Tourism, Organisations & Operators, Food & Beverage,

Last week’s prestigious 2023 MICHELIN Guide California awards made one thing clear: San Francisco remains the culinary capital of the Golden State. The City by the Bay boasts 27 Michelin-starred restaurants, and the San Francisco Bay Area is now home to 50 of the 87 California restaurants awarded Michelin stars.Two San Francisco restaurants – Aphotic, a restaurant specializing in sustainable and dry-aged seafood, and Nari, a Thai restaurant – earned their first Michelin stars, and all of the city’s previously awarded two-star and three-star restaurants retained their honors. Aphotic was also honored with a Michelin Green Star, which recognized the establishment for its commitment to sustainability. Altogether, San Francisco is home to half of the state’s three-star Michelin restaurants and five of its 12 two-star establishments, plus three of its 15 Green Star restaurants.
Michelin also recognized the city’s rising culinary talent for the second year in a row. Chef Harrison Cheney, the executive chef at Sons & Daughters, received the prestigious Michelin Young Chef Award, which was awarded to Chef David Yoshimura of San Francisco’s Nisei last year.
“For a small city only seven-by-seven square miles, San Francisco is one of the world’s great gastronomic hubs,” said Joe D’Alessandro, the president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association. “We are thrilled to see the city’s incredible culinary scene recognized again by Michelin.”
“This year’s new Michelin Guide highlights the diversity and quality of our San Francisco restaurant community. With our access to the highest quality local ingredients, regional wines and highly dedicated chefs, our local culinary scene continues to be a highlight for locals and tourists alike,” said Laurie Thomas, Executive Director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and CEO of Nice Ventures.
The wider San Francisco Bay Area also shined with new stars. Calistoga’s Auro and Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Chez Noir each earned one Michelin Star, while Oakland’s Pomet was also honored with a Green Star.ADVERTISEMENTJohn Schafer of Healdsburg’s SingleThread was recognized with the Michelin Outstanding Service Award, and John Haffey of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Aubergine was presented with the Michelin Sommelier Award.
Earlier this month, Michelin added four Bay Area restaurants to its Bib Gourmand roster, which recognizes restaurants with great food at an affordable price point. The additions include San Francisco’s Bansang, Oakland’s Snail Bar and Bombera, and San Jose’s Petiscos.
Sixteen San Francisco restaurants are designated Bib Gourmands, and 70 are featured as Michelin Selects in the 2023 MICHELIN California guide.
Full details on the restaurants and Michelin’s inspector notes can be found on the MICHELIN Guide website

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If you’re running out of ideas for date night – whether it’s your first or fiftieth – here is Yas Bay Waterfront’s guide to an unforgettable night out. No matter what type of couple you are, here is what you can expect:
The Sunset LoversCatch the sun as it begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar’s ‘Sunset Session’ every Monday to Thursday, from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. This elegant spot is the perfect place for sundowners with your special someone, with a tranquil ambience that will whisk you to a state of pure bliss as you indulge in a menu of beverages and complementary canapés.
For reservations, please call +971 50 601 1194

The FoodiesThe way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach – so why not elevate your evening at Akiba Dori? Experience a non-traditional Japanese feast for two, where Japanese street food takes centre stage and sparks are sure to fly. Share the joy of maki for two, savouring every bite that transports you to sushi heaven as well as one of a kind Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas and savoury yakitori skewers, their menu is sure to steal your hearts (and taste buds).ADVERTISEMENTFor reservations, please call +971 2 886 8988

The Culinary ConnoisseursLooking for a night for the books? Look no further than the award-winning Hunter & Barrel, where indulgence and gourmet brilliance intertwine. Indulge in a candlelit feast for two, where each bite becomes a symphony of flavours as you watch the artistry unfold through their open-kitchen concept. From succulent steaks seared to perfection to barrel-aged craft beverages, Hunter & Barrel is the place to be.
For reservations, please call +971 50 452 5958

The Fitness FanaticsFor those couples who love to work up a sweat together, Warehouse Gym is the ultimate destination. Step into a world where white walls are replaced by a vibrant atmosphere that inspires you to unleash your inner fitness warriors – side by side. Warehouse Gym offers best-in-class cardio, strength, and stretch equipment as well as a selection of group exercise classes, including CrossFit, Cycle, Boxing, Yoga, and more. Remember, the couple that trains together, stays together.
For reservations, please call +971 56 406 2114

