TRAVEL+FOOD

Best of Paris

As the summer starts to heat up, Melchior presents its ‘French List’ of iconic Parisian addresses where you can dine in true Parisian style.

If you’re in Europe this season, you may want to check out this comprehensive list of restaurants. It’s guaranteed to make your mouth water because it was curated by one of the most notable public relations agencies in Paris.

Many of them are highly revered by locals for preparing some of the most sought-after items on any French menu. Whether it’s steak frites or duck confit. It’s important to eat your way through the city center.

In order to wash it down, you’ll be able to find a vast array of mixologists who can make an amazing cocktail. Nonetheless, make sure to get a Croque-monsieur. Their highly acclaimed wines complement it well.

In fact, you could hop on the high-speed TGV rail from Paris to Bordeaux to purchase a bottle to further cleanse your palette.

Superplastic + AREA15

Superplastic, the IP factory renowned across animated entertainment, music, fashion and collectible art toys, announces a strategic partnership with AREA15, an immersive entertainment company, that will introduce its animated characters IRL for the first time. As part of the partnership, Superplastic will open an experiential space within the AREA15 entertainment district later this year, creating an all new type of experience, blending its signature brand of mischief and tomfoolery with art, hype culture and fashion.

Located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, AREA15 is a vibrant playground that entertains more than 3 million visitors annually. The new Superplastic experience will join AREA15’s curated collection of interactive attractions, walk-thru art exhibits, tech-driven experiences, events and entertainment, unique food and beverage offerings, and globally recognized immersive experiences such as Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Illuminarium, Five Iron Golf, Dueling Axes and much more.

“We’re thrilled to expand the Superplastic brand and characters to immersive entertainment,” says Superplastic CEO Jennifer van Dijk, “There is no better partner for us in this space than AREA15—we have a deep interest in growing intellectual property and entertainment that blends the digital and physical worlds. This is something we can powerfully scale over time.”

“We welcome the addition of Superplastic to our growing collection of top-tier, globally recognized brands who have selected AREA15 as the location for their first-ever experiential, brick-and-mortar attractions,” added Winston Fisher, CEO, AREA15. “Soon, our millions of visitors will have the thrill of interacting with Superplastic’s digital character universe in real life and in completely new and engaging ways.”

ABOUT SUPERPLASTIC:
Superplastic is a character-driven intellectual property company that creates synthetic celebrities with millions of followers worldwide and who appear in social media, music, gaming, high-end collectibles, fashion, animated entertainment, web3, and live experiences. The company sells tens of millions of dollars in real and virtual products annually, and has collaborated with Gucci, Fortnite, Mercedes-Benz, Tommy Hilfiger, Christie’s Auction House, J. Balvin, Kidsuper, Pusha-T, Paris Hilton, Post Malone, The Weeknd, Vince Staples, Rico Nasty, and more.

ABOUT AREA15
AREA15, located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, represents the world’s first purpose-built immersive entertainment district offering live events, distinctive attractions, interactive art installations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, ground-breaking technology, bars and eateries and much more. AREA15’s curated mix of dynamic destinations—including LIFTOFF Bar and Ride, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Illuminarium, Dueling Axes, Five Iron Golf, Kaia Handroll, The Beast, Wink World: Portals Into the Infinite, Museum Fiasco, Virtualis VR and many more—represents what’s next in experiential entertainment. With a robust, ever-changing roster of concerts, events, immersive art exhibitions, out-of-this-world nightlife and boundary-pushing production shows, AREA15 attracts visitors of all ages. Expanding across 20 acres in Las Vegas, AREA15 will soon welcome even more immersive destinations, including Universal Destinations & Experiences’ new, year-round horror entertainment experience Horror Unleashed.

AREA15 has received numerous accolades, including being named “Another Unmissable Stop for Art Lovers” by The Times UK, “Most Innovative Venue in the USA” and No. 2 on the list of “10 Best Immersive Experiences in the U.S.” by Timeout, “Best Immersive Art Experience” by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards, one of “The 10 Most Innovative Urban Development and Real Estate Companies of 2020” by Fast Company, “Best Attraction” for three consecutive years as well as “Best Place for Your Instagram Shot” and “Best Rave Resurgence” by Las Vegas Weekly Readers’ Choice Best of Vegas Awards, “Best Arts Hub” by Vegas Magazine, “Best Family Attraction” from the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association, claiming the No. 1 spot in Blooloop’s “World’s Top 11 Immersive Art Experiences,” and being included in Las Vegas Magazine’s Hall of Fame.

Follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @AREA15Official; and YouTube: AREA15. Hashtag: #AREA15. Click here for directions.

QT Singapore

AUSTRALIA’S QT HOTELS & RESORTS ENTERS ASIA WITH GRAND AND GLAM QT SINGAPORE

Australian-based QT Hotels & Resorts announced today the forthcoming opening of QT Singapore, the group’s first hotel outside Australia and New Zealand. Since EVT opened the inaugural QT in 2011, the brand’s combination of luxury, chic, informality, playfulness, and eccentricity has transformed the high-end hotel scene across Australia and New Zealand, and soon to be Southeast Asia.

The new QT Singapore is housed within the former headquarters of the Cable and Wireless Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, an over-the-top example of British Empire monumental design, all columns, and verandas – originally built in 1927. It was granted landmark status in 2000 and converted into the Telegraph Hotel. The head-to-toe transformation of the landmark building into the QT Singapore is being led by renowned interior designer, Nic Graham, whose goal is to “blend inspiration from the tropical climate and historic architecture with the rich colors and bold statements that are QT’s signature style.”

Set to open in September 2024, QT Singapore will feature 134 luxury rooms and suites, a rooftop swimming pool and bar redesigned as Rooftop by QT, and a signature bar and grill, including intimate dining options. QT Singapore will sit in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown, adjacent to the Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, thronged by visitors and locals eager to dine, snack and shop within a 130-year-old architectural marvel.

“We’re excited by the liveliness QT will bring to Singapore’s diverse tourism landscape,” says Callum Kennedy, Group General Manager of EVT Hotels and Resorts. “QT Singapore will be championed by QT’s luxurious quirk, from design to signature service, bringing the energy and vibrancy guests love from the world of QT to be discovered by locals and travelers in Southeast Asia.”

QT Singapore’s General Manager will be Doron Whaite, whose 20 years of experience with QT Hotels & Resorts and its parent company EVT, include major positions at QT Perth and QT Sydney. He led the launch of QT Auckland, winning him Hospitality New Zealand’s Hospitality Award for Excellence. “I am passionate about creating luxurious, memorable environments for guests,” says Whaite, “and QT Singapore, with its limitless potential, will enable the evolution of this iconic property into its next era, right in the heart of Asia.”

For more information about QT Singapore and the entire portfolio of QT Hotels & Resorts throughout Australasia, please visit: www.qthotels.com

MJB + PEPSI

WATCH

Over the weekend, GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated artist, actress, producer, and entrepreneur Mary J. Blige, PEPSI®, Live Nation Urban and MVD Inc. wrapped an unforgettable takeover across New York City, from May 10th to May 12th, for the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. The lively weekend consisted of three days devoted to music, female empowerment sessions, exceptional industry speakers, and moving testimonials. Created and curated by the newly inducted Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honoree, Mary J. Blige, the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival experience in the market, brought to you exclusively by an all-Black female team, and arrived at the birthplace of Hip-Hop, New York City, after previously being held in Atlanta for its first two years.

“This past weekend was a whirlwind in the best way possible,” said Mary J. Blige. “Getting to bring this home to NYC is something I won’t forget. Thank you to everyone who came out, to all my family who participated and to everyone involved, including my partners at Pepsi, who made this dream come to life. Until next year!”

The festival kicked off on Friday, May 10th with an intimate welcome party hosted by Mary J. Blige at Corner Social in Harlem. Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, while dancing the night away to the sounds of Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex. The evening continued downtown in Greenwich Village at Blue Note with two sold-out jazz shows headlined by 5x GRAMMY-winning artist Robert Glasper at the legendary Blue Note. Taking the stage, Glasper performed a medley of songs for the intimate crowd in attendance. The evening concluded with Mary J. Blige gracing the stage with Glasper where the pair shared anecdotes before leaving the audience with an inspiring mantra: “Each one, teach one, help one.” Additional notable celebrities in attendance included Tiffany Haddish, Tasha Smith, Rapsody, and Bryan Michael Cox.

