New Year's Eve celebrations needs to have two important factors to be done right: kissing loved ones—or strangers (we don't judge)—and enjoying festive cocktails. We hope that you're keeping a recipe book for all of the drinks we've sent your way over the years, but if not, don't worry because here is a brand new batch for you to whip up to ring in 2015. ... Read More
A combination of a strong cosmopolitan influence, Celtic creativity, and an abundance of local produce from the surrounding Scottish countryside means Glasgow boasts many fine restaurants. The large city has moved away from its gritty old persona as the powerhouse of industrial Britain and has even been featured in tons of high-profile flicks—it stood in for present-day Philadelphia in the Brad Pitt movie World War Z. ... Read More
At only 39, William Bradley is the Executive Chef/Director of the award-winning Addison at The Grand Del Mar. The San Diego native started cooking in his teens at a quaint Italian restaurant in Bonita, a small town north of San Diego. He then trained under Chef James Boyce at Azzura Point at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, then moved to Arizona where he was the sous-chef at The Phoenician Resort’s elite restaurant, Mary Elaine’s, before finally became executive chef at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale.... Read More
There's no better time to throw a dinner party than the holidays. After all, it's the perfect excuse to try out all those amazing recipes you've been storing all year. If you want to truly elevate the meal though, you need to make sure you know the ins-and-outs of table etiquette.... Read More
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is a Yuletide tradition, but to be honest, the common street snack really isn't the most gourmet way to enjoy the winter treat. To savor the flavor of seasonal chestnuts with the sophisticated added pleasures of pears, mascarpone, and anisette liqueur, the mix-masters from Marie Brizard—French liqueur experts since 1755—developed this elegant dessert that can be prepared in less than an hour.... Read More
Absolut Vodka, the fifth largest spirit brand in the world, sells an incredible 11 million cases of vodka a year. But the really amazing part is that every single drop originates within a 75-mile radius of its distillery in Åhus, in southern Sweden. It’s a truly local operation on a global scale, the epitome of what lots of people are preaching these days about sustainability, purity, integrity, and local sourcing—not because it’s trendy, but because that’s how they’ve always done it.... Read More
Waiting until December to do your holiday shopping is a bit of a nightmare, and even if you do it all online, there's a good chance the gifts won't make it to you in time to wrap and put under the tree. This is where subscription-style gifts are a no-brainer—and no, we don't mean magazines, Mom. Food and liquor is where it's at. There are tons of super cool companies out there that offer subscriptions services that will deliver items to your door that you otherwise may not experience. There's pretty much something for everyone, even that tough "man's man" in your life. ... Read More
The Macallan recently revealed that fashion photographer Mario Testino is their fifth Master of Photography (previous incarnations have included Annie Leibovitz and Elliott Erwitt) and this time they did something a little different for their award-winning series. The famed spirits brand chose to bring its foundation stones, The Six Pillars, to life through Testino's vision and distinct style. ... Read More
Moët & Chandon’s Nectar Impérial Rosé Leopard Champagne is the six-liter limited edition bottle you will want on your table for the holidays. Decorated with 22-karat gold leaf, only 60 bottles were produced worldwide and only five of them were imported to the US from France. The Rose Demi-Sec Champagne brought in renowned French engravers Arthus-Bertrand to create the golden leopard spotted design on each of the bottles, making it an art piece that you can either display or crack open. It may be rare, but you can score one right now from CORX Wines & Liquors if you act fast. ... Read More
Nick Offerman is pretty synonymous with his Parks and Recreation character Ron Swanson and if it weren't for Offerman's childlike giggle, people would have a hard time knowing where Nick ends and Ron begins. Not only do they both have an impressive mustache that renders men and women speechless, they both can build nearly anything from wood and enjoy a nice glass of fine single malt Scotch. If you've seen Parks and Recreation, you may have noticed that Swanson loves Lagavulin—he even visits the distille... Read More
The James Beard Foundation and The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts have been doing things a little differently this year with a new partnership for their global Taste of Waldorf Astoria program. By matching five JBF Rising Star semi-finalist chefs with some super talented Michelin-starred Waldorf chefs, this program is hoping to find their next iconic culinary dish.... Read More
The dining experience at Per Se in New York and The French Laundry in Napa Valley is gearing up for a change. According to the New York Times, in early 2015 the two restaurants (both owned by Thomas Keller) will start charging diners ahead of time for the prix fixe tasting menus as a way to deter last minute reservation cancellations and no-shows. ... Read More
The Royal Blend from Tesseron Cognac has come just in time for the holidays. The limited release decanter holds a selection of 50 "distinct Grande Champagne blends from Ugni Blanc and Columbard grapes, all aged for more than two generations in the renowned Tesseron family's Paradis cellars."... Read More
