Latest news with #FrenchMediterranean
Eater
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
A ‘White Lotus'-Inspired Coastal Italian Stunner Opens Inside the Thompson Palm Springs
Celebrity-drawing restaurateurs Marissa and Matt Hermer open their next restaurant, Bar Issi on June 6 inside the Thompson Hotel in Palm Springs, their first expansion outside of Los Angeles. With a similar color palette of Italian reds, blues, greens, and earth tones, Bar Issi's maximalist style, courtesy of Tom Parker of Fettle Design, is poised to become a beloved part of Palm Springs' dining scene. According to Marissa Hermer, the look and feel were inspired by the wildly popular Season 2 of HBO's the White Lotus , which took place on a luxe Sicilian resort, as well as San Luis Obispo's iconic overdesigned Madonna Inn with its floor-to-ceiling patterns and textures. Bar Issi's original inspiration comes from the short-lived Issima that opened as an indoor-outdoor ground-floor restaurant inside the West Hollywood La Peer hotel, serving chic pastas, pizza, and wood-fired seasonal produce. In October 2024, the Hermers also opened French Mediterranean restaurant Chez Mia in the old Ago space on Melrose, cementing their status in West Hollywood (Olivetta is undergoing renovations, while their first restaurant, the Draycott, closed at the end of 2024). Issima eventually morphed into Charbel Hayek's Ladyhawk, and the Hermers brought the Issima concept over to the desert, where it somehow feels more lived in. The 180-seat space joins the eastern Mediterranean-inflected Lola Rose Grand Mezze and Hall Napa Valley Tasting Room on the Thompson property. Marissa says she always prefers to serve the 'kind of food I like to eat,' with old money coastal Italian fare intersected with Californian sensibility. Everything is shareable, unfussy, and tasty — never too challenging but also a few steps beyond the basic. Hamachi carpaccio comes with truffle, yuzu, and ponzu, while a Sun Gold tomato gazpacho arrives just in time for Palm Springs' sweltering months. Squash blossoms filled with feta cheese and ricotta provide a warm appetizer while shrimp linguini with Calabrian chile gets a bright spritz of lemon. Wood-fired pizza ranges classic pepperoni with 24-month Parmesan and roasted mushrooms with fontina, taleggio, and thyme. Easy mains include lamb chops, roasted salmon with peas and yogurt, or citrus-marinated skirt steak. Given it's the second time the Hermers have occupied a hotel space, Bar Issi's versatile menu and fun-first approach should play well with its key location in Downtown Palm Springs, which already boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. Though located nowhere near an actual coastline, Bar Issi's escapist ambience and party-like atmosphere fit the bill for the Thompson Hotel. Bar Issi is open 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sunday 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner. Friday to Sunday, it'll serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. with bar happy hour in between brunch and dinner. It'll be located inside the Thompson Hotel Palm Springs at 410 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262. Reservations are available on Resy . Sign up for our newsletter.
