by Linda Lang | Apr 26, 2019 | À la Carte
Hotel Hassler Roma welcome Andrea Antonini as the new Executive Chef at Imàgo, the hotel’s elegant Michelin -starred restaurant where fine dining is complemented with unlimited panoramas of the Eternal City. A native of Rome, Chef Antonini brings his unique talents created while working with culinary legends including 3-Michelin-starred Chefs Quique Dacosta and Joan Roca i Fontané.
The innovative 27-year-old shares the same culinary philosophy with Robert E. Wirth, the hotel’s owner, general manager and fifth generation member of the noted Swiss hotel dynasty. Chef Antonini , joined in the kitchen by dynamic new team, will create a menu offering modern interpretations of traditional Italian cuisine using only the best seasonal produce.
At the top the Spanish Steps with uninterrupted city views in every direction, the five-star Hassler Roma has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and the world’s discerning elite for over a century. Offered are 87 rooms including 21 suites, each of which is individually designed in classic elegance with contemporary accents and every amenity. In addition to Imàgo, there’s the Hassler Bistrot, Salone Eva and Palm Court seasonal restaurants, and the legendary Hassler Bar where Princess Diana enjoyed the hotel’s signature Belini, the pampered luxuries of Amorvero Spa, and neighboring Hassler-owned II Palazzetto hotel and wine bar.
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by Linda Lang | Jun 18, 2018 | À la Carte
With the opening of its new Leopard Bar May 28 and recent unveiling of The Curry Room, The Rubens at the Palace overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace completes its extensive multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation. Both new rooms are iconic signatures found in select properties of the Red Carnation Hotels Collection founded and headed by Mrs. Beatrice Tollman.
Signature feature of all individually-designed Leopard Bars in select Red Carnation properties are bronze leopard sculptures by noted South African artist and jeweler Donald Greig. Décor of The Rubens’ new bar is highlighted by walls of antique pine paneling, sumptuous brown leather sofas, glass liquor display cabinets, outside seating and direct street access. More than 200 whiskies and 30 champagnes (all available by the glass) are complemented by light bites including the hotel’s celebrated steak sandwich, with live jazz and swing music adding a new sophisticated elegance to London’s nightlife scene.
The Curry Room
Also recently-opened is The Curry Room featuring authentic Indian cuisine in creative three-course menus blending Indian and South
African influences. Against a setting of vibrant reds, Rajasthani hand embroidery, copper accents and crockery imported from India, traditional Indian dishes are created under the supervision of The Curry Room’s chef, Arun Kumar, who worked with Kevin Joseph, executive chef at The Oyster Box Hotel in South Africa (a Rubens sister property) to design the menu.
A highly-celebrated chef in South Africa, Joseph’s extensive experience launching Indian restaurants in other Red Carnation Hotel properties is evident in the new Curry Room’s dining concept. In lieu of the usual à la carte options, Chefs Kumar and Joseph created exceptional, all-inclusive three-course menus encompassing Indian starters, entrées and desserts.
Jalpaans or Starters include samosa, poppadums, homemade lime pickle, mango chutney and mint raita. Main selections feature traditional Indian curries including Natal lamb, prawn, chicken and Bengal fish curry, and spicy beef vindaloo and vegetable korma ̶ all served with basmati rice, vegetable dish and traditional naan bread. Meats are hand-selected by The Rubens’ butcher, Aubrey Allen, Royal Warrant holder to Her Majesty The Queen, and the fish is locally-sourced from Billingsgate Market.
