On January 25th, Chinese New Year celebrations around the world will usher in the Year of the Rat. Also known as the Lunar New Year, the holiday was traditionally a time to honor ancestors and deities. And while some still do, most use it as a time for Chinese families to gather together. It has also brought in a wave of restaurants offering everything from lucky cocktails to drum ceremonies.
Nobody is doing it quite as big like the Mandarin Oriental, Miami a five-star rated hotel which is rolling out a 10-day long celebration.
“In honor of the hotel’s Asian heritage, we are thrilled to welcome the Lunar New Year with lively and unique Year of the Metal Rat programming. From beautiful red lanterns to a delectable dim sum to a colorful lion dance, our guests will be immersed in festivities that celebrate new beginnings and good fortune,” said Robert Lowe, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Miami.
As guests enter the lobby, they will gaze upon over 100 red lanterns and a giant lucky kumquat tree, where they will be able to hang a traditional red envelope that the hotel will provide. The red envelopes symbolize good luck and are usually filled with money and given to children. Festivities range from unforgettable dining experiences, including a new exquisite Dim Sum at MO Bar + Lounge, to a colorful Chinese Lion Dance performance and unique Spa treatments including an “Escape the Rat Race” tension-busting massage inspired by traditional Oriental therapies to treat stress-holding areas.
Mandarin Oriental, located in the heart of Brickell, is sure to serve up an elevated Chinese New Year celebration that will undoubtedly delight all of the senses. Festivities will happen through February 3rd, and for more information, you can visit www.mandarinoriental.com.
The good news is both your taste buds and your health will likely benefit from the latest trends in eating and cooking.
(BPT) – A new year always brings predictions about what trends will rise to popularity, and when it comes to food, there are plenty of trends already underway that will no doubt continue to surge over the next several months. The good news is both your taste buds and your health will likely benefit from the latest trends in eating and cooking.
A celebration of global flavors
2020 is an exciting time to explore new flavors from around the world.
A rich array of tantalizing ingredients and dishes from Latin America, the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East and Asia can now be found in restaurants and even grocery stores almost everywhere – and if you can’t find it in store, you can most certainly find what you’re looking for online.
Thanks to the internet, recipes showcasing global cultures are also easy to access. Americans are more interested in expanding their palates than ever before, unveiling a whole new world of culinary experiences at the click of a button.
2. A bumper crop of plant-based food
A growing concern for environmentally sustainable diets – alongside the piqued interest in a healthy approach to eating – has combined to create an increased demand for plant-based foods.
This trend goes beyond traditional salads and fruit into a world of deeply creative cooking, using a wide array of vegetables in all sorts of innovative ways. This also means incorporating more plant-based protein sources like beans and legumes in dishes, using non-dairy milk substitutes like almond and oat milk, finding meatless protein substitutions and cooking with natural plant-based sweeteners like agave syrup.
3. Customization is all the rage
Noodles & Company is a great example of a fast-casual restaurant that showcases all these 2020 food trends, including allowing customers to make personalized substitutions. You can dine in or conveniently order for pickup or delivery via the NoodlesRewards app. Menu options range from classic favorite Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to new global delights like the Grilled Orange Chicken Lo Mein, available in restaurants nationwide beginning January 22. This worldly dish boasts authentic Asian flavors in a slightly sweet and tangy orange sauce, complemented by traditional Lo Mein noodles sauteed with fresh broccoli, carrots, snap peas, Napa and red cabbage, then finished with grilled chicken, green onions, black sesame seeds and cilantro.
You can even customize any dish on the menu to suit your taste or diet. Eating more plant-based foods in 2020? Swap out Lo Mein for zucchini noodles (Zoodles) or the cauliflower-infused Caulifloodles while packing extra veggies and nutrients into your diet. Going vegan? Simply remove the chicken!
No matter how it’s ordered, there are never any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives, so clean eating in the new year is convenient and easily customizable to any dietary preference or need.
