Foodie News

TICKETS ARE NOW LIVE FOR THE BOCA RATON’S “ARTISANS OF WINE & FOOD” PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE

Published

1 year ago

October 13, 2024

Napa Valley’s most famous wine event will make its East Coast debut this winter, providing unparalleled access to prestigious winemakers and celebrated chefs from January 17 – 19, 2025

BOCA RATON, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — South Florida’s iconic resort and private club, The Boca Raton, announces tickets are now live for its highly anticipated Artisans of Wine & Food weekend, taking place January 17-19, 2025. The first-of-its-kind event in partnership with the esteemed Napa Valley Vintners will bring together more than 75 winemakers, 20+ celebrated and Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive programming for a celebration of fine wine and food that promises to become a coveted annual tradition. Gourmands can purchase tickets for the event here.

The multi-day experience, presented by Capital One, will be orchestrated by some of the world’s most renowned culinary minds such as legendary Chef David Breeden, famed Chef and Restaurateur Mario Carbone, and a dinner curated by an all-female line-up of top chefs matched with female-owned wineries/winemakers.

The weekend culminates with a gala where attendees will indulge in a four-course dinner artistically directed by Fabio Trabocchi, Michelin-Starred Chef and Restaurateur of Washington DC’s Fiola and Boca Raton’s Fiolina Ristorante. As the evening unfolds, guests will have the opportunity to bid on fine wines, luxury experiences, and bespoke getaways, in an exclusive auction hosted by international auctioneer Jacqueline Towers-Perkins.

“For the first time, we’re bringing the heart of Napa Valley to the East Coast in an unprecedented showcase of wine and culinary talent,” said Daniel A. Hostettler, President & CEO of The Boca Raton. “It’s a privilege to host these celebrated vintners and chefs, and we’ve crafted an extraordinary event for Club members and hotel guests to toast to a truly worthy cause.”

The wine auction’s proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and Napa Valley. This charitable initiative highlights The Boca Raton’s dedication to supporting local neighborhoods and investing in youth development through educational and enrichment programs.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Friday, January 17

Choose from a series of exclusive dinners hosted by celebrated vintners of Napa Valley:

- The Great Cabernets of Napa Valley four-course dinner will showcase a modern interpretation of a chophouse menu with big bottle cabs, featuring Chefs Will Cox of The Boca Raton, Nathan Rich of Twin Farms, Chris Huerta of Old Edwards Inn, and Adam Young of Sift Bake Shop.
- At Bella Notte, dine like family during an Italian feast by James Beard Award-winning Master Chef Mario Carbone of Michelin-starred restaurants Carbone and ZZ’s Clam Bar.
- Dinner En Plein Air is curated by female vintners and Relais & Châteaux chefs, Jennifer Backman of The Inn at Castle Hill, Sarah Steffan of Blackberry Farm, and Lindsay Autry of Honeybelle – PGA National, with a dessert course by Pastry Chef Jessica Quiet of Ocean House.
- The Premiere Napa Valley Dinner offers a barrel tasting of Napa Valley’s rarest micro-lot wines, an opportunity to select and wear Lugano Diamonds during the tasting, and indulge in a multi-course menu by Michelin-starred Chef Stéphane Andrieux of Château de la Treyne and Sebastien Feneyrol of The Boca Raton.
- A Culinary Celebration of Caviar dinner with Executive Chef Edgar Panchernikov boasts dishes from the world’s only Michelin-starred caviar house Caviar Russe.
- Icons of Napa Valley offers an intimate, al fresco dining experience showcasing exceptional Napa Valley wines with menus prepared by Chef David Breeden, former Chef de Cuisine at The French Laundry–a role he held for nearly 20 years.
- Latin Flavors four-course dinner by Chef Adriano Venturini of Eden Roc Cap Cana, a Relais & Châteaux resort in the Dominican Republic.
- An Argentine Asado BBQ served on The Boca Raton’s fairway, features food stations and dishes using traditional asado techniques and modern twists, live music, and single-site wines.
An Artisans After Hours event presents chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, alongside premium wines and music by Vintner and DJ Jason Lede. Close out the day in style while mingling with winemakers and celebrated chefs.

