy’s Herald Square 2019 Holiday Shop in New York City
What
would the holidays be without sweet treats? STORY
at Macy’s has joined forces with Kellogg’s Rice
Krispies Treats, a favorite in homes across the country for
generations. “We are excited about bringing our brands to life
in new contexts and occasions. When the opportunity to be a part of
STORY’s Home for the Holidays installation at Macy’s came up, it
seemed perfect for Rice Krispies Treats, to further spread our
message of love through holiday events,” shared Gail Horwood,
chief marketing officer Kellogg North America. In all 36 STORY at
Macy’s locations, customers will be able to take a break from
shopping and decorate their own holiday Rice Krispies Treats
to gift to friends or enjoy at their own family celebrations.
Darcy Miller and David Stark at the STORY at Macy’s Holiday shop at Macy’s Herald Square in New York CityMartha Stewart and Rachel Ray at the STORY at Macy’s Herald Square Holiday Shop in New York City
At
STORY at Macy’s flagship location inside Macy’s Herald Square
in New York City, the wonder of the holidays will be celebrated with
a larger-than-life experience, created with designer David Stark.
“For the flagship location, we wanted to give shoppers the
ultimate home experience and introduce them to our friends who’ve
been part of STORY holidays year after year – David Stark designed
our amazing flagship environment, artist Darcy Miller will bring our
NYC section to life with original art and will host special events,
and Iris Apfel is back by popular demand to sell jewelry from her
personal collection,” added Shechtman.
Peak wild mushroom season reaches a crescendo during autumn and early winter, with a glorious abundance anticipated by chefs and gourmands around the world. From November12 to December 16, guests are invited to discover the wondrous versatility of mushrooms with a visit to the acclaimed (and award-winning fine dining restaurant) Felix at the Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong, where sweeping views of Victoria Harbour set the scene for an exquisite tasting menu crafted by Chef de Cuisine Juan Gomez. By highlighting the delicious scope of foraged mushrooms with inspired dishes and cocktails, Gomez proves these seasonal treasures are more than just a garnish.
Interior of the Felix Restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong
Patrons
of the Wild Mushroom Felix Experience can look forward to a
five-course indulgence with the spotlight firmly placed on the best
in-season mushrooms available. Inspired by Chef Gomez’s culinary
imagination, this seasonal epicurean experience promises to tantalise
the taste buds with whimsical presentations and inventive flavours
inspired by the forager’s bounty.
Ceps with Australian black market beef steak, orzo pasta, roast pumpkin and charred onions
The
experience begins with a Wild mushroom soup with foie gras toast
and green apple relish before moving on to a masterful course of
Matsutake mushroom with butter poached king crab and oyster leaf –
a flawless pairing of this rare, aromatic mushroom with king crab’s
sweet appeal. Black trumpet with octopus terrine, espelette
parmentier and garlic chips is a spellbinding taste sensation,
while a choice between Yellow chanterelles with John Dory loin or
Ceps with Australian black market beef steak, orzo pasta,
roast pumpkin and charred onions offers the very best of land
and sea. A dessert of Black fig flambé reveals a satisfying
conclusion to a meal that balances Gomez’s nuanced understanding of
mushrooms with Felix’s unimpeachable flair.
“From Barcelona to London and Bangkok to Sydney, my culinary adventures have changed the way I approach food. Different cultures and their shared appreciation for ingredients never cease to inspire me.” – Chef Juan Gomes, Felix at The Peninsula Hong Kong
Felix Chef de Cuisine Juan Gomez
A Spanish native with over 28 years of experience in the kitchen, Chef Juan Gomez boasts a career loaded with international experience and Michelin-stars. Before taking up residence as Felix’s new executive chef, Gomez managed the gastronomic development for one of Bahrain’s leading restaurant groups and his path has seen him through some of the world’s food capitals – London, Sydney, Barcelona, and more – to refine his cooking ethos and flair for crafting memorable Mediterranean cuisine.
Available
for a limited time, the delectable Five-course Wild Mushroom Felix
Experience Menu is priced at HK$ 1,288* per person. Three and six
glasses of wine pairing with the menu are also available for HK$
1,788* and HK$ 1,988* per person respectively. For reservations and
enquiries, please call Felix at +852 2696 6778 or email
diningphk@peninsula.com.
Building on its 90 years as a global beacon of hospitality, The Peninsula Hong Kong, the legendary “Grande Dame of the Far East” continues to set hotel standards worldwide, offering a blend of the best Eastern and Western hospitality in an atmosphere of unmatched classical grandeur and timeless elegance. This year, The Peninsula Hotels has become the first and the only luxury hotel brand in the world to achieve a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for every hotel its portfolio. Widely recognized as an international icon of hospitality, the Peninsula Hong Kong is the flagship property of the group. A stay at the hotel allows you to re-live the glamour of travel of a by-gone era and explore the many antiques and historical artifacts on display around the hotel of Hong Kong itself.
This
winter, the West Terrace of Salon de Ning Rooftop Bar and
Terrace at The Peninsula New York has been transformed into
Chalet de Ning. This glamorous winter wonderland features two
chalet-inspired domes where guests can warm up as the temperature
drops. Perfect for large groups, private gatherings, or those seeking
to experience the magic of New York from above, Chalet de Ning
transports guests to the intimate snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps
right in the heart of Manhattan.
Outside View of The “Chalet de Ning” Rooftop Bar at the Peninsula Hotel New York
Available
now through April 2020, Chalet de Ning welcomes guests
into two heated domes furnished with plush sofas, Nordic-inspired
lounge chairs, ottomans and end tables complemented by faux-fur
throws, cozy plaid blankets and Turkish-style rugs. A freestanding
chimenea in the center of the dome ensures guests stay warm all night
long. Outside, a winter wonderland encapsulates the chalet domes,
with Viridis Japanese Maple, winterberry, whitespire
birch, spruce and juniper trees creating a
naturally festive ambience.
A Night View of The Chalet de Ning Rooftop Bar at the Peninsula Hotel New York
A
seasonal cuisine and cocktail menu at Chalet de Ning plays on the
cozy après-ski vibe. Highlights include a Chalet charcuterie
plate, spiced French onion dip with sourdough alpine crisp,
shrimp cocktail, gingerbread-spiced chocolate fondue
and more. A hand-crafted menu of specialty, seasonal cocktails will
also be available to enjoy. Customized group menus are available for
private events.
Inside View of the Chalet de Ning Rooftop Bar at the Peninsula Hotel New YorkInside View of the Chalet de Ning Rooftop Bar at the Peninsula Hotel New York
Chalet
de Ning is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm
until 1:00 am. Bookable for private events seven days of the week,
the two domes can accommodate a full buyout of up to 50 people, with
a complete buyout of Salon de Ning Rooftop Bar and Terrace
accommodating up to 125 people. Chalet de Ning can accommodate
up to 30 people for a private seated dinner experience.
Guests
seeking a more intimate experience can host a semi-private event in
the small dome for 10 to 12 people or take advantage of two smaller
igloos available on the East Terrace to enjoy a variety of cocktails
or high-end bottle service.
For
additional information or for bookings, kindly reach out to
diningpny@peninsula.com
or
call 212-903-3051.
New Partnership With Sensei Retreats Introduces a New Concept In Fully Customizable, Science-Based Programming For Mind And Body, The First all-inclusive wellness experience Offered By Four Seasons, Including Meals By Sensei By Nobu
The soaring Great Room at the Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat
Unique
to the Hawaiian market and a Four Seasons first, the all-inclusive
hotel will focus exclusively on wellness retreats, offering a
comprehensive and fully customisable program tailored to individual
needs.
“Together
with our partners at Sensei
Retreats,
we’ve created a retreat where guests can experience it all in one
location. Uniquely crafted itineraries are entirely fluid and
adaptable, even as the journey is unfolding for our guests,”
says Hotel
Manager Said
Haykal.
“And,
those travelling together can enjoy individual programs tailored to
their own interests while also benefitting from shared experiences.”
“Four
Seasons partnership with Sensei signals our deep understanding of
what today’s luxury traveller wants: an exclusive and
differentiated wellness travel experience, perfectly pairing Sensei’s
evidence-based approach to healthy living with Four Seasons renowned
and legendary service,”
says Christian
Clerc, President,
Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Set
against the backdrop of the uniquely breathtaking Lanai landscape,
this new offering combines unmatched hospitality, nutritious upscale
dining and reputable experts to offer a luxury wellness experience
found nowhere else in the world.”
Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat
Located
against a backdrop of towering Cook pines and banyan trees on the
island of Lanai, which is also home to the beachfront Four Seasons
Resort Lanai, the new wellness experience takes full advantage of
the 90,000 acre (36,000 hectare) island’s natural beauty and
seclusion.
The foundation for the property is an evidence-led approach to well-being that focuses on three practices – movement, nourishment, and rest – which are connected and enriched by one another, helping guests get familiar and maintain a conversation with body and mind. These three practices are the basis for programming, and integrating elements from all categories lead to a balance that is at the heart of the Sensei philosophy, as well as helping guests discover new patterns and experiences they can implement in their everyday lives on a consistent and ongoing basis.
From private spa hale to world-class cuisine, guest will enjoy a luxury of limitless choices including body treatments; personal training; group classes and lectures in yoga, meditation, fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, Hawaiian culture, art and enrichment, meditation and cultural immersion; and enriching activities on land and sea; all while experiencing the beauty of the secluded island of Lanai.
On October 24th, Nordstrom, Inc. opened the doors to its first-ever flagship store for women and children in New York City. Located at 225 West 57th Street, across from the Nordstrom Men’s Store which launched in April 2018, the new store occupies the base of Central Park Tower, the tallest residential building in the world. Customers can shop 320,000 square-feet of retail space across seven-levels in the heart of the city. Nordstrom NYC represents the biggest and best statement (as well as the biggest gamble) of what the brand has to offer.
Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – Designer Women’s Apparel (Connie Zhou) Nordstrom NYC – Comme des Garçons Shop (Connie Zhou)
As
diverse as New York City itself, merchandise includes a curated
offering across all categories. Customers can shop a comprehensive
selection of apparel brands across a broad range of accessible and
aspirational price points, including Dries Van Noten, Givenchy,
Saint Laurent, Vince, Ted Baker London, Madewell, Reformation and
Topshop, complemented by an extensive selection of accessory
brands like Longchamp, Chloe, Valentino, Fendi, Loewe, MCM, Coach
and more.