4. Conscious eating
Clean eating means eating foods without additives and artificial ingredients. Today’s diners and home cooks demand transparency about ingredients and preparation. People interested in clean eating want to see respect for the ingredients. In other words, they want to be able to recognize everything that’s on the plate. They want their food to be less processed, with as few additives as possible – resulting in big, bold natural flavors.
5. Seasonings with added health benefits
Seeking more flavorful food can also provide health benefits. Certain herbs and spices are trending not just due to their unique, strong flavors, but also because they have been shown to boost the body’s immune system, provide anti-inflammatory effects and contain antioxidants. Ginger, turmeric, garlic, cayenne and cinnamon are just some of the latest spices touted as being especially good for you.
Keep up with the latest food trends and check out all the easy ways to make clean eating easy and delicious at more than 450 Noodles & Company restaurants nationwide at noodles.com.
Fresh off the opening of her second location, which is located in Weston Florida, The pharmacist and juicery owner, Kimmi Stultz, chats with Worthy Magazine about her growing brand.
Inspired by the apothecaries of the 15th century where someone would prepare medicine that was custom created, Juicery Rx aims to do the same in the culinary word. Each menu item in this ‘farm to pharmacy’ concept is developed with scientific purpose, while never compromising taste, mostly in part due to co-founder Kimmi Stultz being a pharmacist. With their original location in the Parkland/Coral Spring area the popular business held the official grand opening of their second location on Saturday, November 23rd in Weston. Attendees which included Mayor Daniel J. Stermer enjoyed complimentary ginger shots, tailored herbal elixirs in their cold press juices, and a delectable sampling of healthy bites. For more information visit: http://www.juiceryrx.com.
What made you pick Weston as your second location?
We choose Weston for our second location because of the culturally enriched communities and economic vitality. Just like our first location in Parkland/Coral Springs, we focused on wanting to be a part of a community that had a strong sense of support for the creation and growth of small businesses.
What do you hope Juicery Rx will add to the community?
We want to be a part of a vibrant hub where we could foster a healthy lifestyle by providing not only a healthy food spot but also education engagement programs.
What makes Juicery Rx more than just a juice bar?
Everything we do and create is with intention, and human health is at the very center and core of our ethos when it comes to our offerings. We know that genetics may account for a small percentage of our health outcomes, while lifestyle and environmental factors can account for the majority. Menu creation is formulated using nutrition science to give your body what it needs to thrive.
What is your personal favorite menu item? Why?
Our mantra is Food is Information, Eat with Purpose. Breakfast: Supernova Waffle because it contains our JRx protein, which is packed with vitamins, minerals, herbs, and nutrients. Lunch: Chromosome Power Bowl, which includes ingredients like watercress, wakame, and purple cabbage that are nutrient-dense to keep cellular metabolic function at peak performance.
Any future plans for expansion?
Expansion can take on many forms. We hope to have more brick and mortar stores in the future, but we are considering diversifying our channels through online market places as well as growing product and service offerings.
(BPT) – Face it, winter is brutal for your skin and hair. Between the harsh, cold wind outside and the dry, overheated air inside, it’s hard to look your best all winter long. On top of that, everyone tends to overindulge in unhealthy food and drinks during the winter months. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to enhance your looks while boosting your body’s natural ability to fight off the ill effects of winter.
Here are some tips to look your best – even when the weather does its worst.
Treat your skin with TLC
Gently cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin every day. Find products best suited for your skin type and be consistent about using them.
Thoroughly remove makeup before bed and use extra moisturizer overnight so you’ll wake up with a brighter, clearer complexion each morning.
Deep condition your hair
Just as you use a good moisturizer to help replenish and protect your skin every day, find hair conditioners or deep conditioning oils that can prevent your hair from drying out, frizzing or turning brittle. Look for products using natural ingredients, and that are designed for your hair type.
Hydrate well – from the inside out
If you want hair and skin that aren’t overly dried out, it’s not enough to just condition or moisturize them from the outside.
Staying well hydrated, by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day, will help your body maintain healthier, more beautiful skin and hair. You’ll also feel better, inside and out.
