JANUARY FOOD NEWS

Tonics to lift the Spirits - Roots & Bulbs - London

With row upon row of fresh, vibrantly coloured, cold-pressed vegetable juices, Roots and Bulbs’ first store, designed by architecture firm K-Studio, will surely be welcome among the foodie boutiques of London’s Marylebone. But the ethos of this entrepreneurial new health brand might come as a surprise. Standing firmly against the culture of detox and rapid-weight-loss cleanses that juicing is usually associated with, Roots and Bulbs wants people to integrate vegetable juice as a sustainable and super-healthy daily habit, long-term. 

Avoiding the sugar overload many other juice brands are currently under fire for, these juices are predominantly green - fruit is added to some but not all. Roots and Bulbs is a simple proposition, with refreshingly humble promises. And whether or not you believe that beauty comes from within, the packaging (transparent, of course), conceived by Construct, is sweet enough to seduce the staunchest of skeptics.

http://www.rootsandbulbs.com

TURN SOCIAL MEDIA INTO SOCIAL REVENUE!

How to turn social media into social revenue

by Riley Smith

As hotels start to assemble social marketing teams, it is important to understand how to integrate social media in hotels. Being clear about how you see it being used, will only help your customers understand how to use it.

The bad news: Social media in hotels is not a primary tool. It can not on its own - at this time - lead the charge in driving your desired results. For example, you can not walk into any meeting and say "Don't worry about our[sales goals, front desk service, food taste], our Facebook strategies will/can take care of this."

The good news: Social media may be the only tool that can effect multiple points within your hotel. While it can not be a primary driver, it can be a secondary or tertiary driver of results for multiple areas. For my golfers out there, it is a 'utility club' ... I can rely on it to contribute in various ways.

With that being said, here are 3 key ways that you should execute social media in hotels:

1. Create unique, photo-worthy experiencesIf you are a destination, we get it, you don't have to do much. Your location and surroundings provide you this awesome resource. But if you are a hotel without the best setting, create experiences within your property that have 'wow' value. For example, this could be a food/beverage item, a human sized chessboard on the patio, or an item that changes with the season (ex. Cupid's Arrow, hanging from the lobby during Valentine's Day). This will take your guest's expectations and experience to a new level.

2. Extend your concierge and front desk services with TwitterThe landline disappeared because of it's cord. Now that we are used to ‘tapping away' on our phones, some of us have forgotten that our cell phones can actually be used to talk to people. Mobile users often find it more convenient to text, tweet, or email someone rather than call them. With this in mind, educate your guests that you can be contacted for ‘concierge' or 'customer service' purposes by Twitter. Make sure to give them your Twitter handle, and any expectations (ex. your Twitter hours (8am - 11pm).

3. Socialize the guest room
Just because your guest rooms look similar, doesn't mean that your guests experience has to be. Implement different 'social cues' in your hotel that provoke your guest to 'socialize'. For example, the Sol Wave House placed stickers on their room fridges with #FillMyFridge, where the hotel would bring you any desired food/beverage item (hello, social revenue). Brainstorming such creative interactions will help drive traffic to your favorite social channels.

Embedding these social strategies into the hotel will take commitment and planning. Educating your guests through signage or staff is important. Ensuring that you have the proper operational logistics in place to ‘socialize' with your guests is also paramount. Take each project one at a time and consider rolling out in installments. For example, implement your customer service via Twitter during specific hours. Or roll out your in-room project to only your Rewards members. This will help you ramp up your efforts.

About the authorRiley Smith is the Social Marketing Manager of Stanford Hotels. Riley has spent the past 2 years directing, engaging, and writing for 13 hotels on various platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Expedia, YouTube, this blog, and more. When not working, he tries to get away from his phone and into the woods.

SUPER BOWL - OLYMPICS - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Major sporting events drive surge in hotel rates

Hoteliers in host markets have seen booking increases of as much as 200 percent and rates doubling ahead of the US Super Bowl, Winter Olympics Champions League Final 2014 (Lisbon - Portugal) and the FIFA World Cup.

Pegasus Solutions conducted a comparison of net reservations made in 2014 and 2013 for the same January 20 cut-off for same day-of-week arrivals in each region. The processor of electronic hotel transactions reports affected hoteliers have smartly managed inventory ahead of the expected surges in demand.

