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Condé Nast Traveler
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
Women Who Travel Podcast: Eva Longoria on Eating Her Way Around Spain
You can listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify each week. Follow this link if you're listening on Apple News. In 2023, Eva Longoria headed to Mexico with CNN in search of a deeper understanding of the country's rich culinary heritage and her own family history. Last month, she returned to our screens with a brand new season, Searching for Spain, which takes her all over the country to explore the vast regional scope of its cuisine and learn about her Spanish ancestors. Lale sits down with the actor and television host to find out how she chose the destinations for each episode, her most memorable meals in places like San Sebastián and Andalusia, and how food can be an entry point to connecting more deeply with history—and each other. Lale Arikoglu: Hi there. I'm Lale Arikoglu and welcome to an episode of Women Who Travel, where we are traveling around Spain with Eva Longoria. Eva's new CNN show, Searching for Spain, is a follow-up to her series, Searching for Mexico, which ran in 2023. Eva Longoria: So I didn't know Spain as well, and so the difference is like Mexico, I felt like I was at home. Spain really felt like a fish out of water and I was really curious and engaged in the history of gastronomy in the country, but also the history of the ingredients and how things ended up there and colonization and how did that help, and Franco's dictatorship and how did that have an effect on food. But I do live part-time in Spain. I live in Marbella in the South, so unfamiliar with the south, but everything else, I was just visited very, very superficially. And so to go to Spain in this way, with the show, really dig in deeply was a gift. With the CNN research team, they really look at food stories. I mean, that's what drives this series is like, is there a food story there? So sometimes there'll be regions that are very popular, but there's no food story. So that's kind of the lens in which we look at each region and there's obvious cities and regions. We went to Madrid being its own episode and Catalonia being its own episode, Pais Vasco, the Basque Country being its own. And then after that, just trying to find the stories and the history and what would be visually beautiful, what people and chefs we wanted to follow. What was daunting was speaking Castilian Spanish, because I didn't grow up speaking Spanish. I spoke Spanish in the Mexico series because I'm Mexican, but to go to the mother country of Spain and to speak Castellano, which is very different than Mexican Spanish, that was daunting. So I was like, oh God, I hope I'm going to be able to understand and communicate because when you speak the language, you really can ask the right questions and absorb the answers. And so that's what was terrifying, but it was great. I did well.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Sustainable Resorts in Mexico: Inside Chablé Hotels
Five-star Chable Hotels combine Mexican design, architecture, art and cuisine, respecting and ... More honoring the environment and local culture. As interest in sustainable tourism continues to rise, more properties around the world are taking steps toward minimizing negative impacts on the environment, preserving local cultures, and benefitting the communities in which they operate their hotels and resorts. An exemplary leader in this trend is Chablé Hotels, a Mexican-owned, five-star company that operates sustainable resorts in the Yucatan peninsula. The hotels, one in the state of Yucatan and another in the Riviera Maya, aim to set a standard of sustainability without compromising luxury by encouraging guests to live in harmony with nature and honor the local cultures and traditions. An important aspect of the experience are the food and drink programs, which set them apart from other luxury resorts in the area. For starters, all Chablé Hotels' restaurants are led by award-winning chef Jorge Vallejo, the mastermind behind México City's Michelin-starred Quintonil, included in the 50 World's Best Restaurants lists since 2015. With Vallejo as corporate chef, the cuisine at both Chablé Yucatan and Chablé Maroma reflects Mexico's culinary heritage, using local ingredients and traditions while allowing each property's chefs the creativity to transform them into innovative preparations that are a feast for all senses. Housed in a former XIX Century sisal hacienda, Chable Yucatan is an oasis of tranquility steeped in ... More history. Chablé Yucatán opened in 2016, set within 750 acres just 25 minutes from the historic capital city of Mérida. Sustainably designed and built in a restored 19th-century sisal hacienda, it preserves the rich history of the area by using rescued materials from the buildings, reutilizing collapsed stones and consolidating other buildings, building casitas and villas with the least environmental impact possible, and reinterpreting roots and trunks of fallen trees as unique furniture and sculptures. The vibe at this incredible property is one of quiet seclusion and well-being. Mornings start with dozens of different bird songs, and white-tailed deer, considered sacred by the ancient Maya, roam free and forage around the property. The amazing spa is the first in the world to be built surrounding a cenote, one of the many natural water sources that dot the Yucatán Peninsula. Named the The Best Hotel in North America 2024 by 50 Best and awarded two Michelin Keys, the hotel supports local artisans, using their crafts