Posts tagged with "restaurants"

Las Catalinas Announces the Completion Beach Town

Las Catalinas Announces Completion of Beach Town Neighborhood Car-free seaside town in Costa Rica continues to innovate a better way of living

In 2006, the innovators behind a car-free town aspired to create a better way of life connecting people to nature in a place where 1,000 acres of a 1200-acre property would remain undeveloped as a tropical dry forest reserve. After 16 years of planning and construction, that vision is now a reality with the completion of the neighborhood of Beach Town in Las Catalinas. Referred to as one of the most important and beautiful new towns in the world by renowned Notre Dame School of Architecture Professor Douglas Duany, Las Catalinas is located in the northwestern province of Costa Rica. Inspired by New Urbanism, the town offers a sustainable lifestyle that is influenced by the natural surroundings. Throughout its development, the town’s commitment to nature remains as one of its main core values.

Consisting of approximately 150 single family residences, 14 mixed use buildings, and over a dozen commercial and civic buildings across 21 acres of land along the Pacific Coast, Beach Town is a high-density, car-free town. With friendly neighborhoods, walkable streets and plazas, and timeless architecture, Beach Town was conceptualized to combine leisure and urban living with an emphasis on the natural surroundings. Beach Town is connected to two Pacific Ocean beaches and over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails in thriving tropical dry forests reserves. With a rich network of narrow passageways, stair streets and public plazas, the town weaves together 150 residences, two hotels, a beach club, eight restaurants and a variety of shops, offices and businesses centered on living well. In 2022, The Congress for New Urbanism celebrated Beach Town with a Charter Award recognizing the town for achieving “more equitable, sustainable, connected, healthy, and prosperous communities.” Most activities, conversations and meals are enjoyed in the fresh air under shade trees or on the outdoor covered terraces within the timeless tropical architecture. The value placed on walkability and relationship to nature creates an engaging place to visit.

“While the radical idea to build a car-free town received pushback even from the initial design team, our walkable town now seems the most natural and preferred way to be,” said Roberto Villalobos, Sub-Director of Design and Construction for Las Catalinas. “Car-free public realms invite natural sociability and freedom for children that can be enjoyed equally by all. The resulting density allows for more balanced natural-urban transects. Beach Town’s minimal footprint creates a sustainable infrastructure not just for the natural environment, but also for an active and healthy lifestyle full of organic, human, and architectural beauty.”

Beach Town has come to life over the years and offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of retail businesses embracing a way of life that supports the natural fabric of town. Beach Town Travel can arrange stays at the two hotels in town – Santarena Hotel and Posada San Rafael or with an array of villa options from flats to five-bedroom villas. The eight food and beverage venues located in Beach Town include Ponciana, Pots & Bowls, Pascual, Papagayo BrewHouse, La Taqueria at Beach Club, The Deli at Copper & Stone Gourmet, Cuatro Calle La Ronda and Coquelicot. The town’s boutique shops and stores include Las Catalinas Collection, Chunches Consignment, D’Aqui Design and Copper & Stone Gourmet Market. Beach Town also offers CORE by Chakfitness, Center of Joy, Pura Vida Ride, Wake Day Spa, ConnectOcean, BLP and Elif Academy for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Walk through Beach Town with founder Charles Brewer and the Town Architect team to learn about the challenges, successes and missteps made in planning and developing Beach Town in microphases. “Lessons will be applied as our eyes aim to the ambitious development of the remaining 180 acres of Las Catalinas all surrounded by our 1,000-acre natural tropical dry forest preserve,” Villalobos further explained. “The next neighborhood underway includes El Prado where residences, mixed use buildings, parks, and neighborhoods have started vertical construction for an ambitious 600 buildings across 60 acres – most of which get panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and are surrounded by 40 kilometers of hiking and mountain biking trails.”

Located just east of Beach Town in El Prado, Lantana Residences is a collection of ocean view homes and flats built into the hillside. Set to begin construction in the second quarter of 2023, Lantana Residences are located in the second neighborhood in Las Catalinas on the hillside of El Prado. The residences flank a picturesque stair street and offer the most dramatic urban and ocean views in Las Catalinas. The residences are slated for completion in July 2025. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, Lantana Residences offer dramatic views, plentiful outdoor spaces, crafted interior finishes with spectacular architecture. Slanted rooftops, thick walls, high ceilings, clever ventilation, and other structural considerations provide respite from the outdoor elements in the Guanacaste tropical dry forest. Indoor and outdoor living spaces, pools, and outdoor terraces embrace the climate and allow for comfortable indoor and outdoor living. Wood and other materials used are from sustainable sources and all buildings are designed to be energy efficient.

The crowning jewel of the Lantana neighborhood is its stair-street architecture modeling pedestrian Mediterranean hill towns of the Old World. Not only are stair streets visually stunning, but they link people, places, and conversations together, providing an intricate tapestry that weaves lives together. Utilizing its intense sloping topography, Arosemena & Way Arquitectos designed the stair streets of Lantana to create a way for visitors and residents to explore the neighborhood from the shops, plazas, parks, and streets of lower levels of El Prado to the higher vistas, residences, and trail heads of the upper neighborhoods of El Prado. Highly visible from nearly all areas of town while offering a panoramic ocean and town view, the stair streets of Lantana enhance the pedestrian experience which is the cornerstone of Las Catalinas in encouraging interaction and engagement among residents and visitors. The Lantana neighborhood will feature nine buildings and an intricate array of plazas, parks, and community pool. Residences offer a variety of floorplans ranging from 484 square feet to 3,843 square feet. For more information, email sales@lascatalinascr.com or 1-866-357-3872 or visit www.lantanaresidences.com.

About Las Catalinas, www.lascatalinascr.com

The conscious town of Las Catalinas is Costa Rica’s newest desirable beach town inspired by New Urbanist philosophy. The car-free, highly walkable town includes several inns and intimate hotels, shops, restaurants, retail, day spas, pedestrian streets, parks, plazas, and recreational facilities, all located between two of Costa Rica’s loveliest Pacific beaches and 1,000 acres of protected tropical dry forest, which are interlaced with extensive hiking and biking trails. Within the town, the walkable public spaces are interwoven with nature, and the architecture emphasizes indoor-outdoor living and scenic views. Cars are refreshingly absent. Founder Charles Brewer’s core values and beliefs include environmental stewardship, connection to one another and to the rhythms of nature, promotion of wellness, and an emphatic preference for quality of life over quantity of material possessions, understanding that the “good life” is not about material possessions but about human connections, good health, and ecological sustainability.

Drones and The Future of Food Delivery Services

The Capabilities of Using Drones in a Food Industry Supply Chain

Are Drones the Solution to the Restaurant World’s Delivery Problem?

When the COVID-19 pandemic trapped diners at home, many restaurants survived by ramping up their delivery services. Delivery providers like DoorDash and Uber Eats allowed restaurants to continue serving their clients even when their dining rooms were closed. What few restaurants expected, however, was that the increased volume of food delivery would be a trend that continued beyond Covid.

Recent stats show that the spike in food delivery that started during the pandemic has not gone away. Diners have apparently decided that they like the convenience of having restaurant meals delivered to their homes or offices. For restaurants, however, the trend is not so convenient, primarily because delivery is expensive.

According to research from McKinsey, the average service commission that restaurants are paying to delivery services is between 15-20%. During the pandemic, those fees were seen as the cost of survival. Post-pandemic, paying those fees — or passing them on to their customers — is something most restaurants do not consider to be sustainable.

