Fine Dining Drive-Thru Restaurants
Does the idea of a fine dining drive-thru restaurant intrigue you? Over the last few years, restaurants and their award-winning chefs have had to get creative. Carry-out cocktails, pop-up experiments, and chef-led zoom classes became part of a unique phase of experimentation. But can a 10-course tasting menu work to-go? Read on as we look at the difficulties and possibilities for fine dining drive-thru restaurants. The Challenges of Fine Dining Drive-ThrusUndoubtedly, taking a meal crafted at a fine dining restaurant on the road is filled with challenges. Fine dining features sophisticated cuisine that hinges on a delicate balance of complex flavor profiles. That alone isn’t easy to sustain when the meal has to be placed in to-go containers and transported for some time before being enjoyed. And if the meal is being delivered over a significant distance, there is the additional risk that the food will have to be reheated, and re-firing a dish rarely produces a result as successful as the original. But fine dining is also about the experience. The intricate plating, the perfect wine pairings for every course, and the restaurant’s atmosphere all create a uniquely sumptuous event. As chef-owner Daniel Patterson explained to Food & Wine, a great restaurant “‘creates an illusion of a life where everyone is happy to see us, every need is met, and everything tastes better.’” The best fine dining event can prompt an emotional response and inspire chefs to innovate. Patterson goes on to explain that losing that entirely would mean losing “‘risk-taking, inspiration, the sense of discovery.’” Does that mean fine dining drive-thru restaurants and take-home options will never thrive? No. And some chefs have devised brilliant variations of in-restaurant offerings that are well worth the indulgence. Hollywood Palladium Drive-ThruTo date, one of the most successful fine dining drive-thru experiments occurred in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Palladium. In October 2020, 10 well-known Los Angeles-based chefs came together to create a wonderfully decadent 10-course meal that guests could enjoy in their cars. Patrons followed a driving track that boasted 10 different stations – one course per station. Every car had its own waiter to help guide them through the process. American Express and Resy sponsored the event, and by all accounts, it was an extraordinary success. Only new dishes were featured, and the goal was to make them as delightful as they would be in the chefs’ restaurants. For example, if you are a huge fan of Nancy Silverton and her Osteria Mozza, you would have loved her “spiced lamb ribs with tzatziki and Armenian spices.” If you adore Japanese desserts, Konbi’s station featured, among other decadent options, “a caramel and ganache tart infused with Hojicha green tea.” Dream of a truffle pomme fondue? Jon & Vinny’s mortadella sandwich featured a truffle pomme fondue that thrilled the palate. All in all, it was an exciting opportunity to take a unique foodie adventure with some astonishing food. And it was such a success that this fine dining drive-thru event will likely become part of an annual celebration. The Grove Drive-In and Picnic SocietyThe Grove, an upscale town-like shopping area in Los Angeles, created a combination fine dining outing and drive-in movie night. Set up for 120 cars, the event included gourmet meals catered by Curtis Stone, a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur. Intriguingly, Curtis Stone was also encouraged to bring fine dining to The Grove as part of a four-month residency. Picnic Society became a full-service restaurant with al fresco dining that was both Bohemian and elegant. But what made the pop-up even more interesting was that Stone decided to create an extensive grab-and-go menu that included tantalizing and sophisticated takes on classic picnic foods. Each meal was developed to take it on the road without losing any of the in-restaurant quality. And judging by the repeat customers, it worked astoundingly well. The Traveling Pop-Up DinerDiners offer tempting nostalgia and delicious comfort food but are rarely considered part of the fine dining sphere. Resy and American Express aimed to change that by creating a traveling pop-up that combined the cozy comforts of nostalgic diners with some of the best restaurants in every city they visited. They challenged the restaurants to develop thoroughly tempting takes on the dishes that the cities were known for inventing (or improving). Travel + Leisure reports that the pop-up featured stunning dishes from Chicago’s Andros Taverna, Philadelphia’s Osteria, Washington, D.C.’s Anju, and NYC’s Michelin-starred Rezdôra. The Magazine reveals: “Menus [were] a pre-fix of four courses with beverages provided by Other Half Brewing Company, HOXIE Spritzer, and Volvic Water.” Not surprisingly, the “seated” meals at the outdoor pop-up diners sold out quickly, but a lucky number of epicureans were able to reserve drive-thru take-out orders to savor at home. The Canlis ExperimentThe upscale Canlis restaurant is