TRAVEL+FOOD

Japan Named Travel And Leisure’s 2018 Destination Of The Year

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Travel + Leisure announced today that Japan is its 2018 Destination of the Year, celebrating the country’s rich history, incredible number of diverse tourism attractions, unique cuisine and the continued increase of international visitors.

“We are honored that such a prestigious publication has recognized Japan as its Destination of the Year for 2018,” stated Naohito Ise, Executive Director of the New York Office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). “Tourism to Japan among US travelers continues to grow, and we expect an even greater increase in the coming years as Japan continues to be in the spotlight as a top travel destination.”

Travel + Leisure will present a comprehensive guide to the best of Japan – from the changing foliage of Kyoto to the southern island of Kyushu and more – in the cover story of the December issue, available on newsstands December 1, with an expanded array of Japan content at travelandleisure.com.

“Japan is one of the world’s fastest growing destinations for travelers, who are now pushing beyond the major cities of Tokyo and Kyoto into all corners of the country,” said Jacqueline Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure. “Our audience is passionate about Japan because it offers such a rich, well-rounded travel experience: you can learn about centuries-old culture and tradition while taking in cutting-edge architecture and exquisite food. And it is the people, of course, who make a destination: the graciousness and hospitality of the locals are something that truly resonates with our readers.”

Even more, this week, Travel + Leisure will release a new monthly series, called “Locals,” to offer an inside look at destinations around the world. The first episode, titled, “Eat Ramen Like a Local,” will be available on Instagram TV and at TravelandLeisure.com, offering a unique perspective on the life of a ramen expert, who helps visitors navigate Tokyo’s ramen scene.

HOLIDAYS ROCK IN MORRO BAY

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Bright Lights, Boat City – Morro Bay Rocks the Holidays!
This Maritime Village Celebrates Holidays with Lighted Crab Pot Trees, a Weekend of Lighted Boat Parades, Two Tall Ships in the Harbor, a Plethora of Holiday Events and Abundant Local Seasonal Crab at Fish Markets and Restaurants!
With a boat-filled harbor and miles of beautiful beaches, Morro Bay celebrates the spirit of this fishing village in maritime style during holiday season. Find festive holiday trees made out of crab pots throughout town, historic tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain in the harbor during November and December, Santa’s House on the Embarcadero, two lighted boat parades, a paddle parade and so much more.
 
“Morro Bay during the holidays is a fun place to visit,” says Jennifer Little, Morro Bay Tourism Manager. “Crab season is open and abundant, boat parades and tall ships in harbor, nearly 30 crab pot holiday trees light up town, and local wine tasting and Hearst Castle are minutes away. We’ve got so many ways to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.”
 
Hearst Castle and Wine Make us Merry!
Holiday cheer is in abundance in and around Morro Bay. Located on California’s Central Coast on scenic Highway 1 just minutes from the festive holiday tours at Hearst Castle, and wine tasting in Paso Robles and Edna Valley Wine regions, Morro Bay is the place to holiday. Paso Robles and Edna Valley are home to many wine touring companies that will come to Morro Bay and pick you up from your hotel. Need more reasons to visit?  Check out these holiday lodging specials.
Crab Pot Christmas Trees
To celebrate its heritage the Central Coast Fisheries for Women arrange for nearly 30 Crab Pot Christmas Trees to be placed throughout town as a way to honor the amazing fishing families of Morro Bay. As an alternative to traditional holiday trees, these lighted sparkling trees are made out of real repurposed crab pots. 
 
Fresh Local Crab on the Menu
During the holiday season, locals and visitors rave about the fresh and local seasonal crab found in abundance at Morro Bay seafood markets and restaurants. A true treat for the holidays, don’t miss out!
 
