According to planning documents released by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Disney is considering adding a "major theme park," two minor parks, new resort hotels, shopping and dining areas and an 18-hole golf course to the Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla., over the next 20 years. The Florida agency projects that Disney World's attendance could nearly double to 99.3 million visitors a year by 2045. Full Story: People (6/25), Blooloop (6/26), The Orange County Register (Irvine, Calif.) (6/25) Novel flavors like pistachio, taro drive tea innovation Tea beverages are gaining popularity in the US, driven by trends from Asia and beyond, according to Technomic. Flavor trends are diversifying as operators experiment with ingredients like pistachio, taro, muskmelon and pumpkin spice. International chains are leading the way, introducing combinations such as pistachio oatmilk oolong tea and avocado yogurt tea. Cream cheese and tiramisu toppings, along with protein-infused teas, are also gaining popularity. Full Story: Restaurant Business (6/25) |
Country Bird Bakery's Cat Cox made history by winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef, marking the first time a Tulsa chef has received a James Beard honor. The award not only recognizes Cox's talent and dedication but also brings national attention to Tulsa's culinary community. Cox credits the support of her local patrons and team for making the achievement possible, viewing the award as a collective win for both the bakery and the city. Full Story: Eater (6/26) |
Curtis Duffy brings real-world expertise as consulting chef to "The Bear"
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Curtis Duffy (Bravo/Getty Images) |
Curtis Duffy, owner and executive chef of Ever in Chicago and consulting chef for the FX show "The Bear," shared his philosophy on menu inspiration, emphasizing that restaurants should not be confined by traditional categories or cuisines. Drawing on the idea that restaurants are a form of art, Duffy encourages chefs to seek creative influences from a variety of artistic mediums. He also notes that today's diners are seeking memorable, quality-driven experiences, pushing culinary professionals to continually innovate and excel.
Full Story: Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (6/25) Somni, Providence earn 3 Michelin stars in Los Angeles
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(MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News Via Getty Images/Getty Images) |
Somni and Providence have earned three Michelin stars, making them the first restaurants in Los Angeles to reach the milestone. Providence, which opened in 2005, is known for its seafood and sustainability efforts. Somni, which opened late last year, offers a contemporary tasting menu inspired by Spanish
modernist cooking.
Full Story: Robb Report (6/26), Eater (6/25) The Transportation Security Administration screened almost 3.1 million travelers at airports on Sunday, June 22, setting a new one-day record, with Chicago O'Hare International Airport also reaching a single-day record of 114,000 people screened. The TSA expects to screen more than 18.5 million travelers during the July 4 holiday period, with the busiest day predicted to be Sunday, July 6. Full Story: Fox News (6/25) |
The National Hockey League and the NHL Players Association have begun a search for two cities to host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, welcoming expressions of interest from North American and international cities. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the event "offers cities a chance to be part of something truly global, while delivering meaningful economic and cultural benefits in return." Full Story: Sports Travel Magazine (6/26) |
 | Chocolate + almond butter Masterclass series This 5-part video series showcases the innovative possibilities of pairing chocolate with almond butter. See imaginative creations by chefs Anissa Dann and Robert Jörin, and get inspired by this healthy and indulgent combination. Watch now |
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