#allstarchefs

[phonemantra-blog]

Calling all foodies and luxury cruise enthusiasts! Windstar Cruises, renowned for its small ship luxury experiences, is celebrating a momentous occasion – the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking partnership with the James Beard Foundation in 2025. This collaboration has transformed the way guests experience fine dining at sea, offering immersive culinary journeys led by celebrated chefs. A Decade of Culinary Delights: Windstar and the James Beard Foundation Since its inception in 2015, the Windstar Cruises and James Beard Foundation partnership has become a beacon for epicurean adventures on the high seas. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard […]

Calling all foodies and luxury cruise enthusiasts! Windstar Cruises, renowned for its small ship luxury experiences, is celebrating a momentous occasion – the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking partnership with the James Beard Foundation in 2025. This collaboration has transformed the way guests experience fine dining at sea, offering immersive culinary journeys led by celebrated chefs. A Decade of Culinary Delights: Windstar and the James Beard Foundation Since its inception in 2015, the Windstar Cruises and James Beard Foundation partnership has become a beacon for epicurean adventures on the high seas. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar is dedicated to showcasing the talents of culinary masters while aligning with the Foundation's mission of celebrating, supporting, and elevating America's food culture. This shared commitment to excellence in food, sustainability, and equity ensures an unforgettable dining experience for every guest. Windstar Cruises Sets Sail The James Beard Foundation is a non-profit organization that plays a vital role in shaping America's culinary landscape. Their focus on recognizing culinary talent, championing ethical food practices, and fostering a diverse and inclusive food scene aligns perfectly with Windstar's dedication to fresh, local, and sustainable gastronomy. Celebrating a Milestone: All-Star Chefs Set Sail in 2025 To commemorate this remarkable decade, Windstar Cruises has curated a series of five exceptional cruises in 2025, each featuring a renowned "All-Star" chef. Four of these culinary luminaries are returning guest favorites who have previously graced Windstar voyages with their expertise, while one chef is a thrilling new addition to the lineup. These acclaimed chefs will not only tantalize your taste buds with their signature dishes but will also share their culinary knowledge and passion through interactive experiences onboard. Get ready for: Chef-hosted dinners and wine pairings: Enjoy a memorable evening of exquisite cuisine, insightful conversation, and perfectly paired wines, all under the guidance of the featured chef. Engaging cooking demonstrations: Learn valuable culinary techniques and gain inspiration as the chefs demonstrate their signature dishes. You'll even receive recipe takeaways to recreate these gourmet creations in your kitchen. Shoreside market tours: Embark on a guided exploration of a local market, led by the chef, where you can discover fresh, seasonal ingredients and delve deeper into the region's unique culinary traditions. Meet the 2025 James Beard Foundation All-Star Chefs : Chef Jamilka Borges (March 15, 2025): Hailing from Puerto Rico, Chef Borges brings her vibrant Caribbean flavors and innovative dishes to the "Windward Ways & Tobago Cays: Aruba to Bridgetown" voyage aboard the Star Pride. Chef José Mendin (April 12, 2025): Experience the culinary magic of Chef Mendin's Spanish and Puerto Rican roots on the "Spanish Symphony: Lisbon to Barcelona" voyage aboard the Wind Surf, Windstar's flagship. Chef Jennifer Hill Booker (June 29, 2025): Chef Booker's unique blend of Southern comfort food with a French twist will tantalize your taste buds on the "Baltic Beauty: Stockholm to Copenhagen" voyage aboard the Star Legend. Chef Jennifer Jasinski (August 27, 2025): A James Beard Award winner, Chef Jasinski's Southwestern cuisine will take center stage on the "Adriatic Archipelagos & Greek Goddesses: Venice to Athens" voyage aboard the Wind Surf. Chef Larry Forgione (October 7, 2025): Considered a pioneer of American cuisine, Chef Forgione brings his farm-to-table philosophy and legendary culinary expertise to the "Southeast Canadian Explorations: Montreal to New York" voyage aboard the Star Pride. Beyond the Kitchen: The Windstar Difference Windstar Cruises is renowned for its intimate and luxurious small-ship experiences. This translates to spacious suites, personalized service, and an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the exceptional culinary program offered in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, guests can enjoy a variety of onboard activities and amenities, including: Exhilarating Watersports: Explore hidden coves and pristine beaches by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or tender. In-Depth Destination Immersion: Windstar's smaller scale allows for access to unique ports and hidden gems, often off the beaten path for larger cruise lines. Unwinding in Style: Relax by the pool, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, or soak up the sun on your private balcony. Setting Sail for Unforgettable Culinary Adventures Windstar's James Beard Foundation cruises offer a truly unique opportunity to combine the luxury of small-ship cruising with the expertise of world-renowned chefs. Imagine sailing to breathtaking destinations around the world while indulging in exquisite cuisine, learning culinary secrets from the masters, and forging lasting memories. Here are some additional reasons to consider a Windstar James Beard Foundation cruise: Personalized Attention: With a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 1:1, Windstar prides itself on personalized service. The attentive crew will ensure your every need is met, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Intimate Atmosphere: Unlike the crowded mega-ships, Windstar's smaller vessels foster a sense of intimacy and camaraderie. You'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow passengers who share your passion for fine dining and exploration. Sustainable Practices: Windstar is committed to sustainable cruising practices, minimizing its environmental impact and supporting local communities. This aligns perfectly with the James Beard Foundation's focus on ethical food sourcing. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply enjoy exquisite cuisine in a luxurious setting, a Windstar James Beard Foundation cruise is sure to exceed your expectations.