Rock these Holiday Events!
This time of year offers some of the best weather to be outdoors, on the water, on the beach or anywhere in Morro Bay! Check out these upcoming events:
November 28 – Dec 18: Tall Ship Lady Washington in Harbor
Lady Washington the official tall ship of Washington State will visit Morro Bay, CA  and offer walk-on tours and family-oriented Adventure Sails featuring demonstrations of tall ship handling, sea shanty singing, and maritime amusements. After your tour of the Tall Ship, walk across the street to the new Morro Bay Maritime Museum. The Museum is open every Saturday from 10am – 4pm.   
November 30: Citywide Holiday Crab Pot Tree Lighting
Join us in Morro Bay for a simultaneous lighting of nearly 30 Crab Pot Holiday Trees around the City of Morro Bay. The citywide celebration begins at 5 pm. Locations are City Park, Downtown, T-Pier, Anchor Park & other various locations around town.
November 30: Lighted Boat Parade Preview
Come enjoy our large vessels and commercial boats as they cruise up and down the Embarcadero waterway as you dine. They will be layered in lights and festive holiday spirit for your enjoyment while you eat in one of the many waterfront restaurants or stroll the Embarcadero. Some of the vessels in the parade preview include a U.S. Coast Guard Vessel, Tall Ship Lady Washington, the Papagallo, the Chablis and several boats from our fishing fleet. This event is brought to you by the waterfront restaurants.
November 30 – Dec 15: Santa’s House at the Embarcadero
Santa will be on the Embarcadero every night from 6 – 8 pm with presents and treats for the children.  Pictures are free with an option to purchase a frame.  Come visit Jolly ol’ Saint Nick in Morro Bay at the Chess Board on the Embarcadero. Santa’s House is sponsored by Morro Bay Rotary.
December 1 – Dec 18: Tall Ship Hawaiian Chieftain in Harbor
The Hawaiian Chieftain was influenced by the early colonial passenger and coastal ships that traded among Atlantic coastal cities and towns in the 19th century. In 1993, Lady Washington joined Hawaiian Chieftain for their first mock sea battle on San Francisco Bay and will replicate that adventure in Morro Bay. Get your mock sea battle tickets now! December 1: 33rd Annual Lighted Boat Parade
The Annual Lighted Boat Parade continues in its 33rd year as our motorized fishing, leisure and yachting community take to the water after decorating their boats with amazing lights and holiday cheer. Take a seat anywhere along the waterfront for your front row view. This visual event will include music by the Home Town Band, cocoa and treats for sale, and a winter wonderland. Prizes for best decorated boat include $1000 cash and more.December 2: Paddle Parade
On Sunday afternoon the harbor will feature holiday decorated kayaks, SUPs, small sailboats, surfboards and anything that floats in this Non-Motorized Lighted Boat Parade. Along with fun family activities on shore, prizes will be given for the best decorated will be $1000 in cash and gifts.December 7: Santa’s Crawl
Enjoy this 21 & over scavenger hunt featuring Central Coast beers and wines during our 2nd Annual Santa’s Crawl. Businesses along the waterfront will showcase local winemakers  brew masters, each offering a taste of their exceptional product. A completely filled out Yule-Tide Passport will enter you to win the Grand Prize Weekend Package where you wine and dine throughout Morro Bay!December 8: Gingerbread House Competition
Anyone can participate in this fun activity! Bakers love to build Gingerbread Houses for the holidays, and what better way to showcase your talents? Build a complete Gingerbread House and bring it to the Inn at Morro Bay and enter into this fun contest!December 9: Real Snow Event!!! 
Play like no one is watching at Morro Bay’s real snow event! Three areas of snow for different ages of children to play on include a sledding hill, snow ball alley and under five area for the little elves. An Elf on the Shelf competition will take place and is fun for the whole family! Create elf dioramas and win fabulous prizes. We provide the elves!

 
Designated as the  Best Budget Destination in California for 2018 by Budget Travel, Morro Bay is a world-class destination with rooms to fit any budget. Click here to find holiday lodgings specials for your next visit! For information on all the exciting things to do and see in Morro Bay, visit www.morrobay.org.
Taste on Melrose, 360 MAGAZINE, la

Taste On Melrose

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Taste On Melrose is one of LA’s hippest brunch spots. Ultra chic Hollywood hopefuls alongside of handcrafted cocktails with a Kobe burger make this place popping. Yet, the sweet tasting crispy bacon inside a viscous side of macaroni and cheese still isn’t enough to cover up some of the front of house issues. With no reservations, expect to wait up to an hour or so. Once seated, our beverages and appetizers still didn’t make it to our table until another hour. Don’t fret because management is cognizant of their spotty service and will amend your bill to make up for any misadventures. Nevertheless, this Parisian-style sidewalk dining experience is still worthy of your patronage, especially if you have a flair for fashion and enjoy people watching.