located in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Known for serving James Beard Award-winning cuisine, Canlis shifted to crafting gorgeous-yet-comforting meals for take-out, drive-thru, and meal delivery. While their lunch meals changed gears to offer the “best burger in town,” the family dinner delivery service also became wildly popular by April 2020. It was the safest way to keep the restaurant’s staff employed and to provide high-end, sophisticated food to families in the neighborhood. The experiment also sparked a heart-warming coming-together of neighbors and other restaurateurs who, according to Food & Wine, donated everything from equipment from gourmet test kitchens to to-go containers to help Canlis with the transition. Guests reserved in advance, and specific meals were available on a given night. Naturally, their already famous cassoulet dishes were a hit, and Canlis’ ability to switch gears meant that the farmers who were their farm-to-table suppliers stayed in business. It also meant that families could still enjoy the highest quality meals made with seasonally-inspired ingredients at a time when those options were rapidly dwindling. Fine Dining Drive-Thru and Zoom ClassesIf you have ever dreamed of learning to cook from a celebrated chef, there may be an option that allows you to do it from your own kitchen. Across the country, chefs examined ways to bring some of the fine dining elements directly into households. One of the most inventive plans was the creation of zoom dinners. Essentially, guests would make a reservation, visit a restaurant’s temporary drive-thru or curb-side pick-up station, take home a prepared basket of ingredients (with much of the preparation already completed), and finish their gourmet meal with the help of the restaurant’s chef over a zoom call. Some of these calls were private, and some included group meals to help foster a social dining atmosphere that was otherwise impossible to replicate. The experiments received rave reviews, as people were able to enjoy fantastic, gourmet meals, complete with wine pairings, in an environment that could be dressed up (or not) for a memorable evening. The idea of chef-led zoom meals was so attractive that they continue to be offered to this day. In fact, many famous chefs have joined the movement and now offer private zoom cooking classes in exchange for donations to their favorite charities. Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home. The post Fine Dining Drive-Thru Restaurants appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Matcha Recipes That Will Delight
If you love discovering new matcha recipes, you are not alone. While this finely ground Japanese green tea was once limited to ceremonial teas in Japan and China, in recent years, the popularity of matcha powder has grown exponentially worldwide. Now culinary-grade matcha is used in a delectable variety of desserts, smoothies, cocktails, and more. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite recipes that make the most of matcha’s vivid color and unique flavor. Matcha LatteFor anyone who loves starting their day (or ending it) with soothing hot tea, Molly Yeh’s “Matcha Latte with Honey” will be too tempting to resist. Yeh’s latte is one of Food & Wine’s favorite matcha drink recipes because it is “a delicious drink that is easy to make at home.” How easy? All you need to do is sift your go-to matcha powder into your favorite mug and then add hot water – stirring until you have dissolved any lumps. Then add in hot milk (oat milk or other vegan alternatives work well) and honey (or agave), according to your taste. It’s a simple way to elevate your cup of tea while also enjoying some of the health benefits associated with matcha. Vegan Fruit SmoothiesIf you love the idea of a matcha latte but want something cool and refreshing to start your morning, EatingWell raves about a whipped, fruity matcha recipe that practically allows you to “taste the rainbow.” The Magazine explains: “Just blend your preferred nondairy milk with frozen fruit for the base, then top with a whipped matcha foam that uses aquafaba – the liquid from a can of chickpeas – to make the beverage completely vegan.” We love the idea of using frozen blueberries in this smoothie, but EatingWell also recommends trying raspberries or mango chunks. The process is remarkably similar to blending a standard smoothie in that you begin with adding the nondairy milk (or cow’s milk if you prefer), frozen blueberries, and agave into a blender and then pureeing it until it is as smooth as possible. The matcha powder and sugar are whisked together in a bowl and then beaten with the aquafaba as fast as possible using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk to create the fluffy foam. Once you have the whipped matcha done, you can top your smoothie with it and enjoy. Yum!! Matcha HighballAficionados of Japanese whisky will adore mixologist Jason Patz’s “Matcha Highball.” According to his recipe in Food & Wine, you’ll need to start by chilling Collins glasses. Then, “combine the whisky, lemon juice, Honey Syrup, and