#Maui Climate Action Network

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

Vice President Kamala Harris has captured the support of a key coalition of progressive, youth-led and environmental justice-focused climate advocates, with the Green New Deal Network slated on Wednesday to announce its endorsement of her candidacy.

The development can cut two ways for the Democrats. On the one hand, it’s a boost for Harris from members of a voter segment that analysts agree will be key to victory in November. On the other hand, it’s fodder for former President Donald Trump’s campaign as it coalesces around a strategy of painting Harris as a radical leftist who will block U.S. oil and gas development.

Whether it helps or hurts Harris, the endorsement shows how the Democrats’ late-season candidate switch has upended the 2024 campaign among climate voters.

The Green New Deal Network never gave its endorsement to President Joe Biden, who had rankled coalition members on a wide variety of issues, from his support of Israel in its Gaza offensive to his approval of a large fossil fuel project in Alaska.

Although Biden has taken historic action on climate change, polls showed that he never regained traction with the young voters who lifted him to victory in battleground states in 2020. The Green New Deal Network said it sees Harris as bringing to the race a unique record of opposition to Big Oil and an ability to communicate forcefully on environmental justice as a woman of color.

“This has really lit a candle of hope for a lot of us that have been in the doldrums for the past year or so,” said Kaniela Ing, national director of the Green New Deal Network.

He said the support is not just about climate, but also represents hope for more robust U.S. policy to protect the people of Gaza and Harris’ voice as a champion of abortion rights and communities burdened by pollution. Ing himself is a Native Hawaiian who has written about the combination of historic social injustice and climate change that has threatened his home island of Maui, devastated by deadly wildfire a year ago.

“What the Green New Deal really is, is understanding that everything’s connected,” Ing said. “Making sure our tax dollars aren’t just going to kill children abroad, but to build schools and hospitals here at home. … Local control of resources, self-determination of our communities. That’s the vision Kamala Harris, given her background—being bused to schools, really being a product of a lot of our social programs—really understands.”

[mauitime]

Maui Marches for Science this Earth Day

Maui Marches for Science this Earth Day

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and communities around the globe will be gathering to participate in a March for Science.

On Maui, the University of Hawaii’s Student Ohana for Sustainability (SOS) club will be hosting the march, beginning at the UH Maui College campus at 9am, and following a route up and down Queen Ka`ahumanu Avenue.

“It is really exciting to have the opportunity to be apart of…

[timesharesonly]

Get Ready to Plan with TAN Timeshares

Vacationing affordably is so easy with timeshares. Membership networks, exchange programs as well as vacation ownership allow families to make memories at a fraction of the cost. Plan with TAN (Travel Advantage Network) timeshares is another awesome network that brings every corner of the world within reach. Specializing in lesser-known resorts in unique areas helps bring vacation affordability to the forefront of the industry.

What is the Travel Advantage Network?

Properties within the Plan with TAN VIP program offer great accommodations that are perfect for families. Like most timeshares, TAN resorts offer spacious suites featuring balconies, kitchens, dining space as well as multiple bedrooms. Travel Advantage Network clients can also purchase vacation weeks at hugely discounted rates. Because of this, members find it more worthwhile to buy in bulk for years worth of travel at TAN resorts. Tan Vacations timeshare allow members to travel flexibly with great savings. The multi-destination network creates easily customizable vacations with overall convenience. TAN resales feature Right to Use floating timeshare weeks, giving owners a less traditional timeshare experience. If you're on the fence about whether timeshare is right for you, give TAN resorts a try with lower commitment and zero hassle.

Plan with TAN Excess Inventory

The Travel Advantage Network’s excess inventory is full of TAN vacations properties at highly discounted rates. They normally sell out quickly because of their instant availability. Posting in real-time, these properties go by timeshare week dates. Because this is "excess" inventory, members can book these vacations for super low prices without spending their annual vacation week.

