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4 ways to cut down on meat when dining out – and still make healthy choices

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>.<em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-marchese-1271636">Laura Marchese</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katherine-livingstone-324808">Katherine Livingstone</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p>Many of us are looking for ways to eat a healthier and more <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-sustainable-is-your-weekly-grocery-shop-these-small-changes-can-have-big-benefits-234367">sustainable diet</a>. And one way to do this is by reducing the amount of meat we eat.</p> <p>That doesn’t mean you need to become a <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-you-should-eat-a-plant-based-diet-but-that-doesnt-mean-being-a-vegetarian-78470">vegan or vegetarian</a>. Our <a href="https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(24)00333-X/fulltext">recent research</a> shows even small changes to cut down on meat consumption could help improve health and wellbeing.</p> <p>But not all plant-based options are created equal and some are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30744710/">ultra-processed</a>. Navigating what’s available when eating out – including options like tofu and fake meats – can be a challenge.</p> <p>So what are your best options at a cafe or restaurant? Here are some guiding principles to keep in mind when cutting down on meat.</p> <h2>Health benefits to cutting down</h2> <p>Small amounts of lean meat can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. But the majority of Australians <a href="https://cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention/obesity/related-resources/meat-and-cancer#consumption">still eat more meat</a> than recommended.</p> <p>Only a small percentage of Australians (10%) are vegetarian or vegan. But an <a href="https://www.foodfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Food-Frontier-Hungry-For-Plant-Based-Australian-Consumer-Insights.pdf">increasing</a> number opt for a <a href="https://theconversation.com/love-meat-too-much-to-be-vegetarian-go-flexitarian-73741">flexitarian</a> diet. <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-vegan-and-vegetarian-225275">Flexitarians</a> eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while still enjoying small amounts of meat, dairy, eggs and fish.</p> <p>Our <a href="https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(24)00333-X/fulltext">recent research</a> looked at whether the average Australian diet would improve if we swapped meat and dairy for plant-based alternatives, and the results were promising.</p> <p>The study found health benefits when people halved the amount of meat and dairy they ate and replaced them with healthy plant-based foods, like tofu or <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/blog/why-you-need-legumes-in-your-life">legumes</a>. On average, their dietary fibre intake – which helps with feeling fuller for longer and digestive health – went up. Saturated fats – which increase our blood cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease – went down.</p> <p>Including more fibre and less saturated fat helps reduce the risk of <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-to-protect-your-heart">heart disease</a>.</p> <p>Achieving these health benefits may be as simple as swapping ham for baked beans in a toastie for lunch, or substituting half of the mince in your bolognese for lentils at dinner.</p> <h2>How it’s made matters</h2> <p>For a long time we’ve known processed meats – such as ham, bacon and sausages – are bad for your health. Eating high amounts of these foods is associated with poor <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/protein-and-heart-health">heart health</a> and some forms of <a href="https://cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/diet-and-exercise/meat-and-cancer-risk">cancer</a>.</p> <p>But the same can be true of many processed meat alternatives.</p> <p>Plant-based alternatives designed to mimic meat, such as sausages and burgers, have become readily available in supermarkets, cafes and restaurants. These products are ultra-processed and can be <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-looked-at-700-plant-based-foods-to-see-how-healthy-they-really-are-heres-what-we-found-222991">high in salt and saturated fat</a>.</p> <p>Our study found when people replaced meat and dairy with ultra-processed meat alternatives – such as plant-based burgers or sausages – they ate more salt and less calcium, compared to eating meat or healthy plant-based options.