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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>Achatz And Keller Cook Three Amazing Feasts</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/achatz-and-keller-cook-three-amazing-feasts/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/achatz-and-keller-cook-three-amazing-feasts/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/achatz-and-keller-cook-three-amazing-feasts/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2008/12/achatz-keller-t.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/12/frenchlaundry.jpg"  alt="" /></a>Those who can spend $1,500 might want to get into <a href="http://www.frenchlaundry.com/">French Laundry </a>on December 9. That's when <a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2008/12/achatz-keller-t.html">Thomas Keller and Grant Achatz are hosting the third</a> of three spectacular 20 course dinners. The first was held at Keller's New York restaurant Per Se, the second was held at Achatz's Chicago restaurant Alinea and the third will be at Keller's French Laundry in Yountville, California. The chance to have two of the top chefs in the U.S. cook for you is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Those who can attend can expect Keller's exquisite attention to detail and Achatz's inventive cuisine on course after course bound to feature truffles, caviar, foie gras and other expensive ingredients.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/achatz-and-keller-cook-three-amazing-feasts/">Achatz And Keller Cook Three Amazing Feasts</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2008/12/achatz-keller-t.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/achatz-and-keller-cook-three-amazing-feasts/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1389352/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/achatz-and-keller-cook-three-amazing-feasts/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>alinea</category><category>french laundry</category><category>FrenchLaundry</category><category>grant achatz</category><category>GrantAchatz</category><category>per se</category><category>PerSe</category><category>thomas keller</category><category>ThomasKeller</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Omaha Steaks, Order In For $10,000</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/omaha-steaks-order-in-for-10-000/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/omaha-steaks-order-in-for-10-000/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/omaha-steaks-order-in-for-10-000/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/redirect?fromUri=/luxurydinner"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/ultimate_dining2.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />I mentioned Omaha Steaks last month when talking about <a href="http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/redirect?fromUri=/luxurydinner">Thanksgiving turkeys to order online</a> but the mail order food company has a far more luxurious new option. The<a href="http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/redirect?fromUri=/luxurydinner"> "Ultimate in Luxurious Home Dining</a>," is a  five-course Omaha Steaks Private Reserve gourmet dinner party, which is prepared and served in the customer's  home by the company's Executive Chef and culinary staff. The five-course dinner for eight includes appetizers and cocktails, soup, salad, entr&eacute;e and desserts accompanied by wines to complement every course from Omaha Steaks family owner Fred Simon's private wine cellar. The package retails for $10,000.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/omaha-steaks-order-in-for-10-000/">Omaha Steaks, Order In For $10,000</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/redirect?fromUri=/luxurydinner>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/omaha-steaks-order-in-for-10-000/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1386821/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/01/omaha-steaks-order-in-for-10-000/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>dining</category><category>food</category><category>omaha steaks</category><category>OmahaSteaks</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Yellingbo Gold Olive Oil</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/yellingbo-gold-olive-oil/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/yellingbo-gold-olive-oil/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/yellingbo-gold-olive-oil/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.yellingbo.com/index.html?goto=/oils.html#oil5"><img width="250" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="302" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/yellingbo1lhm.png" alt="olive oil" /></a>EVOO may be the common name for extra virgin olive oil but Yellingbo's Gold EVOO is anything but common. This premium grade oil from the Meltzer's family farm is unfiltered and cold pressed. Even though it is <a href="http://www.yellingbo.com/index.html?goto=/oils.html#oil5">a single estate, limited release</a> which would gladly be included in any chef's kitchen Yellingbo is making it easier for the everyday cook to have it at their fingertips too. Employing a new cask design with air-tight construction and an easy flow tap, holding four-times as much EVOO as one of their beautiful glass bottles, the cask which should cost $200 is currently being offered for $69 just through the holidays! Plus the oil will enjoy a significantly longer shelf-life and won't go rancid nearly as quickly. (Which is important with something this delicious). Luxury-quality ingredients at a palatable price. <br /><br />%Gallery-38164%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/yellingbo-gold-olive-oil/">Yellingbo Gold Olive Oil</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.yellingbo.com/oils.html#oil5>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/yellingbo-gold-olive-oil/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1372892/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/yellingbo-gold-olive-oil/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>EVOO</category><category>extra virgin olive oil</category><category>ExtraVirginOliveOil</category><category>yellingbo</category><category>yellingbo gold</category><category>yellingbo olive oil</category><category>YellingboGold</category><category>YellingboOliveOil</category><dc:creator>Laura Malesich</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Vodbox: Another Place To Drink While Cold</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/29/the-vodbox-another-place-to-drink-while-cold/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/29/the-vodbox-another-place-to-drink-while-cold/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/29/the-vodbox-another-place-to-drink-while-cold/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.nicsbeverlyhills.com/nics_2006/?ref=none"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/07-vodbox---exterior.