Best Plan with TAN Properties on the Resale Marketplace

Vacationers can find Hawaii Plan with TAN properties, as well as other popular vacation destinations like Mexico. On Timeshares Only, we feature several TAN vacations properties that can be purchased or rented at competitive rates. Liki Tiki Village in Orlando

Focused on creating a relaxed environment while still upholding excellent service, Liki Tiki Village condominium-style resort is perfectly located near Disney World while also being out of the way of Orlando traffic. With two expansive pools, the kids will be busy all day at the water activity park, which is most important to parents. Five waterslides, a water volcano and tiki heads create a fun atmosphere without a doubt. There are also planned arts & crafts activities Monday through Friday, so add these to your vacation agenda when there’s some downtime between theme park adventures. Cofresi Palm Beach & Spa Resort in the Dominican Republic

Overlooking the crystal clear Caribbean sea, this resort caters to a more luxurious environment while still being completely family-friendly. Perfect for a couples getaway or an international family retreat, Cofresi Palm Beach & Spa Resort provides outstanding service and accommodations. Staying here will easily fill your vacation agenda with introductory scuba lessons, theater shows, a night club, tennis courts, golf and so much more. There are also activities just for kids, so each member of the family from toddlers, teens and adults can have an incredible experience. Villas of Sedona in Arizona

Head to the west for some red rock adventures at this resort in the desert. Nestled in between beautiful rock formations giving guests unique and gorgeous views, Villas of Sedona townhouses are perfectly located near the heart of Sedona. On-site is an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, kids playground and game room, as well as a dry sauna to create the ultimate desert vacation experience. Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation near Myrtle Beach

This Festiva resort just south of Myrtle Beach is a great getaway for everyone in your travel party. Situated on the world-famous PGA Myrtle Beach Golf Course, the Wachesaw East Golf Course, the sports enthusiast will love its prime location. All types of water activities are also going to be must-do events with sailing to deep-sea fishing and more. Accommodations include one, two and three bedroom villas with private balconies, washer and dryers and fully-equipped kitchens. Have fun out in the sun at the Atlantic beaches or on beautiful hiking trails, and then come back to your home away from home to unwind. Desert Club Resort outside of Vegas

An absolutely perfect place for Vegas vacationers with children, step into this desert oasis in awe at the palm tree-lined entrance and luxurious charm. Not directly in the line of action, guests staying here can experience the excitement of Vegas but still have some much-needed relaxation away from the City of Lights. Five outdoor pools, hot tubs and comfortable suites will ensure that you make the most of the calmer Vegas vacation days. As a Holiday Inn Club resort, vacation owners can travel within any resort within Holiday Inn’s family of resorts. Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta in Mexico

On the harbor of Puerto Vallarta where the perfect climate and beaches draw in thousands of tourists, this resort will delight your senses and give you a memorable Mexican vacay. The private beach access, crystal clear pools and palm trees swaying in the wind bring families and couples alike back year after year. An on-site spa, bar lounge and adults-only pool all in all create a perfect parents retreat. Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta is also family-friendly, however, with unique family rooms and kitchenettes. The activities are endless in Puerto Vallarta, so take advantage of this gorgeous beach city.

Other TAN Resorts on Our Marketplace

Angel Fire Resort Aston at the Maui Banyan Maui Banyan Vacation ClubBeach Club at Montego InnCoconut Palms Beach Resort The Grandview at Las Vegas Historic Powhatan Resort Landmark Resort Mayan Palace Riviera Maya Myrtle Beach Resort 5 Seasons Peppertree Ocean Club Perennial Vacation Club Daytona Vacation Village Weston Victorian Condominiums Villas of Ocean PinesWapato Point Williamsburg Plantation Windjammer Villas I Windjammer Villas II Read the full article

[mikemortgage]

Business Highlights

2 Americans win econ Nobel for work on climate and growth

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Just a day after a United Nations panel called for urgent action on climate change, the Nobel Prize in economics was awarded Monday to one American researcher for his work on the economics of a warming planet and to another whose study of innovation raises hopes that people can do something about it. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the $1 million prize Monday to William Nordhaus of Yale University and to Paul Romer of New York University. Nordhaus, 77, who has been called “the father of climate-change economics,” developed models that suggest how governments can combat global warming.

