Hennessy’s Most Enthralling Bottle Of Cognac

Created in tribute to eight generations of Master Blenders, where the current Master Blender Yann Fillioux will turn over the mastery to his nephew Renaud Fillioux de Gironde.  This blend is a one time limited edition cognac “Hennessy 8” crafted by both masters, which symbolizes the transmission of a one of a kind cognac from one generation to the next.

The Hennessy eight is emblematic of multiple blends.  It is by far the prefection symbol generation of the eight exceptional eaux-de-vie in the assemblage.  Seven were hand selected by Yann Fillioux to narrate each generation of master blender, and the eighth was chosen by his nephew to create this unparalleled cognac.

This cognac is the epitome of simplicity and absolute perfection, that is the Fillioux Family dream.  The Hennessy 8 carafe and the chest that cradles it are equally exceptional, the work of artist Arik Levy.  The 250 carafes-each individually numbered and signed by the artists are crafted in hand blown baccarat crystal and sealed by hand.  Eight insert rings constitute an ode to the eight Master Blenders, and the 8 eaux-de-vie in the blend.

For more information visit:  www.lvmh.com

A New Turkish Luxury Hotel Opens On The Aegean

The Il Riccio Beach House & Restaurant is a simply breathtaking seaside hotel and restaurant in Bodrum, Turkey, that just opened their doors in June.  The hotel was inspired and influenced by the beautiful cerulean waters of the Aegean Sea, which doubles as a wonderful view from the luxurious seaside hotel.  The white color within the hotel is accentuated with blue wooden tables, hand painted majolica tiles, and well rounded interior design aspects that perfectly embody the essence of the Aegean Sea.

Il Riccio Beach House offers 10 rooms and suites, featuring handmade Italian ceramic floors, far-reaching patios, and twice a day housekeeping service.  In addition the hotel offers incredible outdoor terraces that are nearly embracing the coastline that is Il Riccio’s fine dining establishment, which presents a Michelin-starred menu of Italian and seafood dishes.  The restaurant also features three excitingly up beat bars offering you high-spirits, plus all the snacks and drinks you desire.  If you enjoy relaxing, the hotel also includes a sauna, a gym, and two Turkish baths.

For more information visit:  ilricciobodrum.com

Mesa1: The Newest And Most Exclusive Restaurant In Mexico

What just might be the most exclusive restaurant in the world, has officially opened as of August 24th.  With a name just as unique as the restaurant itself Mesa1 is located at the new W Punta de Mita in Punta de Mita, Mexico, which has not only left their patrons eager to return to their one of a kind atmosphere but also brought an exclusiveness that is incomparable to any other fine dining establishment today.

The culinary escape is situated on an islet in the middle of a small lake, which makes arriving there just as hard as getting a reservation.  In order to reach Mesa1 you would have to stroll across an array of stepping stones that fades under the water as soon as you make it to the other side.  You are then seated around a 16 seat outdoor table that was expertly carved from the massive truck of an indigenous Parota tree.  As you enjoy the heavenly setting, a team of private chefs will show you a seven-course culinary masterpiece tasting menu of your choosing that is unique to each individual and is created right in front of your table without duplication of any dishes what so ever amidst your group.  In fact the restaurant only seats one party a day which gives you a perfectly peaceful meal, with no distractions in sight.  Does that not sound simply blissful?

Accompanying Mesa1, W Punta de Mita gives their 119 guest villas and away spa something truly special with three other unique areas for the most delicious cultivated meals such as, Venazu for Mexican culinary specialties, Cheviceria for light seafood gourmet, and Spice Market, which includes a pan Asian inspired menu by master chef Jean Georges Vongerichten.  But don’t let all these fine dining options mislead you, because showing up in a shirt and tie is not required, the dress code here is simply casual.

The restaurant (Mesa1) still has yet to be photographed, so the rendering above is the only available image.

