All Nippon Airways Offers Patina Restaurant Menu Items

As you may have seen from my Wide Lantern and GP Food Porn Blog, All Nippon Airways is partnering with Los Angeles' Patina restaurant to offer California-French cuisine to LAX passengers to Japan.

Here are some photos of what will be offered.

Here is the December-Feb 2015 menu items:

And here’s whats cooking for March-May 2015.

Here are some other amenities including in the Business Class for ANA flights from LAX to Japan. Access to lounges is also included.

World's Tallest Live Cut Christmas Tree Lighting

Need to get in the mood of the holidays? Head on down to the Citadel Outlets on Nov. 8. Yes, it’s the much-anticipated 13^th Annual Tree Lighting Concert. Why do over 20 thousand attend? Well, it’s the lighting of the World's Tallest Live Cut Christmas Tree (115-ft), with the World's Largest Bow atop the Citadel wall. There’s also a free, outdoor concert headlined by country star Jana Kramer, The Voice's Christina Grimmie, YouTube sensation Cimorelli, pop boy band After Romeo and X Factor's Josh Levi.

Here’s more:

Presented by AMP 97.1 and FOX 11, television personalities Tony McEwing and Maria Sansone and radio personality McCabe will host the night's events. Immediately following the concert performances, Tony & Maria will direct attention to center court where guests will be invited to participate in a countdown leading up to the lighting of the World's Tallest Live Cut Christmas Tree.

The Citadel Outlets' record-breaking tree is an impressive 115 feet tall and is sourced from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It spans 20 feet longer than an NBA basketball court and stands at twice the size of the famous Hollywood Sign. In addition, the center's Christmas tree is 40-feet taller than the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in New York City. In addition to hosting the World's Tallest Live Cut Christmas Tree, Citadel Outlets is also home to the World's Largest Bow.  Sitting atop the iconic Citadel wall overlooking the 5 Freeway, the World's Largest Bow is 36 feet wide by 21 feet tall with 18 loops and two 72-feet long tails that drape down the front of the building. Over 4,000 cans of red paint and primer and one half-ton of glitter were used to cover the striking accouterment.

Event attendees are encouraged to bring gift donations for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. To maintain safety and well being of CHLA patients, only new and unwrapped toys will be accepted. Please note that CHLA cannot accept stuffed toys or toys with small pellets or beans. All donations should be non-toxic, free of sharp edges and cannot promote violence and/or aggressive behaviors. Thanks to generous supporters CHLA is able to gift approximately 80,000 toys per year.

Previous headline performers to grace the Citadel Outlets' stage include Jesse McCartney (2013), Ariana Grande (2012), Big Time Rush (2010), Justin Bieber (2009), Ashley Tisdale (2009), Demi Lovato (2008) and many more.

Citadel Outlets is located just off the Interstate 5, just 10 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles, at Atlantic Blvd North at100 Citadel Drive, Suite 480 Los Angeles, CA 90040. For more information please visit www.citadeloutlets.com. For updates on the tree lighting ceremony and holiday concert, please follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CitadelOutlets.

This year's star-studded line-up includes:

After Romeo - The Los Angeles-based, five-person boy band reached number one on the MTV music charts with Free Fall. After Romeo's songs have been playing on-air Radio Disney and have reached number six on their countdown. Hits singles include Love on Lock, One Night and Save Some Snow.

Josh Levi - The Houston native triple threat began dancing, singing and acting at age five. Levi had a recurring role on NBC's hit series "Friday Night Lights." In 2013 he began focusing on his singing career and also competed in season 3 of X Factor where judge extraordinaire, Simon Cowell stated, "we might just be looking at the next big star."

Cimorelli - Winners of 2013 Teen Choice Awards for Choice Web Star, Cimorelli is a six-woman band comprised of sisters with a passion for singing. With almost 3 million subscribers on YouTube and music deal with Universal Records, Cimorelli is enjoying a meteoric rise. They are set to release their latest EP, Renegade, on October 27, 2014. 

Christina Grimmie - The American singer/songwriter finished in third place on Season 6 of NBC's The Voice. Grimmie's studio version of her performances reached top 10 on iTunes charts. She released Must Be Love early in July and has been touring with previous contestants of The Voice.