Business Journals
27-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Mandarin Oriental Miami to close, lay off 430 staff ahead of renovation
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key will permanently close May 31 after 24 years of operation. The closure is part of a $1 billion redevelopment plan to transform the site into a two-tower residential project. Affected by the closure, 430 employees will be laid off, with separations beginning on the closure date and continuing through Sept. 30. Employees will receive assistance, including unemployment information and available benefits. To support the transition, Mandarin Oriental has implemented several measures, including a retention plan, career continuity initiative and an alumni program offering future job priority. The hotel, which opened in 2000, will be replaced by The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a luxury condominium-hotel complex. The project will feature 220 condos and 100,000 square feet of amenities. It's expected to open in 2030. Asian-fusion restaurant to replace Bal Harbour Shops eatery Le Zoo, the French Mediterranean brasserie by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr at Bal Harbour Shops, will permanently close by the end of this month. The upscale eatery, which opened in November 2015, will end its nearly decadelong run at 9700 Collins Ave., No. 135. Known for its Parisian décor and seafood-forward menu, Le Zoo is part of Starr Restaurants, a Philadelphia-based hospitality group that also included the now-closed Continental Miami at the Aloft Hotel in South Beach. 'We have loved being a part of this wonderful community,' the group said, adding that, while Le Zoo is saying goodbye, a new Starr Restaurants concept is set to debut in late 2025 at a new location within Bal Harbour Shops. Le Zoo's departure coincides with the May 1 closure of Aba, a Mediterranean concept by Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The Business Journal has confirmed that China Grill, the once-popular South Beach Asian-fusion restaurant, will replace Le Zoo. A successor for Aba has yet to be announced. Both are in prime spaces within Bal Harbour Shops, a luxury shopping center with over 100 high-end boutiques. Founded in 1965 by Stanley Whitman, it continues to be family-operated with his grandson, Matthew Whitman Lazenby, serving as CEO. Cruise companies to launch new ships The South Florida cruise industry is showing signs of long-term growth and diversification, with major announcements from Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and newcomer Crescent Seas. Carnival Cruise Line announced April 7 that its fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, will debut in 2027 from Port Canaveral. The fifth ship, Carnival Tropicale, will follow in 2028, with its homeport yet to be determined. Both ships will feature new entertainment zones and expanded accommodations for families, including 1,000 interconnecting rooms. Looking ahead, Carnival's Project Ace ships, set to launch in 2029, 2031 and 2033, will be the largest in the fleet, with nearly 8,000 guests each. Additionally, Carnival has ordered two midsize ships for AIDA Cruises, set for delivery in 2030 and 2032, marking a significant expansion for the German brand. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also made waves April 7, announcing it will charter four vessels across its three brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – beginning in 2026. The chartered vessels, including Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, will go to Cordelia Cruises in India, while Seven Seas Navigator and Insignia will be chartered to Crescent Seas. Norwegian has 12 new ships on order through 2036, with seven for Norwegian Cruise Line, three for Oceania and two for Regent. Crescent Seas, a new residential cruise line backed by Miami Beach-based GFO Investments, will add Insignia to its fleet in late 2027. The 594-foot ship will undergo a $50 million renovation and feature 290 residences priced from $650,000 to $10 million. Sales for Insignia residences will begin in late summer 2025 at the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences. The global cruise industry is projected to reach $16.7 billion by 2031, driven by rising demand for luxury lifestyles, river cruises and global tourism. North America remains the top revenue contributor. Sign up here for the Business Journal's free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to receive the latest business news impacting South Florida. Download the free Business Journal app for breaking news alerts on your phone.
Syyaha
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Syyaha
La Petite Maison Riyadh Reopens with a Fresh New Look and Exquisite New Dishes
