Latest news with #culinaryjourney
CBC
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CBC
Man visiting all Old Spaghetti Factory locations finally ends the Canadian leg of his tour in Saskatoon
Every time Andrew Mancini does an icebreaker activity, he proudly shares the scripted answer of his life-long goal: visiting all 62 locations of the Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant chain. This ambitious culinary journey has taken him across the United States, Canada, and even to Japan. In all of his visits to the 59 unique locations so far, Mancini always orders the same meal that he first had as a 10-year-old: spaghetti with marinara sauce. "I thought I'd been to enough Old Spaghetti Factories that I had to double down and continue to order what I had as a 10-year-old," the soon-to-be alum of Stanford University in California told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. "Still to this day — and it kills all the managers — I'll fly out to Toronto, 2,000 miles away from San Francisco [and] thousands of miles to Japan, and still basically order off the kids' menu." The Old Spaghetti Factory was founded in 1969 by the late Guss and Sally Dussin in Portland, Ore. Since then, the Italian-American-style franchise continues providing its signature three-course meal and charming, old-timey decor. Mancini's 12-year-and-counting love affair with the Old Spaghetti Factory only intensified as he grew up. His devotion centres around fond family memories and creating new fun ones with friends. Origins of this quest At the age of 10, when his family decided to stop at an Old Spaghetti Factory during a vacation in southern California, Mancini had his first meal at the restaurant. It was love at first bite. A month later, in a separate trip, his parents took him on another vacation to Whistler, B.C., where they also ended up at the local Old Spaghetti Factory. This second time around, Mancini noticed how all the chain's global spots were listed in the menu's border. "So 10-year-old me was able to say, 'Hey, in a one-month time span, I've been to two kind of geographically far apart locations,' and I could physically check off the two I'd been to. I saw that there were maybe 40 or 45 others… 10-year-old me said, 'Hey I'm going to try to visit them all.'" Mancini, 22, says he recognizes that it seems like an odd ambition, but that his parents encouraged him to pursue his spaghetti-inspired travel bucket list. "They kind of laughed," he said. "Some people make an effort to get every national park or every state in the U.S. or every major league baseball stadium… and they said, 'Hey, if you want to make this your own version, you know, go for it.' And I don't think they ever really thought I'd make it… but here we are." Takeaways from his pasta-driven travels Thanks to his passion for this restaurant chain's pasta, Mancini has had a blast traveling to places he might never have visited otherwise. The final Canadian location from his Old Spaghetti Factory tour he had to cross off his list brought him to Saskatoon. He says the same meal is "surprisingly" consistent from the U.S. to Canada to Japan. "Down to the pasta sauce, the garlic butter that comes with the bread, the spumoni that they give you for dessert — it's crazy, when you think about it, that two continents apart, they're still providing the same dishes. In Canada, I'll give it, that they serve basil leaves on top of the pasta's marinara sauce, which they don't in Japan or the U.S." Restaurant managers across the United States have also invited him to attend the inauguration of new locations. The latest was to Medford, Ore., in late April, where he even met with the founders' son, Chris Dussin. But Mancini said he'd still be a loyal customer even without the special treatment. Esteban Martinez, the current manager of the Old Spaghetti Factory in Saskatoon, said his team was "very excited" to welcome this super fan and "talk about how much he loves the spaghetti," particularly "his love of the marinara sauce." Andrew Mancini has Italian-American roots, but when his relatives back in Sicily hear about his endeavour, he says they "roll their eyes and not comment on whether or not this restaurant is truly authentic Italian." When he pitches the restaurant to others, Mancini says he's often met with skepticism. But he always has a comeback ready: "Hey, remember, I'm a quarter Italian, so I have a little bit more ability to say this is good Italian food." With only three locations left to visit (Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wa. and Spokane, Wa.), Mancini says he has reflected on nearly completing his feat. "Everyone's been making a joke, 'What happens after I reach the sixty-second? Is life even worth living?'" "But certainly it's been fun memories along the way, and they do continue to expand every year, so even if I make it to 62 by [this] year's end, hopefully next year or the year after, they'll be a new Canadian or American city to go explore."