Some restaurants looking for a better way to serve their delivery customers are looking to drones as a solution. Drones, sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are being used in a wide variety of applications, from job-site surveillance to search-and-rescue to inventory inspection. For restaurants, drones promise a more scalable, affordable, and sustainable solution to the growing demand for food delivery.

The basics of drone delivery

The benefits that drones promise to the world of delivery are easy to appreciate, starting with how readily they can scale when demand for delivery increases. In a traditional model, more delivery volume means more drivers. By leveraging GPS, AI, and machine learning, drones can fly automated flight paths. In essence, one drone “driver” can manage multiple delivery vehicles. With the most advanced software systems, the destination provided in the food order is the only “driver” needed to get the customer his or her food.

The financial implications of driverless delivery are huge for the food service industry. Drone delivery does away with fees paid to traditional delivery drivers, as well as expenses related to driver recruiting, driver management, and vehicle insurance. Overall, drone delivery presents a much more sustainable model when it comes to the financial investment.

Drones also allow for quicker delivery times. With few exceptions, drones can take a direct path from a delivery’s source to its destination — they are not delayed by stop lights or traffic jams. In the food industry, where the quality of hot dishes decreases with each passing minute, the accelerated delivery times that drones empower is a major benefit.

Gasoline costs, which are a major variable that traditional delivery models must take into account, are not an issue with drones since the vast majority of drones are powered by rechargeable batteries. Once the initial investment is made, drones continue to deliver with minimal investment.

Challenges that must be overcome

Meeting regulatory requirements has been a challenge to drone development from its early days. To take flight, drones must comply with the requirements put forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This means meeting safety guidelines as well as charting flight paths that avoid no-fly zones.

Rules recently issued by the FAA make it easier for businesses to use drones for deliveries. The rules, which were issued in January 2021, expand drone capabilities by allowing for routine operations of drones over people and at night. Previously, such use required a FAA waiver. Upon announcing the new rules, the FAA said that they serve as one of a number of regulatory steps that will allow for growth in the use of drone technology.

Restaurants can avoid taking on the burdens associated with FAA requirements by working with companies that provide what has come to be known as Drone as a Service (DaaS). Such companies engineer drone systems that facilitate the required delivery service while ensuring that all mandatory regulatory requirements are met. Utilizing DaaS allows restaurants a high degree of flexibility and scalability without requiring them to develop any expertise in drone technology or make an investment in equipment.

Models for drone food delivery

Using drones as a means to get food orders from restaurants directly to customers is a model that has already proven to be effective. The town of Oranmore in Ireland, for instance, made headlines in 2021 when local cafes began using drone delivery to facilitate coffee deliveries. The drones, which were launched from a centrally located rooftop, lowered orders to their destinations on a cable while hovering at a height of 80 feet. The system facilitated deliveries within two minutes.

In the US, drones are being used by restaurants in a number of cities. In Holly Springs, North Caroline, for example, drone delivery is in use by nearly two dozen restaurants. The drones being used travel at 33 miles an hour, empowering deliveries in less than 5 minutes.

Another potential model for using drones as delivery vehicles involves facilitating the movement of orders from restaurants to an intermediary location where they can be picked up by last-mile delivery drivers. This model could prove to be effective for delivering to multi-family dwellings where those who place orders do not have an available landing zone. Drones could deposit orders to a rooftop staging area or other location where onsite delivery personnel could pick them up and manage the final phase of the trip.

Another model that restaurants have explored involves using drones as wait staff within the restaurant. Similar to how drones can be used to move inventory within warehouses, this model utilizes drones to cut down on the need for human resources. It has the potential to deliver meals from the kitchen to servers in the dining room, or to deliver meals directly to diners at their table, and has already been tested delivering food orders to attendees at sporting events.

The growth of demand for delivery options is something that restaurants that want to remain competitive cannot ignore. At the same time, a better model for addressing the added expenses of delivery must be identified.

Drones technology addresses both issues, empowering a more efficient delivery system that is also more cost effective. In 2023 and beyond, drone delivery promises to become a top competitive advantage in the restaurant field.

Article by: Dr. Shawun Passley, Ph.D.

Shaun Passley

Dr. Shaun Passley holds numerous masters degrees from DePaul University, Benedictine University, and Northwestern University, and has a PhD in Business Administration. In addition to founding ZenaTech, he is also Chairman & CEO of Epazz, Inc. — an enterprise-wide cloud software company — and the manufacturing company Ameritek Ventures. Shaun’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit enable him to identify key market opportunities and successfully launch new ventures. He is responsible for EPAZZ, Inc.’s software and product development which includes the design, research, and development of ZenaDrone and future products and services. ZenaDrone is an entirely bootstrapped venture that is aiming to help the agri sector in Ireland close its emerging labor gap through automation.

Connect with Shaun Passley || ZenaTech, Inc. on LinkedIn || Follow ZenaTech on Facebook

ZenaTech

A Canadian technology solution provider that specializes in drone development, tracking solutions, augmented reality, and more. Founded in 2018, the company’s initial products were aimed at marijuana and hemp-related businesses that included tracking plants from seed to sale and processing payments. The capabilities of drone technology in tracking plant progress in any field resulted in an ambitious expansion plan for ZenaDrone. Zenadrone is designed for industrial drone monitoring uses in construction, agriculture, surveillance, search and environmental inspection. Further, the drone has customizable functionalities, attachments, and features that enable Zenadrone to provide customers with a mechanism that streamlines the inspection and monitoring processes, saving field technicians from hazardous work, reducing workforce and operational costs, automating and performing tasks efficiently, and completing tasks that may be difficult or impossible for humans to do.

The Zenadrone has been featured in Silicon Republic, techbuzzIreland, Collaborate Together, and Agriland.

Oslo Hotels

It’s no secret that Oslo is a frontrunner for one of the top getaways in the world this year, with every corner of the happy city full of delicious seafood, exciting cultural offerings, and captivating hotel options. The city is experiencing a surge in new art galleries, restaurants, theaters, shops, and museums, including the new National Museum and Munch Museum, further solidifying its place as the cultural epicenter of Northern Europe and one of the hottest destinations to visit now.

Host to a diverse set of accommodation offerings, each with its own distinct personality and experiential programming, visitors can choose their own Oslo adventure based on the type of trip they want to create.

Some top hotel options include:

An Art Deco Cultural Immersion at the Brand New Sommerro:
- The new place to stay in Norway’s capital, the 231-room Sommerro officially opened its doors in Frogner, a historic neighborhood in Oslo’s West End, on September 1. Set within the former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city’s original electrical company and a 1930s landmark, the hotel presents a trifecta of “first and only” – it is the city’s only Art Deco hotel, its first neighborhood hotel outside of the city center, and the country’s largest-ever preservation project. Guests will enjoy the grandeur of Sommerro’s custom furnishings and artwork contrasted with a sleek new modern rooftop space that includes TAK Oslo, a Nordic-Japanese restaurant helmed by chef Frida Ronge that is one of seven on-property restaurants and bars, a sauna, and Oslo’s only year-round rooftop pool with some of the best views in the city. Inspired by Frogner’s classic and creative neighborhood spirit, Sommerro serves as an open and inspiring house for all, where visitors can enjoy a dynamic range of immersive programming and activities including a residency with jazz musician and composer Maren Selvaag, an extensive art collection curated by acclaimed museum director and art critic Sune Nordgren, the largest wellbeing space of any city hotel across the Nordic countries, boat trips with KOK floating saunas, and more. Nightly rates at Sommerro start from USD$250 based on double occupancy and include breakfast. For more information, visit Sommerrohouse.com.