DUBLIN’S MERRION HOTEL

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DUBLIN’S MERRION HOTEL CELEBRATES ITS 
21ST AND 252ND BIRTHDAYS

Two hundred and fifty years ago Dublin was a city of fashion and wealth, political unrest and poverty. And it was 21 years ago that four adjoining mansions that were built 252 years ago in 1766 – a decade before the independence of the United States – were fashioned into Dublin’s most prestigious hotel. “The story of The Merrion is the story of Ireland,” says General Manager Peter MacCann, “and to celebrate the 21st birthday of the hotel, we’ve commissioned a new publication designed to recall its unique heritage – The History of The Merrion Hotel.”

From musical soirées to political intrigue, love and betrayal, dueling and dinner parties, the buildings of The Merrion Hotel have been at the heart of Ireland’s history for a quarter millennium. Today, guests at The Merrion enter through the magnificent foyer of Number 24 Upper Merrion Street. Many arrive for important meetings that could change a person’s life or even a country’s destiny with Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Government, located across the street. But others arrive just to luxuriate in the meticulously maintained splendor of Dublin’s most distinguished hotel.
Sir Arthur Wellesley,illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso

Richly illustrated, with original drawings by award-winning artists Anna and Elena Balbusso, The History of The Merrion Hotel tells of the wide variety of captivating characters that have occupied the four mansions’ wonderful rooms. Perhaps the most famous is Arthur Wellesley, born here in 1769 and who went on to become Britain’s first Duke of Wellington. It was he who beat Napoleon in 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo and later twice became Queen Victoria’s Prime Minister.

Then there is Lord Mornington who impoverished himself through his love of music, to the wonderfully named Valentine Lawless who took the Fenian Oath – one of the first political expressions of Ireland’s wish to be independent of England – within the Merrion’s walls. These stories are as engaging as they are historically revealing.


Alongside its rich history, splendid facilities and service, The Merrion Hotel is famed for holding the country’s largest private collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century Irish art outside the National Gallery. The lavish portrait illustrations, recently shortlisted for The World Illustration Awards, 2018, also contain architectural detailing that can be seen in the hotel today. The History of The Merrion Hotel brings all the color and personalities of the period into focus, and will be presented to all hotel guests during the 21st birthday year. Additional copies are available for 10 Euros at the front desk or by emailing concierge@merrionhotel.com.

For more information, please visit www.merrionhotel.com.

The Royal Portfolio Announces The Farmstead At Royal Malewane

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The Royal Portfolio has announced that the The Farmstead, an exclusive new safari lodge at Royal Malewane – The Royal Portfolio’s iconic first property – in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park will open May 1, 2019.

Following the recently refurbishment of the existing Royal Malewane safari lodge, construction is now underway at The Farmstead, just a 12-minute drive south of the existing lodge. Liz Biden, owner of The Royal Portfolio who has designed and decorated all the interiors within the collection, has already acquired much of the eclectic furniture and original art for the new lodge. Commenting on the unique style, Liz Biden said, “Expect light oak, tin rooves, wrought iron and gentle hues of blue and white with royal blue, indigo and turquoise patterns adorning the fabrics of comfy sofas on wide verandas.”

Accommodations at The Farmstead will include three Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse – a four-bedroom villa offering private services including a dedicated chef, butler, housekeeper, safari vehicle, ranger and tracker. The main lodge area will have a double spa treatment room, a gym, fire pit and vast deck where guests can relax and take meals while watching the abundant wildlife visiting the adjacent waterhole.