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Stanley Tucci eats his way across Italy — again — in new food series
LONDON, May 12 — Stanley Tucci is no stranger to hosting a television series, but when asked how it compares to acting, the Oscar nominee is clear: 'Hosting is harder because you have to be yourself. 'And the reason actors become actors is they probably don't want to be themselves all the time,' he said, laughing. Known for films like Conclave, Julie & Julia, The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games, Tucci embarks on a culinary journey across Italy in his new show, Tucci in Italy. From sampling traditional knödel in Trentino Alto-Adige to tucking into succulent porchetta in Lazio, the five-episode series sees him talking to chefs, farmers, shopkeepers and everyday Italians about their food and traditions. He describes it as 'an exploration of what makes up Italy through the prism of food'. '(Italians) live to eat and everybody else eats to live... You can talk to a cab driver and you can talk to someone of the they'll talk about food in the same way,' Tucci said in an interview with Reuters. 'And were they to meet, they would talk about food in the same way and they would talk in-depth about it. I don't know another culture that would do that, where it just breaks down all boundaries.' In the show, Tucci travels to five regions — Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, Lazio and Abruzzo. While not a fan of spice, Tucci said he was willing to try anything: 'I sort of did, I think, on this trip. There was lots of offal, which I love.' 'When I was watching the episodes again, I was like, there really is a lot of offal in these that's just a part of what Italy is and that's what they eat.' Tucci, the author of several cookbooks, has Italian origins and has lived as well as visited the country before — including for his previous travel and food show, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy. 'The more I travel through Italy, the more I of people in my childhood,' he said. 'You might see somebody who looks like your aunt or your great aunt or your it makes you feel connected to the people that you've lost.' Tucci in Italy streams on Disney+ from May 19 and premieres on National Geographic on May 21. — Reuters
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Hospitality Entrepreneur You Don't Know About But Should
Restaurant owner and chef Rafael Hasid As a lifestyle journalist, I like to think I'm plugged into the latest and greatest places to eat. When it comes to long-established popular restaurants- knowing them is part of my beat. How did I have no idea who chef and restaurant owner Rafael Hasid was? I've met him only recently, and he has rocked my culinary world. He may not be a name you recognize, but trust me when I say that once you discover what his spots are all about and who he is, he will be a part of your culinary journey for the years ahead. Rafael owns multiple restaurants under his brand, 6R Hospitality Group. They include Miriam in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is as hot as ever. Then there's Miram on the Upper West Side, which has my heart, Miriam Street Food, Rafael, the 'it' spot on the Upper East Side, and the Creole eatery 1803 NYC in Tribeca. These places are always packed and always welcoming. Each features a distinctive design, the freshest food made with the best ingredients, and great cocktails, spirits, and wines. Overall, going to them makes a great time. But rather than me going on, let me introduce you to Rafael, who shares more about his story and his concepts. Whether you're a local or a visitor to New York, experiencing one or more is a must. A spread of dishes at Rafael. You began your culinary journey quite early, washing dishes at 15. How did that initial experience spark your interest in the restaurant world? I fell in love with the fast paced and high energy of the kitchen. There's something electric about the pressure of getting ready for service, and then being in that zone during the rush—it's exhilarating. I enjoyed starting my day early, prepping in a quiet kitchen with just the crew, and then ending the night together cleaning and shutting everything down. I found myself constantly improving, getting faster, and creating systems to be more efficient. On top of that, I loved hanging out with the older staff after hours. I was drawn to every part of the restaurant world. After gaining experience in Tel Aviv, you moved to New York City to attend the French Culinary Institute. Was your goal always to open your own restaurant after that? In January 2000, I lost my older brother after a 2.5-year battle with cancer. We were incredibly close. During his illness, I put my life on hold to be there for him, both mentally and physically. Before he passed, we had many conversations about my future, and he encouraged me to chase my dreams. A few months later, I used the money he left me to travel and figure out my next steps. I first explored hotel management in Switzerland, but quickly realized wearing a suit and tie every day wasn't for me. I then came to New York and visited several culinary schools. I liked the CIA in Poughkeepsie, but as a foreigner, I felt it might be too isolating. Eventually, I found the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, loved the program, and enrolled. At that time, I had no plans to open a restaurant. I simply wanted to become a professional cook and find my place in the NYC restaurant scene. Miriam Park Slope Looking back, did you ever imagine you would build a successful restaurant group like 6R Hospitality? What have been some key challenges and successes? Honestly, no. I've always been very practical—I wasn't thinking about building a group, and even after opening my first restaurant, I didn't expect to open more. But like they say, with food comes appetite. The biggest