The Competitive CouplesIf you and your partner thrive on friendly competition and are seeking an exceptional experience, look no further than Central’s unmatched burgers, beats and bowling. Get ready to unleash your inner child as you step into a world of action-packed arcade games, challenge each other to epic battles and revel in the joy of victory (or the laughter of playful defeat). All that competition will probably work up a winning appetite, so don’t forget to dive into Central’s downright mouthwatering menu– from juicy burgers to shakes, you won’t want to share.
For reservations, please call +971 4 423 8311

The Art AficionadosImmerse yourselves in the captivating world of Artmarket, a haven for creative souls seeking a delightful experience. Indulge in an afternoon tea that tantalizes your taste buds while you take in the stunning collection of art surrounding you that is sure ignite meaningful conversations. And gentlemen, while your partner immerses themselves in the world of art, why not treat yourself to a fresh fade at Section? It’s a win-win for everyone.
For more reservations, please visit artmarketco.ae

The Dance EnthusiastsCalling all party animals! Get ready to unleash your groovy moves at La Carnita, where Mexican-inspired culinary delights, toe-tapping mixtapes, and delightful drinks come together in perfect harmony. Step into this vibrant spot and let the beat guide your every move as you indulge in mouthwatering tacos and irresistible churros. So put on your dancing shoes, savour the flavours, and let La Carnita be the backdrop for a memorable evening.
For reservations, please call +971 50 185 8068
Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.

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The culinary tourism market is set to grow by USD 126.28 billion from 2022 to 2027. However, the growth momentum will progress at a CAGR of 17.45% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The culinary tourism market is concentrated, and the vendors are seeking strong partnerships with automotive, industrial, and commercial companies to compete in the market. Butterfield and Robinson Inc., G Adventures, Gourmet On Tour Ltd., Greaves Travel Ltd, Heritage Group, India Food Tour, International Culinary Tours, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc, The FTC4Lobe Group, The Travel Corp, Top Deck Tours Ltd, TourRadar GmbH, and ITC Ltd are some of the major market participantsTechnavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The culinary tourism market report covers the following areas:
Culinary Tourism Market SizeCulinary Tourism Market TrendsCulinary Tourism Market Industry AnalysisPorter’s Five Forces AnalysisCustomer LandscapeThe culinary tourism market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate. The rising preference for culinary tourism will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the Eliteness quotient attached to luxury travels will hamper the market growth.
Culinary Tourism Market 2023-2027: Drivers & Challenges
Key Drivers
The culinary tourism market is primarily driven by the rising preference for culinary tourism. The travel and tourism market, including culinary tourism, is expected to rise at a significant rate during the forecast period. This is due to an increasing number of people shifting their tastes from traditional tourism activities to luxury tourism, including gourmet tourism. Popular travel destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, Australia, and Spain are expected to attract more domestic and international travelers, contributing to the growth of the market. Moreover, developing countries such as Sri Lanka, India, and Mexico are modernizing their tourism infrastructure, which is expected to further accelerate market growth during the forecast period.ADVERTISEMENTMajor Challenges
The growing threat of terrorism among tourists poses a huge threat to the growth of the global culinary tourism market. The global travel and tourism market has been adversely affected by terrorist attacks. In recent years, terrorist attacks have frequently occurred in different countries across the world. Terrorism also leads to increased border crossings with delays and tight controls, and higher insurance and reinsurance costs. This will lead to increased spending on border and airport security, including military, technology, intelligence, and law enforcement, resulting in higher passenger fares. These factors are likely to hamper market revenue growth during the forecast period.
To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a PDF sample https://www.technavio.com