A Historic City Center Escape at Amerikalinjen:
- Occupying one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, Amerikalinjen opened its doors in March 2019 on Jernbanetorget Square, adjacent to the bustling Central Station in downtown Oslo and just a short stride from the new Munch Museum and Deichman Library’s newly renovated flagship. Originally the headquarters for the Norwegian America Line that transported Norwegians across the Atlantic to the New World, the iconic building, which dates to 1919, has since been transformed into a modern-day marvel with luxurious accommodations, delicious dining, a chic jazz club, locally crafted amenities, and impeccable, personalized service. The surprisingly intimate 122-room property is layered with equal doses of subtle nostalgic references and forward-thinking design, and is defined not only by its accommodations, but also a standout offering of buzzy restaurants and bars, including Pier 42 – voted Best Cocktail Bar in Norway in 2021 and 2022 – which is led and managed by Adrián Michalčík who was recently named the Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Nightly rates at Amerikalinjen start at US$250 based upon double occupancy. For more information, visit Amerikalinjen.com.

The Ultimate Art & Spa Resort Experience at THE THIEF:
- A luxury waterfront hideaway located on “Thief Island” near downtown Oslo, THE THIEF is the crown jewel of this city-meets-sea peninsula that has been transformed from an islet hideout for local bandits to an ultra-trendy arts district. Here, guests will find carefully selected furniture and top international art pieces gracing the hotel’s walls, creating a chic, museum-like atmosphere. Its permanent collection was curated by the former director of Norway’s National Museum of Art, and its lounge hosts stylish events including concerts, fashion shows, and book launches. Taking advantage of the stunning harbor views of the Oslofjord and the surrounding sea breeze, the THIEF ROOF FOODBAR is open to guests throughout the summer months, where they will be greeted with live music, contemporary Nordic cuisine, signature cocktails, tailored service and more. The hotel also plays host to a sleek spa, which is connected to the property via an underground walkway so guests can remain in complete privacy as they indulge in a plush robe and glass of bubbles on their way to a decadent and relaxing body scrub treatment – the perfect urban escape. Nightly rates at THE THIEF start at US$300 based upon double occupancy. For more information, visit TheThief.com.

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, a Jonas family experience honoring their matriarch’s timeless recipes, has officially opened the doors to its first West Coast location at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Helmed by Denise and Kevin Jonas, Sr. – the parents of Kevin II, Joe and Nick (the Jonas Brothers) and Franklin – in partnership with TLI Bedrock LLC, Nellie’s welcomes guests to a seat at the Jonas family table with nightly live music, generous hospitality and timeless Southern comfort food.

MGM Grand is the second restaurant location for Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, which began in Belmont, North Carolina. Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is a celebration of Nellie, Kevin, Sr.’s grandmother, who lived in Belmont working in the cotton mills by day and cooking delicious meals for her loved ones by night. Nellie combined music and food into nightly rituals around the table, forging the tight-knit traditions the Jonas family continues to this day.

The opening celebration included appearances by Denise and Kevin Jonas, Sr., all four Jonas brothers and Danielle Jonas. Entertainment was provided by Jonas Group Entertainment artists including Olivia “LIVVIA” Somerlyn, Bailee Madison, Lanie Gardner, Hayley Orrantia, Hello Sister, and Terri Jo Box along with special guest Daniella Mason. Following the party, the Jonas Brothers took the stage down the street at Dolby Live theater at Park MGM for their residency performance.

Authentic, Comforting Southern Cuisine

Nellie’s welcomes guests to a seat at the Jonas family table to enjoy recipes passed down from Grandma Nellie, and reimagined favorites from executive chef Mario Nichols, who was raised in North Carolina and began cooking soul food with his family at a young age.

Appetizers – Guests will feel right at home with a mix of Southern staples and delicious takes on favorites to kick off their meal. The Collard and Artichoke Dip with collards, artichoke and parmesan is an extra savory version of the beloved starter. A Las Vegas exclusive, the Southern Rolls feature BBQ chicken, creamy mac and cheese and collards rolled in a crispy fried egg roll, served with Nellie’s signature sauce. No meal is complete without a basket of Grandma Nellie’s famous pillowy Biscuits with cinnamon-honey butter and jam.

Entrées – Fans of traditional homestyle dishes will be enchanted by Nellie’s Chicken and Dumplins, a must-try Jonas family dish featuring chicken and house-made dumplins in a rich broth served over silky mashed potatoes, gravy and collard greens. For a unique variation on a seafood staple, guests can opt for Chef Nichols’ Shrimp and Grits with fried grit cakes and blackened shrimp topped with Cajun cream sauce and fresh pico de gallo. Guests also can enjoy fresh Fried Catfish filets, salt-and-pepper fried and served with coleslaw, french fries and house-made remoulade.

BBQ Essentials – Bringing backyard favorites to the dining table, Nellie’s offers an assortment of burgers, steaks and sandwiches served with classic sides. The Hawg Hill Pulled Pork Sandwich features pecan-smoked pulled pork tossed in a tangy sauce and served on a soft brioche bun with coleslaw. Guests looking for something heartier will enjoy the Carolina Burger made with specialty blended beef and served with chili, slaw, onion and mustard; as well as the Chef’s Choice Steak, featuring Chef’s selection of chargrilled steak and the option to add shrimp or lobster tail for a full surf-and-turf experience.

Lighter Fare – For those opting for something lighter, Nellie’s serves up scrumptious salads including the Nellie’s Cobb Salad with chopped romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced bacon, bleu cheese and a boiled egg; as well as protein-packed plates such as the Grilled Shrimp Plate with grilled or blackened shrimp and grilled veggies. Other dishes include the Molasses Glazed Salmon, featuring wild-caught salmon tossed in a special South Carolina molasses glaze paired with roasted potatoes and green beans; and the Cajun Chicken Bowl with blackened chicken breast served with roasted potatoes and trinity corn.
Dessert – For the perfect send off, guests can indulge in Nellie’s rich Banana Pudding, which ismade with fresh bananas, layered and topped with whipped cream, then garnished with wafer cookies.

Transporting Belmont to Vegas

The folkloric aesthetic of Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, designed by OLY Studio’s Kate McIntyre, transports visitors to Kevin, Sr.’s upbringing in Belmont. The charm of small-town North Carolina is recreated through weathered barnwood, white shiplap cottage walls, and unique handmade furnishings and artwork inspired by the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

Design highlights include:

Entrance – Guests enter through a sculptural hallway inspired by the quilts Grandma Nellie collected and are welcomed with her towering portrait, which celebrates Nellie’s simple-yet-remarkable life. Amongst other references, cotton from the mill is transformed to diamonds in her hair. A banjo and spoons at the front of her dress represent Nellie’s lifelong love of gathering friends and family around music and her home cooking.
Front Porch – The Front Porch invites diners to a bright space reminiscent of Grandma Nellie’s front porch, punctuated with birdhouses and hanging flowerpot-inspired chandeliers overhead. Table legs take on the form of tree trunks, signifying the beauty of the Belmont region beyond the cotton mills.
Bar(n) – Nellie’s bar area features playfully designed tables that sit atop horse legs, as if guests just pulled up to the stable. Kevin’s uncle always joked if he ever opened a restaurant, he would need a reserved table for knocking back a couple of beers after work – so Kevin and Kate fashioned tables that could give him a ride home, too.
The Meadow – Private dining rooms evoke Belmont’s blissful meadows. Memories of running through freshly laundered sheets blowing in the wind inspire the wavy, cloud-like roof. Walls are adorned with merry paintings of blue skies, billowy clouds and green landscapes that complement the blues and greens in the rooms’ lush furniture.
Night Owl – Featuring live music nightly, Nellie’s moody back room is built around a state-of-the-art performance stage and A/V system designed by the same companies who oversee the Jonas Brothers’ concert experience. A captivating full moon light fixture juxtaposed with chandeliers emulating dew drops on blades of grass define the seated section, which is watched over by large owl portraits. Cozy couches with colors and textures inspired by nature offer a comfortable lounge vibe for both dining and enjoying music.