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />One of the hottest trends lately seems to be getting cold in order to drink. Th<a href="http://www.nicsbeverlyhills.com/nics_2006/?ref=none">e Vodbox at Nic's Beverly Hills</a> isn't <a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/04/florida-gets-an-icebar/"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/07/las-vegas-gets-an-ice-bar-too/">another</a> ice bar</a> but it s chilled to a brisk  28 degrees. The Vodbox offers more than 80 varieties of vodka that can be tasted in flights. Guests are provided with warm coats and hats for their brief sojourn into the cold and  when they are finished they can warm up in the lounge or the restaurant with a hot meal served with classic California cool style. <br /><br />[via<a href="http://www.latimes.com/theguide/bars-and-clubs/la-et-night28-2008nov28,0,6798594.story"> LA Times</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/29/the-vodbox-another-place-to-drink-while-cold/">The Vodbox: Another Place To Drink While Cold</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.nicsbeverlyhills.com/nics_2006/?ref=none>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/29/the-vodbox-another-place-to-drink-while-cold/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1385620/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/29/the-vodbox-another-place-to-drink-while-cold/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>los angeles</category><category>LosAngeles</category><category>restaurants</category><category>vodbox</category><category>vodka</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Canyon Ranch Miami Beach Now Open</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/canyon-ranch-miami-beach-now-open/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/canyon-ranch-miami-beach-now-open/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/canyon-ranch-miami-beach-now-open/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/journeys/" rel="tag">Journeys</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/spas/" rel="tag">Spas</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/water/" rel="tag">Water</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/real-estate-developments/" rel="tag">Real Estate Developments</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/lg_img_spa_treatments.jpg" /><br />Canyon Ranch <a href="http://www.canyonranch.com/hotels/about-canyon-ranch.aspx?bhcp=1">has long been known</a> as one of the top spa and wellness centers anywhere. With two locations (<a href="http://www.canyonranch.com/resorts/tucson-home.aspx">Tucson, Ariz.,</a> and <a href="http://www.canyonranch.com/resorts/lenox-home.aspx">Lenox, Mass.</a>) already established, we've been waiting since <a href="http://www.luxist.com/2005/07/31/canyon-ranch-miami-beach/">2005</a> for the Miami Beach location to be ready. It finally opened earlier this month and now is accepting reservations. The historic 														Carillon Hotel, with ocean views, has been restored and now is "infused with the Canyon Ranch 														 spirit of health, fitness, and personal attention." Choose from a selection of 150 one- and two-bedroom luxury suites that range from from 720 - 1,200 sq. ft., and from <strong>$300 - $1,800. </strong>All include <br />
<ul>
    <li>kitchenette, and washer and dryer;</li>
    <li>400-thread-count linens;</li>
    <li>luxury limestone-tiled bath with dual-head frameless glass shower, soaking tub, and exquisite vanity niche;</li>
    <li>two flat screen HDTVs;</li>
    <li>Bose Wave radio;</li>
    <li>High-speed Ethernet and wireless Internet access; and</li>
    <li>multi-line telephones, cordless phones, DID numbers and voicemail.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="topMargin5 bottomMarginZero lineHeight20">                                    </ul>
    Download a brochure <a href="http://www.canyonranch.com/pdf/MiamiBeach.pdf">here</a> to read more about the spa and wellness programs, or use the easy-to-navigate lefthand tabs on the <a href="http:// http://www.canyonranch.com/hotels/miami-beach-home.aspx?link=Miami_Beach&amp;source=homepage">home page</a> to get all the details.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/canyon-ranch-miami-beach-now-open/">Canyon Ranch Miami Beach Now Open</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:03:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/canyon-ranch-miami-beach-now-open/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1362305/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/24/canyon-ranch-miami-beach-now-open/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>Canyon Ranch</category><category>CanyonRanch</category><category>fitness</category><category>Miami</category><category>spa</category><category>wellness</category><dc:creator>Lisa Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:03:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Turkey Platters for a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/turkey-platters-for-a-beautiful-thanksgiving-table/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/turkey-platters-for-a-beautiful-thanksgiving-table/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/turkey-platters-for-a-beautiful-thanksgiving-table/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/decor/" rel="tag">Decor</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/5965546/index.cfm?pkey=ctabletop%2Dthanksgiving&amp;cm%5Fsrc=hero"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/img42l-copy.