The Pulse - 05/31/24

Pulse Check: Leveraging F&B in Marketing

We tapped BMFers to answer a simple question: "How can brands can use F&B as part of their marketing strategy?" ➔

BMF Connects With Pavan Pardasani

BMF Founding Partner Brian Feit sat down with Pavan Pardasani, CMO at Tao Group, to discuss marketing and the hospitality industry. ➔

Photo via FOOD & WINE

The Aspen Food & Wine Classic returns June 14th - 16th celebrating its 41st year in picturesque Aspen, CO. One of the most prestigious food and wine festivals in the United States and the official kick-off for summer, the event brings together renowned chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts from around the world. Over the course of three days, attendees will indulge in tastings, cooking demos, and seminars led by culinary luminaries. Book your tickets here. ➔

Photo via Lateef Photography

The newest culinary hotspot from mastermind chef and restaurateur Jean-Georges is coming to NYC. For the first time, Vongerichten is stepping into the private members' club space with Chez Margaux, joining the ranks of exclusive venues like Zero Bond and ZZ’s. Transforming what used to be one of New York’s hottest restaurants — his very own 18,000 square-foot Spice Market — Chez Margaux will be a members-only club inspired by “the elegance of Paris in the 1930s” and “London’s renowned nightlife culture.” The space includes a restaurant serving modern French cuisine, private dining areas, a library, a lounge with a Japanese-inspired menu, and a dedicated area for caviar service. Apply for your membership here. ➔

Photo via MICHELIN

On May 14, Michelin brought its lauded restaurant guide to Mexico for the first time. In the inaugural guide, 16 restaurants received one star and two restaurants received two. From Mexican hotspots filled with traditional dishes (think grilled Baja coast rockfish and mole amarillito) and delicious tacos to sophisticated modern menus (with items like spider crab paired with silky jackfruit to green passionfruit filled with foie gras parfait), the first Mexico selection proved that El Águila Real is filled with flavor and flair. Get the full first Mexico Michelin star guide here and start planning your next trip. ➔

Photo via Nammos World

Heading to Cannes Lions? Check out the newest spot redefining the culinary scene. Palm Beach, located in the Belle Epoque palace on the quieter side of the Boulevard de la Croisette, has just reopened after a three-year, €120 million transformation. Redesigned by architects Caprini & Pellerin, this luxurious entertainment hub is home to high-end restaurants that define the party scene across Europe, such as Nammos, Zuma, Medusa, and La Petite Maison. Along with fine dining, you can enjoy luxury boutiques like Dior and Loro Piana, a cabaret, a members-only pool, a cocktail lounge, and concierge service. Palm Beach is set to elevate Cannes as a culinary and cultural destination. Reserve your visit here. ➔

Photo via 50 Best

As the Los Angeles dining scene heats up, Kato, a Taiwanese-American restaurant led by chef Jon Yao, is gaining international acclaim. Recently named the winner of the Resy One To Watch Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, Kato stands out for its minimalist design and calm atmosphere. Located in Downtown LA’s The Row, it features an open kitchen with a wood-burning hearth and an eight-seat bar offering expertly crafted cocktails. Since its humble beginnings as a lunch-box business, Kato has evolved into one of LA's top dining destinations, earning accolades like the top spot on the Los Angeles Times’ 101 Restaurants list, book your table here. ➔

Photo via Hôtel Costes

Visiting Paris this summer for the Olympics? Look no further than Hôtel Costes bar for the ultimate after-dinner drinks and dessert experience. Renowned for its iconic red velvet interior, Hôtel Costes exudes a perfected aesthetic that even extends to its music. While the interior can be dark and smoky, the enclosed terrace offers a lighter atmosphere where you can still enjoy the DJ's tunes. It's an ideal spot for an afternoon glass of wine or a sophisticated after-dinner cocktail, coupled with fabulous people-watching. This moody, leather-accented bar has a storied history, once frequented by Parisian creatives like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Cole Porter. Book your table here. ➔

Photo via  @troyesivan & @charli_xcx

Buckle up for the Sweat tour thanks to BMF Friend, English singer-songwriter, Charli XCX and Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan. They’re co-headlining a tour in support of their albums Brat and Something to Give Each Other, respectively. The two artists, known for their innovative pop sounds and captivating performances, are set to drop highly anticipated new music soon, making this tour a must-see event for fans and music lovers alike. Book your tickets here. ➔

Photo via Travel + Leisure

Aspen is a renowned resort town located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, famous for its world-class ski resorts, upscale boutiques – and vibrant culinary scene. Once a silver mining town, Aspen has become a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and luxury travelers. Check out our refreshed travel guide ahead of the upcoming Aspen Food & Wine Classic here. ➔

