Latest from Forbes
Forbes
11 minutes ago
- Business
- Forbes
Sea Cloud Cruises Expands Audience, Grows American Business By 400%
A Sea Cloud ship at full mast in the Mediterranean Sea Sea Cloud Cruises While large cruise lines dominate the headlines and oceans, small niche companies offer unique experiences that are hard for the big competition to replicate. Sea Cloud Cruises, which operates a trio of full-rigged, three-masted sailing yachts, is 'small but mighty,' says Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic. Recent changes that this German brand has made in the past two years were meant to appeal to a growing North American audience, and they have proven successful with triple digit growth. This was all part of a key redirection for the company, which for years has filled its sailings with more Europeans than any other market. Key to this widened market share are recent leadership changes, more themed cruises and a focus on travel advisors. Kevin Smith and Mirell Reyes Sea Cloud Cruises At the helm of Sea Cloud is its first female CEO of North America and one of only a handful of women leaders to steer a global cruise line. This spring, Mirell Reyes moved from her role as president to CEO and brings her previous cruise line expertise to Sea Cloud. Reyes joins Kevin Smith, who was also promoted to the company's chief sales officer and will take on sales relationships with worldwide travel advisors. The aft decks and dining area of the line's largest sailing yacht, Sea Cloud Spirit Sea Cloud Cruises Both joined the company in 2023, and during their two years at Sea Cloud, they have helped to grow North American business by 400%. The cruise line is based in Hamburg, Germany and draws a substantial amount from the European market (especially Germany). These new efforts promote Sea Cloud within North America to help diversify the onboard passenger mix. Another first for Sea Cloud is the appointment of Kathryn Whittaker to captain of Sea Cloud II, marking the line's first female captain. She hails from Canada and was promoted from her role as chief officer. All-in pricing and more attention to travel advisors The aft deck and bar on one of Sea Cloud's sailing yachts Sea Cloud Cruises Among the changes are a big move to all-inclusive pricing. This includes an open bar, gratuities, port fees, watersport activities and shore excursions. All-inclusive pricing draws in more people: 'that kind of clarity is especially helpful when you're trying something new, like a sailing yacht,' explains Gray Faust. 'For a lot of people, this kind of cruise feels adventurous, but if the pricing is simple, it takes some of the stress out of booking.' A sailor on deck raising the sails Sea Cloud Cruises The line is now a preferred supplier of Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. Together with a new Florida office (that takes the sting out of the time difference with Germany for American agents needing assistance), these moves have built greater awareness for Sea Cloud. And it has paid off delivering more agent bookings. The crew on the sailing masts of one of Sea Cloud's ships Sea Cloud Cruises Sea Cloud's tall-mast ships attract travelers fascinated with sailing and boating, but is something that draws in experienced cruisers looking for something different than a traditional cruise, too. Newly added Cultivated Journeys Sea Cloud ships often turn heads when the sails are at full mast. Sea Cloud Cruises Themed sailings are popular among travelers, especially Americans, says Gray Faust, and the new 'Cultivated Journeys' initiative is one of the line's newest features. It includes sailings that follow various themes like wine and cheese, culinary, music, literary, fashion and art history. On these trips, guest lecturers, experts and performers are on the ship and interact with passengers throughout the trip. Daily special events can include guided shore excursions, wine tastings, educational talks and musical performances. 'The themed cruises that Sea Cloud offers stand out because the ships are so small, the experiences feel special, not mass-produced,' says Gray Faust. 'Sea Cloud is not trying to compete with the mega lines, and that's the point. It's offering something completely different.' Sommelier Nils Lackner, a well-known wine expert from the German island of Sylt Sea Cloud Cruises Recent special guests have included veteran NBC News journalist Kerry Sanders, Miami's Chèvre restaurant and cheese shop owner Mario Naar and its Chef Claudio Giordano, German sommelier Nils Lackner, Miami Book Fair International founder Mitchell Kaplan and recording artist Travis Moser. Special Chef's Table dinners occur on every cruise, some in partnership with culinary leaders like Michelin star chef Michael Collantes. The chef's dinner is a formal, multi-course dinner that often uses ingredients picked up in that day's local port. Sea Cloud Cruises Part of this themed cruise portfolio has also included a first-ever President's Cruise, hosted by Reyes and Smith. Sailing last month, it departed from Reyes' home port of Monte Carlo and circumnavigated Corsica and Sardinia, two islands she particularly enjoys. It was a dedicated wine and cheese trip with