Honoring
its heritage in shoes dating back to 1901, Nordstrom NYC offers
customers three shoe departments, including one entire
floor dedicated to women’s shoes. The vast shoe selection will
include Gucci, Prada, Christian Louboutin, Golden Goose, Tory
Burch, Birkenstock, UGG, Steve Madden, Nike and more.
Nordstrom NYC Level 2 Christian Louboutin Pop-Up Shop featuring an exclusive 30-piece capsule of footwear, handbags and gift items for men & women (Connie Zhou)
A
testament to the ever-evolving nature of the New York City store, the
first level will be home to a rotating series of installations,
kicking off with a Christian Louboutin pop-up featuring an
exclusive 30-piece capsule of footwear, handbags and gift items
for men & women, inspired by the Palais de la Porte Dorée
Museum near Louboutin’s childhood home in Paris.
True
to its roots in shoes, Nordstrom is launching Perfect Pairs,
an exclusive collaboration with 14 customer favorite brands, and a
diverse group of NYC muses, bringing together the likes of Steve
Madden with model Winnie
Harlow; Cole Haan with
poet and activist Cleo Wade; Nike with
Tennis champion Maria Sharapova; Birkenstock
with celebrity stylist Leslie Fremar; UGG with costume
designer Patricia Field, and more.
Nordstrom NYC Level 5 – Atrium (Connie Zhou)
Olivia
Kim, Nordstrom Vice President of Creative Projects, also brings
the unique Nordstrom offering to life, curating concepts within the
flagship to create a sense of newness and discovery for customers.
Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – Burberry Shop Concept Shop will showcase products from the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection (Connie Zhou)
Beginning with British fashion house Burberry, the exclusive Nordstrom concept shop will showcase products from the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, housed within a giant, immersive installation spanning five rooms, accented with wood paneled walls and raised theatre style seating, windows for visitors to illustrate or tag with graffiti, and a café featuring Nick Knight‘s Portrait of a Rose print throughout with a menu of British classics available to order.
Kicking
off fall with Nordstrom x Nike (NxN), Nordstrom has developed
the ultimate women’s sneaker boutique with a distinctive view on
style and sport. NxN is the place to find coveted Nike product with a
curated selection of merchandise from the most compelling brands in
fashion. To celebrate the opening, the shop will exclusively launch a
Jordan Air Latitude 720 sneaker with Swarovski and the Nike by
Olivia Kim capsule collection of sneakers and apparel, inspired
by Kim’s NYC-experience during the 90s, launching in-store on October
31.
Nordstrom NYC Level 3 – SPACE featuring brands such as Cecille Bahnsen, Bode, Eckhaus Latta, Jacquemus, Martine Rose, Molly Goddard, and Simone Rocha, as well as exclusives from Tom Wood and Sandy Liang. (Connie Zhou)
The
opening of the New York City flagship brings the exciting in-store
curation of SPACE, a boutique featuring advanced and emerging
designer collections selected by Olivia Kim from brands such as
Cecille Bahnsen, Bode, Eckhaus Latta, Jacquemus, Martine Rose,
Molly Goddard, and Simone Rocha, as well as exclusives
from Tom Wood and Sandy Liang. Unique to the flagship,
SPACE includes the first branded in-store shop from Acne Studios,
and a one-of-a-kind Comme des Garçons shop designed with
artist and furniture designer Marc Hundley.
To celebrate Christmas and New Year, Mandarin Oriental, Parisis offering a special accommodation package with the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées. Available from 22 November 2019 to 8 January 2020, the Festive Shopping Season in Paris package includes a private session with a personal stylist, champagne and other treats for guests. The palace will be the place to be this party season, with festive menus and winter pop-up bar in its garden.
Guests
booking the Festive
Shopping Season in Parisoffer
will receive spa credit, champagne, tasty Christmas treats and VIP
shopping benefits at the Galeries
Lafayette Champs-Élysées.
The famous retailer recently opened a concept store on the ‘world’s
most beautiful avenue’ offering the latest fashion, lifestyle and
beauty collections created by an exciting selection of top designers,
ranging from emerging talents to iconic luxury brands.
A
bottle of champagne, seasonal treats and a scented candle from
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées offered in guests’ room upon
arrival
Private
session with a dedicated fashion stylist at the new Galeries
Lafayette department store on the iconic Champs-Élysées. Also
includes one-way transfer to the store, private shopping session in
its ‘Speakeasy’ VIP lounge with champagne and French chocolates,
and either a beauty treatment or wine tasting at the store, and
hands-free shopping
Expedia.com Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Expedia, Inc.; US Airways)
If you’ve ever dreamt about escaping the winter chill and immersing yourself in warmer climates, you’re not alone. In many parts of the U.S. the winter months can be long, frigid or downright dreary, especially after the holiday cheer has worn off. That’s why Expedia.com® and VISIT FLORIDA are teaming up to offer one lucky winner and a guest the chance to skip winter altogether and escape to sunny Florida, with the Skip Winter Sweepstakes.
No
need to settle for a quick trip to the beach this winter. The grand
prize winner and guest will spend up to 12 weeks lounging at a
vacation rental in a sunny Florida destination, with access to a
rental car and $1,000 towards a brand-new warm-weather wardrobe.
Expedia and VISIT FLORIDA team up to give away a 3-month escape to Florida
Here’s
what you could win:
One
winner and a guest to receive up to 12 weeks of vacation rentals in
Florida through Expedia.com. Travel anytime between December 21,
2019 and March 20, 2020.
Round-trip
coach class airline tickets for two from winner’s home airport to
their favorite Florida destination
Hertz
car rental to cruise around in Florida (up to $5,000)
One
$1,000 Simon gift card to shop for a new Florida wardrobe
Expedia and VISIT FLORIDA team up to give away a 3-month escape to Florida
“Florida
is and has always been the go-to destination for a winter escape,”
said Dana Young, CEO VISIT FLORIDA. “We’re excited to
collaborate with Expedia to share Florida’s abundance of sunshine
with this very lucky winner and all our visitors this winter season.”
Expedia and VISIT FLORIDA team up to give away a 3-month escape to Florida
“We
see travelers flocking to Florida year-round, but its beaches and
perfect temperatures become especially enticing when the weather
turns cold everywhere else in the country,” added Jennifer
Andre, senior director Expedia Media Solutions. “We’re
thrilled to collaborate with VISIT FLORIDA to give away an amazing
vacation that will allow the winner to get truly immersed in
everything Florida has to offer.“
Located at The City’s Best Address, The St. Regis Venice Features Exclusive Gardens and Private Terraces with Extraordinary Views of the City’s Iconic Grand Canal
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today announced the debut of The St. Regis Venice, located steps away from Piazza San Marco and boasting the largest waterfrontage in Venice. The opening follows a two-year, full-scale renovation, restoring the grandeur of the former Grand Hotel Britannia, which opened in 1895 – the same year as the inaugural Venice Biennale. The hotel offers 169 guestrooms and suites, many of which boast private terraces or Juliet balconies for sweeping views of Venice’s iconic landmarks. Situated across the Grand Canal from Punta della Dogana, the hotel marries its celebrated heritage with the St. Regis brand’s modern design and bespoke service throughout a unique collection of five Venetian palaces, with the oldest dating back to the 17th century. The hotel’s spacious secluded garden sets the hotel apart, making it a lifestyle destination where guests and locals alike can enjoy remarkable views of the Grand Canal. The St. Regis Venice marks the brand’s third location in Italy, joining The St. Regis Florence and The St. Regis Rome.
“Venice
is one of the world’s most inimitable cities; one which has
inspired royalty, artists, merchants and jet setters alike for more
than fifteen centuries,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President
of Luxury Brands – Europe, Marriott International. “The St.
Regis Venice unites the captivating spirit of the city with the
timeless sophistication and service of the brand, re-interpreting
Venice’s rich history through a modern lens.”
Terrace Canal View at The St. Regis Venice Hotel
From
its ideal location at the mouth of the Grand Canal, The St. Regis
Venice offers unparalleled vistas of some of Venice’s most
celebrated landmarks, including the Santa Maria della Salute
Basilica and the Punta della Dogana Museum. Behind the
hotel lies Calle XXII Marzo, a street which is home to elite
boutiques and contemporary art galleries, which allows for seamless
access to the Grand Teatro La Fenice, the city’s temple to
opera. With Piazza San Marco a four-minute walk from the
hotel, guests will find Venice’s famed attractions within easy
reach.
St. Regis Venice Facade
Throughout
its storied history, The St. Regis Venice, in its various guises, has
played host to a roster of illustrious guests, global influencers and
tastemakers. The five ‘palazzi’ that make up the hotel enjoy a
position of privilege overlooking the Grand Canal, with Badoer
Tiepolo being the oldest palazzo, which dates back to the 17th
century. By the 19th century, palazzi Tiepolo, Barozzi and
Regina were converted into the Grand Hotel Britannia, more
recently known as Hotel Europa & Regina. The Grand Hotel
Britannia attracted notable intellectuals and socialites as well as
renowned painters J.M.W. Turner, John Singer Sargent and
Claude Monet, who in the autumn of 1908 was inspired by the
hotel’s spectacular views during his stay as a guest and worked to
capture the passage of light in his artwork. It is recorded in the
book “Monet in Venice” by Philippe Piguet that
Claude Monet’s wife, Alice, remarked in her daily letters to
her daughter during their stay, “the views from our hotel room
are the most magnificent of all Venice, and it’s all for Monet!”
The hotel was also the first in Venice to have electricity in every
room.
The St. Regis Venice Roof Garden SuiteSt. Regis Venice View
Evolutionary
and Avant-Garde: A Modern-Day Venice, by Design
Led
by London-based interior design studio Sagrada,
The St. Regis Venice boasts 129
guestrooms
and 40
suites
with a third of the rooms overlooking the hotel’s luxurious
gardens, as well as the Grand Canal. Following an extensive
restoration, each room has been reverently furnished to cherish the
artistic and cultural heritage of the building, while also embracing
the evolution of La Serenissima and the St. Regis brand’s spirit of
modern glamour. The exquisitely-designed suites include a
two-bedroom, art-inspired Presidential
Suite –
a
true contemporary artist’s residence overlooking the Grand Canal –
and a three-bedroom Penthouse Suitewith
a wraparound furnished terrace showcasing extraordinary views over
Venice from three separate viewpoints. The five Roof
Garden Suitesspectacularly
combine garden-inspired interiors with uninterrupted vistas and
contemporary touches while furnished terraces offer a quietly
seductive atmosphere. Set against twilight tones, the Venetian
Suitesshowcase
crafted details of modern design, influenced by the artistic heritage
of the city, while the colour palette of the Monet
Suitespay
homage to the reflection of light across the Grand Canal. As a
hallmark of the St. Regis experience, all guests have access to the
signature
St. Regis Butler service.