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Carbon tax gets renewed attention but still faces resistance

Advocates of taxing fossil fuels believe their position is stronger now because of an alarming new report on climate change and a Nobel Prize awarded to by two American economists, but neither development is likely to break down political resistance to a carbon tax. Previous alarms about global warming met with resistance from Congress and the White House. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris agreement on climate change last year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a panel of scientists brought together by the United Nations, warned in a report Monday that droughts, wildfires, coral reef destruction and other climate and environmental disasters could grow worse as soon as 2040, even with a smaller increase in temperatures than used to set the Paris targets.

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SpaceX satellite launch lights up night sky, social media

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When SpaceX launched a rocket carrying an Argentine Earth-observation satellite from California’s Central Coast, both the night sky and social media lit up. People as far away as San Francisco, Sacramento, Phoenix and Reno, Nevada, posted photos of the Falcon 9 rocket’s launch and return on Sunday night. It was the first time SpaceX landed a first-stage booster back at its launch site at Vandenberg Air Force Base, about 130 miles (210 kilometres) northwest of Los Angeles. The Air Force warned residents on the Central Coast that they might see multiple engine burns by the first stage and hear one or more sonic booms as it returned.

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Netflix assembles new US production hub in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Netflix has chosen New Mexico as the site of a new U.S. production hub and is in final negotiations to buy an existing multimillion-dollar studio complex on the edge of the state’s largest city, government and corporate leaders announced Monday. It’s the company’s first purchase of such a property, and upcoming production work in Albuquerque and at other spots around New Mexico is forecast to result in $1 billion in spending over the next decade. More than $14 million in state and local economic development funding is being tapped to bring Netflix to New Mexico. Republican Gov.

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Former Trump aide Hope Hicks to work at Fox company

NEW YORK (AP) — President Trump’s former communications chief Hope Hicks is taking on a similar role at the new Fox company, meaning she’ll supervise messaging at her former boss’ favourite television network. The new company, being created by the shedding of many of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets to the Walt Disney Co., will include Fox News Channel, the Fox broadcasting network, several local Fox stations and Fox Sports. Hicks’ hiring was announced Monday by Viet Dinh, chief legal and policy officer. Hicks, who left the White House on March 29, will be based in Los Angeles. Hicks had a mostly behind-the-scenes role at the White House.

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Facebook wants people to invite its cameras into their homes

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Facebook is launching the first electronic device to bear its brand, a screen and camera-equipped gadget intended to make video calls easier and more intuitive. But it’s unclear if people will open their homes to an internet-connected camera sold by a company with a questionable track record on protecting user privacy. Facebook is marketing the device, called Portal, as a way for its more than 2 billion users to chat with one another without having to fuss with positioning and other controls. The device features a camera that uses artificial intelligence to automatically zoom as people move around during calls.

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Global executives cooling on deals amid trade uncertainty

LONDON (AP) — Executives around the world are cooling to the idea of mergers and acquisitions in the face of rising trade tensions, notably between the U.S. and China, a leading adviser on international corporate deals said Monday. In its half-yearly assessment of corporate mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, EY found that only 46 per cent of executives are planning a takeover in the next 12 months. That’s down 10 percentage points from a year ago and marks the lowest level in four years. “Geopolitical, trade and tariff uncertainties have finally caused some dealmakers to hit the pause button,” said Steve Krouskos, a global vice chair at EY.

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Box office top 20: ‘Venom,’ ‘A Star Is Born’

NEW YORK (AP) — Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man” spinoff “Venom” and Bradley Cooper’s acclaimed remake “A Star Is Born” fueled the best-ever October weekend at North American theatres. Both films debuted above expectations. “Venom,” starring Tom Hardy as the comic-book antihero, opened with $80.3 million, according to final studio figures Monday. Sony’s opening effort to create a larger universe for its available Marvel characters shrugged off terrible reviews to set a new box office record for an October debut. Warner Bros.’s anticipated “A Star Is Born,” starring Cooper and Lady Gaga, also opened resoundingly with $42.9 million. “Venom” attracted a largely male, younger audience, while “A Star Is Born” found predominantly female and older crowds.