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />When it comes to feasting on Thanksgiving day the turkey is the star of the show so it's only natural to display it on something beautiful. And since large serving platters aren't as prone to being broken or worn out by daily use it seems worthwhile to invest in one you'll be proud to show off on special occasions like <a href="http://www.luxist.com/tag/Thanksgiving/">Thanksgiving</a> and other gatherings for years to come. So what kind of platter will go best with your Turkey Day tabletop decor? Whether you choose one that matches your dinnerware or one that stands out on its own, there's literally thousands of choices out there -- see the gallery below for some ideas! <br /><br />%Gallery-37401%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/turkey-platters-for-a-beautiful-thanksgiving-table/">Turkey Platters for a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/turkey-platters-for-a-beautiful-thanksgiving-table/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1376372/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/20/turkey-platters-for-a-beautiful-thanksgiving-table/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>dinnerware</category><category>entertaining</category><category>holidash</category><category>holidays</category><category>platter</category><category>platters</category><category>Thanksgiving</category><category>turkey</category><category>turkey platters</category><category>TurkeyPlatters</category><dc:creator>Rigel Celeste</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Diamond Cooker with Philanthropic Benefits</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/diamond-cooker-with-philanthropic-benefits/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/diamond-cooker-with-philanthropic-benefits/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/diamond-cooker-with-philanthropic-benefits/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/gadgets/" rel="tag">Gadgets</a></p><a href="http://www.rogavi.com/prize/146/"><img width="450" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="343" border="0" align="middle" alt="diamond stove" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/stove6lhm.jpg" /></a><br />Denman College, the Women's Institute-owned Residential Adult Education College in Oxfordshire, is celebrating 60 years and to commemorate their diamond anniversary they are raffling off a diamond mounted cooktop. In partnership with <a href="http://www.77diamonds.com/">Seventy Seven Diamonds</a> and <a href="http://www.stoves.co.uk/">Stoves</a> appliances this luxurious cooking range and oven will benefit a national Women's Institue-led initiative, Let's Cook!, which runs cooking programs for parents of disadvantaged communities. It is finished in a sparkling 'diamond-effect' silver paint and bears a certified half-carat diamond to complete this <a href="http://www.thewi.org.uk/standard.aspx?id=13116">one-of-a-kind prize which raises it's price to &pound;4,000</a>. But the raffle tickets are only <a href="http://www.rogavi.com/prize/146/">&pound;2.50</a> which makes this prize open to just about anyone. If you want to see this stunning cooker on display it will be shown at the BBC's Good Food Show in Birmingham between November 26th and 30th. The winning ticket will be drawn January 1st -- good luck!<br /><br />[via <a href="http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/luxury-cooker-with-diamonds/2008-11-13/">Lussorian</a>]<br /><br />%Gallery-37099%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/diamond-cooker-with-philanthropic-benefits/">Diamond Cooker with Philanthropic Benefits</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/luxury-cooker-with-diamonds/2008-11-13/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/diamond-cooker-with-philanthropic-benefits/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1372907/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/diamond-cooker-with-philanthropic-benefits/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>diamond stove</category><category>DiamondStove</category><category>luxury cooker</category><category>luxury stove</category><category>LuxuryCooker</category><category>LuxuryStove</category><dc:creator>Laura Malesich</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Aficionado's Collection Chocolates</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/the-aficionados-collection-chocolates/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/the-aficionados-collection-chocolates/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/the-aficionados-collection-chocolates/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/cigars/" rel="tag">Cigars</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.grauerchocolates.com/house/handmade-chocolates.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/concept_1_gd.jpg" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.grauerchocolates.com/">House Of Grauer</a> is catering to the cigar smokers among us this holiday season by offering <a href="http://www.grauerchocolates.com/our_collection.php">The Aficionados Collection</a> of chocolates specially designed just for them. Depending on the assortment you choose, flavors include delicacies like Italian roasted hazelnut, milk chocolate with French organic bee pollen, and Sri Lankan cinnamon. Leaves, sticks, and rings of swiss chocolate are boxed up beautifully and formulated expressly to enhance the cigar smoking ritual and bring new levels of flavor and sensation to the experience. Prices range from $65 for 14 pieces to $275 for the 104 piece Magnum Mixed Collection.<br /><br />Via <a href="http://blogs.forbes.com/findoftheday/">ForbesLife</a><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/the-aficionados-collection-chocolates/">The Aficionado's Collection Chocolates</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.grauerchocolates.