The Farmstead will offer the same exceptional safari experience with Africa’s most qualified guiding team as well as the same flawless service and cuisine that guests have come to expect for more than 20 years at Royal Malewane. Rates are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, drinks, game drives and bush walks.

The Farmstead tells an important story of community enhancement in Africa. Royal Malewane agreed to a long lease of the land from the local Moletele community, paying a monthly rental to the community as well as a share of revenue as additional income. At the end of the long lease all buildings and the land will revert to the community with the option to work with The Royal Portfolio in perpetuity. Throughout the lease, The Royal Portfolio will employ members of the local community and train them to the highest Royal Portfolio standards while also involving the local community in conservation efforts to preserve the region’s precious wildlife.

The Milestone Hotel And Residences Launches “Practically Perfect” Stay

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The award-winning five-star Milestone Hotel & Residences, a quintessentially British mansion-hotel located opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, is offering a “Practically Perfect” hotel stay starting from November 1, 2018. This suitably British experience includes an overnight stay in supreme luxury, whether in a room or suite, full English breakfast for two and a number of Mary Poppins-inspired activities.

Upon arrival, young guests will be given a “silver” chocolate tuppence which they can exchange for a bird-feeding kit from The Milestone’s concierge team. During their stay in the heart of Kensington, children can use the kit to feed the ducks in Hyde Park located nearby. If the weather is right, guests can also opt to fly a kite “up to the highest height!” in the Italian Garden at Kensington Gardens. Children can even take their brand-new kite home with them priced at £40 (approx. US$52).

The Milestone’s signature “Most Delightful Way” mocktail

The special hotel stay also includes a Spoonful of Sugar Afternoon Tea for two – a newly introduced afternoon tea concept created by the hotel’s kitchen team that captures the fun and frivolity of the story with a variety of cleverly themed pastries. Menu items include a chocolate pastry in the shape of Mary Poppins’ iconic floral hat, a black “chimney sweeps” macaron, a cupcake served with a chocolate spoon(ful of sugar) and many other sweet treats. A children’s version of the afternoon tea also includes kite-shaped biscuits covered in cherry ganache. Guests can taste The Milestone’s new Little Nip from Every Sip cocktail with their afternoon tea, made with muddled raspberries, peach liqueur, peach purée, orange juice and ginger ale, while little guests can enjoy the mocktail version called the …Most Delightful Way, served in a special medicine bottle.

Continuing with the theme of the Mary Poppins story, guests will also receive a red carnation buttonhole, just like Mr. Banks wore on his lapel in the original Disney film. Guests may notice that all Milestone hotel staff also pin a red carnation to their lapels, a signature of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, of which The Milestone Hotel is a member.

The “Practically Perfect” hotel stay is valid from November 1, 2018 until January 31, 2019, and starts at £540 (approx. US$696) per night, based on two people sharing a Classic Double Room. Walk-in guests can also enjoy the Spoonful of Sugar Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s Park Lounge between November 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019 and is priced at £50 (approx. US$64) per person. The children’s version of the afternoon tea is priced at £25 (approx. US$32) per child under 12. Afternoon Tea is served daily at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

ALIBI × OVOLO WOOLLOOMOOLOO

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Alibi, the pioneering cocktail bar and plant-based restaurant at Ovolo Woolloomooloo hotel in Sydney, has introduced a brand-new entirely plant-based high tea for hotel guests and locals alike, with the option to pair with Perrier-Jouët Champagne.

Overseen by US chef, restaurateur and global plant-based dining pioneer, Matthew Kenney, in close consultation with Alibi’s head chef, Michael Nicolaou, the new high tea combines 