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Working past 65? It’s easier to do if you graduated college

NEW YORK (AP) — Close to one in five Americans who’s 65 or older is still working, the highest percentage in more than half a century. And the one who’s still working may be better off. As more and more Americans delay retirement, it’s those with a college degree that find it easiest to keep working past 65. Their less-educated peers, meanwhile, are having a more difficult time staying in the workforce. It’s a crucial distinction because financial experts say both groups would benefit from working an extra year or more to improve their retirement security. By staying on the job, older Americans can build up their savings, which in too many cases are inadequate.

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2,700 workers at major Hawaii hotels join national strike

HONOLULU (AP) — Workers at some of Hawaii’s most iconic hotels are joining a national strike. About 2,700 Marriott employees on Oahu and Maui on Monday joined the strike that began last week in Boston, San Francisco and other cities. They work at four Waikiki properties operated by Marriott, including The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, an historic institution famous for its pink exterior. Workers at the Sheraton Maui are also striking. Waikiki Beach Marriott workers are not currently striking. Workers are picketing the properties. Leaders of the Unite Here Local 5 union say they have not reached agreement with management on a union demand for workers to be paid enough so they only need one job to support themselves.

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The S&P 500 index dipped 1.14 points to 2,884.43. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reversed an early loss of 223 points and rose 39.73 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 26,486.78.

The Nasdaq composite sank 52.50 points, or 0.7 per cent, to 7,735.95. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks slipped 2.60 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 1,629.51. The Nasdaq and Russell are each coming off their worst week since late March.

Benchmark U.S. crude slid 0.1 per cent to $74.29 a barrel in New York and Brent crude, used to price international oils, dropped 0.3 per cent to $83.91 a barrel in London.

from Financial Post https://ift.tt/2y9ey8t via IFTTT Blogger Mortgage Tumblr Mortgage Evernote Mortgage Wordpress Mortgage href="https://www.diigo.com/user/gelsi11">Diigo Mortgage

[bluebookweb]

World’s Top Restaurants and Snaps for Dining

MRM’s Daily Bite features top restaurants, top technology and master chefs. Send news items to Barbara Castiglia at bcastiglia@modernrestaurantmanagement.com. 

World’s Top Restaurants Recognized by TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice® awards for the best fine dining restaurants around the world. This year’s awards recognize nearly 400 fine dining restaurants, including the Top 25 in the World, plus dedicated lists for Asia, Europe, India, Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America, South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period.

“Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a culinary discovery, travelers can rely on these Travelers’ Choice restaurants to serve up delectable meals and unforgettable moments,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor.

Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in the U.S.

1.      Daniel – New York City, New York

Daniel Boulud’s flagship restaurant is the shining star of an empire that spans four countries. Both the setting and the cuisine are a signature blend of old-world and modern sensibilities. “Just magical. A sense of privacy, peace and intimacy. The extra small touches and care for customers kept coming as the night unfolded,” raved a TripAdvisor reviewer.

2.      Victoria & Albert’s – Orlando, Florida

Executive Chef Scott Hunnel and Chef de Cuisine Aimee Riverapreside over a wonderful world of cuisine featuring ingredients from far and wide in a classic setting. “There are not enough superlatives to describe the Chef’s Table, the most incredible ride at Disney World,” a TripAdvisor user praised. “It would be a major bucket list event for any foodie.”

3.      Charleston Grill – Charleston, South Carolina

Pure, Lush, Southern and Cosmopolitan are the four sections of the menu created by chef Michelle Weaver. Diners can stick to one or try them all. Experimentation is a proud Charleston Grill tradition. “They get everything right: beautiful, soothing ambiance; wonderful live jazz, extraordinary service and an exceptional, creative menu. The Chef clearly loves food,” complimented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

4.      Alinea – Chicago, Illinois

Alinea is the high theater of modern American cuisine. Chef Grant Achatz deconstructs, reconstructs and defines the form by putting flavor and fresh ingredients first. “Food is truly art at Alinea,” declared a TripAdvisor reviewer. “The courses went from excellent to mind-blowing and finished with laughter and amusement.”

