Miscellaneous

🛩️ Aeroitalia, an Italian airline, is upgrading its IT infrastructure with IBS Software's cloud-based iFlight Core system for better operations and crew management. This update, designed for small to medium-sized airlines, will be completed next year and features AI enhancements for decision-making and staff satisfaction. Aeroitalia's insights on the implementation will be shared at the iFlight Customer Summit in Prague on November 4-5, 2025.

🌊 Antarctica, the ultimate frontier for adventure, offers breathtaking experiences with its wildlife and landscapes. Key hotspots include the Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island, Lemaire Channel, South Shetland Islands, Paradise Bay, South Georgia, Ross Sea, and Weddell Sea. Each destination boasts unique features, from penguin colonies to volcanic calderas, promising memorable wildlife encounters. Plan your visit with Wildfoot Travel for a safe and ethical journey among icebergs, penguins, and seals in this pristine wilderness.

🍴 Bret Thorn is the senior food & beverage editor for Nation's Restaurant News since 1999 and Restaurant Hospitality since 2016. A Tufts University graduate, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu in 1986 and was at Beijing University during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. Thorn won a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and was inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014. He has written for The New York Sun and contributed to Oxford food encyclopedias. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, NY.

📖 Louvre heist: October 2025, Paris. Thieves stole 8 art pieces, including royal jewelry, in 6 minutes using a ladder and electric scooters. Louvre shut down for investigation. Trump: Bulldozed East Wing of White House for a 90,000 sq ft ballroom. Detroit: Thriving creative scene; Michigan Central tech campus project. UK startup certifies human-written books. 2025 Platinum Circle: Celebrated in NYC on November 7th with honorees including AvroKO founders and chef Marcus Samuelsson.

🚄 Belmond's Britannic Explorer, launching from London Victoria, offers luxury rail travel across England, Wales, and Scotland with 18 suites and a restaurant led by Simon Rogan. Cathay Pacific's Gallery in the Skies, on Boeing 777-300ER, displays Hong Kong art. Ritz-Carlton's Luminara, a superyacht with 226 suites, sails the Mediterranean in 2025. Minor Hotels' Bohème cruise along the Mekong River features 13 suites and local workshops. Mövenpick's Royal Lily cruises the Nile with 56 cabins and supports Egyptian heritage.

🏖️ Adrian Cheah, Business Development Manager in Malaysia, highlights Penang's allure: a food paradise with dishes like char koay teow and nasi kandar; George Town's UNESCO heritage status with the largest collection of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia; vibrant street art; beaches like Batu Ferringhi; and cultural festivals such as Thaipusam. Penang's charm lies in its blend of ancient heritage and modern creativity, offering a rich cultural experience.

💰 From now until 20 January 2026, in the UK, McDonald's collaborates with Expedia, enabling MyMcDonald's Rewards members to convert points into hotel discounts. Spending £25 earns 2,500 points for a 5% hotel discount on Expedia, while £40 earns 4,000 points for 9% off. Customers earn one point per penny spent, making it easy to turn meals into travel savings. This initiative aligns with Expedia’s One Key loyalty program, enhancing travel accessibility.

🍕 In 2012, Prince St. Pizza debuted in NYC's Nolita, gaining fame for its Sicilian and Neapolitan pies. Lawrence Longo became CEO in 2020, expanding the brand after a successful 2019 LA pop-up. Now, with 17 stores, the latest opens Oct. 24 in Dallas, featuring a 1,200 sq. ft. space and extended hours until 3 a.m. on weekends. Future locations include Miami, Nashville, Charleston, and Monmouth. Longo's goal: be America's top premium slice shop.

🚗 Avis First launches across Europe, starting this week at Rome Fiumicino, Geneva International, and Zurich Kloten Airports. This premium car rental service offers queue-free, personalized assistance from arrival, including a dedicated concierge and guaranteed premium BMWs (3, 4, 5 Series, X3, X5). Anna Pawlak-Kuliga, President International, emphasizes innovation and customer focus. James Adams, VP, highlights time-saving benefits for travelers. Expansion to more locations is planned for the coming year.

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News, has been active since 1999. He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and served as IFEC president in 2005. A Tufts University graduate, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China in 1988-1989. Thorn’s experience includes roles at Asia Times and ABC News. He wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and contributes to the Oxford Encyclopedia and Companion. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.