The new high tea offering features both sweet and savory options, including lemon meringue tart with sable, mixed berry cheesecake with strawberry compote, forest mushrooms on toast with wasabi cream, and baby quiche with vegan cream cheese. A selection of plant-based cocktails are on offer to accompany the high tea menu, including a kaffir lime mule using house-made ginger beer, Earl Grey Sour, and Ovolo classic Bellini with the choice of raspberry, apricot, peach or lavender. There is also an option for free-flowing Perrier-Jouët throughout the two-hour menu package.
Alibi’s high tea offering is available in five different two-hour variations throughout the week, as follows:
  • Inclusive of a glass of sparkling rosé, free-flowing tea and coffee 
    • AUD$65 per person (Wednesday – Friday, 12pm-4pm) + AUD$75 per person (Saturday – Sunday, 12pm-4pm)
  • Inclusive of free-flowing Bandini Prosecco, tea and coffee
    • AUD$95 per person (Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm-4pm)
  • Inclusive of free-flowing Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, tea and coffee  
    • AUD$140 per person (Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm-4pm)
  • Inclusive of a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Blason rosé for two guests, plus tea and coffee 
    • AUD$250 per couple (Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm-4pm)

For more information about the Ovolo Hotels group, visit www.ovolohotels.com


ABOUT OVOLO HOTELS:
Founded by Girish Jhunjhnuwala in 2002, Ovolo Hotels has become one of Hong Kong’s largest independent owner/operator hospitality firms, by providing business and leisure guests with the best in effortless living. The company keeps in touch with the modern traveler through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, focused all-inclusive service and cutting-edge en-suite technology, all done in Ovolo’s signature style.  A proud Hong Kong brand, Ovolo remains a family-owned and privately operated business with a charitable core. The company now runs four hotels in Hong Kong, and six hotels across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.  Ovolo has also recently launched a new brand Mojo Nomad in Central which opened in September 2018 and in Aberdeen Harbour Hong Kong which opened its doors in December 2017. Mojo Nomad is a co-habitation concept for global nomads that combines travel, lifestyle and community at its core and will be entering the Australian market in the near future.
ABOUT MATTHEW KENNEY CUISINE:
Matthew Kenney Cuisine is an integrated, California-based lifestyle company. The brand provides innovative, high quality products and services in the culinary art and wellness markets through its six business segments: hospitality, education, media, products, wellness and services. The foundation of his work is based on proprietary techniques and creative thinking applied to prepare minimally processed, plant-based cuisine that is both refined and healthy. 
 
Matthew Kenney Cuisine owns and operates multiple plant-based restaurants including: Plant Food + Wine in Venice, CA, Make Out in Culver City, CA, Matthew Kenney NM in Beverly Hills CA, New Deli in Venice, CA, Plnthouse: the good kitchen at the 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami, FL, Essence in London, New York City’s Double Zero, XYST, Bar Verde and Plantmade. As well as Plant Cafe in Bahrain and Make Out in Bogota, Colombia. [13] The company has also launched MK Wellness, a plant-based yoga and a travel brand. Kenney also founded the global education business, Plantlab Culinary.

RIO DE JANEIRO × PERFORMANCES ON TRANSPORTATIONS

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Rio de Janeiro approves cultural performances on trains, subways and ferry boats

Cariocas and tourists who use the Rio de Janeiro transportation systems daily are now able to enjoy cultural performances at the stations and inside the trains, subways and ferry boats. The performances, that help people kill time during the trips, are now approved. That is determined by an act approved by the state legislators, sanctioned by state governor Luiz Fernando Pezão and published in the Official Gazette on September 26th. In the coming days, the Department of Transportation, which regulates the concession holders that control the transport modals, will announce the regulation of the act.

The time approved for the performances will be from 6am to 11pm on weekdays and from 7am to 11pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The act states that the performer cannot charge the users of the public transports, who may spontaneously donate during the performances. Based on the wording, it will be up to the concession holders that provide these services to create a registry of interested persons to perform. However, the only purpose of this registry is to organize the time for the performances, though they are not allowed to prevent unregistered people from performing.

Currently, the subway concession holder is the only one keeping a cultural program in their stations, although they do not allow performances inside the wagons. According to MetrôRio, the Palco Carioca project allocates spaces in three stations – Carioca, Siqueira Campos and Maria da Graça – for musical performances on weekdays, from noon to 8pm. Registration to participate in the project is free and may be made online at www.metrorio.com.br/Cultura/PalcoCarioca.

