Founded back in 2016, French company Zephalto is now offering trips to the ‘edge of space’. Expected to launch its space tourism option next year, Zephalto is now selling ‘pre-reservation tickets’ for trips into space.
Priced at € 10,000 EUR (approximately $ 10,900 USD), the pre-reservation tickets holds a chance to reserve a seat for low-carbon trips in a pressurized capsule attached to a stratospheric balloon. The trip in the capsule, dubbed ‘Celeste’, costs € 120,000 EUR (approximately $ 131,100 USD) and takes travelers to an altitude of 15.5 miles. Currently, the first flights set for late 2024 to mid-2025 have all filled up but pre-reservation slots for mid-2025 onwards are available.
Embark on the most pristine spaceship of the 21st century
The Celeste carries six passengers and two pilots up into the stratosphere at four meters per second, reaching the maximum altitude in just 90 minutes. Once settled, the trip in the capsule designed by French designer Joseph Dirand will last three hours with guests taking in the view of space and Earth while enjoying Michelin-star meals prepared by renowned French chefs and carefully selected wine by a lauded sommelier.
Zephalto is currently working closely with France’s space agency, CNES, to ensure its helium powered balloon meets the same European Aviation Safety Agency certifications as a commercial aircraft. The company has completed three piloted partial test flights ahead of the set launches from France and has plans to bring its space tourism experience to the rest of the world.
For more information, come into the beautiful world of Zephalto.
The iconic Four Seasons George V in Paris has launched exclusive cooking and wine masterclasses that are the perfect Christmas gift for oenophiles and foodie friends looking to hone their culinary skills and deepen their knowledge and appreciation of wine.
Cooking Masterclasses
The two hands-on cooking masterclasses are led by Christian Le Squer, the celebrated three Michelin-starred chef of Le Cinq (photo), who will guide both budding and experienced cooks to create beautifully presented, mouth-watering dishes. Both masterclasses start with a breakfast and end with an intimate lunch with the chef.
The January masterclass celebrates Le Squer’s renowned signature dishes, including his famous Ham, Mushroom and Truffle Spaghetti or his exquisite Gratinated Onion.
The April masterclass focuses on Le Squer’s celebrated dishes combining Breton and Parisian influences. Guests will learn how to perfect their culinary and plating skills, creating striking gourmet dishes that are bound to impress family and friends.
Wine Masterclasses
Oenophiles will have the unique opportunity to learn about some of the world’s finest wines with Eric Beaumard, Director of Le Cinq Restaurant and Sommelier of the World silver medallist. At the end of both classes, guests will enjoy a cocktail with Beaumard – the perfect opportunity to converse further with one of the world’s leading experts in the field.
The February masterclass focuses on wines from the Champagne region, carefully sourced from small to medium-sized producers. Beaumard sheds light on grape varieties and wine production in the region, teaching guests how to develop the palate to identify unique flavours.
The March masterclass takes guests to the heart of Burgundy, a region that is dear to Beaumard, sampling wines from both leading producers and small, family-run vineyards. Guests will learn about terroirs, grape varieties and aromas, looking at how to define flavour and structure.
Calendar:
Sunday, 8th January 2023: 20 Years of Excellence: discover Christian Le Squer’s signature dishes
Sunday, 5th February 2023– From independent producers to world renowned vineyards: immerse yourself in the Champagne region with Eric Beaumard
Sunday, 12th March 2023– Discover the extraordinary wines of Burgundy with Eric Beaumard
Sunday, 2nd April 2023– Delve into the three Michelin-starred cuisine of Christian Le Squer, crafting dishes that marry Breton and Parisian flavours
Available at a price of 1200 euros per person, cooking and wine masterclasses must be booked in advance via e-mail experience.paris@fourseasons.com.
Nationally acclaimed real estate development firm Extell Development Company today officially unveiled the highly anticipated 100th Floor, the crowning jewel of Central Park Tower, the tallest residential building in the world offering 179 ultra-luxury condominiums. Located over 1,000 feet above Billionaires’ Row in Manhattan and part of the building’s Central Park Club, the 100th Floor is New York’s most elevated private club boasting private dining and entertaining spaces.
