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Food for Thought: June Edition

Amuse-Bouche

“In Russian we say ‘to the bottom!’ I like that these guys are embracing our culture.”

– a local bartender’s reaction to tourist drinking Moscow dry during the 2018 World Cup; the country experienced a beer shortage during the world’s largest football competition. 

Hors d’Oeuvres

Our favorite Ghostbuster and weatherman, Bill Murray, has decided to invest in a new venture: food trucks. Opening this summer in Charleston, South Carolina, The Container Bar is a food truck venue that will feature an indoor/outdoor bar along with parking spaces and electrical hookups for the food trucks. Although popular and growing in the heart of low country, city laws prohibit food trucks from parking on public streets. This is one of many investments Murray has made in his place of residence.

Image from Jell-O
Image from Jell-O

Time to channel your inner kid with permission from Jell-O. Luckily, gone are the days of ring molds and gelatinized meat; in their place are new fun, animal and building block molds that will make your jiggly treat come to life. Named Jell-O Play, the newest line from the company encourages kids to play and interact in today’s digital age. Noting that these are for play, the products can be found in the toy aisle.

We’ve all done it; we had all intentions of making a reservation, but life got in the way and we forgot. Good news, Google can now do that for you. Its newest technology, Google Duplex, has the ability to contact a restaurant and make your reservation. Identifying as “the Google Assistant”, the computerized-voice is so human-like that it speaks with “ums” and “uhs”. Think of it as an upgrade for OpenTable. 

Image from Thrillist
Image from Thrillist

Summer is officially here which means it’s road-trip time. If you’re a fast-food junkie when traveling, you should check out Thrillist’s list of “states with the most fast food restaurants per capita”. Hopefully, your trip is through the South or the Midwest; the top 10 states include Alabama, Nebraska, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Indiana, Washington, D.C., Georgia, Missouri, and South Carolina. 

The Main Course

Anyone that loves to eat and travel mourned the loss of Anthony Bourdain last month. Dedicating more than 12 years to his shows, Parts Unknown and No Reservations, the icon lives on through numerous episodes, his books, and his influence on food lovers around the world. To pay homage to the celebrity chef and CNN host, here are some of the highlights of his career.

Image from Hollywood Reporter
Image from Hollywood Reporter

  • In 2000, Anthony Bourdain emerged with his best-seller, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, where he discussed what happens behind-the-scenes in the restaurant industry.

  • Before No Reservations, Bourdain appeared on the Food Network with a short-lived series called A Cook’s Tour.

  • No Reservations aired on Travel Channel for nine seasons and won an Emmy in 2009 and 2011 for “Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming”.

  • Continuing his food travels, Bourdain shifted to CNN in 2013 to debut a new style of programming for the network with his show Parts Unknown – it was deemed “part travelogue, part history lesson, part love letter to exotic food” according to CBS News.

  • On an episode of Parts Unknown, President Obama shared a meal with the famed host at a roadside shop in Hanoi, Vietnam. “He taught us about food — but more importantly about its ability to bring us together,” Obama explained.

  • Besides his books and shows, Bourdain was well-known for his advocacy for immigrants. He referred to immigrants as the “backbone to the [restaurant] industry” and was vocal about his disdain for President Trump’s immigration policies.

On the Side

If you’re used to saying “hey, Alexa” at home, you can now continue your habit on vacation. Last month, Marriott International and Amazon announced a partnership as part of the Alexa for Hospitality initiative. In addition to being able to tell you about the weather, play Pandora, and turn off your lights, the vacation-version allows you to order towels, room service, and contact the front desk; think of her as your personal hotel butler. 

Image from Pioneer Woman Boarding House
Image from Pioneer Woman Boarding House

Whether you’re a little bit country or a little bit rock n’ roll, Ree Drummond’s country-chic boutique hotel is sure to please. Located in Osage County, Oklahoma, The Pioneer Woman Boarding House is a eight-room hotel created in a former J.C. Penney’s department store. The hotel is the newest of Drummond’s ventures; she recently opened The Pioneer Woman Mercantile featuring a multi-use food and retail space. Rooms start at $149 per night.

Sweet Escape

It seems like everyone is getting on the fitness train. Equinox, a New York-based gym, is the first fitness center to open its own hotel. Companies like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG have enhanced their offerings, including in-room options. Wellness vacations are all the rage with cycling trips along the PCH, yoga retreats, and bootcamp weeks with celebrity trainers. Since 2014, wellness tourism has been on the rise with projections of $808 billion by 2020 according to the Global Wellness Institute. It looks like healthy living and adventure are the newest buzz words in the world of travel. 

