Latest news with #Michelin-starred
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 ‘incredible' years of trading
The acclaimed chef has teased a new project KITCHEN CLOSED Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 'incredible' years of trading A MICHELIN-STARRED chef has announced the closure of his debut restaurant. The founder trained under Gordon Ramsay, and at the three-Michelin-starred John-Georges in New York. Advertisement 3 Stuart Ralston opened Aizle in 2014 Credit: Tripadvisor 3 The restaurant later relocated to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel Credit: Tripadvisor 3 Stuart was awarded a Michelin-star for his restaurant Lyla Credit: Justin Rodrigues The Edinburgh-based Aizle is set to close later this year on September 21. Stuart Ralston first opened the restaurant on St Leonard's Street in 2014. A description in the Michelin Guide read: "The constantly evolving menu takes on a surprise tasting format and is presented to diners as 'The Harvest', a list of produce to be featured in the meal rather than exact dish names." It follows Stuart's emphasis on incorporating local and seasonal goods in his menus - with some dishes available for several weeks and "others just a few" according to Aizle's website. Advertisement Their most recent 'harvest' included items like guinea fowl, black garlic, quince and salted milk which came together in a blind tasting menu. Ralston announced Aizle's closure on social media. He wrote: "When I first opened the doors on St Leonard's Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work. "I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food. Advertisement "Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of." Ralston added that the closure would give him more time to focus on his other restaurants, in addition to a new project. Popular food reviewer gives his thoughts on Scotland's 'most expensive restaurant' He went on to thank the "incredible, dedicated team, past and present", and said that he hopes to continue working with them. The restaurant relocated to the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Advertisement In 2018 it moved to a four-day week to reduce stress and staff burnout. He has since opened several other restaurants in the city, including Noto and Tipo, both of which hold Michelin Bib Gourmands and which will be unaffected by the closure. Earlier this year, his restaurant Lyla, was awarded a Michelin star. Vouchers which had been purchased for Aizle can still be redeemed at Ralston's other restaurants. Advertisement Commenters on social media expressed sadness at the restaurant's closure, as well as excitement for Stuart's future projects. One wrote: "So sad I never got to eat at Aizle! And excited for all that's to come." Another said: "Such an iconic restaurant in the Edinburgh food scene." While another added: "To this day the best dining experience I've had." Advertisement
Local Italy
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
Bezos, Sánchez say 'I do' in a divided Venice
"This city seems impossible! It can't exist and yet, here it is!" an enchanted Bezos told a La Repubblica journalist Thursday who got close to the magnate as he whizzed around the canals by boat. But protesters had a different view, wondering how long Venice can endure: While the billionaires party, activists say the fragile city is sinking, overrun by tourists, and a victim of depopulation as locals unable to pay soaring rents are forced out. "No Kings, No Bezos" read a sign in green neon projected on the St Mark's Campanile tower on Thursday night. Serenaded Sánchez late Friday posted a photo on Instagram -- under a new name, laurensanchezbezos -- showing her in a long flowing white dress and him in black tie, though it did not provide any indication where it was taken. Bezos and Sánchez, a former news anchor and entertainment reporter, celebrated their nuptials with guests including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey and Orlando Bloom. The tech magnate, 61, and Sánchez, 55, are staying at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto bridge. Other A-list guests are staying at the Gritti Palace and the St. Regis. The couple exchanged vows at a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore Friday afternoon, according to Italian media reports. The wedding is thought to have taken place in a vast open-air amphitheatre on the island, which sits across from Venice's iconic St Mark's Square. The newlyweds were to be serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, son of the famed opera singer Andrea Bocelli, reports said. Michelin-starred chef Fabrizio Mellino prepared the wedding dinner, while the cake has been made by French pastry chef Cedric Grolet, the Corriere della Sera said. Sánchez is alleged to have prepared 27 outfits to wear during the festivities. 'Enchanted' Wedding guests snapped by paparazzi as they hopped into boats included Jordan's Queen Rania, French luxury goods executive Francois-Henri Pinault, American football player Tom Brady, US fashion designer Spencer Antle, the singer Usher, and Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. The guests reportedly lunched Thursday in the gardens of Villa Baslini, on the islet of San Giovanni Evangelista. The celebrations are set to end Saturday with a party likely at the Arsenale, a vast shipyard complex dating back to when the city was a naval powerhouse. Bezos and Sánchez are donating three million euros ($3.5 million) to the city, according to Veneto's regional president Luca Zaia, and are employing historic Venetian artisans. Venice's oldest pastry maker Rosa Salva is baking 19th-century "fishermen's biscuits" for party bags that will also contain something by Laguna B, renowned for its handblown Murano glass. Trump and her family visited a glass-blowing workshop on the small island of Murano on Wednesday, according to the owner. "They were amazed and enchanted by the magic of glass," Massimiliano Schiavon told the Corriere della Sera, adding that the family had a go at blowing glass. Venice, home to the oldest film festival in the world, is used to VIPs whizzing around in speed boats, and happily hosted the star-studded nuptials of Hollywood actor George Clooney in 2014. Some say this wedding too brings good business. Italy's tourism ministry said Friday it expected the wedding to bring the city nearly one billion euros, with about 895 million of that estimated to come from the "media visibility" generated. But critics say Bezos, one of the world's richest men and founder of a company regularly scrutinised for how it treats its workers, is different. "Tax Billionaires", read protest signs along canals. "In the time it takes you to read this, Jeff Bezos's wealth has increased by more than your monthly salary", they read in English and Italian. Environmental activists have also pointed to the carbon footprint of the mega yachts and dozens of private jets -- at least 95 -- bringing the rich and famous to the city. But Samuel Silvestri, a 55-year-old salesman, welcomed the extravaganza. "Over-tourism is caused by those people who come with a backpack and their own food, and contribute very little," he said, "not those who transform Venice into a mini-Monte Carlo. This marriage helps the image of the city." Italy's health ministry has issued a red heat alert for Venice for the weekend, part of a heatwave affecting much of southern Europe.
