TRAVEL+FOOD

Planning a Road Trip?

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A survey conducted by Morning Consult commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association(AHLA) found that only 44 percent of Americans are planning overnight vacation or leisure travel in 2020, with high interest in road trips, family events, and long weekends over the summer months. Encouragingly, 68 percent of these expectant travelers say they are likely to stay in a hotel in 2020.
Among Americans planning to travel in 2020, 59 percent expect to take their first overnight trip by the end of the summer. Of these, 75 percent expect to drive two or more hours.
On their next overnight trip, 43 percent plan to stay with family and friends, and 39 percent plan to stay in a hotel; just nine percent plan to stay at a short-term rental such as Airbnb or VRBO, and five percent in a camper or RV. Nearly eight in ten (78%) are planning a trip of four days or less suggesting long-weekend trips will be the first vacation travel to return. Or, book a party bus to Corpus Christi.

Key findings among those planning to travel in 2020:

What kind of travel they’re planning: 81% expect to take a day trip and 72% expect to take an overnight vacation via car within the next five months. The overwhelming majority do not expect to take cruises (14%), camper/RV trips (28%), or vacations via plane (32%) in 2020.
How far they’re traveling: Among those planning a vacation via car, 75% plan to travel two or more hours (40% plan to drive more than four hours, and 35% plan to drive two to four hours).
Where they’re staying: On their next overnight trip, 43% say they will stay with family or friends, 39% in a hotel, 9% in a short-term rental, and 5% in a camper/RV.
How long they’re staying: 78% are planning trips of four nights or less.
Why they’re traveling: 55% plan to travel for a family event, such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or family reunion; 50% plan to travel for Christmas, 43% for Thanksgiving, 33% for 4th of July, and 30% for Labor Day. About 70 percent of Americans take a vacation in any given year, according to OmniTrak (TNS) data—suggesting that travel is a long way from pre-COVID-19 levels.

“Travel is by no means back yet, but we are encouraged to see people begin to travel as their communities reopen, and we all learn to navigate this new normal,”said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “If you are thinking about traveling in 2020, my message to you is that hotels are clean and safe places, and we are ready to welcome you when you’re ready to travel. Through our Safe Stay initiative, we’ve enhanced our already rigorous cleaning protocols to be more transparent and give you evenmore peace of mind.” By a wide margin, Americans planning trips in 2020 plan to travel by car and stay either at family/friend’s house or hotel.
AHLA recently launched “Safe Stay” the industry’s initiative focused on enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols to meet the new health and safety challenges and expectations presented by COVID-19. The Safe Stay guidelines were created by an advisory council comprised of leaders from all segments of the hotel industry in accordance with CDC best practices. Safe Stay provides direction on employee and guest health, employee responsibilities, cleaning products and protocols and physical distancing and will be revised as needed based on the recommendations of public health authorities, in compliance with any federal, state and local laws.
“Cleanliness and safety have been at the core of our industry since its beginning. Safe Stay is an industry-wide commitment to our top priority – the health and safety of guests and employees. With the implementation of Safe Stay, hotels will be cleaner than ever before. As we see leisure travel slowly and safely resume, hotels are focused on establishing greater transparency and confidence throughout the entire guest experience, representing a new level of focus and transparency for an industry already built on cleanliness,”said Rogers.
Regardless of their future travel plans, respondents were also asked about their interest in and comfort level with different types of accommodations. Would-be travelers expressed high interest in and comfort with hotels, and less interest and comfort in cruises and short-term rentals.
Across the country, travel ground to a halt in March. Hotel occupancy dropped to just 24.5 percent among open hotels nationwide in April, the lowest occupancy for any month on record in the U.S., according to STR. Since then, hotel occupancy has continued to tick up slowly, reaching 43.9 percent nationwide on June 20, but still far below the 74.5 percent occupancy at this time last year.
As we enter 4th of July weekend, hotel bookings are strongest in beach towns and smaller markets, according to Amadeus, a travel technology provider. Among the top 25 travel markets, only Norfolk/Virginia Beach has eclipsed 50 percent occupancy.
Rogers urged Congress to continue to prioritize the industries and employees most affected by the pandemic, including the travel and hospitality sectors. The industry has laid out a “Roadmap to Recovery” calling on Congress to help hotels retain and rehire employees, protect employees and guests, keep hotel doors open and incentivize Americans to travel again when it’s safe.
The Roadmap includes Congress passing a temporary tax incentive to encourage domestic travel, which would provide a boost to local economies, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores that rely on business from travelers. According to Morning Consult survey data released last week
Americans widely support a new, temporary federal travel tax credit to encourage people to travel again.“The hotel industry was the first impacted by the pandemic and will be one of the last to recover. We are a major economic driver, supporting millions of jobs and generating billions in tax revenue. Getting our economy back on track starts with supporting the hotel industry and helping them regain their footing,”concluded Rogers.
This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA. The survey was conducted June 16-19, 2020 among a national sample of 2200 Adults. Of these, 973 respondents indicated they plan to travel in 2020. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of Adults based on age, educational attainment, gender, race, and region. Results among those who plan to travel in 2020 have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry and contributes nearly $660 billion to the U.S. GDP. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Every day, America’s hotels make dreams come true, not just for our guests, but also for the 8.3 million people whose jobs we support—more than 1 in every 25 American jobs.

