MAGAZINE
TAURO
MEXICO
Experience an extraordinary American Steakhouse dining adventure, uniquely situated in the Riviera Maya at Tauro. Inspired by the strength and mythology of the bull, Tauro masterfully merges Mexican ingredients with classic steakhouse techniques and recipes.
Committed to excellence and authenticity, Tauro sources only the finest cuts of meat and the freshest vegetables, enhancing them with rich, flavourful sauces. The steakhouse boasts an in-house dry-aging program, a raw bar, prime cuts, and a two-course all-inclusive menu option.
Complementing the culinary delights are handcrafted, premium cocktails and a Martini Bar inspired by renowned tastemakers. Tauro seamlessly combines savage and sophistication, delivering a dining experience that is truly unique and unforgettable.
Provided by Tauro
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FLORATTICA ROOFTOP LONDON
ENGLAND
Introducing Florattica, an awardwinning cocktail bar located atop the Canopy by Hilton London City.
Nestled in East London, this bar offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf. The seamless transition from its elegant indoor space to a heated outdoor terrace allows guests to savour cocktails and small plates year-round.
The interior is a visual delight, featuring elegant décor adorned with floral installations that pay homage to East London’s rich textile heritage. Guests can enjoy locally sourced cocktails and seasonal small plates, including dishes like crab tortelloni and prawn sliders, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Florattica’s vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by live artists and DJs, making it a lively
destination. As the weather warms, it becomes a prime spot for weekend brunching, offering panoramic skyline views throughout the day.
Located on the 11th floor, Florattica is acclaimed as one of London’s premier rooftop destinations, where the music sets the tone, the atmosphere is unmatched, and every moment is cherished.
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WEEKEND A PRIME
WEEKEND BRUNCHING PRIME SPOT FOR
FLORATTICA ROOFTOP LONDON
ELEONORA ESPOSITO
General Manager
In the bustling heart of East London, Florattica Rooftop London stands out as a beacon of sophistication and innovation in the hospitality industry. Known for its stunning panoramic views, vibrant floral themes, and a cocktail menu that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the area, Florattica has quickly become a premier destination for both locals and tourists. We had the pleasure of speaking with Eleonora Esposito, the General Manager of Florattica Rooftop London, to learn more about her journey in the hospitality industry, the unique aspects of Florattica, and the challenges and triumphs of managing a high-end rooftop bar.
Can you tell us about your background and how you became the Restaurant Manager at Florattica Rooftop London?
My whole career has been working in hospitality. I’ve worked at some amazing places such as LSQ, The Trafalgar Hotel, and Xenia Lounge, then moved to Canopy by Hilton London City for the opening as Assistant Bar Manager at Florattica. It was a great time to join the team as the venue had just been completed, and the brand was starting to grow.
What makes Florattica Rooftop London unique compared to other rooftop bars in the city?
Florattica distinguishes itself with its incredible panoramic views; you can see as far as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf. The venue has a vibrant floral theme, an innovative seasonal cocktail menu, and a chic, modern design. Its exclusive, highend ambiance and live music on
certain nights in the week make it a standout destination for those seeking a sophisticated and unique night out in London.
Can you describe the process of curating the cocktail menu and how you ensure it reflects local flavours and ingredients?
The process of curating the cocktail menu at Florattica begins with understanding our guests— their tastes and preferences guide the entire design of the menu. Being situated in East London provides access to a diverse array of global flavours, allowing us to experiment with different cultures and tastes freely. This location gives us the freedom to be a bit extravagant and adventurous with our offerings, rather than strictly seasonal. For instance, the inspiration for our Stardust cocktail came from learning about how star fruit is eaten with salt in India. By engaging with people and understanding their culinary experiences, we can recreate
and incorporate these unique flavours into our cocktails. The more we interact with our guests, the better we understand their palates, enabling us to focus our concept and create a compelling story through our menu. This continuous feedback loop ensures that our cocktail offerings are not only diverse but also resonate with the local flavours and ingredients that our guests appreciate.
What are some of the most popular dishes on your seasonal small plates menu, and what makes them special?
Florattica’s food concept features small plates designed to perfectly complement the cocktail menu. There is an expectation from guests to have a food menu, providing diverse and appealing choices for today’s health-conscious and ecominded visitors, and to serve it late into the evening. Popular dishes are the prawns and lobster mini sliders, shellfish mayonnaise, pickles and baby lettuce and the crab tortelloni, mussels’ cream and celery cress.
Can you share more about the live artists and DJs that perform at Florattica? How do they contribute to the bar’s vibrant atmosphere?