"We reviewed bookings made through online sites for destinations that would see leisure travel for the Super Bowl in the US, Winter Olympics in Russia, and FIFA World Cup in Brazil," said David Millili, chief executive officer of Pegasus Solutions. "Some booking increases were registered in destinations like Sao Paulo, which are not traditionally considered major leisure hubs. Other booking growth was not as evident because many hoteliers strategically limited room inventory allocated to third party sites to drive more bookings through the brand site. Hotels that were prepared with a website designed to sell to a global audience will have benefitted greatly from this approach."

New York City will host most of those attending the National Football League's Super Bowl on Sunday, February 2. Rates for arrivals on Wednesday, January 29 have climbed by +41% over 2013. This rises to +77% the following day, reaching a high of +97% that Friday, and +83% on Saturday, February 1. Booked rates for the day of the event remain elevated by +45%, but will begin to taper as Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos fans return home.

Rates in Russia during the Winter Olympics, which run February 7 to 23, were less consistently inflated. To overcome the potentially prohibitive cost of attending that includes international travel and event admission, hoteliers have worked to keep rates from being a deterrent, with many also offering inventory in travel packages. Sporadic spikes in rates compared to same day last year did occur on select dates, peaking mid-way through the Games, including the 6th (+66%), 7th (+41%), 11th (+56%), 12th (+154%), 17th (+97%), 23rd (+83%) and 24th (+58%).

FIFA's World Cup from June 12 through July 13 at various venues in Brazil, has boosted rates in already popular leisure destination Rio de Janeiro. Sao Paulo, however, has seen reservations jump by more than 200% from what would normally be booked this far in advance for stays during this time period. Rates have been comparable to prior year, which may be due to the five-month booking lead time. One day, July 8, shows an uptick in rates equal to double what would be expected otherwise.

Data reported by Pegasus Solutions comes from billions of transactions processed monthly for nearly 100,000 hotel clients, facilitating more than $16 billion a year. The Pegasus View, produced quarterly, is an industry report that reflects data drawn from both GDS and ADS transactions, representing the business and leisure markets respectively.

STRONG ROOM RATE GAINS- FOR US LODGING

As economic growth strengthens, PwC US anticipates continued momentum in travel activity to boost revenue per available room in 2014. An updated lodging forecast released today by PwC US shows the lodging cycle in a favorable stage, with above average occupancy levels and demand growth that continues to outpace hotel openings. As a result, accelerating growth in average daily rate ("ADR") is expected, as revenue management gains traction, resulting in RevPAR growth of 6.0 percent in 2014.

The updated estimates from PwC US are based on a quarterly econometric analysis of the lodging sector, using an updated forecast released by Macroeconomic Advisers, LLC in January and historical statistics supplied by Smith Travel Research and other data providers. Macroeconomic Advisers expects real gross domestic product ("GDP") to increase 2.6 percent in 2013, and accelerate to 3.1 percent growth in 2014, measured on a fourth-quarter-over-fourth-quarter basis.

Our updated lodging outlook incorporates clearer macroeconomic context and recent hotel performance – strong demand growth in the fourth quarter, albeit with somewhat lower ADR. Based on this analysis, PwC US expects lodging demand in 2014 to increase 2.4 percent, which combined with still-restrained supply growth of 1.0 percent by year-end, is anticipated to boost occupancy levels to 63.2 percent, the highest since 2006. Hotel construction activity is rebounding from a low base, but with fourth quarter room starts up solidly (44.1 percent ahead of prior year), the pipeline for 2015 openings is expanding. Hotels in the luxury, upper upscale and upscale chain scales have recovered occupancy levels more quickly and are now experiencing greater gains in ADR. In particular, luxury hotels are on track to reach 75.0 percent occupancy in 2014, and upper upscale hotels are anticipated to benefit from a gradual recovery in group activity and reach 72.7 percent.



"With the economic environment improving, US lodging recovery is now on solid footing," said Scott D. Berman, principal and U.S. industry leader, hospitality & leisure, PwC. "While the demand-supply balance remains favorable this year, the next phase of the cycle will be marked by a gradual return of new lodging supply, as investors and developers look to deploy capital in this sector."

Why Lisbon could be Europe's coolest city

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What makes a city "cool"?