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/the-aficionados-collection-chocolates/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1373725/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/18/the-aficionados-collection-chocolates/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>chocolate</category><category>chocolates</category><category>cigars</category><category>grauer</category><category>house of grauer</category><category>HouseOfGrauer</category><dc:creator>Rigel Celeste</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Ten Ways To Order Thanksgiving Dinner Online</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/ten-ways-to-order-thanksgiving-dinner-online/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/ten-ways-to-order-thanksgiving-dinner-online/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/ten-ways-to-order-thanksgiving-dinner-online/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><img width="250" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="250" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/amazon_prepared_meal.jpg"  alt="" /><a href="http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/amazon/archives/153939.asp?from=blog_last3">The other day I read tha</a>t <a href="https://fresh.amazon.com">AmazonFresh</a>, the grocery arm of Amazon.com will be delivering an entire Thanksgiving meal for people in the Seattle area. A total prepared meal serving up to eight people costs $80 and sides, desserts, turkeys and other items can also be ordered separately to be delivered on Nov. 25 and 26. If you aren't in Seattle, your best bet may be a local grocery store especially if you want specialty items like a tofurkey or an organic or free range bird (<a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays/index.php">Whole Foods has a great holiday men</a>u). Many stores do offer prepared meals and some will even deliver.  But there is also a growing crop of turkey dinners that you can order around the U.S. online. You'll pay anywhere from around $70 to over $200 depending on how many sides you want and how many people you need to serve. Thanksgiving dinner in a click? Check out the gallery below for ten options.<br /><br />%Gallery-37006%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/ten-ways-to-order-thanksgiving-dinner-online/">Ten Ways To Order Thanksgiving Dinner Online</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/ten-ways-to-order-thanksgiving-dinner-online/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1373292/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/17/ten-ways-to-order-thanksgiving-dinner-online/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>dinner</category><category>internet</category><category>online dinner</category><category>OnlineDinner</category><category>thanksgiving</category><category>turkey</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Discussing The Global Economic Crisis Over $300 Wine </title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/discussing-the-global-economic-crisis-over-300-a-bottle-wine/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/discussing-the-global-economic-crisis-over-300-a-bottle-wine/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/discussing-the-global-economic-crisis-over-300-a-bottle-wine/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008393398_econdinner15.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/bottle_hillside.jpg"  alt="" /></a>We may all be cutting back, but at the the White House dinner Friday night for foreign leaders to discuss the global financial crisis, the meal was anything but spare. The menu for around 24 global leaders gathered in the White House State Dining Room included, <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008393398_econdinner15.html">according to the AP,  </a>fruitwood-smoked quail with quince gastrique; quinoa risotto; thyme-roasted rack of lamb; tomato, fennel and eggplant fondue; a salad course of endive, baked Brie and walnuts; and a pear torte. What's raising some eyebrows though is one of the wine selections, the  <a href="http://www.shafervineyards.com/wines/hillside.php">Shafer Cabernet Hillside Select </a>2003, which runs for around $300 a bottle, if you can find it. This wine was served with the main course will more modest wines such as the  Landmark Chardonnay Damaris Reserve 2006 (around  $40 a bottle, served with the appetizer) and the Chandon &Eacute;toile Ros&eacute; sparkling wine (about $30 a bottle, served with dessert) rounded out the rest of the meal. The President pays for his own groceries in the White House but state dinners such as this one are paid for with taxpayer dollars. It is perhaps some comfort in this case that at least two of those attending: President Bush and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are said to be teetotalers. Others in attendance included Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper; Chinese President Hu Jintao;German Chancellor Angela Merkel; and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/discussing-the-global-economic-crisis-over-300-a-bottle-wine/">Discussing The Global Economic Crisis Over $300 Wine </a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:05:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008393398_econdinner15.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/discussing-the-global-economic-crisis-over-300-a-bottle-wine/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1373115/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/discussing-the-global-economic-crisis-over-300-a-bottle-wine/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>shafer vineyards</category><category>ShaferVineyards</category><category>white house</category><category>WhiteHouse</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:05:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>da Rosario's 100% Organic Truffle Line </title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/da-rosarios-100-organic-truffle-line/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/da-rosarios-100-organic-truffle-line/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/da-rosarios-100-organic-truffle-line/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://trufflelove.blogspot.com/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/truffle6lhm.jpg" /></a><br />As a food lover and avid cook a culinary-related gift idea always piques my interest. I recently discovered da Rosario's line of 100% organic truffle products which offers <a href="http://trufflelove.blogspot.com/">everything from organic truffle oils and savory seasonings to white truffle acacia honey and butters</a> and fell in love with the idea of gourmet ingredients perfect for aspiring home-based chefs. The truffles are harvested from organic land in Italy's Umbrian Valley ensuring their authentic flavor and exceptional taste. I imagine that most truffle products are quite pricey so I found it appealing that da Rosario's options pair luxurious taste with a more affordable price tag. Ranging from $10 to $22 per jar these earthy foods can be combined in a gift basket for the luxury-minded foodie in your life...or just test them in your own cooking creations.