challenge for me was shifting from being a chef focused solely on the kitchen to seeing the full picture—understanding that food is just one part of a successful restaurant. Service, ambiance, location, design, and even a bit of luck all need to align. When I started expanding, I realized I couldn't do it all on my own. I needed to build a strong team with skills I didn't have. My greatest success has been finding great people and learning to delegate. I'm proud to say some of my team members have been with me for over 20 years. Miriam, your first restaurant in Park Slope, was a tribute to your mother. How did her spirit shape the concept and atmosphere of Miriam? Both of my parents inspired me deeply, but my mom's name—Miriam—was a perfect fit for a restaurant. They taught me to work hard, respect others, be kind without expecting anything in return, and believe in myself. In Israel, we say someone is the 'salt of the earth'—that was them: humble, real, and full of integrity. After losing my brother, I wanted to make my parents proud. Miriam is a way of honoring my roots and showing my love and appreciation for the values they instilled in me. I truly hope my brother sees what I've built—I'm sure he would be proud. The original Miriam opened 20 years ago this month and is still known for its bustling brunch. When did you first notice the buzz growing around that location? From day one, Miriam stood out as the only Israeli restaurant offering a full-service experience—not just falafel or fast food. I remember our very first weekend, there was a line out the door. Within a month, we had people waiting outside before we even opened. I recall someone posting a video of the line on Facebook—I sent it to all my friends. Most congratulated me, but one friend said, 'Why don't you just open earlier?' So we did. And we still get lines today, especially between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. That's why we eventually expanded brunch to seven days a week. A spread of Miriam dishes. Having been in the restaurant industry for 20 years, how have you seen it change? While the core of hospitality remains the same, today's guests are much more informed and expect more from a dining experience. They're health-conscious, value presentation, and are highly influenced by social media. It's no longer just about filling up—it's about the whole experience: the food, the atmosphere, the visuals, and the service. Restaurants must deliver on all fronts to stay relevant. For someone visiting Miriam for the first time, what are a few must-try dishes and why? For brunch, I always recommend the Israeli breakfast with labneh, eggs, and salad; our green or red shakshuka; and the breakfast burekas—it's a favorite. For dinner, try the halloumi and artichoke salad, Brussels sprouts, and our signature lamb shawarma. Each dish reflects our roots and showcases fresh, vibrant flavors. What makes the food at Miriam stand out? Are there any original menu items featured during the anniversary celebration? We're celebrating our 20th anniversary with a special retro menu featuring dishes from our original opening—at their original prices. Think grilled Jerusalem bread stuffed with feta and jalapeños for $5, spanakopita for $5.50, lamb shank with couscous and dried fruits for $20, and more. What sets our food apart is the authenticity and heart behind it. We stay true to the flavors of home while making everything with intention and care. After Miriam's success, you opened 1803 NYC, a restaurant inspired by New Orleans. What sparked that concept? I visited New Orleans for the first time in February 2017 and fell in love—with the food, the music, the spirit. When I returned to New York, I knew I had to bring that energy here. A few months later, I was asked to consult on a restaurant in Tribeca. When I walked in and saw the mezzanine, it reminded me of Bourbon Street balconies. I told the owner, 'I won't consult, but if you make me a partner, I'll turn this into a New Orleans-inspired restaurant.' And that's how 1803 was born. 1803 NYC is known for its live entertainment and speakeasy. What kind of experience can guests expect there? 1803 is a New Orleans-style tavern with vibrant Cajun-American food—gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, charbroiled oysters, and more. We have live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekend brunches. Our downstairs speakeasy is open Wednesday to Saturday and features specialty cocktails in a vintage 1920s setting, fully decorated with antiques from the Brimfield market. If you want in, just tell the host you know Rafael. Your newest restaurant, Rafael, opened on the Upper East Side in 2024. What inspired this concept, and how does it differ from Miriam? Rafael is a bit more refined and focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, whereas Miriam leans more toward traditional Middle Eastern flavors. I wanted to create something that reflects a broader cultural influence while staying true to my identity. Jews came to Israel from 154 different countries, and Rafael's menu is a tribute to that wider diaspora. It's elegant, soulful, and rooted in history. What are a few must-try dishes at Rafael? I'd recommend the pan-seared chicken and roasted leeks—simple but full of flavor. The sautéed mushrooms with yogurt cheese are a standout, and the lamb chops are phenomenal. I never put anything on the menu I don't personally love. With 20 years behind you and new restaurants still opening, what's next for 6R Hospitality? We're working on opening a new Miriam in the West Village at 140–142 7th Avenue South, targeted for late summer 2025. Beyond that, who knows—but I don't think this journey is over. As long as I love what I do, I'll keep going. Someone once asked me why I chose the restaurant business. I said, 'I like making people happy. I considered being a comedian—but restaurants are much easier.'