VP Plaza España Design

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VP Plaza España Design hotel recently opened its doors in the center of Madrid, offering luxury accommodations wrapped into an unprecedented design philosophy, whose main protagonist is art. Prominent Spanish artists have contributed their unique works and creations, making this property an icon of design, architecture and art in the capital of Madrid.

Guests will be able to immerse themselves in an atmosphere where decor, furniture, architecture, and luxurious service co-exist in perfect harmony, offering an experience that goes far beyond accommodations. It is a philosophy that breaks the boundaries of what has already been done in the past and allows visitors to enjoy the essence of design, for a one-of-a-kind experience from beginning to end.

VP Plaza España Design worked with key Spanish designers, artists, and architects for the conceptualization of its façade and public spaces, which allows its facilities to have a distinctive and distinguished touch that makes it an unparalleled luxury option in Madrid. The hotel features include work by Pere Gifre, Dario Urzay, Fernando Palacios, Nacho Zubelzu, Veronica Domingo, and Héléne Bergaz, as well as Patricia San Juan, Marre, and Jan Hendrix.

Symbiosis of Art and Ingenuity

The selection of artists who have collaborated to bring life to the greatest icon of luxury and design represents a harmonious blend of disciplines, trends, visions, expressions, and styles. All of them carry a solid national and international trajectory, deserving of outstanding recognition for their iconic works inside and outside of Spain. Each, with their own inspiration, have made a contribution of exclusive creations, devised within the design philosophy that Hotel VP Plaza España Design 5* has established.

Renowned artist Pere Gifre is the architect of the impressive eight-story waterfall that dominates the atrium of the hotel and creates an impressive visual illusion of water that falls in a magnificently artistic way, trapping guests in a sensory experience that mixes the wild side of nature with the luxury and tranquility of water.

A tribute to art can be experienced in the lobby, where paintings created by the Bilbao Dario Urzay can be appreciated. The paintings highlight the artist’s personal poetics combined with his ability to induce new forms of knowledge and communication.

The corridors are also sure to catch guests’ attention as the painter and sculptor, Fernando Palacios, showcases material language with nearly three-dimensional forms that exude a special meaning of life in a luxurious context. His works of art may also be admired in some of the hotel rooms.

The mural “Buscando a un hombre,” created from Nacho Zubelzu’s inspiration, can be seen in front of the hotel elevators. Zubelzu’s impressive collages decorating the bar and lobby area bathrooms were made with the intention of creating an “art bar.”

An innovative and unique redesign of the aesthetics of the landscape is reflected in the works of Madrid-born Héléne Bergaz. The artist’s creations give a master touch to the hotel rooms, with a vanguardist approach of photographic montages with meteorites bearing his unmistakable stamp.

Verónica Domingo’s impressive paintings, created with Indian ink, decorate the hotel’s impressive suites. She shows her passion for Asian art and calligraphy, creating infinite value in the construction of a complex and abstract framework.

For more information, please visit www.plazaespana-hotel.com.

Off The Hook Seafood Festival

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Join us this year as we celebrate National Seafood Month on the historic Santa Monica Pier this Saturday, Oct 6th and raise money for Heal the Bay to help keep our Santa Monica beaches clean. Enjoy seafood tastings from some of the city’s best restaurants, live music, beer gardens, oyster shucking competition, wine tasting, Sustainable Seafood VIP lounge and more!

This year’s restaurant’s include:

The Lobster, BOA, Sushi Roku, Herringbone, Red O, Blue Plate Oysterette, 1212 Santa Monica, The Albright, TŪMBI Craft Indian Kitchen, Del Frisco’s Grille, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, Enterprise Fish Co., Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., TrashFish Box, Heroic Deli, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, El Cholo, Seaside on the Pier, Gladstone’s, Chaya and more.

Little Fish (GA) – $50 in adv./$65 week of

Seafood Tastings

Drinks

Live Music

Beer & Wine Tastings

Games

& more

Big Fish (VIP) – $85 in adv. /$100 week of

Sustainable VIP Lounge

Access to GA tastings, Curated Cocktails &

Specialty Restaurants

Reserved Seating

www.offthehookseafoodfest2018.eventbrite.com