Saturday, January 18

Vintners Invitational Golf Tournament: Play side by side with vintners and chefs for prizes provided by Bugatchi and TaylorMade, complete with continental breakfast at The Boca Raton Golf Club.
Winemaker Series: Seven different intimate educational tastings led by Napa Valley’s renowned winemakers and vintners. Take part in discussions that spotlight the unique terroir and signature wines of the region, featuring BOND Wine, Groth Vineyards & Winery, Oakville, among several others. Topics include Mountain vs. Valley Floor, a Riedel performance tasting, wine & caviar pairings, and more.
The Discover Napa Valley Tasting Pavilion featuring more than 125 world-class wines and over 20 restaurants: Guests can drift through the tented Grand Lawn and relish in great sips and decadent tastings along the way.
Modern Meritage on the Spanish Terrace: 12 celebrated chefs prepare their personal favorite burger recipes paired with craft beer in an al fresco setting.
Yacht Tour of Lake Boca: Enjoy a one-hour charter on open water accompanied by a vintner for relaxed and intimate conversations while indulging in world-class wines.
Sip & Shop with Worth Avenue: Sip on sparkling wine and rosé while browsing through the collection of six high-end boutiques from Palm Beach’s famed Worth Avenue. Boutiques include Brioni, Carolina Herrera, Anne Fontaine, among others.
Artisans of Wine & Food Charity Auction and Gala featuring a four-course dinner directed by Fabio Trabocchi, Michelin-Starred Chef and Restaurateur of Washington DC’s Fiola and Boca Raton’s Fiolina Ristorante: Bid on artisan-crafted bottles, luxurious delights, and bespoke getaways. Auction led by globally-recognized auctioneer Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and Napa Valley.

Sunday, January 19

To the South with Love is a Southern brunch experience hosted by International BBQ Entertainer Jack Arnold and a curated selection of Palm Beach restaurants. Delight in a final send-off, complete with live jazz music, and a sparkling wine bar.

Stay up to date on news and developments at ArtisansofWineandFood.com. Follow along on social media @artisansofwineandfood.

The Boca Raton
The Boca Raton originally opened in 1926 as The Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn. In the 2020s, it celebrates its most remarkable evolution and its 100th anniversary. The property provides year-round escape, exclusively for members of The Boca Raton Club and resort guests. Five hotels amid 200 waterfront acres include Cloister, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Tower, and Bungalows. The unveiling of Beach Club in December 2024 marks a major milestone in The Boca Raton’s storied history, serving as Phase II of the resort’s transformation. The Boca Raton’s culinary offerings showcase a world of flavor, with signature restaurants in partnership with Major Food Group. Resort amenities include a private beach, the Forbes Five-Star Spa Palmera, an 18-hole golf course, a full-service marina, Racquet Club with 14 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts, retail shops, seven swimming pools, and various water activities at Harborside Pool Club, state-of-the-art fitness clubs and wellness collaborations. For reservations, call (561) 447-3000 or visit TheBocaRaton.com.

Capital One
At Capital One, we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses, and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music, sports and the arts. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.

About the Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. NVV has invested more than $230 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County, and is dedicated to improving diversity and championing inclusivity in its community and in the wine industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.

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SOURCE The Boca Raton

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Foodie News

Fresh Brothers Pizza Launches U.S. Franchise Expansion

California-based Fresh Brothers Pizza has launched franchise expansion plans, targeting new U.S. markets with support from Craveworthy Brands.

Published

21 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Charles Elliot, Daily News Staff

Fresh Brothers Pizza is expanding beyond California with a new franchise opportunity backed by Craveworthy Brands and a quality-focused menu. — Its menu features signature pizzas, mouthwatering salads, flavorful baked wings, fresh knots and tasty sliders.

California’s Fresh Brothers Pizza Opens Franchise Opportunities Nationwide

Fresh Brothers Pizza is taking its next step beyond Southern California, opening franchise opportunities nationwide with backing from Craveworthy Brands. For Foodie News readers, the story is less about another pizza chain expanding and more about how a California-born concept is trying to stand out in one of America’s most crowded food categories: by leaning hard into ingredient quality, hospitality, and menu flexibility.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2008 by Scott Goldberg and his family, Fresh Brothers has grown to more than 20 locations across California. The brand says its appeal starts with handmade dough produced daily, vine-ripened tomato sauce, 100 percent pure mozzarella, and a menu that goes beyond pizza to include salads, baked wings, knots, sliders, pastas, and sandwiches. It also built an early reputation for inclusive options, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices at a time when many pizzerias were slower to adapt. That positioning helped Fresh Brothers earn a spot on Pizza Marketplace’s 2026 “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” list.