Food for Thought: March Edition

Amuse-Bouche

“You won’t understand why, but you’ll keep going back for more sips, likely until it’s gone.”

–  a writer for Food & Wine discussing Sonic’s new pickle juice slushy debuting in June.

Hor’s D’Oeuvres

Interested in joining the food truck craze? Then it’s time to move to Denver, Portland, or Orlando. PBS News Hour identified these three cities as the best place to set-up shop due to the friendly vibes and favorable food regulations. Markets like Boston, Minneapolis and Washington, DC have strict permitting rules and high annual regulatory fees. As the communications director for the Colorado Restaurant Association explains, “any opportunity to raise the level of awareness about going out to eat is good for our entire industry.”

Image from ZD Net.
Image from ZD Net.

The future is now. Korean-based food techie Woowa Brothers has developed Deli, a food delivery robot. Short for “delicious delivery”, Deli will begin its careers as food runner and table busser before being promoted to delivery robot. The company plans to roll-out the robots at a food mall this summer. If all goes well, Deli will be available for commercial purchase in the next five years. 

If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, be prepared to take out more than your laptops, lip glosses, and lotions: TSA is now requiring the removal of food items at most of the big hubs. Don’t worry, your Goldfish crackers and KIND bars are safe. It’s simply to cut-down on the X-ray screening time used to scrutinize your snacks. Now, TSA can focus on the really important things like making sure giant lobsters and meat slicers don’t sneak through. 

Image from JC Gellidon on Unsplash.
Image from JC Gellidon on Unsplash.

Not too long ago moving to the suburbs meant succumbing to chain restaurants and mediocre diners. Luckily, that is no longer the case. From Alice Waters’ Chez Pannisse to an array of Lebanese, Iraqi, and Syrian food joints, the suburbs are anything but bland. Many urban areas have seen an influx of diverse people heading to the suburbs bringing their sophisticated palates; Alexandria, VA, Dearborn, MI, and Berkeley, CA are all home to some of the best restaurants. So, the next time your friend gives you flack about moving to the suburbs, you know what to say! 

The Main Course

With busy schedules, longer commutes, and a desire for 30-minute meals, meal delivery kits are becoming more and more popular. With established names like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh, the grocery giants are now wanting a piece of the action. Whether they’re branching out on their own or carrying local meal kit company’s products, they’re bringing this popular style of cooking to a brick-and-mortar near you.

Image from Scott Warman on Unsplash.
Image from Scott Warman on Unsplash.
  • It’s a big industry: Data from Nielsen states that “9% of consumers, about 10.5 million households, have purchased a meal kit either online or in-store over the past six months.” But, it’s a generally small category since the majority of Americans are using traditional methods to purchase groceries. 
  • What makes meal kits appealing? With technology allowing us to explore different countries and cultures, consumers are more adventurous. Through meals kits, they can try new ingredients, adhere to their diets, and simplify cooking at home; companies like SunBasket, Purple Carrot, and PeachDish offer meal kits geared towards dietary restrictions and regional flavors. Plus, the delivered meal kits cut out the middle man; these meals are shipped directly.
  • Increased purchases from brick-and-mortars: Although most consumers associate meal kits with door-to-door delivery, more grocery brands are offering meal kits in-store. In 2017, Nielsen data showed that in-store meal kits grew 26.5%; that’s $154.6 million in sales. This has companies like Blue Apron changing their model to increase revenue through grocery partnerships.
  • Who’s getting in on this?  With lowered in-store sales, grocery stores are finding ways to integrate the meal kit market. Last year, Albertsons purchased Plated and Amazon delivered Martha & Marley Spoon, a collaboration with Martha Stewart. Recently, Walmart decided to join by creating its own brand available via delivery using its partner Jet.com.  

On The Side

Image from Digital Trends.
Image from Digital Trends.

If you like house boats but want something a little more nuanced, you’re in luck! A Dutch-themed Japanese theme park in Japan has launched its newest style of room: a floating pod. With a capacity for three guests, the two-story room features a lounge area, deck, and bathroom on the first floor and a sleeping area on the second. Let’s just say, this is not a good choice for those easily sea sick.

Image from Virgin Hotels Development website.
Image from Virgin Hotels Development website.

The British are coming. Sir Richard Branson announced that Virgin Hotels is buying the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. The first of the brand to feature a gaming component, Branson explains that “you’re not going to walk into slot machines the moment you walk into a Virgin Hotel like you do the Hard Rock, but we’ll be tasteful, fun and we’ll get the right balance..” Renovations begin in 2019 with the hotel operating as a Hard Rock until then.