Honoured to maintain a long-standing tradition of making guests feel
at home, the St.
Regis Butler is
poised to provide an ever-present, yet unobtrusive, service attending
to guests’ every need.
A
Muse of the Arts
Inspired by the Venetian masterpieces of
former guest and Impressionist painter Claude Monet, the
interiors of the refined guestrooms showcase a distinctive colour
palette that represents how light changes throughout the day from
dawn to dusk. The design of the public spaces pays homage to Carlo
Scarpa, one of Venice’s greatest artists and architects.
Venetian styling is seen throughout the hotel in tailored fabrics and
custom, handcrafted furnishings inspired by the gentle curves of
gondolas, the patterns of the Doge’s Palace, the pavements
of St. George’s churchyard and the water flow of the canal.
St. Regis Venice Bar
Inspired
by the artistic heritage of the city, an eclectic collection of
artwork and sculptures will also be curated, bringing ancient Venice
to today’s luxury travellers in a modern way. Paying homage to the
hotel’s tradition of welcoming famed artists, The St. Regis
Venice will host artists from around the world to take residence
and create unique pieces inspired by the hotel and its beloved
locale. The hotel’s first resident artist, Parisian Olivier
Masmonteil, has been commissioned to create original artworks for
the Gran Salone and the Monet Suites. The Venetian
tradition of glassmaking also lives on, celebrated through a
partnership with Glasstress. This unique partnership marries
contemporary art and historical glass blowing techniques, inviting
world class artists of various disciplines to collaborate with Murano
Maestros (masters) to create one-of-a-kind glass works of art.
Gios’s Terrace at Dusk
Cultivating
the Vanguard: A Social Beacon for Contemporary
Connoisseurs
Uncompromising glamour extends naturally to the
hotel’s restaurants and bars, which offer a range of exquisite
dining and beverage options. Authentic, modern Italian cuisine will
be celebrated at Gio’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant
anchored by the Grand Canal and the hotel’s private garden, and
which promises to shake up Venetian and Italian traditions. Dishes
will be elevated and perfected at the table, with the freshest
ingredients to reflect the season. With immediate access to the
inviting garden, the mood of the restaurant transitions seamlessly
from a smart-casual setting during the day, to a more refined scene
in the evening, as the nightly St. Regis champagne-sabering ritual
begins.
The Garden Terrace at The St. Regis Venice The Garden Terrace at Dusk
The
secluded garden, with curated landscaping, reflects a modern
interpretation of classic Venice, further complemented by geometric
patterning, curlicue topiary, flowering plants and fluid pathways.
Designed to provide a refined space for local tastemakers and guests
to mingle, the garden is set to become Venice’s choice address for
relaxing and socialising. With extraordinary views across the Grand
Canal, the social heart of the hotel provides an opportune occasion
to sample the famous Spritz from the roaming, custom-made Spritz
Trolley, or enjoy the Santa Maria –the hotel’s unique
twist on the brand’s signature cocktail, the Bloody Mary.
Playful sculptures blend with the garden’s décor and discreet
seating to offer guests a moment for introspection away from the
crowds.
St. Regis Venice Arts Bar
The
intimate Arts Bar is a journey of the senses, serving
art-inspired modern and classic cocktails with a flourish. The
collection of drinks comprised of old favourites and new creations
reflect masterpieces by celebrated avant-garde artists. Notable
artworks include pieces from Banksy, Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons,
and more. Upending tradition, the mood is set by modern Jazz
interpretations, live or DJ-led, with convivial service. As dusk
descends, the area transforms, unfolding into the early hours as
casual elegance spills onto the outdoor terrace.
St. Regis Venice Arts Bar
Advocating
total relaxation, The St. Regis Venice will feature the Spa
Suites, in partnership with Carita Paris. Treatments may
be cultivated around time – permitting short but effective beauty
lifts, or longer, more in-depth therapies and programmes. For those
keen to uphold their fitness regimes, the fully equipped Exercise
Room with Technogym® equipment provides an ultra-modern environment
for targeted workouts.
St. Regis Venice LibraryThe Grand Salone at The St. Regis Venice Hotel
Social
Gatherings
For larger celebrations and more formal
functions, The St. Regis Venice offers a choice of areas that can be
easily personalised to host guests, supported by an extensive menu of
locally-sourced cuisine. Crafted occasions can be held in the
Library, with its urbane atmosphere and curated selection of
books and art; in the well-appointed Lounge; or in its
adjacent Astor Boardroom. The Canaletto Room will
embody the modern spirit of a Venetian palazzo, with its impressive
ballroom making an ideal backdrop for celebrations and events.
Finally, the secluded garden and private terraces lend themselves to
unforgettable moments beside breath-taking views.
Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at over 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com.
St.
Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy,
the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing
Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®,
and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The
program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands,
experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and
unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel
stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free
or for more information about the program, visit
MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com
S’more flights, mountaintop yoga under the winter sun, new downtown hotel and art hubs with long-range views and “Downton Abbey” at Biltmore
Often
overlooked and underrated, winter in Asheville,
N.C., is a bit of a secret in a Blue Ridge Mountain city
world-famous for fall color and lush summer adventure. Mostly
moderate winter weather means Asheville’s Art Deco Downtown
remains walkable and cozy with picture-perfect long-range views of
snowy peaks, romantic restaurants and easy access to hiking and
walking trails. This winter brings a mix of cozy new offerings
including wellness experiences to beat the winter blues, a new
downtown hotel with expansive views and luxury wellness amenities,
“Downton Abbey” costumes and life-sized set
recreations at The Biltmore, beverages to warm the soul and
new cultural offerings to tuck into.
http://www.ExploreAsheville.com/winter19-20
Ashewville Convention and Visitors Bureau logo
Why
Winter?
Stunning
panoramic views, the best rates of the year and last-minute travel
deals from an array of mountaintop retreats and inviting B&Bs—some
offering private hot tubs overlooking the surrounding peaks and
valleys, fireplaces in epic locales and the chance to see nationally
traveling bands in intimate music venues. Find out more at
www,ExploreAsheville.com/winter.
NEW
HOTEL WITH EXPANSIVE VIEWS & SERENITY-THEMED AMENITIES
Just
opened, the Kimpton Hotel Arras has added a new icon and
four-star luxury property to Asheville’s famed Art Deco
skyline. In addition to a completely new Art Deco façade for
Asheville’s tallest building, the 128-room hotel offers grand views
of the surrounding mountains and an extensive food focus with two
restaurants by local chef Peter Pollay—Bargello, a
Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and District 42, a more
casual spot with outdoor seating, small bites and hand-crafted
cocktails. The hotel also offers an artisanal serenity cart,
available upon request for guest room delivery, filled with
everything from books by Asheville authors to lavender sachets and
evening cordials. Wellness amenities also include a massage room and
yoga area.
“DOWNTON
ABBEY” AT BILTMORE
On
the heels of the hit
“Downton
Abbey”
movie, Downton
Abbey: The Exhibition arrives
at America’s Largest Home on Nov.
8
with set recreations and artifacts, more than 50 of the show’s
costumes and exclusive multimedia elements. Housed at Biltmore‘s
Amherst and
Legacy
locations, the exhibition will run through April
7, 2020,
and will highlight the parallels between the show, the movie and
Biltmore’s Vanderbilt family, friends and staff. (More
info.
)
Winter
Blues, Bye:
Check out the enlightening new Tea
and Tarot offering
from
Asheville Wellness Tours
that includes an educational, traditional Chinese tea experience and
a group tarot reading at one of Asheville’s coziest tea houses.
Warm
Your Spirit on Top of a Mountain:
Asheville
Wellness Tours
is offering the Yoga
on the Mountain Hike
this winter. Make your way through the forest and then warm your
spirit with yoga under the winter sun. Enjoy a peaceful mountain,
crisp fresh air and long-range views along the way.
Rooftop
Fire Pits & Mountain Views:
Asheville
Rooftop Bar Tours
offer a guided tour to some of Asheville’s most scenic spots. Winter
means gorgeous sunset views, crystal clear vistas of the surrounding
mountains, hot toddies and fire pits.
NEW
ART MUSEUM JOINS ARRAY OF FRESH, IMMERSIVE CULTURAL ADVENTURES
Views
Inside & Out:
Asheville
Art Museum
reopens this November with a new state-of-the-art building that
features education facilities, an art library, a lecture and
performance space, a new ArtPLAYce for families and children and the
addition of a rooftop sculpture terrace and café with views of
downtown architecture and the surrounding mountains. The opening
exhibition “Appalachia Now!” is a survey of contemporary
art in Southern Appalachia, highlighting 50 emerging artists from the
region.
More
NEW Cultural Experiences Downtown:
One
of Asheville’s most beloved festivals now has a brick-and-mortar
location downtown. Opening to the public this winter, LEAF
Global Arts Center
will be a cornerstone in the continued rebirth of the city’s
historical African-American business district,
The Block.
The Center will offer educational experiences for guests rooted in
music, art, community and culture inclusivity via a mini-theater and
global immersion room using virtual reality, unique musical
instruments and a stage for performances and interactive artist
workstations.
Opening
this November, The
Center for Craft
is expanding with The
National Craft Innovation Hub,
including new public galleries featuring local and national makers,
lecture space, classrooms and a co-working space, cementing
Asheville’s reputation as a force in the nation’s fine art and maker
scene. To celebrate the reopening, the “Craft
Futures 2099” exhibition showcases
10 local and national artists and their craft objects of the future,
an exploration of what’s been and what’s to come in the world of
craft. The exhibition runs until February
2020.
All
Center for Craft galleries
are free and open to the public.
