Miscellaneous

📈 The Consumer Price Index rose by 2.9% in August 2025, the highest since January, with Trump's tariffs impacting inflation. Food prices increased by 3.2% annually, with grocery prices up 2.7% and restaurant prices up 3.9%. The South led menu price growth at 4.1% annually. Grocery inflation outpaced restaurant prices for the first time since March. Despite this, restaurant inflation surpassed grocery inflation for 29 consecutive months. Analysts suggest inflation impacts restaurant sales in 2025.

🍹 The Ixian Grand & All Suites in Rhodes, a five-star adults-only resort, is hosting an exclusive mixology event on 19th August, led by Michele Lombardi from Four Seasons Hotel London. The resort introduces KYMA, a dining series featuring top chefs: Charis Nikolouzos (30 July), Ilias Kiazoli (20 August), and Dimitris Tsikilis (2 September), showcasing modern Greek cuisine through one-night-only experiences. 🌊🍸

🍴 Faros, a Mediterranean-Italian restaurant, has two London locations: Oxford Circus (22-24 Great Portland Street) and Holborn (57 Gray’s Inn Road). Known for pizzas and handcrafted pastas, it offers dishes like Burrata Pizza and Fresh Truffle Pasta. The ambiance combines rustic charm with modern elegance. Faros focuses on sharing, seasonality, and quality, drawing loyal guests.

🍷 Caorunn Gin, handcrafted in the Scottish Highlands, is infused with 11 botanicals and processed in the world's only working Copper Berry Chamber. Priced at £30, it’s available on Caorunn’s website and Tesco. The Pink Lady Spritz recipe includes 50ml Caorunn Gin, 25ml pink lady cordial, 20ml lime juice, and soda water. Garnish with red apple and mint. Make cordial by simmering 4 apples with 1 liter of water, strained and mixed with lime juice and sugar.

🍴 Morimoto Asia celebrates its 10th anniversary at Disney Springs, Florida, with a “Passport to Morimoto Asia” loyalty program starting October 1. Each month features a dish and cocktail from a different pan-Asian country. Collect all 24 stamps from 12 dishes and drinks for a Boston weekend getaway or 12 stamps for an exclusive reception. The program showcases countries like Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam through to September next year, ending with China. Morimoto Asia is owned by Patina Group.

🌵 Feeling drained? Time for a reset. Opt for a yoga retreat in Australia to rejuvenate physically and mentally. Consider location, yoga style, group size, and budget when selecting. These retreats offer activities like meditation, yoga, and local culture experiences in serene environments. Aim for transformation from a Fight or Flight state to Rest and Digest. Choose retreats with experienced instructors and prioritize self-care to achieve lasting wellness and balance.

🍹 Marco Pierre White's MR. WHITE'S GIN is crafting seasonal cocktails in September, highlighting heirloom tomatoes. Try "Mr. White’s Garden" with 50ml gin, 25ml Tomato Shrub, 10ml dry vermouth, and optional sugar syrup, garnished with basil. The Tomato Shrub requires 360g of tomatoes, 235ml vinegar, 200g sugar, basil, and peppercorns, fermented for 2-4 days. Purchase this London Dry Gin at Sainsbury’s and other retailers for £32.99 per 70cl.

☕ In 1998, Giorgio Armani opened the Emporio Armani Caffé in Paris, marking the first fashion brand venture into the F&B industry. Now, Armani operates over 20 F&B establishments globally. Tiffany & Co. offers the Blue Box Cafe in New York and London, Prada expanded to Singapore, and Louis Vuitton has over 20 cafes, including a new one at Heathrow Airport. Ralph Lauren has Ralph’s Coffee frequently near their stores, and Coach Coffee is debuting in Singapore's Weave.

🍪 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, with over 550 locations across the U.S. and Canada, has been acquired by investment funds affiliated with Rhône, a global private equity firm. The executive team, led by CEO Chris Dull, remains unchanged. The brand recently generated over $1 billion in system-wide sales. The acquisition details remain undisclosed. Freddy’s continues to focus on delivering its signature steakburgers, frozen custard, and fries with exceptional hospitality.

🧀 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, boasting over 550 locations, is now under Rhône's ownership, acquired from Thompson Street Capital Partners. The executive team remains unchanged, led by Chris Dull as President & CEO. Last year, the brand achieved system-wide sales surpassing $1 billion. Freddy's continues its commitment to offering quality steakburgers and custard treats. Acquisition terms remain undisclosed.