Nobu Toronto will include hotel, restaurant, world’s first Nobu Residences

May 31, 2017

Nobu Toronto includes Nobu Residences
Nobu Toronto living room (Rendering courtesy of Nobu Hospitality)

The following is a press release from Nobu Hospitality:

Nobu Hospitality principals renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, principals of Nobu Hospitality, along with principal developer Madison Group unveiled plans for Nobu Residences Toronto at a press conference inside the soon to be open Nobu Residences Toronto Presentation Centre.

Pre-construction sales of the residential units will begin in mid-June, it was announced.

Nobu Toronto, a dynamic project featuring the world’s very first Nobu branded high-rise residences as well as Canada’s first Nobu Hotel and Nobu Restaurant will be located in the heart of the entertainment district, transforming Mercer Street with its landmark design. Nobu Residences Toronto will rise 45 stories above the historic Pilkington Glass Factory with two dramatic residential towers, featuring 660 units with enviable views of Toronto.

“I am very proud to have my name on this building,” said Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. “It will be very special, and we are happy to be in Toronto. We want people to be happy.”

Toronto is a great city,” said Robert De Niro. “I’ve filmed here, I’ve been here for the Film Festival, which is excellent, and I’m looking forward to spending more time here once Nobu Toronto opens.”

Acclaimed Toronto-based Teeple Architects and Studio Munge have created the incomparable residences to feature distinctive amenities that span two floors of the podium level at Nobu Residences Toronto. The outdoor terrace and Nobu Athletic Club are connected by a two-storey glass atrium and anchored by an oculus that cuts through the podium, culminating in an artistic reflecting pond centering the Nobu Athletic Club. The Nobu Athletic Club amenities include a private massage room, yoga studio, spin studio, wet steam, dry sauna, hot tub and cold plunge in addition to state of the art fitness equipment.

In keeping with the Nobu lifestyle, which integrates energized public spaces that offer both excitement and escapism, Nobu Residences Toronto will feature Nobu Villas. The villas are highly designed private entertaining spaces available exclusively to its residents. Nobu Villas include billiards, fireplaces, a private dining area with chef’s table, the chic Nobu outdoor terrace and four barbeque prep decks.

Nobu Residences Toronto will also feature a private theatrical screening room, conference room, dedicated bicycle elevator with direct access to bicycle storage and a dog spa located in both the east and west residential lobbies.

Nobu is one of the world`s most celebrated luxury hospitality brands renowned for its award-winning “new style” Japanese fusion cuisine and exceptional hotel offerings in the world’s most desirable locales.  Founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, the growing Nobu Hospitality portfolio caters to vibrant international customers, celebrities, tastemakers and powerbrokers.

The exclusive Nobu Hotel Toronto will offer a collection of exceptionally appointed guest suites located atop the west tower, with stunning panoramic views and featuring the best of everything, from distinctive service to energized public spaces.

A cornerstone of the Nobu Hotel and Nobu Residences Toronto is Nobu Restaurant with its approximately 15,000 square foot, two-level restaurant, signature bar lounge, outdoor seating and chic private dining rooms.

“Chef Nobu, Robert De Niro, Meir Teper and everyone at Nobu Hospitality have shown an unwavering commitment and passion for this project,” said Josh Zagdanski, Vice President – High-Rise, Madison Group. “We are so thrilled to bring the Nobu lifestyle to Toronto.”

Those interested in learning more about Nobu Residences Toronto are encouraged to register at NobuResidences.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ina Garten debuts ‘Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro’

May 25,  2017

Ina Garten
Ina Garten (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

The following is a press release from Food Network:

Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, will launch a new show on Food Network on Sunday, May 28th at 11am ET/PT.   Each of the all-new eight episodes were shot on-location at Ina’s home in East Hampton, New York.  In Cook Like a Pro, Ina will help viewers bring their cooking to the next level, by sharing foolproof recipes and tips for delicious food made easy. Special guests include José Andrés on eggs, April Bloomfield on weeknight dinners, Mario Batali on pasta, and Yotam Ottolenghi on roasting vegetables.

“I’m so excited about the show, and I’m looking forward to sharing the many things I’ve learned professionally that will help you cook at home with confidence,” said Garten. “It’s going to be lots of fun!”

Episodes include (all times ET/PT):

Premiering Sunday, May 28 at 11am 

“Cook Like a Pro: Chicken”

It’s all about chicken as Ina shares her kitchen tips and professional strategies for Roasted Chicken with Radishes, from trussing the bird to carving it. Then, there’s a delicious twist on a classic with Chicken and Spinach Waldorf Salad, featuring juicy roasted chicken breasts. Finally, the volume is turned right up on Truffled Chicken Liver Mousse.

Premiering Sunday, June 4 at 11am

“Cook Like a Pro: Weeknight Dinners”

Ina’s got weeknight dinners covered, pro-style! There are Roasted Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa and a super quick slaw, then Cider Roasted Pork Tenderloin. Garlic and Herb Roasted Shrimp are a one-pan wonder, then chef April Bloomfield reveals her go-to, off-duty weeknight dinner: an Oven-Baked Three Cheese Sandwich. Finally, Ina makes five-minute Lemon Capellini.

Premiering Sunday, June 11th at 11am

“Cook Like a Pro: Pasta”

Ina is tackling pasta like a pro, first in Crusty Baked Shells and Cauliflower, then in a classic Italian soup,16 Bean Pasta e Fagioli. She makes a delicious lemony salad of Herbed Orzo with Feta and special guest Mario Batali shares his top three pasta tips. Finally, Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel takes all-in-one pasta meals to a whole new level.

Premiering Sunday, June 18 at 11am

“Cook Like a Pro: Fearless Food”

Ina is tackling daunting dishes with easy techniques, from a perfectly risen Soufflé a L’Orange to overcoming pastry fears with her totally professional-looking Anna’s Tomato Tart. Super chef José Andrés has an amazing trick for separating eggs, then there’s foolproof caramel for irresistible Caramel Salted Nuts.

Premiering Sunday, June 25 at 11am

“Cook Like a Pro: Eggs”

It’s eggs all the way in an incredible master class, featuring them both soft boiled and in the dressing of a fantastic Caesar Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon. Egg whites are whipped to perfection for a Pavlova Fruit Tart, then there’s foolproof Truffled Scrambled Eggs. She makes Eggs Benedict with an Easy Hollandaise Sauce just like a pro, and super chef José Andrés reveals the secret of his perfectly fried eggs.

