Latest news with #RobertLopez
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Busy Weekend in Abilene: Mother's Day, Western Heritage Classic, and Graduation
ABILENE, Texas () – Every hotel room in Key City is fully booked. Vice President of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, Robert Lopez, explains that three major events occur the second weekend of May. 'Travel and tourism is peak season right now. As things warm up here in Abilene, travel picks up. Events start happening. This weekend, with it being Mother's Day and graduations at the universities, and then you add Western Heritage Classic to that mix. It's really hard to find a hotel room in Abilene this weekend,' said Lopez. With about 40 hotels and about 3,800 hotel rooms fully booked. Others are using alternative booking options like Airbnb or hotels outside city limits. Lopez adds that many significant events take place in the summer and encourages those who need hotel accommodations to book early. 'Just to put it into perspective, in 2024, tourism generated $567.7 million for the local economy and employed 3,790 hardworking Abilenians. So, just the economic impact and the number of jobs that the hospitality industry produces for Abilene is one thing. But tourism also contributes $16.4 million in tax revenues for the city. So, if you kind of equate that without tourism, well, I'll say it this way, tourism saves each household in Abilene $640 in taxes,' explained Lopez. The Western Heritage Classic attracts approximately 30,000 attendees and generates around $1.7 million for the local economy. Chairman Jeff Gore explains that this event brings in people from across Texas and beyond. He is pleased to see that multiple events are taking place on the same weekend, allowing attendees to visit the Western Heritage Classic and learn about Western history. 'Texas was built on the back of the cattle business in this in this part of the country especially. And we want people to know that. We need people to understand that, so we don't ever get away from that, because as long as people want hamburgers and steaks, there needs to be ranches and there needs to be cowboys,' shared Gore. 'Texas was built on the back of the cattle business in this in this part of the country, especially. And we want people to know that. We need people to understand that, so we don't ever get away from that, because as long as people want hamburgers and steaks, there needs to be ranches and there needs to be cowboys,' shared Gore. 'Texas was built on the back of the cattle business in this part of the country, especially. And we want people to know that. We need people to understand that, so we don't ever get away from that because, as long as people want hamburgers and steaks, there needs to be ranches and there needs to be cowboys,' shared Gore. From the rodeo to chuckwagon competitions to vendors, Gore explains, even if you don't like anything Western, the event is able to bring people together. 'But the thing about Western Heritage Classic, to me, is that there's something for everybody. There is no event like this anywhere in the world. There's a bunch of ranch rodeos, there's a bunch of horse shows, and there's a bunch of trade shows with Western gear and Western apparel,' added Gore. You can find the Western Heritage Classic Event Schedule here: WHC Event Schedule Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
What's On The Kentucky Derby Menu? Chef Robert Lopez Breaks It Down
A race-day menu worthy of the Run for the Roses: Chef Robert Lopez's Kentucky Derby 151 lineup is a ... More feast of flavor. By the time the bugle sounds at the 151st Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, 2025, more than 3,000 pounds of shrimp, 3,120 pounds of Brussels sprouts, 50,000 liters of bourbon, and 28,730 bunches of mint will have passed through the kitchens of Churchill Downs. Behind the numbers and beneath the pomp is Chef Robert Lopez, senior executive chef for Levy and the culinary mind behind one of the most ambitious menus in American sports. With a resume that includes NBA arenas, MLB ballparks, and Formula 1 Grand Prix, Lopez isn't new to large-scale, high-pressure events. But the Derby, with its 150-year-old legacy and 150,000-plus guests, hits differently. 'The Derby itself is probably the largest event or single two minutes in the world,' Lopez told Forbes. 'And when you think about the prestige, the history of it, the rich history — I'm a huge history buff. So just thinking about how I'm going to be kind of carrying that torch. It definitely brought some emotion to it.' For Lopez, it's about continuing a tradition while refusing to stay stagnant. A fixture since 1938, the Mint Julep remains the Derby's most refreshing ritual. 'You know, we always have that baseline of tradition,' the head chef said. 'When you take a bite of something, what's going to bring those memories back for you? What did you have at your grandmother's house every time you went over there? What's going to bring back those traditional memories? And then what haven't people seen before?' It's a constant balance between what evokes Southern nostalgia and what feels new without being gimmicky. 'What we try not to do is put a trend out there or something that is popular now that may not be popular by the time Derby comes around,' he added, noting that even avocado toast has had its moment. Each dish must hold up not only in taste but also in timing. Every recipe is stress-tested for both flavor and endurance. Lopez and his team evaluate how well a dish performs hours into service. If a recipe can't keep its integrity after extended hold times or during high-volume execution, it's cut or reworked. 