Blog Travel Archives - Page 19 of 25

Chef John Tesar hits South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami

Three-time James Beard “Best Southwest Chef” semifinalist and “Top Chef” contestant, celebrity chef John Tesar will bring a true taste of Texas to Miami at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival as the official ambassador for 44 Farms, the artisanal ranch that is providing all beef for the “Epic Collaboration Dinner.”

The Epic Collaboration Dinner features acclaimed chefs Francis Mallmann, Paul Qui and Gabriel Ask at Los Fuegos in South Beach.

While in Miami, Chef Tesar is also presenting 44 Farms products during “SOBEWFF® presented by Food & Wine” including:

Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator’s “Best of the Best, ” in which 60 of the nation’s top chefs present their most gourmet samplings
The second annual incarnation of “Meatopia,” the world’s most famous celebration of all things meat

Says Chef Tesar, “I’m proud to represent one of the favorite purveyors of meat that I serve at my steakhouse Knife at The Highland Dallas.”

About 44 Farms Steaks

44 Farms Steaks is the U.S.’ premier producer of ethically raised Angus steaks for the home chef and serious amateur cook. Proudly headquartered in Cameron, Texas 44 Farms was founded in 1909 by Sherwood and Josie McClaren and is still family-owned today. For more than 100 years it has been a place customers can know their rancher.

Renowned for their fine marbling, 44 Farms Steaks boast superior tenderness, juiciness and flavor, winning them a place at the tables of top restaurants across the country. Boasting a peerless approach to sustainability, animal care and breed research, 44 Farms ranchers produce steaks with no added hormones, antibiotics or artificial ingredients.

www.44Steaks.com

About Chef John Tesar

Tesar is a restaurateur and chef known for his stylish, modern American cuisine prepared with classic European techniques. His innovative culinary perspective and no-nonsense personality have garnered much acclaim throughout his 20+ years in the restaurant industry, including national nods from Esquire (named to Best New Restaurants for two consecutive years) Food & Wine, New York Magazine and The New York Times, appearances on The Today Show, The Early Show and Esquire’s “Restaurant Revolution” as well as winning the inaugural season of Food Network’s “Extreme Chef.” Tesar’s current restaurants include Knife at The Highland Dallas, Oak and The Royale. He is also working with Flatiron Books and Macmillan on a book, “Knife: Modern Steak and All American Meats,” that will be published in spring 2017 in addition to a television show.

G’Day! Qantas expands Sydney-San Francisco Route

Nickelodeon launches new chain of Hotels and Resorts

In a brand extension that is sure to cause families to immediately begin booking flights and making reservations, kids cable network Nickelodeon is launching a chain of international Hotels and Resorts.

The first one will be in the Dominican Republic, in Punta Cana.

MORE ABOUT THE NICKELODEON RESORT

Located on the golden sands of Uvero Alto beach in the Dominican Republic, the upscale property has re-imagined the art of hospitality to deliver delightful twists including surprise slimings and unexpected visits from your favorite Nickelodeon characters. Combined with world-class dining, sleek modern design and innovative amenities, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana will offer an unforgettable getaway for Nickelodeon fans and luxe resort lovers alike.

“Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana will be the ultimate vacation destination,” said Gerald Raines, Senior Vice President, Global Nickelodeon Recreation Partnerships. “We are extremely excited for guests to enjoy Nickelodeon in a truly immersive, unique environment.

The stunning beachfront resort will feature 208 oversized suites in seven styles designed to cater to a variety of tastes, from intimate Jacuzzi Pads and Flats to exquisite Swim-Up Suites. Guests may also choose to book one of four exclusive, two- and three-bedroom Super Villas providing upwards of 2,200 square feet of vacationing space each, including the Pineapple Villa, inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants’ own home in Bikini Bottom. Suites will include luxuries like jacuzzis, private patios, wrap-around terraces or balconies, and 24-hour in-room dining options. Plus, all guests will enjoy Got You Covered amenities like complimentary baby food, strollers, cribs, kids’ spa robes and baby bottle warmers for infants and toddlers.

Nickelodeon™ Village

The Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana experience will encompass gourmet a la carte cuisine, impeccable service, stylish yet playful décor, unique amenities, and entertainment for all of its guests. At the heart of the resort will be the Nickelodeon Village with areas to tickle the senses of kids and adults alike, including:

Aqua Nick™ Playground is the place to be for water activities such as water slides, splash pads, spray grounds and a lazy river.
Character Central will be a high-energy hotspot where guests can meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters throughout the day.
A cool hang out for kids only, Just Kiddin’ is part clubhouse, part artist’s studio. Whether guests are in the mood for free play or more structured activities, they’ll find a whole lot of do-it-yourself Nick fun, including daily supervised activities and programs for children 4 to 12 years old, plus meet-and-greets with Nickelodeon™ characters.
The kNick kNack shop will carry Nickelodeon, movies, apparel, toys, vacation essentials and memorable mementos.
When it’s time to move, guests of all ages can make their way to the resort’s dedicated Sports & Entertainment Center to work up a sweat or have a good laugh.