Euronews
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Eat up: How chefs and content creators are cooking future foods
From social media-driven reinventions of classic dishes to immersive dining experiences in the wilderness, food traditions are being rewritten before our eyes. Culinary heritage isn't being preserved in a museum: it's being brought to life in kitchens worldwide. Rather than simply replicating age-old recipes, or repurposing cuisine between two different cultures, today's chefs are fusing their cultural roots with flavours, methods, and influences from around the world. This is 'Turnover Tradition': the redefinition of heritage cooking as chefs and content creators blend ancestral techniques with global influences, personal narratives, and modern innovations. Take Siberian-born chef and author Alissa Timoshkina, who has reimagined Eastern European staples for her cookbook Kapusta: Vegetable-Forward Recipes from Eastern Europe. Focusing on humble ingredients like cabbage, beetroot, and mushrooms, Timoshkina elevates the humblest of components by applying modern cooking techniques and creative flair. Her approach not only preserves traditional flavours but also aligns them with contemporary tastes and dietary preferences. Meanwhile, chefs in Spain's Basque Country are merging age-old fermentation methods with avant-garde culinary techniques to reinvent pintxos, the small flavourful bites traditionally enjoyed in the region's bars. At the forefront is chef Josean Alija of Bilbao's Michelin-starred restaurant Nerua. His cooking emphasises seasonality and locality, collaborating closely with regional producers to craft dishes that honour Basque traditions while incorporating modernist elements. Alija's philosophy centres on staying true to ingredients and identity, resulting in innovative interpretations of classic flavours. Bringing the past outdoors One of the most striking examples of this movement is chef Davide Nanni, who has gained popularity by taking Italian cuisine back to its roots — quite literally. As showcased on his Instagram profile, Nanni cooks in nature, using fire and primitive methods to highlight the rich culinary traditions of central Italy's Abruzzo region. Rather than relying on modern kitchen setups, he prepares dishes using only raw elements — earth, fire, and wood — bringing ancient cooking techniques back into the spotlight. However, this isn't simply nostalgia; it's a carefully crafted reinvention. His dishes, such as arrosticini (Abruzzese lamb skewers) slow-cooked over an open flame and handmade pasta prepared with age-old methods, are a tribute to Italy's rural history, but feel refreshingly new in their presentation and experience. Nanni's work is part of a broader trend in Europe where chefs are leaving behind traditional restaurant settings to create immersive, nature-based dining experiences, blending sustainability with a return to heritage. A tribal way of eating Another key feature of the Turnover Tradition is the rise of nomadic dining experiences, where chefs craft meals in wild landscapes to reconnect diners with nature. Projects like Nomadic Dinners take guests deep into the woodlands for immersive, open-fire feasts inspired by ancient communal eating practices. These experiences are less about fine dining and more about storytelling, where chefs highlight foraged ingredients, ancestral cooking techniques, and the shared human experience of eating outdoors. With consumers seeking more meaningful, hands-on culinary experiences, we are tapping into a primal desire for food as an experience, not just a meal. And if chefs are the pioneers of this movement, social media creators are its amplifiers. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are making traditional recipes go viral, often with surprising twists. A study titled "The Utilisation of Social Media as Traditional Culinary Documentation in Strengthening Local Tourism" examines how platforms like Instagram serve as vital tools for preserving and promoting traditional cuisines. The research, which focuses on the Banyumas region in Indonesia, details how millennials are actively engaging in creating and sharing content about local dishes, in the process fostering a renewed appreciation for their culinary heritage. This digital engagement not only preserves traditional recipes, but also enhances local tourism by showcasing unique culinary practices to a broader audience. Take Dylan Hollis, a popular social media creator recognised for his lively videos, where he resurrects quirky and forgotten vintage American recipes. Drawing from a collection of more than 340 historic cookbooks, he breathes new life into old dishes, sharing their origins and preparation with his audience. His charismatic storytelling and humour make these culinary relics both engaging and accessible, sparking renewed interest in the rich and diverse food history of the United States. Back in Italy, meanwhile, the self-styled Gluten Freelancer is talking about Abruzzese cooking with a twist. Calling her style 'traditionally gluten free', she adapts recipes from her mother's cookbook to allow coeliacs and people intolerant to gluten to access unique flavours part of central Italy's culinary heritage. Her cooking is deeply rooted in tradition, but