matcha; shake vigorously.” Naturally, the kind of whisky used can make all the difference; Patz recommends using 12-year Japanese whisky, preferably Hibiki, if you can find it. Once you have shaken your concoction, pour the tempting libation over ice in the pre-chilled glasses. Because matcha is prone to sticking to the side of the shaker, Food & Wine recommends “[pouring] club soda into the shaker, [swirling] around to rinse, then [stirring] into the glass” so that you don’t lose any of the matcha’s unique flavor and stunning color. Add a lemon wheel as a garnish, and you are ready to serve. Overnight OatsEatingWell suggests trying their “Overnight Matcha Oats with Berries” recipe for a heart-healthy, low-calorie, vegetarian breakfast option. This matcha recipe is wonderfully meal-prep-friendly, which is perfect for busy days. As the Magazine reveals, simply “combine milk, oats, matcha powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, and salt in a pint jar and stir.” From there, place sliced almonds, blueberries, and raspberries on the top, and then add the cover and refrigerate the mix overnight. And to be sure that this satisfying breakfast treat doesn’t spark any wheat sensitivities, EatingWell cautions that using oats that are explicitly labeled “gluten-free” can be critical, “as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley.” Matcha-Dusted AlmondsHomemade caramel and roasted almonds are always a winning combination, but when you add matcha to the mix, you have an elevated snack that your family and friends will adore. It’s already among Food & Wine’s most popular matcha recipes; “These supercrunchy, salty-sweet almonds … tossed in a homemade caramel, then dusted with fragrant green tea powder and sea salt” yield an irresistible snack. This snack is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Gold-Flecked Quail EggsAre you looking for an undeniably elegant matcha appetizer for an upscale dinner party or cocktail hour? Martha Stewart Living adores serving “Gold-Flecked Quail Eggs with Matcha Salt.” Dazzling and decadent, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, provided you have a steady hand with tweezers and a small paintbrush. Start by boiling and then chilling your quail eggs, as you would normally. Lightly brush each egg with egg white to create a surface that will hold the topping (the Magazine suggests working with one egg at a time). Next, Marta Stewart Living suggests: “With tweezers, apply a small piece of gold leaf to egg white and gently brush with a small paintbrush to affix.” While you would typically serve your eggs with a side of salt, the Magazine instead recommends stirring matcha powder and flaky sea salt together for a tantalizing twist. White Chocolate MousseMolly Yeh’s decadent “Matcha White Chocolate Mousse” is one of Food & Wine’s favorite luncheon (or any time) desserts. The Magazine raves: “Light, toasty matcha powder balances out the sweetness of white chocolate in this luscious four-ingredient mousse.” Sifted matcha powder and heavy cream are stirred together until the mixture is lump-free. Additional heavy cream and white chocolate are whisked with the matcha-cream blend and then heated until the chocolate is entirely melted. After the homemade whipped cream is incorporated, as you would with a traditional mousse, it’s critical to let the finished mousse set for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before you add toppings like fresh berries, extra whipped cream, or chocolate shavings. It’s a gorgeous update of a classic mousse recipe that will shine at your next celebration. Matcha Ice Cream in Green Tea TuilesDo you want to elevate how you serve ice cream at your next gathering? One of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite matcha recipes can do just that. How? By exchanging traditional ice cream cones with homemade matcha tuiles. The Magazine confides: “The sweet earthiness of matcha powder grounds this sophisticated take on an ice cream cone.” And the transformation comes quickly, as the only significant adjustment you need to make to your standard tuiles recipe is the addition of matcha powder to the dry ingredients before forming and baking the cookie. Once the tuiles are created, all you need to do is fill them with your favorite matcha ice cream for a stunning dessert that will thrill the palate. Matcha Pound Cake with Almond GlazeA pound cake is always a hit when hosting a brunch or luncheon. But if you want to put a twist on a classic, Food & Wine has a suggestion: “Matcha Pound Cake with Almond Glaze.” The Magazine cheers: “This pound cake recipe combines toasty matcha and a sweet almond glaze for a delicious, moist loaf.” The major difference between this delight and your usual pound cake is the introduction of culinary matcha to the dry ingredients, which are whisked together before being added to the creamed sugar, eggs, and milk. Be sure to drizzle the almond glaze over the cake while it is still warm to get even coverage. This dessert pairs well with dry or medium-dry German Rieslings and Chilean Merlots. Even a dry