Latest news with #CarstenHöller
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
Aventura Mall just got crowned the best in the US—here's why it's a big deal
Step aside, Mall of America. South Florida's retail gem Aventura Mall has officially snagged the top spot as the Best Mall in America, according to USA Today 's 2025 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. It's a big win—not just for the mall, but for anyone who likes their shopping with a side of art installations, luxury brands and gourmet bites. The annual 10Best list is based on public voting after a panel of travel and lifestyle pros curates the contenders. Aventura Mall stood out from 20 national nominees and reigned supreme as the only Florida entry on the list. And frankly, it's not hard to see why. Strategically perched between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Aventura is a full-on cultural and culinary destination with more than 300 retailers, over 50 dining options, a museum-worthy art collection and first-to-market debuts that keep the crowds curious. Recent headline-grabbers? Florida's first Eataly, Kim Kardashian's SKIMS and electric truck disruptor Rivian. And it's not just the big names making waves. Aventura Mall's mix of luxury labels (think Gucci, Hermès and Saint Laurent), indie finds and community programming (like weekly yoga and a robust farmers market) makes it both aspirational and accessible. Add in installations like Carsten Höller's giant chrome slide tower and you've got retail therapy with a side of spectacle. 'This award is a testament to Aventura Mall's commitment to delivering exceptional experiences,' said Jackie Soffer, chairman and CEO of Turnberry, the mall's owner. The cherry on top? The recently added Brightline station at Aventura means you can hop a high-speed train from Orlando or Miami and glide straight into your shopping spree, no Uber surge pricing required.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
The best mall in America? Right here in Florida, according to new nationwide ranking
Remember malls? They're still out there, and the best one is in Florida. For decades, the big, air-conditioned wonderlands were the place to be, with shop after shop of fresh new items, a packed and diverse food court and often a movie theater. You met friends there, took your family, saw the new fashions, spent the day, or just sat and people-watched. Malls have been suffering since online sales — where retailers didn't have to cover the costs of renting space in a brick-and-mortar building — took a huge bite out of their revenues. An average of 1,170 shopping malls closed every year between 2017 and 2022 in the United States, according to Capital One, and no new indoor megamalls have been built since 2006. But there are plenty of malls that are thriving, and USA TODAY has ranked the Top 10. The No. 1 mall is right here in the Sunshine State — and it beat the Mall of America. "With diverse selections of stores to choose from, tantalizing restaurants in the food court, inspired entertainment options, and special events and seasonal activities that bring their local communities together, shopping malls are vibrant hubs that offer plenty to enjoy," USA TODAY's 10BEST said in the ranking released June 11. The winners were chosen by USA TODAY readers, from a list nominated by 10BEST editors and a panel of experts. The largest mall in Florida, the Aventura Mall at 19501 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, is, appropriately for the Sunshine State, half mall and half destination attraction. "Aventura Mall has more than 300 retail shops, experiences, and dining options, and boasts a museum-worthy art collection," 10BEST editors said. "Design features include an art installation and fountain titled 'Gorillas in the Mist,' a koi pond, and a giant, chrome slide tower created by artist Carsten Höller. The Aventura Mall regularly hosts community events such as story time, weekly yoga, and a farmers market. "The Brightline Train, which runs between Orlando and Miami, has added a stop at the Aventura Mall, so getting here is easier than ever." It's known for its wealth of luxury boutiques and luxe name brands — Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, SKIMS, Cartier, Fendi, Rivian, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co. and more — and its 24-screen AMC theater, more than 50 eateries and world-class restaurants, and spacious play areas, and an arts program that adds over 20 art pieces throughout the mall to your shopping experience. 'This award is a testament to Aventura Mall teams' and tenants' unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests,' Jackie Soffer, chairman and CEO of Turnberry, owner of Aventura Mall, said in a release. 