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Ocean Prime Las Vegas Now Open on the Las Vegas Strip located at 63 on the bustling corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Harmon Ave.
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) officially opens the nearly $20 million marquee restaurant Ocean Prime Las Vegas located at 63, centered on the bustling corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue.
This is the 18th Ocean Prime location in the U.S. and will serve as the flagship boasting 14,500 square feet with a nearly 2,500 square-foot rooftop terrace, more than 400 total seats, three bars and three private dining rooms. This premier location is set four stories above the Las Vegas Strip and offers breathtaking views from the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. Ocean Prime Las Vegas promises an unparalleled dining experience that blends extraordinary cuisine, genuine hospitality and captivating atmosphere
Ocean Prime Las Vegas offers weekday lunch and dinner nightly along with weekend brunch – guests can indulge on an impressive menu of seafood and prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails and a Wine Spectator-honored wine list. The Signature “smoking” shellfish tower is one of the most popular selections on the menu and all steak options are seasoned and broiled at 1,200 degrees for the perfect finish.
“As our team celebrates our 30th anniversary in the restaurant business, it gives us great pride to officially unveil our first restaurant in Las Vegas,” said Cameron Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. “Ocean Prime Las Vegas offers a premier location at the epicenter of the Las Vegas Strip and features a spectacular design, we truly believe this flagship location will excite current Ocean Prime guests and entice new guests as well. We are thrilled to bring our philosophy of genuine hospitality from our esteemed group of associates to this iconic location.”
Ocean Prime Las Vegas is designed by nationally recognized designer Karen Herold, Principal of Studio K. The restaurant design is inspired by the meeting of land and sea, from the lounge with soft wave elements, hues of the ocean and lighter tones to the main dining room with earthy hues intermixed with deep, dark blue shades of water. The outdoor terrace area is designed for guests to take in the energy and views of the Las Vegas Strip.ADVERTISEMENT

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The world’s number one cookie has landed at Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA), with the opening of the first permanent OREO Café outside of the USA and first in an airport.The 116sqm café in the new North Node is delighting travelers with a delicious selection of sweet inventions including OREO milkshakes, muffins and cheesecakes and a comprehensive savory food and beverage menu, while chefs create unique treats live at the café‘s OREO Creations Bar.
The bespoke café concept features the OREO brand’s electric signature blue, white and black, attracting transiting passengers with giant OREO furniture, digital walls and a retail area.
Creating even more excitement, Mondelez and Qatar Duty Free (QDF) ran an integrated marketing campaign, including a Qatar Airways in-flight video during October and high visibility throughout the airport. Mondelez also delivered a high-performing social media campaign featuring playful creative assets and rich culinary imagery.
To celebrate OREO Day, the partners ran an airport takeover at HIA on March 6th with an end-to-end screen digital campaign across over 800 screens.
Jaya Singh, Managing Director, Mondelez WTR, and Thabet Musleh, Vice President, Qatar Duty Free, commented: “This is a historic moment for Mondelez and QDF. This exceptional partnership has brought a world-first to the world’s leading airport, and we have truly delivered on our mission to bring exclusive experiences to travel retail. With Mondelez WTR’s first foray into F&B leveraging a powerful global brand, we are confident that OREO Café Doha will cement itself as a flagship outlet.”ADVERTISEMENT

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The newly launched, Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund (ADCIF), is an incentive for world-class culinary brands to enter the emirate and will further elevate the culinary scene by co-investing with local asset partners and incentivising top chefs, top restaurants, and culinary educational institutions, to enter the market and make Abu Dhabi their new home.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi said: “The Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the culinary scene across the emirate and create new dining experiences. There is no better time or place to bring best-in-class chefs, restaurants, and hotel brands to the capital. This fund, in combination with the Culinary School will ensure that Abu Dhabi appeals to even more visitors around the world, who can experience increasingly diverse and high-quality dining in the emirate, centred on our tradition of Emirati hospitality.”
The main requisites for successful fund applicants are brands or chefs recognised by leading awards committees and global culinary guides, with a multi-regional presence – operating in more than one country. Applicants should offer a premium casual, lifestyle, or fine dining experience, without yet having an existing presence in the region and would be making their debut in Abu Dhabi – with a one-year period of exclusivity to the emirate.
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has recently been making headlines around the world, welcoming the MICHELIN team to launch the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi. The guide details 42 restaurants across Abu Dhabi, awarded three establishments with one MICHELIN Star for their high-quality cooking and four with a Bib Gourmand, acknowledging culinary excellence and value. In addition, Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 – the regional food awards ranking – returned Abu Dhabi in 2023 after a hugely successful 2022 event.
DCT Abu Dhabi is set to announce the first two recipients of the new Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund in the coming months. For more information, including how to apply for the fund, please visit: https://tcaabudhabi.ae/en/doing.business.with.us/abu.dhabi.culinary.investment.fund.aspxADVERTISEMENT