daily activities like onshore tours to local wine and cheese venues, onboard tastings with cheese pairings, a special chef's dinner and the option for guests to interact with all three throughout the trip. Small ships can do big things A Sea Cloud ship sails into Venice's Grand Canal Sea Cloud Cruises This is possible because of the small nature of its sailboats, the largest of which only holds 136 passengers. Unlike larger ships, Sea Cloud's ships can sail into ports that are off limits to others. The newest and largest in the fleet, Sea Cloud Spirit will home port in Venice this summer, providing passengers stunning views of the Grand Lagoon as it sails to a special dock near St. Mark's Square. It is also a dramatic scene for those on land watching these old-fashioned sailboats glide past. This is an example of the types of things that a small ship can do that larger vessels cannot, adds Gray Faust. Chèvre Miami owner Mario Naar went shopping for local cheese in Corsica on the recent Sea Cloud President's Cruise to serve passengers over several days, including making fresh panini one afternoon. Sea Cloud Cruises A low passenger count also makes it easier for chefs to do certain things like visit a cheese shop in town and buy enough to serve the whole ship. They might also fish directly from the ship and grill their catches moments later at lunchtime barbecues on deck. "Sea Cloud may be small, but it knows exactly what it's doing,' adds Gray Faust, who has covered cruising and travel for nearly two decades. 'These ships are the real deal — actual sailing yachts where the crew still climbs the rigging and unfurls the sails by hand. That alone sets it apart.'
Forbes
12 minutes ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Jannik Sinner Dethrones Two-Time Champion Carlos Alcaraz to Win 1st Wimbledon Title
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning the third set against Carlos ... More Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentleman's Singles Final on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by) Until Sunday's Wimbledon final, Jannik Sinner had won all three of his major singles titles on hardcourts. The 23-year-old Italian had never captured a major title on grass or clay. And the world No. 1 had lost five straight matches to his top rival – Carlos Alcaraz – including an epic match last month in the Roland Garros final where Sinner held triple-match point. But all of that changed on Sunday when Sinner put on a master class to defeat Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-X to win his maiden Wimbledon crown and his fourth major singles title. The victory snapped a five-match losing streak against Alcaraz. It marked a bit of sweet revenge for last month's Roland Garros final, where Sinner had three match points on Alcaraz before the Spaniard stormed back to win in five sets in an all-time classic. That came after Sinner served a three-month suspension for a banned substance. Sinner and Alcaraz have now combined to win the last seven straight major titles. Alcaraz leads Sinner 8-5 in their head-to-head. LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts against Jannik Sinner of Italy during the ... More Gentlemen's Singles final match on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus via Getty Images) Sunday's match did not provide the same level of drama as the Paris final, but Sinner will take it. Sinner improved to 27-1 in the last four majors, having won the U.S. Open last summer and the Australian Open in January. Sinner is one of only six men in the Open Era to reach four straight major finals. He was nearly eliminated in the fourth round when he trailed Grigor Dimitrov two-sets-to-love before the Bulgarian retired suddenly with a torn pectoral muscle. Sinner fell in that match and injured his right elbow but showed no ill effects in dispatching Ben Shelton and then 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets in his next two rounds. Alcaraz entered the match on a 20-match winning streak at Wimbledon and a 24-match winning streak overall. He looked relaxed entering the final. He was out on Court 14 before the match kicking balls, signing autographs and posing for selfies with fans. In the first set, Sinner broke Alcaraz for a 3-2 lead, but the Spaniard broke back for 4-all when Sinner netted a backhand. With Sinner serving at 4-5, ad-out Alcaraz hit a backhand winner off a massive Sinner forehand to take the first set. In the second set, Sinner broke for 1-0 when Alcaraz sailed a forehand long. He used his backhand more aggressively in the set and closed it out with a crosscourt forehand winner to even things up. Alcaraz looked to his box several times, as if to say he was being outplayed from the baseline. In the third set, Sinner broke for 5-4 when he drove Alcaraz deep into the corner with a crosscourt forehand and then put away the wide-open backhand volley as Alcaraz slipped on the grass. Sinner then held easily to take a two-sets-to-one lead. Sinner broke for a 2-1 lead in the fourth with a backhand return winner up the line. With Sinner serving at 4-3 in the fourth, Alcaraz had two break points but he let Sinner off the hook and the Italian held for 5-3.