incorporates a storytelling element that resonates with a modern audience looking for authenticity. Then there's Frankie Gaw, a Taiwanese-American food influencer whose series "Turning American Classics Asian" has captivated audiences. Dishes like mochi-infused Twinkies and miso mac and cheese have become internet sensations, demonstrating how fusion cuisine can be both playful and deeply personal. The future of 'Turnover Tradition' So, where is this all heading? The future of food is being shaped by three key trends. Firstly, hyper-personalised fusion cuisine. The days of rigidly defined national cuisines are fading, replaced by a more fluid, individualised approach to cooking. Expect to see more chefs and home cooks blending their personal backgrounds with global flavours. Traditional dishes won't be lost; they'll simply be reinterpreted through new perspectives. Secondly, a counterbalance to AI-generated food content. With AI now capable of generating recipes, meal plans, and even food photography, the human touch in cooking is more valuable than ever. In-person dining experiences and hands-on cooking will become more prized as a reaction against digitalised food culture. People won't just want to see recipes. They'll want to experience food with all their senses. Thirdly, a new wave of food tourism. More travellers are seeking authentic, immersive food experiences — not just eating in a restaurant, but learning to cook with locals, visiting markets, and understanding the cultural significance of what's on their plate. Culinary schools and travel agencies are already shifting toward offering experience-based gastronomy rather than just food recommendations. The New Culinary Renaissance Turnover Tradition isn't just a passing trend; it's a cultural shift. This year, we've seen several examples of the blending of tradition and innovation is defining the way we eat, cook, and experience food. Whether it's a chef reviving an ancient Armenian dish, a TikTok creator rescuing forgotten recipes, or a nomadic dining experience in the woods, one thing is certain: heritage cuisine is no longer just about the past: it's about the future, too.
News18
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez Are Now Married: First Pic From Their Dreamy Venice Wedding
Last Updated: Lauren Sanchez late Friday posted a photo on Instagram -- under a new name, @laurensanchezbezos -- showing her in a long flowing white dress and Jeff Bezos in black tie. Amazon founder and business tycoon Jeff Bezos got married to journalist and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez on Friday at a sumptuous ceremony with the rich and famous on an island in Venice's lagoon. 'This city seems impossible! It can't exist and yet, here it is!" an enchanted Bezos told a La Repubblica journalist Thursday who got close to the magnate as he whizzed around the canals by boat. Serenaded Sanchez late Friday posted a photo on Instagram — under a new name, @laurensanchezbezos — showing her in a long flowing white dress and him in black tie, though it did not provide any indication where it was taken. The tech magnate, 61, and Sanchez, 55, stayed at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto bridge. The couple exchanged vows at a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore Friday afternoon, according to Italian media reports. The wedding is thought to have taken place in a vast open-air amphitheatre on the island, which sits across from Venice's iconic St Mark's Square. The newlyweds were to be serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, son of the famed opera singer Andrea Bocelli, reports said. Michelin-starred chef Fabrizio Mellino prepared the wedding dinner, while the cake has been made by French pastry chef Cedric Grolet, the Corriere della Sera said. Sanchez is alleged to have prepared 27 outfits to wear during the festivities. The Costume The bride was corseted and cosseted in her high-necked, hand-appliquéd Italian lace wedding dress on the grounds of an 18th-century brick villa outside of Milan. The Milanese lace-wedding dress had 180 chiffon-covered buttons and took over 900 hours to make. Featuring on the Vogue cover, Laura Sanchez is now officially Laura Sanchez Bezos. Her tulle-and-lace veil, inspired by the one Sophia Loren wore in the 1958 film 'Houseboat." 'It is a departure from what people expect…but it's very much me," said the bride ahead of her wedding. Jeff Bezos' ensemble was a traditional black tuxedo with a vest and a bow tie. He paired his wedding look with $650 sunglasses from Louis Vuitton. The Guest List Music legends Sir Elton John and Lady Gaga lit up the affair for the couple and the star-studded guest list. From Bill Gates to Oprah Winfrey, the Bezos-Sanchez wedding had 200 of the most elite. Khloe Kardashian and Sidney Sweeney showed up in pink, while florals shone bright with Oprah Winfrey and Kendall Jenner spotted ahead of the wedding festivities. Wedding guests snapped by paparazzi as they hopped into boats included Jordan's Queen Rania, French luxury goods executive Francois-Henri Pinault, American football player Tom Brady, US fashion designer Spencer Antle, the singer Usher, and Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. The guests reportedly lunched Thursday in the gardens of Villa Baslini, on the islet of San Giovanni Evangelista. The celebrations are set to end Saturday with a party likely at the Arsenale, a vast shipyard complex dating back to when the city was a naval powerhouse. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Jeff Bezos Lauren Sanchez Location : Italy First Published: June 28, 2025, 08:07 IST News viral Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez Are Now Married: First Pic From Their Dreamy Venice Wedding