“Central Park Tower’s 100th Floor is unlike anything else in the world and it’s only fitting that it is located in New York City’s preeminent skyscraper”, said Gary Barnett, Founder and Chairman of Extell Development Company. “In addition to the unmatched residences, which offer endless views, exquisite architecture, and gracious layouts, Central Park Club is a defining element that further elevates our residents living experience”.
Central Park Club is an exclusive offering that includes 50,000 square feet of white-glove services and amenities spread across three floors. Each location provides a unique experience complemented by five-star service. Spanning more than 8,300 square feet, the 100th Floor of the club was designed by the internationally celebrated design firm Rottet Studio, who also curated the building’s residential interiors. The meticulously-designed space features a grand ballroom with seating for more than 120 people, private bar and restaurant with seasonal menus from Michelin star chefs, and wine and cigar lounge – all with one-of-a-kind 360-degree views of Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers and the famed Manhattan skyline.
Adding to the allure of Central Park Club, in a first-ever collaboration with a luxury skyscraper, lifestyle advisor and author Colin Cowie has created a bespoke living experience as the building’s exclusive lifestyle curator and event planner. Colin Cowie Lifestyle serves as Central Park Tower’s food and beverage operator and provides service throughout Central Park Club. The club also features dining experiences from Michelin star chefs including Alfred Portale, Laurent Tourndel, and Gabriel Kreuther – who will create an unparalleled food and beverage program offering signature dishes throughout the year.
Through a five-senses approach, Colin Cowie Lifestyle has introduced a comprehensive experience within Central Park Tower. The club will feature a precisely formulated ambiance that changes throughout the day to ensure 24/7 comfort and tranquility, including lights that will adapt with the setting sun, music that will grow in tempo from morning to night, and custom seasonal scents.
“We have been in the business of creating bespoke luxury experiences for 35 years but Central Park Tower is our first foray partnering with a luxury residential building,” said Colin Cowie. “Our mission as a company is about creating experiences that deliver ‘Life At The Top’. There is literally and figuratively no better building in the world to showcase that than at Central Park Tower. We are thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with Extell and Gary Barnett, on this one-of-a-kind space and experience”.
Additional amenities within Central Park Club include the 14th floor Terrace level, which offers a 60-foot outdoor swimming pool, sun deck and cabanas, private garden, gas grill and bar, fireplace and screening wall. Also located on this floor is a residents’ lounge with billiards, private screening and performance space, game room, and conference room and business center. With a focus on fitness and wellness, the 16th floor amenities include a 63-foot indoor saltwater swimming pool and spa, fitness and wellness center, squash/half basketball court, private treatment room, and men and women locker rooms with showers, steam rooms and saunas.
At the base of Central Park Tower is Nordstrom’s first full-line department store. The approximately 320,000-square-foot, seven-story store, which opened in 2019, represents the company’s biggest statement for its brand. Residents of Central Park Tower receive special access to Nordstrom’s flagship store. A rare collaboration that marks a first for the retailer, this unique lifestyle program offers residents exclusive in-residence and in-store programming. Some of the privileges include guaranteed reservations for Nordstrom’s three full-service restaurants, as well as immediate access to the retailer’s two bars and café. Resident-only services also include in-residence and in-club dining experiences, beauty and spa services, clinical skin care, personal stylists for wardrobes in the home and a variety of in-store perks, including advance access to new brands and collections, and priority access to invite-only style events.
Extell has co-developed Central Park Tower with SMI USA (SMI), the US subsidiary of Shanghai Municipal Investment, a leading infrastructural investment company responsible for the esteemed Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world.
Extell Marketing Group and Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group are the exclusive sales and marketing agents for the building. Central Park Tower features two-to-eight-bedroom residences that begin on the 32nd floor of the building and range in size from 1,435 square feet to over 17,500 square feet. Pricing for current availability at Central Park Tower starts at $6.5 million.
For more information or to schedule a private appointment of the model residences, please call 212-957-5557 or come into the beautiful world of visit Central Park Tower.
Today, Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk announces its March 21st opening in Chicago’s Gold Coast and welcomes James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Top Chef Judge and Food Activist, Tom Colicchio – the first to join the kitchen as part of Cooper’s Hawk’s Visiting Chef Series. The concept is from Chicago-based Cooper’s Hawk, the parent company led by CEO/Founder Tim McEnery and home to 49 restaurants and 545,000-member wine club.