'We want to maintain quality throughout the entire day,' Lopez explained. Succulent shrimp in a bourbon-infused butter sauce, finished with fresh herbs and orzo. The Official Kentucky Derby 151 On-Track Food Menu delivers a mix of Southern staples and polished showstoppers—dishes that are comforting, upscale, and built to last through long race-day service. The Grilled Beef Tips with Kentucky Peppercorn Sauce underscore Lopez and his team's dedication to process. The three-day preparation yields beef that's perfectly seared, then finished with a bourbon peppercorn sauce that balances Dijon mustard's sharpness and black pepper's warmth. Old Forester Butter Shrimp and Orzo stands out for its depth. The shrimp are coated in garlic cream and bourbon-butter sauce, with the orzo providing an ideal base to capture these flavors. Fresh herbs add brightness to this satisfying dish. The Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast delivers on the fundamentals: crisp golden skin protecting juicy meat beneath. Caramelized Vidalia onions bring natural sweetness, while the lemon sauce adds necessary acidity. On the lighter side, the Bluegrass Fields Salad combines Kentucky Bibb lettuce with seasonal berries and toasted almonds, dressed in a balanced raspberry-poppyseed vinaigrette. The Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad offers textural contrast through charred corn and fresh tomatoes, brought together with red onion, peppery arugula, and distinctive pimento cheese dressing. Fingerlings roasted in duck fat and finished with fresh herbs for a side dish that goes the ... More distance. Among the sides, the Duck Fat Roasted Fingerling Potatoes' crisp exteriors give way to tender centers, with rosemary, thyme, and garlic woven throughout. The Lemon Honey Harvest Brussels Sprouts achieve that perfect caramelization, lifted by a citrus-honey glaze, toasted pecans, and subtle Parmesan. The Brown Butter Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables rounds out the options with hearty carrots, parsnips, and baby potatoes mixed through nutty farro, unified by the brown butter's subtle richness. 'We want people to come back and when they think of Derby, the first thing they think of is, 'Oh my God, the food was amazing,'' Lopez said of the luxe spread. That kind of product doesn't happen by accident. It's curated through months of iteration, trial, and collaboration, led by Lopez and his longtime colleague, Chef Robbie, who has worked 17 Derbies and knows the playbook well. But even as they scale for thousands of guests, Churchill Downs isn't operating in a vacuum. The culinary team is careful not to steamroll the city's vibrant food scene during its most high-stakes week of the year. 'We don't want to hurt businesses by buying up all the local things,' Lopez explained. Instead, they source regionally and thoughtfully, casting a wider net across areas like Indiana to avoid putting unnecessary strain on Louisville's own restaurant community. 'Instead of just kind of hyperfocusing on the city itself, we try to branch out into a radius around Louisville.' And finally, let's give due credit to a quiet crowd favorite: the humble chicken tender. At Churchill Downs, even the simplest dish gets treated with reverence. 'They're fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders, never frozen,' Lopez said. 'And everyone from the Churchill offices to our guests is just in love with them. As much as it sounds simple, they are second to none.' Because whether it's bourbon-glazed shrimp or the best chicken tender you've ever had, at the Derby, nothing makes the menu unless it's worth remembering.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Letters: Why Palm Springs Airport expansion is a must
Palm Springs International Airport is vital to the Coachella Valley's economy, ensuring our tourism-driven community thrives. Events like Coachella, Stagecoach, Modernism Week, the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Palm Springs Pride bring billions into our local economy, supporting hotels, restaurants and cultural institutions. As demand grows, PSP must expand to keep Palm Springs competitive. More direct flights from key markets will make travel easier, reducing reliance on LAX and San Diego. Limited flights and high fares deter visitors, impacting local businesses. Expansion – through additional gates, improved facilities and enhanced international connections – ensures Palm Springs remains a top-tier destination. Tourism fuels local tax revenue, funding public amenities like parks, art and infrastructure. Without continued growth, these resources could suffer. Concerns about noise and the environment can be addressed through smart, sustainable design, making PSP more efficient and eco-friendlier. Palm Springs has always evolved – from a celebrity retreat to an LGBTQ+ haven and cultural hub. Expanding PSP is the next step in securing our future. This isn't just about more flights – it's about investing in the heart of our community and ensuring Palm Springs remains a world-class destination. Mitchell Battersby, Palm Springs This past Saturday, Feb. 8, we had the pleasure of experiencing the new theatrical offering at the Revolution Stage Company, 'Avenue Q.' This paradoxical and fun musical comedy uses Muppet-like puppetry to tackle relevant social issues with songs that are hilarious and is well worth your time. 