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen Partners Share Their Excitement:

TLI Bedrock LLC Principal Andrew Siegel: “It’s an incredible moment to finally introduce Nellie’s Southern Kitchen to the Las Vegas Strip. We’ve been proud to support the Jonas family in bringing their vision to life, and to work with the entire MGM Grand team led by the outstanding Mike Neubecker to deliver a truly fresh concept to Las Vegas.”

Kevin Jonas, Sr.: “My Grandma Nellie’s greatest desire was for people to enjoy themselves around her table and on her front porch; everyone was welcomed. We’re so proud to celebrate the opening of Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in Las Vegas, where we can share her time-honored recipes and gracious Southern hospitality to visitors from around the world.”

Denise Jonas: “Grandma Nellie was a special lady who prided herself on making sure everyone felt welcome and well taken care of.She would love thatwe’re keeping her traditions alive and providing guests from all walks of life a place that feels like home.”

Kevin Jonas II: “Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is a perfect reflection of our family’s passion for food and music. And the fact that we introduced Nellie’s the same weekend our Las Vegas residency kicked off couldn’t be better.”

Joe Jonas: “Our family’s connection to Las Vegas has always been strong as we’ve performed here many times over the years, and it feels very special to now have a permanent piece of our family history in the city for everyone to enjoy.”

Nick Jonas: “In many ways, Nellie’s is a celebration of what people love about Las Vegas – amazing food, great vibes and entertainment. We’re excited to officially open the doors to share all of this with our fans while commemorating our Great-Grandmother’s legacy.”

Franklin Jonas, said, “Having worked at Nellie’s Belmont location for several years, I’ve had a first-hand look at the warm community it creates for both guests and employees, which makes everyone feel welcomed. When you add Great-Grandma Nellie’s recipes and live music, there’s a level of comfort and fun that makes Nellie’s feel different from every other restaurant.”

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is located in The District opposite the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Reservations are available on OpenTable and MGM Grand’s website.

ABOUT NELLIE’S SOUTHERN KITCHEN

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is a family friendly dining and entertainment experience celebrating the comfort food, hospitality, great music and Southern charm of the Jonas family’s 1769 roots in North Carolina. The inspiration for Nellie’s Southern Kitchen comes from Nellie Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Sr.’s grandmother, who lived in Belmont, North Carolina until she passed in 2011. Belmont is Kevin, Sr.’s hometown and the restaurant’s original location, which opened in 2016. Nellie’s second location is now open at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The restaurant is a partnership between the Jonas family and TLI Bedrock LLC, a New York City-based investment firm. For inquiries or more information, please contact info@nelliessouthernkitchen.com.

ABOUT JONAS GROUP

Back in 2005, while Kevin Jonas, Sr. was managing his sons – GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum-selling group, Jonas Brothers – he formed what would later evolve into Jonas Group Holdings, LLC. Offering a diversified portfolio of entertainment, marketing and development services, including talent management, music publishing, branding partnerships, as well as audio, television & film production, the Jonas Group family of companies is a globally recognized force, helping all kinds of talented individuals realize and harness their full potential in all areas of their career. The dynamic company values quality over quantity with the belief that authenticity, vision and hard work are key to success. Leading these efforts alongside Kevin is Phil Guerini, Chief Executive Officer of Jonas Group Entertainment and George Kreis, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer of Jonas Group Holdings, LLC.

ABOUT MGM GRAND

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is “The Entertainment Authority,” creating the ultimate Las Vegas experience. A variety of accommodations serve every need while guests discover signature dining by celebrity chefs including Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Michael Mina’s International Smoke, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill, Michelin three star restaurant Joël Robuchon and Morimoto Las Vegas. In addition to a pampering spa and salon and an elaborate 380,000-square-foot conference center, the resort offers a wide-range of world-class entertainment at the Grand Garden Arena; the epic KÀ by Cirque du Soleil; world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez; master illusionist David Copperfield; Topgolf Las Vegas; Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club; and Hakkasan Las Vegas. MGM Grand is owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit HERE, call toll free at (877) 880-0880 or find us on Facebook and Twitter or follow our blog.

ABOUT OLY STUDIO

OLY Studio is a San Francisco Bay Area-based company, owned and operated by Kate McIntyre and her design partner Brad Huntzinger. The two have been creating elegant designs and crafting high-end furnishings for consumers, design customers and hospitality for over 20 years. OLY Studio designed and furnished the original Nellie’s Belmont and is excited to again collaborate with the Jonas family and its partner TLI Bedrock LLC, exclusively designing and crafting the furniture, lighting and décor for Nellie’s Las Vegas. Find OLY at Olystudio.com and on Instagram @oly.studio.

On Tour: Israel

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In photo: Vaughn Lowery visits Israel.

While history, politics and religion are a few keywords that have become the main topic of conversation involving Israel, there’s another focus that the nation has geared up for – Israel tourism. Due to a major growth of cycling tourism in the country located in Western Asia, the government has recently invested 30 million dollars in promoting the national culture of biking.

Israel is now flowing with trails, tours and bike sharing programs, including the holiest “Biking the Path of Jesus” tours. We were recently able to grasp a taste of Israel tourism, starting off with the bike trails.

Chief mountain bike guide, Nimi Cohen, was the escort on a week-long unforgettable trek, experiencing the magic of Israel on two wheels. Originally from Israel, Cohen has been mountain biking for 20 years. Starting on the more extreme side of mountain biking in downhill and free-ride, after injury, Cohen is now a mountain and marathon racer; he is the epitome of expert.

To Cohen, life is about the Israeli single-track experience (single-track describes a narrow trail that is approximately the width of the bike). Cohen also runs a mountain biking school – named Mountain Goat, meaning to have incredible balance on the narrowest of paths – where he guides others through trips and clinics. (For more information, please visit HERE or contact Nimi Cohen directly at nimroditi@gmail.com.)

“The Judean Hills, the Negev desert, Ramon Crater, the Arava Plains, and Eilat mountains.” These areas are all locations rideable 365 days a year. During the Israeli winter and spring, between October and April, they offer a great opportunity for a full-day epic ride, when the rest of the world (and the center and north of Israel) is covered in mud and snow,” explains Cohen. “Not to be afraid of trying new s**t… new stuff, but to do it moderately and slowly,” he shares some advice to new riders. He also recommends that bikers “ride in different terrains, as diverse terrains as you can get. You will become a complete and a whole rider.”

Bike Trails in Israel

Old Jaffa – Perfect for a night ride when visiting Tel Aviv. Bike riders can enjoy the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Old Jaffa.

Galilee – These trails connect to the Holy Land and a number of religious and historical sites. Tourists can enjoy magnificent views and some technical flowing single-track riding along the Sea of Galilee.

Mount Carmel – Coastal mountain range on the Mediterranean Sea, about 24 miles long.

Ayalon National Park (Canada Park) – Located in the Judean Plain, this is a more communal and popular trail. Expect to see many others enjoying this all mountain loop.

Adulam – Kanim – Single-track located in the Tuscany of Israel. This is a seemingly endless, smooth flowing trail about 25 minutes southwest of Jerusalem.

Old City Jerusalem – Another stunning trail to ride along at night time.Sugar Route – This is a 17-mile bike trail linking Jerusalem to Jerico.