Founded in 2005 by CEO Tim McEnery, Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk at 58 E. Oak Street (formerly known as Cooper’s Hawk Esquire) has been reimagined and is the first restaurant to open under the company’s ‘by Cooper’s Hawk’ brand extension. Guests and wine club members will enjoy a completely new way to experience the Cooper’s Hawk brand ethos, which is rooted in building community and celebrating life’s moments over food and wine.
Chicago has always been one of my favorite food towns. I’m thrilled to be the inaugural chef for the Cooper’s Hawk’s visiting Chef Series.
Chef Tom Colicchio
Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk, designed to be a culinary destination, will bring some of the world’s best food and wine experiences to Chicago. The restaurant’s Visiting Chef Series premieres with a 7-item menu from acclaimed Chef Tom Colicchio. Running through May 21, 2022, the menu is inspired by Chef Tom’s commitment to simple, seasonal cooking and will feature some of his favorite ingredients like Peekytoe Crab, Agnolotti & Rohan Duck. Dishes will be served with a wine pairing, curated by Cooper’s Hawk Master Sommelier, Emily Wines.
Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk
In addition to Chef Colicchio’s menu, (and subsequent menus from future visiting chefs) Executive Chef Nate Henssler (formerly of Tao, Portsmith, Bellagio, Sensi and Michael Mina) will debut an elevated menu based on Cooper’s Hawk favorites, in addition to happy hour and a weekend brunch, opening in early summer. Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk will also feature menu pairings and happy hour tastings from the venue’s highly coveted 1,600 bottle wine collection, twice selected by Wine Spectator for a Best of Award of Excellence.
We are so excited to welcome Chef Colicchio as our first Visiting Chef. He sets a level of excellence that we plan to bring to guests and wine club members throughout this series and beyond. His dedication to food and wine exploration perfectly pairs with our vision for Esquire and future ‘by Cooper’s Hawk’ brand extensions.
Tim McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk Founder & CEO
Built in 1938, the Esquire Theater facade and vertical sign has been retained and the three-level unique structure of nearly 24,000 square feet includes enhancements such as a large digital display of rotating Visiting Chefs along with glamourous art deco inspired furnishings, fresh floral arrangements, and new wine collectables displayed throughout. The highlight of the space is a 50 foot completely glass enclosed wine tower holding over 1,600 bottles of wine from around the world surrounded by two large dining rooms with intimate seating, tasting bar, 5 private dining rooms and an outdoor terrace overlooking Oak Street. Guests and wine club members will continue to have access to a wine pick up counter,
The Visiting Chef Series will feature a cast of highly notable chefs presenting quarterly menus that explore the long and celebrated relationship between food and wine. Reservations open March 11th via Open Table.
Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk 58 E Oak Street Chicago, IL 60611 P: (312) 736 – 9999
Breitling boutiques are typically designed as chic industrial lofts that combine vintage and contemporary design elements to showcase their luxury pieces. The Swiss watchmaker’s latest space boasts 8,000 square feet, located in the fashionable Hannam district of Seoul, South Korea, and will become its flagship location.
In addition to the retail space, which showcases Breitling’s latest watch collection in an aviation-inspired atmosphere, the watchmaker opened its first Breitling Kitchen with a Breitling Cafe. The space moves beyond the typical design confines of retail to include a cafe and restaurant area under the same roof.
This hybrid design encourages customers to enjoy the flagship location through a unique dining experience. By combining retail and food, the shop will become a top destination in the area.
T’ang Court at The Langham, Hong Kong is pleased to announce that it has retained the coveted Three-Michelin Star rating in the 2022 Hong Kong and Macau edition of the Michelin Guide for the seventh consecutive year.
Offering a fine selection of authentic Cantonese delicacies over the years, T’ang Court has been recognised by Michelin inspectors since 2009 when the distinctive red guide first launched in Hong Kong and Macau, and has kept its three Michelin-star status since 2016.