5.      Chef and the Farmer – Kinston, North Carolina

Farm-fresh ingredients and an appreciation for culture and tradition draw local and visiting gourmands and viewers of PBS’s A Chef’s Life to this small-town restaurant. Neither the restaurant nor chef Vivian Howard disappoint, even for a TripAdvisor reviewer who “drove 200 miles each way.” Chef and the Farmer serves traditional “Southern food in inventive new ways, using locally sourced ingredients. It was everything we hoped it would be.”

6.      Halls Chophouse – Charleston, South Carolina

Lowcountry cuisine meets top-of-the-line beef at Halls, one of America’s premier steakhouses. Halls Chophouse is family-run, with an emphasis on hospitality. “Halls is where you go in Charleston when you want an amazing steak in a great atmosphere with wonderful service,” explained a TripAdvisor user. “The owner is present and sincerely happy to please you. This is the best of Charleston.”

7.      Geronimo – Santa Fe, New Mexico

A perfect match of setting and food, Geronimo is an elegant 18th-century hacienda serving a “global eclectic” menu that changes with the seasons. Chef Sllin Cruz inherited and has burnished Geronimo’s reputation as New Mexico’s best. “Geronimo is not a place you go to in Santa Fe, it’s the reason you go to Santa Fe,” a TripAdvisor reviewer enthused. “Delicious food, fantastic service, great atmosphere and warm hospitality.”

8.      Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii

Mama’s Fish House has been a Maui must for more than 40 years, known for a changing daily menu inspired by the catch of the day. The vintage island atmosphere is contrasted by the freshest seafood and local ingredients. “Book ahead,” advised a TripAdvisor reviewer. “Because this place is fabulous. A lush open-air restaurant with soothing ambiance, view of the ocean through a terrace of palm trees, terrific cocktails and memorable food.”

9.      Restaurant Gary Danko – San Francisco, California

Classic French cooking meets California flair at Restaurant Gary Danko, where dining becomes interactive art. “The food is remarkable and the service attentive. But what truly sets the restaurant apart is its creative approach to how diners order,” explained a TripAdvisor reviewer. “You can choose three, four or five courses from a menu divided into five categories. But in a nod to flexibility, you can choose an item from any category for any course.” 

10.  Merriman’s – Kapalua, Hawaii

Chef Peter Merriman has championed the farm-to-table concept inHawaii for more than 25 years and is a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Bountiful local ingredients flavor the food, and stunning views enhance the experience. “Not sure which is better – the view, the atmosphere or the food. Go early,” recommended a TripAdvisor reviewer. “Enjoy a few cocktails on the deck as the sun dips into the horizon, a wonderful mood setter for what will be a truly wonderful evening.”

Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Restaurants in the World

The Black Swan at Oldstead – Oldstead, England

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Great Milton, England

Maison Lameloise – Chagny, France

L’Auberge de l’Ill – Illhaeusern, France

Martin Berasategui – Lasarte, Spain

Daniel – New York City, New York

La Colombe – Constantia, South Africa

David’s Kitchen – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Maido – Lima, Peru

El Celler de Can Roca – Girona, Spain 

Snapchat’s New Context Cards Can Make a Reservation with OpenTable

 Snapchat has introduced Context Cards, an exciting new way to learn more and take actions on many of the Snaps you see in the app, including Snaps taken at restaurants with the help of OpenTable. By simply swiping up on yummy looking Snaps that say “more,” diners can discover and book a restaurant reservation at any one of the tens of thousands of restaurants on OpenTable in the United States and Canada.

Snapchat’s Context Cards display information about the Snap you’re viewing and provide a way to take simple actions — like reserving a table through OpenTable. Snapchat has also integrated Stories into Context Cards, making it easy to see more Snaps from eateries that interest you.

“In partnership with Snapchat for their new Context Cards feature, we’re excited to be offering a new way for Snapchatters to book any of our restaurants that they see in Snaps,” said Catherine Porter, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at OpenTable. “We know the simple act of swiping up on a Snap to reserve a table will provide an experience that our diners and restaurants will love.”