Forbes
13 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jannik Sinner Wins Wimbledon 2025 Over Alcaraz: Lessons For Leaders
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning the third set against Carlos ... More Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentleman's Singles Final on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by) When Jannik Sinner lifted the men's final Wimbledon 2025 trophy at the famed grass-Cort tournament having won 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3, it wasn't merely a sports victory. I'd say it was a clarion call to leaders everywhere on the evolving nature of influence, identity, and modern relevance. How? The final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was more than a contest of skill; I saw it as a cultural mirror reflecting how brands—and leaders—must navigate tradition, authenticity, and audience magnetism to stay ahead. Movement as Modern Magnetism LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reaches to play a forehand against Jannik Sinner ... More of Italy during the Gentleman's Singles Final on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by) Carlos Alcaraz's game is often a masterclass in dynamic presence. Less a sequence of rehearsed perfection, more an unfolding performance of relentless energy and improvisation. In an era when audiences reward agility over predictability, his movement-driven strategy in the opening set at The Championships once again highlighted for me that momentum has become a premium currency amongst audiences. As I emphasize in the Kim Kardashian Principle, influence is not a static achievement but an ongoing performance that requires constant evolution. Alcaraz's triumph underscores that brands today must think in terms of fluid choreography, not fixed choreography. Vulnerability as a Strategic Asset LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a shot between the legs against Carlos ... More Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentleman's Singles Final on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by) In contrast, the world numero uno, Jannik Sinner brought a quieter, deeply resonant and powerful strength to the men's singles final. Having faced and overcome public scrutiny — including a three-month doping ban — he arrived not as a defiant warrior but as a grounded presence filled with gratitude. His openness and calm confidence turned vulnerability into a defining advantage rather than a liability. In many ways, I found his brand even more inspirational for these reasons alone. This is a powerful reminder for leaders: vulnerability, when handled with authenticity and intention, is not a weakness but a potent differentiator. I've said it before and I'll say it again, in a take down culture, you've got to be straight up. And in an era of hyper-transparency, audiences gravitate toward honesty over polish. Sinner's demeanor revealed that the most enduring trust is earned through shared humanity, not staged perfection. Protect Your DNA. Evolve with Culture. Don't Just Chase It. LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Catherine, Princess of Wales attends day thirteen of the Wimbledon Tennis ... More Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) At its core, Wimbledon is a British brand built on restraint: the all-white dress code, the absence of in-your-face, on-court branding, the strawberries and cream. It's a garden party on steroids. But behind the polite British façade lies a marketing engine that has seamlessly and so brilliantly embraced the demands of 21st-century virality. Think about its social media strategy. You'll see more posts about the celebrity audience than the athletes: Zendaya's custom Louis Vuitton ensemble. Kate Middleton's media-impact dress. The PDA between A-listers in the Royal Box—Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet. The emotional reaction shots, the couture, the memeable moments—they have become as much of the Wimbledon brand story today as the match. And there's neither no accident or shame in that. Wimbledon 2025 has allowed itself to become a backdrop for cultural performance—not just athletic excellence. The fashion, drama, Ralph Lauren outfits and most importantly real-time storytelling happening in the stands has taken over social feeds, and instead of resisting it, brand Wimbledon has leaned in—with curated content, editorial partnerships, and a social strategy that knows exactly what drives Gen Z engagement. It takes bold