'We take great pride in Aventura Mall's continued position as the best mall for iconic brands and first-to-market experiences, helping define South Florida's place on the national and international stage.' "There are hundreds upon hundreds of indoor shopping malls throughout the U.S., but which among them is the very best?" Here's what readers picked. Aventura Mall, Aventura, Florida Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota Galleria Dallas, Dallas, Texas The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York City, New York King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale, Arizona American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey Grapevine Mills, Grapevine, Texas Tysons Corner, Tysons, Virginia Brookfield Place, New York City, New York The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink, and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. 10BEST editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Aventura Mall in Florida named best mall in US in USA TODAY 10BEST awards
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
All The Details On Elena Reygadas' Takeover At Brutalisten
Reygadas created an exclusive tasting menu that highlighted the intersection of Mexican gastronomy ... More and minimalism Carsten Höller is known for his ability to captivate audiences through his art. Since the 1990s, Höller has evoked emotion through interactive installations. His restaurant, Brutalisten, is no different. Known as one of the best restaurants in the Nordics, the dining institution pushes the limit when it comes to cuisine, creating literal works of art that emphasize the purity of ingredients and simple techniques. Each dish is meant to transport diners through a culinary experience that brings up a bevy of emotions, similar to how art makes the viewer feel. 'The Brutalist Kitchen Manifesto is about stripping things back to their essence,' explains Höller in an interview with Forbes. "We cook each product on its own, adding only water and salt—nothing to mask or dress it up. It's about presenting ingredients in their purest form and challenging ourselves to rethink what can be done with this approach. It opens up a surprising amount of creativity." Since opening its doors in 2022, Brutalisten has quickly garnered itself a reputation as a Swedish ... More culinary hotspot. Since opening its doors in 2022, Brutalisten has quickly garnered itself a reputation as a Swedish culinary hotspot. The space is as enchanting as the plates placed before you, so it only makes sense that the restaurant would draw a crowd. Tastemakers across art, fashion and culture, including Miuccia Prada and Lily Collins, have been spotted in the restaurant. It was also recently given an award as one of the best restaurants in Sweden and Denmark in Falstaff Nordics 2025 list and garnered itself a spot on the World's 50 Best Discovery. For his latest act, Höller brought in Elena Reygadas, the founder of Restaurante Rosetta in Mexico and the World's 50 Best Chef of 2023, to take over the kitchen and bring her unique perspective to the dining hotspot. 'I've always liked Elena's cooking and have enjoyed seeing it evolve, so it really is a great honor to have her here,' says Höller. " Interestingly enough, Mexican cuisine, which typically utilizes many sauces, spices and flavors is practically the opposite of Höller's Brutalist cuisine. 'Other dishes, such as corn-based ones, are actually quite Brutalist in spirit, so I always thought it would be fascinating to combine the manifesto with Mexican cooking styles—and who better to do that then Elena," he says. Carson Höller brought in Elena Reygadas to take over the kitchen and bring her unique perspective to ... More Brutalisten. 'I've come to appreciate simplicity: making the most of a single ingredient without adding too much,' 'I love the way the manifesto pushes you to be simpler, but also more creative,' says Reygadas. 'There's always a surprise, something revealed about the ingredient itself, which is what really attracted me to this project.' In collaboration, Reygadas worked together with Coen Dieleman (head chef at Brutalisten) to create an exclusive tasting menu that highlighted the intersection of Mexican gastronomy and minimalism. It also marked Reygadas first time cooking in Stockholm. Reygadas mentions that most of the food she cooks—and the dishes she finds herself drawn to—are very ingredient-led, which is where she and Höller connect. 'I've come to appreciate simplicity: making the most of a single ingredient without adding too much,' she says. "For example, the dish using ant eggs—it's completely different from how we prepare them in Mexico, but I really liked it. It's the kind of idea I'd love to bring back home and explore further."
