Latest news with #CUT
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Raise a glass at D.C.'s hottest rooftop bars
Raise a glass at D.C.'s hottest rooftop bars With its noisy buzz of titillating political intrigue, Washington, D.C., isn't known for sitting still and dishing up boring. This appetite for creating showy attention-grabbing news has produced a delightfully positive trend: a jaw-dropping spike in bars with a number of rooftop bars across the city is booming, with more than 30 new or renovated locations opening since 2020. What's all the fuss about? In D.C., the sheer exhilaration of being at a rooftop bar is fed by the city's height restrictions, capped at 130 feet since 1910. This unique feature for an American city has fostered the rooftop boom, since scenic views are available from nearly all of scores of great bars offering views of some of the world's most iconic landmarks, it can be paralyzing to know how to whittle your must-visit list. Here are five standout venues to experience this city's passion for elevated socializing: CUT Above Rosewood Washington on the banks of Georgetown's historic C&O Canal Towpath, this elegant rooftop features Wolfgang Puck's elevated culinary program along with an elevated view. It showcases an indulgent interpretation of his full-service restaurant CUT, located on Rosewood's ground refined bar bites while sipping artistic cocktails such as Georgetown Gem, with freshly juiced watermelon, and High Society, with fresh guava and lime. Enjoy enchanting views of the historic area with its spires, the winding Potomac River, Francis Scott Key Bridge and the Kennedy Center. ART DC Arlo Washington DCNear the National Building Museum, National Mall and Union Station, ART DC opened in late 2024. This is your go-to for Japanese and Pan-American themed food and drink — such as edamame hummus, miso salmon rolls and yakitori. Try the Shogun Old Fashioned or the signature Kitsune's Elixir with spiced rum, pear and sake. Note: They offer a "reverse happy hour" from 8:30 p.m. to close. Its convenient central location is mere blocks from two major Metro subway stations, and the view of the U.S. Capitol is bewitching. VUE Rooftop DC Hotel WashingtonThis see-and-be-seen rooftop bar and restaurant is so close to the White House you can peek into the grounds, sweeping the imagination into the dramatic happenings of America's most famous address. Shift in your seat for glimpses of the stately Washington Monument, just two long city blocks at VUE are humorously named with nods to D.C. politics such as Power to the Peaches and Scandal of Kernal Nature. The venue serves dinner with a dedicated children's menu and offers weekend brunch featuring Tres Leches French toast and steak and eggs. Moonraker Pendry Washington DC – The WharfDripping with refinement, this haven sits atop the Pendry hotel in the Wharf District, a lively live-work-play area on D.C.'s waterfront. Find yourself either indoors at the cozy dark wooden circular bar or on the open terrace. By day the space projects a casual lounge personality, whereas the evening scene is energized with boozy culinary focus is Japanese-inspired, with unique cocktails and a bountiful sake and Japanese whisky list. Views include the lively Wharf, Washington Channel, the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. Top of the Gate The Watergate HotelAt this seasonal open-air rooftop oasis, you'll rise well above past crimes and misdemeanors to enjoy a 360-degree view over the city. Plane-spotters will love being on the Potomac River flight on Mediterranean-inspired fare like seafood towers and truffle fries paired with seasonal cocktails while reveling in sweeping views of the river, The Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the crisscross network of bridges connecting the district to Virginia.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Rugby star turns up and wins World's Strongest Man on first attempt as amateur
Rugby star turns up and wins World's Strongest Man on first attempt as amateur The 30-year-old weighs over 23 stone and has made history The former rugby player has excelled in the Strongman arena. (Image: (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) ) Former rugby player Rayno Nel has won the World's Strongest Man 2025. The ex-Free State Cheetahs player became the first ever African to win the famous competition and defeated strongman royalty Tom Stoltman in the final in California. Claiming the coveted title by a mere half-point, Nel became the first rookie to win WSM since 1997. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Nel's success is fairly unprecedented too, he only took up strongman training three years ago, and took part in his first event at South Africa's Strongest Man in 2023. His strength was first recognised while at Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein, where he was captain of the rugby team for three consecutive years before going on to play for the Cheetahs. CUT posted a statement following the success of their alumnus: "His journey reflects CUT's commitment to excellence, resilience, and innovation on and off the field. We salute Rayno for his outstanding achievement and for carrying the CUT flag with pride and power." Nel is an electrical engineer by trade and works full-time unlike many of the other athletes, and despite just winning the most sought after prize in the world of strongman, he insists he has no intention of going professional at the moment. Article continues below Speaking to the legendary Eddie Hall after taking the title, he was asked about this, with Hall fully expectant that Nel would be putting all his eggs in one basket with strongman. "I love what I do," explained Nel. "I'm an electrical engineer by trade and it's really something I hold close to my heart. So, I don't think I'll ever go away from it, strongman is just a couple of years. "That's a good question, I need to sit down and think: 'What is my future?', for now, I'm going to enjoy winning the World's Strongest Man. "It's something you guys work for, for so many years, and for me it's just something that came in the first year. "I'm amazed by the great result, I'll just go back to the drawing board, plan and see what's next." Article continues below Check out this clip below. Content cannot be displayed without consent Nel also completed a stunning repetition of 490 kilograms on the deadlift. For context, the world record is 501kg, set by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (controversially besting Hall's 500kg record).
The South African
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Who is the former rugby star, now World's Strongest Man?
Rayno Nel made history by becoming the first African to win the World's Strongest Man competition. It was the first victory by a rookie at the event since 1997. Suddenly, everyone is asking, who is Rayno Nel? The 30-year-old, 148kg South African edged defending champion Tom Stoltman by just half a point in the two-day final to claim the title, and his journey from young rugby star to the World's Strongest Man has been fascinating. Nel was a talented rugby player before changing direction. Nel captained CUT in three successive Varsity Cup campaigns, before being called up by the Cheetahs, but ultimately he found his calling elsewhere. The former loose forward only took up strongman training properly in 2022, and works as an electrical engineer. Prior to the 2025 World's Strongest Man, he secured victories in five of the six international competitions he entered. 'Rugby was what I thought I would do for my sports career. I didn't think I'd do any sport ever again,' Nel said. 'But I always had this competitive side to me, so when I stopped playing rugby, I knew I needed to do something competitive. That's just who I am.' WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
South African Rayno Nel becomes first African to win World's Strongest Man title
South African Rayno Nel becomes first African to win World's Strongest Man title Former Central University of Technology (CUT) and Cheetahs loose forward Rayno Nel made history by becoming the first African to win the World's Strongest Man competition, which took place in Sacramento in California in the US from May 15 to 18. The 30-year-old, 148kg South African edged defending champion Tom Stoltman by just half a point in the two-day final to claim the title in Sacramento, California. It was the first victory by a rookie at the event since 1997. 'To represent [South Africa] in any way whatsoever, it feels surreal,' Nel told USA Today. 'We're a small country with a lot of struggles. To have something like this, I know, means a lot to my people.' When asked how he would celebrate, Nel – who drinks Black Label – joked: 'I'll try American beer tonight.' Nel captained CUT in three successive Varsity Cup campaigns, before being called up by the Cheetahs. He only took up strongman training properly in 2022. The post Former Cheetah crowned World's Strongest Man appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
TimesLIVE
19-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
From rugby to World's Strongest Man: Rayno Nel lifts a heavy first for Africa
Former Cheetahs and Central University of Technology (CUT) rugby player Rayno Nel has become the first African to win the World's Strongest Man competition in the US. Nel's triumph by half-a-point over defending champion and three-time winner Tom Stoltman of Britain was the first by a rookie since 1997. Nel amassed 47 points from the five individual competitions in the final, held over the weekend in Sacramento, California. On Saturday he won the opener, the Carry & Hoist, for a full bag of 10 points, and then finished second in the deadlift and Hercules holds, earning nine points in each. Nel returned on the Sunday for the final two competitions, managing just three points in the Flintstone press, but the eight points he secured in the final Atlas stones competition earned him the narrow victory.