to decorate the buildings and grounds. Women from the Maya town of Ich Muul embroidered the original textile collection found at the resort, rescuing designs and colors representing the land's history. In fact, Maya culture is the heart and soul of the property, which offers many activities for guests to learn and experience its beautiful traditions. That, of course, includes the cuisine. At the traditional Maya outdoor kitchen, local women cooks prepare simple meals and teach cooking ... More classes. Here, chefs create seasonal menus using ingredients grown organically in the traditional Maya raised gardens called k'anche'. Guests can tour the gardens with the resident horticulturists, which grow fruit, vegetables and herbs to use in the restaurants. At the melipona bee sanctuary, visitors can harvest and taste honey directly from the hives. Prior to collecting, a local shaman conducts a ceremony to honor and respect the bees. Perhaps the most heartwarming and educational experience at Chablé Yucatán is the Casita Maya, a replica of a traditional Maya house and outdoor kitchen, where Yucatec women cooks known as the tías - the aunts - teach simple and delicious regional dishes and introduce the local ingredients. From grinding heirloom corn to make the tortillas, to roasting meat and vegetables over a wood fire, these experiences are not only delicious, but also allow the women to transmit their knowledge and recipes, raising awareness about endemic ingredients and the importance of preserving the environment in which they grow. Afterwards, participants sit al fresco to enjoy their preparations surrounded by nature. Award-winning Ixi'im Restaurant has been recognized for its stunning modern Mexican cuisine that ... More honors the gastronomy of Yucatan. There are two restaurants within the property: laid-back, poolside Ki'ol and award-winning Ixi'im, both offering seasonal menus using fresh produce grown in the hotel's k'anche'. Executive chef Ernesto Flores leads the wider culinary offerings, while executive chef Luis Ronzón heads up Ixi'im, the recipient of a 50 Best Discovery award. Ki'ol serves breakfast and lunch, with a focus on fresh and healthy preparations as well as refreshing cocktails and fruit juices. Meaning corn in Yucatec Maya, Ixi'im is housed in the former factory of the hacienda, serving modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on local and traditional ingredients and celebrating the unique cuisine of the Yucatán. Ronzón's culinary path began under the mentorship of Mexico's beloved chef and food historian Yuri de Gortari and as an apprentice to René Redzepi at Noma, experiences that shaped his talent before leading him to Quintonil, where he worked alongside Vallejo. Now at Ixi'im, he uses modern techniques to showcase local ingredients, the smoky flavors of the pib, the traditional Maya underground oven, and the region's Lebanese heritage. The amazing food at Ixi'im changes seasonally, with six-course tasting menus and a la carte options ... More available. With 3,435 bottles and counting, the bar at Ixi'im boasts one of the world's most extensive and impressive private tequila collections which lines the restaurant walls. The collection includes a bottle of Brinde por México by José Cuervo from 1845, and one-of-a-kind pieces painted by famed Mexican muralist Rufino Tamayo. The bar itself boasts a great selection of agave spirits, served alone, as flights or in craft cocktails. Set in an independent building across the grassy field, the hotel's cozy Sikar Bar has an extensive menu featuring classic spirits from around the world and a curated collection of various Mexican distillates, offering lively mixology classes for cocktail enthusiasts. Chablé Maroma sits on a long strecht of perfectly secluded beach, surrounded by carefylly preserved ... More mangroves. Following the success of Chablé Yucatán, Chablé Maroma opened in September 2018 on Maroma Beach in the Riviera Maya, surrounded by mangroves and flanked by the Caribbean Sea in proximity to the world's second-largest coral reef. It's just 40 minutes from Cancun airport, but it truly feels like a million miles away. Here, serenity and wellness are key to the whole experience, offering privacy amid nature and a spa with treatments centered around Maya traditions and the sea, and bespoke wellness retreats tailored individually. Renowned interior designer Paulina Morán created spaces that showcase nature while feeling luxurious. Add an efficient and friendly staff that seems genuinely happy to be where they are, and its no wonder Chablé Maroma has received one Michelin Key and a mention in the 50 Best Discovery list. In tune with Chablé's commitment to sustainability and support for local communities and the environment, the hotel partners with Oceanus A.C., a renowned Mexican pioneer in coral reef restoration, to safeguard vital coral species in the reef. Together, they offer a beautiful activity in which guests learn about coral preservation and are invited to create a personalized coral seedling 'home' to contribute to ongoing restoration efforts. Chablé Maroma has three food and beverage outlets, each with a different menu and vibe. Chablé Maroma has three seaside food and beverage outlets, each with its own vibe and culinary focus, but all inspired in seasonality and using produce and herbs from the property's k'anche'. At poolside Kaban, flavors from Mexico's coastal regions take center stage. Try the regional breakfast of huevos motuleños — eggs sunny side up on fried tortilla with refried beans, red sauce green peas fried plantain, spiced sausage, turkey ham, sour cream and