Tasty desserts include Indian-infused Kulfi ice cream, traditional trifle, and baked vanilla cheesecake prepared from the celebrated recipe of Red Carnation Hotels’ Founder & President, Bea Tollman. To complement the various dining experiences is an extensive menu of old and new world wines including a selection from Bouchard Finlayson, The Rubens’ sister vineyard in South Africa, and Indian beers such as Kingfisher and Cobra. rubenshotel.com | +44 (0)20 7834 6600
Photos courtesy of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection
by Linda Lang | Oct 12, 2017 | À la Carte
Marc Haeberlin of the internationally-acclaimed L’Auberge de L’Ill, which celebrates 50 years of its third Michelin Star this year, has been named Signature Chef for RitzCoffier by Marc Haeberlin at the new Palace Hotel, one of several luxury properties just opened in Bürgenstock, Switzerland’s newest luxury mega resort. The fourth generation of Michelin-starred chefs in his family, Haeberlin also trained under some of France’s most celebrated chefs including the legendary Paul Bocuse, Gaston Lenôtre, René Lasserre, Jean and Pierre Troisgros. Haeberlin describes his style of cooking as “a cuisine of the region, using regional products and a lot of passion.” The RitzCoffier also honors Auguste Escoffier, the world’s first celebrity chef, and César Ritz, the world’s first luxury hotelier, who met in Lucerne prior to launching their individual triumphant careers.
Diners are immersed in the ambiance of a 19th century kitchen featuring the
original fireplace from the site’s 1873 Grand Hotel and more than 100 copper pots like those used by Escoffier and chefs from 1873 to 1940. Décor features blue and white tiles, oak flooring and the antique wooden doors of the Grand Hotel’s original refrigerator and 19th century oven.
The new car-free resort includes four 3- to 5-star hotels, 12 bars and restaurants, 67 residence suites, a 107,000 sq. ft. Alpine spa, medical facility, and wide range of activities. Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
by Linda Lang | Sep 25, 2017 | À la Carte
Join over 20 members of the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association Saturday, December 2 for the 29th annual Christmas with the Chefs gala at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel at Kamakahonu, historic grounds of the island of Hawai`i.
From 5:30 to 8:00 pm, enjoy plates of expertly prepared savory cuisine and delectable holiday treats accompanied by handcrafted ales, choice wines and 100 percent Kona coffee. Live entertainment by the Bill Noble Trio provides dancing under the stars overlooking historic Kamakahonu Bay. The traditional silent auction featuring an array of holiday gift ideas benefits local culinary students attending Hawai‘i Community College—Palamanui and members of the Kona Kohala Chefs wanting to further their education.
If you’re heading for the Big Island, tickets are $90 presale, $95 at the door and available online at www.konakohalachefs.org. Tables of 10 are $1200 which includes reserved seating, table-side service and select bottles of wine—and can be purchased online. The Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is offering a special event room rate starting at $159. Phone 808-331-6330 and ask for the “Christmas with the Chefs” room rate.
American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association: ACF is the largest, professional, non-profit organization for chefs and cooks in the nation. Founded in 1980, the Kona Kohala chapter is comprised of food service professionals, vendors, growers and culinary enthusiasts.
by Linda Lang | Sep 17, 2017 | À la Carte
Liana Estates has opened its new Cultivator’s Club Lounge and private wine tasting loft, completing the winery which opened its 100-acre estate October 2016 in Caneros.
According to Lisa and Ariana Peju, second generation of the Peju Province winery owners, the sisters’ objective is to produce distinct wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, unique varietals, and sparkling wines and create immersive experiences for wine enthusiasts in this cooler AVA that includes part of Napa and Sonoma counties. From al fresco vineyard tastings to interactive workshops and culinary pairings, guests can immerse themselves the area’s natural beauty while enjoying all aspects of its wines.
“We are thrilled about this next phase in Liana Estates’ evolution,” 
said Abdullah Vural, President of Liana Estates and Peju Province Winery. “Our goal has always been to combine Lisa and Ariana’s vision of a one-of-a-kind, lifestyle winery with our luxury hospitality background to further enhance the guest experience, and these new tasting spaces are the ultimate expression of both. We look forward to welcoming our guests to enjoy these elevated tasting spaces.”