</p> <p>So if you’re cutting down on meat for health reasons, it’s important to think about what you’re replacing it with. The <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/n55g_adult_brochure.pdf">Australian Dietary Guidelines</a> recommend eggs, legumes/beans, tofu, nuts and seeds.</p> <p>Tofu can be a great option. But we recommend flavouring plain tofu with herbs and spices yourself, as pre-marinated products are often ultra-processed and can be high in salt.</p> <h2>What about when dining out?</h2> <p>When you’re making your own food, it’s easier to adapt recipes or reduce the amount of meat. But when faced with a menu, it can be difficult to work out what is the best option.</p> <p>Here are our four ways to make healthy choices when you eat out:</p> <p><strong>1. Fill half your plate with vegetables</strong></p> <p>When cutting down on meat, aim for half your plate to be vegetables. Try to also eat <a href="https://theconversation.com/were-told-to-eat-a-rainbow-of-fruit-and-vegetables-heres-what-each-colour-does-in-our-body-191337">a variety of colours</a>, such as leafy green spinach, red capsicum and pumpkin.</p> <p>When you’re out, this might look like choosing a vegetable-based entree, a stir-fry or ordering a side salad to have with your meal.</p> <p><strong>2. Avoid the deep fryer</strong></p> <p>The Australian Dietary Guidelines <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n55a_australian_dietary_guidelines_summary_130530.pdf">recommend limiting</a> deep fried foods to once a week or less. When dining out, choose plant-based options that are sautéed, grilled, baked, steamed, boiled or poached – instead of those that are crumbed or battered before deep frying.</p> <p>This could mean choosing vegetarian dumplings that are steamed not fried, or poached eggs at brunch instead of fried. Ordering a side of roast vegetables instead of hot chips is also a great option.</p> <p><strong>3. Pick wholegrains</strong></p> <p>Scan the menu for wholegrain options such as brown rice, wholemeal pizza or pasta, barley, quinoa or wholemeal burger buns. Not only are they good sources of protein, but they also provide more <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups/grain-cereal-foods-mostly-wholegrain-and-or-high-cereal-fibre">dietary fibre</a> than refined grains, which help keep you fuller for longer.</p> <p><strong>4. If you do pick meat – choose less processed kinds</strong></p> <p>You may not always want, or be able, to make a vegetarian choice when eating out and with other people. If you do opt for meat, it’s better to steer clear of processed options like bacon or sausages.</p> <p>If sharing dishes with other people, you could try adding unprocessed plant-based options into the mix. For example, a curry with lentils or chickpeas, or a vegetable-based pizza instead of one with ham or salami. If that’s not an option, try choose meat that’s a lean cut, such as chicken breast, or options which are grilled rather than fried.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236505/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-marchese-1271636">Laura Marchese</a>, PhD candidate at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katherine-livingstone-324808">Katherine Livingstone</a>, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-ways-to-cut-down-on-meat-when-dining-out-and-still-make-healthy-choices-236505">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

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"I can’t a fjord it": Inside one of the world’s most extreme restaurants

<p>One of the world's most extreme restaurants has gone viral and not only for its unique location and shape, but also its exclusive dining experience that's eerily similar to 2022 horror film <em>The Menu</em>.</p> <p>Restaurant Iris is located inside a giant silvery orb in Hardangerfjord, the second largest Fjord in Norway.</p> <p>The four-storey structure, called the Salmon Eye is inspired by - you guessed it - the shape of a fish eye, and it is quite a sight to behold. </p> <p>The Salmon Eye is covered in 9,000 steel plates to emulate fish scales, weighing a whopping 1,256 tonnes and an impressive diameter of 25 metres, with one sub-surface floor that boasts a panoramic view of the Fjord. </p> <p>The restaurant itself can only be accessed by an electric boat off the shore of Rosendal, as guests are treated to "an exclusive expedition dining-journey" which offers an 18-course meal and panoramic views. </p> <p>The 24-seat restaurant is run by Head Chef Anika Madsen, and prior to having their main meal, guests are taken to the chef's boathouse on the nearby island of Snilstveitoy, for a "welcoming snack". </p> <p>The menu is designed to showcase "the most local ingredients possible", which reflects Madsen's "commitment to