If it means being loaded with atmosphere, charm, great food and nightlife, yet ignored by the bulk of travelers, then Lisbon deserves consideration as Europe's coolest capital.
Here's why.
1. Nightlife that can outlast Madrid's
If you think Madrid stays out late, try a night out in Lisbon.
The city is less about heaving clubs and more about a roving nocturnal flow that ends (maybe) when dawn rises over the Tagus River.
The main action is in the Bairro Alto, where more than 250 appealing bars line a web of streets between graffiti-plastered walls.
Next is the riverfront, in the hip neighborhood around Cais do Sodré railway station.
Typical of the offbeat flavor here is the converted brothel Pensão Amor (Rua do Alecrim 19, +351 21 314 3399) where ace cocktails accompany erotica and DJ sets.
Capping a Lisbon night are pre-dawn traffic jams at Santa Apolonia docks -- they're created by the popularity of Lux, the king of Lisbon superclubs (Cais da Pedra +351 21 882 0890).

2. Experimental cuisine
Once known largely for bacalhau (dried cod), quaint old coffee houses and louche taverns, the Portuguese capital now claims a range of restaurants.
Seafood remains a staple, but the trend is for modern, sophisticated and affordable.
A high bar is set by wunderkind chef José Avillez at his Michelin-starred Belcanto (Largo de Sao Carlos 10, +351 21 342 0607) or his more casual bistro Cantinho (Rua dos Duques de Bragança 7, +351 211 992369).
Avant-garde European and Portuguese cuisine describes Avillez's menu, which stretches from sea bass with seaweed to lamb with vegetable puree.
Further down the scale, Lisbonites love juicy bifanas (pork buns) in backstreet eateries.
No traveler to Lisbon should miss the famed egg tarts (pasteis de nata).
The little bundles of caramel-y custard in chewy pastry are eaten in style at the original tiled café, Antiga Confeitaria de Belem (Rua Belém 84-92, +351 21 363 7423).
3. Irony

You'd think Lisbonites would brag about their achievements -- first global empire, world's best custard tarts, sea bass with seaweed that actually tastes great.
On the contrary, along with the rest of the nation, they excel in that ages old literary device/defense mechanism: irony.
As Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa once eloquently summed up the prevailing national outlook: "I'd woken up early, and took a long time getting ready to exist."
That old entertaining melancholy has resurfaced with the austerity of recent years, helping Lisbonites remain (almost) content and always witty, even in tough times.
4. Beaches and castles
Lisbon is a place to inhale salty Atlantic air, sunbathe and hit the waves.
Dolphins surf and ferries ply the River Tagus.
Half an hour away by train are the beaches and ornate casino of Estoril.
A bit further, Cascais is for eaters -- lots of grilled fish and seafood stews served in domed cataplana dishes.

The other big day trip is to Sintra. Forty minutes from Lisbon's main station (Rossio), it's a time-warp town, located in lush, wooded hills peppered with whimsical palaces and mansions that epitomize centuries of aristocratic opulence.
5. Fabulous design
Wherever you look in Lisbon, sharp contemporary design is a hallmark.
Stylish leather goods, bold wine labels, interiors combining vintage with the latest designer pieces, spectacular buildings -- this is a city that loves to look good.
Pritzker-prize winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira set the modernist tone with his gravity-defying pavilion for Expo 98.
Lisbonites gather to appreciate good design at MUDE (Rua Augusta 24, +351 21 888 6117), their mutant fashion and design museum, where austere low-tech blends with baroque flounces.
6. Big art
Large European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin and Madrid may have blockbuster art collections, but Lisbon's half million inhabitants have access to their own rare panoply.
The classic is the Gulbenkian Foundation (Av. de Berna 45A, +351 21 782 3000), where superlative Oriental and Western art occupies an airy 1960s building and landscaped gardens.

In Bélem, the Museu Berardo (Praça do Império, +351 21 361 2878) focuses on big names of 20th- and 21st-century art, from Picasso to Jeff Koons.

Museu de Arte Antiga (Portuguese site only; Rua Janelas Verdes, +351 21 391 2800) is a 17th-century mansion packed with 500 years of artwork that reflects Portugal's globetrotting history.

Lisbon's latest exclusive is the impressiveMuseu do Oriente (Avenida de Brasília, Doca de Alcântara, +351 21 358 5244), a superbly converted salt cod warehouse full of Asian exhibits where you can book a nighttime visit followed by dinner in the riverfront restaurant.