cotija cheese — and refresh yourself at lunchtime with a ceviche or aguachile. If you're looking for a laid-back dinner, a varied menu includes seafood, steaks and pastas. Of course, ice cold beer and tropical cocktails are in order. For a truly special dinner, however, Bu'ul is the perfect choice. Here, the contemporary cuisine of chef Carlos Navarrete is influenced by the culinary traditions of the Yucatan, complemented by a spectacular wine list. The Michelin Guide recommended Bu'ul 'for its sophisticated dishes featuring corn, beans, and chiles.' Bu'ul, after all, is the Maya word for bean. The seasonal menus are a collaboration between Navarrete and Vallejo, using fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms and sustainable seafood. A six-course tasting menu is the way to go, but a la carte dishes are also available and worth a try. A dish of duck with mole and chochoyotes is an example of the signature dishes at Bu'ul. Bu'ul's wine list, curated by sommelier Michael González, was the regional winner for Most Original Wine List and Best Designed Wine List in The World's Best Wine Lists 2024. It features a fantastic range of Mexican and international wines, including rare vertical collections that make it one of the most recognized in the Riviera Maya. The wine cellar offers private tastings, which are not to be missed. González is a fountain of knowledge but also a great educator, explaining things in detail without being pretentious or condescending. The space is beautiful, to boot. Above Bu'ul is Raw Bar, a terrace cocktail bar with incredible views and the laid-back elegance that characterizes the property. The menu, as the name implies, includes seafood preparations by the Bu'ul culinary team, with craft cocktails, beer and wine available. If you fancy an informal dinner with a spectacular sunset, this is the place. Chefs bury the cochinita pibil in the morning and serve it at night with all the trimmings. If you like getting your hands dirty in the kitchen take a cooking class. You can learn to make your own roasted salsa using the traditional stone molcajete while sipping a refreshing cocktail, or book a more elaborate Yucatec cuisine class and learn to make regional classics. If liquid cuisine is more your beat, Raw Bar's mixologists also teach afternoon cocktail clases, just in time for happy hour. For a truly unique experience, be sure to ask about the pib ceremony. Weather permitting, chefs prepare cochinita pibil, perhaps the most iconic dish of the region, in an underground pit directly on the beach. They bury the seasoned pork loin in the morning and unearth it in the evening for dinner, serving it the traditional way with freshly made tortillas, salsas and pickled onions. This is not to be missed. Both of these properties are an incredible example of how luxury resorts can and should respect the people, the cultures and the environment of the places in which they are built. Going even further, Chablé Hotels actively participate and encourage the restoration of the ecosystems and preservation of the traditions that make Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula, so unique.
CNA
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
An invitation to experience culinary mastery at Michelin-starred restaurants and more
Some of the most compelling cultural narratives aren't found in museums – they're served on plates. Rooted in native ingredients and shaped by generations of tradition, culinary heritage is a collection of treasured stories – brought to life by passionate chefs with polished techniques and their own signature flair. That is why Asia's Finest Tables by UOB Cards places such importance on curating personal, meaningful expressions of cuisine. It not only celebrates outstanding culinary talent but also invites diners to discover new stories with every course. Beyond priority access to some of the region's most sought-after restaurants, select UOB cardmembers enjoy additional privileges that make the experience even more memorable. These include off-menu creations and UOB-exclusive dishes, a complimentary seat for a guest with every paying diner, and a glass of wine per guest, rated 95 and above by Robert Parker Wine Advocate. PRISTINE PRODUCE AND EARTHY ESSENCES This season, the two Singapore restaurants featured in Asia's Finest Tables by UOB Cards tell a story of contrast. One is a masterclass in restraint – refining seasonal produce to its purest form without losing its allure. The other dives deep into bold ingredients, offering dishes layered with meaning and complexity. High above the city on the 70th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, two-Michelin-starred JAAN by Kirk Westaway continues to serve modern British cuisine with finesse. For this UOB-exclusive experience, chef Westaway looks to the sea, showcasing two white meats with elegant precision. First is the toothfish fillet, poached gently in brown butter and served in a light tomato-caper broth, its acidity balancing the fish's natural richness. Then, the Brittany blue lobster tail arrives delicately poached, paired with English peas and Kristal caviar in a nuanced play of sweetness and salinity. At one-Michelin-starred Seroja, chef Kevin Wong draws from his Malaysian roots with his two UOB-exclusive dishes. His beef rib percik is a labour of love: Slow-cooked for 42 hours with herbs and spices, then kissed by charcoal for a smoky finish. It's served with Sia rice from Sarawak and a side of lauk pauk – a bone broth brightened with jasmine tea and an acar-inspired salad. The journey continues with lobster with white pepper gulai. The slow-poached