On Saturday, the morning commenced with over 4,000 attendees for the Strength of a Woman Summit held at The Glasshouse. The highly-anticipated summit kicked off with a motivational prayer from Tasha Smith and welcome remarks from The Breakfast Club co-host and comedian Jess Hilarious. The star-studded panels included “Girl Talk with MJB,” an unfiltered conversation that celebrated the magical bond of Black women’s friendships with Mary J. Blige, and her celebrity besties Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson, and Tasha Smith. The summit also included an “Our Men Honor the Strength of a Woman” panel, a dynamic men’s discussion led by the cast of Starz’s hit series’, Method Man, Larenz Tate, Michael Rainey Jr., Da’Vinchi, and Mekai Curtis. Additional notable key speakers that contributed to the program’s captivating sessions included Marsai Martin, Pinky Cole Hayes, Crystal Renee Hayslett, Misa Hylton, Bevy Smith, Claire Sulmers, Simone I. Smith, Kim Kimble, Tunde Oyeneyin, and more. Co-hosted by comedian and co-host of The Breakfast Club, Jess Hilarious and award-winning on-air talent, journalist and podcaster, Gia Peppers, the incredible event, which was free for the public with registration, featured a total of nine panels highlighting the festival’s mission and purpose of empowerment, elevation, education, and equity to life with inspiring programming, pivotal panels, and experiences, focused on wellness, culture, finance and entrepreneurship, style, beauty, podcasts and much more.

The panels are only one star-studded component of the Summit. Activations included a tooth gem station by Get Gem’d, a myriad of memorable photo moments, and a lush build-your-own bouquet bar. Guests were also welcomed to explore “Mary’s Living Room,” a comfortable sanctuary featuring the varietals of the Sun Goddess wine collection, Sister Love’s bold jewelry designs and the specially made Strength of a Woman merchandise. Additionally, guests were invited to immerse themselves in the music and memories of Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” album in a custom listening booth, created as a special tribute to the 30th anniversary of the iconic album.

PEPSI®, the festival’s returning partner, offered Summit attendees delicious food, custom cocktails, mocktails and complimentary beverages at the Pepsi Dig In Village, capturing the diverse flavors of the major foodie city. Pepsi Dig In, the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness for Black-owned restaurants, featured dishes from five female-owned restaurants: Slutty Vegan, Melba’s, 2 Girls & A Cookshop, Aunts Et Uncles and Je T’aime Patisserie.

“Pepsi returned as co-presenting partner for the Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, this time bringing our shared vision to elevate, educate and empower women to New York City – our own backyard and Mary’s hometown. Pepsi Dig In, the brand’s platform to support Black-owned restaurants, also returned to feature five local female-owned restaurants at the Pepsi Dig In Village to spotlight these businesses at the Summit to drive visibility and awareness to their incredible dishes. The weekend’s sold-out events and continued success is a testament to Mary’s impact,” said Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo Industry Relations and Multicultural Development.

Additional partners with onsite activations included, Mielle Organics, who provided an onsite hairstylist and giveaways of their must-have beauty and haircare products, and Verizon Business, who invited attendees to delve into the brand’s suite of small business offerings while also enjoying complimentary charging services of their mobile devices. Additional sponsors for this year’s summit included ASCAP and Starz.

Following the Summit, New Yorkers flocked to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for a concert headlined by newly-inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Strength of a Woman founder Mary J. Blige, with additional performances by 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Lola Brooke, Honey Bxby, and Funk Flex. The evening was hosted by “the voice of New York,” Angie Martinez and kicked off with a special tribute to “Hip Hop Moms,” featuring Mama Jones (Jim Jones’ mother), Audrey Jackson (Pop-Smoke’s mother), Debbie Phillips (Jadakiss’s mother) and Athena Dubose (A. Boogie’s mother.) Rising sibling quartet, WanMor, made up of singer Wanya Morris’ four sons, surprised their mother, Traci Nash, by serenading her with the song “A Song for Mama,” made famous by their father’s group, Boyz II Men.