7. Fascinating streets

There's no getting bored wandering in Lisbon, thanks to the intricately patterned cobblestones under your feet -- a civic point of pride that blossomed after Lisbon's 1755 earthquake and continues today.

Even Lisbon's walls demand attention, thanks to an obsession with azulejos (ceramic tiles).

Top examples are found at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Rua da Madre de Deus 4, +351 218 100 340), while the peeling façades of the Alfama and Mouraria districts show dozens of variations.

edition.cnn.com

REWARD PROGRAMS & IMPACT

Study finds rewards increase guest spend by nearly 50 percent

A study published in the Cornell Hospitality Report identifies a substantial increase in spend and stay frequency after a guest enrolled in Stash Hotel Rewards, a loyalty program for upscale and luxury independent hotels.

The researchers found that after guests enrolled in Stash, they returned to a hotel nearly 50 percent more often and increased their annual spend by a similar amount. That shift translated into incremental annual per guest revenue of $405 - $780.

The study, Assessing the Benefits of Rewards Programs: A Recommended Approach and Case Study from the Lodging Industry, was authored by hotel loyalty program experts from Cornell University, Ithaca College and Michigan State University.

The researchers compared guest behavior at 24 hotels participating in Stash, with the hotels providing over two years of transactional data for more than 50,000 guests, both members and non-members.

The team measured the change in spending after a guest enrolled in Stash, employing a methodology that controlled for self-selection bias - the tendency of a hotel's best guest to enroll in a loyalty program. The researcher's rigorous statistical approach resulted in what is arguably the most thorough behavioral analysis of a loyalty program ever published.

Proof of a loyalty program's impact

"Most hoteliers are convinced that loyalty programs are critically important, but there's been little evidence of the value these programs deliver," said Clay Voorhees, Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and one the paper's authors. "We now have that evidence. We observed significant changes in guest behavior that could be directly attributed to Stash."

Stash Hotel Rewards is the largest point-based loyalty program for independent hotels in North America. The program helps independent hotels compete with chains and attract frequent travelers by providing a meaningful loyalty currency that can be earned and redeemed at participating hotels.

"It's exciting for our team to see hard numbers showing how Stash is helping independent hotels," said Jeff Low, Founder and CEO of Stash. "Travelers are realizing - now that I can earn points, why wouldn't I stay at an independent hotel all the time?"

Two very different hotel groups participated in the study. Group A, is a regional hotel company with upscale hotels in secondary and tertiary markets and an ADR of $73. Group B is a hotel group with upper-upscale and luxury properties in major metropolitan markets with an ADR of $261. Despite the differences between the two hotel groups, the researchers found that Stash increased revenue among members with remarkable consistency across the two hotel groups.

The study highlights how enrolling a hotel's best guests in a loyalty program can result in a disproportionately large impact on revenue. Based on the data presented in the study, it's estimated that if a hotel participating in the study were to enroll just 1,000 of their repeat guests in Stash, incremental revenue would range from $400,000 - $780,000 annually.

For more information on the study and to download a free copy of the report, visit: http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/chr/pubs/reports/abstract-17604.html

BITCOIN DIGITAL CURRENCY

Bitcoin digital currency enters the hotel industry!
 
The D Las Vegas Casino Hotel and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino located in downtown Las Vegas will become the first casino properties to acceptBitcoin. The D and Golden Gate will begin accepting the popular digital currency beginning today, Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Between the two co-owned properties, Bitcoin will be accepted at five locations, including both hotels' front desks and in the D's Gift Shop. Guests at the D will also be able to purchase Detroit's legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and enjoy fine dining at Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse.

Bitcoin purchases at the casino hotels will be processed through BitPay, a service that streamlines transactions using tablet and mobile interfaces. Tablets programmed with BitPay will be installed at each cashier, allowing Bitcoin users to easily pay for services using their mobile wallets.

Although plans to process Bitcoin had been discussed, Stevens, who is locally known to socialize with customers at the casino's LONGBAR, says that several patrons approached him asking if his properties accept the virtual currency. The guest demand provided the impetus to quickly move forward with incorporating the option to pay with Bitcoin at the D and Golden Gate.