sustainability" and her "<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">passion for discovering new ingredients from the ocean". </span></p> <p>Mari Eriksmoen posted the viral video on TikTok which has racked up over eight million views. </p> <p>"This spectacular just opened in the middle of the Hardangerfjord in Norway," she started in the clip with a shot of the structure floating in the middle of the fjord. </p> <p>She described the experience of walking into the restaurant "like entering a spaceship," and was mesmerised by the "insane views". </p> <p>Once the evening kicks off, guests indulge in a multi-sensory experience where they were instructed to pick a "cracker" hanging from the ceiling after watching a "short movie about food waste". </p> <p>Another TikTok user compared it to the <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">extraterrestrial spacecraft </span><span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">from the 2016 sci-fi film <em>Arrival</em>.</span></p> <p>However many other users compared the dining experience to 2022 horror film <em>The Menu</em>, where a group of guests eat at an exclusive restaurant on a remote island and face dire consequences. </p> <p>"Did we learn nothing from The Menu?" commented one user with the crying face emoji. </p> <p>"I know how this movie ends," wrote another user. </p> <p>"I can’t a fjord it," joked a third. </p> <p>The dining experience aims to "blend gastronomy and activism on a global scale" as they hope to raise awareness on the the challenges and threats to the global food system. </p> <p>"The menu at Iris reads like a story, " a statement said. </p> <p>"A story about the challenges and threats to the global food system, but also with ideas and suggestions for future innovations, that can help bring us closer to solving them." </p> <p>The tasting menu itself is priced at 3,200 Norwegian Krone ($316) with an optional wine pairing for 2,500 Norwegian Krone ($247). </p> <p>For those who want to visit the Salmon Eye, but don't want to dine in, they can buy a ticket for a  two-hour "learning experience" at the centre priced at 349 Norwegian Krone ($34). </p> <p><em>Images: Salmon Eye Website/ Instagram, TikTok</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Tom Cruise dines with legends on Sir Michael Caine’s big day

<p>Tom Cruise has spent the night with fellow industry heavyweights while out for dinner for Sir Michael Caine’s 90th birthday. </p> <p>The evening marked the first time that the 60-year-old actor, best known for his work in <em>Top Gun</em> and <em>Mission Impossible</em>, was spotted publicly since his absence at the 2023 Oscars was noted - while his film was nominated for Best Picture, Cruise was not in attendance at the event. </p> <p>He was one of a few select guests at Caine’s birthday celebrations, with the 90-year-old screen legend host welcoming the likes of Cruise, David Walliams, screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie, and Denise Welch to his private dinner at the River Cafe in London. </p> <p>Author and comedian Davia Walliams immortalised the gathering by sharing pictures with keen fans to his social media accounts, a series of snaps he captioned “Happy 90th Birthday to the legendary Sir Michael Caine.”</p> <p>“I have no idea why it brings me so much joy to see Tom Cruise & you hang[ing] out together for Michael Caine's birthday, but it does,” one eager supporter wrote. “Thanks for sharing!”</p> <p>“Looks like a fun night. Sorry I couldn’t make it,” joked another. </p> <p>“Easy to see why he skipped out on the Oscars,” one said. “He knows where the real power lies.” </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpye3ruDG95/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpye3ruDG95/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Walliams HQ (@dwalliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, actress and TV personality Denise Welch took a slightly different approach to showcasing the party, opting instead to post a clip of a joke for mature audiences she’d shared with the party, writing that it was “such an honour to be asked by Shakira to say a few words at Sir Michael Caines’ 90th birthday!!! He loves a dirty joke and so does @tomcruise it appears!!!!” </p> <p>Her fans loved it, with one quipping “Tom Cruise skipping the Oscars to watch Denise perform stand up was not on my 2023 bingo card.” </p> <p>Denise liked the comment so much she later tweeted a headline that quoted it, calling it her “favourite headline ever.” </p> <p>“No way is that Tom Cruise & Michael Caine.... just fainted. I can't imagine being at the same table as Hollywood Royalty,” another admitted on the original post, starstruck. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpzeNmPITWi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpzeNmPITWi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Denise Welch (@denise_welch)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In both posts, it appears that Cruise was seated right next to Caine for the celebration, with many voicing their surprise that the two were friends. </p> <p>The pair have never technically appeared together in a movie, but both actors did have parts in the 2002 film <em>Austin Powers in Goldmember</em>. However, Cruise’s role was only a cameo at the beginning of the comedy, while Caine portrayed Nigel Powers. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Russell Crowe and girlfriend denied entry at restaurant