vision and unwavering courage to continually reimagine The Championships brand as treasured — and as scrutinized — as Wimbledon. Bravo to CEO and leader of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Sally Bolton and CMO Usama Al-Qassab (whose pedigree at Disney and PlayStation makes this no surprise) for proving that even the most storied institutions can continue to radically evolve without losing their soul. Alexandra Willis, the communications and marketing director. A study published in the Journal of Business Research backs this up: brands that emphasize their heritage and know how to evolve with it enjoy greater perceived quality and command price premiums. In short, tradition + timing = trust. Wimbledon's doing both—and winning. Luxury Isn't Always Loud—But It Must Be Intentional. The logo for the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) Wimbledon tennis championship is reflected in the ... More polished bodywork of a limousine, outside style retailer, Ralph Lauren in Bond Street, on 8th July 2021, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images) In a time when logos scream and collaborations dominate the drop culture — and don't get me wrong there ain't nothing wrong with that — Wimbledon does something radical: it whispers. From Rolex to Ralph Lauren to Slazenger (partner since 1902), the branding is subtle, selective, and devastatingly effective. This is the tennis equivalent of a Loro Piana runway—only with royal patronage. Sure, other luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga take the maximalist route, and many of you who are familiar with my thought leadership know that I believe that works too. But Wimbledon genuinely proves that scarcity, curation, and silence still sell. A cross-cultural study of luxury consumers found that 'quiet luxury' appeals deeply to audiences who prioritize personal authenticity over public validation. Wimbledon's restraint has become its calling card—and a countercultural signal of refined status. Bottom line? Brand alignment requests from nearly every sector—fashion, finance, champagne, tech—because nothing says 'prestige' like being associated with a brand that never tries too hard. Culture, Not Geography, Drives Global Expansion. While many sporting brands take a top-down expansion approach—think mass licensing and overly standardized media deals—Wimbledon plays the long game. It localizes through culture, not just channels. India is a case in point. In 2024, Wimbledon's viewership in India jumped 176%, hitting 36.3 million across TV and digital. Why? Because it didn't just broadcast tennis—it brought the Wimbledon lifestyle to cricket-obsessed audiences via JioCinema, Star Sports, and celebrity storytelling that resonated. And in the US, a market increasingly saturated with every possible sports league? The Wimbledon Championships Men's singles carved out space by becoming somewhat of a go-to summer lifestyle moment. Not because we Americans suddenly care about Jannik Sinner's drop shots, second serves and match points—but because they also care about Zendaya's courtside fashion, curated Instagram content, and the cultural prestige that Wimbledon's men's singles final now signals. McKinsey research shows that culturally adapted brands see 30% higher revenue growth than standardized ones. Wimbledon didn't need to hear it from McKinsey—but it proves the point. The Final Word The 2025 Wimbledon men's singles final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was more than a grand slam match, it transcended sport by illuminating how movement fuels modern magnetism, how vulnerability builds unshakable trust, and how tradition—when wielded with strategic grace—becomes an accelerant for global relevance. Brands that thrive today are not defined by their control, but by their capacity to evolve while protecting the soul that made them matter in the first place. It's called the ultimate in authenticity. And here's the break point that I'd say mattered the most. At the Wimbledon Men's 2025 Final, the victory of the brand wasn't simply in the prize money nor the count of grand slam titles between the two top players on the planet but it was in the stories, the symbolism, and the quiet assertion of cultural mastery. Named Esquire's Influencer of the Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality and leading voice in fashion, entertainment, and influence, and author of the New York Times bestselling phenomenon The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right).