"I'm proud that the D and Golden Gate will be the first casino properties to accept Bitcoin," said co-owner and CEO of the D and Golden Gate, Derek Stevens. "We're located in the growing high-tech sector of downtown Las Vegas, and like all things downtown, we're quickly adaptive to new technology. The timing is right for us to launch this initiative, and I'm happy to be able to offer this to our customers."

Built in 1906, Golden Gate is Las Vegas' oldest casino. The historic hotel has always been a forerunner in adopting technology - the city's first telephone was installed in 1907 (the phone number was 1!) In a unique juxtaposition of the old and new, Golden Gate's lobby will now house Bitcoin processing technology just steps from an artifact display case containing an authentic model of the 1907 Kellogg telephone.

Stevens opened the D in 2012, introducing a hotel casino to match the trendy, forward-thinking style of the burgeoning downtown Las Vegas neighborhood. To create the modern vibe, the existing property located on the Fremont Street Experience received a complete overhaul, incorporating chic design elements, renovating the guest rooms, adding a collection of high-end suites and emphasizing entertainment, nightlife and restaurants alongside the casino.

LUXURY HOTELS & E-COMMERCE?

Luxury hotels and e-commerce: snobbery or laziness?

Heavy flash animations that don’t show on your iPad? Lengthy videos with annoying music with no specific purpose? Yes, you’re on a luxury website. When it comes to defining what luxury means in a digital environment, the best is to stick to the basics: elegance in terms of shapes, fonts, colors; some subtlety when displaying a price or an invitation to buy. But please, remember its a tool, not a cinema ad.

E-Commerce Study

The switch is recent. From non-existent, luxury e-commerce now represents 4-6% of the 200 billion euros in sales of luxury goods in the world, says a study by Enora Consulting. Its growing at a pace of 20% per year. Three years ago, in a study on digital strategies for luxury brands, Publicis made no mention of e-commerce, concentrating on communication, storytelling, and exclusivity. Change is coming.

Finding the right balance is tricky. This is one of the reasons for the long-existing prejudice that says online luxury is the enemy of usability. It is not. Would you buy a Vuitton bag that is hard to open? Would Porsche consider the gearstick to be ugly and hide it? Nothing should be easier to manipulate than a luxury product. The website must be too. Actions must be obvious, and the user should spend time using it, not wondering how it works.

Burberry's - Website

Usability is a consequence of what you want to say to your customers. If yours is a luxury brand you have a story to tell and something to sell. If you have a story you have content and your website is an ideal place to display it with words and pictures–with a view to selling it. In this area, Burberry’s website is best in class. E-commerce functions are present: from the clear menu to the clear shopping cart, everything is where you expect it to be. While photos remain the star of the website, prices are shown discretely for every product, and the user experience with search results is fantastic. Burberry did so well that its director, Angela Ahrendts, got recruited by Apple to manage on-line and off-line sales.

Hotel Le Negrecso - Website

Make sure you separate clearly the discovery process from information linked to the buying process. And don’t surprise site visitors when they take out their credit card. Your customers want the experience on your website to feel as much as possible like their experience in the hotel: clarity, discretion, with real opportunities to spend their money. Again, Burberry does this very well: the purchasing process looks like any other purchasing process. In the hotel industry, Hotel Le Negresco, the Riviera’s grandest Palace does the job very well. The website brings you deep into the hotel’s magnificence and history, while giving you permanent access to practical and booking information. Here again, the buying process is clearly separated from the discovery process.

Approaching the web with an ROI mindset is the best favor you can do to high-end clients. They will expect it.

SHERATON OPENS IN ZURICH

ZURICH–Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announced the opening of the new Sheraton Zurich Hotel, marking the brand’s second hotel in the financial capital of Switzerland since the world-renowned brand was introduced into the country more than 40 years ago. 

Owned by ZUFA Immobilien AG and opening under an agreement between Starwood and Arabella Hospitality SE, Sheraton Zurich fuels the global growth of the Sheraton brand as it remains on track to celebrate the opening of its 500^th hotel by 2016.

“I would like to thank our longtime partner, Schörghuber Corporate Group, for once again putting their trust in Starwood as we introduce the new Sheraton Zurich Hotel,” commented Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. 

“The opening of Sheraton Zurich allows us to meet the growing demand for internationally-branded hotel accommodations in the city while offering a new gathering place for the local community and global travellers.”

