Miami’s 5 Essential Cocktail Bars

Sunshine State Sips: Miami’s 5 Essential Cocktail Bars
Miami’s 5 Essential Cocktail Bars

While London might be considered by many to be the home of the best cocktail scene in the world, across the pond, Miami has been shaking up the bar scene with its own inspired cocktail scene.

In recent years, craft cocktails have emerged throughout Miami’s bar scene, making the Sunshine State an undeniable destination for casual drinkers and alcohol enthusiasts alike. Craft cocktails’ stratospheric rise has made Miami a city of drinking inspiration and celebration.

From over-the-top presentations to the use of farm-fresh fruit ingredients, craft cocktails in Miami are gorgeous displays that delight your palate. With skilled bartenders and highly rated distilleries calling Florida home, the drink scene in Miami is one worth experiencing.

Ready to make the journey across the pond? Here are some of Miami’s most forward-thinking cocktail bars that are shaking up something tasty.

The Broken Shaker

Given top honors on the Daily Meal’s list of Top 150 Bars in America in 2018, The Broken Shaker embodies the true spirit of Florida’s cocktail scene. Cocktails are handcrafted and each is composed of the perfect blend of ingredients and international flavors.

Its carefully curated cocktail menu includes exotic mescals and seasonal drinks all handcrafted from fresh-pressed produce, exotic ingredients, and garden herbs and spice infusions.

The Broken Shaker’s backyard oasis wonderfully complements each thoughtful composition. For booze hounds looking to escape Miami’s frenetic pace, the Broken Shaker provides the perfect hideaway.

The Regent Cocktail Club
The Regent Cocktail Club
When your head mixologist graces the cover of GQ Magazine, you know you’re doing cocktails right. It should come as no surprise that cocktails crafted at The Regent Cocktail Club tell a wonderfully delicious story.

The passionate team at The Regent Cocktail Club illustrates the art of craft cocktails through a daily rotating specialty cocktail menu. Each handcrafted cocktail creation pays homage to the classics refreshed with a modern twist.

A Prohibition-style cocktail bar, The Regent Cocktail Club’s cozy atmosphere evokes the simplicity and elegance of a 1940s classic cocktail bar.

Sugar

Located on the rooftop of EAST hotel, patrons will pass 40 floors before reaching the ultra-trendy rooftop lounge Sugar. Sugar’s lush garden setting is a high in the sky escape that features unobstructed views of Miami’s skyline and waterways.

The cocktail menu at Sugar is inspired by the restaurant-bar’s Chinese and Hong Kong roots, but with a Miami twist. Asian-influenced cocktails make the most of exotic ingredients like lychee, yuzu, and Thai chili.

Further distinguishing itself in Miami’s crowded cocktail scene, Sugar features a weekly Sake Sunday tasting with inspired sake-infused cocktails that go down perfectly with Miami’s summer vibes.

Gramps Bar

In Miami’s perpetually sweltering heat, few things are as welcome as air conditioning, beer, and cocktails. And the sign out front of Gramps Bar advertises just that. Named after the owner’s maternal grandfather, Gramps Bar is an institution in Wynwood.

But don’t let the bar name fool you. Gramps is far from a haven for retirees. It’s the go-to place for counterculture entertainment. Hip and trendy, this dimly lit laid-back watering hole features potent cocktail concoctions that simply can’t be ignored.

A rotating cocktail menu keeps things interesting and definitely does not disappoint.

The Dirty Rabbit

A recent entry to Miami’s cocktail scene, the Dirty Rabbit boasts a lewd persona embodied by its innuendo-filled drink names. Its salacious name aside, the Dirty Rabbit offers well-crafted cocktails that are thoughtful.

Its unmissable neon-lit motto “Are you dirty enough?” may beckon you in, but once inside, the bar’s clever drinks will keep you drinking until the wee hours of the night.

Despite the bar’s obvious tongue-in-cheek theme, each cleverly named drink on the menu is considered and sophisticated. Unique touches such as vintage postcards and sprigs of lavender neatly finish off your libation of choice, adding to the bar’s already impressive eclectic vibe.

Sun, sand, and spirits

In a city long typecast as a college crowd’s spring break destination, Miami is shaking things up. Long gone are the teenage wild nights and in its place has risen an upscale and refined cocktail scene ready to rival some of the best in the world.

While London may currently hold the crown for the best cocktail scene in the world, Miami has never been a city to play second fiddle. From updated takes to perennial favorites to newfangled twists, the city’s new generation of bartenders has the craft cocktail game under control.

AUTHOR BIO?: Richard Bantock is the President of Liquor License Consultants, Inc. (formerly known as The Liquor License Guy) which specializes in the purchasing and selling of Florida liquor licenses. For 20 years, he successfully operated liquor store, nightclub, bar and restaurant companies, gaining first-hand knowledge of business planning, financial negotiations and the liquor licensing process. Liquor License Consultants, Inc. reflects his insight and expertise.

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4 Most Enchanting Spots for Afternoon Tea in Dubai

Take a moment and imagine yourself sitting in a stately home in  19th century England. Chances are, if you can envision it vividly enough, you would be sitting enjoying an afternoon tea. The beloved tradition has been in vogue since then and has continually evolved as people all around the world have grown to embrace it.

If you are heading to Dubai on holiday, or are just looking for somewhere new to go, here are the four most enchanting spots for afternoon tea in Dubai.

1. For a bite of English royalty – Grosvenor House, Rhodes W1

Afternoon tea is served every Friday and Saturday, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m

If you genuinely want to embrace your inner royal family, on the weekend, make your way to the Michelin star restaurant of Gary Rhodes. This well-known restaurant and bar offers a wonderful tea al fresco experience when you dine at the terrace.