Forbes
19 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Where To Eat In Charleston Right Now
The charming exterior of Italian restaurant Sorelle. Sorelle Charleston may have slipped to No. 3 on Travel + Leisure's 'Best Cities in the U.S.' list—edged out by Santa Fe and New Orleans—but let's be honest: it's not the charm that's lagging. It's the metrics. Locals know this city is in the midst of a culinary moment that rivals anywhere in the country. The city's lingering reputation as a hub of Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, no longer tells the full story. Recently, a Senegalese-born chef opened a West African atelier in a residential spot. A Puerto Rican pitmaster redefined barbecue with beef cheeks and sofrito beans. A moody little French boîte on a quiet corner somehow feels like a Parisian night in the Lowcountry. Meanwhile, the classics are getting creative. Seafood arrives lacquered in beet butter or paired with Txistorra sausage. Steakhouses serve dry-aged Wagyu alongside wedge salads injected with blue cheese. And in a town steeped in tradition, it's the risk-takers—from a Chopped champion plating smoked-caviar arroz caldo to chefs blending Chinese flavors with Southern barbecue—who are attracting national acclaim and full tables. Here's where to eat in Charleston right now. Merci, a French spot, recently opened in downtown Charleston. Lindsey Shorter Photography Merci Opened in March 2025 by chef Michael and designer-partner Courtney Zentner, Merci is a 26-seat European-inspired bistro housed in a restored 1820s Federal-style home. The menu blends French technique with Southern and Italian touches: think stracciatella-stuffed focaccia with Benton's ham and hot honey, plus roast chicken, leeks in vinaigrette, and a pastry-perfect beef Wellington. Courtney's vintage-chic interiors, antique accents, and six-seat bar make dinner feel like a stylish dinner party in motion—equal parts Parisian elegance and Lowcountry hospitality. Estadio Chef Alex Lira brings Southern ingredients into a Spanish framework at Estadio, a lively tapas spot anchored by a bullfighting mural and an open kitchen. Shishito peppers, head-on shrimp, and local vegetables rotate through the menu, which nods to both Andalusia and the Lowcountry. The Crispy Black Carolina Rice with scallops and clams is a standout, as are the Txistorra Pigs in a Blanket. And the patatas bravas, with their pitch-perfect crunch and alioli, are a nostalgic snack evocative of your first backpacking trip through Spain. The upstairs bar at Bar 167. Bar 167 Bar 167 The original 167 Raw still draws tourist lines down the block, but those in the know head to Bar 167—a Mediterranean-inspired offshoot where cocktail lovers and seafood fans put their name in early. Upstairs, the bar turns out some of the city's most inventive drinks, but the food is just as compelling. Salt-and-pepper calamari arrives crisp yet tender; the jumbo lump crab sandwich is unapologetically generous; and a bright watermelon-feta salad topped with (optional) poached shrimp might be the perfect dish on a sultry summer night. Add in a rotating selection of oysters, raw bar towers, and one of the city's most fun bites: Siberian caviar and parmesan custard served in a salted waffle cone. King BBQ Corrie and Shuai Wang, owners of North Charleston's popular Jackrabbit Filly, opened King BBQ in a casual diner-style space in late 2023. Landing on Bon Appetit's list of the 20 Best Restaurants in 2024, Wang's second project offers a Southern-inflected reference to the foods of Shuai's upbringing. Shuai merges traditional Chinese flavors with regional smoking techniques in dishes like soft and meaty spare ribs. Other standouts include five-spice duck legs, piquant Dan Dan noodles, and shrimp toast sliders, all washed down with 'trashy-fancy' cocktails. The dining room at night. Andrew Cebulka Marbled & Fin One of the best new restaurants to open last year, Marbled & Fin transformed a former dry-cleaning factory into a sleek, modern steakhouse, thanks to The Neighborhood Dining Group. The menu spans wet- and dry-aged USDA Prime, plus Australian and Japanese Wagyu. While beef is the star, a crisp head of 'wedge' salad injected with blue cheese and topped in Benton bacon crumble, and a shrimp cocktail finished with freshly shaved horseradish, prove the sides can steal the show. A newly launched brunch might be the most decadent in town. Just budget accordingly—polished service and premium cuts don't come cheap. Palmira In a part of