Vicious Storms Devastate France’s Wine Productivity Output

The ministry of agriculture announced last week, that vicious storms had hit France in April, causing wine output to drop down to almost 10 percent this year compared to 2015’s productivity.  So wine enthusiasts should take into account that 2016 will be scarce vintage.

This unfortunate turn of weather conditions throughout spring and into the summer will bring the total production down to 42.9 million hectoliters, in comparison to 47.8 million last year.  Based on the ministry’s statistical service Agreste, there’s been a seven percent drop on a five year basis.

Agreste said that it was “the spring freeze that hit certain wine growing areas, recurring winds made worse by drought around the Mediterranean and damage stemming from frost.”  The most devastating damage was against the champagne region, which hit various places after a few rounds of spring freeze and wild hailstorms that brought down the productivity by nearly one third.  Setting harvesting back a week behind schedule revolving around a 10 yearly average.

Based on these savage weather occurrences, France has had to manage a surge of rot and mildew, which has not helped their wine output.  It looks like France will be behind Italy this year in wine productivity, so Italy might once again take the title of the world’s biggest wine producer, just like they did last year.

Petrossian’s Secret Soufflé

There is a new dish in New York City, known as Petrossian’s “Secret Soufflé”.  Its name originated from the fact that it’s an off-menu item at Petrossian’s.  The dish is quite large compared to other soufflés, containing 30 grams of Royal Reserve Ossetra caviar, (Petrossian’s priciest assortment) quail eggs right in the middle, and then beautifully finished with a mosaic of gold leaf.  Once the epicurean delight is created it is then served to you covered by a glass cloche that contains the aroma of applewood smoke, which the dish marinates in since leaving the oven minutes earlier.

Later a rolling trolley approaches you with a bottle of Richard Hennessy, (a Cognac that retails for about $3,500 a glass) which includes an essence in its blend dating all the way back to around the time of Napoleon.  They take two ounces of the fine drink and flambé it in a saucepan as the liquid is still ablaze, they pour it over the soufflé right in front of your table. Which will be quite the show, not to mention far surpassing any epicurean food video you have posted so far.

Petrossian’s executive chef as well as the soufflé’s creator, Richard Farnabe even said it’s a dish that exists simply because it “can”.   Farnabe was very enthusiastic to be able to experiment with no limit to food cost, so he could used the most premium of ingredients in as much quantities as he desired.  The soufflé is a tribute to 1980s-style excess, and to the golden days of when the restaurant was in the most pristine of conditions.

After all the other expensive epicurean delights, like the golden opulence sundae ($1,000) or the golden phoenix cupcake ($1,010), a $2,500 soufflé doesn’t seem all that surprising, especially in New York City where luxurious delights like these aren’t that hard to come by.  Of course you could easily purchase Ossetra caviar, quail eggs, and two ounces of Richard Hennessy, in order to create your own “secret soufflé”, but then again, you would never know how amazing Petrossian’s “Secret Soufflé” is.

For more information visit:  petrossian.com

Wine Palace Monte-Carlo Caters During The 2016 Monaco Yacht Show

The Wine Palace Monte-Carlo (which serves only the finest of wines, champagnes, and heart & soul)  will be at your beckon call as they serve you heavenly palatable drinks for four days as you attend the exclusive 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.  It will be Wine Palace Monte-Carlo’s second year in a row, of catering to one of Monaco’s most beloved events of the year.  Starting on the 28th of September through the 1st of October, the Wine Palace Monte-Carlo will introduce a vast array of private events that is sure to intrigue the most sophisticated guests with a variety of rare vintages from around the world.

The merchant is going to bring more than 2,300 esoteric gifts from varying sizes and shapes to the grand yacht show, including bottles of Petrus that date back all the way to 1959.  Guests are even granted access on the wine retailer’s terrace, where they can enjoy their palatable drinks as well as an astounding view of the Rock of Monaco.  The best part is all the wines, champagnes, and of course hearts & souls are available for purchase either online or shipped straight to your yacht or even back home.