In between sets, Funkmaster Flex kept the party going with lively DJ sets that kept the crowd on their feet. Honey Bxby took the stage first, kicking off her set with “Basic.” Next up was Brooklyn’s own Lola Brooke – who started her set by thanking her mother for allowing her to pursue her dreams. Legendary rapper Jadakiss performed and surprised the crowd when he brought out Styles P and Sheek Louch of his group The Lox to perform three of their hits. 50 Cent made a grand entrance as he was lifted onto the stage to start his performance. During his set, he performed fan-favorite track “Big Rich Town,” and was joined not only by G-Unit’s Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, but he also brought out cast members of three of his hit Starz series, including Michael Rainey Jr. (Power Book II: Ghost), Larenz Tate (Power Book II: Ghost) and Da’vinchi (BMF), while Mekai Curtis (Power Book III: Raising Kanan) surprised concertgoers by hopping on the drums during 50 Cent’s song “In Da Club.” 50 Cent made the days of a few lucky fans when he launched the Givenchy varsity jacket and orange leather vest he was wearing into the crowd. For the main event, Mary J. Blige rose up onto the stage and joined 50 Cent to sing “Hate It Or Love It.” Throughout the evening, she performed her hits including “You Remind Me,” “Love No Limit,” “I Can Love You,” “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “I’m Going Down,” “Still Believe In Love,” and featured surprise performances from Vado, A. Boogie and Method Man. The night continued with Jill Scott, Jadakiss, Fat Joe with special guest Remy Ma, and WanMor each performing their own sets for the crowd. To close out the evening of an already iconic night of performances, Blige returned to the stage – with her third stunning outfit change of the night – to sing some of her greatest hits, including fan-favorite “Just Fine” and “Family Affair.” If that wasn’t enough, Blige then shocked the crowd by announcing the long-anticipated “The Mary Boot,” her new boot collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti, which is now on sale.

On the final day of the event-filled weekend, the festival continued with a sold-out Mother’s Day Brunch Experience hosted by Mary J. Blige, held at Brooklyn Chop House in Times Square. With sounds provided by Funk Flex and DJ Smooth Ski, the event featured a pre-fixe brunch menu for guests to enjoy. Notable attendees in attendance included, Taraji P. Henson, Misa Hylton, and Mekai Curtis. Mary provided concluding remarks, including a quote from The Intruders classic hit song, “I’ll Always Love My Mama,” before wishing the excited audience a Happy Mother’s Day. Following the brunch, the festival made its way to the Brooklyn Paramount for an uplifting gospel concert presented by Femme It Forward, featuring uplifting performances by the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters and Jane Handcock, who opened the show.

This year’s festival expanded its footprint across the New York City boroughs, bringing the event’s purpose of empowerment, elevation, and education to life for the community. On Thursday, April 25, Pepsi launched the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund, with $100,000 available as grants to local organizations whose work elevates and educates underserved women in Mary’s hometown of Yonkers, NY.

Stay Updated with the latest on Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit:
Instagram: @SOAWFestival
Twitter: @SOAWFest
Facebook: Strength of a Woman Fest

The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is produced by MVD Inc., an internationally acclaimed creative production agency led by co-founders and sisters Miatta Johnson and Massah David.

For more information, please visit soawfestival.com.

*Mary J. Blige takes the stage for a packed audience at the Barclays Center at Mary J. Blige and Pepsi’s third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, in partnership with Live Nation Urban and MVD Inc.
on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in New York City.
(Photo Credit: Ellen Qbertplaya for Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit)

JHENE AIKO – TMHT

On the heels of her triumphant return to Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival this past weekend, Six-time GRAMMY nominated R&B sensation JHENÉ AIKO has announced additional Los Angeles and San Diego dates for The Magic Hour Tour featuring Coi Leray, Tink, Umi, and Kiana Lede. The Magic Hour Tour will land in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 31st at Crypto.com Arena and in San Diego on Saturday, August 3 at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
Artist presale tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 24th at 10am PT, using password: MAGIC.

Tickets to The Magic Hour Tour co-starring COI LERAY, TINK, UMI, AND KIANA LEDE are moving fast, with many North American stops close to selling out! Don’t miss Jhené and friends play 28 arenas across North America, starting at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on June 19, with stops including the TD Garden in Boston, Toyota Center in Houston, Chase Center in San Francisco, and Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver before closing out at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on August 22.