Here you can have afternoon tea in the classic British style with scones, tea, traditional British dishes, and the famous Coronation Chicken Sandwich.

Grosvenor House has a magical spell that will make any afternoon enjoyable and memorable.

Where: Grosvenor House Dubai, Al Emreef Street
When: Fridays and Saturdays, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

2. For an afternoon tea, you can only get in Dubai – At.mosphere Lounge at Burj Khalifa

Imagine sipping your tea and eating your scone in the highest building in the world — Burj Khalifa. Located on Level 122, in the At.mosphere Lounge, this afternoon tea comes with a side of serious views.

At.mosphere Lounge offers two varieties of their afternoon tea. The “La Gourmandise” includes a traditional assortment of mini sandwiches, patisserie, scones and fresh berries, which you can pair with a wide variety of global teas and coffees.

Additionally, you have the option of stepping your afternoon tea experience up a few notches and having the “Luxurious Menu”, which includes trademark delicacies, the main course selection, and something bubbly.

Whichever you opt for, you can be assured that all the sweet and savory treats are of the highest quality. Just try to resist eating it all before you get a photo!

(If you do decide to go to At.mosphere Lounge for your afternoon tea, note that there is no direct access from The Dubai Mall or At the Top to Burj Khalifa. You must enter through The Armani Hotel Dubai’s main entrance.)

Where: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
When: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

3. For an afternoon tea underwater – Ossiano, Atlantis

There is no lack of beautifully and uniquely designed restaurants in Dubai. But of course, Dubai has to put its own unique twist on everything and afternoon tea is no different. Enter afternoon tea at the Atlantis, a restaurant situated underwater.

If you want to eat exotic fish eggs, sandwiches, and macaroons during a delicious three-course set menu while watching the fishes pass you by, this is the spot to go. (A children’s and an a la carte menu are also available on request.)

Not just impeccable service, and a mesmerizing setting, this is also one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai.

Where: Ossiano, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
When: Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

4. For an Arabesque-style afternoon tea – Al Fayrooz Lounge in Al Qasr

The tradition of afternoon tea is raised to an art form at Al Fayrooz Lounge with its Arabesque charm and ambienceIn the hotel lobby of Al Qasr, you can find a daily afternoon tea consisting of:

=> afternoon tea sandwiches
=> hot savories
=> selections of homemade scones
=> Devonshire clotted cream
=> lemon curd
=> strawberry jam
=> chocolate fondue
=> your choice of loose-leaf teas or freshly ground coffee

They also offer a “Wellness Afternoon Tea” that is healthy and deliciously elegant (however, you have to book your reservation at least 24 hours before your preferred scheduled).

With the unique food offerings (they have elevated afternoon tea to an art form) and the elegant surroundings, this is a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon tea experience.

Where: Lobby Lounge, Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah
When: Daily, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

There is nothing wrong with treating yourself (and your loved ones) every now and then. Having a cuppa at one of these four places is definitely going to provide everyone a filling and memorable afternoon.

Have you ever had afternoon tea in any of these places? Where do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO: Thomas Grundner is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JA Resorts & Hotels. He has more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry – across international markets including Germany, Egypt and Spain. Grundner oversees all sales, marketing and revenue efforts as the company continues to build on its key growth and development strategies and further cultivates its unique blend of “Heartfelt Hospitality” and “Casual Luxury.”

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5 Of The Best Après-Ski bars in 5 different Ski Resorts

Spending some quality time in a soothing Après-Ski bar is perhaps the best part of your skiing experience! One can relax and enjoy the comforting sip of their favorite drink in chilling winters.

Numerous people find it difficult to locate the finest bar that can augment their trip. It is necessarily crucial to pick the right bar that offers quality services leaving you with some non-volatile memories.

The chilled beer and ample room to dance isn’t something to compromise! Here we’ll be discussing some far-fetched bars, located in different resorts to bump up your skiing experience.

Val Thrones, France

Val Thrones is considered as the most expensive resort offering delightful experiences to the skiers. But during the recent years, this resort has experienced a great transformation; making it a mid-range resort. There’s a stunning 5-star hotel along with some great chalets that offer a mind-blowing experience.

One can get the best out of their trip to witness snow-fall in an entirely new way in the Saloon Bar. This is a place for enthusiasts that are always on a hunt for bars offering fun and lively drinking atmosphere.

Les Deux Alpes, France

Les Deux is perhaps the biggest resort in Grand Rouses Mountain range, which is preferred by the tourists for its long season. One can witness series of great bars pleasing the visitors with fine drinking experience.

The Pano bar in this resort is known for their beats that compel everyone to dance insanely. The joyful crowd here is always the center of attraction that magnetizes people from around the world.

Bar Robinson, France

Bar Robinson is one of the oldest and finest bars in Morzine offering supreme drinking experience to the skiers that are seeking a fascinating atmosphere. It gained popularity as an Après bar due to its early closing timings.

The bar is full of skiers along with passionate snowboarders in the winters. Moreover, it has managed to gain ample popularity among the tourists as well as locals who prefer visiting this spectacular place around the year.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is also one of the expensive resorts that are considered to attract abundant tourists from around the world. The visit to Verbier is incomplete without spending some quality time with your adored ones in a fascinating bar.

The Farinet bar attracts tourists due to its sliding roof, which automatically opens when the bash gets hot! The snowfall along with the party atmosphere goes harmoniously to deliver a dazzling experience.

Alpe d’Huez, France

This is one of the budget-friendly resorts offering finest drinking leisure at comparatively lesser prices. One only needs skills to enjoy their party until 6 in the morning! Moreover, the enormous mountain terrace has ample of space that provides good room for dancing to your favorite beat.

It is a popular place for the people of France but somehow lacks in its overall appeal. Still, you can enjoy your bash with the gorgeous mountain views that surround the resort.