Jana Kramer - The Country-singing sensation and One Tree Hill star's hit "Why Ya Wanna" reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and has grown in popularity ever since.  In 2013 Kramer won Top New Female Artist at the American Country Music Awards. She is currently on tour performing her new songs Deal Breaker, Pop That Bottle and Don't Touch My Radio. 

Loew's Hotels Poor Sanitation Standards

Having visited two Loew's properties in a short amount of time, I now have concluded that the hotel chain has poor sanitation standards.

I've been to Loew's Hollywood Highland many times for conventions.

Case 1: When they lay out glasses for water, they don't provide a Used tray/table/area. There's no place to put them, and during sessions--I was just at SMPTE 2014--they don't bus. So people return the glasses to the same area where they got unused ones from.

I grabbed a used glass and was about to pour water and drink from it until I realizing it had water in it.

GROSS!

Case 2: The person cleaning the restroom right before the opening night reception was using a mildewy mop. It was stifling. If they're not going to sanitize the mop, think what their standards for cleaning are.

Now I must say that the receptions are handled very well--although timing of bringing out food could be better. But not much of a complaint there.

It's the sanitation I'm concerned about.

Case #3 At the Cabana Bay Orlando, I arrived to my room and the bathroom smelled mildewy. That's the last thing you want to encounter. And even after cleanings, it was the same thing. The miad obviously is using the same mildewy cloth/sponge for cleaning. Yeah, it might look clean--mine really didn't--but if those are their standards, what can you expect about the rest of the room? Bed bugs?

GROSS!

And did you see the tv news magazine report on how maids use cloths they used for the bathroom to clean your drinking glasses? Disgusting, right? Well, it's not much of a jump to think that happened at my stay.

I wrote to Cabana Bay. They apologized but when I encountered something similar at Motel 6 on the BORDER of Mexico, they were more motivated to make up for the problem. Cabana Bay probably is used to complains--my rate was a bargain at $100 per night--so they don't really make an effort for remedy.


Given the state of cleanliness and sanitation, if you visit Loew's, that's what you'll get.

Boundless Tastes at Cromwell's Bound bar

At the new boutique hotel The Cromwell Vegas, there’s an intimate bar called Bound. Created by the Cocktail Maestro, Salvatore Calabrese, it’s reminiscent of a British library. 

It may be intimate but expect some of the world’s most exclusive bottles, some only found at Bound.

At a recent event at Mixology 101 in LA, Calabrese, creator of the World’s Most Expensive Cocktail, treated guests to a sample of his creations: Breakfast Martini, Madame Moka , Negroni Svegliato. Nothing but the best was expected from the esteemed mixlogist, and these multi-layered tasting wonders did not disappoint.

Calabrese also had a hand in creating the menu for Mixology 101 so some of his creations will be available at the Grove LA. But for a complete experience, hop on down to Bound at the Cromwell.

I’ve never tasted anything like his coffee drinks. The Madame Moka was absolutely incredible.

The Uniqueness of Argentine Vinaigrettes

(reposted here-originally on Yahoo voices which will shut down 7/31/14)

Artisan vinegars and vinaigrettes are forging in popularity. But is there a significant different in taste in the supermarket brand you've been buying for ages and these specialty products. And are there regional differences to the making process? I talked to expert Lesley K. Roberts of Nuovoterra Products about the unique differences in traditional Argentine vinaigrettes.

How is Argentine Vinaigrette made differently than what we get at the supermarket?
From a food standpoint, current supermarket vinaigrettes rarely contain 100% percent olive oil as their oil base. They may have a small percentage in their product, but typically in order for companies to maximize their profits, consumers will find the products contain only a percentage of olive oil mixed with some other cost cutting oil such as Canola. Additionally, they rarely use "first cold pressed" olive oil which is the best olive oil you can purchase and contains the heart healthy properties that makes olive oil such an important ingredient.
Some consumers have argued that regardless of the olive oil in their current supermarket choice, they save money by purchasing these inexpensive vinaigrette's.

The Argentine aspect of the dressing comes down to two key ingredients - mustard and vinegar(s). Vinaigrette originated in France and contains mustard, typical Argentinian vinaigrette does not. If you visit Argentina, restaurants and homes will usually place a container of olive oil on the table, along with a few different wine vinegars and sometimes a balsamic. You mix those together and season with salt and maybe a few spices to achieve what we call "Argentine style Vinaigrette". Aside from the mustard, Argentinian's tend to use a mix of wine vinegars.

At Nuovoterra, we use several wine vinegars from a California company that start with local Napa valley wines and barrel age them in an artisanal process that turns them into gourmet vinegars. The last layer we add is a different balsamic to slightly change the finish of that base recipe, ranging from a stronger taste to a sweeter flavor depending on the balsamic, and making our recipe more robust or mellow.

Should we notice a significant difference in taste?
A lot of vinaigrettes have a diluted vinegar taste, bordering on the sweet side. Our product is true to vinaigrette form in that its purpose and taste has a bold yet refined flavor.

Besides the taste, what should people look for in purchasing vinaigrettes?
If they are looking for an authentic taste, they should make sure the vinaigrette contains actual olive oil and a blend of vinegars, usually at least one wine vinegar. The product should not have any sugar added in the ingredients. In general, a good rule of thumb for most products is to have the least amount of scientific named ingredients and even better if it does not contain preservatives. If the person is looking to maximize the health benefits, they should look for a vinaigrette that has 100% olive oil base at minimum and better yet, a first cold pressed olive oil. If the ingredients are fresh or sourced by the closest available area that provides those ingredients, that is going to add to the freshness of the product and also lessen the carbon footprint if that is something important to a consumer.

What makes your products unique and what future products are on the horizon?
Our motto is that we take old world recipes and craft them with new world gourmet ingredients as would have been done in the past because good traditions like that should never be forgotten. We use the best ingredients for our recipes that we can find from the closest sources available because it is good for the products, for the consumer and because we support fellow American businesses.
Currently Nuovoterra is working on a signature chimichurri recipe that my grandfather passed on to me. Argentine food is finally making a name for itself rather than being lumped in with Italian food as it always has in the past.

Macau: What Makes a Hotel Different

(reposted here--originally on Yahoo Voices which is being shut down 7/31/14)

Home to some of the largest resorts in the world, Macau has a lot of accommodation choices. Executives at Mandarin Oriental Macau passed on advice on what can set you apart.

 

Venetian Macau is the largest resort in the world—10,500,000 square feet. More and more gigantic hotel estates are being built, making Macau a vacation destination. In a region that is increasingly competitive, how can one set itself apart? I talked to Mandarin Oriental Macau’s General Manager Martin Schnider and Director of Culinary Operations and Food& Beverage Dominique Bugnand who offered their highlights, all of which hoteliers can do to set themsleves apart.

 

All Guests are VIP

Shnider: Through detailed planning and constant reviews, we design and deliver our services and products to not only address guests’ needs but also to surpass their expectations by surprising them with our ability to anticipate and fulfill their wishes.

Personalized services such as:

In-room check-in service, with which guests can enjoy privacy and exclusivity, as well as avoid the process of queuing and filling up the form, thus being able to quickly rest and refresh in their rooms after a long journey.

Recording guest preferences in order to delight our guests and ensure that their preferences are acted upon appropriately whenever possible.

If an arriving guest has lost his/her luggage, proactively offer an elegantly packaged, complimentary “emergency kit” which contains basic toiletries and sleepwear; there will be a separately stocked kit for men and ladies.

Treat every guest as a high profile individual.

Cater to Needs

Bugnand: I do time to time receive requests for gluten free options. Most of my dishes are gluten free as the usage of flour is only limited to few items on my menu. There’s no compromise in the balance of taste. But for the balance of texture, I will have to use other types of flour or vegetables for substitution. I try to adapt my recipes to any kind of food allergies or dietary.

For me, use the finest ingredients, cook “à la minute” and in a simple way to ensure we serve the best food to our guests.

Welcome All

Would you be open to offering a gay wedding package for visitors?

Our wedding package is designed to create a memorable event and experience for all couples who are in love.

 

Know Your Location

Shnider: Guests look for exclusive lifestyle, cultural and educational aspects in their experiences. Therefore, the hotel partners with local community to offer an array of exciting packages which combine the hotel’s facilities with the city’s renowned attractions.

Macau is a small city. But right on these islands, we can experience cultural diversity to a great extent, such as Chinese, Cantonese, Portuguese, Macanese, just to name a few. One can also discover a luring contrast between old world charm and modernity in this city. The best thing is, we can enjoy all of these within one day!

Macau is not just about gaming; it’s also an educational cum entertaining city.

8 Things to Know About Eating in Macau

(reposted here-originally posted on Yahoo Voices which shut down 7/31/14)
(also some ridiculous citations were removed that were required by Yahoo)

Macau plays host to a wide variety of tastes and flavors. As with every destination, the region has its own unique customs and cuisines. Here are 8 things to know.

A tart is not always a tart
The popular dessert in Macau is the Portuguese Egg tart. Virtually found everywhere, the most popular are from Lord Stow's Bakery on Colane Island. While called a Portuguese Egg tart, don't call it that to a Portuguese. "They might take offense," says a Macau Government Tourist Office representative. The egg tarts found in Macau are unique to the region, a blend of the traditional recipe along with flourishes. Lord Stow's in particular mixes in aspects of the English custard tart, as the bakery's website reiterates. Heard about the Cronut craze? Lord Stow's sells 7000-10,000 tarts a day, according to its website. A line forms early in the morning prior to its 7AM opening. There are outlets including one at the Venetian.

Gluten Sensitive Diners Beware
While many restaurants can cater to Gluten Free diners, bread is very popular in Macau, as observed first hand. Large baskets of different varieties of rolls, baguettes, and breads are the precursor to many a meal. Dipping bread into the serving platter to partake in the sauce is common. For those who are sensitive to gluten, that contaminates the entire dish. It might do well to serve those with sensitivities first, along with preserving some sauce for seconds. Another Macanese tradition is filling dinner bread with the entrée to make a personal sandwich, as shown by a Macau Government Tourist office representative.

Macanese Mixtures
Formerly a point of entry to China, the region naturally houses a great variety of restaurants. Manuel's or (O' Manuel as some name it on blogs) specializes in traditional Portuguese cuisine and attracts tourists and locals alike. On the night I was there, a Food and Beverage manager at the Wynn Macau was adamant about getting a table for him and his Pro Field Hockey players, returning ten minutes to closing after finding no available table on his first attempt. A chef of the Wynn's Il Teatro restaurant was also dining, "I come here weekly. The sauces are simple but nuanced." On the other spectrum, "A traditional Chinese dinner in Macau centers around seafood. His restaurant offers al fresco dining with Pee Pee Shrimp and Drunken Prawnsa specialty. Macanese dining is unique to the region, a blend of the vast influences. Well known establishments like Café Litgoral will serve such favorites as African Chicken and Stuffed Squid along with Sangria.

Water for Free
Free bottled water can be found at most casinos. Kept in bins in several locations, you can take as many as you want. "Hotel rooms customarily provide two complimentary bottles of water each day.

Stay in and Dine
Americans hotel can be "low end food in a high class atmosphere." But the resorts in Macau try harder to keep you dining in. Consider the Grand Lisboa Hotel which has 3-Michelin rated restaurants under one roof. Granted, it's a huge roof. When you take into consideration the cramped residences of the locals, the resorts are massive-the Venetian Macau is 10,500,000 square feet. Most buffets are slightly up-scale and offer a wide variety of tastes with several serve-to-order chefs on hand-eggs and noodles being the primary ones. While offering more in the way of taste than their American counterparts, there is a varying degree of success. The Mandarin Oriental's Vida Rica Restaurant endless and well-made offerings are worth its higher price. For families, the Sheraton offers Shrekfast, proving only 90 minutes to eat in between meeting all the various Dreamworks characters. Available dining and the vast retail areas are a strategy by the government, "Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, the city has transformed into an international hub for business and leisure travelers, as well as elevating Macau as a family destination," says the Sheraton's Public Relations Director Christine Tse. Note: the casino areas are cordoned off with guards checking IDs at entry points, as verified by Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.

Tipping
According to the Macau Government Tourist Office, "Leaving the change on the bill at casual restaurants is sufficient." At higher end restaurants, they suggest a 10% tip.

No wine for Americans
If you want to buy from the Hong Kong Airport duty free shop and are thinking of wine, forget about it. Before they sell you a bottle, they'll check your passport. "If you're American, they won't sell to you," says a Macau Government Tourist Office representative. That's because there will be two security checks-one when you enter the terminals and one at the gate. Americans are used to purchasing bottled water at the secure terminal and bringing them on board. But you can't do that at the Hong Kong airport because of restrictions in place after 9-11. Carry-Ons will be searched again, and all bottles not meeting the 3-3-3 guidelines will be seized, as verified by the Hong Kong Airport website.