Sauvignon Blanc will work well with it, and it’s a particularly lovely combination for celebrations on a warm day. Matcha Castella CakeJapanese castella cakes, originally introduced to the country by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century, are a popular confection. A moist and firm dairy-free cake, EatingWell reports that castella “is classified as a sponge cake with just four ingredients: eggs, sugar, mizuame [a malt sweetener], and flour.” For this recipe, matcha is added to the flour before its slow incorporation (three stages are recommended) into a mixture of eggs, sugar, and mizuame. Gone is the deep yellow color of the traditional cake. As the Magazine explains, “the addition of matcha powder adds color and an earthy, sweet, nutty flavor.” Take care to refrigerate the finished cake for eight to 12 hours to let it set properly. Serve the cake cool or at room temperature after trimming the sides. While many dessert wines can work well with this matcha recipe, Champagne is always a good idea. Cheers!Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.The post Matcha Recipes That Will Delight appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Luxury Caravans are Transforming Lifestyles
Luxury caravans have helped transform how people work, live, and play. In recent years, they have served as creative studio spaces, relaxing retreats, and plush homes-away-from-homes. While once thought of as vehicles for no-frills vacations, today’s trailers and recreational vehicles can include everything from bespoke workstations to pop-up cocktail terraces and infrared saunas. Whether you are considering installing one on your property as an upgraded work pod, reserving one for an upscale staycation, or buying one to enjoy opulent comfort while traveling, luxury caravans will surprise and tempt you. eleMMent Palazzo Luxury CaravansConsidered one of the most luxurious caravans available in the world, the eleMMent Palazzo Superior has nearly every travel amenity imaginable. Starting at approximately $3 million, this extraordinary caravan boasts a top pop-up terrace, a stunning fireplace, and two huge flatscreen televisions. One side of the caravan features a full-wall room extension that slides out to create a spectacular living space. A proprietary air convection system guarantees temperature controls and pressurization that are ideal whether the slide-out is extended or if you are on the move. The RV also allows for individually programmed climate zones. You’ll love the 13-foot couch that is perfectly positioned near the wine cabinet and bar. Naturally, the main bedroom is palatial; “The large [primary] bedroom features a king-size bed, manufactured by the same company that supplies beds to the British royal family and is considered the most comfortable in the world,” according to maker Marchi Mobile. The bedroom is adjacent to a spa retreat that offers a striking glazed rainfall shower, light therapy, and architectural mirrors. And if you love traveling to the snow or enjoying winter staycations, this caravan’s under-floor heating is an entirely welcome perk. Custom Prevost Marathon CoachesPrevost Marathon Coaches are already among the most impressive luxury caravans available today. Naturally, at a price point starting at over $2.5 million, customization is common, and nearly every aspect of the vehicle can be altered to create a truly bespoke travel experience. Marathon Coach president and owner Steve Schoellhorn tells TripSavvy that requests typically include “reclining beds, or unique exterior bay storage options like slide trays, wine coolers, and barbecues.” Enormous freshwater tanks can be added, along with lithium batteries, to allow you to stay on the road longer without sacrificing even the smallest comfort. Celebrity clients often take advantage of the ability to make this home-on-the-road their own. The Magazine reveals that Justin Bieber was recently featured in GQ in his extensively modified Prevost Marathon caravan complete with “mood LED lighting, a massive bed, a shower-meets-steam room, sauna, and custom artwork from his friend Joe Termini.” Bowlus Terra FirmaAre you searching for an environmentally friendly way to enjoy staycations or long-distance travel? Bowlus Terra Firma is a luxury caravan that could be perfect for your needs. TripSavvy raves: “Blending the retro elegance of the 1930s Streamline Moderne design style with smart features like pet-friendly remote temperature monitoring and enhanced air filtration systems, the new Bowlus Terra Firma (starting at $265,000) takes a refreshingly eco-conscious approach to the RV lifestyle. No glue is used in the production, all the interior wood is sustainably sourced, and aircraft-grade rivets are used for strength and longevity.” The company has even improved towing to reduce the caravan’s environmental impact and improve handling. Travel + Leisure is also a fan and praises its eco-conscious production and high-end appointments; “On the inside, they’re luxury hotel rooms on wheels, complete with en-suite bathrooms and enough onboard power to last for weeks.” The