Charleston long underserved by standout barbecue, Palmira has become a major draw for West Ashley locals—and now, for everyone else. Pitmaster Hector Garate, originally from Puerto Rico, blends Texas and Carolina techniques with bold island flavors: adobo-rubbed pork, sazon-spiced ribs, and sofrito-simmered beans. He built his first smoker by hand and has only been studying barbecue for four years, but in 2024, Texas Monthly named Palmira the best BBQ restaurant in America. Favorites like whole hog, barbacoa, and meltingly tender beef cheeks go fast, so show up early. Dishes at Wild Common. Ryan Belk Wild Common Chef Orlando Pagán opened Wild Common in February 2019, earning him a James Beard nomination in 2022. Working inside a lofty candlelit space in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, Pagán can be spotted in the kitchen nightly by those who nab a front-row counter seat. The short, four-course seasonal menu changes often, though it recently included a gorgeously marbled Australian wagyu steak and addictive Carolina sourdough bread made with Carolina gold rice. Legami Legami delivers an immersive Italian escape in downtown Charleston. Set within a meticulously restored 19th-century building, the space features hand-painted, palm-lined walls, Carrara marble tables, pastel banquettes, and a lush enclosed garden. The upstairs cocktail bar feels like a secret, with its plush seating and dim, romantic lighting. Handmade pastas anchor the menu, with standout mains including seafood tagliolini, braised octopus with peas and capers, and Mediterranean lamb in a red wine reduction boosted by an olive-hazelnut tapenade. A thoughtfully curated raw bar and daily crudo selections pair seamlessly with playful cocktails for one of Charleston's most stylish and satisfying dining experiences. Fabulous arroz caldo at Kultura. Ruta Smith Kultura Chef Nikko Cagalanan, a Filipino immigrant, left nursing to open Kultura so he could cook the nostalgic dishes of his childhood. He made the right decision, given a slew of accolades including earning a nod as South Carolina's best Filipino restaurant in 2022, winning the 'Chopped' championship on Food Network in 2023, and soon after, landing a James Beard nomination. Cagalanan gives traditional Filipino dishes a modern twist, like his grandmother's arroz caldo which he tops with smoked caviar, mushroom XO, and chili crisp. Chubby Fish The secret's out on Chubby Fish. This corner seafood spot doesn't take reservations, so diners start queuing at 4 PM to grab one of the first seats at 5 PM—but it's worth the wait for James London's inventive dishes like the fried oyster roll, charred lamb ribs with romesco, and grilled wreckfish drizzled in beet butter. While you're waiting (or want to bypass the line altogether), step into Seahorse, the sleek new cocktail bar next door led by veteran bartender Christian Favier. Sip a smoky olive martini while enjoying small seafood plates; it's both a stylish waiting room and destination on its own. Sorelle's beautiful second floor dining room. Peter Frank Edwards Sorelle Since opening in 2023, Sorelle has remained one of Charleston's hardest-to-snag reservations. Spread across two restored historic townhomes, the space is dressed in Italian marble, mohair-velvet and leather banquettes, and a sweeping hand-painted forest wallpaper by MJ Atelier. It's a setting that balances old-world elegance with modern polish. Chef Nick Dugan blends Southern Italian flavors with Lowcountry ingredients, turning out standouts like the 'pillows of gold' ricotta tortelloni and a seared Bistecca alla Fiorentina built for sharing. Downstairs, the marble bar buzzes with aperitivo energy—perfect for a spritz and snacks before dinner or a nightcap after. Wine lovers will appreciate the sharp sommelier team and one of the city's strongest Italian lists. Bintü Atelier Owner-chef Bintou N'Daw opened this Line Street gem in July 2023 to bring the often-overlooked cuisine of West Africa to Charleston. Born in Senegal and raised in France, N'Daw spent years cooking in New York City before relocating South during the pandemic. A chance vacancy became the home for her namesake atelier, where she draws connections between West African traditions and Gullah Geechee foodways. Dishes use local ingredients like black-eyed peas alongside homeland staples such as fonio and palm oil. A BYOB policy helps keep prices accessible, though since landing on Bon Appetit 's Best New Restaurants list in 2024, the place hasn't seen a slow night.