This year, Florattica is moving into the entertainment market, introducing more live acts during peak times including DJs, vocalists, drummers, saxophonists and more. This will significantly raise Florattica’s profile and customer experience, creating a more vibrant and appealing venue for both regular guests and new audiences. Doing this will also open up new opportunities for collaborations with artists and event organisers, leading to exciting partnerships and special events at Florattica.
With Florattica being a prime spot for weekend brunching, what unique brunch offerings can guests look forward to?
At Florattica, guests can look forward to a delicious weekend brunch experience that is especially popular during the festive periods and warmer months. Our brunch menu, available until 4pm, offers a variety of dishes and to enhance the experience, we offer the option to upgrade
to bottomless Prosecco or Champagne. This upgrade option makes our Saturdays particularly busy throughout the summer, especially when the weather is good!
What are some challenges you face as the Restaurant Manager of a rooftop bar, and how do you overcome them?
As the Restaurant Manager of a rooftop bar, I face several challenges, particularly in the areas of recruitment and establishing a luxury cocktail bar in a non-traditional area.
Recruiting skilled staff has been especially challenging post-COVID, with the hospitality industry facing significant workforce shortages. To overcome this, we focus on creating an attractive work environment and offer comprehensive training programs to develop talent in-house, ensuring our team is well-prepared to deliver exceptional service.
Additionally, bringing a luxury-style cocktail bar to an area not typically known for such venues presents its own set of challenges. To address this, we emphasise the unique aspects of our
bar, such as innovative cocktails, amazing decor, and unrivalled views, to draw in guests seeking a sophisticated experience. By offering a distinct and high-quality experience, we gradually build a reputation that attracts both locals and industry professionals, establishing our bar as a premium destination in the area.
Florattica has received numerous positive reviews. What do you think is the key to maintaining such high standards of service?
The key to maintaining high standards of service at Florattica lies in our approach to hospitality. While our staff are well-trained to LQA standards, we encourage them to adopt an effortless and less formal style of service. Our goal is for guests to feel relaxed and at ease through warm and friendly interactions. This genuine, approachable quality of service is memorable and sets us apart from other venues. It’s this combination of professionalism and personal touch that prompts our guests to leave positive reviews and keeps them coming back.
TEPPAN SOUTH KOREA
Teppan presents a seamless integration of Korean ingredients and modern culinary innovation. Offering contemporary Korean cuisine, Teppan draws inspiration from storytelling and the unique, seasonal produce of Korea. Diners are invited to embark on a culinary journey through South Korea with an exquisite tasting menu that highlights the country’s terroir and seasonal variety.
Under the expert guidance of Chef Bae Seung Hyun, Teppan’s cuisine is a masterful blend of traditional and modern techniques. The result is a uniquely innovative, delicate, and refined dining experience that showcases the essence of Korean culinary artistry.
Provided by Teppan
BASILIC RESTAURANTE
COLOMBIA
Basilic restaurant elevates the local products from various regions of Colombia to a high gastronomic level using French and avant-garde techniques. This sophisticated approach allows Basilic to honour and preserve ancestral flavours while creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Each dish on the menu is meticulously crafted to highlight the richness and diversity of Colombian ingredients, transforming simplicity into an exquisite tapestry of flavours and textures.
In Basilic, diners embark on a culinary journey through Colombia, where traditional ingredients are reimagined with modern techniques to create a fusion of heritage and innovation. The restaurant’s commitment to using the finest local produce ensures that every meal is not only a celebration of Colombian cuisine but also a testament to the land’s bounty. From the vibrant colours to the intricate flavours, every aspect of the dining experience is designed to captivate and delight, making Basilic a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the culinary arts at their finest.
Provided by Basilic Restaurante
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FROM FARM TO TABLE: THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE GOURMET CUISINE
In recent years, the culinary world has witnessed a transformative shift towards sustainability, leading to the resurgence of the farm-to-table movement. This approach emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices, redefining gourmet dining. As more consumers become conscious of their environmental footprint, the demand for sustainable gourmet cuisine continues to grow.
The Concept of Farm-to-Table
Farm-to-table dining is more than just a trend; it’s a philosophy that prioritizes transparency, sustainability, and community support. This movement dates back to the early days of human civilization when people primarily consumed what they could grow or hunt locally. However, with industrialization and globalization, the distance between producers and consumers grew significantly. The farmto-table movement aims to bridge this gap by bringing diners closer to the source of their food.