The resorts and bars mentioned-above are known for their excellent hospitality and conspicuous atmosphere. Mark these resorts for your next trip to get some unforgettable memories.

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8 Easy Tips for College Students to Stay Motivated in a Vegan Diet

Vegan Diet

Staying Motivated in a Vegan Diet

When most people decide to go vegan, the easiest part is normally making the resolve to trying a pure all-green diet. When it gets to the part of putting the decision into action, the diet change could become quite frustrating. As is required for other lifestyle changes, becoming a vegan entails creating a culture of consistency in your dietary changes.
It can sound hard but it is easy to see your new resolution through if you have just the correct resources and reasons to keep motivated. You should not get discouraged nor should you be too hard on yourself for not succeeding in your attempts to maintain a straight vegan diet. Below are some of the best and easiest ways to keep motivated in your vegan diet and keeping off from animal foods.

1. Do Your Research

In order for you to thrive on a diet that’s based on plants, you’ll be required to conduct some comprehensive research about the topic. There is a wide array of vitamin deficiencies which are associated with most types of diet plans and vegan diets are a victim of this. These vitamin deficiencies, though not fatal, can end up affecting your general performance and body energy levels. By conducting some thorough research, you are bound to come across effective ways that ensure you are acquiring all the vital nutrients and vitamins that are needed for you to perform at peak levels.
The main vitamins and minerals that you should conduct research on and the foods in which they are found in include; Vitamin B12, Omega 3 and calcium. You should also ensure that you learn the essential roles that these vitamins play in your body (e.g. vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron in your body) so as to know which foods to prioritize in your student budget.

2. Bring your Personal/Family Doctor On Board With Your Diet

Even though you’ve successfully done some research about your vegan diet, it is vital for you to make sure that your doctor knows about your diet. This will prompt him/her to perform in-depth tests on you to see to it that you don`t have any dietary deficiencies that would bring harm to both your health and studies.
In case you have any deficiencies, your doctor will find a way to manage the problem while also giving you advice on the foods that you should use in your vegan diet. To add onto that, your doctor is in a position to give you nutrient supplements and also advise you on the whole vegan diet program in case it would threaten to cause deterioration of your health.

3. Make Plans for Your Meals

There are some easy vegan meals that most students have a high affinity for due to the ease of making them. One of such a type of meal is beans placed on toast. As much as it is popular and saves you the headache of venturing into the complex types of vegan meals, it wouldn`t be ideal to have it on a daily basis for all your meals in a day. For you to avoid such scenarios, it is best that you plan all that you would like to have for the week and write it down.
The night before a school day, you should prepare the meals indicated for that specific day before you head to bed. Such a clear and concise organizational structure of your meals is what makes the whole difference between surviving and thriving on a vegan diet.

4. Supplement Your Diet with Snacks

vegan diet tips
Super food selection for health diet in porcelain bowls over distressed wooden background.

While on a vegan diet, it is common that the foods in your diet plan won’t provide the energy levels that other types of food offer. In order to curb the probability of your level of blood sugar dropping drastically as well as significant energy drops, snacks can be incorporated into your diet as supplements. Snacks are many kinds, but what is common according to findings of various research paper topics about snacks is the energy levels that they pack.

During afternoons when your energy is likely to be spent, you should take some snacks to help rejuvenate your energy stores. Some of the best snacks for these functions include dried fruits, apple slices, energy bars, carrot sticks and almond butter among many others.

5. Make Your Freezer Your Best Friend

vegan diet, vegan

Whenever you’re making meals for just yourself, it would be prudent to make huge meals then freeze half of the meals in different single portions. This will save you the trouble of having to cook new meals every single day, especially knowing that some vegan meals can consume a lot of time and energy to prepare. Your time will also be on the receiving end of being spared and this can help you concentrate more on your school work.

Before you leave for school every morning, you can pull out one of the frozen meals and leave it to defrost as you leave. When you get back from school, all that you’ll be required to do is just heating the meal, and you’ll be set to use the time saved from cooking a-fresh for something else.

6. Learn To Embrace Smoothies on a a Vegan Diet

Making of smoothies on a vegan diet

Making of smoothies is one of the greatest ways in which you can pack a hoard of nutrients that contain veggies and proteins in one drink. Smoothies are very effective, especially for the students with impossibly tight schedules or during exam time when the time is ever scarce. This is because a well-made smoothie contains most of the vital nutrients found in your vegan diet and they are both easy to make and get into your body.

For you to maximize on saving time, you could try preparing your smoothies before the start of your day and then store them in separate bags in the freezer. When morning comes, all you have to do is adding your preferred type of milk followed by addition of nut butter and protein powder to complete the making of an iced smoothie.

7. Be Flexible and Experiment on a a Vegan Diet

One of the biggest roles that you need to play as a vegan when making an effort to stay healthy is thinking outside the box. In addition to this, you also need to find a way of making your own homemade versions of your favorite foods. By taking away dairy and meat products from your daily diet, you get space to experiment a lot, while also introducing tons of new and healthy things. Another factor that favors your steps into experimenting is that vegan lists for what you can buy are long and also very pocket-friendly hence making them workable on a student budget.

8. Stay Inspired on a a Vegan Diet

By surrounding yourself with people who can inspire you, you reduce your chances of falling out of the path of being motivated to keep a vegan diet. In case you have no idea of where to get seasoned vegans, you could seek your inspiration from trying new blogs, recipes, following people living vegan lifestyles on social media and watching videos from YouTube. By doing so, each time you go online and especially on social media, you instantly get inspired.

