New libations are on tap at Four Seasons Houston's Barista. (Photo by Four Seasons Houston)

Savoring the Globe: Culinary Updates for Travelers

By
Lydia Gregory
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New libations are on tap at Four Seasons Houston's Barista. (Photo by Four Seasons Houston)
 
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Indulging one’s tastebuds while traveling is a time-honored tradition, and culinary adventures can range from street food delights to haute cuisine discoveries. Read on for some ideas on gastronomic journeys for your clients—be sure to check dates, as some are for a limited time only.

Halekulani Okinawa’s Culinary Event

Culinary
DINING OUT by moonlight. (Photo by Halekulani Okinawa)

Japan’s Halekulani Okinawa has joined forces with DINING OUT, one of the country’s hottest culinary events, to host an exclusive journey that will appeal to every gourmand on your list from Feb. 10-12, 2024, with packages available exclusively to guests of the hotel. And take note: the occasion will not only be a gastronomic delight, it will also be held in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event, Dining Out Ryukyu-Shuri, will be held at Shuri Castle in the capital of Okinawa and feature world-renowned chef Tomoya Kawada from Tokyo’s Sazenka. It is the only Chinese restaurant with three Michelin stars outside the Chinese-speaking world. The experience is inspired by traditional rituals and royal cuisine offered by the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom for the Chinese envoys sent by the emperor at the king’s coronation ceremony. The packages include a one-night stay on the same night as the guest’s culinary experience and include transportation to and from the dinner venue and breakfast the following day. Tickets are also available to guests already staying at Halekulani Okinawa.

For more information, visit okinawa.halekulani.com/en/escape/dining_out.

Le Sparkles at Le Bristol Paris

Eric Frechon and Vincent Chaperon at Le Bristol Paris.

Wintertime at Le Bristol Paris is more sparkly than ever now that they’re hosting the Dom Pérignon dining room, the first of its kind. This is an experience designed for two to six guests, crafted by Executive Chef of Le Bristol Paris, Eric Frechon, and Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon, Vincent Chaperon, that pairs the champagne’s best-in-class millesimes and the best of French gastronomy. It all begins at the immersive bar and ends at the dinner table with an exceptional dessert. This limited-time experience occurs in a bespoke bubble in the center of the hotel’s courtyard garden, created especially for the most glamorous of privacies, and is available through Feb. 18, 2024, by reservation only.

For more information, visit oetkercollection.com/fr/hotels/le-bristol-paris/.

Tasty Mercy Me Relaunches at D.C.’s Yours Truly Hotel
Ask about the fugazetta—an Argentinian-style stuffed pizza served with the option of Comte and provolone cheese, onions and garlic; whipped ricotta and fig; or honey and shaved truffles.
If your clients are in D.C. and into a “Sorta South American” culinary experience, direct them to Yours Truly Hotel and their restaurant, Mercy Me, which just relaunched. With a new executive chef and pastry chef, revamped menus and a new private dining listening room, the restaurant is ready to give diners a different kind of gastronomic journey with a deep dive into South American cuisine. The menu gives a creative twist on classic dishes, highlighting unique dishes from different regions, including Peru, Brazil, Argentina and others. The creativity expands to their signature cocktails, South American wine list and craft beer. The restaurant’s biophilic design is complemented by curated music playlists and weekly vinyl analog DJ sets.
For more information, visit mercymedc.com.
Blue Diamond Resorts: It’s All About the Chocolate
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, is full of sweet temptations this December.
From Dec. 13-15, clients visiting Planet Hollywood Cancun and Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resorts, will find themselves immersed in sweet temptations from the menus to the spa to the entertainment—and it’s all included in their stay.
The chocolate event kicks off with treats and libations inspired by Fuel Coffee Co., with IG-worthy moments starting from 4 to 6 p.m.—think classic chocolate milkshakes, a Galactic version with vanilla ice cream and cotton candy-flavored milk, or a mocha almond fudge with coffee ice cream, liquid chocolate and ground almonds. In Cancun, clients can taste chocolate-infused drinks at any of the five bars or pamper themselves with chocolate spa treatments at the PH Spa (think Charlie and the Chocolate Wrap), also available for guests at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults-Only. Other chocolatey fun includes screenings of movies apropos of the theme, Foam Parties and special activities at the Star Kids Club at both resorts. And, in Costa Rica, fine wine tastings paired with locally sourced chocolates will be on tap at the Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant.
For more information, visit planethollywoodhotels.com.
New Libations at Four Seasons Hotel Houston
There’s never a boring sip at Four Seasons Houston’s Barista speakeasy.
Your clients might have raised a glass or two at Four Seasons Hotel Houston’s Bandista speakeasy bar, but they’ll need to go back to experience the new menu update, its first since it opened “behind the bookcase” in February of last year. There are eight new cocktails to choose from, created by the Bandista bartenders and Jonathan Jones, beverage manager. Known as a “cocktail laboratory” that nonetheless has a firm footing in the classics, clients can toast the holidays, the New Year and everything that comes after with libations like Atonement (a take on the Old Fashioned), Call me Sambaldy (tiki-style with a hint of Asian spice) or Dulce Far Niente (a cocktail version of tiramisu). Four fun favorites from the previous menu remain, including the Menage a Trois and Sparkling Courage. Please note reservations are required.

Las Catalinas Welcomes New Restaurant

The Canopy Lounge on the second floor puts you at eye-level with the local wildlife.

Las Catalinas, Costa Rica’s hot new car-free beach town in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste peninsula, recently welcomed Celeste, their latest restaurant located at the former site of Limonada, the resort town’s first eatery. Clients looking for a curated dining experience served with a side of ocean views will find their new favorite spot to watch the sunset, celebrate a special occasion or hang with family and friends. The menu showcases Costa Rican specialties, including fish ceviche, fresh catch of the day, local prawns and more, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian selections. A list of craft cocktails complements the dishes, including the signature Ginny Rita. Another must: Enjoying a meal in the Canopy Lounge on the second level, which puts patrons at eye level with the treetops filled with birds and the occasional monkeys.

For more information, visit lascatalinascr.com.

Mezcal Pairings at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

The weekly Mezcal and Chocolate Pairing Session is included in the hotel’s all-inclusive plan.

AAA Five Diamond luxury all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya is looking at two of Mexico’s finest traditions for its newest experience: artisanal chocolate and mezcal. Their new Mezcal and Chocolate Pairing takes your clients on a tasty journey via dark and white Mexican artisan chocolates from the state of Campeche, on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, and pairs them with a particular mezcal to elevate the tasting notes of both. This weekly event is included in the hotel’s all-inclusive plan, as are a la carte gourmet meals, premium branded beverages and more.

For more information, visit velasresorts.com.

 

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