Miscellaneous

🍝 In autumn, at Noci in Islington, the experience includes complimentary focaccia, delicate Burrata, and Beef Carpaccio starters. Signature Strozzapreti and Chianti beef pappardelle demonstrate technical skill. Desserts like dark chocolate mousse and the inventive Tirami-chou showcase creativity. Drinks, such as peach and elderflower gin fizz and spicy mango margarita, add nuanced complementarity. Noci balances technique, creativity, and atmosphere, offering a relaxed yet refined Italian dining experience that is simultaneously familiar and inventive.

🍷 Giorgia Fornaciari won the Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition on November 2025 at Locale Firenze, Rome. Her cocktail, Anima Bruciata, reimagines the classic Clover Club using Altamura Distilleries Vodka, raspberry cordial, and charred pineapple soda. Giorgia will represent Altamura Distilleries in four major international events in 2026. Judges included Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan. Altamura Distilleries Vodka, rooted in Puglia's tradition, is rapidly growing globally, emphasizing authenticity and Italian craftsmanship.

🍳 Natasha Bull, 20, from Derbyshire, and Alice Metcalfe, 17, from Kendal, joined the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy, partnering with Kendal College. They began Level 2 and 3 chef training at Wild Boar Estate, near Windermere, under Master Chef Daniel Winstanley. Operating since 2017, the academy provides practical skills and qualifications. The trainees will participate in Lancaster University's Christmas markets, showcasing diverse food cultures. The academy is part of a family-run group managing three hotels.

📦 The Peninsula launched CURATED COLLECTION BY PENINSULA, expanding into luxury lifestyle goods. Since 1928, The Peninsula has been renowned for excellence and now features a collection with items like bed linens, cashmere, and leather goods. The collection includes a golden braid design inspired by Peninsula Pages' pillbox caps. Initially available at The Peninsula Boutique in Hong Kong, the collection will expand internationally. Explore more online via the provided link. #ThePeninsulaBoutique #CuratedCollectionByPeninsula

🛌 More than 53% of U.S. holiday travelers shorten family stays, as per Hilton's survey of November 4–5, 2025, with 2,200 adults. 63% of hosts report exhaustion, and 46% prefer guests to stay elsewhere. 15% plan to stay with family, but 36% sleep in non-bed spaces, while 32% sleep poorly. 38% need alone time within 24 hours, and 25% dislike the breakfast served. Survey's margin of error is +/- 2% with data weighted for demographics.

🍴 Maydan Market, by Rose Previte, opened on October 1 in a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Los Angeles' West Adams. It features a mix of restaurants, vendors, and a bazaar. Inspired by global markets, it includes a communal hearth and diverse culinary concepts like Maléna and Yhing Yhang. Compass Rose, originally opened in D.C. in 2014, joins Maydan Market. Club 104 offers rotating chef residencies, while Sook provides Middle Eastern pantry staples and grab-and-go foods.

📖 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, excels in spotting food trends. With a BA in history from Tufts University and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu, Thorn covers food trends across the U.S. He was a columnist for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award. He resides in Brooklyn, NY. Thorn's career began in Thailand, writing about business and food.

📲 Who? Brands and influencers engage in social commerce. When? Published on August 8, 2021. Where? Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, eBay, Depop. What? A study on social commerce's integration of culture, community, and shopping. How? By blending sellers, buyers, and influencers into dynamic ecosystems, creating cultural currency. Why? To enhance product identity, social standing, and trend amplification. Examples: Sephora, Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Crocs emphasize community and cultural relevance in retail strategies.

🎿 The Luxury Chalet Company specializes in bespoke ski holidays, focusing on seamless service from initial contact. Each holiday is tailored, with curated extras like ski instructors and private chefs. Luxury is defined by effortless arrangements, from transfers to dining. The company is devoted exclusively to ski experiences, with chalets in Europe’s top resorts. Founded by Cameron Temple, it emphasizes anticipation and precision, ensuring a five-star alpine experience for every guest.