[lebasiphotography]

#Mezcal makes magic happen 🥃 #allstarchefs #lebasi #izakiza #lebasiphotography

[phlavmedia]

TASTE TALKS BROOKLYN; LONER EDITION

 Having a new company that revolves around food means going to very social places...alone.  I don't have time (aka dont want to) to try and gather people, and a lot of people aren't willing to spend the money. That means its me vs this foodie town, in this case Taste-Talks.  

Some of you might be saying, "whats the big deal" but please.. shhh, cause no one wants to go to a festival alone.

So this past weekend was the BK edition of Taste Talks!  This festival is still new to the scene (like us ;p ), this being their 2nd year, but it was an incredible two day event that they have also expanded over to Chicago.

It was a great pleasure attending the Brooklyn edition, specially since they had some of my favorite chefs on board (for example ACTION BRONSON AKA BAM BAM BAKLAVA) Also, Danny Bowien of Mission Chinese and Mission Cantina.  Aside from the great chef line-up, they had all kinds of chef panels, food expos, and tastings.  I didn't get a chance to attend as many of the events as I would have liked to, but I def got a small "taste" of it all. 

So Saturday it was a shitty rainy day, and I had to push myself (all by myself) out the door.  I made it in time for only the food expo, a celebrity chef panel, and the highlight of my day, the Action Bronson Munchies screening.  

The food expo was a cute set up of little booths with new and innovative concepts revolving the food world.  There were infused mayos, organic local produce delivery services, energy saving electricity, organic growing apps, picnic delivery etc.  This was pretty easy to walk thru alone, got a couple pics, and tried out some new products. 

After the food expo, I walked across the street to The Wythe Hotel, were some of the other events were taking place.  I managed to sneak my way into the Celebrity Chefs panel, where they talked about being on the big screen as a chef. I was almost half way over by the time I somehow wandered in, but it was super cool to see some of the faces I watch on the food network talking about what its like to get instant fame from only cooking.  I ended up walking out cause I didn't want to miss, my reason for being at the hotel, the Munchies screening of Fuck thats Delicious with Action Bronson.  I walked out and managed to be first in line for the screening.  Action Bronson obviously does an amazing job playing host to a Vice show about food and cooking.  Full over weed smoking, and vulgar jokes, he is actually super funny and great in front of a camera.  He drives around mocking Guy Fieri's show Diners, Dive-Ins, a nd Dives, which is just perfect.  He makes baklava at his aunts house out in Queens, then goes over to Milk Bar, to make a baklava smoothie. This is definitely a show I will keep watching cause its something the food industry needed, funny not cheesy, vulgar, crude, real cooking show.  At the screening they also showed a sneak peak of Danny Bowiens doc on his like as owner of Mission Chinese, a restaurant that got shut down by the health department.  Danny Bowien unlike Action, actually was at the screening which was nice.  The doc follows him thru the anguish of having a big name restaurant in NY, it it being defamed by the Health Department.  That CAN NOT be easy, but the fact that he is putting his shame, and the story out there is actually amazing.  There is no better way to get over something like that then bringing light to it.  Its hard to get customers back after something like that, but with such a huge name, and maybe even this doc, it might not be that hard.  Just to keep up with the theme, im gonna mention how awkward it is to wait in line for a movie...alone, find a seat..alone and just sit there alone etc, you get the point. 

Day two of Taste-Talks was the main event, the All Star BBQ.  This is where all the big chefs of all of your favorite NY spots had a booth with a small taste of what they are all about.  I got to meet and take a picture with ACTION BRONSON, and I got one of Danny Bowien too.  Mission complete! 

The weekend of foodie events was great, I hope to attend more in the future. and I am getting so good at eating alone :)

These pics came straight off the iphone by yours truly 

Below images are the professional ones taken by Taste-Talks/ Cara Howe. Thanks for sending!