JHENÉ AIKO gave fans a preview of what they can expect on The Magic Tour during her Coachella set where she masterfully interweaved her discography with curated hits spanning the entirety of her impressive career backed by an ensemble of instrumentalists, vocalists, and orchestral strings. Showcasing her remarkable vocal range as the performance journeyed in and out of nostalgic classics from “While We’re Young” and 5x-platinum “The Worst” to “Sativa” and “Bed Peace,” JHENÉ AIKO surprised fans with a star-studded lineup of guest stars that included TYGA, SAWEETIE, OMARION, and BIG SEAN.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT

WWW.JHENEAIKO.COM

CONNECT WITH JHENÉ AIKO

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X

MICHAEL BIBI + COACHELLA

DJ and producer Michael Bibi (25 MM streams on Spotify alone) who – following his career-stalling 2023 battle with cancer – made a triumphant return to performing last night on the festival’s brand new Quasar stage.

Almost exactly one year ago, Bibi (aged 33) was diagnosed with CNS Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that instantly pulled him from the road to a hospital bed. Through his battle (which included 5 rounds of intense chemotherapy) and – thankful – recent remission, Bibi has emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. Throughout his battle, he was cheered on by his colleagues in the global music world – with everyone from Tiesto and Carlita to Vintage Culture and Diplo posting regular words of support and encouragement as he chronicled his treatment. On December 5, he posted that he was cancer free as he rang the bell at The Royal Marsden in London.

On Saturday night, he performed his highly-anticipated comeback set that featured several surprise appearances from industry veterans, who rallied around the artist during this pinnacle moment.

Following his Coachella performance, Michael Bibi will be embarking on his “One Life” World Tour HERE.

KEVIN GATES – CEREMONY TOUR

Podcast

Tickets

TikTok

“Kevin Gates‘ The Ceremony Tour, a soulful country music and rap celebration of his fourth studio album, with a Sexyy Red feature on Yonce Freestyle. He efficiently manages his masters in psychology through a combination of self-awareness and self-preservation.” —VLOW

It’s not uncommon to come across someone who radiates a moderate level of spirituality. In a world filled with darkness, a beam of light shines. After a daunting week of having to dive headfirst into a wall of irritating irresponsibility, battered but not broken, our heart reminded our soul: ‘The mission must continue.’ And once that first step landed on stage, the crowd erupted in joy.

Clearly, Kevin now resides at an Equinox, as his skin glows like glass. We smelled eucalyptus during his about-face. Not to mention, he showed up in what appeared to be a pair of black shorts and a loosely fitted designer t-shirt. Giving dope men chique with athleisure realness. Never have I ever felt so much more connected to this burly (and buff), unapologetic ball of ervescent energy.

The entire set list was immersive, sensationalizing a backyard BBQ in Baton Rouge. Followed by a spiked brisk ice tea and a wind of innocence. Many of us hadn’t encountered such a force of nature unfolding in purity. This was the initial phase of the awakening. It felt like it was the same tsunami that caused 2 Phones. Imagine That, which was a wave of truth rapidly transformed into our cognition, which we involuntarily exhaled into our newfound existence.

His gleaming grilled smile with smirk, swift segues, and his background dancer’s pelvis pumping made many of us nostalgic.

#Top15ofAllTime (coming soon)

Kevin Gates The Ceremony Tour via 360 MAGAZINE.

Mount Nelson

To mark Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel’s 125th birthday celebration in 2024, Mother City, a curation of artworks from the Norval Foundation’s Collection will be on show at the legendary property. Punctuating The Nellie’s grand halls and public spaces, artworks through the lens of 16 artists’ nuanced practices will find a home at the hotel until October.

On the surface, Mother City is a concept that owes its name to Cape Town’s moniker as the first city settled by Europeans in South Africa, but the exhibition probes deeper. Drawing from the Norval Foundation’s extensive collection of contemporary works by some of the country’s most prominent artists, RESERVOIR founders Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe have framed the exhibition around the multifaceted and complex notions associated with the role of the mother – particularly as a symbolic source of care. “Working with the geographical location of the Norval Foundation, the exhibition explores how these diverse and at times diasporic artists have come to be represented in the permanent collection, through an imagined symbolic connection to Cape Town – the Mother City. Notions of not only the archetypal mother but also its extended connotations of community, femininity, ancestry, and social icons can be found throughout the practices of the artists on show.”