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Say I Do × The Summit Hotel

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The Summit Hotel in Madisonville is a featured location for Say I Do, a new series premiering on Netflix on July 1. From the creators of Queer Eye, Say I Do follows couples as they overcome obstacles to plan their surprise dream wedding in less than a week.

Say I Do stars interior designer Jeremiah Brent, fashion designer Thai Nguyen, stylist Johnny Wright, and chef Gabriele Bertaccini as experts and planners of each perfect celebration, including the one filmed at The Summit. The deserving couples on the show have always wanted to get married, but life challenges kept them from realizing their dream. Laughter, tears and love are hallmarks of the program.

“One of the highest honors we have in the hotel business is to help a couple celebrate their love with an extraordinary wedding,” said Martin Pittman, AT Hospitality Vice President of Operations. “The inspiring spaces, thoughtful details and sumptuous food at our Four Diamond hotel make every wedding special. But this one, with a couple who have loved each other through difficult times and the groom surprising his bride with the wedding in less than a week, was really something special.”

Viewers are treated to a front-row seat as they get to know the couple and their love story, and are there every step of the way, from the groom surprising the bride to the menu planning and more. It all culminates in seeing the bride glowing in her Thai Nguyen gown against the lushly decorated Rooftop Terrace at The Summit.

Say I Do is garnering national attention in the ramp-up to the premiere, with media coverage including People and FilmDaily. The official trailer can be viewed here.

The Summit is Cincinnati’s premier, luxury independent boutique hotel, with more than 32,000 square feet of space for weddings and events, including the Rooftop Terrace, Art Gallery, and Library. The Summit was recently named a AAA Four Diamond property, awarded the Inspector’s AAA Best of Housekeeping designation — significantly surpassing cleanliness expectations based on their comprehensive on-site inspection— and nominated for a Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Award.

Members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ complimentary iPrefer program enjoy exclusive perks including complimentary room upgrades, free wi-fi, early check-in/late check-out, members-only rates and more.

The Summit opened in the historic and vibrant Madisonville neighborhood in 2018. Originally a doorbell factory, then a rainbow-hued parking garage, the property emerged as a contemporary art-filled hotel featuring a nine-story atrium, relaxing library, expansive rooftop terrace, art gallery and 239 guest suites that spark inspiration and curiosity. It is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s leading independent hotel group.

Designed by hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), The Summit is an artful experience with a strong emphasis on group conferences and collaborative spaces. Guests enjoy sophisticated amenities including a Rooftop Terrace, state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, Art Gallery, soaring nine-story Atrium, an ultramodern social library, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. A variety of locally sourced dining, featuring house-made cocktails and extensive beer and wine lists, is available at the hotel’s Overlook Kitchen + Bar, Brew & Barrel and The Market.

Made for Meetings & Events The Summit offers 32,600 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space,including the modern Madisonville Ballroom and 17 meeting rooms with high-tech amenities and natural light. Meeting attendees at The Summit can find non-traditional offerings for snacks and breaks at the hotel’s signature Nourishment Centres.

The Summit is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection and is designated a AAA Four Diamond hotel and an Inspector’s Award for Best Housekeeping winner. All guests of The Summit are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer hotel rewards program, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and special benefits such as complimentary Internet to members upon every stay at more than 700 participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide. The Summit is managed by AT Hospitality Group.