Magazine also marvels: “The Bowlus Terra Firma has safety features, including a smart brake controller, creature comforts like heated floors and skylights, and necessities like routers, charging stations, and a pop-up outdoor kitchen. Inside, you’ll find a touch-screen control panel, sophisticated HEPA air and water filtration systems, and a personalized bed for your dog.” Living Vehicle’s Mobile Office CaravanThe last few years have reinforced the notion that you can work from nearly anywhere in the world, and Living Vehicle’s Mobile Office has taken this concept to the next level. TripSavvy reports: “The front sleeping space converts into a dedicated dual 80-inch-long walnut-desk workstation with sit-stand desk solutions. Some customers have even installed four 4K monitors on the vertical surface in front of the desk, which lowers out of sight in a matter of seconds.” The living spaces are divinely comfortable and remarkably spacious, with all the amenities professionals need to live and work on the road comfortably. The Creative Studio upgrade includes a package of top-of-the-line Apple products, including Dual Apple Pro Display 6K XDRs, your choice of Mac Studio or a 16” MacBook Pro, a wireless Magic Apple keyboard and trackpad, two Genelec The One speakers, and wired 250Hz headphones, according to the company. It’s ideal for creative professionals who need to get work done – whether it serves as a supplemental studio on your own property, as you travel, or when you are on location. Living Vehicle is also dedicated to sustainable operations. In fact, the company tells TripSavvy that current models “‘are capable of producing more energy than solar installations on most homes,’” and they are working to create “a completely net-zero model: no power cord, no gas tanks, no water hoses, no sewer line.” The 2023 models boast Watergen© technology, which can use surplus solar power to extract humidity from the air to produce the highest-quality, mineral-rich drinking water wherever you are in the country. Luxury Yonder Escalante ResortEven if you haven’t committed yet to buying a luxury caravan, there are fabulous resorts near awe-inspiring natural wonders happy to host you. Yonder Escalante Resort is just one of these places. Travel + Leisure is a fan of this ultra-chic resort within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, located near Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Guests are encouraged to take full advantage of one of their vintage designer airstreams or park their own rentals. The Magazine reports that the resort’s “airstreams have been fully renovated to include all the modern amenities one would need while keeping their ’60s nostalgia charm thanks to pops of vintage decor and Western-inspired pieces.” This glamping resort takes that moniker to heart. It features 22 acres of space, perfect for getting away from it all, despite being so close to the town. Guests can enjoy taking the plunge in a sparkling pool or soaking in the lounge’s hot tub while looking up at the stars after a day of hiking or climbing. There is an open-air lounge, a general store, and activities that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Movie lovers have something exceptional awaiting them. Travel + Leisure explains: “[Because] the entire resort is built on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater, Yonder also offers screenings of serious classics. Bring your own chair or blanket, or rent out a vintage car and watch it old-school style.” AutoCamp CatskillsOpened in 2022, AutoCamp expanded its brand with a new glamping location in the Catskills ideal for anyone who wants to pop out of NYC for a quick getaway. Travel + Leisure cheers: “The region’s charming historic towns, vibrant cultural scene, and jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes have made it a year-round vacation destination.” While lovely boutique hotels dot the area, AutoCamp offers the chance for urban dwellers to reconnect with nature while still enjoying resort-quality amenities. And you don’t have to commit to buying a luxury caravan to do it. Here, you can reserve one. AutoCamp’s philosophy is “great design meets the great outdoors.” And you can see this reflected in every inch of the gorgeously redesigned airstream trailers, cabins, and BaseCamps (an airstream and a glamping tent), as well as the on-site hot tub and pool. The amenities don’t stop there. Travel + Leisure confides: “At the heart of the property is the Clubhouse, a multi-use social space for events (such as music performances and happy hours) also housing the reception area, indoor fire pit, a lounge, and a bar.” The off-site activities are also plentiful. The resort promotes forest bathing and mindfulness experiences, fly-fishing, rock and ice-climbing excursions, and even snowshoeing. Time to book your luxury caravan in the Catskills right now! Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.The post Luxury Caravans are Transforming Lifestyles appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
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