For more information visit:  Wine Palace Monte-Carlo

The Top Rooftop Restaurants Around The World

Today I’ll be introducing you to the Most Breathtaking Rooftop Restaurants around.  There are many great restaurants, but nothing can compete with the view of these lovely rooftop beauties.

Situated on the eighth floor of the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, lies the GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar serving extraordinary and beautifully presented Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a considerably vast array of Greek and international wines, but the vista is what really sets this venue apart from other fine-dining establishments.  The restaurant has an incredible view of the Acropolis and feels particularly special during nice warm summer evenings as the sun begins to set.  When night falls the ancient archaeological site is ablaze in burning golden light, the perfect place to bring a certain special someone.

On the 65th floor of New York’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza, lies the recently reopened Rainbow Room after their five-year closure, they have once again became the city’s most celebrated brunch spot.  Every Sunday they offer an expansive buffet, laden with oysters, heavenly chicken-and-truffle pies, freshly prepared sushi, and countless other international cuisines.  If you take a look out the window you’ll see a breathtaking view of New York, as musicians harmoniously play to soothe you so that you leave re-energized and refreshed.

For more information visit:  rainbowroom.com

London has had many new rooftop restaurants throughout the years with spectacular views, but nothing compares to Galvin at Windows.  Located on the 28th floor of the Hilton on Park Lane, the Galvin is a true rooftop masterpiece.  The place offers impeccable French cuisine and an amazing view that stretches from the green expanse of Hyde Park to St Paul’s, even the magnificent skyscrapers of the City that stretch until tomorrow.

On the Palazzo Manfredi hotel, Ristorante Aroma gives you one of the best views there is of the famed Roman Colosseum, as well as many other historical sites in the city.  The restaurant is encased in glass throughout winter, but is open to fresh air the rest of the year.

On the tip top of the Centre Pompidou, futuristic restaurant Georges draws a large crowd as the restaurant gives its customers fine-dining and a great view of the city.  It’s rather festive at night, when the DJs play, and was named by Paris expert Natasha Edwards as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Paris.

Not really the rooftop, but still beautifully positioned 400ft (122 metres) high atop the Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne is perhaps the most extraordinary restaurant in Paris.  Alain Ducasse oversees the menu, offering his take on the latest cuisine.

On the 38th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, intimate Sushi Sora serves delicious sushi for just eight diners at a time.  Take in the unbelievable view of the Tokyo Tower, there aren’t many  recognizable landmarks from the restaurants view, but seeing the city light up at night is nothing short of spectacular.

The tallest building in Shenzhen as well as the eighth tallest building in the world, the 100 story Kingkey 100 building’s top 28 floors are occupied by the city’s St.Regis hotel.  Situated on the 99th floor, its Venice-inspired restaurant Elba serving high-quality Italian cuisine and giving you a magnificent view of well pretty much everything in Shenzhen.

On the 14th floor of the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, Windows by Jamie Kennedy enjoys a marvelous view of Niagara Falls, as well as a spectacular menu.  One of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Kennedy serves a menu that uses locally sourced produce and is inspired by the wnderful atmosphere around her.

For more information visit:  windowsbyjamiekennedy.com

On the 63rd floor of Bangkok’s State Tower, Sirocco is the signature restaurant of the Lebua hotel.  The rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and a jazz band will occasionally plays as dinner is served.

For more information visit:  lebua.com

In Toronto’s CN Tower, 360 Restaurant stands 1,151ft (351 metres) above the city, which is usually high enough to sit above the clouds.  This rooftop restaurant or The Restaurant in the Clouds is so incredible, I mean how many times do you get the chance to dine with the clouds?