College Students and a Vegan Diet – In Conclusion

Whether you’re practicing it for the environment, animals, for the simple fact that you cannot cook or for your health, vegan diets are fast becoming popular among students. A healthy diet that is devoid of dairy and meat products might indeed take some extra planning, but just give it some extra effort and thought and your wallet and body will thank you for it.
The methods that have been mentioned above are some of the best in helping to keep you motivated and remain healthy while on a vegan- based diet and while having a student budget. Which of the tips above has appealed most to you? Do you think the rest are worth trying out too?
About the Author:

Richard Nolan is a professional educator and team building coach, sharing his experience in spheres of  writing, blogging, entrepreneurship, and psychology. Richard writes for numerous blogs and gives useful tips for bloggers and students. Currently, Richard works as a general blog editor for EliteEssayWriters

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10 easy steps for calculating Restaurant Labor Cost

Restaurant Labor Cost

Rising restaurant labor cost is an increasing concern for entrepreneurs in the food sector.

Note: This article is from a friend across the pond (hence the $$ references) – But much that is detailed here is applicable across all jurisdictions:

With many existing restaurants out there and the number increasing day by day, the food industry has become cut-throat competitive.

Restaurants now operate on razor thin margins in order to stay afloat in the competition.

When you add up all the cost of restaurant staff – (including Managers, Accountants, Chef/Cook, Kitchen Staff, Captain, Runners, Servers, Delivery Staff) – the labor expense is ever increasing.

To make sure that the percentage of the profit is not compromised, a tight leash for labor expenses is a must.

Below are some easy steps for calculating Restaurant labor cost to simplify the process and save your precious time.

1. Estimate the number of Guests

The first step in calculating the labor cost is that of estimating the frequency of guests around the clock. For every restaurant, there exists a peak and a low time; an ideal staffing scenario includes proportionate staffing.

For example, weekends have a large flow of customers in comparison with weekdays. The frequency of guests helps ascertain the number of servers required to tend a single table.

2. Estimate the number of Staff per Guest

Once you have figured out the frequency of guests, the next thing you need to do is have an estimate for the number of staff required to serve the guests. Calculate it  for each table. Each table requires a Captain who takes the order and a Server who serves the food. Other required staff includes Cook, Runner and an extra server if required. Therefore it is easy to assume that every table requires a Cook, Server, and a Captain.

To get a fair idea of staffing for 40 guests, following can be considered:?1 Cook hour for every 20 guests : 2 Cook hours for 40 guests?1 Server hour for every 10 guests : 4 Server hours for 40 guests?1 Captain hour for every 20 guests : 2 Captain hours for 40 guests?So, a total of 8 employee hours are needed to serve 40 guests

3. Determine the Labor Wages according to the Groups

Before going to the next step, let’s ascertain the group of the labor wages. There exists two modes of labor wage payment i.e. wages per hour and fixed salary. Calculate the cost of hourly employees, fixed salary employees and the total taxes and benefits offered.

For hourly employees, add the total hours per day of your staff for the week and then multiply it with the hourly wage. For different hourly wages for different servers, this needs to be done separately.
The easiest way to get all these complex calculations done, is to adapt Restaurant management software.

4. Calculate the Payroll Taxes

Payroll taxes have to be calculated while determining the labor cost. In order to do this, find out the amount of payroll tax to be paid according to your government policy. Calculate it for each employee. This step too can be simplified using Restaurant management software.?

5. Calculate Federal Unemployment Taxes

Also known as FUTA, this tax is applicable to the first $7000 of the employee. Multiply each employee’s wage and salary earning by 0.06 in order to determine the FUTA taxes that have to be paid by the employee. This step can be skipped if the employee’s year to date earnings exceed $7000. For earnings which exceed the threshold limit, calculate the taxes on the portion less than $7000.

6. State’s Unemployment Insurance Premium or Taxes

The State unemployment tax is not the same everywhere and for this reason, one needs to, find out the company rate and the employee eligibility criteria set by the state for for the labor and the payroll professionals. All of the above taxes are included as an expense in the total amount of the labor cost.

7. Costs and benefits

Almost every restaurant has some type of costs and benefits which they provide their employees. These costs and benefits may include the company’s contribution towards the health and retirement plans, the cost of employees meals, value of the stock option provided to the management, allowances like parking allowances, house rent allowances, and gym memberships. Determine the exact value of the mentioned cost and benefits and add it to the total labor cost.

8. Cost of worker’s compensation premium

This fund is created in order to compensate the worker for any mishap due to work. While the chances of a mishap are less likely to happen at a restaurant, the premium has to be paid for each payroll cycle. This premium paid by the employer has to be added to the total or the prime cost and can help in determining the cost of labor percentage.?Each state has its own set of rules, so the premium can be purchased from the state itself or from some commercial provider. The amount of premium is decided on the basis of the workplace’s claim history and also on the employees present at the workplace. The performance of the  workers is also taken into consideration.

9. Determine the projected sales

By considering the above taxes, costs and benefits the other factor to be weighed in is the average check paid by a guest; to find the projected sales. This step is required to ascertain the income against the expenses which are being incurred. The average checks per guest helps determine the amount of weekly or monthly sales. In order to find this out, calculate the total costs incurred and also the profit margin on each dish.

10. The final stage

This stage is bifurcated into two parts where the first part is the total amount paid as expense and the other part is finding out the projected labor percentage.?• The first step is, to sum up the amount paid in salaries, wages, payroll taxes, unemployment insurance taxes, and benefits. After finding a total amount, proceed to the next step.?• To find out the projected labor percentage, divide the labor wages by the sales. If it falls in the normal range then the labor cost is not chipping away your profits but if it is high then you are overstaffed.?Projected labor percentage = projected labor dollars / projected sales??The above-mentioned steps are pretty easy. Thus, calculating  labor cost isn’t a difficult job. This is necessary future policy decisions and increasing profit.