Yext for Food Debuts

Yext, Inc. launched Yext for Food, top photo, to help restaurants better attract and serve diners. Yext for Food enables restaurants, bars, and cafes to appear in search results, not only for general searches like restaurant name or cuisine type, but also for specific menu items and attributes. For example, with Yext for Food, a Mexican restaurant can appear when a nearby diner performs the search, “tacos near me.”

A Yext blind study found that 83 percent of consumers read a restaurant menu online before deciding where to eat.

“Diners are searching for specific food items and details about restaurants, and that’s fundamentally changing the game for restaurants all around the world,” said Marc Ferrentino, Chief Strategy Officer of Yext. “We built Yext for Food to put restaurants in control in this highly competitive climate, so they can be found when diners search for a menu item like ‘chicken parmesan’, or for an attribute like ‘outdoor seating.'”

Restaurant visits are declining year over year in the United States, and restaurants worldwide are adapting to online ordering and changing consumer behavior. The digitization of this traditional brick-and-mortar industry creates new opportunities for restaurants to be discoverable for specific menu items when hungry diners search online. In fact, a Yext blind study found that 83 percent of consumers read a restaurant menu online before deciding where to eat, and restaurants that stand out with rich details about their locations and menu items attract more business–in fact, over 76 percent of diners are more likely to choose a restaurant with in-depth attribute information available, like price range, dress code, and meals served. And with over 67 percent of diners considering three or more options before deciding where to eat, the search landscape for restaurants is extremely competitive.

Starting today, restaurants using Yext can:

Publish menu details across the digital ecosystem. Restaurants can control and feed in their menu data to Google, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, Foursquare, AllMenus, delivery.com, MenuPages, and more, making them discoverable for the specific dishes they serve in more places and across more types of searches that diners perform.

Sync more information from the Yext Knowledge Manager to new food search platforms. Postmates, Zomato, delivery.com, MenuPix, and Slice are now part of the Yext PowerListings® Network, allowing restaurants to control their information across more resources that consumers use to decide where to eat.

Manage new types of restaurant details. Restaurants can now label themselves with attributes like price range, meals served, attire, happy hour specials, and more in the Yext Knowledge Engine, and publish those details throughout intelligent search.

Kickstarting the launch of Yext for Food, Yext has hired veteran food service technology expert Lee Zucker as Head of Industry for Food Service. Zucker was previously Vice President of Sales and Restaurant Partnerships at food tech startup Slice, and Director of Enterprise Sales at SinglePlatform.

“Restaurants are fundamentally different from any other industry for two reasons: volume and immediacy. People eat three meals a day, which translates to food being the most-searched-for business category, and they tend to search within minutes of wanting to actually visit or order from a restaurant,” said Zucker. “I’m proud to join Yext to provide restaurants with the tools to adapt to and compete for digital-native diners, and today’s announcement is just the beginning.”

“Yext for Food is about empowering restaurants to be there; to be front and center when hungry customers know what they want to eat, but not where to get it,” added Ferrentino. “For the first time, food service businesses will be able to control menus and other crucial restaurant information all across the internet from one place–The Yext Knowledge Engine–so they can spend more time doing what they do best: serving great food.”

JBF Partners with Reserve

 The James Beard Foundation (JBF), is partnering with Reserve to benefit guests in gaining access to coveted seats at the James Beard House by enhancing the overall digital booking experience. Guests can now book using Reserve for dinners taking place at the Beard House as of November 1.

 “Partnering with a cutting-edge technology company to help streamline James Beard House reservations was key to our decision to partner with Reserve,” said Kris Moon, vice president of the James Beard Foundation. “Reserve’s user-friendly features and functionalities will provide members and non-members alike with an easy-to-use platform for booking seats while increasing the Foundation’s operational efficiency behind the scenes of the booking process.” 

Since its launch in 2015, Reserve has seated over 24 million diners in all 50 states for 800-plus restaurants including some of the most buzz-worthy establishments. With more than 200 unique dinners a year in the heart of Greenwich Village, the Beard House will gain the ability to optimize seating and better understand its diners by using the Reserve system, allowing participants to enjoy an exceptional dining experience.