CNN
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Searching for Spain' star Eva Longoria's must-have travel essentials include this under-$40 eye serum
Two years after the finale of the CNN Original Series 'Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico,' the award-winning actress, producer and director is back as our virtual travel guide. This time, though, Longoria is taking us to Europe — no passport needed. In the eight-episode docuseries 'Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain,' which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on CNN, Longoria leads viewers on a culinary journey around Spain. In the premiere, we follow Longoria to Barcelona and the Catalonia region, where she takes in stunning views, experiences the Festa de la Filloxera (Phylloxera Festival) and savors flavorful local cuisine. 'Spain's rich culture, passionate people and bold and diverse cuisines have captivated me as long as I can remember, especially knowing that one of my Mexican-American ancestors has deep roots in this remarkable country,' Longoria said in a press release. 'The opportunity to immerse myself in Spain's many regions, to discover its fascinating history, to indulge in its dynamic culinary traditions and innovations has been nothing short of exhilarating. I am so excited to finally share this incredible journey with the world!' Ahead, we asked the host and executive producer about her must-have travel items, from the luggage she relies on to transport her belongings sans issues to the dark-circle-banishing eye serum she can't live without. Tumi 19 Degree Lite Continental 4-Wheeled Carry-On When it comes to luggage, Longoria believes in investing in high-quality pieces, which is why she's such a big fan of luxury suitcase brand Tumi. This carry-on from the brand may come with a $850 price tag, but it has a durable Tegris outer shell that can withstand rough handling, meaning accidental drops won't put a dent in your day. In addition to two different handles — telescoping and top carry — plus dual wheels that allow the suitcase to effortlessly cruise along, the carry-on has a thoughtfully designed interior to help you organize your belongings. Bandolier Hailey Leather Crossbody Phone Case Longoria is among the many celebrities, including Blake Lively and Martha Stewart, who are fans of Bandolier's crossbody phone case. Crafted from genuine pebbled leather, the Hailey, one of the brand's bestsellers, allows you to go hands-free while keeping your phone close, a benefit Longoria describes as a lifesaver. It has an adjustable strap and an expandable wallet to hold your cards and cash. We also love that it comes in several neutral hues, along with red for those who prefer a pop of color. Oura Ring 4 A self-proclaimed biohacker, Longoria says her Oura Ring (we've tested the 3rd-generation model) has been key to helping her improve her sleep. In fact, the chic fitness tracker is the reason why the "Searching For Spain" star began taking magnesium supplements before bed. In addition to its sleep-tracking capabilities, the Oura Ring 4 can also measure things like activity and stress levels so you can keep tabs on your health while you're traveling. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid and Caffeine Eye Serum In terms of travel-friendly skin care, Longoria praises this under-$40 eye serum from L'Oréal Paris, a brand she's partnered with, for its soothing roller ball applicator, which features not one but three cooling stainless steel balls. Formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and caffeine to minimize puffiness and dark circles, the serum can be used both day and night. And since you can pack liquids under 3.4 ounces in your carry-on, you can bring this serum onto the plane with you. Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask Longoria usually wears eyelash extensions, so she loves that this silk sleep mask from Slip is contoured on the inside to prevent unwanted contact with her lashes. 'It's the best,' she said. 'I give it as a gift to everybody.' CNN Underscored beauty editor Sophie Shaw is also a fan of the brand and uses its Pure Silk Pillowcase, which she describes as ultra soft and cool to the touch. Alo Airlift High-Waisted Suit-Up Leggings 'I love Alo, in general,' Longoria said. 'They're probably my favorite workout brand ... I like the fabrics, I like the colors [and] I like the styles.' These high-waisted, full-length leggings come in several colors and can be worn for everything from train travel to high-intensity workouts. Longoria says she also appreciates the brand's lifestyle pieces in addition to its performance wear. Alo Airlift Suit-Up Sports Bra Like the matching leggings, the Airlift Suit Up Sports Bra is made from Alo's high-compression Airlift fabric. It features contrast piping, adjustable straps and removable cups so you can customize the level of padding. We love that the bra can be worn on its own or under a jacket or sweatshirt. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis rounded up some of Eva Longoria's favorite travel essentials.