Sde Boker – The Halukim Wadi single-track, this is the center for astonishing desert biking.Ramon Crater – A panoramic ride along the cliff of these geological phenomena.

Shayarot Cliffs – Beautiful, all-mountain technical ride, near the Arava Valley.

Timna Park – Manmade single-track ride at the site of the ancient copper mines, which is now a geological park.

Eilat Beach – Once a tiny kibbutz, Eilat is currently a center for tourism and bike riding. Trails surrounded by a view of poetic red mountains and deep blue sea. Tourists can find rough desert all-mountain and downhill trails starting high up and ending at sea level.

Located near the Arava Valley, Kibbutz Samar offers the unique and ultimate experience of sleeping and biking in the desert at a spot called Samar Bike. Kibbutz is a communal settlement in Israel, typically a farm. During the visit, we met one of the creators of Samar Bike, Yair Sela. “We want to live in a place that we live as we want to live,”he comments on being a part of Kibbutz Samar.

Along the way, we also met Faran Zeira, whose parents founded Neot Semadar 25 years ago when she was only two years old. Even though she was only a young girl, Zeira (born in Jerusalem) affirms that she chose to be a part of the kibbutz.

“Kibbutz is a kind of community of people choosing to leave the city together, sharing things less than having things to own privately. This kibbutz is a bit different, the main issue here is the interest of learning… learning how to share, how to live together. Learning how not to push things aside, but how to deal with them,” says Zeira. “You chose to be here, it’s family, 150 people living here. It’s really intimate. If people don’t have an interest, they don’t stay.”

Kibbutz living may be far from the Israeli city life, but one thing is certain: both share the passion of riding. Ross Belfer, an account supervisor at WEILL – a public relations and marketing company in travel and tourism – is a Tel Aviv local, who knows where all the cool spots are. Belfer shares his insider-look into the city life, “Tel Aviv is surely a city of the ‘now,’ with new bars, restaurants, galleries and creative hangout spots popping up at rapid speeds. The best means to explore Tel Aviv is through the perspective of a local who best knows the city, whether it’d be the top spot for late night bites or simply a quiet and serene look-out point in Jaffa, secluded from and unknown by tourists.”

When in Israel, why not experience thrilling Israeli city life while on two wheels? Another huge part of Israel tourism is its constantly adapting and evolving cuisine. For first-timers, Belfer suggests checking out Eager Tourist, a hyperlocal travel concierge which arranges tailor-made experiences in Tel Aviv within the realms of art, music, nightlife, architecture, bike routes and beyond.

Restaurants and Nightlife in Israel:

Cordelia Restaurant, Tel Aviv – Variety of detailed food items, menu developed by Chef Nir Zook. This spot is great for a late night dinner.

Yulia Restaurant, Tel Aviv – This seafood restaurant is perfect for lunch or dinner. With patio seating, the perfect spot for any occasion.

Chakra Restaurant, Jerusalem – Offers an authentic Mediterranean experience with menu items from land and sea. Claiming their most important ingredient to be ‘love.’

Pedro Restaurant, Eilat – Pedro has a small and intimate atmosphere and is famous for its high quality meats. Guests will be sure to feel like they are at home when dining in.

Port Sa’id, Tel Aviv – Vibrant, hip restaurant adjacent to the Big Synagogue on Allenby Street with innovative dishes by Chef Eyal Shani. This spot features local DJs spinning the restaurant’s collection of 1,000+ vinyl records.

HaHalutzim 3, Tel Aviv – Buzzed about gourmet restaurant, located within the Levinsky Market and the i rst of its kind in the neighborhood. Young Chef Eytan Vanunu cooks up eclectic dishes in his comfortable and quaint, internationally inspired restaurant. Dishes include pork-stuffed challah, polenta with veal and red wine reduction, lentil salad with yogurt chive dressing.

Yafo Creative, Tel Aviv – Yafo Creative is a boutique guest house and art hub in the heart of Jaffa. Locals and travelers can connect and collaborate during weekly Friday night dinners. Yafo is known for hosting performances by Israeli and international musicians and performance artists.

Anna Loulou, Tel Aviv – Hyperlocal dance bar on a side street in Jaffa. On Wednesday nights, dance to vintage Arabic music.

Pasaz, Tel Aviv – One of Tel Aviv’s hottest spots for local DJs and bands with a new artist performing each night.

Noga Complex, Tel Aviv -A quaint, village-like neighborhood on the cusp of the city’s Neve Tzedek neighborhood and Jaffa. The Williamsburg-esque Noga Complex is teaming with design and fashion boutiques by homegrown Israeli artists. Stroll along the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets and enter several unique culinary and design focused conceptions.

Sarona Complex, Tel Aviv – The up-coming Sarona complex will soon stand as Tel Aviv’s newest art, culture and design hot spots. A formally uninhabited neighborhood boasting 19th century Templar buildings, the Sarona complex will feature art galleries, museums, fashion and design shops.

Friday Sunset Drum Circle behind the Dolphinarium, Tel Aviv – One of Ross Belfer’s favorites. Bring a drum along or just show up with beer or wine and dance to the rhythms as the sun sets.

Dvir Gallery, Tel Aviv – One of the city’s most renowned art galleries, showcasing local talent with two different locations.

Amphorae Winery, Tel Aviv – One of the most beautiful wineries in Israel. Although the winery isn’t set in the midst of its vineyards, it is set amidst organic farms in the area.

Srigim Brewery – Enjoy different beers at a tasting at the Srigim Brewery. They offer 7,000 different kinds of beers and are famous for their IPA. There is a 10-minute ascent in the Masada-ruins of King Herod’s mountain-top fortress. Tourists can ascend from the west to the east via cable car. The Snake Path is also still open for tourists wishing to use this ancient trail. Another tourist favorite is a must-do, dip in the Dead Sea. Israel also offers some of the most gorgeous and sought-out lodging experiences in the world.

Hotels in Israel:

Herods Hotel, Tel Aviv – This ive star hotel is located in the heart of the city along the coastline of the exquisite Mediterranean Sea. Herods captures a historical style in a modern day atmosphere.

Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem – Nothing but the inest. Another ive star hotel, Leonardo Plaza offers breathtaking views of both old and new Jerusalem.

Hod Hamidbar Hotel, Dead Sea – Famous for being the lowest point on earth, the Hod Hamidbar hotel is located on the northern side of the Ein Bokek region, on the Dead Sea.

Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon – Located on the edge of the Ramon Crater (a natural phenomenon), this desert hotel manages to have comfortable and cooler weather all year long. Guests come irst at this ive star hotel with unbelievably spectacular views throughout the entire property. This hotel truly is a gem in the middle of the desert.

Samar Bike, Kibbutz Samar – Built by riders for riders.

King Solomon Hotel, Eilat – Surrounded by sea and mountains, King Solomon Hotel is perfect for fun activities or just plain ole’ relaxation.

Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv – A fabulous resting spot after a long bike ride. Relax and take in a beach-front view.

iBike, Mitzpe Ramon – An active boutique hotel, giving guests personal attention and special care for excitement, welfare, and enjoyment.

Dolphin Reef Spa, Eilat – Located on the shores of the Red Sea, this reef area gives visitors a chance to observe and swim with a group of bottle-nose dolphins in their natural habitat. Relax at the spa or hang with the dolphins and enjoy the view.

Eden House Boutique Hotel, Tel Aviv – This classical twelve-room property is located right in the middle between Tel Aviv’s vibrant Carmel Market and Mediterranean promenade. The modern day bed-and-breakfast spot has nothing on this place.