New
Brewery Blends National Park History and Maker Culture:
Set in the buildings that once housed young forestry workers of the
New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps,
Burial
Beer Co.’s Forestry Camp Restaurant and Bar
just opened, offering beer, wine and coffee and highlighting local
makers, from bakers to artists to musicians. James Beard
semifinalist Brian
Canipelli,
chef and owner of Cucina
24,
leads the food program.
“Beauty
Academy” Pairs Drinks, Food & Live Music:
This newly opened venture from Charlie
Hodge
(Sovereign Remedies), Asheville
Beauty Academy,
features cocktails, champagne and brandy menus, a small food program
and live music. The iconic downtown building, built in 1913, was
home to the Asheville Beauty Academy in the 1950s and more recently
a beloved jazz and blues bar.
Brewing
Beyond Beer:
New downtown brewery DSSOLVR
opens this November with beer offerings fit for the pickiest of beer
enthusiasts to the most casual of light beer drinkers, as well as
their own mead, wine, cider and cold-brew coffee.
S’more
Flights:
Sunshine
Sammies,
known for ice cream sandwiches and their gourmet takes on
after-school snacks like moon pies and zebra cakes, is making winter
a little warmer with s’more flights. Think house-made marshmallows,
scratch-made graham crackers, dark chocolate and toppings in a
variety of rotating flavors.
Winter
Teas Infuse Local Flavors:
Asheville
Tea Company,
working with a dozen local and regional farms, is warming up spirits
this winter with their Snow
Day blend
(utilizing French Broad Chocolate cacao nibs), Winter
Wonderland
(a blend of white tea, Fraser Fir, wintergreen, peppermint, birch
bark and yarrow flower) and Nutcracker
(black
tea, cinnamon, hickory nuts and vanilla bean).
Unobstructed
Views: Take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding
mountains while on a winter hike. Multiple trailhead access points
remain open all year long on the Blue Ridge Parkway and
across Pisgah National Forest. Find your perfect winter trail
with Explore Asheville‘s NEW Asheville Hike Finder,
where you can sort by difficulty, distance from Asheville and
features like waterfalls or views.
Best
Deals: Winter offers the best rates of the year for travel deals
+ fewer crowds. Cozy travel packages include wellness opportunities
and other winter adventures. Find more at
ExploreAsheville.com/deals.
Cabin
Fever: Asheville’s array of mountaintop retreats and inviting
B&Bs offers private hot tubs overlooking the surrounding peaks
and valleys, candlelight dinners and the opportunity to get away
from it all.
Secret
Season for Music: Deep-seated bluegrass roots harmonize with new
talent and innovative sounds in Asheville. In winter many nationally
traveling local bands come home to the region to play shows and pop
in to jam sessions.
Fireplaces
with a View: From rooftops to cozy spots to imbibe, Asheville’s
trend of fireplaces accompanied by spectacular vistas of downtown
architecture and mountain scenery is highlighted at venues like
Capella on 9 at the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown and
Hemingway’s Cuba at Cambria Downtown Asheville. Other
hot spots with epic fireplace offerings: Omni Grove Park Inn,
Pillar Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown and
Wicked Weed Brewing.
Signature
winter events in Asheville include: The Big Crafty
(December), showcasing handmade art from hundreds of local artists;
The Fringe Arts Festival (January), an innovative series of
boundary-pushing arts performances; Big Band Dance Weekend
(January) at the Omni Grove Park Inn; and Asheville
Restaurant Week (January). Find more winter events at
ExploreAsheville.com/events.
Steps from Metro: LodgeWorks Partners, L.P. Hand-Picked Scotts Run South for Development of its 178-Room Luxe Property, Marking the Seventh Hotel for the Growing Brand
ARCHER®
Hotel Tysons, a new-build property in the heart of Scotts
Run South, is officially underway. LodgeWorks Partners, L.P.,
the owner, operator and developer of the growing Archer
Hotel collection, hand-picked this location adjacent to the
McLean Silver Line Metro Station, which provides easy access
to Washington, D.C., just nine miles away, and the city’s
two airports, Dulles International and Reagan National.
The
highly anticipated hotel will be filled with curated luxuries,
thoughtful touches and local discoveries, all of which are at the
core of this award-winning brand’s success. In less than four years
Archer Hotelhas made
coveted “Best of Lists” in leading consumer magazines such
as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, in
addition to being at the pinnacle of its competition set –
occupying the top one to five percent (5%) spots in each city – on
trusted review sites.
ARCHER Hotelis a boutique collection with a focus on sincere service, curated luxuries and a dedication to details big and small. With properties in sought-after destinations and carefully selected suburbs, the hotels are designed to feel like welcoming residences, each with distinct nod to the location they call home. The hotels consistently rank in the top spots on trusted review sites based on guest feedback, with a strong theme of exceeding expectations. Current Archer locations can be found in sought-after cities – New York, Austin and Napa Valley – as well as up-andcoming destinations in top metro areas, such as Burlington, MA; Florham Park, NJ; and Redmond, WA. All of its city properties — New York, Napa and Austin — are in the running for Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards, which was recently published in November 2019 edition of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
(The Archer Hotel Austin came in 19th (93.28 points)–of 20– on the Texas list of Best City Hotels. The Archer Hotel Napa came in 16th (96.18 points) –of 25– on the Northern California list of Best City Hotels in California. The Archer Hotel New York failed to place on this year list, but, hey, the competition was quite stiff all around with a record 600,000 registered voters, nearly 10,000 hotels, spas, airlines, trains, cruises, counties, islands, and destination resorts receiving votes. Of those, barely 15% made the final cut.)
Archer
Hotel Tysons is currently the only hotel in the development plans
for Scotts Run South. The dynamic Scotts Run development is
destined to be a new walkable urban village and will attract a
wonderful cross-section of guests with plans for approximately 6.5
million square feet of new residential and commercial development,
comprised of residential units, restaurants, retail, office space,
and an expansive public plaza. The Scotts Run stream valley park runs
through the site and on to the Potomac River, connecting
guests with wellness and nature.
The
Tysons locale boasts megacity attributes and infrastructure, while
retaining welcoming touches like tree-lined streets and a
lower-stress lifestyle. LodgeWorks is dedicated to bringing
sophistication to discerning guests who have an appreciation for
boutique hotel experiences and a fondness for attention to details
big and small. This the seventh hotel in the growing collection in
just five years since its first property opened. The preliminary
opening timeline for Archer Hotel Tysons is summer 2021.
The
seven-story hotel’s 178 guest rooms and suites will have a variety
of design palettes, which is true of all Archer properties. Just as
no two bedrooms in a home would be alike, the accommodations vary
throughout in both design and layout. Guests can choose from
Classic King, Double King (uncommon to find in hotels), Archer
King Suite and Archer’s Den, which are the largest
accommodations in the hotel. Archer’s Den is a one-bedroom suite
which offers a separate living area furnished with a comfy
chesterfield-style sofa, side chair and a 55-inch flatscreen TV.
Combine this with the fully-stocked wet bar and this room is the
perfect option for longer stays and entertaining.
Designed
by LK Architecture, Inc., Archer Hotel Tysons blends
historic adaptive reuse architecture with the modern urban infill to
create a distinctive experience at Scotts Run. Tumbled multi-color
brick mixes with contemporary metal panels, and floor-to-ceiling
muntin framed windows to create an urban chic destination in the
exciting new urban development.
Archer
Hotel Tysons will boast a rooftop event venue, a fitness
studio, bar and restaurant. The hotel will also
offer underground valet parking. Archer Hotel Tysons will
play host to meetings and events with more than 6,500 square feet of
space, including the rooftop with outdoor terrace, a board room
and several breakout rooms. Legendary James Beard award-winning
Chef Charlie Palmer who has already teamed up with
LodgeWorks at Archer in both New York and Napa, will operate the
hotel’s restaurant and be the exclusive provider of all food and
beverage services at the hotel including its events catering.
The
location of this hotel is ideal for both business and leisure
travelers. Tysons is the twelfth largest central business district in
the US, with 30 million square feet of office space, home to five
Fortune 500 headquarters and two super regional malls – Tysons
Corner Center, which is the 10th largest mall in the US, and
Tysons Galleria with anchors including Saks Fifth Avenue,
Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales; luxury stores
including Cartier, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton;
and technology stores which include Apple, Microsoft and
Tesla.
LodgeWorks Partners, L.P., is a privately held hotel development and management company with a rich history as hospitality brand innovators, industry-leading guest satisfaction, sophisticated development acumen and an experienced team that has successfully collaborated for more than 30 years. The company launched the ARCHER® Hotel boutique collection with a trio of high-profile U.S. destinations. In May 2014 Archer Hotel debuted in New York City/mid-town Manhattan, followed by an August 2016 opening in Austin at The Domain NORTHSIDE, and a much-anticipated November 2017 opening in downtown Napa, California. The collection continued its strategic development plan in upscale metro markets with a February 2018 opening in Burlington, MA (just outside of Boston), followed by a May 2018 addition in Florham Park, NJ, and in late May 2019 with a location in Redmond, WA (a high-tech Eastside suburb of Seattle).
LodgeWorks continues to own, franchise and/or manage a portfolio of branded hotels, including Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, Aloft®, Hampton Inn®, and Hilton Garden Inn®. For more information, please visit www.lodgeworks.com.
Festival to open with “Just Mercy,” close with World Premiere of “Verticals”
The ninth annualNapa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) has announced its film line-up, including Opening and Closing Night screenings. NVFF returns this fall with its five-day festival showcasing the year’s best new independent films, November 13-17. Organizers will showcase Napa Valley’s finest food and wine at all special events, including the Festival Gala, VIP receptions and Vintner Circle dinners, and will feature a lively series of filmmaker-chef collaborative demonstrations at the Monogram Appliances Demonstration Kitchen at the Oxbow Commons in downtown Napa. The seven screening venues located throughout the Valley include the Archer Hotel Napa, the historic Cameo Cinema, the CIA at Copia, Charles Krug Winery, Lincoln Theater, Native Sons, and the Uptown Theatre.
Napa Valley Film Festival Logo
“We
are excited to release another eclectic selection of highly-curated
comedies and dramas from established and emerging filmmakers,”
said Napa Valley Film Festival CEO Tom Tardio. “These films
consist of inspiring and compelling stories that will thoroughly
engage and entertain our festival-goers. At the intersections of
film, food, and wine, the festival continues to deliver tremendously
unique and exclusive experiences that only a world-class destination
such as Napa Valley can provide and only that NVFF can deliver.”