CNN
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Searching for Spain' star Eva Longoria's must-have travel essentials include this under-$40 eye serum
Two years after the finale of the CNN Original Series 'Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico,' the award-winning actress, producer and director is back as our virtual travel guide. This time, though, Longoria is taking us to Europe — no passport needed. In the eight-episode docuseries 'Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain,' which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on CNN, Longoria leads viewers on a culinary journey around Spain. In the premiere, we follow Longoria to Barcelona and the Catalonia region, where she takes in stunning views, experiences the Festa de la Filloxera (Phylloxera Festival) and savors flavorful local cuisine. 'Spain's rich culture, passionate people and bold and diverse cuisines have captivated me as long as I can remember, especially knowing that one of my Mexican-American ancestors has deep roots in this remarkable country,' Longoria said in a press release. 'The opportunity to immerse myself in Spain's many regions, to discover its fascinating history, to indulge in its dynamic culinary traditions and innovations has been nothing short of exhilarating. I am so excited to finally share this incredible journey with the world!' Ahead, we asked the host and executive producer about her must-have travel items, from the luggage she relies on to transport her belongings sans issues to the dark-circle-banishing eye serum she can't live without. Tumi 19 Degree Lite Continental 4-Wheeled Carry-On When it comes to luggage, Longoria believes in investing in high-quality pieces, which is why she's such a big fan of luxury suitcase brand Tumi. This carry-on from the brand may come with a $850 price tag, but it has a durable Tegris outer shell that can withstand rough handling, meaning accidental drops won't put a dent in your day. In addition to two different handles — telescoping and top carry — plus dual wheels that allow the suitcase to effortlessly cruise along, the carry-on has a thoughtfully designed interior to help you organize your belongings. Bandolier Hailey Leather Crossbody Phone Case Longoria is among the many celebrities, including Blake Lively and Martha Stewart, who are fans of Bandolier's crossbody phone case. Crafted from genuine pebbled leather, the Hailey, one of the brand's bestsellers, allows you to go hands-free while keeping your phone close, a benefit Longoria describes as a lifesaver. It has an adjustable strap and an expandable wallet to hold your cards and cash. We also love that it comes in several neutral hues, along with red for those who prefer a pop of color. Oura Ring 4 A self-proclaimed biohacker, Longoria says her Oura Ring (we've tested the 3rd-generation model) has been key to helping her improve her sleep. In fact, the chic fitness tracker is the reason why the "Searching For Spain" star began taking magnesium supplements before bed. In addition to its sleep-tracking capabilities, the Oura Ring 4 can also measure things like activity and stress levels so you can keep tabs on your health while you're traveling. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid and Caffeine Eye Serum In terms of travel-friendly skin care, Longoria praises this under-$40 eye serum from L'Oréal Paris, a brand she's partnered with, for its soothing roller ball applicator, which features not one but three cooling stainless steel balls. Formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and caffeine to minimize puffiness and dark circles, the serum can be used both day and night. And since you can pack liquids under 3.4 ounces in your carry-on, you can bring this serum onto the plane with you. Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask Longoria usually wears eyelash extensions, so she loves that this silk sleep mask from Slip is contoured on the inside to prevent unwanted contact with her lashes. 'It's the best,' she said. 'I give it as a gift to everybody.' CNN Underscored beauty editor Sophie Shaw is also a fan of the brand and uses its Pure Silk Pillowcase, which she describes as ultra soft and cool to the touch. Alo Airlift High-Waisted Suit-Up Leggings 'I love Alo, in general,' Longoria said. 'They're probably my favorite workout brand ... I like the fabrics, I like the colors [and] I like the styles.' These high-waisted, full-length leggings come in several colors and can be worn for everything from train travel to high-intensity workouts. Longoria says she also appreciates the brand's lifestyle pieces in addition to its performance wear. Alo Airlift Suit-Up Sports Bra Like the matching leggings, the Airlift Suit Up Sports Bra is made from Alo's high-compression Airlift fabric. It features contrast piping, adjustable straps and removable cups so you can customize the level of padding. We love that the bra can be worn on its own or under a jacket or sweatshirt. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis rounded up some of Eva Longoria's favorite travel essentials.