Premiering Sunday, July 2 at 11am

“Cook Like a Pro: Make-Ahead Desserts”

Ina’s cutting straight to sweet with delicious make-ahead and very professional fruit desserts. There’s a twist on a classic with Apple Pie Bars, then pure comfort meets wow factor in Chocolate Banana Cream Pie. Easy and elegant Stewed Rhubarb and Red Berries make a perfect summer dessert, with ideas for amping things up with fruit liqueurs. Finally, there’s a Sparkling Grapefruit Granita with Pink Fizz that’s guaranteed to impress.

Premiering Sunday, July 9 at 11am

“Cook Like a Pro: Chocolate”

Ina shares professional tips for chocolate, starting with an off-the-scale delicious Chocolate Ganache Cake, complete with a chevron frosting tutorial. Then Chocolate Creme Brulee is taken to dazzling new dessert heights and Ina shows her tricks to tempering chocolate for Peanut Rocky Road Bark. Beyond-decadent Frozen Hot Chocolate completes the line-up.

Premiering Sunday, July 16 at 11am

“Cook Like a Pro: Roasted Vegetables”

Ina, the queen of roasted vegetables, spills the beans on how to roast like a pro, starting with Butternut Squash Hummus. Then, British-based restaurateur and chef Yotam Ottolenghi gives the lowdown on picture-perfect Roasted Baby Vegetables with Sumac and Yogurt. Next, two delectable Spanish recipes: Roasted Vegetable Paella and chef Jose Andres Roasted Escalavida Catalana. Finally, Ina makes Roast Potato and Fennel Soup and her ultimate side dish: Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower.

Food Network announces three Giada De Laurentiis shows on tap for 2017

May 4, 2017

The following is a press release from Food Network:

Giada De Laurentiis
Giada De Laurentiis (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

Food Network announced it has ordered 26 half-hour episodes of all-new entertaining and instructional “In the Kitchen” programming featuring host Giada De Laurentiis.   On the menu, new seasons of “Giada Entertains” and “Giada’s Holiday Handbook,” as well as the all-new “Giada’s Summer Entertaining” (working title).  Pre-production is currently underway with production slated to start this summer and the first premieres targeted to roll out in Q4.

“Giada De Laurentiis is an expert in her field and a much sought-after guide for home cooks looking for help for their own gatherings,” said Allison Page, General Manager, U.S. Programming and Development, Scripps Networks Interactive.  “With new episodes on the way, our viewers can continue to count on inspirational recipes and entertaining ideas from season to season to help elevate their own celebrations and get-togethers all year-round.”

“Continuing to create content with both my Linguine Pictures and Food Network family, while getting to share recipes and tips that are close to my heart with our audience, truly inspires me,” said De Laurentiis.  “I am honored and excited to be able to do what I love.”

Giada de Laurentiis wrote the book on holiday entertaining, and with “Giada’s Holiday Handbook” she shares tips and tricks to pull off a holiday season’s worth of parties.  In “Giada Entertains,” whether it’s a casual game night with girlfriends, a fun family get-together, or a party in the kitchen, Giada shows how to make it an extra-special event for family and friends.  With the forthcoming, all-new “Giada’s Summer Entertaining” (working title), Giada offers up tips and seasonal recipes for all types of warm-weather gatherings with expert advice for everything from the grill to the guests.

“Giada Entertains,” “Giada’s Holiday Handbook” and “Giada’s Summer Entertaining” (working title) are produced by Linguine Pictures.

2017 James Beard Awards: complete list of winners

May 1, 2017

James Beard Awards

The 2017 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards took place May 1 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Jesse Tyler Ferguson (of “Modern Family” fame) hosted the show. Andrew Zimmern hosted the 2017 James Beard Media Awards, which honor those in the media who cover the culinary industry, took place April 25 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

Here is the complete list of winners and nominations for the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards.

*=winner

2017 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards

Best New Restaurant (Presented by True Refrigeration®)
A restaurant opened in the calendar year before the award will be given that already displays excellence in food, beverage, and service, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.

In Situ
San Francisco

Le Coucou*
New York, NY

Olmsted
Brooklyn, NY

Pineapple and Pearls
Washington, D.C.

Tartine Manufactory
San Francisco

Outstanding Baker
A chef or baker who prepares breads, pastries, or desserts in a retail bakery, and who serves as a national standard-bearer of excellence. Must have been working as a baker or pastry chef for at least for five years.

Ken Forkish
Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Portland, OR

Mark Furstenberg*
Bread Furst
Washington, D.C.

Zachary Golper
Bien Cuit
Brooklyn, NY

Belinda Leong and Michel Suas
B. Patisserie
San Francisco

Greg Wade
Publican Quality Bread
Chicago

Outstanding Bar Program
A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in cocktail, spirits, and/or beer service.

Arnaud’s French 75 Bar*
New Orleans

Bar Agricole
San Francisco

Clyde Common
Portland, OR

Cure
New Orleans

The Dead Rabbit
New York, NY

Outstanding Chef (Presented by All-Clad Metalcrafters)
A working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals. Must have been working as a chef for the past five years.

Gabrielle Hamilton
Prune
New York, NY

David Kinch
Manresa
Los Gatos, CA

Christopher Kostow
The Restaurant at Meadowood
St. Helena, CA

Donald Link
Herbsaint
New Orleans

Michael Solomonov*
Zahav
Philadelphia

Outstanding Pastry Chef (Presented by Lavazza)
A chef or baker who prepares desserts, pastries, or breads in a restaurant, and who serves as a national standard bearer of excellence.  Must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past five years.

Kelly Fields
Willa Jean
New Orleans

Maura Kilpatrick
Oleana
Cambridge, MA

Margarita Manzke
République
Los Angeles

Dolester Miles
Highlands Bar & Grill
Birmingham, AL

Ghaya Oliveira*
Daniel
New York, NY

Outstanding Restaurant (Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
A restaurant in the United States that serves as a national standard-bearer of consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere, and service. Must have been in operation ten or more consecutive years.

Frasca Food and Wine
Boulder, CO

Highlands Bar and Grill
Birmingham, AL

Momofuku Noodle Bar
New York, NY

Quince
San Francisco

The Spotted Pig
New York, NY

Topolobampo*
Chicago

Outstanding Restaurateur
A working restaurateur who sets high national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship. Must have been in the restaurant business for at least ten years. Must not have been nominated for a James Beard Foundation chef award in the past five years.

Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz
Boka Restaurant Group (Boka, Girl & the Goat, Momotaro, and others)
Chicago

JoAnn Clevenger
Upperline
New Orleans

Ken Oringer
Uni, Toro, Coppa, and others
Boston

Stephen Starr*
Starr Restaurants (Le Coucou, Serpico, Upland, and others)
Philadelphia

Caroline Styne
The Lucques Group (Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern, and others)
Los Angeles

Outstanding Service
A restaurant in operation for five or more years that demonstrates high standards of hospitality and service.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns*
Pocantico Hills, NY

Galatoire’s Restaurant
New Orleans

Marea
New York, NY

Terra
St. Helena, CA

Zahav
Philadelphia

Outstanding Wine Program (Presented by Robert Mondavi Winery)
A restaurant in operation five or more years that serves as a standard-bearer for excellence in wine service through a well-presented wine list, knowledgeable staff, and efforts to educate customers about wine.

Benu
San Francisco

Canlis*
Seattle

Emeril’s New Orleans

Fig
Charleston, SC

Miller Union
Atlanta

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional
A beer, wine, or spirits professional who has made a significant national impact on the restaurant industry.

Sam Calagione*
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Milton, DE

Diane Flynt
Foggy Ridge Cider
Dugspur, VA

Miljenko Grgich
Grgich Hills Estate
Rutherford, CA

Aldo Sohm
Zalto Glass
New York, NY

Rob Tod
Allagash Brewing Company
Portland, ME

Rising Star Chef of the Year (Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
A chef age 30 or younger who displays an impressive talent and who is likely to make a significant impact on the industry in years to come.

Camille Cogswell
Zahav
Philadelphia

Zachary Engel*
Shaya
New Orleans

Matt Rudofker
Momofuku Ssäm Bar
New York, NY

Jenner Tomaska
Next
Chicago

Brady Williams
Canlis
Seattle

Best Chefs in America
Chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions. Eligible candidates may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as a chef for at least five years, with the three most recent years spent in the region.

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
Abraham Conlon
Fat Rice
Chicago

Sarah Grueneberg*
Monteverde
Chicago

Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark
Parachute
Chicago

Lee Wolen
Boka
Chicago

Erling Wu-Bower
Nico Osteria
Chicago

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (D.C., DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Amy Brandwein
Centrolina
Washington, D.C.

Tom Cunanan
Bad Saint
Washington, D.C.

Rich Landau
Vedge
Philadelphia

Greg Vernick*
Vernick Food & Drink
Philadelphia

Cindy Wolf
Charleston
Baltimore

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
Steven Brown
Tilia
Minneapolis

Justin Carlisle
Ardent
Milwaukee

Jorge Guzman
Brewer’s Table at Surly Brewing Co.
Minneapolis

Kevin Nashan*
Sidney Street Cafe
St. Louis

Kevin Willmann
Farmhaus
St. Louis

Best Chef: New York City (Five Boroughs)
Marco Canora*
Hearth

Anita Lo
Annisa

Ignacio Mattos
Estela

Missy Robbins
Lilia
Brooklyn, NY

Jody Williams
Buvette Gastrothèque

Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY State, RI, VT)
Karen Akunowicz
Myers + Chang
Boston

Cassie Piuma
Sarma
Somerville, MA

Susan Regis
Shepard
Cambridge, MA

Benjamin Sukle
Birch
Providence, RI

Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley
Eventide Oyster Co.
Portland, ME

Best Chef: Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY)
Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton*
Ox
Portland, OR

Edouardo Jordan
Salare
Seattle

Katy Millard
Coquine
Portland, OR

Justin Woodward
Castagna
Portland, OR

Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi
Joule
Seattle

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, FL, LA, MS)
Vishwesh Bhatt
Snackbar
Oxford, MS

Nina Compton
Compère Lapin
New Orleans

Jose Enrique
Jose Enrique
San Juan, PR

Slade Rushing
Brennan’s
New Orleans

Rebecca Wilcomb*
Herbsaint
New Orleans

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
John Fleer
Rhubarb
Asheville, NC

Edward Lee
610 Magnolia
Louisville, KY

Steven Satterfield*
Miller Union
Atlanta

Ryan Smith
Staplehouse
Atlanta

Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
Memphis

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT)
Bryce Gilmore
Barley Swine
Austin

Steve McHugh
Cured
San Antonio

Hugo Ortega*
Hugo’s
Houston

Steve Redzikowski
Acorn
Denver

Martín Rios
Restaurant Martín
Santa Fe

Jianyun Ye
Mala Sichuan Bistro
Houston

Best Chef: West (CA, HI, NV)
Michael Cimarusti
Providence
Los Angeles

Dominique Crenn
Atelier Crenn
San Francisco

Jeremy Fox
Rustic Canyon
Santa Monica, CA

Corey Lee*
Benu
San Francisco

Ludo Lefebvre
Trois Mec
Los Angeles

Travis Lett
Gjelina
Venice, CA

The James Beard Foundation is also pleased to announce the 2017 recipients of the Who’s Who award:
Suzanne Goin
Multiple James Beard Award–Winning Chef and Restaurateur, A.O.C., Lucques, and Tavern
Los Angeles

Evan Kleiman
Culinarian; Host of KCRW’s Good Food
Santa Monica, CA

Roger Berkowitz
President and CEO, Legal Sea Foods
Boston

Michel Nischan
Multiple James Beard Award–Winning Chef; Founder, President,
and CEO, Wholesome Wave
Bridgeport, CT

Rajat Parr
Domaine de la Cote
Lompoc, California

The 2017 America’s Classics Award Winners (announced in advance of the show)
Bertha’s Kitchen
Charleston, SC
Owners: Julia Grant, Linda Pinckney, and Sharon Coakley

Gioia’s Deli
St. Louis
Owner: Alex Donley

La Taqueria
San Francisco
Owner: Miguel Jara

Sahadi’s
Brooklyn, NY
Owners: Christina Sahadi Whelan, and Ron Sahadi

Schultz’s Crab House
Essex, MD
Owners: Karen and Bob McKinney

2017 JBF Humanitarian of the Year
Denise Cerreta
One World Everybody Eats
Salt Lake City

2017 JBF Lifetime Achievement Award
Nora Pouillon
Restaurant Nora
Washington, D.C.

 

2017 Vegas Uncork’d: Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are first female chefs to lead saber off

April 28, 2017

Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (front row) at Vegas Uncork'd
Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (front row) at Vegas Uncork’d’s saber off opening ceremony sabered a bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne at The Vortex at The LINQ Hotel & Casino. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The 11th annual Vegas Uncork’d culinary festival  Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit kicked off on April 27, 2017, with the saber off, a tradition in which participating chefs saber a bottle of champagne. For this year’s saber off, chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger sabered a bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne at The Vortex at The LINQ Hotel & Casino. According to a Vegas Uncork’d press release, Milliken and Feniger were the first female chefs to lead the saber off and, to recognize their support, they were given personal sabers to do the honors during the inaugural event. More than 15 iconic chefs including Frank Pellegrino Jr., Greg Sherry, Guy Savoy, Lorena Garcia, Rick Moonen, Scott Conant and Shawn McClain joined in the festivities were also at the event.

