Miscellaneous

🍴 India Doris, chef and owner of Markette in New York City, brings her diverse culinary journey to life in her restaurant. Her grandmother, who emigrated from Jamaica to London, inspired her cooking. After 18 years in the industry, including working for James Kent at Saga and Crown Shy, Markette is her autobiographical culinary expression. Doris highlights the importance of community and recognition in her kitchen, inspired by the support she received from Kent.

📃 Architect Nicholas Grimshaw, a key figure in design, died at 85 this week. His notable works include the Enneüs Heerma Bridge (2001) and the Eden Project in Cornwall. Miss Dior's exhibit launched in Shanghai, spanning 6,800 sq. ft. with 200 items. Invite-only dining is trending in NYC and Virginia. Wellness retreats offer drugs like Ozempic; The Ranch Malibu reports rising usage. The 2025 Gold Key Awards finalists were announced; winners will be celebrated in New York on November 10.

📷 Airlines, starting January 2025, will have access to ATPCO's Routehappy retailing data. This includes virtual cabin tours, seat images, and videos, boosting global virtual merchandising by over 40%. Surveys reveal 80% of travelers want to see seats before booking, and visuals can increase purchases. By launch, visual content will rise by 43%, with 47 airlines collaborating. Airlines like Finnair and Breeze Airways use Routehappy for enhanced passenger engagement. Changes were communicated in June 2025 for preparation.

🍴 Karlie Redd, star of MTV’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” will open the Red Room Bistro in downtown Atlanta on September 28. The American-Caribbean-inspired lounge covers 3,000 square feet and seats 85. In partnership with Ace Carrington, the venue aims to enhance Atlanta's service standards. Designed by Ty Young, it features a red palette and events like the “Bunnies and Bubbles Brunch.” The menu offers American and Caribbean tapas. Redd’s passion stems from her family’s hospitality background.

🍴 Brasserie Marie, located in De Pijp, Amsterdam, offers a Parisian brasserie experience with a modern twist along the Amstel River. The restaurant blends French tradition with Dutch seasonal produce. Diners can enjoy dishes like Agneau and Sébaste, paired with Château Minuty Prestige Rosé. After dining, Chapter 1896, a speakeasy, offers cocktails like the Woza Mary and Tease. This dining venue reflects a balance of elegance and modernity, providing a memorable culinary journey.

✈️ In 2024, business travel demand rose, with global travel expenditure increasing despite challenges. Airline fares increased by 2.6%, while Business Class and Premium Economy fares rose 5.2% and 3.1%, respectively. Airlines are redefining corporate contracts, making discounts tougher to secure. NDC adoption is growing, offering competitive fares. Travel managers must adapt to evolving airline strategies, focusing on joint ventures, loyalty programs, and NDC to maintain efficiency and traveler satisfaction. Looking forward to 2026, agility is crucial.

🏦 Air Canada, 2023, Europe & beyond: Bag Tracking feature now available for flights from London, Paris, Dublin, Edinburgh, Rome, Milan, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Bogotá, Cancun, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Mexico City, Punta Cana, and Tulum. The Air Canada app offers real-time luggage tracking, including carousel and transfer details, plus notifications for delays. Originally launched in 2023, this service enhances travel peace of mind.

🍴 Bret Thorn, a senior food & beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, has been with NRN since 1999. He studied at Tufts University (BA in history, 1990) and Le Cordon Bleu, Paris (1986). Thorn authored entries for the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food (2012) and the Oxford Companion to Sugar (2015). In 2014, he was inducted into Disciples d’Escoffier. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, NY, and has expertise in food trends, French cuisine, and Asian cuisines.

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, resides in Brooklyn. He graduated magna cum laude from Tufts in 1990 and studied French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu. He worked in Thailand before joining the New York Sun (2005-2008). Thorn authored entries in the Oxford Encyclopedia (2012, 2015) and won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award. Inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014, he presided over IFEC in 2005.

🔹 Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old father, was assassinated last week in front of thousands, sparking widespread grief. Despite controversy surrounding him, he inspired many with his debates and beliefs. Approximately 1,000 followers unfollowed the author for mourning Kirk's death, emphasizing a call for love over hate. Kirk's death highlights the need for unity, transcending political divides, and fostering beauty and kindness. The author, a follower of Jesus, urges creating beauty and living by values worth dying for.