The Art of Dining Out

As a Gourmet Inclusive® property, the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana will be carefully catered to guests who value quality. Dining will be an art and a pleasure at 10 Gourmet Inclusive® restaurants, two Gourmet Corners, four bars and lounges, and the Doppio Coffee Shop, which will offer worldly cuisine and feature the freshest and finest ingredients. Dining options will range from kid friendly to elegant. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana will also include an array of innovative and fun food and beverage options at themed restaurants that reflect the brand with unexpected colors, imaginative food samples, Slime Smoothies, and characters realized through tropical fruits and vegetables.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Adventures can be balanced with relaxation at the resort thanks to Vassa Spa’s herbal steam room, dry sauna, chromo therapy showers, bubble beds, whirlpool, and arctic and warm water pools. Guests will be able to escape into one of five beautifully-appointed treatment suites, couple’s suite, luxurious bridal suite, or one of five “al fresco” outdoor treatment areas for those craving a little sand with their spa. Vassa Spa’s signature “perfectly pink” treatment program will be available for young visitors.

Party with Nickelodeon™

For guests celebrating something special, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana will bring a little character to your vacation with meet-and-greets, character dining, cake, ice cream and unforgettable memories for all. Karisma is renowned for its exquisite Gourmet Inclusive® Wedding Events, and the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is no exception. Couples will be presented with an array of romantic options for their wedding events, including a Beachfront gazebo and signature Sky Wedding location featuring stunning 360-degree views from the private rooftop terrace. And if a couple’s wedding day just won’t be complete without someone getting Slimed, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is happy to hook them up!

www.nickresortpuntacana.com

America’s 50 Best Steakhouses

Food site the Daily Meal, helmed by former head of Saveur Magazine (and quoted contributor to the Cafes of San Francisco), Colman Andrews, has released its annual list of America’s 50 Best Steakhouses.

Of the steakhouses that made it into the ranking this year, 12 are in the West, 12 are in the South, 10 are in the Midwest, 9 are in the Southwest, and 7 are in the Northeast. New York and Las Vegas share top honors with 6 steakhouses apiece; 5 are in Los Angeles; and Dallas, Chicago, and San Francisco each have 3 entries.

The Daily Meal judges scrutinized the steakhouses according to strict criteria: Is the meat sourced reputably and USDA Choice or Prime? Is it dry-aged, and if not, is it as high-quality as can be? Is it served at the proper doneness without fail and with a touch of ceremony? And is it revered by locals and out-of-towners alike?

The results (in order, of course):

Rank	Steakhouse	Location
1	Cut	Beverly Hills
2	Keens	New York City
3	Bern’s	Tampa
4	Peter Luger	New York City
5	Barclay Prime	Philadelphia
6	CarneVino	Las Vegas
7	Craftsteak	Las Vegas
8	Red	Miami
9	Pappas Bros. Steakhouse	Dallas and Houston
10	Cattlemen’s Steakhouse	Oklahoma City
11	Bazaar Meat	Las Vegas
12	Cattleman’s Steakhouse	Fabens, TX
13	Killen’s Steakhouse	Pearland, TX
14	Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse	Chicago
15	Perini Ranch	Buffalo Gap, TX
16	Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf	Chicago
17	Harris’	San Francisco
18	Metropolitan Grill	Seattle
19	Pacific Dining Car	Los Angeles
20	Murray’s	Minneapolis
21	Plaza III	Kansas City
22	John Howie Steak	Seattle
23	BOA	Los Angeles
24	Stripsteak	Las Vegas
25	Sparks	New York City
26	Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse	New Orleans
27	Porter House	New York City
28	Gorat’s	Omaha
29	St. Elmo Steak House	Indianapolis
30	Gallaghers	New York City
31	Osso Steakhouse	San Francisco
32	Mr. B’s	Milwaukee
33	Duane’s Prime	Riverside, CA
34	Jar	Los Angeles
35	Gene & Georgetti	Chicago
36	Prime	Las Vegas
37	Golden Steer	Las Vegas
38	The Hitching Post II	Buellton, CA
39	Kevin Rathbun Steak	Atlanta
40	Oak Steakhouse	Charleston
41	Alexander’s Steakhouse	San Francisco
42	Al Biernat’s	Dallas
43	Brother Sebastian’s	Omaha
44	Old Homestead	New York City
45	Jess & Jim’s	Kansas City, MO
46	Red Prime	Oklahoma City
47	Chamberlain’s	Dallas
48	Oliver’s Prime	Los Angeles
49	The Buckhorn Exchange	Denver
50	Taste of Texas	Houston, TX

For more related to this topic, here are a few of our picks:

TASTE AWARDS announce Hotel G San Francisco as Official Hotel

The TASTE AWARDS Committee is pleased to announce that one of the Official Hotels in San Francisco of the 7th Annual TASTE AWARDS is the Hotel G.