<br /><br />%Gallery-36732%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/da-rosarios-100-organic-truffle-line/">da Rosario's 100% Organic Truffle Line </a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:03:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://trufflelove.blogspot.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/da-rosarios-100-organic-truffle-line/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1365367/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/13/da-rosarios-100-organic-truffle-line/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>black truffle</category><category>BlackTruffle</category><category>de rosario</category><category>DeRosario</category><category>organic truffle</category><category>OrganicTruffle</category><category>truffle</category><category>truffle acacia honey</category><category>truffle butter</category><category>truffle oil</category><category>truffle seasoning</category><category>TruffleAcaciaHoney</category><category>TruffleButter</category><category>TruffleOil</category><category>TruffleSeasoning</category><category>white truffle</category><category>WhiteTruffle</category><dc:creator>Laura Malesich</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:03:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>NYC's Glamorous New Empire Hotel</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/12/nycs-glamorous-new-empire-hotel/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/12/nycs-glamorous-new-empire-hotel/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/12/nycs-glamorous-new-empire-hotel/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/journeys/" rel="tag">Journeys</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/empirehotelop.jpg" alt="" /><br /> All phases of Manhattan's glamorous, newly-restored <a href="http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/">Empire Hotel</a> are now complete with the opening of Jeffrey Chodorow's chic new Center Cut restaurant. The red brick structure adjacent to Lincoln Center on the <a href="http://www.luxist.com/tag/UpperWestSide/">Upper West Side</a> originally opened on December 5th, 1923 and was a hotspot from the Roaring '20s through the Swinging '60s. One of the highlights of the redesigned Empire is the luxe rooftoop pool and deck where the huge Hotel Empire neon sign, one of the oldest in the U.S., casts a warm red glow over everything. <br /><br />The warm, glowing lobby and lobby bar have a retro Old Hollywood feel; it and the rooms and suites are designed with a nod to the hotel's history, but are thoroughly modern and luxurious. <a href="http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/eat-cc.php">Center Cut</a> features restored woods, the space's original terrazzo floors and sweeping curtains, while the menu is an eco-friendly take on steakhouse classics. See the gallery for more.<br /><br />%Gallery-36637%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/12/nycs-glamorous-new-empire-hotel/">NYC's Glamorous New Empire Hotel</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/12/nycs-glamorous-new-empire-hotel/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1365419/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/12/nycs-glamorous-new-empire-hotel/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>Center Cut</category><category>CenterCut</category><category>Empire Hotel</category><category>EmpireHotel</category><category>Jeffrey Chodorow</category><category>JeffreyChodorow</category><category>New York</category><category>New York City</category><category>NewYork</category><category>NewYorkCity</category><category>Upper West Side</category><category>UpperWestSide</category><dc:creator>Jared Paul Stern</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Michelin Guide Runs Contest For Feedback</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/06/the-michelin-guide-runs-contest-for-feedback/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/06/the-michelin-guide-runs-contest-for-feedback/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/06/the-michelin-guide-runs-contest-for-feedback/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.michelinguide.com/us/index.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/michelinguide.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />One great thing about the internet is that you can share your great neighborhood finds with others through sites like Spire, Yelp and others. The venerable Michelin guide is now seeking the wisdom of the crowds. Their new contest called "Michelin Discovery" lets anyone who goes to<a href="http://www.michelinguide.com/us/index.html"> MichelinGuide.com</a> to submit an entry on a discovery they've made using the new 2009 Michelin Guide. The entries should Be 150 words or less and  each week Mchelin will choose one winner to receive a $150 gift certificate to use toward future dining experiences at restaurants in the Michelin guide. The content runs until December 31, 2008 and after that one grand prize winner will be chosen from the weekly winners and will win a trip for two to New York City, valued at $3500, which includes two nights at a NY hotel listed in the guide, two days of meals at restaurants listed in the Michelin guide plus $250 in transportation costs and $200 in spending money.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/06/the-michelin-guide-runs-contest-for-feedback/">The Michelin Guide Runs Contest For Feedback</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.michelinguide.com/us/index.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/06/the-michelin-guide-runs-contest-for-feedback/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1362414/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/06/the-michelin-guide-runs-contest-for-feedback/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>michelin</category><category>michelin guide</category><category>MichelinGuide</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/nyc-holiday-hotel-packages-for-every-traveler/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/nyc-holiday-hotel-packages-for-every-traveler/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/nyc-holiday-hotel-packages-for-every-traveler/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/journeys/" rel="tag">Journeys</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/services/" rel="tag">Services</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/events/" rel="tag">Events</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/holiday-guides/" rel="tag">Holiday Guides</a></p><a href="http://www.hotelgansevoort.com/"><img width="400" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="305" border="1" align="middle" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/nightroomgansevoort.