Sneak
Preview Night, Opening Night and Closing Night
NVFF
will kick off with their Sneak Preview Night on Tuesday,
November 12 with a special presentation of 20th Century Fox’s
Ford v Ferrari. The film is inspired by the remarkable
true story of visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and the
fearless British driver Ken Miles. Directed by James Mangold, the
film stars Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe,
Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone and Ray McKinnon.
The
festival’s official Opening Night film on Wednesday,
November 13 is Warner Bros.’ Just Mercy, a powerful and
thought-provoking true story following young lawyer Bryan Stevenson
and his history-making battle for justice. The film is directed by
Destin Daniel Cretton and stars Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson and
Jamie Foxx.
Closing
the festival on Sunday, November 17 is SOMMTV’s world
premiere of Verticals, a series that showcases Napa
Valley winemakers and the human condition through a bottle of wine.
This premiere is also the launch of SOMMTV, the first food and wine
dedicated streaming platform. The series is directed by Jason Wise.
Award
Season Contenders
Clemency
(Neon) – Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a
toll on prison warden, Bernadine Williams. The emotional wedge in
her marriage grows and memories of a recently botched execution
plague her daily. As she prepares to end the life of another inmate,
Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her
job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned
to execute. Directed by Chinonye Chukwu and starring Alfre Woodard,
Aldis Hodge, Wendell Price, Richard Schiff and Danielle Brooks.
Portrait
of a Lady on Fire (Neon) – In 1760 France, Marianne is
commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young
woman who has just left the convent. Marianne arrives under the
guise of companionship with the reluctant bride-to-be, observing
Héloïse by day and secretly painting her by firelight at night. As
the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow as
they share Héloïse’s first moments of freedom. Héloïse’s
portrait soon becomes a collaborative act of and testament to their
love. Directed by Céline Sciamma and starring Noémie Merlant and
Adèle Haenel.
To
The Stars (Samuel Goldwyn Films) – Iris, a bespectacled
and reclusive teen living in a god-fearing Oklahoma town in the
1960s, endures the booze-induced antics of her mother and daily
doses of bullying from her classmates. She finds solace in Maggie,
the charismatic and enigmatic new girl at school, who hones in on
Iris’s untapped potential and coaxes her out of her shell. When
Maggie’s mysterious past can no longer be suppressed, the small
community is thrown into a state of panic, leaving Maggie to take
potentially drastic measures and inciting Iris to stand up for her
friend and herself. Directed by Martha Stephens and starring Kara
Hayward, Liana Liberato, Malin Akerman, Tony Hale, Shea Whigham and
Adelaide Clemens.
Troop
Zero (Amazon Studios) – In a tiny Georgia town in 1977, a
motherless girl named Christmas Flint dreams of life beyond the
confines of her trailer-park home and hopes to make contact with
outer space. When Christmas learns that the winners of the annual
Birdie Scout Jamboree talent contest will be included on a recording
to be sent into space for posterity, she tries to join the local
Scouts troop. When she is rejected by the snobbish group of girls
and their uptight leader Miss Massey, Christmas rallies a group of
elementary-school outliers to start their own chapter. Troop Zero is
an endearing and magical tale of friendship and individuality.
Directed by Bert & Bertie and starring Viola Davis, Mckenna
Grace, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Epps, Charles Shotwell and Allison Janney.
Special
Presentations
Code
& Response – 2018 was the worst year on record for
natural disasters. Code & Response takes us into the heart of
the aftermath of some of those disasters as we meet the first
responders who are supported by innovative technology. Follow four
coders from around the world (Japan, Puerto Rico, California, and
Mexico) to learn about why they are getting involved, as well as how
they are building technologies to help first responders save lives.
Directed by Austin Peck.
Elsewhere
– Bruno is still mourning his wife’s passing when his
in-laws evict him from the home he and wife built together.
Unwilling to let his beloved home fall into disrepair, Bruno sneaks
back to the house and meets the new owner of the home, Marie.
Determined to be the only person to make any changes to the house he
built, Bruno poses as a local handyman and Marie hires him for
renovations. As the two begin work on the house, Bruno is forced to
face the reality that his wife is gone, and he learns to move on
from his grief. Directed by Hernán Jiménez and starring Aden
Young, Parker Posey, Ken Jeong, Beau Bridges and Jacki Weaver. World
Premiere
From
the Vine – Mark, a downtrodden CEO, is experiencing an
ethical crisis at work. In an attempt to re-calibrate his moral
compass, he travels back to his hometown in rural Italy. He finds
newfound purpose by reviving his grandfather’s old vineyard,
offering the small town of Acerenza a sustainable future and
reconnecting with his family in the process. Combining magical
realism and Italian neorealism, and set against the backdrop of
Italian wine country, From the Vine is about returning to your roots
and redefining your life when you’re at the bottom of the barrel.
Directed by Sean Cisterna and starring Joe Pantoliano, Wendy
Crewson, Marco Leonardi, Paula Brancati and Tony Cisterna.
Gay
Chorus Deep South – In response to a wave of
discriminatory anti-LGBTQ laws in Southern states, the San Francisco
Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on a tour of the American Deep South. The
tour brings a message of music, love, and acceptance to communities
and individuals confronting intolerance. What emerges is a less
divided America, where the lines that separate us in faith,
politics, and sexual identity are erased through the soaring power
of music, humanity, and a little drag. Directed by David Charles
Rodrigues.
I
Want My MTV – A nostalgic and thrilling ride, I Want My
MTV takes its audience back to the beginning, when the idea of a
television channel devoted to only videos seemed destined for
failure. The chronicling of this unique journey provides a peek into
how a team of young executives were tasked with growing this seed of
an idea, which would quickly flourish into a beloved and often
controversial cultural juggernaut. Features commentary from Sting,
Billy Idol, The Eurythmics, Jerry Cantrell, Pat Benatar, and more.
Directed by Patrick Waldrop and Tyler Measom, and starring Sting,
Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Dee Snider, Norman Lear, The Eurythmics ,
Darryl McDaniel and Jerry Cantrell.
It
All Begins with a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter
– It All Begins with a Song: The Story of the Nashville
Songwriter is a celebration of one of music’s most important
yet underrated forces: the songwriter. These songwriters have penned
melodies and lyrics for some of the biggest stars in the music
industry, yet few know their names. Pull back the curtain to reveal
the process of creating a successful song and learn more about the
origins of some of the world’s most iconic hits. Directed by
Anthony ‘Chusy’ Haney-Jardine.
The
Land of High Mountains – The Land of High Mountains is the
inspiring true story of the only pediatric hospital in Haiti. In a
country where one third of the population is under fourteen years of
age and foreign NGOs consistently come and go, Saint Damien
Pediatric Hospital has been providing life-saving healthcare to the
most vulnerable families for over thirty years. This is a powerful
account of the incredible people, both Haitian and foreign who,
despite encountering every conceivable obstacle, are working
together to create a brighter future for their patients and for
Haiti. Directed by Will Agee and starring Liferne Forestal, Phadoul
Amisial, Fr. Rick Frechette, Dr. Renee Alce, Dr. Jacqueline Gautier,
Fr. Enzo Del Brocco, Veline , Gaelle , Lourdy , Pierre Nadine,
Sainfleur Jean Israel, Marie Yolene, Vilaire Meralin and Christiana
Liberis.
Making
Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound – Since the invention of
sound in films, sound designers have been influencing the landscape
of cinema. Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound shines a
spotlight on the unsung heroes of sound design throughout cinematic
history. Through interviews with legendary directors and some of the
industry’s most-respected sound designers, we revisit film
classics that helped shape the way we listen to and experience films
today. Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound reveals the hidden
impact of sound in cinema and how the auditory intake of a film
holds so much power over an individual’s experience of
storytelling. Directed by Midge Costin.
Martha:
A Picture Story – In the 1970s, Martha Cooper was one of a
handful of photographers documenting the first vivid images of
graffiti appearing on New York City’s subway carriages. 20 years
later, she discovers that her book Subway Art has become one of the
most stolen books of all time – inspiring the spread of graffiti
around the globe and making Martha an unexpected icon of the street
art world. Now, at age 75, Martha must navigate her way through the
vastly changed culture of the modern world. Directed by Selina
Miles.
My
Beautiful Stutter – After lifetimes of bullying,
isolation, and failed fluency training, witness the incredible
transformation of five kids who stutter when they enter a
groundbreaking program through SAY, The Stuttering Association. Over
the course of a year of events and workshops, these young people of
wildly different backgrounds experience SAY’s revolutionary
mantra: it’s okay to stutter. Directed by Ryan Gielen and starring
Taro Alexander.
RUTH
– Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words – How does a person
with three strikes against her rise to the highest court in the
land, the U.S. Supreme Court? RUTH – Justice Ginsburg in Her Own
Words tells the improbable story of how Ruth Bader Ginsburg became
an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. It also reveals both the
public and private sides of a resilient, resourceful woman who has
survived the hostility of the profoundly male universe of government
and law to become a revered Justice and icon for gender equality and
women’s rights. Directed by Freida Lee Mock and starring Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice Goodwin Liu, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky,
Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, M.E.
Freeman, Lilly Ledbetter and Kathleen Peratis.
The
Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky – Packed full of humour,
personality, and flavour, The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky is a
drinks-focussed travelogue, where three friends embark on a road
trip through Scotland. From Dufftown and Islay to Elgin and Jura,
they journey through breath-taking landscapes, visiting iconic
distilleries and touching on Scottish culture, tourism and
traditional dishes you can’t even pronounce. This is whisky for a
new, global audience, from twenty-one to ninety-one. Directed by
David Agrawal. World Premiere
OTHER
FILM HIGHLIGHTS
Core
Competitions (previously announced)
Narrative
Competition
Bring
Me an Avocado, Directed by Maria Mealla and starring
Bernardo Peña, Sarah Burkhalter, Molly Ratermann, Candace Roberts.
Here
Awhile, Directed by Tim True and starring Anna Camp, Steven
Strait, and Joe Lo Truglio. World Premiere
Justine,
Directed by Stephanie Turner and starring Glynn Turman, Darby
Stanchfield, Josh Stamberg, Daisy Prescott, and Stephanie Turner.