Author Bio : Utsav Upadhyay is currently advising clients how to create and manage effective advertising campaigns in accordance with the principles of Inbound Marketing. I offer Inbound Marketing auditing services, which are a great way of determining what your company’s strong and weak points are. I also provide Inbound Marketing training and consultation sessions via callhippo Marketing Sessions. In Free time I research about restaurant and hotel management services. Author Email : utsav@softwaresuggest.com

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Could Wine Overtake Classic Cars As a Top Investment Of Passion?

Serious about investing in wine?

wine investing

When you are looking for an investment plan, it’s important to consider investing in your passion.  Several assets gradually increase in value and generate more wealth within a given period. Assets like real estate investment, property ownership, shares in companies, and starting a business among others. All this will gradually ascend in value, and they will make a fortune in the long run. However, if you are solidly looking for an investment that will feed your needs and still make money for you, consider investing in one of top passion investments.

There have been some indication that wine has overtaken classic cars when it comes to the investment of passion. Here are a few reasons why fine wine is gaining ground in passion investment over classic cars.

Wine investment

In the last year, the fine wine went up the market with about 25 percent compared to the previous year. Therefore, making it to a top investment of passion assets. Wine always appreciates. Therefore, if you are looking for an investment plan that will last several years, or will grow to a certain percentage in years to come, wine is the best option. The more you store your wine in your harbor the better and sweeter it gets. Unlike any other passion investment, wine will give you a better pay within a concise period. Additionally, whether you invest as a primary supplier or at a retail level, you will always make returns from wine business.

What about classic cars?

Over the years, classic cars have been leading the investment of passion industry thanks to the onward renovations every time. However, the introduction of new models with new features has been making it hard for an investor to settle at a particular brand as an investment of passion. Other than Ferrari and Jaguar, which have maintained their popularity in the automobile industry, most classic cars are quickly overtaken on the market by new models. However, in last year, classic cars went up with at least 9 percent in the investment of passion.

Additionally, classic cars investment only makes a better deal for the company behind the manufacture and dealers. Taking this route as a private investor is a little trick. Once a car is made and sold, it starts to depreciate. Therefore, after few years of using it, you will sell it at a lower price than the way you bought it, thus making it a wrong investment choice. More so, if you take your car for services, the value goes down too. Therefore, if you plan to sell it five years down the line, probability is it will be worth half the price you bought it.

wine investment

Wine versus classic cars

Although both are a sound investment of passion. Wine is taking a significant ground in the investment industry. In fact, if you invest in wine today, you will be worth much more tomorrow and years ahead. Every time you buy wine enprimeur, you make a step towards wealth and riches. The wine retains its value for a very long time. The older wine has a great demand on the market than new wine. Therefore, if you invest in wine today, it will be worth much more tomorrow. On the other hand, the classic car will start losing its value immediately it’s sold in the market.  Additionally, the fact that wine gained 25% in one year shows it will be worth almost double the price in three to four years while classic cars will only be worth 30% more within the same period.

best wine investments

If you are looking for a way to invest in an asset that will be worth your money and time, wine is the best way to go.

Over the years, people used to prefer investing in real estate or shares business. Things have changed. Wine has proven to make the best returns against all other passion investment plans.

Lastly, wine investment does not require particular skills to become a successful investor. Instead, it only requires you to have a safe place for your storage to ensure you retain its initial taste for some years. Therefore as you invest in wine, ensure to take a keen interest in your storage plan for better results in your investment.

  Wine
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Top 7 Recipes And Ideas For Light & Healthy Meals

Grilled Asparagus and Shiitake Tacos

7 Light & Healthy Meals You Can Create Right Now!

I know it is not always easy to eat healthy, but one of the smartest decisions you can take is to stay committed to a healthy diet.

Why?

When you are eating healthy, you not only feel better, but you can also stay fit and energised.

However, even if you plan to eat healthy, knowing what that means can be quite challenging. Following a healthy diet means you have to choose vegetables, lean meat, fruits, eggs, and dairy products.

If you are really concerned about your health and want to cook light and healthy meals, then here are top 7 recipes to help you out.

1) Grilled Asparagus and Shiitake Tacos

Ingredients –

Lime wedges.

3 tablespoon canola oil.

1 bunch green onions, nicely trimmed.

4 garlic cloves.

Cilantro sprigs.

½ tablespoon Kosher salt.

1 tablespoon ground chipotle salt.

Hot sauce for serving.

Recipe –

Your first step will to be heat the grill on medium. In a large baking dish, blend chipotle, oil, garlic, and salt. Now, you should add green onions, asparagus, shiitakes, and make sure you toss to coat. It is important to grill asparagus until it becomes soft and tender.

Grill shiitakes and green onions, turning occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Now, put the vegetables on the cutting board. Make sure you have cut the green onions and asparagus into two lengths and also sliced shiitakes. You are ready with your meal, serve it with lime wedges, corn tortillas, hot sauce and cilantro.

2) Japanese beef with soba noodles

Japanese beef with soba noodles

Ingredients –

1 tablespoon cornflour.

2 tablespoons sunflower oil.

5 tablespoons dark soy sauce.

1 bunch of spring onions, should be sliced diagonally into 5 cm lengths.

2 crushed garlic cloves.

750 ml dashi stock.

1 tablespoon wasabi paste.

1 sheet nori, should be cut into strips.

1 large red pepper.

450 g lean sirloin steak, should be cut into strips.

15 g fresh coriander.

300 g soba.

125 g shiitake mushrooms, should be properly sliced.

Recipe –

First and foremost, you should mix cornflour, 3 tablespoon of soy sauce, wasabi, and the garlic in a bowl. Now add beef and stir it nicely until it is well coated.

Take a saucepan, add some water and noodles, cook it for around 5 minutes.