Traveling to Israel has never been easier than now. El Al Israel Airlines offers non-stop lights to Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv), Israel’s main international airport. The location is convenient to go anywhere in Tel Aviv and start the adventure. The Israel Ministry of Tourism website is a great way to keep up with what’s happening, or be sure to check out 360 calendar listing for Tel Aviv (coming soon).

“It’s amazing…like NYC and Miami had a baby,” 360 Magazine President Vaughn Lowery concludes with excitement on our recent press tour to Tel Aviv. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Tel Aviv is a major untapped NYC type of place [with] so many young cool entrepreneurs.”

Article: Jillian Sutton

Bentonville Restaurants × James Beard Awards

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Three Bentonville food establishments were represented among the James Beard Foundation® 2022 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists list in advance of the returning James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One.

“There is no doubt in our region that Bentonville possesses an impressive food culture, and this national esteem is key for continuing to grow our reputation as a true culinary destination,” said Kalene Griffith, Visit Bentonville President. “The collaborative culinary scene here continues to establish its national influence.”

This semifinalist recognition acknowledges their contributions to the national food culture in the United States, according to the Foundation. Bentonville was represented in the following categories:

Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines: The Preacher’s Son
Best Chef, South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR): Rafael Rios, Yeyo’s
Best Chef, South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR): Matthew McClure, The Hive

Notably, the James Beard Awards are considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors. The Awards recognize “exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the Foundation.

The James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards were established in 1991 and is one of five separate recognition programs of the Awards. For more information on this year’s Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists, see HERE. For more information on Bentonville’s innovative culinary scene, click HERE.

About Visit Bentonville

Visit Bentonville is funded by the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission which was established in 1996. The Commission is supported by a 2% tax on lodging and meeting space and a 1% tax on restaurant and dining establishments. The organization’s mission is to brand, promote and sell Bentonville as a tourism destination, stimulating economic development. Visit Bentonville leads the planning of sports, meetings and group tours while also marketing leisure experiences that include arts, cycling, culinary, film, music, and aviation. Visit Bentonville also collaborates with tourism offices throughout the state of Arkansas to create positive economic impact while increasing tourism amenities for both visitors and residents. For more information, click HERE.

Six Winter Tips for Restaurant Management

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The restaurant industry has witnessed more than its fair share of change over the preceding months. Now, just as things are starting to return to normal, the seasons have turned, demanding still more alterations.

You do need to do things differently in today’s world, but many of your tried-and-true practices from yesteryear will also benefit your customers. Here are six winter tips for restaurant management to increase your profit margin.

1. Improve Your Visibility

By 5 p.m., winter skies obscure your eatery under the cover of darkness. While humans can see with low light levels in partial darkness, it takes our eyes several hours to adjust. You might have the most clever billboard out front during daylight hours, but it won’t draw a single customer once the sun goes down unless you illuminate it.

Signs are the most visible communication tools a restaurant has. Ensure you use proper spelling and grammar on your signage — you don’t want to end up getting poked fun at on a subreddit forum after someone posts a picture. Use large, easily legible fonts, especially if your venue lies along a public thoroughfare like a highway. Potential customers don’t have time to interpret funky cursive at 55 mph.

Your graphics also matter. Think about what customers want. If you serve alcohol at your establishment, a beer bottle or cocktail glass lets thirsty travelers know where they can rinse a little road dust off their tongues. When it comes to food, think comfort this season — a mouthwatering roast or pie gets salivary glands flowing.

2. Address Customer and Staff Safety Concerns

Despite public opinion cries of “hold, enough,” the Covid pandemic continues. Vaccines mean fewer restrictions and more reasons for restaurateurs to rejoice — but you still need to protect vulnerable customers and staff members alike. Doing so can increase your profits as you gain a reputation for an eatery that cares.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should change your layout to ensure all tables remain six feet apart. You should continue to limit seating capacity to encourage social distancing. Doing so may require you to adjust other policies. For example, you might decide to start taking reservations, even if you previously operated on a walk-in basis.

Additionally, it would help to keep and possibly expand your delivery and take-out options. If you don’t have a dedicated fleet, you can often find smaller delivery apps that provide service at a fraction of the price of large names like GrubHub. Adding extra touches — like various sauces and condiments — to take-out bags keeps customers coming back for more. Allow for as much customization as possible.

3. Update Your Menu With Seasonal Ingredients

Top chefs know that cooking in season results in improved overall nutrition and more delicious flavor. You should update your menu to reflect what’s in season and take advantage of local produce vendors.

For example, now is the time to add plenty of braised kale and steamed broccoli to your menu as they come into season this time of year. Other good choices include winter squash, collard greens, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and turnips.

Get creative with your drinks menu, too — cocktails can significantly pad your bottom line. Invent beverages unique to your venue so that if customers have a craving, they have to come through your door. Mexican restaurants can create a signature margarita. Those venues hoping to draw holiday traffic can craft red and green cocktails that make folks feel festive.

4. Adjust Your Hours of Operation

If you’re like many restaurants, you probably keep consistent hours of operation during ordinary times. You’ve no doubt noticed that the present is extraordinary.

Therefore, you might have to adjust your hours of operation based on customer demand and staff availability. Some venues choose to do so by closing certain days of the week. Others open a bit later or close earlier.

Base your business practices around the clientele you typically attract. For example, you might consider switching from lunch and dinner to an exclusive brunch-through-early-afternoon business model if you notice that you get slammed with corporate customers from nearby office buildings around noon but hear crickets in the evening. Could you bring on more midday staff, expand delivery options to local offices and curtail your dinner service?

5. Attract Large Groups and Avoid Slow Times

If you’re still struggling to rebuild from pandemic slowdowns, you might have to get a bit creative. Can you fill empty seats by attracting large groups, thus cutting back on your slower hours?

For example, many organizations are now returning to in-person work. Others are experimenting with hybrid solutions because many staff prefer telework arrangements. Could you partner with such local businesses, offering meeting space during your slower afternoon times? Their organization could replace a full month of conference room rent while increasing your traffic and sales.

Likewise, happy hour discounts and specials are the perfect way to drive business right now. Those who have grown weary of telecommuting welcome the opportunity to once more mix and mingle with colleagues in the afternoon. Find a low-cost appetizer special that people love and upsell your drinks, perhaps crafting special cocktails for this traditional social time.

6. Reward Your Staff Members

Many restaurants had a tough time finding staff members. In the hospitality industry, your team works together to create an experience for your customers — a job they can do more readily when they aren’t worried about how to pay their rent.

While the federal minimum wage remains at $2.13 for restaurant employees, you know that your staff deserves better. The living wage for a family of four is $68,808 per year, which breaks down to $16.54 if there are two wage-earners in the home, twice that if the individual is a single parent. Please consider increasing the hourly rate and implementing policies that ensure your workers receive fair compensation.

For example, some establishments include gratuity on the check to eliminate the risk that customers will dine and go without tipping. Others get rid of the tip system altogether, opting instead to find new sources of revenue or raise prices. Experiment and see what works best, including your team in the process. Ask for their input and democratically choose the best process.

Winter Tips for Restaurant Management

The restaurant industry knows how to overcome changes, especially after recent events. Implement these six winter management tips to improve your bottom line.

Fall Fun In Tennessee

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As the leaves begin to change and the air grows brisk, that can only mean one thing; fall is upon us in Tennessee. So carve out a good time and add these joyous farms, festivals, events, and pumpkin-spiced treats to check off your Fall bucket list.

1. Pick the Perfect Pumpkin of the Patch

The River Maze – Ocoee

Located on the banks of the Ocoee River, The River Maze is celebrating its 20^th year of Spookley the Square Pumpkin with a wide array of fall-tastic activities, including corn and soybean mazes, bonfires, hayrides, farm animals, pumpkin basketball, and ziplines.