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />Holidays in New York City can be a lot of things: charming, classic, thrilling ... overwhelming, chaotic, expensive. While some travelers arrive in search of the quintessential Silver Bells experience, others may want to discover something new or stick within a budget. Luxist's friends at Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations, Gabrielle Etrog Cohen and Gina Masullo, came up with a comprehensive list of places to go and things to do for all NYC travelers as well as package deals, including hotels.<br /><br /><strong>THE FAMILY:</strong> Crowd-pleasers for all ages-within a budget.<br /><br /><em>The show:</em> The Off-Broadway production of <a href="http://www.gazillionbubbleshow.com/"><em>The Gazillion Bubble Show</em></a> is the first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry.<br /><br /><em>The sites:</em> Gawking at the Macy's displays, a visit with the polar bears in Central Park, photo ops at the Rockefeller Center tree.<br /><br /><em>The meal:</em> <a href="http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11443782/?brand=smx_restaurant-nc">Dim Sum Go Go</a> offers more than 24 kinds of dumplings, plus four variations on the dough-wrapper theme, four sauces, and microwave-safe takeout containers. Kids will love the creative finger food and parents will love the dim sum delicacies (beet flavored dumplings?).<br /><br /><em>The hotel:</em> <a href="http://www.applecorehotels.com/">Apple Core Hotels</a> -- a family-friendly vibe in the city's most exciting neighborhood.<br /><br /><em>The deal:</em> Apple Core Hotels invites guests to explore New York -- including a trip to Toys "R" Us Times Square to create a stuffed animal at the Filled-With-Love interactive design shop. Apple Core's "Filled with Love" package is available January 2 - February 14, starts at $159.99 and includes accommodations in the heart of New York City, stuffed animal and breakfast, and in-room coffee. Children under 13 stay free.<br /><br />For more packages, click on the continued link.<br /><br />%Gallery-36076%<br /><strong><br /></strong><p><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/nyc-holiday-hotel-packages-for-every-traveler/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/nyc-holiday-hotel-packages-for-every-traveler/">NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/nyc-holiday-hotel-packages-for-every-traveler/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1359224/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/nyc-holiday-hotel-packages-for-every-traveler/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>Christmas</category><category>holidays</category><category>hotel packages</category><category>HotelPackages</category><category>hotels</category><category>New York</category><category>New York City</category><category>NewYork</category><category>NewYorkCity</category><category>NYC</category><dc:creator>Lisa Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Win Amano Chocolate</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/03/win-amano-chocolate/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/03/win-amano-chocolate/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/03/win-amano-chocolate/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/11/amanochocolate.jpg" /></a><br />The one problem with Halloween is that you often end up eating a lot of mediocre candy. Let's get that taste out of your mouth with some really great chocolate. Amano is a new brand of artisan chocolate. Owner Art Pollard makes chocolate in his factory in Salt Lake City. Utah might seem like an odd place for a chocolate factory until you consider the fact that many Swiss chocolate makers do their work at similar high elevations. Pollard is on a mission to make the best chocolate possible and he and other chocolate start-ups have launched their own network, the <a href="http://craftchocolatemakers.org/">Craft Chocolate Makers of America</a>, a group of "bean to bar" producers.<br /><br />What exactly goes on in the journey from bean to bar? It's actually a complex process. Beans are harvested, dried and then shipped to the chocolate maker. Like fine wine, which is the perfect marriage between nature and craft, excellent chocolate is made by a combination of choosing the right beans and processing them correctly. There are many decisions to be made, some of which Art Pollard <a href="http://www.amanochocolate.com/blog/2008/10/31/winnowing-and-chaff/#more-141">has delineated on the Amano blog</a>. Cocoa nibs that are carefully roasted, winnowed, refined and conched reach their full flavor potential. The goal is to bring out the "true essence" of each bean. I think you will agree they have succeeded. In fact, the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon Tasting Panel Awards recently <a href="http://www.tastetv.com/sf-lasalon_awards08.html">voted Amano the best dark chocolate.</a><br /><br />We are giving away the<a href="http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/"> Amano Variety Pac</a>k which offers three bars of Ocumare, three Madagacar, three Cuyagua<br /> and three Jembrana. The Jembrana is a new bar. Pollard tells me that the beans used to make the chocolate came from the tropical island of Bali and that Amano is the first company to release a single origin bar who's beans exclusively come from the island of Bali. They just finished molding this new chocolate bar last week and so the winner will be one of the first in the country to taste this new chocolate from a new origin.<br /><br />It would of course make a lovely gift but I'm pretty sure once you take a bite you might be keeping this all to yourself as a little antidote to pre-holiday stress. To win, leave a comment about your love of chocolate. <br /><br />Some other important details:<br /><br />* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.<br />* The comment must be left and confirmed before Friday, November 7, 2008 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.<br />* You may only enter once.<br />* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.<br />* One winner will receive the Amano 10-bar variety pack, valued at $62.95.