Photo via Victor Spinelli/WireImage

The James Beard Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of the food world," are one of the most prestigious honors in the American culinary industry. Established in 1990 by the James Beard Foundation, these awards recognize excellence across various categories, including Best Chef, Outstanding Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, and accolades for culinary writing, media, and restaurant design. This year, the highly anticipated awards ceremony will take place on June 8th, honoring the most talented and influential figures in the food and beverage industry. Keep an eye out for this year's winners here. ➔

Led by founder Jill Kuehler and the youngest female distiller, Molly Troupe, Portland-based Freeland Spirits is part of the 1% of women-owned and run distilleries, with 95% of their staff identifying as women. Launched last year, Freeland Spirits’ Forest Gin has been garnering national recognition for its unique ingredients such as chanterelle mushrooms, Douglas fir tips, salal berries, and nettle, all foraged from the local Portland Forest Park, just down the road from the brand’s distillery. In 2024, this gin received notable acclaim, receiving Gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scoring 94 points on Wine Enthusiast, further solidifying Freeland Spirits' reputation in the spirits industry. Order your bottle here! ➔

Photo via Freeland Spirits

Pierce Abernathy is a multifaceted individual based in New York, known for his work as a chef, recipe developer, model, and advocate for sustainable eating. He gained significant attention on Instagram and TikTok, where he shares seasonal, plant-forward recipes that emphasize sustainability and local sourcing. In addition to his culinary endeavors, Abernathy is part of Aerthship, an eco-art collective that focuses on integrating ecological awareness into various aspects of pop culture. The nonprofit was recently featured in Vogue for its work to support New York’s Urban Farms. Check out Abernathy’s endeavors in the culinary space here. ➔

Photo via @pierceabernathy

Photo via Chrome Horse

BMF client, Chrome Horse, was founded by Jack Morgan, who sought to create a tequila as sophisticated as the people he envisioned enjoying it, featuring clean ingredients and fresh tasting notes, perfect for any occasion. Having grown up as an equestrian, Morgan aimed to craft a tequila that would make consumers feel as if they were taking a ride. Recently, they won Gold at Tequila and Spirit Magazine Tasting Awards, Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards, and Gold at the SIP Awards. Check out the brand here! ➔

Introducing The Pasta Queen, AKA Nadia Caterina Munno, an Italian chef, social media entertainer, and author. Born and raised in Rome, Italy, Munno comes from a family with a rich history in pasta making, dating back to her great-great-grandparents who operated a pasta factory in the south of Italy. Recently, The Pasta Queen partnered with BMF client SPANX to host a media & influencer lunch celebrating their newest spring campaign, showcasing the brand’s commitment to supporting and honoring women in the many roles they take on. For the best Italian recipes check out her social media here! ➔

Photo via Jason Koburov

Photo via Erewhon

Erewhon is a high-end organic grocery store chain in Los Angeles, known for its commitment to quality and health-conscious products. It has transformed into a cultural phenomenon by leveraging strategic partnerships and harnessing the power of social media to amplify its influence and reach. They’ve collaborated with luxury brands like Casa Blanca and Balenciaga, and celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and most recently Kendall Jenner on custom menu items that create lines out the door. Find your closet Erewhon here to check out the market that is redefining the marketplace. ➔

In the over-saturated market of celebrity alcohol brands, Blake Lively's Betty Booze stands out for its commitment to quality and taste above all else. The Gossip Girl actress has announced the launch of Betty Booze ready-to-drink cocktails in the UK, partnering with Chef Daniel Boulud in a fun Instagram video. Originally launched in the US in June 2023, Betty Booze features three gourmet sparkling cocktails in a can, crafted from Blake's own homemade recipes. Lively remarked, "These are the recipes I've been making for loved ones for years. But I have four kids now. And I'm tired. So here they are in a can. Enjoy. Responsibly…ish." Order your quality batch of homemade recipes here. ➔

Photo via Betty Booze

Photo via @stephanehumbertbasset

The French Post Office (La Poste) has issued a commemorative postage stamp to honor France's iconic bread—the baguette. This unique stamp is coated with tiny capsules that, when broken, release the fragrance of freshly baked bread. The €1.96 stamp features a baguette adorned with a red, white, and blue ribbon. A shopkeeper in the heart of Paris selling the "scratch-and-sniff" stamp noted its "bakery smell." Launched on Thursday, the stamp celebrates the day of the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs. La Poste announced an initial print run of 594,000 copies and highlighted that French bakers produce over six billion baguettes annually. Check them out here. ➔