Lastly, avoid drinking too many beverages that are dehydrating – like tea and coffee, soda and alcoholic drinks.
Detox with a Green Smoothie Cleanse and Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanse
Both cleanses developed by JJ Smith help to remove toxins from your system, resulting in brighter eyes, lusher hair and glowing, beautiful skin.
The Green Smoothie Cleanse is a 10-day detox made up of green leafy veggies, fruit and water. Green smoothies are filling and healthy, aiding the body to lose weight, increase energy, reduce cravings and improve digestion.
Raw ingredients are more nutritious and loaded with beneficial vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, anti-inflammatory compounds and phytonutrients.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanse involves consuming a six-day meal plan day alongside a daily dose of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can contain strains of good bacteria and enzymes essential for breaking down foods and acetic acid for various health benefits.
The Cleanse can help rid your body of toxins, jump-start your weight loss and improve gut health and skin health.
For even better results, supplement the cleanses with Liver Focus, which contains scientifically validated ingredients to accelerate your results. You can mix the supplement directly into water or take it alongside the cleanses. This powerful supplement helps to accelerate fat burning in the body, gives you brighter eyes and glowing skin and has a significant impact on liver health and weight loss.
Visit JJSmithonline.com for your next steps.
Boost your vitamin intake
Many vitamins help keep your skin, hair and nails healthy and beautiful: Vitamins A, B, Biotin (B7), C and K, plus fish oil. These vitamins are found in a variety of foods such as fruits and veggies (especially dark leafy greens), fish, nuts and seeds. To be sure you’re getting enough of all these vitamins, you can also take vitamin supplements.
Protect your skin and hair from the elements
If you spend time outdoors, especially doing winter sports, keep your skin and hair covered. Exposing them to harsh wind, cold temps and winter glare can be damaging. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage – yes, even in the winter! Snow and ice reflect UV rays, making them even more damaging than being at the beach in the summer.
Taking care of your health and your beauty are really one and the same. Steps like these will make you feel good and look good, too.
Prepare your palate because the inaugural Mercedes-Benz and AutoNation SEAGLASS, a Greater Fort Lauderdale Rosé Experience, is coming to town on February 8 – 9, to be held right on the sandy beaches of Fort Lauderdale.
SEAGLASS will take place from 6 pm – 9 pm on Saturday, and from 2 pm – 5 pm on Sunday, directly across from the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. The 180-degree Atlantic Ocean views will serve as the perfect backdrop of the first-year event as guests sip and savor the world’s most excellent rosé wines with perfectly paired culinary options throughout the weekend. The Grand Tasting on the sandy beaches will feature nearly 30 different rosé brands, with each one bringing a unique flavor and ambiance for attendees to enjoy. Guests will be given a piece of sea glass each day and invited to vote for their top choice as the fan-favorite.
Tickets are currently on sale for the all-inclusive Rosé Experience ticket for $150 per day or $200 for both days. Guests can also opt for the luxury VIP Cabana Experience, which is $5,000 per day and includes a dedicated server, lounge chairs, tables, and early-event access for up to ten attendees. Tickets and VIP Experiences can be purchased at https://seaglassexperience.com
A portion of the proceeds will benefit DRV PNK and directed to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, supporting much-needed cancer research and treatment right here in our local South Florida community.
“When cancer entered my life, I had decisions to make – fight or ask why me? I chose to fight. That decision bought me time. And I was fortunate to have Mercedes-Benz and AutoNation support SEAGLASS and doubly fortunate to support the Drive Pink and Dolphin Cancer Challenge,” shared Carlos Suarez, co-founder of SEAGLASS.
True to theme, guests are encouraged to dress in beach chic and their favorite shades of pink and white, paired with comfortable shoes as the event does take place on the sand.
“We are going to bring our award-winning Channé Rosé and a little bit of Saint Tropez right here in our backyard for guests to enjoy,” shared Kavita Channe, founder of Channé Rosé and one of the participating local brands.
BPT- This year you might have goals like ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to de-stress.
