Chef

Classic Cars, Fine Wine & Cool Design: The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Events, Men's Style, The Classicist

Dashing designer Duncan Quinn, known for his roguish take on Savile Row style, is hosting the ultimate gentleman's getaway on Saturday, March 26 for those who appreciate classic cars, fine wine and gourmet meals as much as razor-sharp threads. The Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally features a fleet of wicked wheels from Manhattan's Classic Car Club – including a 1968 Porsche 911, an AC Cobra, Austin Mini (think The Italian Job), Jaguar E-Type roadster, and Ferrari Dino (above) – leaving the city for an overnight jaunt to a 2,500 acre spread in upstate New York via scenic byways and state parks in one hell of a stylish convoy.

There guests will be treated to cocktails followed by an impressive meal from celebrated chef Neil Ferguson accompanied an amazing selection of vintage wines, retiring afterwards to rustic suites. Following breakfast on Sunday also by Ferguson there will be a spot of skeet shooting before another scenic drive back to town. "Tweeds are an option, but style is a must," Quinn tells us. There are only 14 spots on the list, and several have already been filled; the price is $2,000 for singles and $3,000 per couple including the cars and everything except gas and speeding tickets. Call the designer's New York store at 212 226-7030 to reserve.

Gallery: Duncan Quinn Appellation Rally March 2011

Tags: AC Cobra, chef, Classic Car Club, classic cars, cool+classic+cars, coolclassiccars, Duncan Quinn, events, Ferrari, Jaguar E-Type, luxury cars, mens style, neil+ferguson+chef, neilfergusonchef, New York, Porsche, rally, Savile Row, skeet shooting, sporting, vintage+car, vintagecar

Gwyneth's Favorite Female Chef Snags a Second Michelin Star

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Celebrity Shopping

Hélène Darroze (above), who runs the chic eatery in her name at London's posh Connaught hotel, has just been awarded a second Michelin star making her the only female chef in the UK with two of the coveted étoiles under her toque. Gwyneth Paltrow, who lived at the Connaught for a month and was a regular visitor to the restaurant while renovating her house in London, is one of Darroze's biggest fans. Reinforcing the legendary Mayfair hotel's 114 year old legacy of fine dining, Darroze, a protegé of Alain Ducasse, has established a loyal following among other notables and gourmets as well with traditional dishes from her native Southwest France combined with the best seasonal ingredients from the British Isles.

Gallery: Helene Darroze at The Connaught

Tags: Alain Ducasse, chef, Connaught, France, Gordon Ramsay, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hélène Darroze, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London, luxury hotel, Mayfair, Michelin, UK

Continue reading “Gwyneth's Favorite Female Chef Snags a Second Michelin Star”

A Taste of New York at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Going out to eat in New York City can be an incredible experience, except for one thing - you're smack in the middle of a great, stinking, crowded, dirty, noisy city full of obnoxious, neurotic people. Not to mention that this time of year it's freezing cold to boot. That can detract from the enjoyment if not outright ruin it on certain occasions. However at the Ritz-Carlton in San Juan, Puerto Rico you can now get an authentic NYC dining experience in an incredible beachfront setting. The luxe hotel has created a tantalizing Taste of New York Package around its two great restaurants imported directly from the Big Apple, BLT Steak and Il Mulino New York – minus the Manhattan melodrama.

BLT Steak from famed chef Laurent Tourondel mixes modern, urbane décor with an infusion of classic French bistro techniques. In the elegant, old-world atmosphere of Il Mulino New York you can linger over the vibrant flavors inspired by the cuisine of Italy's Abruzzi region. The package, with rates starting at $569 per night, includes deluxe accommodations for two in a Pool View room; a gourmet welcome amenity; daily breakfast at Mares, the casual poolside café; and daily dinner for two at BLT Steak or Il Mulino, including a complimentary sommelier's selection bottle of wine. Of course the restaurants are open to all guests of the idyllic resort, which also features the Ritz-Carlton's signature Club Level accommodation, a must for travelers who require the best of everything with convenience to match.