The 2017 edition of Vegas Uncork’d takes place April 27 to April 30 at various Las Vegas location, including Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International’s The Park, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas.

Participating chefs include Wolfgang Puck, Alain Ducasse, Bobby Flay, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, José Andrés, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina, Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Colicchio, and Charlie Palmer.

The following is an excerpt from a Vegas Uncork’d press release:

New this year, guests can enjoy a Picnic in The Park at MGM Resorts International’s newest outdoor dining and entertainment district, and go on a mixology journey with Mariena Mercer at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. To sample a bit of everything, guests can still purchase tickets to perennial favorite The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace and indulge in Sweet Escape: An Evening of Buddy, Beignets, Bonbons & Booze on The Palazzo Pool Deck.

Additionally, Chase Sapphire returned for the fifth consecutive year as a presenting sponsor of Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire ReserveSM cardmembers will enjoy unique access to select experiences and interaction with celebrity chefs throughout the four-day festival.

Events with limited tickets still available include:

  • #FoodPorn Cooking Demo & Luncheon with the Too Hot Tamales (Forum Shops at Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28: Bring your camera phone and appetite, as you get up close and personal at a fun-filled live cooking demonstration featuring chef duo, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Prepare to laugh, taste and sip as the Too Hot Tamales fix a feast for the eyes and shake up creative cocktails. Guests will not only learn the dynamic duo’s innovative recipes and cooking techniques but also get the lowdown on how to shoot epic food porn photos with expert tips and tricks from Bon Appétit magazine’s social media gurus. Meet the chefs, enjoy a multi-course lunch with specialty cocktails, a takeaway recipe booklet and a chance to purchase personalized cookbooks following the event.
  • Lunch like a Spaniard with José Andrés at Jaleo (The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas), Friday, April 28: Experience a taste of Spain with internationally acclaimed culinary pioneer and innovator, Chef José Andrés. Join José as he prepares lágrima paella over their renowned live fire pit in a dish-and-tell session, and shares his favorite stories behind the unique restaurant’s menu items, like José’s Taco, a slice of jamón ibérico de bellota topped with osetra caviar and gold flakes; Coca con Erizas del Mar, crusty Spanish cristal bread topped with sea urchin, ibérico bacon and butter; their renowned Gin and Tonic program, and more.
  • Picnic in The Park with Alain Ducasse, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Tom Colicchio, Shawn McClain, Rick Moonen, Roy Ellamar, Akira Back, Bryce Shuman, David Werly & More (The Park, located between Monte Carlo and New York-New York), Saturday, April 29: Enjoy a Picnic in The Park Vegas style! Featuring live music and some of MGM Resorts’ most notable chefs including Alain Ducasse, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Tom Colicchio, Shawn McClain, Rick Moonen, Roy Ellamar, Akira Back, Bryce Shuman and David Werly, Picnic in The Park will offer creative twists on classic picnic dishes, Edible Gardens and champagne provided by Veuve Clicquot. We encourage you to embrace your inner-child with a variety of social games including giant Jenga, cornhole and croquet. And don’t forget to take a selfie in front of Bliss Dance, a 40-foot-tall sculpture by artist Marco Cochrane and a focal point of The Park experience, or swing by the vintage VW Bus, which has been transformed into a photo booth for the occasion. Located on the Las Vegas Strip between Monte Carlo and New York-New York, this new outdoor dining, and entertainment district will provide an ideal backdrop for you to enjoy a fun, interactive afternoon picnicking with celebrated chefs.
    EARLY ACCESS: Gain early admission to the event with an Early Access ticket. A limited number of tickets are available to deliver the undivided attention of experts on site, an exclusive signature cocktail available only to early access guests, and an opportunity to interact with the chefs in a more intimate setting.
  • Sweet Escape: An Evening of Buddy, Beignets, Bonbons & Booze (The Palazzo), Saturday, April 29: Everyone’s favorite baker and TV personality Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro will host a decadent evening to surrender to the sweet side of life, featuring a number of world-renowned chefs of The Venetian and The Palazzo, each preparing a unique take on beignets or bonbons. The poolside reception will include specialty cocktails, a live performance from the electrifying trio Simply Three, and a special appearance by Chef Lorena Garcia of Chica, set to open on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2017 in Restaurant Row at The Venetian.
  • The Ultimate Big Cake & Craft Cocktail After-Party with Buddy Valastro (The Venetian), Saturday, April 29: Celebrate the evening with an official after-party at the latest Las Vegas hotspot, The Dorsey, with a colossal cake baked by the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. The Dorsey is a high design, memorable spot for the worldly, curious and engaged featuring a hand crafted cocktail menu.

Gordon Ramsay announces first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant

April 28, 2017

Gordon Ramsay poses with series’ signature pitchfork in front of the iconic fountains at Caesars Palace Las Vegas announcing the upcoming winter debut of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant.
Gordon Ramsay poses with the signature pitchfork of his TV show “Hell’s Kitchen” in front of the fountains at Caesars Palace Las Vegas to announced the debut of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant. (Photo by Erik Kabik Photography/Erikkabik.com)

Celebrity chef/TV personality Gordon Ramsay has announced plans for the first-of its-kind Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen located at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, set to open in the winter of 2017. To commemorate the announcement, Ramsay ignited a 17-foot pitchfork, a replica of the “Hell’s Kitchen” pitchfork,  in the center of Caesars’ fountains. This marks Ramsay’s fifth Las Vegas restaurant and extends his successful partnership with Caesars Entertainment.

The restaurant, designed by Jeffrey Beers International, will begin construction this summer. Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen will seat nearly 300 guests, feature indoor and Strip-adjacent patio dining, and will offer a daily themed brunch, dinner and spirited bar menu.