Lucky
Grandma, Directed by Sasie Sealy and starring Tsai Chin,
Corey Ha, Michael Tow, Woody Fu, Yan Xi, Wai Ching Ho, and Clem
Cheung.
The
Nomads, Directed by Brandon Eric Kamin and starring Tika
Sumpter and Tate Donovan.
Run
This Town, Directed by Ricky Tollman and starring Ben Platt,
Mena Massoud, Nina Dobrev, Damian Lewis, Jennifer Ehle, and Scott
Speedman.
Standing
Up, Falling Down, Directed by Matt Ratner and starring Billy
Crystal, Ben Schwartz, Eloise Mumford, Grace Gummer, Caitlin McGee,
David Castaneda, Debra Monk, and Jill Hennessy.
Stealing
School, Directed by Li Dong and starring Celine Tsai,
Jonathan Keltz, Michelle Monteith, Mpho Koaho, Darrin Baker,
Jonathan Malen, Matthew Edison, and Vas Saranga. World Premiere
Documentary
Competition
I
Am Human, Directed by Taryn Southern and Elena Gaby.
Latter
Day Jew, Directed by Aliza Rosen.
Motherload,
Directed by Liz Canning.
The
Pollinators, Directed by Peter Nelson.
The
Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion, Directed by Lisa Cortes and Farah
X.
The
Story of Plastic, Directed by Deia Schlosberg.
This
Is My Home, Directed by Karl Nickoley.
Well
Groomed, Directed by Rebecca Stern.
Verge
Come
As You Are, Directed by Richard Wong.
Greener
Grass, Directed by Dawn Luebbe and Jocelyn DeBoer.
Hosea,
Directed by Ryan Daniel Dobson. World Premiere
Last
Call, Directed by Gavin Michael Booth.
Only,
Directed by Takashi Doscher.
Speed
of Life, Directed by Liz Manashil.
Treasure
Trouble, Directed by Dan Erickson.
The
Way You Look Tonight, Directed by John Cerrito.
Culinary
Cinema
Breaking
Bread, Directed by Beth Elise Hawk.
Funke,
Directed by Gab Taraboulsy.
Nose
to Tail, Directed by Jesse Zigelstein.
Nothing
Fancy: Diana Kennedy, Directed by Elizabeth Carroll.
Stage:
The Culinary Internship, Directed by Abby Ainsworth.
A
Taste of Sky, Directed by Michael Lei.
The
festival will also feature Short Film Programs with:
17
Narrative Shorts
11
Documentary Shorts
The
Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) is a five-day celebration
that blends the art of film, food, and wine together. Discover the
best new independent films of the year, savor exquisite cuisine
paired with legendary wines, and create lasting memories found only
in the Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Film Festival is presented by
Cinema Napa Valley, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization
headquartered in Napa, California. Cinema Napa Valley’s mission is
to celebrate the cinematic arts and enrich the community by
presenting an annual world-class festival and year-round education
and outreach programs. The Napa Valley Film Festival takes place
November 13-17, 2019. Visit napavalleyfilmfest.org for more
information on passes and festival events.
A
new 13-part culinary adventure series for American Public
Television, 100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations
(www.100DaysDrinksDishesDestinations.com)
with libations expert, Leslie Sbrocco, debuts
nationwide on October 26, 2019. 100
Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations is distributed by
American Public Television.
100 Days Drinks Destinations Logo
As
Sbrocco says, “I hope the show is a viewer’s virtual passport
to delicious.”
An
Emmy– & James Beard Award-winning wine author and food
television host, Sbrocco’s job is to eat and drink the world…and
she does it with passion. On the series, Leslie’s ever-expanding
bucket list not only encourages viewers to spend 100 days visiting
remarkable places, but also to indulge in hundreds of palate-pleasing
experiences.
From
classic eats to unexpected drinks, iconic attractions to undiscovered
treasures, viewers are taken on a virtual vacation in every
mouth-watering show as Leslie shares her knowledge and humorous take
on traveling the world with glass and fork in hand.
Her
fun-loving journeys around the globe kick off this Fall with six
episodes, then another seven shows will begin airing in Spring of
2020. Each half-hour episode focuses on unique combinations of
drinks, dishes and destinations that are woven together in a fabric
of shared histories, cultural touchpoints, and fascinating people.
In
the inaugural season, Leslie ventures to Europe and pairs Austrian
sparkling wine, Sekt, with sausage at wurst stands in Vienna.
She journeys to Linz, Austria, to sip schnapps and make
Linzertorte. In Hungary, Leslie visits Tokaj’s centuries-old
caves where sweet wine was made for Hungarian royals. Back in
Budapest, she savors the flavors of goulash, hits hip ruin
bars, and tastes legendary elixirs. In Normandy, France, Leslie
imbibes liquid apple specialties —cider and Calvados
—and crafts classic Camembert cheese.
Episodes
in the United States include learning tea-steeping etiquette in San
Francisco’s Chinatown with an 89-year-old master. Soaking in volcanic
mud baths in California’s quaint town of Calistoga where Leslie not
only dips in a toe, but dives in whole-heartedly. She strolls the
streets of Nevada’s Virginia City to drink in its eclectic history.
And, don’t forget Honky Tonk, whiskey and hot chicken in Nashville,
Tennessee, and Beauty, Biltmore, and Beer in Asheville, North
Carolina.
An
award-winning author, speaker, wine consultant, television host, and
founder of the new multi-media company, Thirsty Girl, Leslie
Sbrocco’s entertaining approach makes exploring wine, travel, and
food fun.
Sbrocco’s
first book, Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing
Wine (William Morrow), has been excerpted by two national
magazines — Redbook and Family Circle — and won the
coveted Georges Duboeuf Best Wine Book of the Year award. Her
second book, The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide, (William
Morrow) was released to wide acclaim and she is currently at work on
her third book, Adventures of a Thirsty Girl.
As
Tasting Notes columnist for Epicurious.com,
and contributor to numerous online and print publications, Sbrocco’s
monthly musings are enjoyed by thousands. Her work has been published
in outlets such as O, the Oprah magazine, Coastal Living, Woman’s
Day, Good Housekeeping, Glamour, and Santé.
Prior
to completing Wine for Women, Leslie was a columnist for
The New York Times online and Cooking with the Times and
General Manager/Co-founder of WineToday.com,
the wine site of The New York Times Company.
Whether
appearing on television as the wine expert for the cooking show
Seasonings, cable television’s On the Vine series,
CBS’s Evening Magazine, or in regular appearances on the
Today Show, Sbrocco’s humor and passion resonates with viewers.
Her television project as host of the PBS series Check, Please!
Bay Area won both the coveted James Beard award and three Emmy
awards. Sbrocco is also a featured judge on the PBS national series,
The Winemakers.
A
sought-after speaker, Sbrocco has spoken at events ranging from O
magazine‘s “Hi Gorgeous” tour to the American
Dietetic Association national convention. She has been the
keynote speaker at numerous wine events including the Boston Wine
Expo, SF Food.Wine. Chefs, Pinot Noir New Zealand, and the
Washington D.C. International Wine and Food show. Her
corporate clients have included RedPrairie, Cisco Systems, Optos,
Ketchum, Southern Wine and Spirits, Target, Jackson-Lewis, Vineyard
Bank, and Fleishman-Hillard.
She
has consulted for companies as varied as Harry & David,
the Kimpton Hotel Group and Virgin America Airlines.
She has also been a wine educator for Crystal Cruises and
Holland America Cruise Lines. Furthermore, Sbrocco is a
respected judge at a number of the largest wine competitions both
domestically and globally including the Concours Mondial and
the San Francisco and Los
Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competitions.
American
Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of
high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television
stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per
year and one-fourth of the top 100 highest-rated public television
titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent
documentaries, performance, news and current affairs programs,
dramas, how-to programs, children’s series and classic movies. To
find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.
100
Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations is brought to you by
KQED Presents. KQED serves the people of Northern California
with a public-supported alternative to commercial media. An NPR and
PBS affiliate based in San Francisco, KQED is home to one of the most
listened-to public radio stations in the nation, one of the
highest-rated public television services and an award-winning
education program. A trusted news source and leader and innovator in
interactive technology, KQED takes people of all ages on journeys of
exploration — exposing them to new people, places and ideas.
www.kqed.org.
This
show is made possible by the generous support of the following
underwriters:
– A
family-owned company celebrating 17 years on the river, AmaWaterways
offers unforgettable river cruises with 24 ships sailing Europe’s
Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch
and Belgian Waterways and Douro Rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong and
Africa’s Chobe River. Led by experienced river cruise co-founders
Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, the company is renowned for its
innovative stateroom design featuring unique “twin balconies”;
its wellness activities including a wide choice of included shore
excursions featuring biking and hiking options for the active
traveler; and its award-winning dining—including The Chef’s Table
specialty restaurant as well as complimentary fine wine, beer and
soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
– Josh
Cellars offers bold, complex and approachable wines for
drinking with family and friends. Sourced from vineyards across
California, Josh Cellars offers eight varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Rosé, Prosecco and
a red blend, “Legacy.” Josh Cellars wines are available at
retailers nationwide.
– Visit
Napa Valley is the official destination management
organization for the Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect
and enhance the region’s position as an attractive travel destination
and enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live and
work. For additional information on the Napa Valley, or to plan your
Napa Valley experience, please explore VisitNapaValley.com
The Renowned Chef’s Collective Of Chefs To Reimagine Recipes And Partner With Elite Napa Wineries To Raise Funds For Children’s Museum Of Napa Valley
Chef Charlie Palmer teams up with our visiting chefs and top Napa Valley Cabernet producers for this one of a kind food and wine event at Archer’s boutique hotel set in the heart of downtown Napa.
Chef Charlie Palmer announces American Fare, a celebration of American cuisine, will take place Monday, November 18 at Charlie Palmer Steak and Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at Archer Hotel Napa. At American Fare, the Charlie Palmer Collective of chefs will each partner with top Napa Valley Cabernet producers to recreate recipes from Charlie Palmer’s American Fare cookbook. Guests will get to taste and judge who they think is best. Proceeds from this one-of-a-kind event will benefit the Children’s Museum of Napa Valley. Hotel packages and à la carte tickets are now available for purchase on american-fare.com.
“More
than 30 years ago, I made a commitment to featuring regional American
ingredients at Aureole,”
said Chef Charlie Palmer. “Since
then, our collective’s footprint has expanded tremendously but my
dedication to the constant progression of domestic cuisine is
unwavering. I’m excited to see how this next generation of talented
chefs has reimagined my Progressive American recipes.”
American
Fare will
feature sustainably raised, heritage breed, antibiotic-free pork,
beef, poultry and game courtesy of
Joyce Farms,
a family-owned company dedicated to using humane, all-natural and
regenerative farming methods.
American Fare showcases the very best of American-inspired bites and Cabernet wines from Napa.
Participating
Chefs
Francisco
Lopez, Jr., Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Napa
Jason
Collins, Executive Pastry Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Napa
Scott
Romano, Executive Chef – Dry Creek Kitchen
Lisa
Kaufman, Executive Pastry Chef – Dry Creek Kitchen
Eduardo
“Lalo” Saavedra, Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Las
Vegas
Alexandre
Grégoire, Executive Chef – Aureole Las Vegas
Michael
Mahoney, Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Reno
Chris
Engel, Executive Chef – Aureole NY
Fernando
Marulanda, Executive Chef – Upper Story/Crimson & Rye
Michael
Ferraro, Director of Culinary Concepts, Charlie Palmer Collective
Mike
Ellis, Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak DC
Participating
Wineries & Additional Stations
Atelier
Find Foods
Black
River Caviar
Charles
Krug
Clos
Du Vol
Duckhorn
Vineyards
Faust
John
Anthony
Journeyman
Meat Co
Louis
M. Martini
OHM
Coffee Roasters
Raymond
Vineyards
Red
Mare
Silver
Oak
Vintage
Sweet Shoppe
Whitehall
Lane
Events
American
Fare Event
Monday,
November 18, 2019
| 6:00-9:00 p.m. | Archer Hotel Grand Salon
$95
Chef
Charlie Palmer’s American Fare showcases the very best of food and
wine with American-inspired bites by the master chef along with
creations from the Charlie Palmer Collective, all paired with iconic
Napa Valley Cabernet wines. Guests will enjoy live music by Full
Chizel.
American
Fare After Party with Tito’s Handmade Vodka*
Monday,
November 18, 2019 | 9:00-11:00 p.m. | Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar
$40
Continue
the American Fare experience with a VIP after party with hand-crafted
cocktails featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Mingle with Charlie
Palmer, guest chefs and winemakers with the best views in Napa.
*After
party tickets must be purchased with an American Fare event ticket.
Tickets
& Hotel Packages
A limited number of Archer Hotel Napa lodging packages are also available for purchase via american-fare.com
Hotel
Lodging Package ($550)
One
Night Accommodations for Two in Deluxe King Guest Room
Valet
Parking
Two
Tickets to Charlie Palmer’s American Fare Event
Two
Tickets to American Fare After Party with Tito’s Handmade Vodka
American Fare is sponsored in part by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Joyce Farms and Fiji. For more information and a complete listing of sponsors, visit american-fare.com.
This year’s assortment includes: celebrity-designed water bottles from Pottery Barn Teen; playful ornaments inspired by patients’ artwork and a special edition Anywhere Chair® from Pottery Barn Kids; a ceramic catchall and whimsical ornaments from Pottery Barn; keepsake ornaments and totes from Mark & Graham; double-sided knit and faux fur throws from West Elm; as well as a mug set, spatulas and chocolate confections featuring patients’ artwork from Williams Sonoma.
Williams-Sonoma logo
“We are incredibly grateful for the imaginative and meaningful ways Williams-Sonoma, Inc. creates opportunities for people of all generations to engage in the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, especially around the holiday season,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “By introducing ornaments inspired by St. Jude patient artwork, designing beautiful gifts, and inviting celebrity friends to create items as well, the brands are helping raise critical funds and awareness for St. Jude to fulfill its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.”
Williams-Sonoma,
Inc. has partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since
2005 through various fundraising efforts.
“Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a proud partner of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is honored to have helped in its lifesaving mission for the past 15 years,” said Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “Thanks to the generosity of our customers and employees we have raised more than $47 million since 2005, and we look forward to continuing to support the hospital in its tireless efforts with the launch of these exclusive holiday collections.”
Details
of each brand’s St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital assortment
is listed below:
Pottery
Barn Teen releases
special edition water bottles featuring one-of-a-kind artwork by
Olympic medal freeskier and actor Gus
Kenworthy;
actor and singer Cody
Simpson;
singer and songwriter Austin
Mahone;
Olympic Gold medal gymnast Laurie
Hernandez;
and actress and entrepreneur Genevieve
Hannelius.
The celebrity artwork includes song lyrics (Cody Simpson),
out-of-this world graphics (Genevieve Hannelius), a simplistic and
serene nod to nature (Austin Mahone) as well as personal mantras
such as “Be Kind” (Laurie Hernandez) and “Be True” (Gus
Kenworthy). Twenty-five percent of the purchase price from each
water bottle sale will directly benefit St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Pottery
Barn Kids introduces
four new ornaments inspired by artwork from patients at St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital. This year’s playful felt ornaments
include a colorful sequined rainbow fish, an animated pine tree,
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus. Pottery Barn Kids is
also releasing a special edition Anywhere
Chair®,
benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The
St. Jude Peanut Bear Cozy Sherpa Anywhere Chair®
is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and the perfect cozy kid-size chair for
reading, relaxing or snuggling. Fifty percent of the purchase price
from the ornaments and twenty-five percent of the purchase price of
the Anywhere Chair® will directly benefit St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.
Pottery
Barn debuts
a collection of products benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, including two holiday ornaments and a ceramic catchall
featuring the word “LOVE” written in nostalgic green and red
plaid lettering. The holiday ornaments are both Fair Trade Certified
and include a St.
Jude teddy bear wearing
a cozy hat and scarf, as well as a whimsical pair of felt reindeer
holding a heart. Twenty-five percent of the purchase price will
directly benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mark
& Graham debuts
holiday ornaments with personalization options designed to become
forever keepsakes. An inscription, such as a date, or a child’s
name can be engraved on the timeless boy or girl silhouette
ornaments, which are available in gold or silver-plating.
Additionally, Mark & Graham will offer a 100% cotton canvas
totes bearing the same timeless boy or girl silhouette and a child’s
name. Free gift wrapping is included. Twenty percent of the purchase
price will directly benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
West
Elm releases
two special edition,
double-sided knit and faux fur throws
benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Each
St. Jude Faux Fur Chunky Knit Throw
offers style and comfort, and is certified healthy for you and the
environment through Oeko-Tex® textile certification. The
West Elm St. Jude Faux Fur Chunky Knit Throw is
available in Natural Canvas and Heathered Pewter. Fifty percent of
the purchase price will directly benefit St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.
Williams
Sonoma launches
a collection of products benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital including spatulas, a mug and chocolate confections. The
St.
Jude Spatulas for Williams Sonoma
feature festive holiday designs inspired by artwork created by St.
Jude patients. The set of four St.
Jude Gold Heart Mugs
features a gleaming heart created from real gold. The St.
Jude Chocolate Thins
are prepared directly on the celebrated Poundbury
Estate by British Master chocolatier House of Dorchester and
the paper wrappers feature original drawings by the young patients
of St. Jude. Twenty-five percent of the purchase price will directly
benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world
understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other
life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures.
Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer
Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to
children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the
overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than
80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude
won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares
the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means
doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save
thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude
for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family
should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude
mission by visiting stjude.org,
Global
luxury travel network Virtuoso®
revealed the winners of the celebrated
2019 Best of the Best awards last night, before more than
1,800 industry leaders at the 31st annual Virtuoso
Travel Week. The ceremony at the 13th
annual Hotels & Resorts Dinner recognized the year’s top
10 hotels and hoteliers in categories ranging from best wellness
program to best dining experience. Four
Seasons Hotel George V triumphed with the most prestigious
prize: Hotel of the Year.
Virtuoso®
is the leading international travel agency network specializing in
luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization
comprises over 1,000 travel agency partners with 20,000 elite travel
advisors in 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the
Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
Drawing
upon its preferred relationships with over 1,800 of the world’s best
hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and
premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with
exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More
than (U.S.) $26.4 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a
powerhouse in the luxury travel industry.
With
a wide-ranging portfolio of more than 1,400 hotels, resorts, villas,
tented camps and private island retreats in over 100 countries,
Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts is the industry’s most renowned
program. Started in 1992 with 20 hotels, today it includes more
five-star properties than any other group.
Virtuoso’s
20,000 professional travel advisors from 50 countries served as Best
of the Best award voters. Editors of
Virtuoso Life, the network’s multi-award-winning magazine,
lent insights to narrow the field of nominees for which the advisors
voted. Winners will be showcased in the September/October issue of
the magazine, reaching 200,000 affluent households.
“The
exceptional contributions of these Best of the Best winners are
emblematic of the caliber of creativity, service and guest
experiences that are the hallmark of the Virtuoso Hotels &
Resorts program,” said
Albert Herrera, senior vice president of Global
Product Partnerships for Virtuoso. “Every year our
winners raise the bar even higher for global luxury hospitality, and
we are proud to honor their accomplishments while expressing
gratitude for the inspiration they provide to us all.“
The
2019 Virtuoso Best of the Best winners are:
Hotel
of the Year:
An
iconic hotel that epitomizes excellence in luxury hospitality and
encourages positive change in its community. Winner:
Four
Seasons Hotel George V,
Paris, France The
property delights guests with impeccable service, fine art and
antiques and stunning floral displays. A new spa features an indoor
pool and dozens of treatments and fitness programs, including a
staff-led jog past landmarks including the
Louvre
and
Eiffel Tower.
The hotel offers three restaurants: the three-Michelin-starred Le
Cinq as
well as
Le George
and L’Orangerie,
which each boast a star of their own.
Best
Achievement in Design:
Outstanding
architecture and design of a hotel or component (room or suite,
restaurant, spa, public space, etc.), whether a new property,
renovation, or restoration. Winner:
Rosewood
Hong Kong, China Soaring
65 stories above Victoria
Dockside,
a new art and design district on the Kowloon
waterfront,
Rosewood’s glass tower enhances Hong Kong’s skyline. Inside, Western
and Asian aesthetics blend seamlessly, from the octagonal Chinese
bagua symbol on carpets and walls to copper-mesh-lined French pendant
lights, Damien
Hirst
artwork, and Indian artist Bharti
Kher’s
life-size elephant sculpture.