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Visit Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture

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While Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture is not yet open to international travelers, there are a number of foodie destinations that should be on travelers’ bucket lists when travel restrictions are lifted. Below are some incredibly unique restaurants, breweries and wineries that showcase the best of Miyagi’s local cuisine.

Akiu Winery in the quiet hills of Akiu was founded in 2015 in an effort to support the prefecture’s local agriculture. The winery produces an incredible array of wines using Merlot, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris grapes that are all grown on the estate. Guests who stop by the winery can sample any of the wines, cheeses and meats, and take a tour of the winery. Japan’s whiskey industry has received global recognition over the last few years, and travelers can experience the scene first-hand at the Miyagikyo.

Miyagikyo Distillery produces Nikka Whiskey which was originally made by the “Father of Japanese Whiskey,” Masataka Taketsuru. Taketsuru founded this second Nikka distillery in 1969 at the junction of two rivers among the Sakunami Mountains. Guests can tour the facility, participate in a whiskey tasting seminar and purchase distillery-exclusive whiskies at the gift shop. There are also a small number of microbreweries in Miyagi including one at the restaurant

Naruko no Kaze serves Japanese dinner staples like ramen and curry rice along with acclaimed sake and beer that is brewed on-site. Its awarding-winning doburoku, a thick, unfiltered farmhouse-style sake, along with its beers, which are made from local ingredients such as Yukimusubi rice and yamabudo (wild mountain grapes), are a must-try for all visitors. Miyagi’s restaurant scene also highlights the best of the prefecture’s local cuisine. Travelers who find themselves in Naruko Onsen should take a short tip to Egao Shokudo, a local soba shop. The fresh vegetables and mushrooms are all foraged by the ladies who run the shop and the local community of the surrounding mountains. The hand-picked vegetables and mushrooms are also pickled and available for purchase in the store.

As Japan is well known for its seafood, no trip to Miyagi would be complete without a visit to the Koei Suisan Fish Store, a popular local store in Matsushima Bay. In addition to offering the freshest seafood available, this family-run shop farms its own oysters. During oyster season (mid-October to mid-March), guests can savor yakigaki (grilled oysters) and raw oysters for dine-in or take-out.

Miyagi also has an incredible array of sakes distributed in the United States for people to try while dreaming of these foodie destinations. With more than 350 years under its belt, Uchigasaki Brewery is the oldest sake brewery in Miyagi Prefecture. Just north of the capital city Sendai, the brewery was founded in 1661 when its hometown Tomiya City became a popular post town along the Oshu Highway during the Edo period.

Another local favorite, Katsuyama has been making sake in Miyagi Prefecture since 1688. This brewery offers a wide variety of crystal-clear sakes to choose from, appealing to every palette. Founded in 1724, the Urakasumi Sake Brewery has been family-run for thirteen generations. Since then, the brewery has been providing the sacred sake for Shiogama Shrine, a 1,200 year-old Shinto shrine and one of the largest and most beloved shrines in Miyagi.

Newer but no less reputable, Ichinokura Brewery was founded in 1973 after four local breweries joined forces to create a very special sake made completely by hand.

For more information on Miyagi, please visit http://www.visitmiyagi.com

DaBaby Drops “ROCKSTAR” Visual

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DaBaby drops the visual for “ROCKSTAR” ft. Roddy Ricch

Grammy-nominated rap superstar DaBaby has just released the visual to his massive hit single, “ROCKSTAR” featuring Roddy Ricch. The Reel Goats-directed visual comes as the single continues its chart-topping reign “ROCKSTAR” earned DaBaby his first #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and snagging #1 on Rolling Stone’s Top 100, while approaching #1 at Rhythmic Radio. The song also peaked at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop, Hot Rap Songs, Streaming Songs charts and in several international markets including Australia, Austria, Denmark, New Zealand, Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland and the UK. In addition, DaBaby released a Black Lives Matter Remix of “ROCKSTAR, adding his voice to the conversation surrounding the current hot-button social justice issues.