Falcon Ridge Farms – Bolivar

Falcon Ridge Farms is an expansive family farm in West Tennessee where visitors can take a shot at a corn cannon and visit its pumpkin patch. This fall destination includes a corn maze, tractor-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, food at the market, tire swings, giant slides, tether pole, cornhole, and bounce houses.

Lucky Ladd Farms – Eagleville

A petting farm, pony rides, and more than 70 activities and educational adventures are the norm on the 60-acre Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville. Farm-themed playgrounds, mega slides, wagon rides, tire climbs, games, and tractor trains entertain for hours. Visitors can choose from more than ten varieties of picked pumpkins or visit the patch to handpick their own. The farm’s corn maze is named “Tennessee’s #1 Corn Maze” four years in a row.

2. Take a Fall Weekend Getaway

Embark into the woods to find some of the coziest fall getaways in Tennessee to lay your head. Spend the weekend surrounded by fall foliage, breathing in fresh air, and being steps away from some of the state’s best hiking trails. Whether at Pickwick Landing State Park or Chickasaw State Park in West Tennessee, Montgomery Bell State Park in Middle or Norris Dam CCC State Park in East Tennessee, these lodging options are perfect for a fall break or weekend escape.

3. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Sunset Valley Farms – Huron

Celebrate Tennessee’s 225^th anniversary and Henderson Country’s 200^th anniversary with Sunset Valley Farm’s a-MAZE-ing corn maze at its 2021 Fall Festival. Capture Instagram-worthy photos in the farm’s large sunflower fields, munch on freshly made apple cider donuts and pulled pork, take a ride on the grain train, climb abroad a tractor, and pick the perfect pumpkin. Stay until sundown to experience the stunning Tennessee sunset against the ample woods of the west.

Myers Pumpkin Patch and Farm – Greeneville

Deemed East Tennessee’s largest corn maze, Myers Pumpkin Patch and Farm delivers 500-acres of fun for the whole family with tractor rides, s’more stations around fire pits, and its epic Fall Farm Market. At the market, guests can handpick the farm’s freshly grown fruits, vegetables and homemade baked goods, including pumpkins, squash, corn, pumpkin pie, and fudge.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm – Springfield

Venture out to Springfield for a fall-filled day at Honeysuckle Hill Farm’s fall festival, where its guests can get lost in this year’s Loretta Lynn-themed country music corn maze, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, hear chickens sing, and watch pig races. Snack on the scrumptious food they have on-site, including caramel apples, kettle corn, and chili cheese nachos.

4. Get the In-Cider Information on Tennessee’s Hottest Apple Orchards

Wooden’s Apple House – Pikeville

Wooden’s Apple House offers over 100 acres to pick a wide selection of apples for the perfect day spent in the orchard. Grab a few bottles of apple cider to take home and stop by the pie shop that has delicious apple dumplings and meat-and-three restaurant. Take it easy and chill among the rolling hills and enjoy the nature at their vineyard.

Morning Glory Orchard – Nolensville

Located right outside of Nashville, Morning Glory Orchard offers everything from apples, peaches, and honey, to vegetables, cider, and fresh baked goods. Make a day out of your visit and enjoy a picnic in the orchard while snacking on a charcuterie box and sampling their fresh produce.

Buffalo Trail Orchard – Greeneville

Since 1890, the Buffalo Trail Orchard has been providing crisp fruits and vegetables to those in East Tennessee. During the fall month, guests enjoy the orchard’s pumpkin patch and take hayrides while spending the day with friends and family picking apples.

Jones Orchard – Millington

Here at Jones Orchard you can not only go apple picking, but the family can also enjoy everything from a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin patch, to a farm scene investigation, monster mysteries, and other haunted attractions at their Festival of Fear.

5. Get Spooked at these Historically Haunted Tennessee Destinations

Unique spooks are what makes your travel to Tennessee exhilarating and the scary tours are full of excitement. Immerse yourself in the sights and thrills of haunted hotels, theaters, and homes where wicked stories and chilling surprises are tied to the stories of the past.

6. Taste the Flavors of Autumn

The Apple Barn Cider Mill – Sevierville

Guests can pick apples in the orchards, then peruse the delicious homemade items in the general store.

Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant – Cosby

While in Cosby, stop by Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse restaurant, where you can load up on freshly picked apples, fried pies, homemade candies, and apple butter.

Fairlane Hotel’s Falling for Fairlane – Nashville

Head to downtown Nashville and ascend to the top of the Fairlane Hotel for their latest fall-inspired pop-up bar, Falling for Fairlane. Get in the spirit with their delicious infused cocktails, such as The Drunken Pumpkin, Not Your Mother’s Mulled Wine, Maple Old Fashioned, and feast on their shared plates like the goat cheese and savory pear tart, apple pie, and pumpkin spiced donut holes.

Old Millington Vineyard – Millington

Only 14 miles outside of Memphis, the Old Millington Vineyard captures the flavors of autumn in their seasonal plum wine. Cap off Sunday afternoon by having a picnic and enjoying the sights and original wines.

7. Explore Outdoors and Experience Tennessee’s Fall Colors

Kick up the fallen leaves and cruise along the state’s scenic byways to catch a glimpse of the colorful ridges, charming destinations, and outdoor treasures. Add these relaxing hikes, scenic drives, and leaf-peeping places to your fall bucket list.

8. Attend a Fall-tastic Event

“Once Upon a Pumpkin” – Discovery Park of America in Union City

Get lost in the stories of fairy tales at Discovery Park of America’s Pumpkin Village with this year’s “Once Upon a Pumpkin.” Climb through 40,000 pounds of pumpkins constructed along with hay bales and flowers to create displays that showcase childhood tales such as “The Three Little Pigs” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

Goblins and Giggles – Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville

Fall at the Gaylord Opryland Resort makes for the perfect child-friendly getaway with their highly anticipated Goblins and Giggles. From Sept. 10 until Oct. 31, visitors to the resort see Spooktacular décor, play hide and seek scavengers hunts with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, go on the trick or treat expedition trail or Jack-o’-Lantern Walk, and win the haunted Hidden Treasure Escape Room. Other enticing events include Ghouls Night Out Riverboat Ride, Wicker Brews Spookeasy, the Monster Mash Bash, Frightfully Fun Zone, Bedtime Stories with Morgana, Spooky Animal Encounters, and the Fall Fountain Show.

Autumn at Anakeesta – Gatlinburg

Escape into wonderland this season with Autumn at Anakeesta from Sept. 24 – Oct. 31. Breathe in the Great Smoky Mountains while enjoying the live music, food, drinks and decorations. Go leaf peeping in the sightseeing Chondola, zipline through breathtaking fall greenery, and engage in the delightful beauty of East Tennessee.

Harvest Festival – Pigeon Forge

Dollywood goes all out to celebrate this time of year with its annual Harvest Festival. Running from Sept. 24 until Oct. 31, travelers cherish the lovely decorations, feast on seasonal treats, and listen to first-class entertainment. Stay until the sun goes down to see Dollywood’s ornaments come glowing to life at the LumiNights.

Cheer on Your Favorite Tennessee Football Team

Football is a big deal in the South. With the onset of changing leaves and the flavors of pumpkin spice on store shelves, that means that football fans everywhere are rejoicing and cheering on their favorite teams. While visiting Tennessee during the fall, schedule sometime to watch what football season is all about. Whether it’s the University of Tennessee Volunteers or the Tennessee Titans or the University of Memphis, there’s many teams to entertain all autumn long.