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
12 best things to do in London with the kids this Easter
London is a city so packed with superlative attractions and activities that deciding what to do and where to go next can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Such feelings are amplified if you're constricted by time, money or when travelling with children. While the UK capital is home to some of the world's most respected museums, historical sights, award-winning shows and restaurants and all-round vibes, selecting something to keep children of all ages entertained is another matter. Thankfully, we've done the work for you to ensure you have the best trip this Easter. Forget Madame Tussauds: we've selected some of London 's most weird, wonderful and awe-inspiring experiences to ensure both you and your little ones are entertained and inspired by everything this marvellous city has to offer, whatever your budget – and whatever the weather. Best things to do in London 1. Ride the world's longest and tallest slide Whizz down The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world's tallest (76 metres) and longest (178 metres) slide. Designed by artists Anish Kapoor and Carsten Höller and architect Cecil Balmond to mark the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, this iconic landmark is located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. Composed of 12 twists and turns, including a tight corkscrew known as the bettfeder ('bedspring' in German), it climaxes with a thrilling 50 metre straight run to the ground. Expect to reach speeds of up to 24km on a journey that takes 40 seconds from beginning to end. Visitors can either take the lift to the viewing platform or tackle the 455 steps. There's also a glass floor to peer through, for those brave enough. Tickets from £14; a supervising adult is required for under 18s and there is a minimum height requirement of 1.3 metres 2. Visit a city farm London's 12 city farms are educational and fun green spaces aimed at serving the local community, and home to a plethora of creatures, from the curious to the cuddly. Mudchute Park and Farm covers 32 acres in the Isle of Dogs, making it one of the largest inner city farms in Europe. It's home to over 100 animals and fowl, including llamas. Easter holiday events include animal petting experiences, Easter wreath-making workshops and meeting the Easter bunny – make sure you book in advance. In south London, Vauxhall City Farm is London's oldest, and home to alpacas, ferrets, goats and more. Visitors can also enjoy animal experiences, including being a farmer for the day, or simply just enjoy petting their furriest residents. Vauxhall City Farm also has a riding school, which is currently closed for renovation until September 2025. Other city farms can be found in Hackney, Spitalfields, Kentish Town Stepney and Crystal Palace. 3. Watch a film on the UK's biggest cinema screen Towering at an impressive 20 metres by 26 metres, the BFI Imax cinema in Waterloo is the UK's biggest cinema. A 12,000-watt digital surround system makes a visit here the ultimate immersive experience for film lovers, with the sheer scale of this film experience certain to widen young eyes. Films showing this Easter holiday period include 3D versions of BBC Earth's Wild Africa and Space: The New Frontier and A Minecraft Movie. From £14 4. Discover London's world class museums London is blessed with some of the world's most illustrious museums, many of which offer a whole host of activities and experiences to engage young minds, particularly during school holidays, from zine-making to sculpture, collage to finger painting. While some are entirely devoted to children and young people, such as Bethnal Green's Young V&A and Stratford's Discover Children's Story Centre, there are plenty of things on offer at practically all museums to entertain young people and children. From an earthquake simulator at the Natural History Museum, to a now permanent computer games exhibit at the Science Museum, museums are a great – and often free – way to inspire children. Bowling around the cavernous space at the Tate Modern never gets old, either. 5. Take a stroll through a treetop canopy Situated 18 metres above the ground, Kew Gardens' Treetop Walkway is a great way to get closer to their world-renowned collection of flora and fauna. Climb 118 steps to discover a complex ecosystem teeming with birds, insects, lichen and fungi that live in the trees' uppermost branches. At ground level, sculptures carved from tree trunks illustrate microscopic elements of trees to explain how they grow. There's also a Children's Garden, a fun and interactive space for little ones to climb, run, jump and explore, complete with trampolines, stepping stones, periscopes, hammocks and a living bamboo tunnel. Children under 4 go free; tickets for those aged 4-15 start from £6 6. Jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon The magical world of Harry Potter continues to resonate with children of all ages – and there's plenty to explore in London for Muggles and magical folk alike. The big hitter is undoubtedly the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Here, fans can see sets, props and costumes from the hit film franchise and step inside film locations such as Dumbledore's office, the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Buses travel regularly to the site from the centre of London, while trains take 20 minutes from Euston to Watford Junction, with regular shuttle buses. And if that's too pricey, head to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station where you can cosplay as your favourite character and bag a fun selfie. 