TRAVEL ACCESSORY by DUNHILL

Laser projector keyboard by Alfred Dunhill

For the travelling technology aficionado, this neat device by Alfred Dunhill projects a laser image of a computer keyboard onto any hard surface. Connectable via Bluetooth and equipped with mouse capability, it weighs in at only 80 grams and measures slightly bigger than a matchbox. The projector also comes with a natty leather pouch, which conveniently unfolds into a stand for the corresponding smartphone.

Price: £295
www.dunhill.co.uk

JANUARY TRAVEL PICK

Cabanas No Rio I Comporta I Portugal

Perched on the banks of Rio Sado in the south central region of Alentajo in Portugal, these cabins (which were once used by local fisherman) have been reinterpreted and designed by celebrated Lisbon-based architect Manuel Aires Mateus. One hut holds the bedroom, an en-suite bathroom and shower (which can be used inside or al fresco), while the other features a living room and a small practical kitchen. Fashioned from recycled timber, the huts can be found next to a wooden jetty overlooking the natural reserve of the Sado estuary, close to the fashionable seaside resort of Comporta.

 

_______________________________________

Sítio da Carrasqueira, 7580-613

Comporta, Portugal

www.cabanasnorio.com
info@cabanasnorio.com

+351 934 418 316
+351 933 014 000

2014 - TOP 10 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR FOODIES

Top ten travel destinations for foodies 2014 from ceviche and mangoes in Trujillo, Peru, to summer-sweet Limoncello on the Italian Amalfi coast, to spicy tamarind-chickpea chaat and syrup-sweet ice gola from beachside vendors in Goa: there’s a destination for every taste. And every year thanks to new food trends, recently crowned top chefs, and budding tourism industries, there are more places to explore where hungry travelers have yet to devour the last bawan dumpling, glass of organic wine, or slice of reindeer salami. Whether a vacation means local markets or Michelin Star restaurants, here are the top ten foodie destinations to explore in 2014, both on and off the beaten path.

Trujillo, Peru

Located twelve hours north of Lima, Trujillo is isolated enough to feel exotic but established enough to accommodate tourists, even those who don’t speak Spanish. Trujillo is the country’s northern beach destination and is also home to the country’s best ceviche. The family-run restaurants are affordable, generous and offer incredibly fresh versions of the national dish of lime-marinated corvhina or lenguado fish with braised sweet potatoes, fresh chili peppers, and fat white Peruvian corn. Don’t miss the local markets with heaps of mangoes, custardy guanabana, and butterscotch-like lucuma fruit, the latter being found only in Peru.

Goa, India

Street food and beaches are the main attractions of this off-the-beaten-path destination. Long a draw for backpackers, the tropical paradise has a strong tourism industry in place already to support its growing popularity. Chaat vendors stroll the beach hawking newspaper-wrapped cones of spicy chickpeas with sweet tamarind and cooling mint chutneys, puffed rice, and yogurt. Others sell gola—shaved ice treats with sweet flavored syrups.

San Francisco, U.S.A.

This top food city is trending right now, with a new crop restaurants serving surprising and creative American cuisine. Not to be missed are dinners by top chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski at State Bird Provisions, espresso at Iron & Steam, and charred, sour, and just dense enough artisanal sourdough at Tartine Bakery.

Flushing, New York, U.S.A.

Why would you trek an hour out of Manhattan for Chinese food when you could a) go to Canal Street—Manhattan's own enormous Chinatown—or b) just go to China? Because nowhere else in the world is every nook and cranny of China so well-represented—and in shopping malls, at that. Besides, where else do South American restaurants stand next to Jamaican, Taiwanese, South Indian, and Korean establishments, all offering food equally homemade and delicious? Within a ten-minute walk of the subway stop there’s everything from organic juice and vegetarian dimsum to tongue-tingling Szechuan pork, northern lamb with hand-pulled noodles, fine dining Cantonese-style, and Taiwanese mountains of ice, mango, sherbet, and condensed milk. 

