REVIEW: Root Vegetable Gratin Starter by Williams-Sonoma

When we saw the root vegetable gratin starter from Williams-Sonoma we decided to give it a try.

Media TASTEMAKERS Summit on Feb. 10th is hot Industry Ticket

Time to Learn, Share and Network!
You are a player in the lucrative & highly influential Lifestyle Media categories of food & wine, fashion & design, and travel.
Summit attendees share ideas and experience, network, and prepare their projects and businesses for economic, audience, market and technological opportunities

The Media Tastemakers Summit is a one-of-its-kind gathering of Digital Media, Traditional Media, Online Video, Web producers, Platforms, Apps and Startups specifically focused on the lucrative & highly influential Lifestyle categories of Food & Wine, Fashion, Design & Travel. Confirmed speakers from Levi’s, Indiegogo, Mode.com, and more.

Early Bird Tickets Available.

 

SCHEDULE (Subject to Change. Check site for updates)

9:00-9:15 KEYNOTE

9:15-10:00 DIGITAL CULINARY
Food & Wine Media Tastemakers

    • Panelists:
      V. Sheree Williams, Publisher, Cuisine Noir Magazine
      Gemma Stafford, “Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking (YouTube)
      Eater SF (BC)
      Zagat (TBC)Moderator: TBA

10:00-10:30 DIGITAL STYLE
Fashion & Design Media Tastemakers

    • Panelist:
      Jill Manoff, Editor: Women’s Fashion, Beauty, and Style, Mode Media (Mode.com)Moderator: TBA

10:30-10:45 NETWORKING BREAK

10:45-11:30 TASTEMAKER APPS
Apps powering dining, cooking, fashion and beauty

    • Panelists:
      Jared Fazio, CEO & Co-Founder, TuLook Fashion App
      Em Olson LaFave, Din
      Sonny Mayugba, RequestedModerator: TBA

11:30-12:15 ADAPT AND THRIVE
Food, Wine, Fashion and Lifestyle coverage has had massive changes over the last several years. Our panelists will discuss these changes, as well as what they have found to be opportunities, threats, and strategies to adapt and thrive.

    • Panelists:
      Teresa Rodriguez, Tango Diva
      Mary Orlin, Bay Area Newsgroup
      Amy Sherman, Cooking with Amy
      Liam Mayclem, CBS / Foodie ChapModerator: TBA

12:15-1:15 NETWORKING LUNCH BREAK

1:15-1:45 FROM TASTEMAKER TO BESTSELLER
Turning Celebrity into a Bestselling Book, Successful models. It seems like every month a YouTube celebrity is getting a new book deal. In this moderated 30 minute session, with the Moderator focusing on guests who have experience in successfully leveraging or extending their celebrity brand and business with the use of authoring print publications, such as cookbooks or magazines. The focus of the questions and discussion will be on the rationale and experiences in following this strategy.

    • Panelist:
      Joanne Weir, TV Host, Author and RestaurateurModerator: TBA

1:45-2:15 PROMOTION, PR & SOCIAL MEDIA
PR Trends & Techniques, Strategies for developing and marketing content, building communities, and increasing audiences/followers

    • Panelists:
      Regina Grogan, User Acquisition & Mobile Experience
      Alexandra Woodruff, Trowel and Fork (Vine)Moderator: TBA

2:15-2:45 TASTEMAKING IN THE BRAND WORLD
How does an established brand use the new digital tools and business paradigms to successfully influence tastes

    • Panelist:
      Jen Sey, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Levi’sModerator: TBA

2:45-3:15 TASTEMAKER CONTENT CREATION & DISTRIBUTION
MCNs, Television, VOD, YouTube and more for multi-platform content creators.

    • Panelists:
      Thomas Escourrou, COO, Videopixie
      Darren LaShelle, KRCB Public TelevisionModerator: TBA

3:15-3:30 NETWORKING BREAK

3:30-4:00 MONETIZATION – BUILDING VALUE & FINDING REVENUE (A)
Description: Financing and Multiple Revenue Stream Options

    • Panelists:
      Alisa Cordesius, Social Innovation & Design, IndiegogoModerator: TBA

4:00-4:30 MONETIZATION – BUILDING VALUE & FINDING REVENUE (B)
Description: Advertising, Branded Content, Brand Extension

    • Panelists:
      Vishal Gurbuxani, Founder, Captiv8
      TBAModerator: TBA

4:30-5:00 BUILDING A BILLION DOLLAR BRAND

    • Panelists:
      TBA
      TBAModerator: TBA

5:00-6:00 COCKTAIL & NETWORKING RECEPTION

Traveler Beer Co. crafts Brews and Flavors with Seasons

Craft brewer Traveler Beer Co. continues to dream up and roll out new flavors and beverages

Nickelodeon launches new chain of Hotels and Resorts

Nickelodeon Hotel 2

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 Hotel 1

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

Sexy Swimwear for the Season

Just in time for the Season comes a great selection of swimwear and bikinis from talented designers across the globe.

Healthy Gourmet Snacks of the Year

Looking for gourmet snacks that are both healthy and tasty?