“ROCKSTAR” appears on DaBaby’s sophomore album Blame it on Baby, which continues to make its mark with over 550M global streams. The 13-track album reached #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts. It debuted on Spotify’s US Top 50 and included appearances by Quavo, Future, Roddy Ricch, Ashanti, Megan Thee Stallion, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. Listen to the album here.

DaBaby continues to be recognized for his previous work as well. His 2019 album KIRK and RIAA Certified Gold single, “BOP” have earned the Charlotte artist nominations for the 2020 BET Awards’ Album of the Year and Video of the Year categories, respectively. DaBaby, who will be performing at the event, is also a contender for Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Fans of DaBaby can now grab exclusive ROCKSTAR and merch at www.blameitonbaby.com

Follow DaBaby: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Gümüşlük, Paradise on Earth

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Gümüşlük is one of the most tranquil coves with its unmatched natural beauty on the Bodrum Peninsula –the holiday hotspot of the Aegean– as it brings a great historical treasure together with sea, sand, sun, and exquisite flavors.

The history of Gümüşlük, which welcomes its guests with its windmills today, can be traced back to the ancient Lelege ancient city of Myndos dating back to three millennia ago, founded by the Carian King Mausolos, after whom the city came under the rule of many civilizations led by great personalities that shaped the world history including Alexander the Great, Aristonicus, Antonius, Brutus and Cassius.

Poetic Greek houses in the old Karakaya Village on the foothills, the magnificent view of Koyunbaba, which offers breathtaking views of the islands, the unparalleled natural beauty of Yalı and the Rabbit Island in the Gümüşlük Cove, which is accessible through the historical King’s Road, make it one of the most special locations on the Bodrum Peninsula, hosting the finest fish restaurants, festivals, world-renowned concerts, and art exhibitions. Gümüşlük is also the best destination for boats and yachts thanks to its natural harbor and spectacular sea.

An area to explore with its historical texture

Founded as a settlement in 640 B.C. in where modern Gümüşlük is located by one of the oldest civilizations in Anatolia, the Leleges, Myndos’ name meant “worship of the mother goddess.” Designated an archaeological protected site in 1975 following the recovery of numerous historical artifacts from that period during the archaeological excavations conducted on the Bozdağ hills and the Rabbit Island, the speculation on the origins of the modern name of Gümüşlük boils down to two stories. According to the first one, the region was home to silver mines in ancient times, which gave the town its name. A second story purports that the town received the name Gümüşlük because of the silvery color the sea takes during sunset…

Gümüşlük is famous for the historical Greek Houses in the Old Karakaya Village on the foothills, the glorious view of the Koyunbaba Islands, and its historical 150m-long, 1.5m-wide King’s Road. What makes Gümüşlük the most special point on the Bodrum Peninsula is the unmatched nature of Yalı and the Rabbit Island, which becomes accessible once the 3,500-year-old, submerged ancient King’s Road, which connects Gümüşlük to the Rabbit Island, reveals itself when the sea recedes and grants access to the island.

As soon as you set foot in Gümüşlük, you will be greeted by stands featuring handmade ceramics and glassware and jewelry and souvenirs made by artisans, stalls that sell lamps made from calabash, which is endemic to the Gümüşlük region and stores offering amazing desserts. Just take a few steps and you will find yourself on the path towards the bars where you can dine and wine before and after you take a dip in the water. Since this is a coastal town, finding an indoor venue here is almost impossible. At the café beaches extending along the shore, you can have a swim during the day, and a delicious meal and great time at the venues that transform into restaurants and bars in the evening. The International Gümüşlük Classical Music Festival, which is well-known in the world of classical music, is very popular among music lovers as an event that brings together successful artists from all around the globe in summer. In addition to the classical music festival, the 400-year-old Eklisia Church is also home to concerts by various artists.

A favorite among gastronomy lovers

Cafés and restaurants along the Gümüşlük coastline welcome their guests with an array of fabulous dishes, particularly during summer. In Bodrum, when it comes to watching the sunset, Gümüşlük is the first place to spring to mind particularly when it is accompanied by delicious mezes and fish. At night, Gümüşlük is the address of romanticism and peace with illuminations under the sea, renowned for its atmosphere and the unique flavors of the Aegean cuisine and famous fish restaurants. Those who visit Gümüşlük must not leave this small and romantic cove before they try kabak çiçeği dolması (stuffed zucchini blossoms), turp otu salatası (wild radish salad), acı ot kavurması (roasted inula), şevketi bostan yahnisi (blessed thistle stew), and kırlı patlıcan kızartması (fried eggplants).