Displayed throughout Mount Nelson’s lounge, bar, reception, conservatory and transitional spaces, this immersive collection of works spans mediums from painting, photography, and relief sculpture to tapestry and stitching. Each creator offers a unique perspective on the subject with exhibited artists including Mia Chaplin, Georgina Gratrix, Nicholas Hlobo, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, Bronwyn Katz, Bonolo Kavula, Dada Khanyisa, Kapwani Kiwanga, Zanele Muholi, Cassi Namoda, Gregory Olympio, Thania Petersen, Athi-Patra Ruga, Gerda Scheepers, Berni Searle and Brett Charles Seiler.

“It’s a great honour to share part of the Homestead Collection with guests of Mount Nelson. As a leading 20th-century South African art collection dedicated to an expanded narrative, these works speak to the hotel’s reverence for its past and its insistence on being part of the future,” says founder of the Norval Foundation, Louis Norval.

This commitment to supporting art and creativity was a perfect marriage to the goals of the Cape Town art museum, Norval Foundation. Norval Foundation was established in 2018 as a platform to champion and support African Art and artists and to develop art education in the Western Cape. Since its inception, Norval Foundation has hosted exhibitions dedicated to the works of esteemed artists, including William Kentridge, Berni Searle, Cinga Samson, Michael Armitage, Bonolo Kavula, Wim Botha, and many more.

Globally, Belmond’s part in supporting the arts, its curators, and collectors in each of its global locations has been substantial. Locally, the Pink Lady, affectionately named after her emblematic painted façade, has been a cultural cornerstone for over a century. Set in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant inner city and backed by Table Mountain, Mount Nelson fuses its impressive heritage with contemporary relevance and a cultural calendar that celebrates the country’s creative assets.

The hotel’s partnership with Investec Cape Town Art Fair, its site-specific architectural artwork by renowned French artist Daniel Buren as part of MITICO 3.0 by Galleria Continua, and its annual Confections x Collections event, curated by Twyg, have been key to establishing and deepening The Nellie’s imaginative offerings. “Our intention at Mount Nelson is to create a welcoming and engaging space where guests can celebrate the creativity, art, and design coming from our continent and beyond,” says Tiago Sarmento, General Manager of the hotel. The addition of pieces from the Norval Foundation’s Homestead Collection can only augment this ever-evolving artistic endeavour.

Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town via 360 MAGAZINE.

CABERNET COOKOFF

HALL Napa Valley, an independent family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon producer, has announced plans to be the Title Sponsor for the Cabernet Cookoff set to return on Saturday, April 13 at HALL St. Helena. The annual event, presented by The Coeur Foundation, will feature an impressive lineup of renowned culinary teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. Ticket proceeds benefit non-profit organizations as selected by the winning chef teams. The Cabernet Cookoff includes two ticket options; a VIP Ticket granting access to a pre-event wine tasting experience from 11:00a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as well as a Main Event Ticket that takes place from 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

“Being the title sponsor for this event brings me so much joy,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “Bringing together foodies and wine lovers – like myself – by way of a competitive food and wine pairing competition helps expand our commitment to supporting the community and its many diverse organizations. And boy, does it turn into a competition!”
Chef teams are tasked with creating a small dish that pairs best with HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon, a highly rated wine that has earned praise from the wine industry’s top critics. The 2024 Cabernet Cookoff also coincides with the public release of the 2021 vintage of the Jack’s masterpiece wine. Guests in attendance will sample 14 different dishes and sip on the featured wine while voting for the People’s Choice Winners.

Additionally, a star-studded panel of celebrity judges will taste the pairings to vote for the Judges’ Choice Awards. In total, four winners will be announced – two People’s Choice Awards and two Judges’ Choice Awards.
The Cabernet Cookoff has two ticket options that include:

• VIP Ticket, $300pp. 11:00am – 12:00pm Guests are invited to join Vintner Kathryn Hall, HALL President Mike Reynolds and Vice President of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, for a vertical wine tasting of Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon prior to the main event. All VIP ticketholders will be given access to the Main Event from 12:00pm – 2:30pm. VIP ticketholders also receive a HALL Tote Bag that includes a bevy of luxury products as part of the VIP Ticket purchase.