Take a frying pan, put some oil and swirl so that frying pan is nicely coated. Add spring onions, red pepper, and mushrooms. Now, stir for around 4 minutes. Remove the frying pan using a draining spoon. Drain the noodles properly and keep it aside.

The remaining oil in the frying pan should be heated, add beef and stir it for 4 minutes. Using the draining spoon, remove it.

Now, you need to pour the stock and add 2 tablespoon soy sauce into the frying pan, add noodles along with vegetables with coriander & nori. It is important to toss it well, add the beef and toss it once again. Pile the beef, noodles, and vegetables into the bowl and spoon over the broth. It is ready now, serve immediately.

3) Quick Vegetable Curry

Ingredients –

340 ml water.

1 tablespoon olive oil.

2 tablespoons tomato puree.

1 onion, properly chopped.

1 tin chopped tomatoes.

2 cloves garlic, properly crushed.

285g frozen mixed vegetables.

2 ½ tablespoons curry powder.

Salt and pepper to taste.

1 vegetable stock cube.

Chopped coriander to garnish.

Recipe –

Take a large saucepan over medium high heat, heat oil, saute onion, and garlic.

Stir in tomato puree and curry powder, make sure you cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Now stir in vegetable stock cube, water, tomatoes, mixed vegetables, salt and pepper for taste. Cook for half an hour and in the end sprinkle some fresh coriander before you serve.

4) Courgette Saute

Courgette Saute

Ingredients –

1 green pepper, properly chopped.

1 tablespoon olive oil.

150ml water.

1 onion, properly sliced.

75g uncooked white rice.

2 tomatoes, properly chopped.

Salt and pepper to taste.

900g courgette, properly peeled and cut into slices.

1 green pepper, properly chopped.

Recipe –

Take a saute pan and heat oil over medium heat. Now, add saute, courgette, green pepper, tomatoes, and onion, stir them for approximately three minutes.

Add salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat and cover it properly and cook it for five minutes.

Stir in rice and water. Cover and cook for around 20 minutes over low heat.

5) Moist Garlic Roasted Chicken

Ingredients –

6 cloves garlic, properly sliced.

1 whole chicken.

6 sprigs fresh thyme.

1 large lemon, properly sliced.

Salt and black pepper.

Recipe –

Your first step is to preheat the oven to 160 degrees C / gas mark 3.

Now, use a large sheet of greaseproof into the middle of the roasting tray. The size of the sheet should be large enough so that you will be able to wrap the chicken properly.

Using the salt and pepper, season the chicken nicely, should be properly stuffed with lemon slices, make sure you have kept the breast side up in the middle of the paper. Now, the chicken needs to be sprinkled with thyme sprigs and garlic slices.

You can lay the remaining lemons over the chicken’s breast. Fold the paper in a way that it forms a loose parcel.

Make sure that the chicken is properly baked in the preheated oven, wait for around 2 hours until the chicken has cooked properly.

6) Mediterranean Fish Casserole

healthy eating fish casserole

Ingredients –

1 teaspoon tomato puree.

2 teaspoons olive oil.

4 fish steaks, 125g each.

1 tablespoon dry white wine or stock.

600g plum tomatoes.

2 sticks celery, properly sliced.

1 teaspoon sugar, optional.

1 clove garlic, properly sliced.

Salt and black pepper.

150g red onions, properly sliced.

3 sprigs fresh rosemary.

1 lemon properly sliced.

Recipe:

Heat the wine and oil or you can stock in flameproof casserole, then afterwards adding onions, garlic, and celery. Let them fry for 5-6 minutes, stir them until they have softened.

Now, you need to chop the tomatoes and add them to the casserole along with the lemon, sugar, and tomato puree.

Stir for roughly three minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.

The fish can be arranged over the vegetable mixture. Add the sprigs of rosemary, and you can sprinkle with oregano.

You need to cover the casserole and leave for 10-15 minutes to simmer, spooning the juices over fish infrequently. Your Mediterranean Fish Casserole is ready, serve it with chopped oregano and a sprig of rosemary.

7) Broccoli Fried Rice

Ingredients –

2 beaten eggs.

75g uncooked long-grain rice.

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

2 tablespoons soy sauce.

3 spring onions, diced.

500g broccoli florets.

½ teaspoon salt.

Recipe:

The rice should be cooked as per the instructions mentioned on the package. Set aside.

Take a large frying pan and heat oil in it. Saute broccoli until it is tender but make sure it is still crisp, then add spring onions. Remove the frying pan.

Scramble the eggs, return broccoli mixture to the pan. Stir in the cooked rice, salt & pepper, and soy sauce.

Broccoli Fried Rice is ready to serve.

Author Bio: Adam Smith is a content writing professional at Followthesteps, an inbound marketing and sales platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers. Previously, Adam worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. He graduated with honors from California University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.

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The Happenstance in Paternoster Square | Restaurant Near St Paul’s Cathedral

THE HAPPENSTANCE HAS A NEW HOME IN PATERNOSTER SQUARE

The Happenstance by Drake and Morgan, which as a new home in the iconic Paternoster Square, set just a stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral. [Tel: 020 7618 9520]

With impeccable interiors and a stylish al fresco terrace, Drake & Morgan’s latest venture is the perfect spot to enjoy creative cocktails and an inviting all-day seasonal menu, whatever the weather.

THE HAPPENSTANCE

DESIGN DETAILS

Complete with vibrant furnishings, potted botanicals and bundles of soft blankets, the massive terrace that fronts The Happenstance is a perfect suntrap. Glass doors smooth the transition to the open bar area, filled with neutral greys, cream and parquet woods and delicate piquants of copper. Polished concrete, soft leather and faux-fur detailing bring the sophistication and luxury of Mayfair to this City destination. Discerning drinkers can pull up a stool at a bar-side high table, while those looking to dine can luxuriate in the dedicated dining space or relax with friends in the lounge area – there’s something to suit every mood.