The EPA reports we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, but most people feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental well-being and stress level, according to a recent YouGov study commissioned by Velux. So, if your goal is to de-stress, here are some healthy behaviors and design tips to help you bring nature’s sanctuary indoors.
1) Fill your home with photos of nature
Surrounding yourself with images of nature can have a positive effect on wellness. Try framing some photos of special memories in nature like a hike with your family, beach sunset or mountain view.
2) Let in more fresh air and natural light
Today’s homes are built tighter and more sealed, which means they can trap toxins from daily living – such as cooking, cleaning, pets and more – inside. Adding skylights that can open is a simple home renovation project to improve fresh air flow, helping rid indoor air of pollutants. Additionally, studies show that exposure to natural light helps to sync your circadian rhythm, allowing for better sleep at night.
3) Fill your home with natural scents
Up your chef game by using fresh herbs in your cooking that will fill your kitchen with natural fragrance. Making an indoor herb garden ensures you’ll always have some on hand. You can also incorporate fresh herbs into bouquets or wreaths for a natural air freshener throughout your home.
4) Meditate or do yoga in the morning
Waking up with stretching or meditating is a great way to prepare yourself for a successful day. Open the blinds or curtains on your windows and skylights to let in early morning light and help you feel invigorated and refreshed.
5) Go green with your décor
Reap the benefits of nature by bringing it inside, adding greenery or even fruit into your décor. The possibilities are endless – use a bowl of fresh fruit as a centerpiece or mix different sizes of pots to create a succulent gallery. Little touches of green in each room will go a long way.
6) Use natural cleaning products
Many common cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Combat the dangers of these toxins by switching to natural cleaning products. You’ll feel safer and more relaxed when your home is chemical-free.
From boosting your home’s natural light to going green and adding plant life, it’s easy to turn your home into a natural oasis with these simple steps. For more information, visit whyskylights.com.
“We’re thrilled to bring our rock star hotspot to the internationally-famous Ocean Drive in South Beach,” Randy Sharpe, chief executive officer of Pink Taco, said. “With our delicious Mexican-style food and drinks, we are pleased to be an icon on the exciting Miami Beach scene.”
The South Beach location held its grand opening on January 14th and Snoop Dogg guest DJ’d at the Mexican fete. Pink Taco’s delectable offerings will be available for lunch, brunch, dinner, along with a late-night menu until 4 a.m.
Nestled in the heart of South Beach on 1200 Ocean Drive, the Miami location of Pink Taco delivers the brand’s iconic dishes and vibrant cocktails for guests to savor and delight with items such as; Lobster Enchiladas topped with jack cheese, brandy-chipotle cream sauce, avocado salsa, pico and Mexican crema ($22), Vegan Taco Bowls with grilled mushrooms, squash & zucchini, cilantro rice, bean salad, salsa verde, pico, and diced avocado ($15), and the namesake Pink Taco filled with achiote chicken, black beans, avocado, arbol salsa, cotija cheese, habanero & pickled onions ($15).
The menu is expertly executed by Mexican American Executive Chef Erik Conaway, who was born in Puerto Rico. He started as a dishwasher at The Melting Pot, working in numerous positions including prep, line cook, sous chef, and eventually, executive chef. He served as the executive chef at multiple popular restaurants, including The Clevelander Hotel, Morton’s Steak House, and now – Pink Taco.
Similar to the original concept on the Sunset Strip and its other locations in Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas, the ambiance is laid-back and unpretentious with their signature Pink Taco sugar skull artwork on the walls. The new venue additionally offers hints of Miami Beach inspiration.
The venue also has a unique offering of Margaritas on the menu including the Something Pink Margarita with Codigo 1530 Blanco with fresh prickly pear purée, served in a Pink Taco glass to take home ($18), Frozen Strawberry Margarita served in a fresh pineapple, blending Sauza Silver with fresh strawberries and organic Kelvin slush ($15), and the Avocado Chile Margarita Tequila Ocho served with a chile-lime salted rim ($13). All margaritas are concocted with house-made sweet and sour, organic agave and fresh lime.
