Long-standing recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award (just one of their crown of accolades), Chef Mavro's status in the culinary stratosphere is stellar. This James Beard award winner does not rest on his laurels — Gayot even selected him as one of the 2013 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S., the only Hawaiian establishment on the list. ... Read More
Those of us who love to drink our bubbles — or as Dom Pérignon said, we "are drinking stars” — are not only happy, but thrilled to tour producers of sparkling wine. There just so happens to be a number of sparkling wine producers to visit in Napa County, but the possibility of actually participating in the process of making sparkling wine is something we only dream about, right?... Read More
My knife drawer is a mess and I'm continually shocked when I manage to escape cutting myself every time I reach in for something. This Déglon Meeting Knife Set is brilliant in that the knives fit together like a nesting doll, keeping those sharp edges flat with the stainless steel block they are kept in.... Read More
The best thing about this time of year is all the recipes that involve pumpkins! From pie and soup to lattes and pastries, I really can't get enough of pumpkin on the menu. To branch out from the usual fall fare, try this recipe from Pumpkin and Ginger Cream, which combines our favorite ingredient with tasty vegetables and ginger.... Read More
For mixologists and bartenders, it's no longer enough to be good — you have to be great. You can't just whip up a Whiskey Sour or martini and expect praise nowadays. With countless experts creating new cocktails every day, a new breed of bartender has come forth, one that isn't content to simply give out the standards. ... Read More
Since we've already shared some great Halloween decorating tips with you, we will now share some unique cocktail recipes that keep with the spooky theme. After all, if you're throwing a party, your dressed-up guests will need a variety of drinks to sip. Maybe the lonely Rob Stark in the corner can have a Red Wedding drink, while the hipster vampire unsuccessfully hitting on your friend can mix up a Vampire's Kiss. With so many options, we're willing to bet there will be something for everyone!... Read More
When you take a look at the cover photo for Campari's official 2014 Calendar, you're not going to believe Uma Thurman is 43-years-old. The talented actress has been relatively quiet lately, but with the rumored third Kill Bill and the upcoming Lars von Trier film, Nymphomaniac (you know, the one with the sexually charged posters), Campari knows that their leading lady is going to jump right back on everyone's mind very soon.... Read More
At a recent Nespresso pop-up boutique at New York’s Grand Central Station, coffee connoisseurs, editors, and curious bystanders alike were invited to discover their perfect Grand Cru through interactive installations that made a coffee match based on a series of personality and taste questions. At one event held in the boutique, we had the chance to catch up with Project Runway star Tim Gunn, who is also an avid Nespresso fan, ambassador, and the evening’s host.... Read More
Being the “host with the most” during this autumn’s harvest parties and holiday feasts won’t be easy. There are so many televised food competitions and cute markets selling “artisanal” ingredients out there, that standards for home chefs are higher than ever before. So, once you’ve spent weeks figuring out your menu, bling up your setting with the over-the-top accessories from this list...and watch your guests be impressed in spite of themselves. These would also make fantastic hostess gifts for all those guests out there. ... Read More
Here's an easy, can't fail recipe for delectable fun in Sun Valley, Idaho: Take one big handful of celeb chefs, cooking instructors and mixologists, and add eclectic regional dishes, fine wines (including lots of bubbly) and craft beers. Blend with unique dining experiences, simmer on low alongside the postcard-perfect Sun Valley landscape, and voila! You have yourself the 4th annual Sun Valley Harvest Festival! Here's a recap of the best of the 2013 event (which should entice you to save the date for 2014).... Read More
Did you know there is a Kickstarter for an artificially intelligent robotic bartender named Monsieur? Before you begin envisioning Johnny Five at a bar, taking orders and mixing drinks with the flourish only he can achieve, Monsieur is more of a smart box than it is a fully functioning robot. That said, the invention is pretty cool and would be a fantastic addition to any party.... Read More
Enjoying wine at home just got a little better. Instead of having to pour a bottle of wine and allow time for it to aerate, the folks at soireehome have created something called Opus to save you less time waiting and provide more time enjoying.... Read More
Harvest season in Italy is when the three key farming and wine regions in the country come into their peak. It’s a joyful time, as the local farmers bring in the crops they’ve carefully hand-tended throughout the year — and locals and visitors alike dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to wine-soaked gastronomic discovery.... Read More
If you can't get inside the kitchen of a great chef, you can at least use knives exclusively designed by them. London-based Edge of Belgravia is offering a collection Damascus steel knives, apparently able to cut through the competition — pun intended.... Read More
There is much to be learned about second chances when it comes to the career of Executive Chef Dave Jones, and most of these lessons deal with his exceptional talent coupled with his extreme perseverance.... Read More
Credit the return of moonshine, the popularity of "Big Bad" antiheroes on television, or retro-fascination; but whatever the underlying appeal, shady figures from the underworld are suddenly in vogue with America's hippest night-owl crowds.... Read More
As you walk along the cobblestone streets in Fira, you pass restaurant after restaurant sprinkled throughout the Santorini hillside town, all boasting unique settings and flavors. Since many offer the same Greek fare, walking in blindly and choosing one usually guarantees at least a decent meal. But if you’re looking for more than just a decent meal, it helps to have the locals tip you off to their favorites.... Read More
The American Royal Association, located in the Historic West Bottoms of Kansas City, Missouri, will welcome more than 500 barbecue teams from around the world to their 34th Annual World Series of Barbecue October 4-6. The annual event is the largest barbecue contest in the world, with thousands of pitmasters from around the globe competing for trophies, prizes, and the prestigious title of Grand Champion.... Read More
While summer may have to come to a close, this warm weather sure hasn't yet for most of the country. With New York, the Mid-West and South still seeing 80-degree weather, we figured most of you are in need of some cool refreshment. So while blustery evenings may be on the horizon soon, in the meanwhile we have gathered up three delicious and revitalizing drink recipes to help you keep the heat at bay. Featuring Nespresso Grand Crus and what may be some surprising ingredients, each of these little concoctions just might be the perfect way to top off those last al fresco dinners on the patio or Sunday brunch this weekend.... Read More