CREATIVE CONCOCTIONS

Unwind after a long day at the office or get the weekend started in style with The Happenstance’s signature cocktail collection. Expertly mixed by London’s best mixologists, must-tries include the Peruvian Pisco Sour (Macchu pisco, lime, sugar syrup & egg white); Head Over Heels (Tanqueray, Celery Juice, Sugar Syrup and Celery Bitters); and Bees Knees (Botanist Gin, Cointreau, Lemon Juice and Honey Syrup).

With over 60 wines available to choose from, there really is something for everyone at The Happenstance. From pale, Provencal rose?s to deep, plummy reds, the wine selection is varied enough to cater to all tastes.

ON THE MENU

Open seven days a week, the restaurant’s all-day dining menu is sure to satisfy every craving. Begin with a chorizo scotch egg with paprika mayonnaise or perhaps some padron peppers and a Napoli flatbread to share. Take things up a notch with the juicy wagyu beef burger with blue cheese and tomato relish, or try the refreshing chargrilled tuna with green papaya, cucumber, peanuts & lime dressing. For the traditionalists, you can find pub favourites bangers and mash with red onion gravy, as well as the decadent fish pie with a cheddar potato crust – and the more exotic can indulge their wanderlust with a loaded Mezze board or perhaps a Thai coconut curry with basmati rice.

Kick back and relax with the all day Saturday brunch menu. Breakfast classics such as the Full English (eggs any style, bacon, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, field mushroom and grilled tomato) sit alongside more contemporary choices like buttermilk chicken and waffle with avocado, grilled tomato and hash browns. While away the weekend with a classic Bloody Mary or, if you’re feeling virtuous, a Radiant Roots zero-proof (apple, carrot, ginger, celery and fennel).

PRIVATE DINING
For those looking for a little more privacy, The Happenstance’s 11-seater private dining room is separated from the main bar by a stunning statement coloured glass screen, and comes complete with its own private bar. Whether you’re hosting a smart business meeting or an intimate party, the private dining area offers an elegant hideaway from the main bar area.

Come in, stay a while and escape the everyday at The Happenstance.

The Happenstance

10 Paternoster Square
London EC4M 7DX drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-happenstance

Tel: 020 7618 9520

Twitter: @TheHappBarPS Instagram: @drakeandmorgan Facebook: @thehappenstancebar

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10 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Argentine Wine

Argentine Wine - 10 Things You Didn't Know.

Argentine Wine – 10 Things You Didn’t Know.

Argentina is one of the most popular wine producing regions in South America and is famous for its world class Malbecs, which is produced throughout the region.

The wine making regions in Argentina is located either on the slanting plains or across the wide valleys. The region also offers a conducive climate for wine production.

The Argentine vineyards are situated quite far from the cities and away from the pollutions, where the vines are planted in the young and infrequently tilled soils. Argentina offers distinct flavors in its wide variety of authentic wines that come in deep colors and intense aroma. It has the most suitable terroir for the production of Malbecs, Argentina’s most celebrated wine variety.

A striking aspect of Argentine wines is that they thrive in a land characterized by dryness and aridity. Viticulture in Argentina is concentrated at the foothills of Andes. The dreary desert region of Mendoza is highly popular for wine production in Argentina. The high altitudes and dry landscapes create the ideal conditions for high quality red wines with a strong aroma and intense flavor.

The Argentine wines have received international recognition for their uniqueness and quality. The country also welcomes wine lovers to its vineyards and wineries for a taste of its wines.

If you are planning to take an Argentine wine tour sometime soon, the following facts will help you understand its wines better.

#1. Malbecs: Argentina’s Star Wine Variety

Malbecs are the most widely produced variety of wine in Argentina. It traveled to Argentina from France, through Chile in 1852. But strangely it adapted to Argentina’s unique climate and went on to become its flagship variety. Today Argentine Malbecs are exported all over the world and is also one of the most consumed varieties of wine.

In the latter half of 1990s Argentine winemakers rediscovered Malbecs. The Malbec World Day is observed on 17th April. Malbecs comprise 35% of Argentina’s grapes and make for 51% of its international sales.

#2. Torrontes: Argentina’s Native Wine Variety

It is a white varietal wine with a fresh aroma, medium acidic level, and even texture. The wine offers distinctive apricot and peach aromas. It is produced across all the major wine producing regions in Argentina. Torrontes also refers to a particular Spanish varietal grape. It is only grown in Argentina and is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Negra.

Argentine Wine

#3. Local Study of Wines

There arose a need for foreign advisors when the country decided to take its wines to the international market. However, it was not something that was done on an impulse. Argentina had a considerable number of individuals who had the insight on agronomy and winemaking required for the task. Many of those winemakers today are on the edge of 40, like Mauricio Lorca, Marcelo Pelleriti, and Alejandro Vigil.

#4. Trained Argentine Sommeliers

The Argentine School of Sommeliers has produced graduates who are now placed at key positions in top restaurants around the world, and the number is still on the rise. Professionals who received training at the Gato Dumas culinary school and Argentina School of Wines are also spread across top restaurants in Latin America.

#5. The Enigmatic Bonarda

In Argentina, Bonarda is second only to Malbecs in the volume of production. Initially, Bonarda came across as a strange variety for the researchers who were carrying out a thorough research of the country’s wines. Although it had an Italian name, it did not match with its varieties or any other variety for that matter. It was only in 2009 that a genetic study determined that Bonarda is naturally occurring cross between Douce Noir or Charbono and Corbeau, all three of which are southeastern French varietals.