Helmed by Chinese Master Chef Kwong Wai Keung who has been in T’ang Court since its opening in 1988, and Executive Chef of T’ang Court, Wong Chi Fai who has been with the restaurant for nearly two decades and risen through the ranks since joining as a junior chef overlooking the steamers. This dynamic duo have led the team in maintaining the highest culinary standards and in achieving this coveted recognition in addition to numerous international culinary awards and accolades.
Sherona Shng, Managing Director of The Langham, Hong Kong and Regional Vice President, Operations – Asia for The Langham Hotels and Resorts expresses her pride and delight with the winning team and their milestone achievement. “I congratulate our team at T’ang Court led by Chef Kwong and Chef Wong along with Restaurant Manager Rosa Lau for achieving the coveted Three-Michelin Star accolade for the seventh consecutive year! This is a feat that few restaurants in the world can stake claim to and our team has done it yet again despite the challenges of the last year. T’ang Court has been and will continue delighting our guests with the team’s culinary prowess, commitment to quality and impeccable service”.
Kwong Wai Keung, Chinese Master Chef, Right and Wong Chi Fai Executive Chef of T’ang Court Left – The Langham, Hong Kong
Chinese Master Chef Kwong Wai Keung states, “Despite this being our seventh time achieving this award, I am still surprised when the results are announced. Each day my colleagues and I come to work and we simply give it our best. I am delighted that this pleases our guests and honoured for the Michelin Team to confer upon us this highest accolade. We are grateful for the all the support and will continue to delight all our guests with our traditional Cantonese cuisine. We look forward to your continued patronage”.
T’ang Court creates authentic Cantonese cuisine using the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients; favourite signature dishes include the Stir-fried Fresh Lobster with Spring Onion, Red Onion and Shallot, Baked Oyster with Port Wine as well as the Baked Stuffed Crab Shell with Crab Meat and Onion.
T’ang Court reflects the classic timelessness of the Tang Dynasty, China’s golden age. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has been recognised by the coveted Michelin Guide, Hong Kong and Macau since 2009.
Amid lavish furnishings, graceful silks with a gold accent and contemporary sculptures adorn the walls, while a dramatic spiral staircase leads up to five private dining rooms which have been named after famous Tang Dynasty poets – Tai Bai, Le Tian, Zi Shou, Bai Yu and Zi Mei. This is one of Hong Kong’s finest Cantonese restaurants where many of Hong Kong’s top business leaders and celebrities are regular.
As their first and flagship hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is as legendary as the city itself. The iconic hotel is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage. Having delighted guests with award-winning services and impressive facilities for over 57 years, it is a much-loved address for those seeking exclusive experiences in this dynamic city.
The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites offer magnificent views of the famous Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline. A collection of nine outstanding restaurants and bars, including two with Michelin stars, a luxurious club lounge and a Shanghainese-inspired holistic spa make Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong the quintessential ‘home away from home’ for discerning leisure and business travellers alike.
Man Wah
Today celebrations are underway at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong following today’s ‘Michelin Guide, Hong Kong and Macau 2022’ awards ceremony where Man Wah and Mandarin Grill + Bar each retain one star status, joining 71 restaurants in the two territories to obtain this prestigious accolade. Mandarin Grill + Bar has been part of the Michelin family for 14 consecutive years, and Man Wah for 9 consecutive years.
Long renowned for excellence in dining, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is delighted to be able to offer guests time-honoured Cantonese cuisine at Man Wah, and contemporary adaptation of classic grill specialties at Mandarin Grill + Bar.
Man Wah: chilled marinated abalone cucumber
Leading the hotel’s culinary team is Executive Chef Robin Zavou. Right by his side is Chef de Cuisine Simon Guthridge at Mandarin Grill + Bar, and Executive Chinese Chef Wing-Keung Wong at Man Wah, who both lead the success in each of their restaurants respectively.
“To be recognised by the highest standard in the culinary world is a true testament of the labour of love that everyone has contributed. Our mission is to continue to be a world-class dining destination worth visiting, and we look forward to delighting guests with star-worthy experiences,” said Chef Zavou.
French Maison Louis Vuitton opens the second Le Café V in the Ginza Namiki store, following the debut of its first opening at the Maison Osaka Midosuji.