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Bezos, Sanchez say 'I do' in a divided Venice
VENICE: Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez tied the knot Friday at a sumptuous ceremony with the rich and famous on an island in Venice's lagoon, out of the sight and sound of protesters. "This city seems impossible! It can't exist and yet, here it is!" an enchanted Bezos told a La Repubblica journalist Thursday, who got close to the magnate as he whizzed around the canals by boat. But protesters had a different view, questioning how long Venice can endure. While the billionaires party, activists argue the fragile city is sinking, overrun by tourists, and suffering from depopulation as locals, unable to pay soaring rents, are forced out. "No Kings, No Bezos," read a sign in green neon projected onto St Mark's Campanile tower on Thursday night. Sanchez, late Friday, posted a photo on Instagram – under a new name, laurensanchezbezos – showing her in a long, flowing white dress and him in black tie. The image did not indicate where it was taken. Bezos and Sanchez, a former news anchor and entertainment reporter, celebrated their nuptials with guests including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Orlando Bloom. The tech magnate, 61, and Sanchez, 55, are staying at the Aman hotel – a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto Bridge. Other A-list guests are reportedly staying at the Gritti Palace and the St. Regis. The couple exchanged vows at a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore Friday afternoon, according to Italian media reports. The wedding is believed to have taken place in a vast open-air amphitheatre on the island, which sits across from Venice's iconic St Mark's Square. The newlyweds were to be serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, son of the famed opera singer Andrea Bocelli, reports said. Michelin-starred chef Fabrizio Mellino prepared the wedding dinner, while the cake was crafted by French pastry chef Cedric Grolet, according to Corriere della Sera. Sanchez is said to have prepared 27 outfits for the festivities. Wedding guests snapped by paparazzi as they hopped into boats included Jordan's Queen Rania, French luxury goods executive Francois-Henri Pinault, American football player Tom Brady, US fashion designer Spencer Antle, singer Usher, and Ivanka Trump – daughter of US President Donald Trump – along with her husband Jared Kushner. Guests reportedly lunched Thursday in the gardens of Villa Baslini, on the islet of San Giovanni Evangelista. The celebrations are set to conclude Saturday, with a party likely to be held at the Arsenale – a vast shipyard complex dating back to the city's naval heyday. Bezos and Sanchez are donating three million euros (US$3.5 million) to the city, according to Veneto's regional president Luca Zaia, and are employing historic Venetian artisans. Venice's oldest pastry maker, Rosa Salva, is baking 19th-century "fishermen's biscuits" for party bags, which will also include items by Laguna B – renowned for its handblown Murano glass. Trump and her family visited a glass-blowing workshop on the small island of Murano on Wednesday, according to the owner. "They were amazed and enchanted by the magic of glass," said Massimiliano Schiavon to Corriere della Sera, adding that the family even had a go at blowing glass themselves. Venice – home to the oldest film festival in the world – is no stranger to VIPs whizzing around in speed boats, and it famously hosted the star-studded nuptials of Hollywood actor George Clooney in 2014. Some say this wedding, too, brings good business. Italy's tourism ministry said Friday it expects the wedding to bring the city nearly one billion euros, with about 895 million of that estimated to come from the "media visibility" generated. But critics argue Bezos – one of the world's richest men and founder of a company regularly scrutinised for its treatment of workers – is a different case. "Tax Billionaires," read protest signs along the canals. "In the time it takes you to read this, Jeff Bezos's wealth has increased by more than your monthly salary," the signs read in English and Italian. Environmental activists have also pointed to the carbon footprint of the mega yachts and the dozens of private jets – at least 95 – that brought the rich and famous to the city. Still, not everyone is complaining. Samuel Silvestri, a 55-year-old salesman, welcomed the extravaganza. "Over-tourism is caused by those people who come with a backpack and their own food, and contribute very little," he said. "Not those who transform Venice into a mini-Monte Carlo. This marriage helps the image of the city." Italy's health ministry has issued a red heat alert for Venice for the weekend, part of a heatwave affecting much of southern Europe.