Forbes
24 minutes ago
- Sport
- Forbes
UFC 318 Fight Card Odds, Picks And Predictions: Johnson Vs. Zellhuber
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Daniel Zellhuber of Mexico poses on the scale during the UFC 306 ... More at Riyadh Season Noche UFC Ceremonial Weigh-in at Sphere on September 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) Opening the UFC 318 pay-per-view fight card is a lightweight bout between Michael Johnson and Daniel Zellhuber. In Johnson, we have a veteran competitor on a two-fight winning streak. As for Zellhuber, he enters UFC 318 coming off a split-decision loss that ended his run of three straight UFC victories. UFC 318 features a trilogy bout in the main event, as Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier meet in the PPV headliner. Holloway's symbolic BMF title is on the line. Meanwhile, the fight is expected to be Poirier's retirement bout. UFC 318 takes place on Saturday, July 19, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The UFC 318 main card streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+. We look at the betting odds, line movement, picks, and predictions for the UFC 318 main card matchup between Johnson and Zellhuber. UFC 318 Fight Card Preview: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Michael Johnson knocks out Ottman Azaitar of Morocco in a lightweight ... More fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Amalie Arena on December 14, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Michael Johnson (23-19) is one of the longer-tenured fighters on the UFC roster. The 39-year-old has been with the promotion since 2010 when he lost to Jonathan Brookins in the finals of season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter. Johnson has had an active, if up-and-down UFC career. While always game, he has a history of inconsistency. Johnson's longest winning streaks with the UFC are a four-fight run between 2013 and 2015 and a three-fight unbeaten stretch in 2012. Johnson went 0-4 between 2019 and 2021. He ended that run with a 2022 knockout win over Alan Patrick. Since then, Johnson is 3-2. He enters UFC 318 on a two-fight winning streak, beating Darrius Flowers and Ottman Azaitar. He has not fought since he knocked out Azaitar in December, winning a 'Performance of the Night' bonus in the process. Johnson is at the point in his career where the UFC is booking him as a gatekeeper against younger fighters or competitors who are relatively new to the promotion. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Daniel Zellhuber of Mexico poses on the scale during the UFC 306 ... More at Riyadh Season Noche UFC Ceremonial Weigh-in at Sphere on September 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Daniel Zellhuber (15-2) might be coming off a loss to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 306, but that fight was in the running for 'Fight of the Year' in 2024, and earned Zellhuber his third straight UFC Fight Night bonus. Zellhuber might have lost some momentum in that fight, but he did not lose much stock. He is looking for a bounce-back performance at UFC 318. Zellhuber moved his professional record to 12-0 in September 2021 when he defeated Lucas Almeida to earn a UFC contract on a Dana White's Contender Series card. UFC CEO Dana White praised both men for their performance that night, but offered the contract to Zellhuber, saying, "First of all, he's got an incredible chin, well-rounded game. He's only 22 years old, which usually I look for people who are a couple of years older, but he's 12-0 at 22 years old. You never see that. 'He said something about fighting like a real Mexican. This dude fights like a real Mexican. He's awesome. I love everything about him.' Zellhuber dropped his UFC debut, losing a decision to Trey Ogden by decision. He rebounded from that defeat with three straight wins before falling to Ribovics. UFC 318 Fight Card Betting Lines And Movement: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber When the betting lines opened for this fight, Zellhuber was a heavy -350 favorite over the +285 Johnson. Since then, Zellhuber has climbed to -500, while Johnson is the +375 betting underdog. UFC 318 Fight Card Tale Of The Tape: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber Age: 39 Height: 5'10' Reach: 73' Stance: Southpaw Age: 26 Height: 6'1' Reach: 77' Stance: Switch UFC 318 Fight Card Predictions And Picks: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Daniel Zellhuber of Mexico reacts to the end of the round in a ... More lightweight fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) This should be a fun fight, as Johnson is a game opponent who won't back down from any challenge, but Zellhuber is better than him everywhere. This matchmaking seems designed to give Zellhuber the opportunity to rebound from his loss to Ribovics. The pick is Zellhuber to win via decision, but there is a chance for a knockout depending on how willing Johnson is to get into a slugfest with the younger harder-hitting fighter. We will have more on the UFC 318 Johnson vs. Zellhuber bout as fight night nears, as well as live results, reactions, highlights and more for the UFC 318 pay-per-view card on fight night.