According to a Caesars Entertainment press release, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen will be an “experiential and immersive destination restaurant, guests will feel transported to the studio set, as if they are participating in the globally popular television show, the 17th season of which will air during the 2017-2018 season on Fox. With design features that are engaging to all senses and are a nod to both the red and blue teams featured on the show, the dynamic and bustling kitchen will be the centerpiece of this unique eatery to be enjoyed and appreciated from every seat in the house.

“Fans of the show have been asking us to bring a ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ since day one, so I’m thrilled to finally be doing it here at Caesars Palace,” said Ramsay. “A key element of the show’s success has always been the diners’ experience, so we are excited for guests in Las Vegas to feel like they too are part of the show—flames and all.”

In other news about Ramsay, Fox has set “The F Word With Gordon Ramsay” will premiere on May 31, 2017, at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific Time. The show will air live in the Eastern and Central time zones. This is the description of the show from Fox: “Based on his hit U.K. series, each distinctive and fast-paced hour will combine good food and great cooking with Ramsay’s passion, energy and humor into a one-of-a-kind live series. During each episode, teams of foodie families and friends will battle it out live in a high-stakes cook-off, hoping to impress Ramsay, as well as celebrities, VIPs and other dinner guests. As the Live battle heats up, the show will feature Ramsay hosting highly stylized cooking demos and weekly out-of-the-kitchen adventures with fans, foodies and surprise guests. We’ll see Gordon at his best inside the kitchen, and at his most mischievous outside the kitchen. ”

Ramsay is the host and executive producer of “Hell’s Kitchen,” The F Word With Gordon Ramsay,” “MasterChef” and “MasterChef Junior,” which are all televised in the U.S. on Fox.

Sur La Table partners with FYI for ‘Scraps,’ with Katie Couric as executive producer

April 18, 2017

Joel Gamoran in "Scraps"
Joel Gamoran in “Scraps” (Photo courtesy of FYI)

The following is a press release from FYI:

FYI is partnering with Sur La Table to produce the new culinary series “Scraps,” where national Sur La Table Chef Joel Gamoran travels across the U.S. creating incredible feasts in unexpected places, using the most out-of-the-box ingredients—food waste and scraps. KitchenAid® appliances will be integrated throughout the series. Award-winning journalist Katie Couric will serve as an executive producer of the ten half-hour episodes slated to premiere beginning Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 p.m. ET on FYI.

“Food waste is such a huge problem in this country and more and more people want to do something about it,” said Couric. “I’m so excited for Chef Joel Gamoran to introduce viewers to wonderful places and delicious recipes using ingredients we never imagined could taste so good. Joel’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious.”

Each episode of “Scraps” will follow Chef Joel Gamoran to a new city where he partners with food waste champions to celebrate the local cuisine and create a delicious meal with food items many consider to be waste, like banana peels, shrimp shells, chicken bones and carrot stems. The pressure will be on as Joel will have less than a day to source ingredients, build a full menu and create a meal for an outdoor dinner party. From roadside foraging, to chocolate roasting, to oyster hunting—viewers will follow Joel on a one-of-a-kind food sourcing adventure in his refurbished 1963 Volkswagen bus, which doubles as his mobile kitchen. The new KitchenAid Artisan Mini Mixer, Stand Mixer attachments and high-performance Pro Line Series Blender will be used in the series to make everything from fresh pasta to veggie noodles and more.

FYI and Sur La Table will also partner to offer ten online cooking classes, giving viewers the opportunity to learn more in depth techniques and incorporate scraps in their cooking. The cooking classes will be available for purchase on Sur La Table’s website after each episode of “Scraps” airs. Additionally, a sweepstakes will offer viewers the chance to win KitchenAid products and Sur La Table cooking classes.

“FYI is thrilled to partner with Sur La Table on this aspirational culinary series, paired with an interactive digital cooking class,” said Peter Olsen, Executive Vice President Ad Sales, A+E Networks. “We strive to be a step ahead in the lifestyle space, while offering potential partners innovative opportunities to integrate with our brand, and ‘Scraps’ is no exception.”

“As a chef, I have dedicated my life to making the kitchen more approachable for everyone and ‘Scraps’ is a cooking movement that will genuinely open doors for home cooks to view ingredients differently,” says Chef Joel Gamoran. “Ugly produce and what once was thought of as cooking waste will now be seen as edible and useful – saving money and resources. Imperfect is the new perfect!”

“The movement to reduce food waste inspired ‘Scraps’ unique format and style, and allowed us to bring these partners together,” says Timothy Whitney, Head of Development at RAIN, one of the show’s production partners. “We celebrate something that is hiding in plain sight—that broccoli stem tastes even better than the florets, that you can make ice cream from bruised bananas, that your stale bread has a second life—in a way that engages an active, digitally-oriented audience.”

 

Food Network and Cooking Channel announce new shows for 2017

March 22, 2017

Giada De Laurentiis (Photo courtesy of Food Network)
Giada De Laurentiis (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

The following is a press release from Scripps Networks:

With year-to-date ratings gains, Food Network and Cooking Channel up the ante in 2017 and together will introduce nearly 50 new series and specials along with 40 returning favorites, as presented during Scripps Networks Interactive’s upfront tour. Additionally, FoodNetwork.com and CookingChannelTV.com continue to lead the way as the ultimate resource for all things culinary and entertaining, engaging fans across every major social media platform, broadcasting live from a breadth of locations and events, and offering special access audiences can’t seem to get enough of.

“With Food Network reigning as the #1 most distributed cable network, Cooking Channel notching 11 straight months of growth as well as our digital platforms engaging with 330 million visitors monthly, our core strategy remains hyper-focused on delivering the quality content audiences seek out,” said Kathleen Finch, Chief Programming, Content and Brand Officer, Scripps Networks Interactive. “Entertaining and informative stories, beloved and trusted experts and personalities, plus fresh new faces, all contribute and reinforce the leadership position these brands have long been known for.”

Food Network’s2017 slate includes the much-anticipated Iron Chef Gauntlet, hosted by the inimitable Alton Brown and with the fiercest of opponents, Iron Chefs Bobby Flay, Masaharu Morimoto and Michael SymonGuy Fieri’s upcoming docu-series Guy’s Big Project (wt) slated for Q4, will offer fans and foodies alike a shot to have their dream show made into reality.  Additional NEW projects include – a delicious adventure with digital star Hannah Hart in Hungry Hart (wt), Help My Yelp hosted by Monti Carlo as well as a road trip full of humor and delicious food in Incredible Edible America (wt).

Cooking Channel dishes out the all-new culinary competition Farmer’s Market Flip hosted by Jeff Mahin, an exploration of delicious and colossal fare in Monster Food as well as Late Night Eats, an excursion of sweet and savory snacks and liquid libations being served up after dark across the country.

FOOD NETWORK EVENT PROGRAMMING
Iron Chef Gauntlet
Series Premieres Sunday, April 16 at 9pm ET/PT
Alton Brown hosts this daunting competition featuring seven daring, up-and-coming chefs vying for the chance to outcook their fellow finalists and run the gauntlet against the fiercest of competitors, Bobby Flay, Masaharu Morimoto and Michael Symon, for the ultimate title of Iron Chef.

Leading into Iron Chef Gauntlet at 8pm ET/PT, the one hour special, The Legend of Iron Chef will take a look at the history of the storied franchise and some of the big moments leading up to the new series launch.  Plus, at 10pm ET/PT, Iron Chef Eats, an on-air companion, features stars from the world of Iron Chef who share where they chow down on their days off from the kitchen. From the best pizza to great burgers and fried chicken galore, Iron Chef Eats will be a celebration of all the delicious and phenomenal foods that the best in the business crave. Online, fans can check out exclusive digital series, Iron Chef Mode, for culinary inspiration, along with tips and tricks that home cooks can use in their own kitchens.

Food Network Star 
Season Premieres in June
The anticipated return of Food Network Star showcases an all-new roster of talented hopefuls competing for the ultimate prize, to become the next Food Network star. Culinary superstars Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay are back to host with a star-studded cast of guests joining the action in and out of the studio throughout the season.

Adding to the suspense, Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen returns in May, as seven former Food Network Star finalists return to the kitchen to vie for a coveted spot in the new season of the hit series. Hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Tyler Florence, these contestants are looking for a shot at redemption and the chance to be back in the spotlight.  Plus, don’t miss digital companion series, Food Network Star: Star Salvation, premiering in June, in which one ousted finalist will rejoin the Food Network Star competition on-air, but only if he or she can survive and win a six-week journey on this special digital series hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli and Jeff Mauro. 

Guy’s Big Project (wt)
Series Premieres in Q4
Guy Fieri is hitting the road and inviting fans to follow along as he sets out to find his next big project for the network in Guy’s Big Project (wt). Guy has traveled near and far to the very best diners, drive-ins and dives, meeting the dynamic folks dishing out extraordinary meals in a variety of flavors.  Now Guy is looking for the next great culinary road show and host, giving one lucky winner the opportunity to have their dream become a reality.  The new docu-series will capture the entire journey as Guy produces and directs the action, narrowing down the playing field of aspiring food experts looking to host and shape their very own food-focused travel show – he’ll test their mettle, culinary know-how and overall ability from location to location until the ultimate victor is left standing with a brand new show. Don’t miss every twist and turn of this exciting journey! The series will be accompanied by a rich complement of digital content online and across social platforms enhancing and extending the on-air viewing experience.

Additional Food Network programming highlights:
Help My Yelp
Series Premieres Monday, April 10 at 10pm ET/PT
The customer is always right, especially in today’s fast-paced restaurant business where online reviews can make or break a business with a click of the mouse. But what if those reviewers are the same people who can help save a business and its reputation? Chef and restaurant consultant Monti Carlo is on a mission to help struggling restaurants fix their food and service issues by enlisting elite Yelp reviewers. After they help to identify problems typical customers have, she executes solutions that will put these restaurants in distress on the path to five-star success.

Ginormous Food
Season Premieres Friday, April 28 at 8pm ET/PT
Food fanatic Josh Denny is on a quest to find the biggest and tastiest foods in America. From a five-foot pizza to an eight-pound barbecue sandwich to a burrito too big to wrap his arms around, Josh meets the passionate people who come up with these insane dishes, finds out what makes them so enormous and delicious, and sinks his teeth into these culinary monsters.

Kids BBQ Championship
Season Premieres Monday, May 1
Move over mom and dad, the barbecue now belongs to a new generation of creative and innovative grillers, and they’re all under 13 years old! Each week, four different kids will enter the BBQ ranch and after two grueling rounds of competition, hosts Eddie Jackson and Damaris Phillips will crown a champion of barbecue and award a $10,000 cash prize.

Incredible Edible America (wt)
Series Premieres in June
Comedian Jeff Dunham and his wife Audrey are going on a food tour of the United States seeking America’s most unbelievable incredible eats. Having traveled the country for many years discovering new and fantastic culinary creations each time, Jeff and Audrey love to explore what Americans have learned to do with food. Now, they are getting to the bottom of why each chef or restaurateur does what he or she does. It’s not only about super fun and irresistible eats, but also about the masterminds behind the ridiculously inventive food Jeff and Audrey experience.

Hungry Hart (wt)
Series Premieres in August
YouTube sensation Hannah Hart has spent the last five years sharing her passion for food – and love for puns – with millions. Now she’s setting out to travel this great land of ours to discover America’s love affair with the regional favorites that consume them, from sea to shining sea.  She’ll learn the many ways that Portland loves its lobster, Sante Fe cherishes its chiles, and Asheville takes its dishes – Southern-fried, thank you very much.  This hungry Hart is on the look-out for the country’s most incredible foods, and the awesome people who make them.
Kid Chef Nation (wt)
Series Premieres in Q3
Meet America’s most extraordinarily-talented and food-obsessed kid chefs. These young chefs spend every waking moment perfecting their skills and their passion, in hopes of taking home the top prize as they compete in festivals across the nation. Now, a lucky group of young BBQ masters have a once in a lifetime opportunity to show their stuff at the first-ever Kids Grilling Invitational at the World Food Championships.

Ms. Polly’s Cakes
Series Premieres in Q3
Ms. Polly is the resident cake master of Savannah and its unofficial mayor! She’s been baking for more than 18 years, and her patrons travel far and wide for her custom cakes. Helping her run the bakery’s two locations are her four kids, who she calls “the Giants.” Together, they create amazing cakes and keep Savannah’s sweet tooth satisfied!

Texas Cake House
Season Premieres in Q3
Follow along as married couple, Natalie and Dave Sideserf, owners of Sideserf Cake Studio, create remarkable, hyper-realistic cakes for their Austin, Texas clientele. With a fine arts background, Natalie has made a name for herself with her award-winning, intricate, extraordinarily detailed and textured cake sculptures that push the boundaries of cake design. With business booming, her husband has quit his day job in software development to help manage the operation that specializes in outside-the-box cake designs. This young couple is going all in to create incredible works of edible art, and viewers will get an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at their magical creations and what it takes to run a top-tier business with a spouse.