Gümüşlük is known for its venues that offer not only evening feasts but also rich breakfasts where you can take your time to enjoy in an easy summer morning. Breakfast tables in sitting areas surrounded by green spaces against an endless seascape and in a fresh atmosphere are adorned by citrus jam, clotted cream of fresh goat milk, and a host of delicious cheese varieties, making it even harder for visitors to leave Gümüşlük. At the venues set in orchards of lemon and satsuma trees, you can taste tangerine and orange jam, delicious ice creams made from fresh goat milk, and apple cookies.

A holiday destination that offers peace

Gümüşlük secures a tranquil holiday experience with small boutique hotels, apart hotels and bed & breakfasts. It is also a proper location for those who are into camping, offering a variety of opportunities. Visited by everyone young and old, the cove welcomes in summers those who are into extreme sports such as watersport activities and particularly windsurfing. And if you enjoy boat tours, you can experience a vacation accompanied by the peaceful sound of waves by sailing against the immense seascapes of the Aegean Sea in its hidden coves.

About Turkey

Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and Europe continents that are separated by famous Bosphorus, Turkey is a unique destination that welcomed last year about 40 million tourists. The country that has always been a hub for cultural interaction and home to varying climates inspires the visitors today with its history, nature, and gastronomy that reflect the diversity of civilizations for centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Turkey has a distinctive understanding of art & fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity, and its extremely dynamic shopping & entertainment life also attracts visitors from all over the world.

For more about Turkey visit the GoTurkey website HERE.

GRiZ × Wreckno – Medusa

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Multi-instrumentalist and producer GRiZ is known for the compassion and connection that he shares with his fans, as much as he is for his music. Today, that sense of community grows stronger as he releases his next single, “Medusa,” featuring DJ and producer, Wreckno. What he coins his ‘queer anthem banger’ is a fiercely bass-fueled, hip-hop-laden slice of empowerment, created to uplift the underrepresented LGBTQIA+ voices in dance music. GRiZ commissioned the artwork from non-binary gay Black illustrator Gabriella Grimes, whose work brings visibility to POC, gender-nonconforming, and other identifying folks. In celebration of Pride Month, “Medusa” is a message to queer kids encouraging them to embrace exactly who they are.

Listen To “Medusa feat. Wreckno” here.

Wreckno shares what the track means to him, and how it came together – “Medusa means everything to me! Not only is it my gayest most incredible queer dream team collaboration come true, but it packs a punch with an empowering and sassy message. I grew up in the woods of northern Michigan, four hours north of Detroit. We would drive eight hours in a night, round trip sometimes, just to go and catch a GRiZ show. I’ve always admired his artistry and have been a stan for a long time, so when he reached out to work on this song it truly was my dreams coming true. His shows were like a funky rainbow escape from the grey cloud that I usually felt over my world.”

After releasing the fifth installment of his widely-praised Bangers.Zip EP series, GRiZ dialed back the dubstep and turned up the funk with his latest chilled-out jam, “Solo ft. ProbCause.” An early taste of his forthcoming Chasing The Golden Hour Pt. 3, GRiZ released the 90’s-inspired summer starter on his 30th birthday last month. Since then, he’s taken his engaging live shows to the streaming landscape, treating fans to massive virtual sets and more intimate moments from home. Most recently he raised funds for Trans Lifeline during his Digital Mirage 2.0 performance, while the festival also contributed proceeds to Equal Justice Initiative and Color of Change.

Wreckno, like GRiZ, is a Michigan native who fell in love with the electronic scene at age 15 and less than ten years later, is an unstoppable force in the bass space. He’s brought his positive message and unique brand of music to staple venues across cities like Detroit, Chicago, New York, and more. Earlier this month Wreckno donated all proceeds from his track “Ass Thrower” to The Louisville Community Bail Fund.

Lastlings x “No Time”

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Australia’s latest breakout act Lastlings today released their new ethereal single, “No Time,” on Astralwerks/Rose Avenue. The track arrives with an anime-style music video, inspired by their Japanese heritage and one of their favorite dystopian science fiction novels. The electronic sibling duo put their signature transportive lyricism and emotive pop soundscapes to work, cementing their unique brand of artistry with “No Time.”