<br />* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States including the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.<br /><br />See <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/official-giveaway-rules/">complete contest rules here</a>.<br /><br />This contest is closed. Thank you for your participation.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/03/win-amano-chocolate/">Win Amano Chocolate</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/03/win-amano-chocolate/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1359582/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/03/win-amano-chocolate/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>amano</category><category>chocolate</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Either-Or Dish Set</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/the-either-or-dish-set/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/the-either-or-dish-set/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/the-either-or-dish-set/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/decor/" rel="tag">Decor</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=45138&amp;utm_source=newsletter_0810_wk5a&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=either_or_set&amp;utm_campaign=email_0810_wk5a"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/45138rcg.jpg" /></a><br />This <a href="http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=45138&amp;utm_source=newsletter_0810_wk5a&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=either_or_set&amp;utm_campaign=email_0810_wk5a">Either-Or Dish Set</a> by by troels seidenfaden for magppie and available from <a href="http://www.unicahome.com/">Unica Home</a> is insanely simple considering it's designed to serve two very different purposes: beautiful candle-lit centerpiece or classic serving dish. Made of sleek, tough, and timeless stainless steel, the set consists of three bowls, three tea light holders that double as lids, and a specially-shaped tray designed to hold them all in elegant style. A high-quality and uber-useful party staple for yourself, plus it could make a great gift for the friend or hostess who already seems to have everything. $158 <br /><br />%Gallery-35544%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/the-either-or-dish-set/">The Either-Or Dish Set</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=45138&amp;utm_source=newsletter_0810_wk5a&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=either_or_set&amp;utm_campaign=email_0810_wk5a>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/the-either-or-dish-set/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1353046/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/30/the-either-or-dish-set/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>candles</category><category>centerpiece</category><category>centerpieces</category><category>dinnerware</category><category>dish</category><category>dishes</category><category>either or</category><category>either-or</category><category>EitherOr</category><category>tableware</category><category>unica</category><dc:creator>Rigel Celeste</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Celebrity Chef Runs Afoul Of Suppliers </title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/celebrity-chef-runs-afoul-of-suppliers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/celebrity-chef-runs-afoul-of-suppliers/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/celebrity-chef-runs-afoul-of-suppliers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wine/main.jhtml?xml=/wine/2008/10/25/aikens.xml"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/76876010.jpg" /></a>One of London's top celebrity chefs has gone belly up leaving his suppliers scrambling for money. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wine/main.jhtml?xml=/wine/2008/10/25/aikens.xml">The Telegraph gives us the tale of Tom Aikens</a>, shown at right with wife, Amber Nuttall. Aikens is one of London's handsome and tempermental Michelin starred chefs.  His <a href="http://www.tomaikens.co.uk/">Chelsea restaurant, Tom Aikens</a>, has won  22 awards since opening in 2003. But last week it was announced that the companies running the restaurants had been placed into administration and now a whole host of suppliers, reportedly 160 businesses, are waiting to get paid.<br /><br />The Telegraph reports you can still book a table and Aikens and his chefs are still cooking. Tom's Kitchen and the Tom Aikens restaurant were acquired by TA Holdco Ltd, allowing Aikens and his business to continue. Some suppliers are continuing to supply the restaurant in the hopes they will be able to get at least some money out of the situation. Others are angry that the business continued to buy from them as it slid into trouble. Some suppliers have had to lay off workers as a result of the money loss. The status of Aikens's personal wealth is not known at this time.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/celebrity-chef-runs-afoul-of-suppliers/">Celebrity Chef Runs Afoul Of Suppliers </a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wine/main.jhtml?xml=/wine/2008/10/25/aikens.xml>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/celebrity-chef-runs-afoul-of-suppliers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1352583/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/celebrity-chef-runs-afoul-of-suppliers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>chef</category><category>london</category><category>restaurant</category><category>tom aikens</category><category>TomAikens</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>French Antiques from Horchow</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/24/french-antiques-from-horchow/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/24/french-antiques-from-horchow/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/24/french-antiques-from-horchow/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/decor/" rel="tag">Decor</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/timepieces/" rel="tag">Timepieces</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/auctions/" rel="tag">Auctions</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/art/" rel="tag">Art</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/french.jpg" alt="" />New items from France have been added to Horchow's very exclusive <a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/templates/P8.jhtml?itemId=cat4920733&amp;parentId=cat4920731&amp;masterId=cat000046&amp;cmCat=">Estate Collection</a>.