Sweet Escape

If you’re looking for pre-vacation inspiration that you can binge on Netflix, you must watch Somebody Feed Phil. The creator and producer of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, uses his quirky, unusual charm to highlight the amazing food from destinations like Portugal, Israel, and Vietnam. Be prepared for hilarious Skype sessions with his parents, the real life Frank and Marie Barone, at the conclusion of every episode!

Food for Thought: January Edition

Amuse-Bouche

“We’re bringing together two beloved brands known for their ability to instigate fun…”

– a Yoplait spokesperson on the new collaboration between Go-Gurt and Sour Patch Kids

Hors d’Oeuvres

Image from Business Insider.
Image from Business Insider.

From having some of the world’s best ingredients to cultivating a culinary community unlike any other, it’s no secret that the French love their food. But, did you know they’re nuts about Nutella? After lowering prices of the coveted chocolate hazelnut spread, riots erupted around the country with Frenchmen saying “oui, oui”. 

The first cashier-less grocery store – AmazonGo – opened its doors last month in Seattle. After scanning your app, the cutting-edge technology tracks the items you grab and charges you automatically upon exiting the store. All of this is possible through surveillance cameras and sensors formulated with “Just Walk Out” technology. Word to the wise: juice up your phone before you go.

If you could have any job you desired, would it involve eating chicken nuggets? If so, we have great news! British retailer B&M is in need of a chicken nugget connoisseur. The ideal candidate “[is] the first in the office kitchen whenever someone says there’s cake” and “[gets] the 20 share box of nuggets from McDonald’s and [keeps] them all for him or herself”. The one downside, this job won’t make you rich. Compensation includes £20 in vouchers to be used at a local store. 

Image from Refinery 29.
Image from Refinery 29.

More than 2 million ballots have been cast across the United States in the first of many important elections this year. With 36% of the vote, Krispie Kreme has declared lemon the winner of its new flavor contest. In her official announcement, CMO Jackie Woodward noted that “we can’t glaze over the fact that the other three flavors, [blueberry, caramel, and maple] all received a lot of support.”

The Main Course

After years as the second most popular tourist destination,  the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has predicted that the United States will lose its current ranking to Spain. Despite an overall 7% surge in travel, international tourists aren’t as keen on traveling to the land of the free, home of the brave; travel to America declined 4% in 2017 after a 2% decline in 2016.  But, what exactly does this mean?

Image courtesy of Unsplash (Stefan Kunze).
Image courtesy of Unsplash (Stefan Kunze).
  • Trump Slump: Since the decline occurred during the first five months of Donald Trump’s presidency (5% in the first quarter and 3% in the second quarter), experts explain that this is due to the strong US dollar and the administration’s controversial policies on immigration and travel. 
  • Not just Meghan Markle: A significant amount of the missing tourism dollars are coming from the UK; typically, British tourism accounts for $5 billion of the overall US economy but 29% of Britons are putting their US holiday plans on hold. 
  • By the numbers: According to the Commerce Department, the decline in tourism since November translates to $4.6 billion in losses and 40,000 jobs. The U.S. Travel Association believes that this downward trend “equates to 7.4 million visitors and $32.2 billion in spend.”
  • Leaving on a jet plan: Meanwhile, European tourism grew with a 13% increase in tourism to Southern European and Mediterranean countries. Overall, France holds the top spot for tourism with 89 million visitors last year. The official report for 2017 will be released this spring. 

On the Side

Image from Travel & Leisure. 
Image from Travel & Leisure. 

Winter is coming! If your ideal vacation includes freezing temperatures, wearing fur coats, and fighting white walkers, the time is now to book your flight to Finland. The Nordic country is now home to the “Game of Thrones” ice hotel. Made of more than 44 million pounds of snow and 771,000 pounds of ice, the hotel is the perfect place to live out your Winterfell fantasies, including sitting on an ice replica of the Iron Throne. Book soon though, it’s only open until April 8.

Want to see what the hotel room of the future will look like? Make your way to the suburbs of DC. Hilton Hotels is debuting new products and hotel features at its Innovation Gallery near Tyson’s Corner, Va. From a transformable art displays to a personal mixologist beverage dispenser, the guest experience will be enhanced through customization. Other features include real-time translation, noise-machines, and stress-relieving devices.  