Listen to “No Time” here and watch the video here.

On the meaning behind the animated video, Lastlings share: “No Time” was inspired by Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian science fiction novel Never Let Me Go. As humans, we know and understand that our life spans are limited, but of course, it’s something that we push to the back of our minds. When we’re faced with this kind of knowledge, what do we do when we realize that we don’t have much longer? What are the things that quickly become matters of importance and what are the things we look back on that are really worthwhile? “No Time” is about releasing yourself from negative thoughts and growing from our disappointments and failures. It is also about living life to its fullest potential because as cliche as it may be, life really is short and everything happens for a reason.”

The animator reveals that “No Time” is a chase between darkness and light. It’s a piece about a fraternity, where a brother and sister together face their fear of the passing of time. The character designs refer to “Perfect Blue” by Satoshi Kon; realistic animations and drawings used to deal with a mature subject. They also referenced the old comic book style, similar to Moebius’ work. This cultural mix of Japanese and Occidental styles is a reflection of Lastlings’ heritage.

Upon signing to Astralwerks earlier this year, Lastlings unleashed the dark pop electronica track, “Take My Hand.” Also influenced by their Japanese heritage, the official video weaves elements from one of their most beloved animes, “Your Name” by Makoto Shinkai. “Take My Hand” caught the attention of influential tastemakers like Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Torren Foot, who flipped the original into three stunning remixes. Last month, Lastlings kicked off RÜFÜS DU SOL’s debut Rose Ave Radio show on SiriusXM. Listen to Episode 1, here.

Daniel Boulud Opens Dubai Restaurant

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Award-winning, Michelin-starred Chef, Daniel Boulud, to open first Dubai restaurant in Sofitel Dubai Wafi

Brasserie Boulud, a new dining concept by Daniel Boulud – chef-owner of award-winning restaurants around the globe – is set to open its doors this September within Sofitel Dubai Wafi in the United Arab Emirates. Inspired by the French art de vivre, Boulud’s very first restaurant in the Middle East will offer French-inspired contemporary cuisine, rooted in tradition.

While Boulud hails from outside Lyon, France, it is in New York, that he has truly mastered the dining scene and is today considered one of America’s leading culinary authorities. Renowned for the modern appeal he adds to soulful cooking in authentic French classics, he has continuously evolved his cuisine and expanded his dining concepts in Washington DC, Miami, Palm Beach, Toronto, Montreal, London, Singapore, and now Dubai.

Drawing on his vast culinary knowledge, Boulud has chosen French Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Lemoyne to take the helm of Brasserie Boulud. Bringing more than 15 years of experience under his chef’s apron including working at Restaurant Daniel, Boulud’s flagship restaurant in New York, Lemoyne will bring a completely new French experience to Dubai’s current dining scene. The menu is inspired by the rhythm of the seasons and the finest ingredients, with specialties such as Melon Soup with Shrimp and Lemongrass, Homemade Duck and Foie Gras Rillette, Terrine of Spiced Lamb with Eggplant, Dover Sole Veronique with Romanesco Broccoli, BB Burger with Tomato Confit, Arugula and Raclette Cheese, Chicken Tagine with Saffron Cauliflower and Green Olives, Apricot Clafoutis with Pistachio, and Tarte au Chocolat et Framboises.

Stepping into timeless elegance, the beautiful décor of Brasserie Boulud will capture the imagination of the most discerning of diners. As guests walk into the restaurant, the art deco design theme is apparent throughout the venue as modern styles are combined with fine craftsmanship and rich materials. Eyes immediately gravitate to the soaring mirrored ceiling accentuated by modern chandeliers and the classic neutral color palette provides an understated, modern and relaxed atmosphere. The open kitchen offers a multi-sensory dining experience as the chefs showcase their skills. During weekends, live entertainment will accompany the dining experience, inviting guests to take refuge from a busy city life and live the French way.

Said Daniel Boulud of the partnership, “We are so excited to be bringing Brasserie Boulud to our friends in the Middle East for the very first time and we cannot imagine a better partner than Sofitel, a brand that echoes so many of the principles we stand for. They share in our passion for excellence in both hospitality and cuisine, and we look forward to providing an extraordinary experience to their guests.”