'Avenue Q' was the winner of the 2004 of Tony for best musical, with original music from Robert Lopez who brought you 'The Book of Mormon,' 'Frozen' and 'Coco.' The cast at Revolution Stage Company aptly pulls off a treat for the audience. Everyone in the cast is excellent but some key standouts are Joseph Portoles, (Princeton) and Candace Coe (Kate Monster) – both performers have strong capable voices that take this show to another level. This was my first experience seeing a show at the Revolution Stage Company and I will be back. Sometimes the best theater experience is a stripped-down approach that allows the performers to showcase the material and their talents. I think the director of this production, James Owen, totally understands this approach to putting on a production. The show continues through this weekend and if you have a chance to grab a friend and see this show you will not be disappointed. Garrison Rios, Palm Springs I note in the Feb. 2 edition under "Rents Soar" that the 60-unit complex developed by Monarch Homes in Palm Springs cost $40.8 million. That comes out to $680,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Pretty pricy. Al Lewis, Rancho Mirage Trump is executing his slash and burn spending cuts half backward or putting the cart in front of the horse! While it is proper for the president to eliminate any government waste, the proper way to do this is to have Musk evaluate the different government agencies and come up with recommended area where fraud, abuse and waste can be identified and to make recommendations to the president and Congress where savings can be constructively made. Instead, Trump and Musk or going after this task backward by laying off and cutting people and positions before evaluating the efficacy of such actions. In the meantime, they may be causing irrevocable damage to valuable government services that serve an important public and international service to our nation. This kind of haphazard, irresponsible leadership on the part of Trump shows that while he may know how to win an election, he does not understand how to responsibly manage our country. While all this is occurring, where is our Congress, who is ultimately responsible for determining government spending priorities, not Elon Musk? Harry Sauberman, Rancho Mirage Judging by the high proportion of letters criticizing the new administration, it is evident that Trump derangement syndrome is alive and well. While I understand some people may not like the president personally or his mannerisms, I don't understand why they oppose deporting illegal criminals, increasing energy production to bring down inflation, limiting the "Green New Deal" which has only increased our energy costs, eliminating DEI which only disadvantages, in many cases, qualified individuals, halting taxpayer payment for sex changes for criminals in our prisons, and forbidding men in women's bathrooms, locker rooms and women's sports. Hopefully he's geared up to do much more. The majority of Americans have spoken and it's time to get behind the changes that will only make America better. Karen Knowles, Palm Desert In response to Mr. Jackson's Feb. 4 letter to the editor, 'Trump haters should stop catastrophizing…' I truly believe Donald Trump is unfit for the office. He is mentally, ethically and philosophically bankrupt. However, you have mistaken my vote… "my choice" for hate. It's not hate – he's constantly proving to me that he isn't capable of being a leader. He doesn't unite people; he pits them against each other. I have never questioned any president's loyalty to serving our country and its citizens to the best of their ability, until now. He had a meeting with a white supremacist in Florida. Told the Proud Boys to stand by and claimed the 2017 Unite the Right (Nazi & KKK ) rally in Charlotteville was attended by 'good people.' He accuses legal Haitian immigrants of eating people's pets. He accuses two election workers of stuffing ballots. He has vilified our military personnel, particularly those who were captured in combat calling them losers and suckers. He threatened General Milley's life. His former chief of staff, General John Kelly called him a fascist and a threat to democracy. I find his words demeaning and his promises empty. His leadership during the pandemic was a failure. He took classified government documents that were not his when he left office in 2020. All of this and more is why he didn't deserve my vote. But it wasn't hate. It was that he failed to meet even the minimum expectations for a decent human being much less a president of the United States. Chip Lidicker, La Quinta I'm sharing today's letter to my Republican Congressmember, hoping to motivate people to make some noise! Stop Coup #2! Take the advice of the American Bar Association: 'No American can be proud of a government that carries out change in this way. Neither can these actions be rationalized by discussion of past grievances or appeals to efficiency. Everything can be more efficient, but adherence to the rule of law is paramount.' Elon Musk's visit to the Oval Office for a 'press conference'/propaganda session was horrifying and humiliating for all Americans. This quote from Musk says it all: 'If the bureaucracy is in charge, then what meaning does democracy actually have?' Says the non-elected bureaucrat with no transparency. He is making your job obsolete. How can you be a lawmaker if laws are ignored and there are no consequences? There is no separation of powers if our last guardrail, the judiciary, can't enforce the law. We need a few Republican lawmakers to make history and honor their oath to the constitution. Please be one of them and end the D.C. crime spree before it's too late. Fiona Carroll, Mission Viejo This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Letters: Why Palm Springs Airport expansion is a must