Also coming later this year, Guy’s Family Road Trip (wt) featuring Guy Fieri and his family heading out in a monster RV in search of great food, big adventure, iconic locations and crazy characters. Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror, takes the competition out of the kitchen and all the way out into the pumpkin patch for the spookiest hayride and scariest competition yet with host Harley Morenstein and judges, renowned pastry chef Zac Young and special effects make-up artist Bianca Appice. Chopped: Alton’s Challenge (wt) has Alton Brown taking over the Chopped Kitchen and the baskets! In this epic, five-part tournament, the food science mastermind will put 16 bold chefs to the test, with puzzling challenges that tap into the science of cooking and the physics of food!

Plus, don’t miss NEW episodes of fan-favorites including Bakers vs. Fakers, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Chopped Junior, Cooks vs. Cons, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, The Great Food Truck Race, Guy’s Grocery Games and Worst Cooks in America as well as more seasonal Baking Championships. There will also be plenty of new ‘In The Kitchen’ instructional programming with premiere episodes of Ayesha’s Home Kitchen, Barefoot Contessa, Giada in Italy, The Kitchen, Kitchen Sink, The Pioneer Woman, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen and Valerie’s Home Cooking.

COOKING CHANNEL PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
Farmers’ Market Flip
Series Premieres Thursday, April 20th at 10pm ET / 7pm PT
Jeff Mahin hosts this action-packed cooking competition that puts two teams of chefs’ culinary skills to the ultimate test, as they face off to see who can produce the most crowd-pleasing dishes over one lightning-fast day! First, it’s the Flavor of the Market challenge – the teams must create a dish that highlights a vendor’s star ingredient. Then, the teams get only 20 minutes to race through the farmers’ market to buy ultra-fresh ingredients. They’ll set up shop in the Farmers’ Market Flip pop-up kitchen, where they’ll have one hour to prepare gourmet delights that will be sampled and judged by hungry customers at the market. When time’s up, the team that wins over the most palates will take the prize – and earn some serious culinary cred!

Monster Food
Series Premieres in Q3
New series Monster Food explores how the world’s most colossal, jaw-dropping dishes are cooked up, revealing the mind-blowing logistics of how they are created. From flipping quarter-ton hamburgers to dunking tire-sized donuts, find out the extraordinary culinary secrets behind the world’s biggest mega meals. Go behind the scenes at the restaurants that serve up these titanic treats and meet the characters who put these gigantic dishes on their menus and the diners who share their passion for eating these extraordinary creations.

Late Night Eats
Series Premieres in Q3
Late Night Eats visits amazing chefs across America who are ruling the late night food scene. From dishes that only appear on menus after dark, to destinations that cater to the late night crowd, our host, Jordan Andino, will uncover the delicious secrets, savory snacks, and liquid libations that will make anyone want to stay out just a little bit later.

Also returning with NEW seasons this year on Cooking Channel, Cheap Eats with host Ali Khan featuring the best bargain bites, Food: Fact or Fiction? with host Michael McKean exploring popular food myths, delicious new recipes and exciting new guests in Patti LaBelle’s Place, and invites to dine with the stars from both Tiffani Thiessen and Tia Mowry.  More excitement awaits on the midways and fairgrounds as host Noah Cappe seeks out delectable Carnival Eats and suit up for sun, sand and Beach Bites with Katie Lee.  Also on the menu, a chance to get back to the basics and fire up the grill as Roger Mooking returns with a new season of Man Fire Food and pitmaster Shannon Ambrosio hits the road for a new season of Big Bad BBQ Brawl.

2017 Scripps Lifestyle Studios featured content:
FoodNetwork.com
Busy Moms’ Kitchen (wt)
Welcome to the Busy Moms’ Kitchen, where chaos is calmed and plans and last-minute meals meet. Hosts like Bev Weidner of Bev Can Cook and other moms from the front lines of cooking for families share time-saving hacks and easy tasty meals that’ll keep mom happy and the kids smiling.

Food Network Finds (wt)
Fans with a youthful approach to food want to know what’s cool and what’s hot. This editor-curated experience of recipes, tips, hacks, and newsletter will include video from fresh faces, influencers and content creators who stretch Food Network into timely topics and trends. Think ‘what to cook’ meets ‘where to go’: If you’re on the road our restaurant guide is brimming with the sites and bites to visit as tasted by our Food Network talent, our editors and now, you! On our social platforms, you’ll find a new social extension, #FNFinds: We’re on the hunt for the most-exciting culinary creations at restaurants, bakeries and other food destinations. From new food inventions to age-old classics, we secure our fans an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into how things are made and where they should go next around the country and — soon — around the globe.

Global Flavors (wt)
Spin the globe and find a new way to eat. Based on research showing that our younger fans prefer internationally inspired comfort food to traditional American fare, we’re creating a world of flavor on FoodNetwork.com and its social platforms. Look for videos with Son of a Southern Chef Lazarus Lynch, sharing his spin on comfort combined with international flare. Plus, find shortcut and authentic recipes from dozens of countries, the best places to get favorites like dumplings, arepas, dosas and lumpia, and lots of how-to videos.

How to Win Summer
Our hit digital series is back with fresh, cool ways to up your party game. In How to Win Summer, make breezy weekdays and fun-filled weekends the best yet with easy-to-do, over-the-top party ideas and hacks, like a big-batch shrimp boil in a cooler, pull-apart rainbow fish cupcakes and a boozy watermelon keg.

#InspiredBy (wt)
Get an extra taste of the culinary creativity seen on your favorite Food Network shows as we have fun with the challenges in our kitchen. From a ginormous breakfast sandwich using an emu egg to a tie-dye cheesecake, we bring fun food creations to our audience inspired by our shows.

Kids Can Make
There’s never too many cooks in the kitchen when kids get together with Mom or Dad and try their hand at building a junior-focused repertoire. This social forward video series will showcase the best recipes for every age and skill level, resulting in delicious, fun, shareable foods the whole family will love.