#6. Wine Cultivation is Quite Old in Argentina

Wine cultivation in Argentina is not a new thing as it was actually started by the Spanish Missionaries in 1551. However, wine was primarily produced for religious purposes and of very poor quality. Criolla was the most widespread wine variety back then and it was produced in a very crude form. Nonetheless, this particular grape variety laid the foundation of the wine industry of South America.

#7. Argentine Vines Are Disease Free

One outstanding quality of Argentine soils is that it has effectively resisted a dangerous pest called phylloxera, which devastated French vineyards in the 1870s leading to the downfall of the Bordeaux Malbecs, from spoiling its vines. Because of this, it is now home to the world’s finest Malbecs.

Argentine Wine

#8. Argentina Exports Malbecs to France

Being the world’s leading producer of Malbecs, Argentina now ironically exports the wine variety to its homeland France. Meanwhile, wine growers in Bordeaux and Cahors are actively producing Argentine varietal wines.

#9. Mendoza- An Oasis

It might seem lush green with acres of lands under vineyards, but Mendoza is actually an oasis located in the middle of an arid, dry desert. The land has been made fertile by the water channels dug by the early settlers of the region. The channels carry the melted ice from the snow-capped Andes to the fields. Today, farmers use modern techniques to draw water from underground.

#10. The Lesser Known Wine Producing Giant

Not many people know that Argentina occupies the fifth position in the world in respect to wine productions. It produces a wide variety of wines from its stunning Malbecs to the piquant Torrontes. It also offers its tourist enlightening wine tours through its vineyards, so that more people learn about its wines and wine producing culture.

Argentina is a vast land with a lot of attractions on offer for every tourist. Wine is a special part of Argentina, which represents it before the world. Needless to say, the country has been excelling in wine productions. The above mentioned facts underlined the most intriguing aspects of the ultimate wine destination of Argentina and for the basic understanding of any wine lover intending to visit the country in the near future.

Author Bio: Mark Davis is the managing partner of Tango Tours and Tango Food and Wine Company, a business he has been running since 2014. It extremely important to Mark that his guests have the ultimate food and wine experience as well as experiencing the local culture.

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6 New Restaurants To Try In Manchester, UK

6 New Restaurants To Try In Manchester, UK

best restaurants manchester UK

When it comes to cities, Manchester continues to grow at an alarming rate. It is a vibrant city with a whole host of different restaurants and bars. Its no wonder that businesses are gradually beginning to move towards Manchester, joining the list of exclusive businesses that are already present. Since the turn of the new year, Manchester has 5 new exclusive restaurants that are highly recommended.

Shoryu Ramen

1 Picadilly, Manchester, M1 1RG

Manchester@japancentre.com

Shoryu Ramen is a Japanese ramen bar, which has found its new home in the centre of Manchester, or as it’s called Piccadilly Gardens. It’s official launch of the restaurant was marked as a celebration by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carl Austin-Behan himself. They provide a fresh balance of fresh and cooked food, giving you the all-round Japanese experience but in the UK!

The Refinery

G1 XYZ Building, 2 Hardman Boulevard, Manchester, M3 3AQ

0333 210 0016

The Refinery is based in a prime location in Spinningfields, however, don’t let the location scare you off. The Refinery are proud to offer competitive prices compared to other restaurants based in the same location and showed off with a stylish, yet smooth launch party in Spinningfields. With a wide range of services, The Refinery specialise in cocktails, however, the food they provide is classically British, bringing you their services from breakfast all the way through to dinner. Since it’s built in the extravagant XYZ building, it provides an ideal spot for all-day drinking, especially as it’s near the canal! The Refinery is something not to miss out on – it’s exciting new food and drink menu makes it one of the most exciting bars in Spinningfields.

V Revolution

20-26 Edge St, Manchester, M4 1HN – No Phone Number, Book Online

hello@vrevmcr.co.uk

V Revolution is different compared to the other restaurants on the list as they’ve expanded from a little vegan diner into a larger store. The foundation of the restaurant was built on an animal friendly basis with a fast food twist. Not only do they provide animal friendly food, but they are a range of a shakes and cocktails all of which are vegan and dairy free! If of course you have joined the vegan train, then it’s something that you should most definitely consider at least!

Suri

20 – 22 King St, Manchester, M2 6AG

0161 641 7700

Suri is a restaurant that has hit the ground running in Manchester. Its brings food from the Mediterranean and Middle East and marries them together. It will offer both food and drink, however, the main attraction will be the food. With a complexion of mezze-style platers, Lebanese lamb cutlets and spice filled food, Suri are going to continue to exceed expectation. Not only does the food have a unique twist to it, so does the cocktail menu. Suri are offering cocktails which include the Mediterranean Mule, which includes vodka, ginger beer, Saffron Royale and Bombay Sapphire. As you see Suri are providing something unique and different compared to other restaurants.

Proove

162A Burton Road, Manchester, M20 1LH

0161 669 9061

The idea of Proove arrived from the Sheffield, and now are continuing their journey in Manchester. Proove is a pizzeria, with a signature slow-proved sourdough base. It won’t only serve pizza as their menu includes pastas, desserts and of course drinks. To highlight how different Proove are, the toppings of their pizzas are based on classic Neapolitan toppings. For pizza lovers, Proove will most definitely get your taste buds tingling!

Moose Coffee

20 York St, Manchester, M2 2BB

0161 228 7994

Moose Coffee is for all the breakfast lovers out there, especially, as its gone under the radar a little. However, attention has seemed to move towards them and its balance of classic breakfasts throughout the day. It’s the stuff for hangover dreams, however, it allows you to have something different compared to the restaurants Manchester have already. Moose Coffee want breakfast lovers to come and enjoy their food, so why not take advantage of it, especially when it is as glorious as it is.

 

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