When it comes to eating and drinking well, Dubai’s dining scene is renowned for its diverse and globally driven nature. However, Brasserie Boulud is set to be a unique destination in itself – a bastion of taste and the true meaning of gastronomie française.

About Chef Daniel Boulud

Daniel Boulud is Chef-Owner of several award-winning restaurants and the Feast & Fêtes catering company. While he hails from outside Lyon, France, it is in New York that he has truly mastered the dining scene and is today considered one of America’s leading culinary authorities. Raised on his family’s farm in the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, the chef remains inspired by the rhythm of the seasons and menus driven by fine ingredients.

Since arriving in New York City in 1982, he has continually evolved his cuisine and expanded his reach across the U.S., as well as London, Toronto, Montreal and Singapore. His culinary empire has brought him many accolades, including two Michelin-starred flagship, Daniel in New-York. Boulud’s culinary style and reverence to mentorship is also reflected in ten books, including the definitive DANIEL: My French Cuisine (Grand Central Publishing, 2013), My Best: Daniel Boulud (Ducasse Books, 2014) and a recently updated version of Letters to a Young Chef (Basic Books, 2017. In 2015, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awarded Boulud the Diners Club® Lifetime Achievement Award for his success as a restaurateur, businessman, and ‘chef who is revered as one of the world’s finest.’

About Sofitel Dubai Wafi

A sophisticated and chic address in the epicenter of luxury, Sofitel Dubai Wafi elegantly merges modern French art de vivre and ancient Egyptian heritage with the essence and culture of the UAE. Adorned with a gold pyramidion and in the shape of an obelisk, representative of the Luxor Obelisk currently in Paris, Sofitel Dubai Wafi majestically thrones in the heart of Dubai. Connected to Wafi, a premium shopping and leisure destination, the hotel is just 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, as well as major cultural and tourist attractions in the city.

Kontiki Small-Yacht Expeditions

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New Kontiki small-yacht expeditions will launch this fall and is now accepting bookings for sailings along Ecuadorian coast

After an extensive planning and construction period, the start-up Kontiki Expeditions will launch their maiden voyages this fall. A new concept in luxury ocean vacations focusing on conscious travel and immersive experiences, Kontiki small-yacht expeditions include both under-the-water and on-land richesse. Kontiki’s first two itineraries, The Toquilla Expedition and The Spondylus Expedition, travel along the Ecuadorian coast and take full advantage of the country’s wealth of birds, animals, flora, fauna, indigenous foods and cultural traditions while adhering to a philosophy of sustainability and giving back to communities.

“We are pioneers in offering luxury sea expeditions along seldom-traveled routes,” commented Carlos Nuñez, Founder and CEO. “Our new expeditions reveal the beauty and authenticity of coastal Ecuador, passing through small, uncrowded towns and historical sites; forests and wetlands; pristine beaches; and protected ecological reserves,” he continued.

A fundamental part of the Kontiki program is supporting the communities visited while also enriching the guest experience. “We believe strongly that conscious travel is especially important as we connect our guests with local communities. Giving back is as important as receiving,” Nuñez noted.

The first ship is scheduled to set sail in December. Initially introducing with two eight-day itineraries, Kontiki will transport guests to untouristed areas in Ecuador to explore and celebrate the indigenous cultures within a context of wellness. Kontiki’s luxury boutique yachts, which have only nine staterooms each, are able to visit smaller ports.

The programs are led by 10 crew members and two local experts committed to sustainability and conscious travel. Onboard, wellness professionals, naturalist guides and a local chef add to the distinctive Kontiki experience. Guests can expect to see the country’s beloved blue-footed boobies along with sea lions and howler monkeys. Gastronomic experiences featuring local chocolate, seafood, and produce will be enjoyed both onboard and on land.

The yachts are 128 feet-long and include nine staterooms, a sundeck, a gourmet salon, two outdoor lounges, bar, Jacuzzi, and a gym and fitness area. Guest and crew health and safety are priorities and sanitization and wellness protocols are summarized on Kontiki’s website here. Pricing begins at $7245 per person per week, based on double occupancy, and includes all activities, meals, transfers to and from ports, park entrances, guided expeditions and more. Solo traveler rate and private charter rates are also available.