The Musts of Every Season (wt)
FoodNetwork.com and its social platforms are THE go-to for top-notch, no-fuss eats all year. From January’s fresh start to the big game and comfort food in winter, to light, lively ideas for Easter and Mother’s Day in Spring, our how-to videos, tips and tricks carry you through and to every week’s best picks for what you want to eat right then. Summer brings grilling and barbecue, with cocktails, mocktails, parties and picnics to bring joy to bright times. Back to school, Halloween and tailgating—plus all the apple recipes and busy-fall-weekend solvers you can imagine—fill the table for fall. We round out the year with every home cook’s handbook for the holidays: tried, true, trusted traditions and on-trend ingredients, twists and sweet spins from Thanksgiving to holiday cocktail parties and cookie swaps to New Year’s toasts. All year long, we celebrate great taste, irresistible recipes and foods that make every delicious moment matter.

Sweet Side of Life (wt)
Join YouTube star Raiza Costa, aka Dulce Delight, as she gives her sweet take on homemade sprinkles and DIY ice cream cones and join in the fun by making her inspired treats like Chocolate Tart from Another Planet and Apple Rose Tartlets.

CookingChannelTV.com
Cooking It Old School
Discover treasured family recipes and stories in this video series starring “mature” home chefs cooking authentic meals with skills from the old country and timeless wit as a sous chef.

The Snackdown
Is cereal soup? Are green beans finger food? Is spaghetti a salad? Not every foodie needs to have food-snob seriousness. Watch our whimsical animated debates voiced by The Sporkful’s Dan Pashman, and get in on the most fun food fight in town.

FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to nearly 100 million U.S. households and draws over 46 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine’s rate base has grown 13 times and is the #2 best-selling monthly magazine on the newsstand, with 13.9 million readers.  Headquartered in New York, Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150 countries, including 24-hour networks in the United Kingdom, Asia, and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Scripps Networks Interactive (NASDAQ: SNI), which also owns and operates Cooking Channel (www.cookingchanneltv.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com) and Great American Country (www.gactv.com), is the manager and general partner.

COOKING CHANNEL (www.cookingchanneltv.com) is an entertainment brand dedicated to today’s passionate food lover.  For food people, by food people, Cooking Channel is the answer to a growing hunger for more content devoted to food and cooking in every dimension from global cuisines to international travel, history and unconventional how-to’s.  Cooking Channel is part of the media portfolio of Scripps Networks Interactive (NASDAQ: SNI), which also includes Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com) and Great American Country (www.gactv.com).

Jose Garces opens three new restaurants at Tropicana Atlantic City

February 17, 2017

Celebrity chef/restaurateur Jose Garces has opened three new restaurants at Tropicana Atlantic City in New Jersey. Here are the details from a Tropicana press release:

Olón
Inspired by the tranquil beach town of Olón, Ecuador and the vibrancy of coastal culture, Olón (pronounced Ō-lon) provides Tropicana guests with a classically alluring, laid-back experience centered around Chef Jose Garces’ vision of fresh seafood. Guests enter through custom-crafted Ecuadorian gates and first encounter a 43-seat ceviche bar and lounge, where they can watch chefs prepare ceviche and other raw seafood specialties.

In the 128-seat dining area, every seat has sweeping ocean and boardwalk views. Beach-like cabanas with soft draperies create intimate nooks within the space while touches of natural light and fresh salt air create an inviting yet alluring atmosphere. In addition, wood shutters unfold to create two private dining areas for groupings of up to 60 people.  Weather permitting, seating for 40 will be available on a deck overlooking the beach.

The menu at Olón features Chef Garces’ family recipes, with a modern twist, as well as unique takes on time-honored favorites.  Traditional features include steamed clams, crab cakes, jumbo fried shrimp, and surf & turf.  More contemporary options include wood-fired Wagyu skirt steak, roasted chicken, jumbo gulf prawns, black bass, two-pound lobster, and king crab.

Olón will be open seven days a week with a lunch menu starting at 11:30 a.m. and dinner 5 – 11 p.m., midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling 800-345-8767 . For Olón’s Atlantic City Restaurant Week specials, visit www.acrestaurantweek.com.

Okatshe
Okatshe (pronounced Ō- kaht-she) is Chef Jose Garces’ playful, modernized take on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Okatshe visually transports guests to the streets of Tokyo and provides a sense of discovery by taking guests through a small Japanese candy (okashi) storefront before entering the restaurant.

The full-service, 80-seat sit-down restaurant will serve a selection of small plates, yakitori, ramen, sushi and sashimi. Yakitori skewers include chicken, beef, pork, vegetable or seafood. Ramen noodles are served in three unique styles: Tokyo, light chicken and Dashi broth; Tonkastu, rich pork broth; and Okatshe, lobster dashi. Sushi, sashimi, and maki offerings include everything from scallop and wasabi tobiko to spicy rolls, black jack eel rolls, and the signature Tropicana roll.

The bar at Okatshe will include a curated selection of Japanese whiskeys, 50 sakes, beers, and specialty cocktails.

Okatshe will be open from 4 p.m.2 a.m. seven days a week. Reservations are not required.

Bar Olón
Bar Olón is the interactive, 60-seat double-sided bar and lounge located between the two restaurants. Featuring a large, walk-around bar, the setting includes a modernized beach vibe with a combination of varying seating types to accommodate individuals and small groups. Vintage looking fans provide a cool, “ocean” breeze with whimsical bongos and neon signage completing the nostalgic vibe.  An elevated platform with tropical mural wall-hanging backdrop will serve as a stage for live entertainment.

Bar Olón serves as the foundation of Olón’s extensive beverage programming, including: a custom, double-sided tap with 16 draft beer selections; 35 beers by-the-bottle; 20 wines by-the-glass; 75+ wines by the bottle and 8 hand-crafted specialty cocktails.  A light food menu will also be available featuring ceviche, sandwiches, and shareable small plates.

The bar will be open from 11:30 a.m.11 p.m. daily. Seasonal live, entertainment will be offered from 9 p.m. – midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and holiday weekends.

Management
Chef Jose Garces has tapped two Garces veterans to helm the Tropicana restaurants.

Chef de Cuisine Maria Schmidt is a Garces alumna. Her career in Garces’ kitchens has taken her from Philadelphia to Palm Springs and back again. In her 9 years with Chef Garces, Maria has served as Chef de Cuisine at Amada, Distrito, Tinto and 24.

Executive Director of Fine Dining Patrick Sterr is a South Jersey native who began his management experience in Atlantic City. He went on to manage and oversee several Chef Garces’ restaurants in Atlantic City, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Chicago, and New York.

Designer
Dash Design of New York City was responsible for the interior and architectural design, in collaboration with SOSH Architects, for all three restaurants. This is Dash Design’s fourth collaboration with Chef Jose Garces.

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