<br /><br />For the uninitiated, The Estate Collection is a smattering of one-of-a-kind collectibles from all over the world. The beautiful item you see at right is an iron scale from France, circa 1900. It just sold for $850.<br /><br />There are still more beautiful new French items available, including candlesticks, serving bowls, and more. See the gallery below for items still available at time of post, and be sure to snap up anything you like right away; you're not likely to find items from <a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/templates/P8.jhtml?itemId=cat4920733&amp;parentId=cat4920731&amp;masterId=cat000046&amp;cmCat=">The Estate Collection</a> ever again.<br />%Gallery-35217%<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/24/french-antiques-from-horchow/">French Antiques from Horchow</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:04:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/templates/P8.jhtml?itemId=cat4920733&amp;parentId=cat4920731&amp;masterId=cat000046&amp;cmCat=>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/24/french-antiques-from-horchow/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1351104/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/24/french-antiques-from-horchow/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>antiques</category><category>art</category><category>estate</category><category>estate collection</category><category>EstateCollection</category><category>horchow</category><dc:creator>Annie Scott</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:04:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Savor Borgata Event</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/23/savor-borgata-event/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/23/savor-borgata-event/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/23/savor-borgata-event/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/events/" rel="tag">Events</a></p><a href="http://www.theborgata.com/Main.cfm?Category_1=4000&amp;Category_2=4400&amp;Category_3=4401&amp;PromoID=E80E7007-C4DB-40C6-61740694377398F3"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/savorborgata.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />The Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey seeks to draw foodies to the resort with "<a href="http://www.theborgata.com/Main.cfm?Category_1=4000&amp;Category_2=4400&amp;Category_3=4401&amp;PromoID=E80E7007-C4DB-40C6-61740694377398F3">Savor Borgata"</a>, a culinary event  that will include a reception with celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Geoffrey Zakarian, Michael Schulson and Thaddeus DuBois and a five-course meal prepared by all five chefs (each chef is responsible for one course).  The event begins with a cocktail reception around The Water Club's indoor pool followed by the five-course meal paired with wines from<a href="http://www.robertsinskey.com/"> Robert Sinskey Vineyard</a>s. The event costs $235 per person. The hotel is offering the "Savor Borgata" package which includes two tickets to "Savor Borgata" and accommodations at The Water Club in a Club Room. Prices start at $795. <br /><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/23/savor-borgata-event/">Savor Borgata Event</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:05:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.theborgata.com/Main.cfm?Category_1=4000&amp;Category_2=4400&amp;Category_3=4401&amp;PromoID=E80E7007-C4DB-40C6-61740694377398F3>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/23/savor-borgata-event/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1350231/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/23/savor-borgata-event/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>bobby flay</category><category>borgata</category><category>dinner</category><category>food</category><category>michael mina</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:05:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Jamie Oliver Plans to Expand His Eateries to Dubai</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/jamie-oliver-plans-to-expand-his-eateries-to-dubai/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/jamie-oliver-plans-to-expand-his-eateries-to-dubai/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/jamie-oliver-plans-to-expand-his-eateries-to-dubai/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a></p><img hspace="4" border="1" align="right" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/76544909.jpg" alt="" />As one of the UK's premier chefs and a favorite of the Food Network, Jamie Oliver is expanding his culinary reach by opening two restaurants in a luxury residential development as well as contributing to the design choices made for the kitchens within the development. <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/article/20081012/NATIONAL/143293436/1010">The pair of eateries are not expected to open until 2011 in the Jumeirah Golf Estates' Water neighborhood</a>. Oliver hopes to expand patrons' knowledge of healthy eating and may also include cooking classes and other educational offerings in his plans. It certainly seems Dubai is the place to see and be seen...or eat and be...um...cooked for...<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/jamie-oliver-plans-to-expand-his-eateries-to-dubai/">Jamie Oliver Plans to Expand His Eateries to Dubai</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.luxist.com">Luxist</a> on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.thenational.ae/article/20081012/NATIONAL/143293436/1010>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/jamie-oliver-plans-to-expand-his-eateries-to-dubai/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1345679/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/jamie-oliver-plans-to-expand-his-eateries-to-dubai/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>dubai-restaurant</category><category>expire-images2009-10-21</category><category>jamie oliver</category><category>jamie oliver dubai</category><category>jamie-oliver-restaurant</category><category>JamieOliver</category><category>JamieOliverDubai</category><category>jumeirah-golf-estates</category><dc:creator>Laura Malesich</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>