Hotel Motto Opens in Vienna

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MOTTO Group, a Vienna-based lifestyle hospitality brand, announces the opening of Hotel M OTTO in the heart of Vienna on October 2, 2021.

Hotel MOTTO is a stylized study in Renaissance and Baroque architecture with the interiors rendered in Art Deco geometric lines and accented with industrial grit. The 83 rooms and 8 suites showcase fabric-covered walls with floral patterns; custom-designed carpets and tiles are inspired by the framework of the original vintage furniture, and the herringbone hard-wood flooring is seen throughout the property. Every piece of furniture has been tailor-made for the hotel: from the brass door handles to the in-room lighting concepts have been crafted for each individual space. Central to the new property is the restaurant Chez Bernard – Restaurant et Bar, which offers a menu of eclectic dishes, a curated natural wine selection, and an extensive cocktail program.

The open-air rooftop garden and bar provide unobstructed views of the city and the adjacent vineyards while, on the ground floor, the on-property boulangerie and patisserie ‘MOTTO Brot’ invoke memories of both Vienna and Paris with a traditional outdoor terrace the locals call ‘Schanigarten’. The exciting mix of opulence and simple modernity turns every space into a work of art, including the private fitness and sauna rooms as well as the meeting and event spaces with their cozy break-out living rooms that spill into the hotel’s foyer.

“Hotel MOTTO is a locally-rooted visual story. I wanted to combine the traditional Viennese architecture with the glamour of 1920s Paris, but infuse the design with some personal design touches inspired by the Scandinavian comfort and the Japanese ‘WABI SABI’ culture.”, says Bernd Schlacher, owner and creative director of the MOTTO Group. In addition to the popular, ’MOTTO am FLUSS‘ restaurant, a homonymous catering service, and the MOTTO Brot bakery, Mr. Schlacher, originally a restaurateur from Styria wanted to add a unique hospitality concept to his portfolio.

The historic building has housed hotels for over three centuries with the first property, The Golden Cross, opened in 1665. The Golden Cross morphed into Hotel Kummer in 1872 and became a social hub for artists, painters, sculptors, writers, actors, and musicians who gathered for coffee, wine, and Austrian delicacies in the hotel’s public spaces. In 1904 the building was refurbished by Ludwig Schwarz, who preserved the original slanted corners and the oversized columns that frame the lobby and entryway to the hotel. The décor of the upper floors was especially elaborate and the interiors have been partially preserved to this day, even after the allied occupation of post-World War II Vienna when the hotel was taken over by the French from 1945 to 1955.

The architecture is infused with Renaissance and Baroque nods layered with elements of the gothic and byzantine styles: towers and domes as well as the configuration of the façade, originally constructed by the top artisans of the Vienna Artisan Craft movement, are fully preserved and play a pivotal role in the layout of the property. In the realm of classical music history, Hotel MOTTO was the birth home of Josef Strauss, son of the famous composer Johann Strauss, who called the hotel home in 1827. In addition, Hotel Motto’s latest iteration, Hotel Kummer, was the setting of the celebrated John Irving’s novel The Hotel New Hampshire. 360 Magazine is impressed with the interior design of the new hotel and excited to see how the turnout will be for the hotel.

The on-property restaurant, Chez Bernard – Restaurant et Bar, occupies the top two floors of the hotel and sits under a gargantuan glass dome, a new addition to the original building by Arkan Zeytinoglu Architects. The brilliantly lit restaurant presents diners with a curated menu of modern Austrian dishes with French and North African influences. Chez Bernard is also an organic restaurant rooted in the idea that the ultimately culinary experience must also be a sustainable one using local, seasonal, and organic products; sourcing natural wines from continental Europe; and repurposing the leftover stale bread to brew its own beer.

The interior design of the restaurant is reminiscent of 1920s Paris with artfully arranged botanicals framing the contemporary art collection on display. The luxurious green leather booths are juxtaposed with modern wooden tables to achieve a stylish yet cozy living room atmosphere. The unexpected touch lies in the green oasis on the wrap-around roof terrace that houses a 40-seat bar and additional lounge seatings with a superb view over Vienna’s rooftops.

An overnight stay for a double room starts at $359. Further information is available at www.hotelmotto.at.

Mauro Colagreco at The Maybourne Riviera

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Chef Mauro Colagreco at The Maybourne Riviera: A marine immersion

Chef Mauro Colagreco will take the helm of two dedicated restaurants within The Maybourne Riviera. The soon-to-be-launched hotel joins London’s iconic Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley as part of the Maybourne Hotel Group. The restaurants will hold pole positions within the strikingly modernist hotel, built on a rocky peninsula high above the town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

His flagship will be Ceto, focusing on the sea and will open on Saturday 9th October. Located on the hotel’s top floor with dramatic panoramic views out over the Mediterranean, it is a true parallel between the sky and sea and will reflect Mauro’s ambition and passion. However, Ceto will be more than just a restaurant, but also a ‘marine culinary workshop’ to deepen knowledge of the region’s aquatic species and research sustainable ecological solutions.

Dishes will play with texture, flavour and cooking processes, with the grill the centrepiece of the restaurant’s open kitchen. The menu will represent the whole of the Mediterranean according to the seasons, using not only fish and shellfish but will include ingredients such as seaweed, sea herbs, samphire, sea fennel, sea cucumber and snails. Sample dishes include Red Tuna – matured belly with Kombu seaweed, XO sauce; Red Scorpionfish – grilled cèpes, roasted Cévennes onion sauce and Monkfish – kale on the embers, bread crust sauce. A selection of vegetarian and pasture-fed meat dishes will also be offered, such as tiger veal reared by the sea in Corsica.

The restaurant will also house a maturation chamber for research and development. This will allow the team to deepen its methods of preserving fish and prolong its maturation by allowing all the flavour and texture to develop in the meat. Each species will be studied individually, and the entire fish used whenever possible (skin, fins, bones and eyes).

Mauro aims to bring this approach and his expertise to help change perspectives on fishing. He desires to shake up traditional codes: the distance and depth of fishing, seasonality, the use of the maturation chamber, anti-waste and the collaboration with renowned scientists.

The décor of Ceto restaurant has been created by architect-designer Marcelo Joulia, with tableware specially sourced and pieces created exclusively by local artists and artisan producers.

In addition, Mauro will also oversee the venue on the ground floor of the hotel. The Riviera Restaurant, already opened on the 22nd of September, offers regional gastronomy in its simplest form. Available for lunch, dinner, snacks or coffees and teas throughout the day, menus naturally retrace the region’s local gastronomic history: from Genoa to Saint Tropez, between mountain and sea. His creations will highlight regional specialities with the greatest respect for the product, season and producer. From Niçoise salad, Spaghetti alla Genovese, grilled fish, sun-soaked vegetables in olive oil, and the famous sweet-tart, Tropézienne, dishes are colourful and cooked simply to reflect the area’s rich variety.

Already established on the Cote D’Azur at his three Michelin starred Mirazur in Menton, Mauro is a cook unrestrained by borders and one who sets his own culinary rules. This ambitious project is a further opportunity for the globally acclaimed chef to showcase his culinary vision and continue to place the region at the forefront of the international gastronomic scene. At The Maybourne Riviera, he will mix this with one of his favourite playgrounds, the sea and hopefully, through careful participation, will help safeguard the diversity of its marine heritage.

“I am extremely proud to be a player in this unique project in The Maybourne Riviera and with a hotel group recognised around the world for its quality and excellence. It is a wonderful setting for guests to enjoy all that is so exceptional about this area of the Mediterranean.”