7. Get lost in the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze Whatever your age, getting lost in the Hampton Court Maze is an experience you won't forget in a hurry. Commissioned around 1700 by William III, it covers a third of an acre and is notorious for its confusing twists, turns and dead ends. On average, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre. And as it's a multicursal maze – meaning a visitor needs to make decisions about which route to take next, rather than simply following a single path – it's great for stimulating the grey matter and getting kids off their phones as they attempt to conquer this puzzle. Children under four go free, tickets for those aged 5-15 start from £13.60, including entrance to the palace, maze and Magic Garden 8. Take a street art tour Score points with teenagers on a tour of London's best street art. Hear the stories behind some of the city's most fascinating artworks, from giant murals to tiny hidden sculptures, on a tour that takes in artwork by Roa, Shepard Fairey, Invader, Stik and Vhils. There's also the option to add on a workshop, where participants can try their hand at creating their own artwork in the purpose-built studio. Art lovers on a budget should head to Leake Street Arches where eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo station now form a public gallery of street art and graffiti for everyone to enjoy. 9. Discover dinosaurs Despite dinosaurs going extinct 64 million years ago, they continue to have a chokehold on the young imagination. Kids will love these 16 life-size sculptures of dinos past and their fellow extinct creatures which have been residing in Crystal Palace Park in south London since the 19th century. The models have their own unique history and were first unveiled in 1854 and have undergone extensive refurbishment several times since then. They can be found in the south section of Crystal Palace Park, near the Penge entrance. Check out the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs website before your visit for downloadable information sheets and even an audio guide. Free 10. Take a ride above the city A trip on the IFS Cable Car over the Thames is always a good idea, whatever your age, although sunset on a clear day brings megawatt views of iconic city sights such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Millennium Dome, the Gherkin and the Thames Barrier. The 1km line runs between Greenwich and Royal Victoria Dock and forms part of Transport for London's network, meaning you can simply tap on and off with your payment card. Consider the London transport box well and truly ticked by bagging the front seat of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) for your onward journey to feel like you're in charge of your very own train. 11. See stars Budding astronomers will adore a visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Get cosy in a reclining chair and prepare to be transported to distant galaxies, our solar system, the Sun – and even witness the birth of a star. A combination of real images from space and CGI combine for an awe-inspiring experience. There are different shows every day, plus a special show for children aged seven and below during school holidays and on weekends. 12. Hit the West End London's West End is home to some of the world's slickest theatrical productions, plenty of which are devised with children in mind. Award-winning shows that are certain to enthrall include playwright Dennis Kelly and comedian and artist Tim Minchin's musical of the classic Roald Dahl novel Matilda, the timeless spectacle of The Lion King, which continues to wow with dazzling sets and puppetry, and Wicked, the hit production that inspired the Tony award-winning film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
12 of the best things to do in London with the kids this half-term
London is a city so packed with superlative attractions and activities that deciding what to do and where to go next can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Such feelings are amplified if you're constricted by time, money or when travelling with children. While the UK capital is home to some of the world's most respected museums, historical sights, award-winning shows and restaurants and all-round vibes, selecting something to keep children of all ages entertained is another matter. Thankfully, we've done the work for you. Forget Madame Tussauds, we've selected some of London 's most weird, wonderful and awe-inspiring experiences to ensure both you and your little ones are entertained and inspired by everything this marvellous city has to offer, whatever your budget – and whatever the weather. Ride the world's longest and tallest slide Whizz down The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world's tallest (76 metres) and longest (178 metres) slide. Designed by artists Anish Kapoor and Carsten Höller and architect Cecil Balmond to mark the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, this iconic landmark is located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. Composed of 12 twists and turns, including a tight corkscrew known as the bettfeder ('bedspring' in German), it climaxes with a thrilling 50 metre straight run to the ground. Expect to reach speeds of up to 24km on a journey that takes 40 seconds from beginning to end. Visitors can either take the lift to the viewing platform or tackle the 455 steps. There's also a glass floor to peer through, for those brave enough. Tickets from £14; a supervising adult is required for under 18s and there is a minimum height requirement of 1.3 metres Visit a city farm London's 12 city farms are educational and fun green spaces aimed at serving the local community, and home to a plethora of creatures, from the curious to the cuddly. Mudchute Park and Farm covers 32 acres in the Isle of Dogs, making it one of the largest inner city farms in Europe. It's home to over 100 animals and fowl, including llamas. Half-term events include animal petting experiences – make sure you book in advance. In south London, Vauxhall City Farm is London's oldest, and home to alpacas, ferrets, goats and more. Visitors can also enjoy animal experiences, including being a farmer for the day, or simply just enjoy petting their furriest residents. Vauxhall City Farm also has a riding school, which is currently closed for renovation until September 2025. Other city farms can be found in Hackney, Spitalfields, Kentish Town Stepney and Crystal Palace. Watch a film on the UK's biggest cinema screen Towering at an impressive 20 metres by 26 metres, the BFI Imax cinema in Waterloo is the UK's biggest cinema. A 12,000-watt digital surround system makes a visit here the ultimate immersive experience for film lovers, with the sheer scale of this film experience certain to widen young eyes. Films showing this February half-term include