Miscellaneous

🍷 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

🍴 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.

✈️ Online banking app Revolut has partnered with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), allowing users to convert RevPoints into SAS EuroBonus points at a 1:1 ratio, without a minimum transfer. Since RevPoints launched in 2024, 17 billion points have been redeemed. Revolut serves 65 million customers worldwide and now offers loyalty redemption across 14 programmes and 45 airlines. Customers can earn up to one point per pound/euro spent on purchases.

🏛 Westminster Abbey launches its first group booking portal for travel operators and Blue Badge Tourist Guides, allowing easier pre-booking of discounted tickets with guaranteed timed entry. This change prepares for the upcoming King Charles III Sacristy. Group tickets cost £29 for adults, £25 for seniors/students, and £12 for children (6-17 years). The Abbey, hosting over a million visitors annually, has been a key historical site since 1066, housing tombs of figures like Charles Dickens and Isaac Newton.

🍳 Casa Brasa opened on October 27 in Dallas, marking Big Dill Hospitality’s fourth concept. Chef Omar Flores and the Marshi family researched grills and sushi across Latin America, Dubai, Europe, Miami, and NYC. The 10,000 sq. ft. space features an open-fire grill, raw bar, and sushi counter. Menu highlights include Hokkaido scallop aguachile, the signature Casa Brasa Roll, and a 40-ounce tomahawk rib eye. The Kamilla bar offers creative cocktails and hosts DJs. Maroma, a coastal Mexican concept, opens in December.