Now, with operational support from Craveworthy Brands, Fresh Brothers is targeting growth markets including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas. According to the company, franchisees will receive support in real estate, training, supply chain, marketing, technology, and operations. The brand is also showcasing its model at the 2026 International Pizza Expo and Conference in Las Vegas from March 24 to 26. For restaurant watchers, this is one to keep an eye on: Fresh Brothers is betting that a quality-first, Midwest-style pizza concept can travel well beyond its California base.

Source:
Fresh Brothers Bakes Franchise Opportunity, Bringing a Fresh Take on America’s Favorite Food Across The U.S. — Craveworthy Brands via PR Newswire

Further information:
Fresh Brothers Pizza
Craveworthy Brands

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Foodie News

Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich

When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic-Friendly Sandwich.

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Daily News Staff

Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich

(Feature Impact) When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.

Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.

Picnic Party Sandwiches

Recipe adapted from “Crunch Time Kitchen”

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

1/4 cup salted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 large fresh baguette
1/4 cup fig preserves
6-8 ounces cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo
6 ounces brie cheese, sliced
2 cups arugula
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pinch kosher salt

Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.
Cut fresh baguette length-wise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Top with fig preserves.
Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.
In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.
Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

Food and Beverage

Big Chicken Goes Global: Shaquille O’Neal’s Restaurant Brand Debuts in Honduras

Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O’Neal, debuts in Honduras with new restaurants in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, marking its Central America expansion.

Published

2 days ago

April 9, 2026

Daily News Staff

SAN PEDRO SULA & LA CEIBA, Honduras — The global expansion of celebrity-backed dining concepts continues to gain momentum as Shaquille O’Neal brings his fast-growing restaurant brand, Big Chicken, to Central America for the first time.

Two sandwiches with toppings on tray. Big Chicken — Big Chicken officially opened its doors at Plaza Masdeval on Boulevard Mackey in San Pedro Sula and Plaza Corvey in La Ceiba this month, marking the Brand’s debut in Honduras.

Founded in 2018, Big Chicken has quickly built a reputation for blending comfort food favorites with bold, modern flavors—and now it’s making its mark in Honduras with the opening of two new locations in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.

A Strategic Central American Launch

The new restaurants—located at Plaza Masdeval in San Pedro Sula and Plaza Corvey in La Ceiba—represent a significant milestone in the brand’s international growth strategy. Both cities offer strong economic and cultural appeal:

San Pedro Sula serves as Honduras’ industrial and commercial hub
La Ceiba is a vibrant coastal destination known for tourism and Caribbean energy

Together, they provide an ideal entry point for a brand built around high-energy dining and community engagement.

The expansion is led by international franchise operator Thomas Talarico, CEO of BLT UK Holdings Limited, who is spearheading Big Chicken’s rollout across the region. Following Honduras, plans are already in motion for additional locations in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama.

What’s on the Menu?

Big Chicken’s Honduras menu delivers the same fan-favorite offerings that have fueled its success in North America, including:

Signature sandwiches like “The Original” and “The Shaq Attack”
Crispy chicken tenders and “Dunks” (bite-sized chicken pieces)
Hand-spun milkshakes and indulgent sides
New “Shaq Snacks,” featuring tenders paired with garlic toast and bold toppings

In a move tailored to local tastes, the brand also plans to introduce limited-time menu items inspired by Honduran flavors, blending global appeal with regional culinary identity.

Riding the Fast-Casual Boom

Big Chicken’s expansion comes at a time when the Latin American fast-casual dining sector is experiencing rapid growth. Industry projections estimate the market will surpass $70 billion by 2026, driven by increasing demand for convenient, high-quality dining options.

The brand’s strategy—combining recognizable celebrity influence, scalable franchising, and localized menu innovation—positions it well to compete in this evolving market.

More Than Just a Celebrity Brand

While Shaquille O’Neal’s name brings instant recognition, Big Chicken’s leadership emphasizes that its long-term success hinges on more than star power. CEO Josh Halpern highlighted the importance of local partnerships and community-driven experiences as key to the brand’s international growth.

With more than 40 locations already operating across North America and beyond—and dozens more in development—Big Chicken is rapidly evolving into a global fast-casual contender.

The Bigger Picture

From arenas and airports to cruise ships and now Central American city centers, Big Chicken’s footprint continues to expand across diverse markets. Its arrival in Honduras signals not just a new dining option for local communities, but also a broader trend: the globalization of American fast-casual brands with localized twists.

As the brand builds momentum across the Americas, one thing is clear—Big Chicken is betting big on flavor, fun, and international growth.