“Ecuador is home to our first expedition and we look forward to expanding our concept of small-yacht luxury to other countries as well. We are excited about sharing our beautiful yachts and destinations with adventurous travelers who share our passion for exploration and conscious travel,” he added. For more information and reservations, visit www.kontikiexpeditions.com/en.

About Kontiki Expeditions:

Kontiki Expeditions are pioneers in conscious luxury travel, offering immersive and sustainable small-yacht expeditions. Sailing the untouristed Ecuadorian coast, the nine-stateroom Kontiki yachts introduce a maximum of 18 guests to the richesse of the land and sea. Multi-stop itineraries feature hiking, snorkeling, meetings with locals, in-depth cultural explorations, wellness activities and gastronomy. Kontiki travelers experience the area’s flora, fauna and animals including indigenous blue-footed boobies and howler monkeys, all in a protected environment where sustainability and uncrowded venues are paramount. Kontiki prides itself in giving back to the communities visited with resources and education. For more information, visit their website, call +5933984364149, or email Kontiki Expeditions.

Follow Kontiki Expeditions: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Naomi Campbell – #BLM Episode

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NAOMI CAMPBELL RETURNS WITH THE SECOND SEASON OF “NO FILTER WITH NAOMI” THE SERIES RELAUNCHES WITH A SPECIAL EPISODE DEDICATED TO #BLACKLIVESMATTER AND FEATURES GUESTS REV. AL SHARPTON, OPAL TOMETI AND ALPHONSO DAVID

LIVE STREAM THE SERIES FOR HER “BEING NAOMI” YOUTUBE CHANNEL WEEKDAYS AT 3PM ET

International supermodel, activist and philanthropist Naomi Campbell kicks off the relaunch of the second season of her highly popular and well received series, “No Filter with Naomi” – a limited-time production as a part of her “Being Naomi” YouTube channel.

The first episode is completely focused around the #BlackLivesMatter movement; Naomi has curated a special guest conversation that will feature Rev. Al Sharpton, Opal Tometi (Author and Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter) and Alphonso David (President of the Human Rights Campaign) and will touch on current cultural and political talking points that speak toward what humanity is experiencing globally – the fight for social justice, race, gender and sex equality and its effect on world citizens.

The intimate, live streamed daily series which first debuted on April 6th, has invited fans to #stayhome and save lives during this critical time and has focused on in-depth, career spanning conversations between Naomi and a close group of her friends.

“No Filter with Naomi,” which has already amassed over 2,844,000 views, has featured some of the most globally recognized figures in fashion, entertainment and beauty including: Cindy Crawford, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Richie, Ashley Graham, Pierpaolo Piccoli, Lee Daniels, Christy Turlington, Adut Akech, SharonStone, Paris Hilton, Serena Williams and Venus Williams, Karlie Kloss, Anna Wintour, Sean “Diddy” Comb and Jackie Aina.

WHO: International Supermodel, Activist and Philanthropist, Naomi Campbell

WHAT: Relaunch of Naomi’s YouTube exclusive series – “No Filter With Naomi,” dedicated to #BlackLivesMatter – featuring guests Rev. Al Sharpton, Opal Tometi (Author and Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter) and Alphonso David (President of the Human Rights Campaign)

WHEN: Weekdays at 3pm EST, starting Tuesday, June 23rd 2020

WHERE: Streaming live on Naomi Campbell’s YouTube Channel

ABOUT NAOMI CAMPBELL:

Naomi Campbell was born in London, England and discovered as a fashion model at age 15. Throughout her career, she’s fronted the covers of over 1000 magazines, been featured in campaigns for celebrated houses including Burberry, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton, and walked iconic shows for Chanel, Azzedine Alaia, Christian Dior, and Versace.

Beyond her work in the fashion & entertainment industries, Campbell has used her celebrity for an array of fundraising and non-profit initiatives across the globe. Environmentalism, as well as Human Rights and Global Health, as it specifically pertains to women and children, have been critical sectors of Campbell’s work.

She has also formed her own non-profit, Fashion For Relief, a charitable organization founded in 2005 that has raised funds for various environmental and humanitarian causes. It holds events in association with the London-based non-profit organization CARE. Today, Campbell is undoubtedly solidifying her place as a cultural innovator- using her incredible platform and success for positive change across industries around the world.