Croatian Wine Routes

Though overlooked in the past in favour of neighbouring Italian options, the Mediterranean country is ideal for winemaking, which, unbeknownst to most of the world, Croatians have been doing for a long time. Wineries such as Krauthaker, Saints Hills, and Bolfan are even producing stellar organic, biodynamic and natural wines that sommeliers and wine-lovers in the know are clamouring to get their hands on. From age-worthy reds from hand-harvested hillside terraces to cooler-climate northern whites, the unique Croatian varietals are for anyone interested in getting out of the cab sauvignon/chardonnay box. 

The other 5 are 

Taguig City, Pasig City, Philippines 

Ningxia Night Market, Taipei, Taiwan

Helsinki, Finland

Melbourne, Australia 

Amalfi, Italy

NEW "Inter Continental" OPENS AT DAVOS

InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts brings stylish luxury to the Swiss Alps with the new InterContinental Davos

InterContinental® Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, is set to open its eagerly awaited InterContinental® Davos hotel in December 2013. Perfectly positioned at the foot of the Flüela Pass, the hotel looks over the shores of Lake Davos, offering magnificent views of the Grison Alps and featuring stunning, contemporary design.
The unique, oval shaped building is enveloped by 790 gold-coloured steel elements, resulting in an impressive futuristic façade, which has been designed to blend into the native landscape and integrate accents of the Swiss Alpine world. This is reflected in the interior of the hotel, which conveys a modern warm Chalet feel, extending across its 216 rooms and suites. The local environment has also been integrated into the design of the hotel's InterContinental Alpine spa. The spa's decor is based on natural rocks and herbs and offers both an indoor and outdoor pool.

InterContinental Davos offers a wide range of local, regional and international cuisines in its four restaurants. The Capricorn Brassiere serves specialities from across the Alpine region, Matsu specialises in experimental cuisine and Stübli creates Japanese and Alpine fusion food, including the speciality 'Shabu Shabu' fondue. Finally, the highlight of the InterContinental Davos' culinary offering is the exclusive Studio Grigiorestaurant on the top floor where guests are treated to a superb dining experience accompanied by breath-taking views.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President Brand Management Upscale & Luxury Brands, Europe at IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), IHG comments: "The opening of InterContinental Davos reflects the success of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, not only in Europe, but also globally as it continues to appeal to both investors and consumers in an increasingly competitive hotel market."

Peter H. Pedersen, InterContinental Davos General Manager adds, "As Davos is considered to be the pioneer of Alpine tourism, we are proud to bring InterContinental Davos to this beautiful location. Whether for business or pleasure, we look forward to sharing our unique hotel and stunning surroundings with our guests."

As host to numerous major sporting events and one of Switzerland's largest ski resorts Davos offers sporting and recreational activities throughout the year. The city annually hosts the World Economic Forum, a meeting of global political and business leaders and has become the congress centre of the Alps. InterContinental Davos is more than equipped to cater to the needs of the business elite with more than 1,500m² of ultra-modern conference facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is IHG's luxury brand. IHG's broad family of nine brands in nearly 100 countries and territories meets the needs of guests, whatever the occasion. There are currently 30 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties in Europe. InterContinental® Davos will open at the end of this year.

LONDON'S FIRST PAY-PER-MINUTE CAFE

 Ziferblat is London's first pay-per-minute cafe, based on a Russian chain where 'everything is free, except the time you spend there'

Ever felt you've overstayed your welcome in a cafe, by reading, working or surfing the web while hugging the latte you bought two hours ago? Pay-per-minute cafes could be the answer. Ziferblat, the first UK branch of a Russian chain, has just opened in London (388 Old Street), where "everything is free inside except the time you spend there". The fee: 3p a minute.

Ziferblat means clock face in Russian and German (Zifferblatt). The idea is guests take an alarm clock from the cupboard on arrival and note the time, then keep it with them, before, quite literally, clocking out at the end. There's no minimum time. Guests can also get stuck into the complimentary snacks (biscuits, fruit, vegetables), or prepare their own food in the kitchen; they can help themselves to coffee from the professional machine, or have it made for them. There's even a piano – an idea that could seem brilliant or terrible, depending on who takes the seat.

Ziferblat has opened 10 branches in Russia in the past two years and now wants to take the idea worldwide. With hostels, hotels and cafes around the world often filled with people either working remotely or enjoying some downtime online, the market for expansion is certainly there. The "coffice", we're told, is the way of the future.