“Bringing new technology to such a revered institution as the Beard House is a great indication that things are changing in the restaurant technology space,” said Greg Hong, chief executive officer of Reserve. “Our partnership will enable the Foundation to better oversee floor management and reporting capabilities, as well as provide chefs with information that will enable them to understand their guests more efficiently and comprehensively—ultimately leading to a better dining experience.”

By using Reserve, the James Beard Foundation will bring more benefits to chefs that extend beyond the experience of cooking at the Beard House. This includes providing pre-event reporting so chefs can understand the diners to the extent they would in their own restaurants. Reserve, whose clients also include Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Carbone, Cúrate, Frontera Grill, Lord Stanley, Manresa, Mission Chinese Food, Russ & Daughters, and the Fabio Trabocchi Group, among others, will also allow the Foundation to provide online early access to members of JBF for seats at sought-after Beard House dinners. 

 Three Chefs Achieve ACF Certified Master Chef

After an exciting display of culinary expertise, Gerald Ford, CMC, Joseph Leonardi, CMC, and Shawn Loving, CMC, were named to the prestigious group of culinarians known as Certified Master Chefs® (CMCs®) by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The ACF Certified Master Chef designation is the highest level of professional certification that a chef can receive in the United States. The 2017 exam took place Sept. 30-Oct. 7 at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan.

“The American Culinary Federation is proud to honor our 2017 class of Certified Master Chefs,” said ACF National President Stafford DeCambra, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC. “The skill, creativity and discipline called for by the exam are considerable, and the experience gained is invaluable to the chefs themselves and to the culinarians they mentor. We are inspired by their commitment to the culinary arts and congratulate them on an extraordinary achievement.”

The newly certified chefs traveled from across the U.S. to test their culinary mettle.

Gerald Ford, CMC, winner of the Les Amis d’Escoffier competition in 2010 and former executive chef of Château Robert in Montgaillard, France, is executive sous chef at The Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

Joseph Leonardi, CMC, captain of the silver medal-winning 2012 ACF Culinary Team USA and 2009 U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year, is director of culinary operations at The Country Club in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Shawn Loving, CMC, CCA, is culinary arts department chair at Schoolcraft College. A seasoned culinary competitor, he also served as executive chef for the U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic basketball teams in Beijing and Rio de Janeiro.

The path to the CMC title requires immense dedication to the craft of cooking and calls upon the candidates to demonstrate their abilities across a broad range of styles and techniques. During the progressive, eight-day practical exam, chefs are tested on healthy cooking, buffet catering, classical cuisine, freestyle cooking, global cuisine, baking and pastry, Continental and Northern European cuisines and “market basket,” a mystery basket of ingredients from which they must prepare a five-course meal.

Chefs are evaluated and assessed by current CMCs and earn points based on kitchen skills, presentation and taste, as well as on the leadership they demonstrate in working with a student apprentice each day. Candidates are required to maintain a 75-point average in order to continue.

“A lot of time, dedication and sacrifice went into the CMC exam and it all paid off. I’m delighted that I proved to myself that I’m able to do it,” said Joseph Leonardi, CMC.

“I had to be sure I was prepared mentally and needed to believe in myself. I felt confident in my skills and ability because chefs train every day. At the end of the day, it’s just cooking at the highest level.”

Chefs Ford, Leonardi and Loving received their certifications after successfully completing nearly 90 hours of culinary demonstration throughout exam. With the addition of these chefs, there are now 68 current CMCs in the United States.

“The ACF Certified Master Chef designation is a journey of culinary excellence,” said Ron DeSantis, CMC, AAC, MBA, and CMC exam evaluator. “Regardless of the outcome of the exam, each chef becomes a better and stronger culinarian. Having been part of the ACF CMC exam for more than 25 years, I am proud that the chefs of our nation have the outstanding craftsmanship required of this level of certification.”

CMC and CMPC are the culmination of the progressive ACF credentials that enable foodservice professionals to certify their skill, knowledge and expertise at each stage of their careers.

World’s Top Restaurants and Snaps for Dining posted first on happyhourspecialsyum.blogspot.com