On the road and at home, it's always about food and fun!
Eco-friendly and biodegradable, Edible Glitter is a sustainable choice for adding sparkle to any occasion. Made in the USA using fruits and vegetables, the minority-owned business has created a product that is free from synthetic ingredients. Perfect for adding a touch of glamour to a variety of culinary creations from cocktails to desserts to savory dishes, it’s a showstopper at any gathering.
Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is hosting an extraordinary evening at its renowned Moxi Restaurant, where the culinary artistry of Chef Vicente Torres will meet the innovative flair of Chef Billy Maldonado from FÓNICO in Mexico City. This exclusive event, part of the Supper Club series, will also showcase a captivating art exhibition by Salvadoran artist J. Oscar Molina.
On September 27th, guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening beginning at 7:30 PM with a meet-and-greet session with Molina, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the artist’s creative process and the inspiration behind his powerful works. The evening will culminate in a four-course dinner paired with Vilarnau Brut Cava Reserva Sparkling White, Chateau Domecq Rosé, Chateau Domecq Red, and Tequila Casa Dragones Reposado starting at 8:00 PM.
But even if you can’t make that date, be sure to make Moxi a must visit stop when visiting the charming Pueblo Magico city of San Miguel de Allende.
Moxi Restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and gastronomic excellence, will be transformed into a canvas for this fusion of art and cuisine. Chef Vicente Torres, celebrated for his culinary prowess and commitment to excellence, will welcome Chef Billy Maldonado, the visionary behind FÓNICO—a gem in Mexico City’s vibrant Roma district. Maldonado’s reputation for free-spirited, spontaneous cuisine will bring an exciting dynamic to the evening.
FÓNICO, a standout in Mexico City’s competitive dining scene, is lauded for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s menu is a reflection of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, featuring both iconic and innovative dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, FÓNICO offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options, catering to diverse palates and preferences. Chef Maldonado, known for his adventurous culinary approach, merges Mexican flavors with global influences, creating bold and unexpected flavor profiles that resonate with food lovers.
The evening’s artistic highlight will be Molina’s exhibition, which features his renowned collections: “Children of the World,” “Stages of Love,” and “Values & Principles.” Molina’s art, deeply influenced by his tumultuous childhood in El Salvador and his journey as a migrant, explores profound themes of displacement, survival, hope, and humanity. His powerful sculptures and paintings reflect a life of struggle and resilience, offering a poignant narrative that enriches the Supper Club experience.
J. Oscar Molina, born in 1971, has emerged as a significant figure in the contemporary art scene. His works, displayed in prestigious venues such as the National Museum of Anthropology in El Salvador and the Southampton Arts Center, are celebrated for their emotional depth and universal resonance. Molina’s recent venture, the Oscar Molina Gallery, showcases his own pieces alongside other notable artists, continuing to explore and communicate the human condition through art.
This special evening at Moxi Restaurant promises to be a celebration of the senses, where exquisite food and evocative art come together to create a truly memorable experience. Reservations for this exclusive event are highly recommended to ensure a place at this remarkable intersection of gastronomy and artistic expression.
For reservations and more information, please contact: Hotel Matilda +52 (415) 152-1015 https://hotelmatilda.com/
Hotel Matilda received a 2024 Michelin Key, a rating system that recognizes hotels for exceptional stays. Bruce James, Managing Partner of Hotel Matilda, expressed his pride and excitement about the event: “It is an honor and a privilege to receive the 2024 Michelin key, a recognition that symbolizes our unwavering commitment to disruption and differentiation in hospitality and gastronomy.
The achievement is not only a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented and passionate team, suppliers, and partners but also a validation of our manifesto of offering memorable and unique experiences that connect the stomach and the heart. That is Matilda’s hallmark. We thank Michelin for their recognition and all our guests, who inspire us every day to exceed their expectations in every detail.”
For more information, visit https://hotelmatilda.com/.
About Hotel: Matilda Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, renowned for its distinctive blend of contemporary design and traditional Mexican charm. With a focus on exceptional service and unique experiences, the hotel offers a range of luxury accommodations, dining options, and cultural events.
About FÓNICO: FÓNICO is a celebrated restaurant located in Mexico City’s Roma district, offering a distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine. Known for its innovative dishes and commitment to sustainability, FÓNICO provides a dynamic dining experience that highlights the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.
About J. Oscar Molina: J. Oscar Molina is a Salvadoran painter and sculptor whose work explores themes of conflict, resilience, and human experience. His art reflects his personal journey from a war-torn childhood to a prominent position in the international art world, offering powerful narratives through his sculptures and paintings.
Expanded Programming Offers Visitors an Inside Look into the World of Whiskey Making, Beam Family History, and Eight Generations of Craftsmanship as the Clermont Campus Celebrates 90 Years of Craftsmanship.
Behind the Beam
A behind the scenes tour with the First Family of Bourbon, taste our finest whiskies and a few of the most sought-after new releases paired with a Kentucky inspired lunch at The Kitchen Table and storytelling led by a Master Distiller.