Sweet Escape

If you can’t get enough of Fixer Upper, you’re not the only one. Thanks to the popularity of the beloved HGTV show, Waco, Texas was named one of the cities on the up and up by Trip Advisor. Other rising stars include Omaha, Neb., Bend, Ore., and Boulder, Colo., and, our favorite, Paso Robles, Calif.

Food for Thought: August Edition

Amuse-Bouche

“As a long-time Cheetos fan, I’m thrilled to join forces with a snack brand that is truly an iconic American staple.”

– Anne Burrell in response to her Cheetos pop-up restaurant in NYC

Hors d’Oeuvres

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Fast-food innovation wars continue; this time, it’s all about breakfast. From Taco Bell’s Naked Egg Taco to Jack In The Box’s Hangry Chicken Hash, outrageous food is in. We’re living in an age of trying to go above and beyond. Unfortunately, sometimes it just a big flop.

Move over New York City, the Windy City is the new culinary capital. The Midwest hub was named Restaurant City of the Year based on its innovation and concentration of up-and-coming talent. What can we say, Chicago really blew away the magazine’s editor?

Foodies, it’s time to book your flights to Italy: Eataly is opening a 20-acre food theme park in Bologna. Get ready to nosh on authentic meats, cheese and pasta at one of the 40 restaurants and refreshment stands . Want a hands-on experience? Fico EatalyWorld will also feature classes and events in its 10 classrooms and two-miles of educational paths.

Photo from Electric Rose Wine Co.

Juice boxes just got an adult spin. Meet Electric Rose, a pouch of wine that is perfect for a picnic on the beach, backyard barbecues or a stroll around the neighborhood.  Available in a six-pack (1.5 bottles of wine), it’s all about the age of convenience.

Stressed when you see rows and rows of wine at the store? Don’t worry – the Vivino app. is here to help. Basically, a pocket sommelier; the seven-year-old app features closely 425 million labels with 72 million ratings and a newly launched marketplace.

The Main Course

Hopefully, by now, everyone knows that Amazon bought Whole Foods Market. The $13.7 Billion deal became official on Monday, August 28, with some items dropping in price by 43 percent. This is good news for anyone that has lovingly used the nickname “Whole Paycheck” to refer to the upscale grocery chain. Whether you’re an Amazon Prime member that has never stepped foot in a Whole Foods store or a religious Whole Foods shopper that lives off of the hot bar, here are a few things you’ll see in the coming months:

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  • Special Discounts for Prime Members: Amazon is not forgetting about its loyal Prime Members (and is rolling out a customer rewards program just for you. These discounts could include special savings and in-store benefits as well as access to Whole Food’s private label products through Prime Pantry and Prime Now with extra incentives for delivery. Amazon Lockers will also be available for customers that order online and want to pick-up or return products.
  • Hello Alexa: Probably not a big of a surprise, products like Amazon Echos and Amazon Echo Dots will be available for purchase and displayed throughout the store.
  • Upping Their Game: Competitors like Walmart are not too keen on this merger and gearing up for a fight. In Dallas and Orlando markets, the discount giant expanded its online grocery delivery service by partnering with Uber. The company has rolled out the service in four additional markets: Denver, San Jose, Calif., Tampa and Phoenix.
  • Even Google is Getting In On the Action: On August 23, Google and Walmart announced a partnership with Google Express. The goal is for Walmart customers to utilize online services like Google Assistant for easy shopping and predictive ordering. This is the first time that Walmart is having its product available for purchase on a third party website.

On the Side

Ever look at a West Elm catalog and think, “I’d love to sleep in that bed?” Well, now you can! The retailer announced plans for its sixth boutique hotel location– this time, in Portland, Maine. The hotel’s goal, projected to open in 2020, is not to sell West Elm products, but share the “local design elements, culture, and cuisine” of each city.

If you’re a barre believer and yoga fanatic, don’t worry – Hyatt Hotel Corporation has your back. The hotel group acquired Exhale, a fitness and spa concept, late last month shortly after buying Tucson’s Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. The company plans to expand the fitness and spa brand with more freestanding locations with some integration in Hyatt Hotel locations.

From Home Alone 2: Lost In New York to Sleepless in Seattle, The Plaza Hotel has been the backdrop to some pretty iconic movies. Now, the Big Apple gem is up for sale; but it will cost you a pretty penny. The sale has been deemed the to be “one of the most expensive hotel sales on a per-room basis”.

Sweet Escape

Beloved travel guide, Lonely Planet, is planning to debut its newest project – an iPhone app called Trips. It’s basically Instagram from those that love to travel. It has its glitches but it’s a great place to look for pictures to decide where to go on your next adventure.