Brittany lobster gains depth from a butter stock warmed over mangrove embers, and richness from a stew of lobster shells, prawn stock and tropical herbs. The dish is finished with a lemongrass-scented broth enriched with silky cold-pressed coconut milk. A new wave of fine dining chefs is emerging across Malaysia. With fresh perspectives and deep respect for tradition, they're winning over diners and redefining the country's food scene. At Molina in Kuala Lumpur, head chef Guillaume Depoortere – known for his avant-garde take on European fine dining – brings bold innovation to Asia's ingredients. Drawn to the region's vibrant flavours, he has quickly earned a Michelin star and a loyal following. For this special menu, he reimagines a classic from his Amsterdam restaurant Spectrum: Herring on crispy dill cracker, served with smoked egg yolk, dill sauce, cinnamon foam and caviar. Dessert pushes boundaries further. Pungent Époisses cheese is served atop a crisp potato chip, paired with mochi-style blackberry and a sharp hit of horseradish – a daring end note that only reveals its genius once tasted. Over at Potager, listed in the Michelin Guide, guests are greeted with a tranquil bamboo-framed entrance – an expression of chef Masashi Horiuchi's philosophy, inspired by the Japanese proverb 'ichigo ichie': A reminder to treasure every moment, as it passes only once. Its UOB-exclusive menu opens with a luxurious twist on a humble dish: An onsen egg layered with truffle-braised leeks, tender abalone, white pearl clams, Bafun uni and Kristal caviar, finished tableside with clam jus to heighten its umami richness. The foie gras dish offers bold contrast, where the liver's creamy depth meets tart braised rhubarb, roselle jelly, pistachios and a drizzle of duck jus, served with homemade brioche. MEMORIES KEPT AND MADE In Bangkok, two Michelin-recognised restaurants are capturing attention with menus that blend tradition and innovation. At Côte by Mauro Colagreco, chef Davide Garavaglia has kept the restaurant's two Michelin stars for four years. Bringing the spirit of the Mediterranean to Bangkok, he infuses Riviera elegance with Thai influences. For the UOB-exclusive experience, diners can savour barbecued otoro paired with radish carpaccio and briny Dauricus caviar. Next comes the pigeon, prepared nose-to-tail and complemented by sweet Chiang Mai strawberries and a black garlic coulis. Nusara – listed in Michelin Guide Thailand – is set in a charming heritage shophouse overlooking Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. Chef Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn named the restaurant after his late grandmother, honouring the warmth of the meals they once shared. This personal connection shines through in his colourful Thai dishes that spark happiness and nostalgia. On the UOB-exclusive menu, you'll find watermelon sorbet with dried fish – a sophisticated twist on a Thai summer classic. The dish layers the intense brininess of dried fish with cool watermelon, lime and aromatic fried shallots. Another showstopper is the crispy vermicelli with Siamese lime. Delicate rice noodles are fried to a golden crisp and drizzled with a tangy sauce made with lime, pineapple, fish sauce and herbs. TREASURES FROM TIDE AND TERROIR A returning favourite to Asia's Finest Tables by UOB Cards is Jakarta's August, which has held a spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for three consecutive years. The duo behind its success – chef Hans Christian and restaurateur Budi Cahyadi – continues to charm with inventive takes on Indonesian flavours. The new menu champions sustainability and thoughtful sourcing, with each dish a quiet homage to the producers who make it possible. The UOB-exclusive Lombok fish crudo is a delicate starter that celebrates the quality of local catch. The fresh fish is marinated in a zesty calamansi dressing and topped with ikura and black tea jelly. Another highlight is the pineapple-fed chicken, served with glazed maitake mushrooms grown by an artisan producer in Lembang. The dish is a compelling example of circular sustainability: Chickens raised on a pineapple farm are fed fruit trimmings, reducing waste and naturally enhancing the meat's subtle sweetness. A STELLAR LINE-UP OF RESTAURANTS AWAITS Across borders and cuisines, these restaurants are united by a common thread: Storytelling through food. By honouring their heritage and pushing culinary boundaries, they offer a rare and intimate experience – one designed to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're indulging in avant-garde gastronomy or exploring the personal stories behind each dish, savour the finest ingredients from sky, land and sea. Enjoy priority access to the fine dining experiences in the region with Asia's Finest Tables by UOB Cards.
Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Times
The best balsamic vinegars — and top chefs on how to use them
Everyone's heard of balsamic vinegar. In fact, our supermarket shelves are lined with bottles and bottles of the glossy black liquid. But did you know that there are actuallytwo types of everyone's favourite sweet and sour condiment and that one is ever so exclusive? The original product, which gave birth to the one we're familiar with in the UK, follows a centuries-old method and requires a lot of patience — 12 years, in fact, and 25 if you want your vinegar to be classed as extra vecchio (extra aged). It is so uniquely delicious that it's known as the 'black gold of Modena', but its official title is Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP. • 5 delicious dressing recipes from the Salad Project It'll