James B. Beam Distilling Co., Happy Hollow Road, Clermont, KY
Making America’s Native Spirit isn’t a process. Here in Clermont, it’s a 225-year tradition. Get a glimpse behind the scenes at the production methods that helped the First Family of Bourbon build the World’s Favorite Bourbon and an innovative portfolio of small batch whiskies.
In Behind The Beam, you’ll be guided on a behind the scenes tour of the Fred B. Noe Distillery, bottle your own Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve, and enjoy tasting and storytelling led by a Master Distiller. Following the tour, you’ll be treated to some of Beam’s finest whiskies and a few of the most sought-after new releases paired with a Kentucky inspired lunch at The Kitchen Table.
In addition to your tour, tasting, and Kentucky-inspired lunch each experience will highlight a different aspect of the production process or how to utilize Beam Distilling made whiskies in your favorite cocktails.
2024 Behind the Beam Dates & Theme:
Themes:
Behind The Beam – Maturation Matters
Ever wonder what it’s like to go select barrels with a Master Distiller? Join Fred and Freddie Noe on an experience through the historic warehouses of James B. Beam Distilling Co. where you’ll learn the secrets of how time, temperature, and wood impact the World’s #1 Bourbon.
Behind The Beam – Little Book® + Country Ham
When Freddie Noe set out to make his own mark on the bourbon industry, he wanted to honor his grandfather Booker by creating a product with one attribute in mind: Flavor. Little Book™ was born with the goal of creating the most flavorful American Whiskey on the planet, using a variety of bourbons, ryes, and single malt whiskeys in the final blend.
Join Freddie Noe as he takes you through the process of blending a new batch of Little Book and taste Little Book against other traditional bourbons to showcase the contrast and what blending can do to elevate flavors. After, you’ll join Freddie to showcase how his innovative flair extends to a family heirloom: Freddie’s country ham. Whether it be in bourbon or cooking, the Beam family has always pushed the boundaries of flavor.
Behind The Beam – Cocktails
Fred and Freddie love nothing more than using Beam bourbons to make libations the world over. Yet with so much mixology experience, what are the favorite cocktails of the Master Distillers of the First Family of Bourbon? An immersive mixology experience in which you’ll explore which cocktails pair best with Beam Distilling brands.
2024 Behind the Beam Dates & Theme:
Having a great time attending last year’s Bourbon Classic, I was more than happy to hear that weekend tickets are now on sale for the 2025 annual celebration of the best of the best in Bourbon, culinary and cocktails after shattering attendance records in 2024.
Tickets are available at BourbonClassic.com. The event will be held February 19 – 22, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.
The 2025 Bourbon Classic weekend events will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Louisville, an easy walking distance to the nearby urban distilleries.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN BOURBON
The Bourbon Classic weekend promises an unforgettable experience for Bourbon lovers. Signature events include:
ENHANCING THE EXPERIENCE IN 2025
“We’re thrilled to bring the Classic back to the KICC and continue providing an intimate, top-shelf experience for all. We’re proud of our partnership with the Bourbon and hospitality industries, and excited for the future!”
– Bourbon Classic co-founder Seth Thompson
The Bourbon Classic is operated by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group and The Bourbon Review’s Seth Thompson.
EVENT DETAILS AND TICKETS
Tickets for the 2025 Bourbon Classic weekend events are available for purchase now at BourbonClassic.com. Information about additional events will be announced soon.
PARTNERING HOTEL (Preferred Rate)
A preferred rate is available at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 W. Jefferson St. The hotel is a short walk to the weekend venue, the Kentucky International Convention Center. The terrific downtown location is in close range to Whiskey Row, dining, and major visitor experiences. CLICK HERE to access the preferred rate.
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Founded in 2012 by FSA Management Group and The Bourbon Review, Bourbon Classic brings together the best of the Bourbon and culinary worlds through a collection of rare, interactive events. Infused with exceptional tastings, workshops and unrivaled sips, these events are sure to thrill any Bourbon connoisseur and enthusiast. Bourbon Classic events will take place February 19 – 22, 2025, in Louisville, the gateway to all the heritage and innovation of Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. Information is available at https://www.bourbonclassic.com.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is thrilled to announce a second partnership with Certified American Grown for the 2024 Field to Vase Dinner at Creekside Growers in Middleville, Michigan on Saturday, September 15.
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Creekside Growers, this Field to Vase Dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the artistry of local wine paired with the beauty of locally grown flowers, the bounty of Michigan’s agriculture, and the culinary delights that highlight the best of local produce. Guests will dine amidst the blooming fields, enjoying a farm-to-table meal that showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Michigan Wine Collaborative member wineries Modales, Domaine Berrien, and MAWBY will be providing the wines for the dinner. prepared by Chef Christine Ferris of Farmhouse Deli in Douglas, Michigan. Guests will delight in a curated menu that emphasizes local and sustainable ingredients, and of course expertly paired with local and sustainable wines.
https://lpwines.com/The featured wines are produced with 100% Michigan fruit grown in Southwest Michigan by Modales from the Fennville AVA along with Domaine Berrien in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA and MAWBY representing the Leelanau Peninsula AVA.
Southwest Michigan is home to two of the state’s AVAs with Fennville being the oldest AVA in Michigan and the third to be established in the United States. Modales calls Fennville home. Their commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture and to the people who make the finished wines possible shine through in each glass of wine produced on the estate.
Their neighbors to the south, Domaine Berrien, are the first and only Rhone Rangers not only in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA but the entire Midwest. Specializing in the Rhone Valley varietals, Syrah, Viognier, Rousanne, and Marsanne, Domaine Berrien also hosts a wide array of vinifera and hybrid varieties.
Representing Leelanau Peninsula AVA is another significant producer, MAWBY, who planted its first vines in 1973. MAWBY is the authority on sparkling wine production in Michigan. For 50 years MAWBY has helped Michigan sparkle. With an emphasis on classic production techniques, sustainable farming methods and quality customer service.
These three producers are coming together to provide a variety of wines for Field to Vase that will represent the diversity and prestige of the Michigan wine industry. Just like the flowers and the food, the wine will be 100% local as well as expertly paired.
“This collaboration of agriculture, artistry, and passion will prove to be a vibrant experience that guests of the dinner will cherish for years to come.” Says Emily Dockery, Executive Director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, “We hope that these guests will form an emotional connection with Michigan wine that inspires them into planning trips to Michigan wine country regularly and emboldens them to demand local wines at their favorite wine shops, retailers, and restaurants.”
Tickets for the Field to Vase Dinner at Creekside Growers are limited and expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Eventbrite page.
About Certified American Grown. Certified American Grown is a diverse community of cut flower and foliage farmers from across the
United States. As the voice for domestic farms, CAG works towards sustainability and prosperity through a unified voice, effective advocacy, and strategic promotion. Certified American Grown flower and foliage farms participate in an independent, third-party supply-chain audit to verify both origin and assembly of the flowers and foliage grown. When it appears on bouquets, bunches, packaging or signage, the iconic brand mark instills consumer confidence in place of origin. For more information about Certified American Grown, visit americangrownflowers.org.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is the voice of the Michigan wine industry. Our mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting wineries, growers, and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry – today and for future generations.
For media inquiries and more information, contact us by reaching out to info@michiganwinecollaborative.com or send us a message on social media.
Special savings of $50 on the dinner.
Voting Michigan Wine Collaborative Members and Premium Vintage Michigan members are eligible for exclusive discounts on admission to the dinner. Those members will be emailed instructions for purchasing discounted tickets. Feel free to CONTACT US for that code or Join MWC OR Vintage Michigan to unlock benefits and discounts all year long!
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I will giving a talk and signing copies of my books tomorrow at Forever Books in downtown St. Joseph at 6:30 EST.
Among the books I’ll be talking about is Classic Restaurants of Michiana. Here is what my publisher wrote about it:
“Once a stagecoach stop, The Old Tavern Inn has been open since the time of President Andrew Jackson. Tosi’s is known for its gorgeous starlit garden and gastronomic traditions stretching back almost a century, and The Volcano was amongst the first pizzerias in the country. These restaurants and other classic eateries remain part of the thriving local food scene. But the doors of others have long been closed. Some like Mead’s Chicken Nook and Robertson’s Tea Room linger in memories while The Owl Saloon, O. A. Clark’s Lunch Rooms, and Lobster Lounge are long lost to time.
“Award-winning author Jane Simon Ammeson leads a culinary road trip through Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.”
I’ll also be discussing America’s Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness, a true crime story that took place in LaPorte, Indiana back around the turn of the last century.
Other books are:
Millions of viewers tuned in to watch scores of people line the banks of the Seine River to witness the first floating parade of nations, the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron in the Jardin des Tuileries, and televised segments spanning French culture and craftsmanship. In honor of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, luxury travel company Zicasso is thrilled to announce their latest customizable 14-day Highlights of France tour.
The itinerary seamlessly blends the excitement of the Olympic spirit with the timeless allure of France’s most iconic destinations, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and luxury without the Olympic-sized crowds. From the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil vineyards of Bordeaux, and the sun-drenched coastline of the South of France, each day will immerse travelers in the rich heritage that will be on full display.
Prices for this 14-day itinerary through France start at $9,795 per person and includes stops in:
Paris – The Heart of French Culture
Bordeaux – The Wine Lover’s Paradise
Lyon – Gastronomic and Historical Splendor
Nice and the French Riviera – Coastal Elegance
With the global spotlight on France during the Olympics, interest in visiting the cities and countryside locations is sure to reach new traveling audiences. This itinerary not only showcases Zicasso’s carefully curated trip planning, but also offers an unparalleled experience that continues the celebration of France’s culture and heritage beyond the Olympic Games.
Priced at $9,795 per person, the 14-day Highlights of France tour as described includes premium accommodations, meals as listed, guided tours and tastings, as well as all ground transfers (international airfare is not included). As with all Zicasso itineraries, this itinerary can be completely customized to an individual traveler’s interests or needs.
For more information about this itinerary, please visit https://www.zicasso.com/i/france/highlights-france-tour-paris-bordeaux-lyon-nice