Above the first floor tasting room, the Cultivator’s Club provides a sophisticated yet relaxed setting in which to enjoy wines of the moment via a private concierge service and seasonal bites from Chef Alex Espinoza. Soft earth tones with design elements such as vintage wine barrels, brass detailing, and studio light fixtures are complemented by a contemporary fireplace, modular furniture, and tasting bar.
The Loft, on the third floor, boasts the finest views of the winery, San Pablo Bay and Carneros Valley. The contemporary space features concrete tile, metal permeate, dramatic vaulted ceilings and natural wood accents that mirror the colors of the landscape. A built-in dumbwaiter brings culinary bites up from the kitchen right onto the custom, live-edge table which can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it perfect for private social and business and events.
The Tasting Room on the ground level features similar design touches including metal bar carts, a leather banquette, large concrete tile, metal bistro tables, blown glass light fixtures, a rollup garage door, and reclaimed wood walls made with wood from the Peju family’s Pope Valley property. The adjacent renovated barn also features a rustic yet modern feel and is available for private events.
On the ground level is the winery’s main Tasting Room which 
features similar design touches such as rusted metal bar carts, a leather banquette, large concrete tile, metal bistro tables, blown glass light fixtures, a rollup garage door, and reclaimed wood walls. The adjacent barn also features a rustic yet modern feel and is available for private events.
The Tasting Room is open daily 10:00 am – 4:30 pm. Reservations are required for groups and private events. www.lianaestates.com | 1.707.302.1160.
Photos courtesy of Liana Estates and Peju Province Winery
by Linda Lang | Sep 16, 2017 | À la Carte
Mi Casa. Dorado Beach’s resort’s signature restaurant
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and world-renowned Chef José Andrés announce the Third Annual Dorado Beach Culinary Getaway to be held at the luxury resort on Puerto Rico’s Caribbean coast November 9-12, 2017.
Noted chefs Eric Ripert, Tim Love and Jacques Torres will be joining Andrés, mastermind behind the resort’s signature restaurant, Mi Casa, for weekend of culinary activities with guests. Events include a beachside cookout, wine and rum tastings, culinary demonstrations and special meals. At exclusive meet-and-greets, guests will also have the opportunity to personally interact with each chef. Highlights also include an elegant cocktail party at the property’s stunning private residence, Su Casa, as well as a Chef’s Dinner and farewell champagne brunch.
Chef José Andrés
Named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is internationally recognized as a culinary innovator, author, educator, TV personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup. A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, his group of award-winning restaurants includes sites in Washington D.C., Miami, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, and Mexico City.
Beachfront accommodation
Situated on 1,400 acres of the former Laurance Rockefeller estate, this luxury beachfront resort takes barefoot elegance to a new level. Amenities include three magnificent 18-hole golf courses, The Beach Club with adult and family pools, award-winning five-acre Spa Botánico, and wide array of one-of-a-kind lifestyle activities.
For inhttp://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/puerto-rico/dorado-beach | 1-787-626-1100
Hotel Hassler Roma welcome Andrea Antonini as the new Executive Chef at Imàgo, the hotel’s elegant Michelin -starred restaurant where fine dining is complemented with unlimited panoramas of the Eternal City. A native of Rome, Chef Antonini brings his unique talents created while working with culinary legends including 3-Michelin-starred Chefs Quique Dacosta and Joan Roca i Fontané.
At the top the Spanish Steps with uninterrupted city views in every direction, the five-star Hassler Roma has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and the world’s discerning elite for over a century. Offered are 87 rooms including 21 suites, each of which is individually designed in classic elegance with contemporary accents and every amenity. In addition to Imàgo, there’s the Hassler Bistrot, Salone Eva and Palm Court seasonal restaurants, and the legendary Hassler Bar where Princess Diana enjoyed the hotel’s signature Belini, the pampered luxuries of Amorvero Spa, and neighboring Hassler-owned II Palazzetto hotel and wine bar.