This chic “downtown-style” luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of San Francisco, just steps from world famous Union Square, as well as the cable cars and San Francisco attractions.

The Hotel G is offering a special rate to attendees of the TASTE AWARDS, good from February 9th – 12th, 2016, available on a first come basis through December 31, 2015.

To view or use the special rates, please go to the TASTE AWARDS Official Hotel page.

The TASTE AWARDS are the premier awards show celebrating the year’s best in Food, Fashion, Travel and Lifestyle programs on Television, in Film, Online, Apps, and on Radio.

The Annual Awards have included appearances by stars, celebrities, producers and executives from networks and platforms such as the Food Network, Bravo, the Cooking Channel, TLC, Discovery, Lifetime, E! Entertainment Television, PBS, NBC, ABC, the CW, HGTV, the Travel Channel, HD Net, Hulu, YouTube, Sony Pictures, Esquire Network, Spike TV, Vimeo, iHeart Radio, Vice, Bio / FYI Channel, Dreamworks and more.

Spirits of Japan Tour Celebrates Japan’s Pursuit of Perfection

There is a new Japan travel package that food & wine — and tranquility — lovers many find very attractive.

Per Zicasso, the organizer:

The Spirits of Japan tour; a brand new, 12 day private journey that celebrates the Japanese spirit in its pursuit of perfection, manifested in some of the most unrivaled culinary and distilling mastery. Each day of this journey serves a taste of perfection. Start with a visit to the world’s best single malt whiskey distillery and culminate with a dinner at the world’s most coveted three Michelin star sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, paired with private tours of treasured sites and majestic gardens that continue to stand as a testament of the country’s skillful artisans and craftsmen.

The world was shocked last year when Japan’s oldest whiskey distillery, Suntory Yamazaki, won the title of the world’s best single malt whiskey in Jim Murray’s 2015 Whisky Bible for its Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013. While it may be the most recent recognition of Japanese flawlessness, this tour digs deeper and includes visits to: master distilleries like the Miyagikyo Distillery, voted Distillery of the Year in 2015 and famous for the award winning Nikka malt whiskies, a tour through the sake breweries that date as far back as the 1600’s in Kyoto and Takayama and a tour of Osaka’s leading beer breweries.

No local nor seasonal flavors such as kaiseki, sushi and tsukemen will be left behind on this journey through Japan’s treasured destinations, Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka with an epically delectable ending on the last day with a dinner at what is considered the best sushi restaurant in the world – the coveted three Michelin star Sukiyabashi Jiro.

“The Japanese have a unique culture of pursuing perfection. We believe this private tour breaks new ground in allowing Westerners to experience Japanese perfection through its spirits, food, architecture, and more,” said Steve Yu, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Zicasso. “From the intricate smooth notes of the world’s best single malt whiskey to the perfect sushi, the spirit of Japan is on display through every mouthful, sip and sight that embody the dedication and craftsmanship of its master distillers, artisans, and chefs.”

Highlights Include:

A tour of Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, its Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 winning the lauded title “World’s Best Single Malt Whiskey” in Jim Murray’s 2015 Whisky Bible.
Dinner at the world’s most coveted three Michelin star sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro.
A tour through sake breweries that date as far back as the 1600’s in Kyoto and Takayama.
Visit the renowned Miyagikyo Distillery, famous for the award winning Nikka malt whiskies, and recently voted whiskey Distiller of the Year for 2015 by the International Spirits Challenge.
Tour two of Osaka’s leading beer breweries: the Asahi brewery, birthplace of the #1 selling beer in Japan and Minoh Brewery, known for producing some of the world’s best stouts, porters, and IPAs .
Dinner at Giro Giro, a modern kaiseki restaurant, famous for plating seasonal ingredients infused with Japanese and European techniques.
Dinner at a multi-award winning ramen at Fu-Unji in Tokyo.
Private guided tours of Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka including, serene gardens, castles, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For detailed itinerary see here;

http://www.zicasso.com/luxury-vacation-japan-tours/spirits-japan-tour

(all photographs above used with permission of Zicasso, from the Zicasso site)

NEW IDEAS FOR A NEW WORLD