• Main Event Ticket, $150pp. 12:00pm – 2:30pm Guests will enjoy bites from all competing chef teams and enjoy wine throughout the event, as well as vote for the People’s Choice Awards.

Manischewitz Kosher Products

Manischewitz®, the leading kosher brand for over 130 years, announces a major ‘rebrand’ with a bold fresh look and feel across the product line and new products, just in time for the 2024 Passover Season which begins April 22nd and culminates April 30th. The exciting, updated look was initiated with the continued goal of bringing family and friends together while reaching a broader demographic, including younger and growing families.

Manischewitz will display the rebranded new graphics and colors across all products and will be promoted heavily on the Manischewitz website, in-store displays and social media. All elements launch at the end of March and run-through April to precede and support the Passover season. There will also be Manischewitz merchandise that feature ‘Yiddishisms” reflecting the brand heritage available at www.manischewitz.com

The New Products set to debut at Passover and beyond will reflect this new ethos, supporting the brand’s commitment to its core values while inviting a broader audience to explore the cultural richness of Jewish cuisine. Manischewitz is set to make the kosher aisle a destination for everyone, regardless of their background or dietary practices. Manischewitz products are more than just food items; they are invitations to experience and participate in Jewish culture.

Those products include first ever frozen products New Manischewitz gluten-free and Kosher for Passover Frozen Knishes; New Manischewitz Frozen Gluten Free Matzo Balls: New Manischewitz Grape Seed Oil in bottle and spray can; as well as the new branding on traditional products such as the complete line of Manischewitz Matzo; Matzo Meal; Gefilte Fish; Matzo Ball Soup; Matzo Ball Mix; Matzo Farfel; Mandlen Soup Nuts; Chocolate Covered Matzos, Manischewitz Macaroons, Manischewitz Mezonos Cookies Manischewitz Chicken Broth and the Manischewitz Cake Mixes and more.

The fresh look is a result of interviews with consumers and experts and, through on-site visits to Manischewitz headquarters, delved into the historical roots of the company. This exploration highlighted the profound connection between Jewish culture, cuisine, and the importance of family and food while also addressing the societal challenge of defining Jewish food in a contemporary context.

“Manischewitz is well-known amongst our loyal consumers who buy the brand dayin, day out. said Shani Seidman, CMO of Kayco, the parent company for Manischewitz. “In an effort to update the cultural relevancy with a younger Jewish audience as well as mainstream culturally curious audience, we have refreshed our brand with an exciting new look and feel on our current and new product offerings,” she adds.

With a legacy deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, Manischewitz is embarking on a journey to transcend the kosher aisle, inviting everyone to “Savor Our Tradition” and explore the culinary depths of Jewish heritage.

“Manischewitz is not just about food; it is about stories, heritage, and a sense of belonging. Through this rebranding, we aim to capture the hearts of the culturally curious and kosher-keeping alike, offering a taste of Jewish tradition that is accessible to all, adds Seidman. “Inspired by the inclusivity seen in brands with other cuisines, Manischewitz seeks to become the emblematic gateway to Jewish culture, one delicious product at a time,” Seidman adds.

About The Manischewitz Brand

Manischewitz journey began in 1888 with a simple box of matzo. Today, the company is proud to continue that tradition while adapting to the tastes and dietary needs of the modern consumer. This rebrand is not just a change in packaging or marketing but a renewal of our commitment to quality, tradition, and inclusivity.

The Manischewitz Brand offers a diverse product line of over 30 unique product categories. The iconic brand was founded in a small bakery built to make Passover matzo in 1888 by Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz. Success paved the way for introducing new products like Tam® Crackers, Chicken Soup, Macaroons, and Gefilte Fish. Today’s Manischewitz offers broths, noodles, potato pancakes, and Matzo Balls. Manischewitz is a matzo and so much more! The Manischewitz Brand is now part of New Jersey-based KAYCO, a family-owned company that is considered America’s first name in kosher products. See www.manischewitz.com for more product and recipe information.

This is the first of many transformational announcements the brand has coming in 2024. Follow @manischewitzco on Instagram, or visit [manischewitz.com] to stay up to date on announcements.].