a Twilight saga trilogy all-nighter and Captain America: Brave New World. From £14 London is blessed with some of the world's most illustrious museums, many of which offer a whole host of activities and experiences to engage young minds, particularly during school holidays, from zine-making to sculpture, collage to finger painting. While some are entirely devoted to children and young people, such as Bethnal Green's Young V&A and Stratford's Discover Children's Story Centre, there are plenty of things on offer at practically all museums to entertain young people and children. From an earthquake simulator at the Natural History Museum, to a now permanent computer games exhibit at the Science Museum, museums are a great – and often free – way to inspire children. Bowling around the cavernous space at the Tate Modern never gets old, either. Take a stroll through a treetop canopy Situated 18 metres above the ground, Kew Gardens' Treetop Walkway is a great way to get closer to their world-renowned collection of flora and fauna. Climb 118 steps to discover a complex ecosystem teeming with birds, insects, lichen and fungi that live in the trees' uppermost branches. At ground level, sculptures carved from tree trunks illustrate microscopic elements of trees to explain how they grow. There's also a Children's Garden, a fun and interactive space for little ones to climb, run, jump and explore, complete with trampolines, stepping stones, periscopes, hammocks and a living bamboo tunnel. Children under 4 go free; tickets for those aged 4-15 start from £6 Jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon The magical world of Harry Potter continues to resonate with children of all ages – and there's plenty to explore in London for Muggles and magical folk alike. The big hitter is undoubtedly the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Here, fans can see sets, props and costumes from the hit film franchise and step inside film locations such as Dumbledore's office, the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Buses travel regularly to the site from the centre of London, while trains take 20 minutes from Euston to Watford Junction, with regular shuttle buses. And if that's too pricey, head to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station where you can cosplay as your favourite character and bag a fun selfie. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter tickets from £56; free to visit Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station Get lost in the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze Whatever your age, getting lost in the Hampton Court Maze is an experience you won't forget in a hurry. Commissioned around 1700 by William III, it covers a third of an acre and is notorious for its confusing twists, turns and dead ends. On average, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre. And as it's a multicursal maze – meaning a visitor needs to make decisions about which route to take next, rather than simply following a single path – it's great for stimulating the grey matter and getting kids off their phones as they attempt to conquer this puzzle. Children under four go free, tickets for those aged 5-15 start from £13.60, including entrance to the palace, maze and Magic Garden Take a street art tour Score points with teenagers on a tour of London's best street art. Hear the stories behind some of the city's most fascinating artworks, from giant murals to tiny hidden sculptures, on a tour that takes in artwork by Roa, Shepard Fairey, Invader, Stik and Vhils. There's also the option to add on a workshop, where participants can try their hand at creating their own artwork in the purpose-built studio. Art lovers on a budget should head to Leake Street Arches where eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo station now form a public gallery of street art and graffiti for everyone to enjoy. Discover dinosaurs Despite dinosaurs going extinct 64 million years ago, they continue to have a chokehold on the young imagination. Kids will love these 16 life-size sculptures of dinos past and their fellow extinct creatures which have been residing in Crystal Palace Park in south London since the 19th century. The models have their own unique history and were first unveiled in 1854 and have undergone extensive refurbishment several times since then. They can be found in the south section of Crystal Palace Park near the Penge entrance. Check out the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs website before your visit for downloadable information sheets and even an audio guide. Free Take a ride above the city A trip on the IFS Cable Car over the Thames is always a good idea, whatever your age, although sunset on a clear day brings megawatt views of iconic city sights such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Millennium Dome, the Gherkin and the Thames Barrier. The 1km line runs between Greenwich and Royal Victoria Dock and forms part of Transport for London's network, meaning you can simply tap on and off with your payment card. Consider the London transport box well and truly ticked by bagging the front seat of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) for your onward journey to feel like you're in charge of your very own train. See stars Budding astronomers will adore a visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Get cosy in a reclining chair and prepare to be transported to distant galaxies, our solar system, the Sun – and even witness the birth of a star. A combination of real images from space and CGI combine for an awe-inspiring experience. There are different shows every day, plus a special show for children aged seven and below during school holidays and on weekends. Hit the West End London's West End is home to some of the world's slickest theatrical productions, plenty of which are devised with children in mind. Award-winning shows that are certain to enthrall include playwright Dennis Kelly and comedian and artist Tim Minchin's musical of the classic Roald Dahl novel Matilda, the timeless spectacle of The Lion King, which continues to wow with dazzling sets and puppetry, and Wicked, the hit production that inspired the Tony award-winning film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
