From dining at the Cannes Film Festival to a new restaurant by Geoffrey Zakarian, there have been a lot of exciting developments for foodie travelers recently, and Luxury Travel Advisor has rounded up the most recent news.
The Cannes Film Festival
The French Riviera heats up in May with the arrival of the world’s top film stars at the famous Cannes Film Festival. For the opening night of the star-studded event, the festival’s jury is treated to a meal at La Palme d’Or, the only Michelin two-starred restaurant in Cannes, located at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez. Chef Christian Sinicropi cooks up a droolworthy menu for the Coen Brothers, who will preside over the jury, which includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Sophie Marceau, Sienna Miller, Rossy de Palma, Guillermo del Toro, Rokia Traoré, and Xavier Dolan.
Needless to say, La Palme d’Or is the place to dine during the prestigious film festival, and even if you can’t be there in May, the restaurant is luring foodies throughout 2015 as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. The chef has devised a special menu entitled “Collection 30 Years” which features signature dishes like the famous spider crab, plated on beautiful ceramics custom-made by artists just for the occasion.
The New Geoffrey Zakarian Restaurant
Geoffrey Zakarian is set to open his first restaurant in the nation's capital: The National will debut in mid-2016 as part of the upcoming Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Part of the Trump Hotel Collection, the Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., will be the product of a $200 million redevelopment of the historic Old Post Office building.
Like Zakarian’s New York location, The National will serve modern bistro cuisine, featuring American dishes prepared with French techniques, and offer a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Zakarian, along with partner Louis Ceruzzi, will lease and operate the restaurant space, which will be located prominently on the corner of 12th and Pennsylvania Avenue and directly accessible from both the hotel’s grand lobby and Pennsylvania Avenue. We also hear the restaurant will also offer outdoor dining in front of the hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, adjacent to the famous Benjamin Franklin statue.
AC Hotel Miami Embraces Miami’s Local Cusine
Marriott International has announced the launch of the AC Hotel Miami Beach's "Miami CULTure Project," a collaboration program with Miami artists and influencers. Patrons will enjoy inspired batched cocktails, locally sourced products, a Spanish inspired wines-by-the-glass and tapas menu, and more.
"Beyond the sun, beach and Art Deco lined streets, there is something special in the air that makes Miami a culture of its own," said Toni Stoeckl, VP lifestyle brands of Marriott International. "With this program, AC Hotel Miami Beach will look to capture Miami's essence and bring an authentic experience to guests through the voices and creativity of its people."
AC Hotel Miami Beach has partnered with local spirits guru Jennifer Massolo, founder of The Liquid Projects. Massolo will lend her expertise to design the beverage, food and lifestyle program for the European-based hotel brand, set to open in spring 2015 at 29th Street and Collins Avenue.
2015 James Beard Award Winners
Below are some of the winners of this year’s James Beard Award. For a complete list of winners click here.
Best Chef: Great Lakes
Jonathon Sawyer, The Greenhouse Tavern, Cleveland
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
Spike Gjerde, Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore
Best Chef: Midwest
Gerard Craft, Niche, Clayton, MO
Best Chef: Northeast
Barry Maiden, Hungry Mother, Cambridge, MA
Best Chef: Northwest
Blaine Wetzel, The Willows Inn on Lummi Island, Lummi Island, WA
Best Chef: NYC
Mark Ladner, Del Posto
Best Chef: South
Alon Shaya, Domenica, New Orleans
Best Chef: Southeast
Jason Stanhope, FIG, Charleston, SC
Best Chef: Southwest
Aaron Franklin, Franklin Barbecue, Austin
Best Chef: West
Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, State Bird Provisions, San Francisco