Owner Ivan Mitin says during the first month of the UK opening, they have already drawn in some regulars. "Londoners are more prepared for such a concept; they understand the idea instantly. It's funny to see people queueing here to wash their dishes. It's not obligatory, but it's appreciated. They even wash each other's dishes. It's very social. We think of our guests as micro tenants, all sharing the same space."

Eight days into 2014, Time Out has already declared Ziferblat "a contender for best opening of the year". But what do you think? Does the idea appeal? Does £1.80 an hour sound like good value? Would you feel more relaxed, or more under pressure with a clock by your side? Let us know in the comments below.

HOW MILLENNIALS CHANGE THE WINE INDUSTRY

The Millennial generation, which includes the youngest legal drinkers, is consuming more wine than previous generations when they turned 21 - and the wine industry is taking note.

Winemakers and distributors say they are seeing more demand from Millennials and to help attract and maintain this demographic that will continue to become of legal age, they are changing the types of wines they produce, how they market their brands and how they connect with their customers.

According to wine analyst Ronan Stafford, Millennials above the legal drinking age drank 25.7percent of wine by volume in the United States during 2012, higher than the global average of 20.6 percent, but significantly less than the 41.4 percent of volume consumed by those age 55 or older in the US.

But boomers aren't going to live forever and the industry must strive to attract and preserve this key younger group. According to Chris Fehrnstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at Constellation, there are 62 million Millennials of legal drinking age and in two years, another 8 million will celebrate birthdays. Fehrnstrom further shares that of core wine drinkers (people who drink their 21st wine at least once per week), Millennials represent 30 percent.
Traditionally, wine has been marketed primarily to older generations and came with huge pretense. The Millennials are quickly eliminating that archaic aspect of the wine industry. And this represents a huge marketing and revenue opportunity for new brands, packaged, sold and distributed in many new ways. 

 
So what areas require rethinking in order to attract the younger generation of wine consumers?

The web
Technology and the internet have made wine much more accessible to younger generations and feeds their interest in the industry. Younger drinkers are choosing their wines based on the 'story' behind it, how they found it, what region it comes from, who recommended it and so forth. Further, this generation's mistrust of institutions makes expert reviews relatively useless in getting bottles to be taken off retail shelves.

Price points
Companies targeting this demographic must, at least for the early part of the curve, also face its lesser purchasing power and, accordingly, are looking at $20'ish bottle prices - as versus higher retail prices for the more financially secure consumers in older age groups.

Marketing
Social media is the name of the marketing game. And so is internet sales and direct-to-consumer distribution. The level of engagement on all of these fronts is formidable. Consumers in this sector engage with the brands - and with each other - in unprecedented ways. They talk about what they are drinking with their friends, they exchange pictures of the labels and even form communities around their affinity for brands and brand characteristics. According to Fehrnstrom, 94% of this group recommend wine brands to their friends.

New wine brands and the distribution democracy
The onset of direct-to-consumer sales via web catalogs and the ease in which new brands can cultivate sales quickly through new avenues and marketing techniques has given rise to a democratic playing field for new wine brands. 

Large, heavily-promoted national brands are now competed against for the same customer dollar as private label brands owned by local restaurants or chefs or entertainers or charitable organizations!

Article via KDM Global Partners, LLC newlsetter

SCHWEPPES BUYS JIM BEAM

Schweppes manufacturer buys Jim Beam. The Japanese manufacturer Schweppes Suntory buys for $ 16 billion ( 11.78 billion euros ) the U.S. whiskey producers Beam and rises to become the world's third-largest spirits group . The transaction should be completed in the second quarter , both companies announced today.

The directors have approved the project , respectively , but the deal is still pending due to regulatory authorities and Beam shareholders. The purchase price consists of $ 13.6 billion in cash and the assumption of $ 2.4 billion debts.

Beam stock shoots up
On the stock market, the plans were hailed, the beam shot premarket share about 25 percent higher. For Beam Group includes brands such as Jim Beam, Canadian Club, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky.

Suntory went public last summer. In 2009 the Group acquired the European Orangina Schweppes lemonade manufacturer. As consumers demand in Japan is weakening, the Group of Osaka is abroad on a shopping spree.

In September Suntory acquired for 1.6 billion euros soft drink business of the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. These include sports and energy drinks and Ribena fruit juices. On the spirits market, the Japanese now compete with industry giants such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Remy Cointreau.