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The 2023 edition of the official list of the world’s best steak restaurants was published on 24th March and, for the first time, Ecuador is part of this prestigious ranking, represented by Tributo, located in Quito.
In order to create the list of the 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants, a team of expert ambassadors from Upper Cut Media House made undercover visits to the 700 establishments nominated across all continents, assessing quality of the meat, quality of the service, knowledge of the product, menu variety, interior design and facilities.
Tributo was launched in 2021, with the view to create cuisine exclusively using local ingredients and to raise awareness of their meat-based research and development by way of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ proposal, which pays homage to Andean culture, preserving the full value chain, complying with animal care policies to ensure the use of all cuts and the delivery of a quality product.
The creation of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ implies understanding the breeds of cattle that were historically brought to Ecuador, and the genetic crosses used to adapt them to the characteristics of the Andes. Based on this, the arduous task of perfecting breeding, feeding, slaughter, maturation and preparation of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ was undertaken.
Its proposal and concept come from dairy cattle from the mountains, which have completed their productive cycle and are now in a new phase, with fair pay for producers and permanent training for those who form part of the process. Tributo therefore aims to place the ‘Joya de Los Andes’ at a global level.ADVERTISEMENTLuis Maldonado, chef at Tributo and one of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ project mentors, highlighted the work undertaken by the restaurant to re-frame Ecuadorian meat culture and support the mission of the local gastronomy movement.  “We’re proud to honour Ecuador with this recognition, which we know has been achieved through the careful work we’ve undertaken during this short time, complying with all the processes and regulations that have won us a place on the global stage”, he added.
Tributo therefore joins other restaurants in Quito that have received international recognition, positioning the Capital of the Middle of the World as a gastronomic destination.

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A new interactive #DubaiDestinations guide issued by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), invites residents and visitors to discover the city’s thriving outdoor dining scene during the cooler months.From delicious street food to Michelin-star fare, Dubai’s range of outdoor dining experiences offers something to suit every palate and pocket. Titled ‘A Table Outdoors, Please,’ the latest #DubaiDestinations guide lists more than 250 restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating categorised according to the type of cuisine they offer.
The cuisines featured include French, Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, American/Burgers, Turkish, Indian, Latin, Persian, and International. The guide contains a comprehensive list of restaurants and cafés located across the city, allowing visitors to sample a variety of delicious international flavours.
Fatma Al Mulla, City Branding Executive, Brand Dubai, said: “From rooftop terraces to beachside restaurants, Dubai is renowned for its diverse and dynamic dining scene. The latest #DubaiDestinations campaign highlights a wide range of outdoor dining options for tourists and residents, especially during the winter season. We seek to reinforce the city’s appeal for gastronomes through our comprehensive guide, which invites everyone to experience the magic of outdoor dining in Dubai and to discover the city’s vibrant culinary scene.”
She added: “Dubai is known for its inclusive lifestyle, which extends to its outdoor dining options. With lovely year-round weather and stunning skylines, the range of outdoor eateries listed in the guide offers eclectic gastronomical treats to tickle the taste buds of locals, residents, and tourists alike.”
Dubai’s outdoor dining options offer a delightful way to experience the city’s lovely winter weather and enjoy a delicious meal. The outdoor dining destinations feature a mix of established restaurants and new eateries, offering a range of price points and dining experiences. The restaurants featured in the guide are equipped with outdoor seating and comply with all necessary safety and health protocols.ADVERTISEMENTDubai’s culinary landscape has undergone a delicious transition, with an array of unique cuisines and concepts popping up in recent years. This culinary explosion aligns with the leadership’s ambition to make Dubai the world’s best and most vibrant city and establish it as the world’s culinary capital.
The new guide is part of the latest #DubaiDestinations ongoing winter campaign, which showcases attractions and experiences that make the emirate a top pick among global destinations during the winter months. Brand Dubai’s collaborative campaign highlights various activities and experiences people can enjoy amidst the beautiful winter weather. Weaving together compelling content from diverse stakeholders and creatives, the campaign tells the story of Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s best winter destinations.
Running until February 2023, the latest campaign of the #DubaiDestinations initiative encourages residents and visitors to discover Dubai’s diverse leisure, dining, adventure and family-friendly activities that make the city a distinctive winter destination.
The #DubaiDestinations campaign has been rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences. Brand Dubai is implementing the #DubaiDestinations campaign in cooperation with various stakeholders and the creative media community.
The interactive guide, available in English and Arabic, can be viewed at the following link: https://dubaidestinations.ae/guides/6/1.pdf. More content, videos and guides related to the campaign can be found at www.dubaidestinations.ae.

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