Best
Dining Experience:
Excellence
in hotel dining encompassing outstanding food, wine list, service,
ambiance, or even a stunning view. Winner:
La
Reserve Paris Hotel and Spa–
Restaurant Le Gabriel, Paris, France The
gilded dining room of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a
19th-century mansion-turned-hotel makes an unforgettable impression.
And that’s before chef Jérôme Banctel brings his notable pedigree,
Breton upbringing, and influences from his travels to the table with
modern takes on French classics such as coriander-spiced artichoke
heart and pigeon with cacao and buckwheat.
Best
Bar: A
hotel bar that offers a social meeting spot where innovative drinks,
lively mixologists and servers, and an enticing atmosphere create a
“see and be seen” buzz. Winner:
Four
Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club–
Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar, Surfside, Florida, U.S. Amalfi
Coast bars perfected
the art of aperitivo, and that spirit is exemplified in this stylish
import from Positano’s
Le
Sirenuse
hotel. The lounge in the historic hotel’s original ballroom serves
the largest selection of Champagne in the Miami area, plus grappas,
liqueurs, and bubbly-infused cocktails, in handblown Venetian
glasses.
Sustainable
Tourism Leadership:A
property that exhibits a commitment to the pillars of sustainable
tourism including environmentally friendly practices, protection of
cultural and natural heritage, and social and economic benefits for
local people. Winner:
Emirates
One&Only Wolgan Valley,
Wolgan Valley, Australia This
7,000-acre success story shows how degraded ranchland can be restored
to its natural grandeur. Kangaroos, wombats, and other wildlife roam
the resort grounds, which was the world’s first to achieve
internationally accredited carbon-neutral certification. Guest
experiences focus on the outdoors, such as guided glowworm walks,
stargazing, nocturnal animal viewing and tree planting.
Best
Family Program: A
property offering children’s programs, from creative activities to
educational endeavors and active adventures. Winner:
Grand
Velas Riviera Maya,
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Families
bond over horseback riding, boogie boarding, snorkeling and more,
then relax at the pool or spa (with a kids’ treatment menu).
The Kids’ Club
offers 4- through 12-year-olds storytelling, movies, and games, while
teens enjoy karaoke, pool tables, and dancing. Family accommodations
lie near the pool and beach, and a “baby concierge” stocks
everything from strollers to bottles – and arranges sitters too.
Best
Wellness Program:
A hotel focusing on mind/body balance through excellence in nutrition
or diet programs, fitness and wellness classes, spa experiences, and
inspiring location. Winner:
Miraval
Arizona Resort & Spa,
Tucson, Arizona, U.S. Miraval
helped
pioneer the modern spa resort, and its flagship property continues to
lead the way. Guests choose from more than 100 workshops, classes,
and activities that include cooking, private and group workouts,
beekeeping, and even equine therapy. Healthy gourmet meals fuel
guests’ paths to wellness, as do rituals including massages and
acupuncture at the Life in Balance Spa.
Best
Virtuoso Newcomer:The
most noteworthy network addition from April 2018 onward. Winner:
Montage
Los Cabos,
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico This
contemporary retreat offers an abundance of memorable experiences.
Guests sip mezcal and dine at the two restaurants, play the 18-hole
golf course, enjoy Baja-inspired spa treatments, and snorkel and
paddleboard in Santa Maria Bay – a marine sanctuary and one of the
area’s few swimmable beaches.
Best
Virtuoso Hotel Ambassador: An executive (other than
general manager or managing director) who embodies Virtuoso’s power
of human connection and strives for the mutual benefit of network
advisors and their brand, property, or properties. Winner:
Carlos Quereda, Querido Representation Co. During his
decade-long tenure at the Marbella
Club on Spain’s
Costa del Sol, Quereda was inspired by cofounder Count
Rudolf von Schönburg’s ritual of greeting guests and staff,
converting them into lifelong friends of the hotel. Quereda brings
this hospitality to life to satisfy travelers’ quests for unique
properties that embody local traditions and soul.
Hotelier
of the Year:An
experienced manager who demonstrates leadership and vision, a passion
for the industry, a commitment to Virtuoso advisors, and an
appreciation for detail. Winner:
Amanda Hyndman, Mandarin
Oriental Hyde Park, London,
U.K. Hyndman’s
career spans more than 30 years and some of the world’s most
prestigious hotels, including Mandarin’s Bangkok flagship, where she
was the first female general manager. She arrived at the Hyde Park
property in June 2018, one week after a two-year renovation was
completed – and two days before a fire shuttered the hotel. Hyndman
transitioned staff to help with rebuilding, weathering the nine-month
closure with no layoffs. The hotel reopened last spring with Hyndman
and her kindness and commitment at the helm.
For
more on Virtuoso and its properties in over 100 countries, including
booking a stay online at the global portfolio of luxury hotels, visit
www.virtuoso.com.
U.S./New York-based Condé Nast and London-based Condé Nast International Are Integrated as One Global Team. New Consumer Marketing Function to Bring Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Efforts With Unified Commercial Team to Better Serve Global Clients’ Holistic Needs
New Leadership Structure is Expected to Help Further Turn the Financial Ship Around As Company Moves Beyond Closing and Selling Off Magazine Titles, Layoffs and Consolidation of Workforce Across All Titles
Long expected, Condé Nast yesterday appointed a new global leadership team designed to accelerate the company’s evolution into a 21st-century media company. The new organizational structure, which combines Condé Nast and Condé Nast International into a unified global team, was created with several guiding principles in mind, including the preservation of local editorial voice and authority, an enhanced focus on the consumer, unification of the company’s ad and commercial sales functions to reflect clients’ local and global needs and the development of new ways to share capabilities and best practices across the company.
Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, AD, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among many others. The company’s award-winning content reaches 84 million consumers in print, 367 million in digital and 379 million across social platforms, and generates more than 1 billion video views each month. The company is headquartered in London and New Yorkand operates in 32 markets worldwide including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., with local license partners across the globe. Launched in 2011, Condé Nast Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution studio that creates programming across film, television, social and digital video and virtual reality.
“One of my top priorities has been to define our organizational structure so that we can take full advantage of our unique growth opportunities and exceptional content around the world,” said the recently-appointed CEO of Condé Nast, RogerLynch “I’m confident that our new global structure will better enable us to collaborate across teams and markets and, ultimately, deliver unparalleled experiences for our consumers and clients.“
The
new structure is as follows:
Global Content Functions:: Anna Wintour, U.S. Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. and (newly-appointed) Global Content Advisor, will continue in her role as U.S. Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S., and will add Global Content Advisor and oversight of Vogue International to her responsibilities. In her expanded role, Wintour will advise the executive leadership team on global content opportunities and act as a resource to editors-in-chief and editorial talent worldwide.
Oren Katzeff, President of Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE), will expand the company’s digital video, film and television operations to create best-in-class video content experiences for audiences worldwide. The company has been increasing its focus on video content and currently generates 1.1 billion video views per month. Under Oren’s leadership, CNE will now be the core of our global network of video teams, supporting the growth of our video businesses in all markets.
David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, will also continue to report directly to Lynch.
Global Operations Organization: Wolfgang Blau, President, International & Chief Operating Officer will oversee all non-U.S. markets, as well as selected global strategic functions, including Product & Technology, Data, Licensing, Global Editorial Operations, Business Development, and Delivery & Business Transformation. This organization will ensure day-to-day operational excellence and capability sharing across the business.
Global Commercial Organization: Pamela Drucker Mann, Global Chief Revenue Officer & President, U.S. Revenue, will lead a new global revenue organization that brings together the company’s U.S. and international ad sales, creative and agency, B2B marketing and client service capabilities. Jamie Jouning, promoted to Chief Client Officer, will report to Drucker Mann and oversee key global accounts, multi-market deals, and central digital ad operations. Drucker Mann will define ad sales and ad product strategies globally, and work closely with Jamie and the central team and commercial leads in the company’s worldwide markets to drive overall ad, agency, and B2B revenue and share best practices.
Consumer Marketing Organization: Condé Nast is creating a new consumer marketing organization that will be led by a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will bring added focus to the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts. As the company expands its consumer offerings, this team will be charged with developing best-in-class capabilities and consistency across consumer experiences on every platform. The team will also be responsible for consumer revenue, with a core focus on subscriptions and memberships. In addition, the team will have responsibility for global brand management, consumer research, and insights and global audience development, ensuring a data-driven approach to the company’s efforts. The search for a CMO to lead this new organization will begin immediately.
Corporate Functions: The company is also globalizing its three corporate functions to leverage skills, expertise and standardize processes and best practices: People, Finance and Communications. The company will begin an immediate search and selection process for these and other open roles. Until new leaders are identified, teams will maintain their existing reporting lines and responsibilities.
“We’re
bringing added focus to our direct-to-consumer efforts and will build
a new consumer marketing function that will be charged with
developing best-in-class subscription and membership capabilities,
and maintaining the authenticity of our iconic global brands,”
Lynch continued. “And by transforming our sales organization
into a unified global team, Condé Nast will be better positioned to
serve the holistic needs of our clients around the world and make it
easier for them to do business with us.“
The
new structure and appointments take effect immediately.
Baskin-Robbins Raises a Glass to Summer with its First-Ever Wine and Ice Cream Pairings
Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is introducing its first-ever wine and ice cream pairings to give moms nationwide a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day with two of their favorite things – wine and ice cream. Guests can pick-up Baskin-Robbins ice cream in-store to enjoy at home with these pairings as a cool way to kick off the summer season.
In collaboration withRosenthal – The Malibu Estate Wines, members of the Baskin-Robbins Culinary Team created unique wine and ice cream pairings featuring popular types of wine with delicious Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors, including seasonal favorites for summer.
(PRNewsfoto/Baskin-Robbins)
Each ice cream flavor featured in the wine and ice cream pairings can also be enjoyed as the featured flavor in Baskin-Robbins’ new Floral Stripe Cake, which was designed specifically for Mother’s Day this year. Featuring stripes of different shades of pink or orange and an elegant rosette design, the Floral Stripe Cake is available in a 6″ round, 9″ round and Mini Tiered Cake option. The Floral Stripe Cake is available for pre-order both in-store and online at www.baskinrobbins.com/onlineordering.Continue reading →
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