<p>Actor Russell Crowe and his girlfriend Britney Theriot were refused entry at a Melbourne restaurant for not meeting the smart-casual dress code, according to a report.</p> <p>The pair went to eat at Mr Myagi, a Japanese-fusion establishment in Melbourne, wearing outfits they had played tennis in earlier that day, and the staff were quick to deny them entry.</p> <p>“He went there wearing a brand new Ralph Lauren polo, having just played a game of tennis and was turned away,” Crowe’s manager Grant Vandenberg told the Daily Mail Australia.</p> <p>Mr Miyagi describes itself as “casual but fancy” where “work gear, activewear, singlets, and thongs” are forbidden.</p> <p>The restaurant’s management doubled down on their decision to deny the pair service, saying no one is above their rules.</p> <p>“We treat everyone the same. It doesn’t matter who you are or if you are Russell Crowe. We’ve got a dress code that we push across every level,” restaurant owner Kristian Klein told The Herald Sun.</p> <p>“We are consistent with it and I don’t feel like it’s unreasonable," Klein added. “But I know personally if I’m in my thongs and my boardies, I’m not going to try and go to a nice restaurant, because I wouldn’t be dressed appropriately.”</p> <p>Klein said the staff member that denied Crowe’s entry did not know who the Gladiator actor was, and it was a “very unfortunate situation for everyone”.</p> <p>The restaurant had some fun with the situation, posting an updated dress code policy on Instagram.</p> <p>“Dress smart casual, unless you’re Russell Crowe, then wear whatevs,” the sign read.</p> <p>Mr Myiagi also addressed Crowe to clear the air.</p> <p>“Dear Russell, During your last visit it seems we got off on the wrong foot. After much reflection on what occurred, we have made a permanent change to our dress code,” the caption read. “We would love to see you again in the future, you’re always welcome at Mr. Miyagi.”</p> <p>According to the Daily Mail, radio broadcaster Steve Price and his partner were turned away from Mr Miyagi just days later for the same reason.</p> <p>Crowe has now joined the list of recent A-listers who were denied service from restaurants.</p> <p>Talk show host James Corden was banned from Balthazar, Keith McNally’s restaurant in Manhattan, in October 2022 after he allegedly mistreated the restaurant’s staff.</p> <p>Other celebrities that have been turned away from establishments include Ariana Grande, who was banned from a California doughnut shop after being seen on a surveillance camera licking unattended pastries.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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7 secrets to enjoying food on a cruise

<p><em><strong>Jennifer Campbell writes for <a href="http://blog.virtuoso.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Virtuoso Luxury Traveller</span></a>, the blog of a <a href="http://www.virtuoso.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">global luxury travel network</span></a>, and she enjoys nothing more than taking a holiday.</strong></em></p> <p>When you conjure up great food and drink experiences, you might think of a fabulous meal by a celebrity chef, or a sommelier-led wine tasting, or local cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients.</p> <p>You probably don’t think of having all these on a cruise.</p> <p>Cruise lines have realized the enormous appetite of travellers for fine cuisine, wine and spirits. The World Food Travel Association says more than 39 million people are culinary travellers, seeking out food and beverage experiences around the world. Dining is consistently one of the top three favourite travel activities, and all demographics love food equally.</p> <p>For me, a self-professed lover of all things food, wine and spirits, the more than 10 cruises that I’ve been on have provided amazing opportunities to enjoy all of these loves while exploring the world. Here are my eight ways to make the most of the myriad ways to indulge in great cruise food and drink experiences.</p> <p><strong>1. