The Roca Brothers’ New Chocolate Factory

A Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory by The Roca Brothers

The Roca Brothers are to food what the Coen brothers are to the film world. Their three-Michelin-star El Celler De Can Roca restaurant has been best of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Executive chef Joan won the 2016 Chefs’ Choice Award and runs the restaurant with his brothers, Josep the sommelier and Jordi the pastry chef. Their latest venture is a dream of Jordi’s: a bean-to-bar chocolate factory. While a lot of the project is still under wraps, we do know a few details about this culinary delight in the making.

 

Much like preparing for a film role, Jordi has been travelling around central and South America to totally immerse himself in chocolate culture, studying how chocolate is made and meeting with suppliers to get the lay of the land. In this case, the land is humid tropical climates where cocoa thrives.

 

The new chocolate factory will have a posh address at Girona’s Placa de Catalunya, the heart of Barcelona’s city centre. The plan calls for it to reside inside a chic 15-room boutique hotel with a large terrace and beautiful city views. On the ground floor (I mean, where else would you have it?) there will be a chocolate workshop visible from the street and a chocolate tasting bar where you can sample cocoa beans in a variety of cold and warm beverages. The retail shop will ensure you have something decadent to take home and remember your time here.

 

Joan said of his plans at the #50BestTalks Barcelona event around this time last year, “the project will take around a year we’re told.” It has taken even longer apparently and it looks like the official opening will be sometime in early 2019. Roco already has a whimsical gelateria called ROCAMBOLESC in Girona on Santa Clara Street. He wants to draw attention to the world’s best small suppliers through cacao sourcing from Peru. This mega diverse country ranks high on biological diversity and diversity of plants. Good chocolate flavor is a result of diversity of soil and climate and Peru has that in spades.

OUR OBSESSION FOR GELATO

Ice Cream. Gelato. Frozen Decadence. Is there anything more divine in your mouth?

 

A big part of the joy of icy treats is related to the memory of chasing down that ice cream truck as kids, with the (now kinda creepy) songs blaring out the bullhorn speaker. It’s a defining memory of an innocent time past…… when you beg your parents for a few cents to chase down the truck – I can still hear the tunes!

 

Now MASSIVELY switch gears here, regarding your new favorite cold treat.

In 2012, a gelato boutique opened, called Snowflake Luxury Gelato, when Founder Asad Khan and his buddy gelato chef Paolo started up handmade gelato boutique. These Gelatios (that’s a real title) are quite serious about their work, and honestly, they’d call it art.

 

Here’s what you need to know to appreciate the difference between the glorious gelato and the other frozen confections, and ALSO, you’ll sound really cool. First, it is made of ice crystals, so no two are the same. Another important difference between ice cream and gelato is that gelato is made mostly from milk, thus the obviously lower fat content, which is around 10%. But wait…. here’s the secret – gelato’s famously creaminess melts in your mouth a bit faster than ice cream. Gelato is served to the customer at the optimal -12C temperature, because the full flavor comes immediately, and becomes a truer flavor. Ice cream, on the other hand, is usually around 20%-25% butterfat, AND ice cream manufacturers add 60% air for higher yield of product.

 

Jump forward to 2017, when the brilliant chef Silvia Gaetta, invented the now very famous masterpiece “The Billionaire Soft Serve”. It’s absolutely gorgeous, has edible diamonds, edible gold leaf, the most exquisite gelato on Earth, and more, more, more. Only takes a mere four hours to prepare. You’re going to have to cross the pond to the UK to indulge right now. You can pick one up for around $133USD, if your figure can handle 400g of delish.

Dining on the “Sun Coast,” Spain’s Renowned Costa del Sol

Dining on Spain’s Costa del Sol

Spain’s popular “sun coast” is a string of resort towns that were once sleepy fishing villages. Today, you’ll find a cadre of tourists sightseeing along the region that extends from the cliffs at Maro in the east to Punta Chullera in the west. Costa del Sol could be California’s Spanish soul sister with its strikingly similar scenery, climate and geography as well as ample sunshine per year. Within the sparkling shoreline of Costa del Sol exists a spellbinding blend of beaches and cliffs, bays and dunes. It is a quintessential destination with native cuisine hinting of Spanish, Jewish and Arabic influences and an emphasis on fresh seafood.

Here, you’ll find everything from fish shacks to Michelin-starred restaurants, set against gorgeous coastal backdrops.

Masala la Cala

There are five Masala restaurants on the Costa del Sol, boasting the best of Indian cuisine. Masala La Cala, in La Cala de Mijas is particularly family-friendly with a shaded tiled terrace trimmed with shady palms and overlooking seaside views along with a comfy and air conditioned main dining area.

You’ll find all of the curry classics made with the freshest ingredients and flavour-filled spices imported from India. The hot spot is perfect for large group dinners and there is ample street parking. A bonus for the kiddos—you can specify dishes as hot, medium or mild depending on their taste-bud tolerance.

El Paso Mexicano

From the colorful sombrero-adorned walls to a menu packed with tasty choices, this is authentic Tex-Mex that at its most fun and flavorful. Located just off the Fuengirola promenade in the backstreets of Los Boliches, you feel instantly transported to Central America. The menu includes all of the mainstays, such as sizzling steak fajitas, crunchy tacos, and homemade guacamole and there is a dedicated menu for the niños. Special occasions are celebrated in high style and there’s plenty of traditional live music and the chance to sport a broad-rimmed Mexican sombrero.

 

 

Restaurante MezzaNotte

Tucked seaside on the Fuengirola promenade sits a lovely blend of Lebanese and Italian cuisine. You just know it’s going to be good when the locals frequent there. From shared Middle-Eastern plates like babaganoush, hummous, chicken skewers and falafel, to tried and true pasta dishes and pizzas on the kids’ menu, Restaurante MezzaNotte has something for everyone. Try the house Rioja or something else on the wine list because with Spanish wine, good value and good quality equals a great bottle.

MERRIMAN’S KAPALUA

MERRIMAN’S KAPALUA, MAUI

A gorgeous slice of West Maui oceanfront in Kapalua Resort is the setting for a restaurant that serves up ocean scenery as savory as the freshly plated seafood and beef dishes. Merriman’s jewel is perched on a secluded point at the resort, where superb sunsets are rivaled only by wok-charred Ahi sashimi that melts in your mouth or lobster dripping in butter.

Peter Merriman, Chef and Restraunteur pioneered the farm-to-table concept maintaining that only the finest organic and sustainable products are sourced from the surrounding Hawaiian Islands. Dubbed the “Pied Piper of Hawaii Regional Cuisine” by The Los Angeles Times, Merriman is a constant inspiration to Hawaii’s thriving culinary scene. Surprisingly, 25 years ago no one dreamed of growing vine-ripened tomatoes, baby lettuce or sweet corn in Hawaii. It was all sugar cane and pineapple plantations back then. Most of the real food came from thousands of miles away. “Locavore” Peter had a vision for local agriculture and it began in Hawaii’s rich volcanic soils. He and twelve other chefs encouraged farmers to grow local produce, raise livestock locally and embark on a healthier and more sustainable Hawaii.

One of the best things about Merriman’s Maui restaurant—besides swoon-worthy views and an award-winning menu is the friendly service that reflects the true Aloha spirit of the amazing and welcoming people here. Hawaii is the leased stressed state in the country and everyone is said to have a little more patience and empathy. Of course, it’s hard to be anything but with the rolling waves as the background for an extraordinary dining experience. Plus, there’s live music nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and happy hour specials.

Much like the Hawaiian lifestyle, Merriman’s preparations are simple, flavorful and fresh. There are many different menu options too. Pupu, or appetizers for us back here in the mainland, include Kalua pig and sweet onion quesadilla, hot seared ono, vabatelli pasta (house-made) and escargot, among others. Dirt farm salad starters include warm goat cheese and arugula, fresh lobster, Caesar salad—all earth grown. The fresh fish of the day is boat caught nightly and presented with seasonal local ingredients. When it comes to wine, the same core values of sourcing local hold true. The restaurant supports small-scale family wineries that celebrate regional diversity and varietal integrity. Winemakers whose grapes end up in a stem at Merriman’s have proven to employ sustainable, organic and biodynamic methods in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the cellar, from the finest Riesling to a light-hearted rosé.

Peter’s other endeavors include Merrimans, in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here, he received the title “A gourmet in cowboy country,” by Hana Hou!, the magazine of Hawaiian Airlines. Merriman also has a Fish House in Poipu, Kauai and down the street from it, Merriman’s Gourmet Pizza & Burgers. A casual dining concept called Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is another fast-growing Maui and Oahu chain.

Photos courtesy of Merriman’s Kapalua.

 

Las Ventanas Al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort Unveils Arbol, The First Asian Restaurant In Los Cabos

The Five Diamond Resort’s Newest Dining Destination
Makes a Splash in the Los Cabos Culinary Scene

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort has just opened Arbol, the resort’s third formal dining establishment and the first Asian restaurant in Los Cabos. Set near the Five Diamond Resort’s new Signature Residences, the restaurant offers guests a magical atmosphere, complete with hundreds of twinkling lights, live lounge music from a resident DJ, one-of-a-kind artworks and an inspired menu of fresh seafood dishes prepared using the wok and tandoor.

“For over 20 years, Las Ventanas al Paraiso has prided itself in offering stellar culinary experiences, from our authentically Mexican El Restaurante to our open-air Sea Grill perched on the water’s edge to our vibrant Tequila & Ceviche Bar, featuring the most expansive collection of tequilas in Mexico,” said Frederic Vidal, managing director of Las Ventanas al Paraiso. “Arbol is a wonderful addition to our collection of culinary offerings, providing guests and Cabo foodies alike with innovative cuisine in a spectacular setting.”

Arbol, which translates to “tree” in Spanish, is led by Chef Anand Singh, who joins Arbol after serving as head chef at Diamond Resort in the Maldives for over four years. Chef Anand’s menus showcase fresh seafood straight from the waters around Baja California Sur cooked with vibrant Asian flavors that he learned from his extensive experience cooking in India, the Maldives, UAE and Seychelles.

The menu includes a Raw Bar, featuring fresh oysters from Baja and platters of shellfish that are ideal for sharing with a group. Diners can also select from a variety of temari sushi and sashimi, as well as fresh salads and soups. Entrees at Arbol are prepared with Asian cooking techniques, such as Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Lobster with Mango Chutney cooked in a tandoor oven from Delhi and Stir-Fry Wagyu Beef and Seafood Bami Goreng cooked in a wok from Hong Kong. One of Chef Anand’s specialties is his Octopus Curry, which is inspired by the Seychelles where he worked for several years.

Chef Anand’s dishes are served in a captivating space inspired by the restaurant’s name. Guests enter through a separate entrance adorned with sculptural trees by Guadalajara-based artist David Luna and over 500 sparkling birdcage lights. The space is filled with seven of Luna’s trees, creating an intimate forest setting, made even more enchanting by an eclectic soundtrack from a resident DJ and the soothing sounds of the Sea of Cortez in the background.

The Most Intriguing Michelin-Starred Restaurants of 2018

4 of the Most Intriguing Michelin-Starred Restaurants in the World

From some of the top dining establishments on each continent to the most innovative cuisines, these groundbreaking, incredible restaurants around the world are definitely worth the trip.

 

Schloss Schauenstein

Furstenau, Switzerland

Triple Michelin-starred restaurant Schloss Schauenstein, located in an historic castle in a bucolic valley in eastern Switzerland, is considered one of the top dining destinations in Europe. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is beef tongue, which mirrors the five taste sensations (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) and lamb belly with sea buckthorn-pickled vegetables.

Eleven Madison Park

New York City, United States

Eleven Madison Park is on the forefront of the US dining evolution with Chef Daniel Humm’s clever, innovative cuisine. At this luxuriously grand restaurant, extraordinary gourmet talents are seen in the dry-aged duck, as well as dramatically presented dishes, such as the Baked Alaska for two, drizzled with Chartreuse and flambéed tableside.

 

Fäviken

Jarpen, Sweden

Fäviken’s 32-course tasting menu demands a journey, where timberlands and mountain vistas unfold, and Chef Magnus Nilsson’s preparations draw on freshly foraged food and hundreds of years of regional food culture. One of his signature dishes is a single scallop poached in its own juices, which arrives at your table in its gigantic shell atop a bed of moss and burning juniper branches cut from behind the kitchen – the ocean meeting the forest.

 

Gaggan

Bangkok, Thailand

Chef-owner Gaggan Anand takes Indian cuisine to a rarely seen level and one that is pure alchemy at namesake Gaggan. His artful dishes are original and creative, with a wonderful blend of textures, flavors, and delicate spicing. A memorable experience, it’s a feast for the senses as dishes are delivered at a rapid pace by the passionate staff.

The Most Coveted Reservation in Hong Kong: Lung King Heen

Lung King Heen is the Most Coveted Reservation in Hong Kong

Inside the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is the restaurant with the most coveted table in Hong Kong, and the first Chinese restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars, Lung King Heen.

With a name which translates to “View of the Dragon,” Lung King Heen flawlessly blends the freshest local ingredients, one of Hong Kong’s most experienced and respected chefs, and outstanding views of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Led by Executive Chef Chan Yan Tak, this World’s 50 Best-rated, Forbes five-star and Michelin-starred restaurant offers authentic Cantonese cuisine, from renowned dim sum to succulent roast meats.

The best ingredients, as well as flair and creativity, marks Chef Tak’s dishes, with the occasional gold leaf, truffle or caviar accents often surfacing next to standard dishes that look like works of art.

Must-have dishes include the traditional crispy suckling pig, sautéed Australian Wagyu beef with fresh lily bulbs and lotus seeds, and braised whole Oma Abalone with Chinese mushrooms and sea cucumber in supreme oyster sauce.

Although only served during lunchtime, the seasonal dim sum is widely considered one of the top specialties. Often with a months-long waiting list, especially for the enviable window seat, it is certainly well worth the wait.

For business, entertainment or special family celebrations, a private dining room for 14 offers a personal setting fit for a feast.

With an upscale yet refined atmosphere, with silver-leaf ceiling that mirrors Hong Kong’s glittering skyline and harbour lights, Lung King Heen delivers an exquisite fine dining experience.

From the Four Seasons Hong Kong’s prime location on Hong Kong Island, in the heart of the central district, the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and unmatched dining options offer an elevated experience in Hong Kong.

For those fortunate enough to secure a much sought-after reservation, Lung King Heen will indulge diners with excquisite, authentic Cantonese cuisine, and provide a memorable moment for gourmands.

 

 

Sant Ambroeus is a Delightful Taste of Milan

Sant Ambroeus: From Italy, With Love

Beginning with a devoted following in Milan, with global outposts in  Manhattan and Palm Beach, Sant Ambroeus offers a legendary Italian “caffè” experience.

Sant Ambroeus.
Courtesy of Sant Ambroeus.

Originating in the richly historical and timelessly stylish city of Milan, two pastry chefs opened a café just steps from the legendary opera house, Teatro La Scala. Inspired by the fourth century patron saint of Milan, Saint Ambrogio, the pastry team named their pasticceria and confetteria with the Milanese dialect, “Sant Ambroeus.”

 

From perfectly-crafted cappuccinos and sweet cornettos in the mornings, to savory paninis for lunch, this welcoming café began to develop an enthusiastic following. In addition to a local meeting place during the day, the evening offers classic Italian favorites in the restaurant’s elegant dining room.

Sant Ambroeus.
Courtesy of Sant Ambroeus.

After flourishing for years in its original location in Milan, Sant Ambroeus crossed the Atlantic to bring the authentic Italian café experience to Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Locals and international visitors alike soon became regulars, enjoying classic espresso, homemade sweets and time-honored gourmet delights.

Sant Ambroeus.
Courtesy of Sant Ambroeus.

The spirit of Italy and the sophisticated flavor of Milan is apparent at each Sant Ambroeus café and restaurant. The dedication to quality and tradition, and the old-world feel of savoring each sip and bite, illustrates the Italian emphasis on pleasure and simplicity. With the quintessential feel of cafes and trattorias of Milan, patrons feel transported to Italy each time.

“In the cafes and trattorias of Italy, time often stands still. Meals are savored, not rushed; drinks are sipped, then refilled; and conversation flows between each course. Inside, there are no commitments, no deadlines, no waiters rushing you to turn over the table. These are sacred spaces that celebrate the important connection between food, friends, and family.”

Now with restaurants in the West Village, Soho, the Upper East Side and Southampton, and coffee bars in Sotheby’s, Hanley and the Loews Regency Hotel, Sant Ambroeus has become a New York establishment. Along with a location in Palm Beach, Florida, Sant Ambroeus specializes in that special Italian touch.

Sant Ambroeus.
Courtesy of Sant Ambroeus.

From Italian classics such as espresso beverages and pastries to specialty cakes and holiday desserts, patrons can ensure the use of only the highest quality ingredients. Sant Ambroeus specialties such as the Profiterole, a tower of intricately decorated chocolate cream puffs on a moist, coffee-soaked sponge cake base with crumbled pistachios, are carefully crafted by master pastry chefs.

Whether enjoying Sant Ambroeus in its origin city of Milan, or in one of its global outposts in New York City or Palm Beach, a fine Italian caffè experience is ensured.

The Most Stylish Bar in Cape Town

Bar Roc is the Most Exclusive Bar in Cape Town

Inside Cape Town’s most luxurious grand hotel, Ellerman House, is the exclusive, highly sophisticated Bar Roc.

Bar Roc
Courtesy of Ellerman House.

Reminiscent of a Milanese bar and bistro, with a terrazzo floor and bar counter, Bar Roc resonates with a tailored yet effortless ambiance.

Bar Roc
Courtesy of Ellerman House.

Whether it is a gathering place for friends at the end of the day to chat about incredible South African adventures, or an unmatched viewing point to watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, this tastefully contemporary space is quintessential Ellerman House.

As the epitome of class and service, Bar Roc is reserved exclusively for guests of Ellerman House.

Housed in a Cape Edwardian mansion, this boutique hotel is situated in the prestigious Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay, while also located merely ten minutes away from the bustling city center. With gorgeous terraced lawns, an outstanding art collection, unparalleled service and unique experiences, as well as a local flavor, Ellerman House offers the ultimate South African experience.

Bar Roc
Courtesy of Ellerman House.

In addition to Bar Roc, an illustrious collection of world-renowned wines and Champagne is available exclusively to guests in the Wine Gallery. From sought-after rare wines to special vintage of Dom Pérignon, guests are sure to be captivated.

Beyond wine, the Wine Gallery also showcases a Louis XIII Experience. After appreciating the sunset over the Atlantic, guests move into the Wine Gallery’s eau de vie salon for an enchanting tasting of exceptional Louis XIII cognac and a three course dinner.

Ellerman House offers an extraordinary gourmet experience, all with panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. Working in concert with the fine art throughout the hotel, expansive wine collection and tremendous attention-to-detail, Ellerman House creates an experience notable to even the most well-versed travelers.

Bar Roc
Courtesy of Ellerman House.

Discover the exclusive Bar Roc and luxurious Ellerman House, which are certainly in Good Taste.

 

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, a Ty Warner Property unveils “Árbol”

The Five Diamond Resort’s Newest Dining Destination Makes a Splash in the Los Cabos Culinary Scene

Arbol at Las Ventanas al Paraíso.
Opening Night at Arbol at Las Ventanas al Paraíso.

Pulsating with high-octane elegance, the resort’s newest evening dining destination is a feast for the senses. Set above the Oasis, Arbol opens to a shimmering pool and breathtaking views of the resort and beyond. Inside, lantern-laden sculpted trees strike a primeval pose – a flight of fancy perfectly at home in this magical setting.

On February 16th,  Las Ventanas al Paraíso presented ARBOL with an extraordinary Opening Night.

Arbol at Las Ventanas al Paraíso.
Arbol at Las Ventanas al Paraíso.

Notable guests, including Martha Debayle, Aaron Diaz and Lola Ponce, mingled around the Oasis pool and Cabo’s sole Lazy River as mermaids drifted by. Guests were highly entertained by La Cava’s charming, one-of-a-kind magician, who conducted a sensational light show that culminated in a spectacular fireworks display. Ocean Blue World congratulates Managing Director, Frederic Vidal, for hosting the evening and allowing us to participate in the magic.

Aarón Díaz, Lola Ponce, Luis Guillermo López, Frédéric Vidal
Luis Guillermo López, Andrea de Torres , Jorge Torres, Frédéric Vidal
Robert y Caroline MacDonald, Martha Debayle, Juan Garibay , Frédéric Vidal, Luis Guillermo López, Jorge Torres, Andrea de Torres
Hector Serrato, Rosalba Cázares, Caroline MacDonald, Daniel Taylor, Aarón Díaz, Lola Ponce, Frédéric Vidal, Eugenia Debayle, Martha Debayle, Alexis Head, Vanessa Fukunaga

Arbol’s elevated coastal cuisine showcases the bounty of the sea with delicate Asian influences and a trove of exotic spices from India and the Far East. While seafood and shellfish take center stage on the menu, flavorful curries, fine sushi and sashimi, Wagyu beef, vegetarian plates and an array of delectable desserts jockey for attention. The kinetic energy of the restaurant’s display kitchen spills over to the dining room. The atmosphere is electric as exquisitely prepared dishes emerge from Arbol’s tandoor and charcoal ovens and simmering woks. You can also take a front row seat at the sensational raw bar, where delicacies flown in from around the globe include fresh lobster, stone crab, oysters and clams.

At the helm of Arbol, Chef Anand draws on the rich culinary traditions of India as well as a wealth of pan-Asian influences. Hailing from Mumbai, he spent over a decade exploring and developing coastal cuisines in the Maldives, Seychelles and United Arab Emirates.

Arbol at Las Ventanas al Paraíso.
Arbol at Las Ventanas al Paraíso.

 

About Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort

Las Ventanas al Paraíso sets the standard for the luxury hospitality industry with its unparalleled level of service, innovative amenities and romantic ambiance. The resort offers 84 luxurious accommodations, including 66 rooms and suites, 5 villas, 12 Signature Beach Villas and the 28,000 square foot Ty Warner Mansion. The resort also features four distinct dining venues, including an authentic Mexican menu at El Restaurante, The Sea Grill featuring ‘Cocina del Fuego,’ the Tequila & Ceviche Bar and the brand-new, Arbol. Renowned for an extensive array of innovative, ultra-luxury amenities and programs, Las Ventanas boasts a highly-trained team of pampering Pool Butlers at the legendary Infinity Pool and Oasis Pool, a Director of Romance dedicated to making guests’ romantic dreams come true, and a team of Villa Hosts for the Signature Villas.  Trained in all resort categories, Villa Hosts deliver the most private, ultra-exclusive and personalized vacation experience to the resort’s most discerning guests.  The Spa at Las Ventanas, which offers a variety of holistic treatments, is heralded as one of the world’s top spas, featuring exquisite indoor-outdoor treatment rooms, private terraces, duet suites for couples, a serene solarium and a full-service beauty salon.

Las Ventanas is part of Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, LLC, founded by entrepreneur Ty Warner for the purpose of acquiring one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable luxury hotels and resorts throughout the world.

For more information: rosewoodhotels.com/las-ventanas-los-cabos

Connect with us: facebook.com/LasVentanas  or Twitter @LasVentanasCabo or Instagram @LasVentanasalParaíso

Own Your Key To Paradise. Overlooking the award-winning resort of Las Ventanas al Paraíso and framed by panoramic Sea of Cortez views, Ty Warner presents The Residences at Las Ventanas al Paraíso, the most extraordinary properties ever presented in the history of Los Cabos.

As a Las Ventanas al Paraiso Private Residences owner you’re invited to enjoy a lifestyle only Rosewood Hotels and Resorts provides. Hospitality considerations traditionally reserved only for guests of Las Ventanas can be yours, including the attentive services of Las Ventanas Family and access to acclaimed amenities and much more.

To learn more about this exclusive opportunity to own at the award-winning Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort and be part of the legendary experience please contact:

Vanessa Fukunaga Owner, President | CEO
Ocean Blue Word

Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate
[email protected]
U.S: 425.471.1485
MX: 624.157.3446

New York City’s Legendary ‘Please Don’t Tell’ Arrives in Hong Kong

The Iconic PDT Bar Arrives at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The mysterious yet iconic New York City cocktail bar Please Don’t Tell, or PDT, has opened its first permanent outpost at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

Repeatedly voted among the World’s Best Bars, PDT has long been a New York favorite with its secretive entrance and unique flair. Beyond its mysterious façade, renowned mixologists Jim Meehan, Jeff Bell and their talented bar team offer extra enticement with unique, inventive cocktails.

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s PDT Hong Kong will be a stylish cocktail bar concept with seating for 25 guests, located on the mezzanine above MO Bar.

With PDT’s customary mysteriousness, the entrance to PDT Hong Kong will be disguised as a phone booth at the top of the staircase.

Designed by Nelson Chow, the interior maintains key elements of PDT NYC such as the copper bar top, herringbone patterned wood ceiling and taxidermy, all with a playful spin.

With a mix of Please Don’t Tell classics and new creations especially for PDT Hong Kong, the drinks menu will feature 15 imaginative cocktails.

New offerings to look for include the “Big Fan,” a refreshing shandy served with Cabeza tequila, lime juice, pink peppercorn, guava and Moonzen Fuijan radler.

The “Bad Hunter” is a John Collins prepared with Chivas-blended Scotch whisky, Fernet Hunter, lemon juice, dragon eye and Moët Brut Imperial Champagne.

The “Milky Tea Punch” is a rich flip composed of Ron Zacapa Centenario rum, Hennessy V.S.O.P. cognac, Rickshaw tea, condensed milk, Tayouran egg and Angostura bitters.

The bar will also feature a selection of regional beers, wines and non-alcoholic options.

PDT Hong Kong’s food menu is Chef Richard Ekkebus’ creative take on American comfort foods. “My team and I have developed artisanal frankfurters with free-range pork, chicken and beef from sustainable sources.”

The menu features the bacon-wrapped, deep-fried pork dog with Kimchi from the New York menu while new creations for PDT Hong Kong including the “Honkie Dog” fried pork dog with sakura shrimp and XO mayo.

Not to be missed is the Okonomiyaki-style tater tots topped with kewpie mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, shredded nori, bonito shavings and scallions.

For those who enjoy a hint of intrigue and exclusivity, along with fanciful cocktails, PDT Hong Kong at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is in Good Taste.

A ‘Spanish Eataly’ is One of the Most Anticipated Openings for 2018

A ‘Spanish Eataly’ is One of the Most Anticipated Openings for 2018

One of New York City’s Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings is a ‘Spanish Eataly’

Debuting at New York City’s up-and-coming Hudson Yards is a unique new Spanish concept, deemed a ‘Spanish Eataly’.

The highly anticipated opening signifies the long-awaited collaboration between renowned chefs and restaurateurs José Andrés and brothers Ferran and Albert Adrià.

Launching at the end of 2018, the 35,000-square-foot foodie destination will celebrate Spanish food, drink and culture. Featuring an indoor/outdoor space with an authentic tapas bar, a market space, a wine bar and a traditional restaurant, this notable multi-concept comparable to Italy’s Eataly World will not be just another food hall.

Located in the booming new Hudson Yards, right underneath the High Line, this gourmet haven marks the Adriàs’ first foray into the United States and Andrés’ first in New York.

“I’ve dreamed of opening in New York since I first came here as a boy of 19! And I cannot wait to tell the story of Spain to my adopted home of America in this iconic new neighborhood,” said José Andrés.

Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation, Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator and humanitarian. Known for pioneering Spanish tapas in the United States, he has found massive success with award-winning 27 restaurants plus a food truck located throughout the U.S. and Mexico City.

The Adrià brothers, the chefs behind El Bulli’s famed molecular gastronomy, continue to dominate the restaurant scene in Barcelona, along with other widely-acclaimed projects.

“We have long wanted to find an official way to create magic with José, and now we have it and can’t think of a better way to debut in America,” said Ferran and Albert Adrià.

With eight Michelin stars between all three prominent chefs, New Yorkers and visitors alike will surely be blown away by this innovative gourmet destination.

Other Top Chefs and Restaurants Opening at Hudson Yards

In addition to the immense new ‘Spanish Eataly,’ Hudson Yards will also feature residences, a luxury hotel and shopping, as well as additional restaurants by top chefs.

Momofuku’s David Chang, Per Se’s Thomas Keller, Estiatorio Milos’s Costas Spiliadis, and Porter House’s Michael Lomonaco have all been confirmed to bring restaurants to the Hudson Yards development.

“These chefs and restaurateurs represent the most creative and visionary leaders both in this industry and around the world,” Kenneth A. Himmel, restaurateur and President of Related Urban

With Hudson Yards becoming the place to be in New York, José Andrés and the Adrià brothers’ ‘Spanish Eataly’ is sure to be in Good Taste.


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