The essence of farm-to-table lies in its simplicity: sourcing ingredients directly from local farms, often within a 100mile radius. This not only ensures the freshness and quality of the produce but also supports local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
The Journey of Ingredients
At the heart of the farm-to-table movement is the journey of ingredients from the farm to the plate. This journey begins with the careful selection of produce grown using sustainable farming practices. These practices
include organic farming, crop rotation, and the use of natural pest control methods, which enhance soil health and biodiversity.
The benefits of using fresh, seasonal produce are manifold. Seasonal ingredients are harvested at their peak ripeness, ensuring superior taste and nutritional value. Additionally, seasonal eating reduces the environmental impact associated with growing out-ofseason produce in artificial conditions or importing it from distant locations.
Eco-Friendly Practices in the Kitchen
Sustainable gourmet restaurants adopt various eco-friendly practices in their kitchens to minimize waste and promote responsible consumption. These practices range from using energyefficient appliances to implementing rigorous recycling and composting programs.
Moreover, many farm-to-table chefs are embracing nose-to-tail and root-to-stem cooking, which involves using every part of an ingredient. This approach not only minimizes food waste but also encourages creativity in the kitchen.
The Role of Farmers
Farmers play a crucial role in the farm-to-table movement, and their commitment to sustainable practices is the foundation of this philosophy. These farmers prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare, ensuring that their produce is of the highest quality.
The partnership between chefs and farmers is vital to the success of farm-to-table dining. By establishing direct relationships with local producers, chefs gain access to the freshest ingredients and can tailor their menus to reflect the seasons. This collaboration also provides farmers with a stable market for their produce, fostering economic sustainability.
Dining Experience
The farm-to-table approach transforms the dining experience, offering guests a deeper connection to their food. Diners can taste the difference in the freshness and quality of the ingredients, and they often gain a newfound appreciation for the effort and care that goes into sustainable farming.
Restaurants can enhance this experience by educating their guests about the origins of their food. Through farm
tours, interactive dining experiences, and storytelling, establishments can foster a greater understanding of the importance of sustainability.
Future of Sustainable Gourmet Cuisine
As the farm-to-table movement continues to grow, the future of sustainable gourmet cuisine looks promising. Innovations in technology and agriculture are poised to further enhance the sustainability of food production. Vertical farming and aquaponics are just two examples of advancements that could revolutionize the culinary landscape.
Moreover, consumer demand for transparency and ethical practices is driving the industry towards greater sustainability. As more people prioritize environmental responsibility, the farm-to-table movement is likely to become a standard practice rather than an exception.
The rise of sustainable gourmet cuisine is a testament to the growing awareness of the environmental impact of our food choices. By embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, chefs and farmers are leading the way towards a more sustainable and delicious future. As diners, we have the power to support this movement by choosing restaurants that prioritize sustainability and by making mindful decisions about the food we consume.
VISEVERSA RESTAURANT PORTUGAL
For all-day dining, the grand-café style VISEVERSA restaurant and bar provides an elegant setting where fresh, local produce is transformed into an abundance of delectable dining options and drinks. Guests can savour delicious meals in this spacious and radiant space, exploring an extensive international menu designed to please even the most discerning gourmands.
At VISEVERSA, diners embark on a gastronomic journey guided by the restaurant’s artsy chefs. This unique setting blends food, style, and ambiance, perfectly complementing the panoramic views of the River Tagus. Whether for a casual brunch or a sophisticated dinner, VISEVERSA offers a dining experience that is both refined and unforgettable, making it a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.
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JIKAN TEPPANYAKI & SUSHI BAR TANZANIA
Feel the heat of the flames as you step into Jikan, an Asian fusion Teppanyaki and Sushi bar at The Mora Zanzibar. This vibrant restaurant is characterized by live cooking, fresh sushi and sashimi, Asian fusion tapas, and authentic Japanese dishes, offering a memorable Eastern dining experience.
At Jikan, diners are immersed in the dynamic art of Teppanyaki, where skilled chefs perform live cooking demonstrations, creating an engaging and interactive atmosphere. The menu features a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary flavours, ensuring a culinary journey that delights the senses. With its innovative approach and dedication to authentic cuisine, Jikan provides an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Eastern gastronomy.
DINING EXPERIENCE A MEMORABLE EASTERN
EXPERIENCE EASTERN
IN THE NEXT EDITION...
EARTH-FRIENDLY ELEGANCE
In the next issue, discover exquisite resorts and hotels where sustainability meets sophistication, offering a glimpse into a world where indulgence and environmental responsibility harmoniously coexist.
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