April 2025, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – La Petite Maison Riyadh, the beloved French Mediterranean restaurant, is reopening this April with a refreshed look and an even more inviting atmosphere — all designed with the guest experience at the forefront. Every detail has been thoughtfully reimagined to enhance the warmth, elegance, and charm that define the LPM experience, with a special focus on surprising and delighting the restaurant's cherished guests. A New Look and a Fresh Atmosphere With interiors reimagined from Sagrada, LPM's refreshed space is a true celebration of artistry, incorporating a blend of bold hues, textured finishes, and artistic elements that evoke the effortless charm of the French Mediterranean. At the heart of the transformation is a stunning mural by internationally acclaimed artist Sanja Kovačević, which infuses the space with the vibrant spirit of the Côte d'Azur. The bar counter now features a striking new burgundy tone, creating a warm, refined ambiance for an evening à la française. Meanwhile, the lounge area has been completely reimagined, with new banquettes that reshape the dynamic of the space, offering guests a cozier, more intimate experience, perfect for relaxation or meaningful conversations. New Dishes to Savor In addition to its refreshed interiors, La Petite Maison Riyadh is introducing an exquisite selection of new dishes, crafted to highlight the seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. To start, the Asperges Blanches au Parmesan features tender white asparagus paired with aged parmesan, delivering a rich and balanced taste. Seafood lovers can enjoy the Salade de Poulpe , featuring octopus, crisp green beans, artichokes, and a bright citrus dressing. For mains, the Homard Grillé et Rouille presents grilled Maine lobster accompanied by a velvety, subtly spiced rouille sauce, while the Cocotte de Loup de Mer offers the comforting flavors of slow-cooked seabass in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, evoking the essence of Mediterranean coastal cuisine. Those seeking a hearty and comforting dish will love the Risotto aux Morilles et Asperges , where earthy morel mushrooms and fresh asparagus create a deeply satisfying flavor combination. For a sweet finale, guests can indulge in the Omelette Norvégienne Exotique , a striking baked Alaska with mango sorbet, or the Saint Honoré , a classic French pastry featuring crisp choux, silky chocolate, and luscious hazelnut cream. An Inviting Experience La Petite Maison Riyadh continues to embody understated luxury, offering a dining experience that transports guests to the sun-drenched elegance of the Côte d'Azur. The refreshed interiors blend timeless charm with contemporary sophistication, making every visit feel special—whether it's a leisurely lunch, an intimate dinner, or a lively gathering with friends. Alexandra Audon Filali Director of Operations, Middle East and Asia of LPM, shares: ' As we reopen La Petite Maison Riyadh, our goal was to create a renewed sense of vibrancy, a space that captures the energy and elegance of the French Riviera, while enhancing the experience for our guests. Every detail — from the new signature dishes to the stunning artwork and redesigned spaces — has been thoughtfully curated to elevate the dining experience'. 'This refresh is our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests, who have supported us throughout the years. We hope that this new chapter brings a little novelty to their dining experience and reinforces the special bond we have built over time. We are truly excited to welcome them back to rediscover the essence of LPM with a fresh perspective and new memories to be made ', added Alexandra Audon Fiali. 'Riyadh holds a very special place for La Petite Maison for many reasons, and we are committed to keeping it at the forefront of hospitality in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East,' said Nicolas Budzynski, Chief Executive Officer of La Petite Maison. 'Since its opening in 2021, the restaurant has delivered outstanding performance, becoming our second-best performing location in terms of sales and profit—surpassing London, Miami, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi, and following closely behind Dubai. Our focus remains on continuously enhancing the guest experience, nurturing employee happiness, and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We are dedicated to reinvesting in the concept to ensure it remains both timeless and ever-evolving.' To celebrate its reopening, La Petite Maison Riyadh welcomed guests to rediscover its magic, with an atmosphere enriched by live Troubadour music and a dynamic DJ, adding a vibrant rhythm to an already unforgettable experience. For reservations or more information, please call +966 920 011 794.
Web Release
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
EASTER SUNDAY AT CARINE – FLAVOURS TO REMEMBER, MOMENTS TO SHARE
This Easter, gather your loved ones for a relaxed celebration at carine, the beloved French Mediterranean restaurant by Chef Izu Ani, nestled within the tranquil grounds of Emirates Golf Club where little ones will be treated with a special Easter egg chocolate. Guests are invited to savour carine's à la carte menu, featuring beautifully prepared dishes inspired by the sun-drenched flavours of the South of France. Start your meal with the beloved Burrata et Tomates Cerises, Poivron et Pesto, a vibrant combination of farm fresh tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, homemade basil pesto, and creamy burrata. For mains, indulge in the Ravioli aux Champignons, Sauce à la Truffe, delicate mushroom-stuffed pasta topped in a velvety truffle sauce, and finished with freshly shaved truffles, this dish offers an earthy, indulgent depth that's truly unforgettable. While adults indulge in classic favourites, little guests will be treated with a special surprise, a complimentary Easter chocolate egg, adding a sweet touch to their holiday dinning experience. What: Easter at carine – À la carte menu and complimentary chocolates for children When: Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025 Timing: All day To book, call +971 4 417 9885 or email [email protected]. For corporate bookings, please call 04 417 9885 or email [email protected]. To learn more about carine and its opening hours, please visit