Gallery: Taste of New York at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan

Tags: beach, BLT Steak, chef, dining, Il Mulino, Laurent Tourondel, luxury hotels, New York, New York City, Puerto Rico, Ritz-Carlton, San Juan

New Chef & Fall Excursions at Richard Gere's Bedford Post Inn

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Celebrity Design

The Bedford Post Inn, actor Richard Gere's perfectly restored eighteenth-century country inn (above) located an hour outside New York City near the actor's Westchester estate, has a new chef and some special offers to welcome the fall season. Situated on 14 acres, the bucolic property is home to an exquisite eight-room luxury inn featuring marble baths, fireplaces and Frette linens, two restaurants and a yoga studio. Gere and wife Carey Lowell recently hired Jeremy MacMillan, formerly of A Voce Columbus and A Voce Madison in Manhattan, as the new chef at the Inn, where he will emphasize high-quality seasonal local ingredients at both its restaurants.

MacMillan will offer classic seasonal country cuisine at The Barn, the more casual of the Inn's two eateries, and hearty Mediterranean-influenced American fare at The Farmhouse. To celebrate the season the Inn is offering a number of different packages combining overnight stays with various dining options and yoga instruction, with rates ranging from $295 per night for a basic bed and breakfast experience to $630 per night for the Inn's King Deluxe room with a terrace, breakfast at The Barn, the Chef's Tasting Menu at the Farmhouse and a yoga class for two guests.

Gallery: Bedford Post Inn

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Bedford, Bedford Post Inn, celebrity, chef, cuisine, inns, New York, New York City, restaurant, Richard Gere, Westchester, yoga

The Royalton Launches New Bar & Lounge with The Cocktail Collective

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits

New York's chic Royalton, which started the boutique hotel craze when it first opened back in 1988, has just launched Forty Four (above), a stylish new bar / lounge curated by a team of all-star mixologists known as The Cocktail Collective. Occupying the hotel's former Brasserie 44 space with the addition of a square bar at what used to be the entrance to the restaurant, Forty Four's decor is a mixture of rich dark woods, leather upholstery, metal accents and innovative lighting. Selected from the best cocktail bars in the country, the founding members of The Cocktail Collective have created a menu of classics paying homage to the finest hotel bars for the new space. Meanwhile Royalton's Executive Chef Scott Ekstrom, formerly of Daniel and Oceana, has created a modern menu of small plates to compliment the cocktails including Black Lime Shrimp Cocktail, Parmesan Risotto Poppers, White Miso Tuna and Nueske Bacon Crisps.

The drinks list includes the Maiden's Prayer (gin, calvados, Cocchi Americano, and apricot liqueur served up with a twist); The Pharaoh Cooler (a tequila highball featuring fresh organic watermelon and lime juices, house-made grenadine, a hint of cane syrup and a few dashes of rosewater), and a Champagne Cobbler (champagne poured tall over crushed ice with muddled citrus zest, sugar, Peychaud's bitters and a crown of fresh fruits in season). In addition they've come up with a "punch" menu for large groups designed to replace "passé" bottle service. The founding members of The Cocktail Collective include Richard Boccato from Pain Killer in New York City; John Lermayer from The Florida Room in South Beach and Woodward in Boston; Simon Ford, a global cocktail ambassador based in New York City; Willy Shine from Contemporary Cocktails, Inc. in New York City; Misty Kalkofen from Drink in Boston; and Eric Alperin from The Varnish in Los Angeles.

Gallery: Fourty Four and The Cocktail Collective

Tags: bar, Chef, cocktails, Fourty Four, hotel, Morgans, morgans hotel group, New York, Royalton, spirits

Cook With The Greats At The New York Culinary Experience

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Events

Ever dreamed of cooking with some of the world's greatest chefs? The French Culinary Institute is holding its third annual New York Culinary Experience, a two-day culinary camp for foodies, on October 2 and 3. This year's participating chefs include Todd English, Johnny Iuzzini, Alain Ducasse, Morimoto, David Bouley, Laurent Tourondel, Jacques Torres and Anita Lo. People travel from all over the world to attend this event. The event raises money for the Future Chefs Scholarship Program, which makes it possible for aspiring chefs to attend The French Culinary Institute.

