Natural Cocktails in Fiji
Thinking about going to the South Pacific, and perhaps even to Fiji? Then don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a delicious natural cocktail!
Air France Partners with Celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud
For one year, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud will be creating new dishes for Air France
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.
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.
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!
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: