Miscellaneous

🍽 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, is known for his expertise in food trends. His podcast, "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn," delves into industry insights. Thorn, a Tufts University graduate, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and has written for the Oxford Encyclopedia. His career spans roles at the New York Sun and Asia Times. He resides in Brooklyn and served as IFEC president in 2005.

🥃 Brockmans Gin announced its expansion in Poland by partnering with Amka Poland, the new official importer and distributor. Amka Poland will promote Brockmans Gin through its vast network, targeting on-premises, retail, and e-commerce channels. Known for its unique blend of botanicals, such as blackcurrant and bilberry, Brockmans aims to capture a broader audience in Poland. Both companies emphasize marketing campaigns and events to boost awareness and customer engagement, leveraging Amka Poland's industry expertise.

📰 Joanna Fantozzi, with over 7 years in the restaurant industry, is the Senior Editor at Informa's Restaurant & Food Group since August 2021. From 2018-2021, she progressed from Assistant to Associate Editor. Her education includes a BA from The College of New Jersey and an MA from CUNY. Joanna has written for The New York Times, Forbes, and more, and moderates industry events like MUFSO. Her expertise covers restaurant news and cultural issues.

🍴 Chef Evgeny Vikentev, from June 26-29, 2025, at ZIMA Notting Hill, London, will present a six-course tasting menu, available throughout July. Notable dishes include mackerel with pistachio and sturgeon with caviar, paired with fine wines and Nastoyka. The menu is priced at £125. Vikentev, a celebrated chef from St. Petersburg, has earned accolades including a Michelin star in 2021 and "Chef of the Year" at Russia’s national Palm Awards.

🍳 Il Visibilio in Chianti Classico is hosting exclusive Four-Hands Dinners starting June 18, 2025, at 7 PM. The first dinner features Chef Daniele Canella and two-Michelin-starred Chef Giuseppe Iannotti, limited to 16 guests at €190 per person, plus €110 for wine pairing. Upcoming events on August 12 and October 7 feature chefs Davide Canella and Federico Zanasi. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, this series showcases culinary innovation and expertise.

📚 In this episode, Hospitality Daily hosts and Hertelier founders Emily Goldfischer and Nancy Mendelson discuss ambition with Jennifer Fox, former President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Nicki Dehler, SVP of Product at Stayntouch. They explore women’s challenges in balancing ambition, redefining success beyond burnout, and integrating purpose and well-being. Consider sharing this insightful episode with your team to inspire action and growth. 🎧 Produced by Clay Bassford at Bespoke Sound.

🍽 Bret Thorn has been the senior food & beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and joined Restaurant Hospitality in 2016. He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and served as president of IFEC in 2005. Thorn studied at Tufts University, Le Cordon Bleu, and universities in China. He worked for ABC News during the Tiananmen Square events in 1989. Thorn is known for expertise in restaurant trends and French and Asian cuisines.

🍴 Michelin-starred Chef Lieven Demeestere will host a one-night-only six-course dinner at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu in London on June 20, 2025. This marks his first public dining appearance in the UK. The menu features dishes like Braised Pig Neck and North Sea Ray Wing. The event celebrates his career as he prepares to pass his restaurant, Arenberg, to his family. The dinner costs £110 per person with an optional wine pairing at £55. Booking is recommended.

📱 Zara's new Travel Mode feature on their app is available in the UK, Italy, and Japan, allowing hotel delivery and local shopping. Users can shop for items near their travel destination with geolocation, and prices are in local currency. The app includes travel guides, recommendations for museums, restaurants, and hotels, and a postcard sharing tool. This feature is designed to enhance travelers' shopping experiences by offering localized options and convenient delivery.

🐟 Celebrated chefs Mitch and Ben Tonks will host a residency at Brown's Hotel, London, from June 16 to September 14, 2025. The Donovan Bar will serve sustainable seafood from The Seahorse in Dartmouth, paired with bespoke cocktails by Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan. Highlight dishes include sea bass crudo and spider crab. Joe's Bar at The Seahorse will feature signature cocktails. Since 2021, Ben Tonks has led The Seahorse, championing sustainability and traceable seafood.