Imagine cooking strozzapreti with sausage and grapes and other dishes inspired by the Italian grape harvest alongside Andrew Carmellini, creating antipasti with Cesare Casella, glazing and slow roasting Long Island duck with Alex Guarnaschelli or braising and stewing beef with Michael Lomonaco. You can dip your toes into sous-vide cooking, preparing Australian ocean trout with Kalamansi and Nashi Pear with Shaun Hergatt. If you are a dessert lover you'll be thrilled to explore the use of brown butter in pastries, ice cream and chocolate with Michael Laiskonis and work with chocolate with Mr. Chocolate himself, Jacques Torres.

The weekend includes two classes with per day, breakfast, (educational/learning) lunch sessions, and a cocktail/wine reception to close each day. The cost for the entire weekend is $1,595 per ticket ($1,495 for purchases of two or more tickets).

Source

Tags: celebrity chefs, chef, food events, French Culinary Institute, new york cooking, new york culinary experience

Koffmann's Opens at London's Luxe Berkeley Hotel

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Berkeley (above), London's luxurious and beloved five-star Knightsbridge hotel, has just opened Koffmann's, a new restaurant from legendary French chef Pierre Koffmann. Overlooking Hyde Park, the historic hotel has long been the destination of choice for stylish travelers including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Campbell. Chef Koffmann, whose name has been synonymous with some of the UK's finest French cuisine for over 35 years, counts Gordon Ramsay among his protegés. The opening of Koffmann's marks the chef's return to The Berkeley, where he was at the helm of the celebrated La Tante Claire until its closing in 2003. The Koffmann's menu features several of the chef's signature items, such as a braised pig's trotter with morels, which guests may recognize from La Tante Claire, but on the whole Koffmann has moved into a more relaxed, informal style while still embracing his classic, provincial, French culinary roots. The menu offers hearty, robust, seasonal dishes, many influenced by his Gascon heritage, which can be enjoyed seven days a week for both lunch and dinner.

Gallery: Koffman's and The Berkeley

Tags: Berkeley Hotel, chef, French cuisine, Gordon Ramsay, Gwyneth Paltrow, hotels, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, London, luxury hotels, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, The Berkeley, UK

Fine Dining In Virginia: Town House's Culinary Getaway Package

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Some of the best restaurants can be off the beaten path but are worth the trip (the French Laundry being the example that springs immediately to mind). Foodies might want to make their way to bucolic Chilhowie, Virginia where at Town House Executive Chefs Karen Urie Shields and John B. Shields, a 2010 Food & Wine Best New Chef, create food that is nothing short of extraordinary. To get a sample of what you might be in for you need only take a trip to the Town House blog which showcases some of the latest creations. After looks at white asparagus wrapped in pork belly, aerated parmesan cheese puffs, softshel crabs with brown butter and lime, caramelized onions, smoked coconut, and mint fresh from the garden, you might be ready for a culinary getaway. Luckily Town House and their sister property Riverstead, are offering a package that allows guests to step inside the kitchen at Town House and have a nearby place to relax after having your taste buds thoroughly massaged.

The "Best New Chef" Package includes a 15-course tasting menu for two at Town House, access inside the Town House kitchen with the Chefs as they prepare the evening's dinner, an area farmers' markets guide, accommodations for one night at Riverstead and use of Riverstead's luxury farm kitchen complete with snacks and breakfast items prepared by the Town House chefs. The packages starts at $550 per night based on double occupancy for stays Tuesday-Saturday night stays through July 31, 2010.

Tags: best chef, chef, john b shields, riverstead, town house, virginia

Mario Batali Joins Meatless Mondays Movement

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Chef Mario Batali is famous for his love of meat but he's taken a big stand for eating a little less of it. Batali has joined the Meatless Mondays movement and he's bringing the dinners in his restaurants along with him. Starting past Monday and every Monday thereafter, his restaurants including Babbo, Del Posto, Esca, Lupa, Carnevino Italian Steakhouse and Osteria Mozza will offer at least two vegetarian entrees. The dishes will be designated on menus with a Meatless Monday logo.

"The fact is, most people in the U.S. eat way more meat than is good for them or the planet," said Batali in a press release. "Asking everyone to go vegetarian or vegan isn't a realistic or attainable goal. But we can focus on a more plant-based diet, and support the farmers who raise their animals humanely and sustainably. That's why I'm such a big believer in the Meatless Monday movement!"

Others involved in the Meatless Monday movement include food writer Michael Pollan, Al Gore, Sir Paul McCartney, Simon Cowell and Gwyneth Paltrow. The project began in 2003 and encourages people to opt to go meatless once a week.

Tags: chef, mario batali, meatless monday, meatless mondays, vegetarian

Jose Andres To Open Two Las Vegas Restaurants

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Chef José Andrés, who was on 60 Minutes over the weekend (the interview with Anderson Cooper is after the jump), is headed to Las Vegas. Andrés, who already has even restaurants including one in Washington D.C. and one in Beverly Hills, will open two restaurants at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. One will be a tapas restaurant similar to his Jaleo restaurant. This restaurant will include a wood-fired pit for making paella, the traditional saffron rice and seafood dish made in a large shallow pan.

The other will be a new concept, a take on a Chinese and Mexican menu. This fusion restaurant will have tortilla makers up front and planned dishes like shumai wrapped in mango. The Washington Post reports that Andres has visited China and plans to go back for research several times the restaurant opens. Tonight Andrés is a contender for the James Beard Foundation's "outstanding chef" award in New York City.

The Cosmpolitan will features several other restaurants including Blue Ribbon by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg; Comme Ca by Los Angeles chef David Myers; New York City's Estiatorio Milos by restaurateur Costas Spiliadis; Scarpetta and a new casual wine bar by chef Scott Conant; and the steakhouse STK from The One Group. The Cosmopolitan project is planned to open in December. Many are skeptical about the hotel's viability in a town already packed with luxe options. Fine dining will be a lure but Las Vegas is now host to many fine restaurants including those at the Wynn hotels and at CityCenter. As a recent BNET article pointed out, with tourism down the competition is fierce for less visitors and opening a billion-dollar hotel right now is a risky venture. The popular chef has his work cut out for him.

[via Las Vegas Review-Journal]

Tags: chef, cosmopolitan, jose andres, las vegas, star chef

Continue reading “Jose Andres To Open Two Las Vegas Restaurants”

Another Gordon Ramsay Protege Leaves The Fold

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Another of Gordon Ramsay's proteges has flown the coop. Bloomberg News reports that Jason Atherton, the chef behind London's Maze restaurant, is leaving the Gordon Ramsay group after nine years. Atherton ran Ramsay's Verre in Dubai before founding Maze in 2005. Atherton was quick to dismiss speculation that he had run afoul of the famously volatile chef and said that he is just ready to start his own restaurant.

On his Twitter Ramsay said: "jason's ready to fly the nest.Time for him to have his name above the door.Who doesn't want that? I wish him every success, an amazing guy." But rumors of discord continue. Atherton won't be moving straight from his Maze to his own venture. He plans to go overseas, most likely Spain, to get a little more experience in friends' kitchens. Atherton was the first U.K. chef to complete a stage at Ferran Adria's famous restaurant El Bulli.

Tags: celebrity chef, chef, gordon ramsay, jason atherton, london, maze restaurant

Ducasse's 1st Caribbean Eatery to Open at W Vieques

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Famed French chef Alain Ducasse will open his first restaurant in the Caribbean at the new W Retreat & Spa: Vieques Island this November, called "miX on the beach." At the eatery (above) Ducasse will offer a sophisticated menu, exploring "colorful Latino Caribbean flavors with an artful French twist and refreshing dishes that highlight only the finest ingredients from land and sea, expertly prepared and creatively presented." Both indoor and outdoor dining will be available with impressive ocean views on all sides. The first W Retreat & Spa in the Caribbean, the resort is located just off the Southeast coast of Puerto Rico on the peaceful 55-acre island of Vieques. In addition to miX on the beach, Ducasse's team will also manage the entire food and beverage program for the resort.

Tags: Alain Ducasse, AlainDucasse, beach, Caribbean, celebrity chef, CelebrityChef, chef, Puerto Rico, PuertoRico, resort, spa, Vieques, W hotel, W Retreat Spa, WHotel, WRetreatSpa

The Classicist: Rémy Martin Louis XIII Experience Cognac & Culinary Tour

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, The Classicist

The famed House of Rémy Martin, founded all the way back in 1724, has a new and unique culinary journey in the heart of Cognac, France. The great gastronomic tour, part of the House's Les Rendez-Vous Rémy Martin, focuses on Louis XIII, the jewel of Rémy's cellar and the most celebrated cognac in the world, as well as the birthplace of cognac itself. The day-long Louis XIII Experience gives visitors access to the "most coveted secrets and treasures" of the renowned cognac house, centered on a private tour through Le Grollet, the Rémy Martin family's historic estate and private cellar.

Guests will experience elite tastings of the prized Grande Champagne Cognac along with a private lunch and dinner prepared by the House of Rémy Martin's Executive Chef, Philippe Saint Romas, in either the historic distillery or a private dining room. Prior to joining Rémy Martin, Saint Romas worked in world-renowned kitchens including Paris' Michelin-starred Senderens Les Ambassadeurs in the Hôtel de Crillon as well as with Alain Ducasse. Visitors also will have the chance to explore the estate's wine pressing hall and view the historic stone stills. Guests are invited to appreciate the cognacs, chosen by cognac's only female Cellar Master, Pierrette Trichet, and offered the chance to learn how to blend cognac to their preference.

Louis XIII rarest reserve cognac was created in 1874 by the House of Rémy Martin. It is described as an "intricate alchemy" blended from 1,200 eaux-de-vie, created from the chalky soils of Grande Champagne, the best growing area of the France's Cognac region. Louis XIII ages up to 100 years in specially crafted oak barrels called tierçons (above). Four generations of cellar masters perfected the unique blend of myrrh, honey, plum, honeysuckle, wood bark, leather and passion fruit that goes in to Louis XIII, making it the most complex and prestigious cognac in the world. The precious elixir comes bottled in a Baccarat crystal decanter with fleur-de-lys stopper.

Tags: brandy, chef, cognac, France, Louis XIII, LouisXiii, Remy Martin, RemyMartin, tours

Continue reading “The Classicist: Rémy Martin Louis XIII Experience Cognac & Culinary Tour”

French Chef Creates First Totally Synthetic Dish

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Much of the news we hear about food tilts toward the organic and local but French chef Pierre Gagnaire has taken things in a different direction creating what is called the world's first synthetic dish. Gagnaire, a famed French chef with three Michelin stars worked on the recipe with chemist Hervé This, the founder of molecular gastronomy. The London Times reports that the recipe which contains ascorbic acid, glucose, maltitol and citric acid is called le note à note. It is essentially an appetizer made of jelly balls that taste of apples and lemon and are creamy on the inside and crackling on the outside.

Is the world ready for fake food? Mr. This thinks so. He says that the chefs of the future won't need to rely on plain fruits and vegetables but can instead use the elements of those foods to create new food possibilities and end food shortages. Pierre Gagnaire is more interested in concoctions that combine natural food with new molecular creations much as chefs like Ferran Adria, Heston Blumenthal and Grant Achatz do in their famous restaurants.

The Times article includes a recipe that sounds more like a chemistry experiment. Most of us consume plenty of chemicals in our foods on a daily basis but still the idea of eating a meal that has no relationship to anything found in nature is still more of a novelty at this point.

Source

Tags: chef, molecular gastronomy, MolecularGastronomy, pierre gagnaire, PierreGagnaire

Chef Who Trashed Enzo Gets 10 Weeks in Jail

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Crimes and Misdemeanors

The angry British chef who trashed Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay's Ferrari Enzo (above) at a seaside resort last month has been sentenced to 10 weeks in jail for causing £9,434 worth of damage to the $1.4 million supercar. Aaron Billington told the judge he went ballistic and hurled rocks at the rock star's Enzo after Kay, who had mocked the chef's stutter, invited two girls back to his hotel room for an orgy following a bout of drinking.

Billington's lawyer said the chef flew off the handle because he had an "emotional attachment" to one of the women in question, the UK Daily Star reports. "The criminal damage may have been committed in drink, but the car was plainly someone's pride and joy," the judge observed in passing sentence. "You wouldn't have a car like that otherwise." Next time try trashing a Toyota, pal - it's cheaper all around.

Tags: celebrity, chef, Enzo, Ferrari, Ferrari Enzo, FerrariEnzo, Jamiroquai, Jay Kay, JayKay, rock star, RockStar, supercar, UK

Chef

Featured Galleries

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular

Also on AOL