Focusing on a finessed service within a sophisticated setting, celebrated chef Yosuke Suga invites clients with his innovative sweet and savory creations, favoring ingredients sourced from across Japan. Located on the 7th and top floor of the Ginza Namiki store, Le Café V offers an artistic, yet warm atmosphere, layered with design elements that blend traditional and contemporary organic inspirations. Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades from the Campana Brothers, Marcel Wanders and Barber & Osgerby highlight the immersive experience.
Additionally, Louis Vuitton’s first in-house chocolates will also be making their debut at the store at the end of April.
Louis Vuitton Ginza Namikidori Store 7-6-1 Ginza, Chou-ku, Tokyo, Japan Opening Hours Monday-Sunday 11 am – 8 pm
On Friday morning, July 6, around 05.30 am, a short circuit in the meter cupboard caused a fire to break out in the renowned Dutch two-star Michelin restaurantAan de Poel (at the pond).The hall at the back of the building burned down completely. In addition, there was a lot of smoke and soot damage everywhere. But those who love a snack and a drink at ‘Aan de Poel’ can breathe a sigh of relief again. The restaurant is open again and fully ready to welcome guests with the best service and the tastiest food.
The two-star restaurant in Amstelveen was closed for just 7 weeks after it was hit by a fire in the meter cupboard. In addition to the material damage, they had mainly lost that piece of history that they had all worked so hard on. “It is said that during moments like this you learn who your friends are and we have learned that over the past 10 years we have built something very beautiful that no one can take away from us”.
With the help of regular guest and crisis manager Xander Smit, they worked with all their might to repair the enormous damage to the restaurant of matre-sommelier and owner Robbert Veuger and co-owner and chef Stefan van Sprang. “We are very proud that we have succeeded in reopening after seven weeks,” says the assistant of the two owners, Rens Pielage. “The restaurant was declared a total loss due to the fire. But thanks to a great team of contractors and others, we made it.”
Restaurant Aan de Poel has been completely renovated. That has its advantages. “Because we had to move the wine room due to the fire, we rearranged the tables. This allows everyone at the window to enjoy a beautiful view. Everything else is really new. From front door to back door. The wine room, the bars, the chairs, the tables, the curtains. You name it. And we now have a nice private dining room in the new wine room”.
With the reopening, Aan de Poel has also received a new logo and house style designed by Maurice Franssen. In addition, a completely new website will be launched shortly. Last weekend it was already possible to test run in the restaurant with friends and acquaintances. “We all drank a nice glass of wine to toast the reopening,” Pielage says.
The renowned restaurant has always had an international clientele. From tonight, everyone is welcome again in the completely renovated restaurant. “We will skip lunch this week until Monday 10 September to put the very last dots on the i’s”, says Pielage. “But everyone is welcome again in the evening. And that’s a good thing. We have all been eager for weeks to be able to receive people again with good food and drinks. Finally it’s allowed again.”
Come into the beautiful and delicious world of Aan de Poel.
The highly anticipated Blue Box Cafe has just opened its doors in Tiffany & Co.’s New York fifth Avenue flagship store and Yakymour has the first look inside….
A peek inside Tiffany & Co’s New Café, where you can yes, eat breakfast at Tiffany’s. Since announcing the launch of their new Home and Accessories collection, Again Tiffany & Co have continued to expand their luxury lifestyle offerings with ‘Breakfast at Tiffant’s’. The American fine jewellery house has just opend their first Blue Box Café, sitting pretty on the fourth floor of the Tiffany & Co Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York.
Serving the iconic coffee and croissant – from the cinematic creation that is Breakfast at Tiffany’s featuring Audrey Hepburn – along with a separte breakfast and lunch menu, expect to dine amid the maison’s signature Tiffany Blue, a color so synonymous with the jeweler that it’s trademarked.
There are Tiffany Blue chairs, Tiffany Blue leather banquettes, Tiffany Blue plates (from their Color Block collection) Tiffany Blue trim, and walls with amazonite, ‘the nature version of Tiffany Blue’. And not forget to mention: the great view of Central Park.
The café is open regular store hours, which means customers can stop by after browsing for engagement rings (’tis the season) or just to live out their Audrey Hepburn fantasies (don’t forget your – Givenchy – black dress). But, with reports of lines out the door, it seems there’s already much ado about Tiffany!
Yakymour 