For more information visit:  cntower.ca

The Sultan’s Golden Cake

The five-star Ciragan Palace Hotel (a place the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire called home), serves an appropriately debauched dessert of figs, apricots, pear, and quince that have been marinated in Jamaican rum for at least two years.  The dish takes approximately 72 hours to prepare once requested, a process that includes the infusion of rare French Polynesian vanilla, a topping of caramelized black truffles, and a coating of 24-karat edible gold flakes.  The cake, which looks more like a gold brick, is then served in a sterling-silver box with a gold seal.  If you feel like having the royal treatment, then The Sultan’s Golden Cake is as royal as it gets.  Priced at $1,000.

For more information visit: Ciragan Palace Hotel

The Extravagant Golden Opulence Sundae

The Golden Opulence Sundae, served by special order for $1,000 at the legendary New York City restaurant Serendipity 3.  The dessert was created in celebration of the restaurants 50th anniversary.  The restaurant has said that they sell approximately one Golden Opulence Sundae per month, in 2005 Owner Stephen Bruce stated that a notice of 48 hours in advance is needed when requesting this extravagant Sundae, since ingredients must be flown in from many different areas around the world.

The Golden Opulence Sundae is covered in 23-carat edible gold leaf and is rich in flavor thanks to three scoops of Tahitian vanilla ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla beans and chunks of rare Chuao chocolate harvested from the Caribbean Sea on Venezuela’s coast.  The sundae is sprinkled with one of the world’s most expensive chocolates, from Amedei Porcelana, and then adorned with exotic candied fruits, gold covered almonds, chocolate truffles and marzipan cherries.  It features a bowl of Grande Passion caviar served with a mother of pearl spoon and topped off with a gilded sugar flower.  This magnificent sundae is all served in a Baccarat crystal goblet (which is yours to keep) and with an 18-carat gold spoon.

This epicurean delight was previously featured on Forbes most expensive dessert list with another Serendipity 3 treat known as the $25,000 Frozen Haute Chocolate.  The sundae comes in a variety of flavors, such as: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, pistachio, rocky road, Neapolitan, raspberry ripple, spumoni, tiger tail, biscuit tortoni, blue moon, green tea, grape, superman and many more.

For more information visit: www.serendipity3.com

The Golden Phoenix Cupcake

Bloomsbury has done it, they have created the most luxurious cupcake in the world.  This tasty treat is an edible work of art that is perfect for individuals with a discerning taste for the most extravagant epicurean delights, backed with an unyielding philanthropic nature.  The only problem is that you might miss it once it’s gone, so you better take a picture because this delectable final course wont last forever.  The Golden Phoenix is currently available at Bloomsbury’s Mushrif Mall location in Abu Dhabi at a whopping $1,010 per cupcake.

The Golden Phoenix has left its mark on the world with its Italian premium Amedei Porcelena Cocoa, its super high quality gold Ugandan Vanilla Beans, and its incredibly delicious organic strawberries.  The dessert uses the Amedei Cocoa for the base of the cupcake that they then wrap in a 23-carat gold sheet, afterward they add frosting and top it off with decor that is dusted in edible gold.  They place chocolate covered strawberries, that too have been dusted in edible gold, along with vanilla beans that are turned into a cream along side the cupcake, and it is all served on a 24-carat gold empire stand by Villari.  Only the finest of ingredients are used to give life to the Golden Phoenix.

Bloomsbury’s founder Shafeena Yusuff Ali spent over five weeks to develop this delectable confection.   Bloomsbury and World Food Programme (WFP) who are both business partners even agreed to donate half of the commission from the cupcake to go to the aid of children in times of humanitarian crises.  In fact, at least 1,850 disadvantaged children are fed for every cupcake sold, now that’s amazing.

The Golden Phoenix was even on BBC’s most expensive dish list along with the chocolate gold-flake dessert that is priced at $18,713, a sushi roll wrapped in gold leaves for $4541.92 from the Philippines, and a $293 burger from New York. This golden one-of-a-kind cupcake doesn’t just go above extravagant, it goes beyond it with its extraordinary ingredients and creative touches.

For more information visit: www.ilovebloomsburys.com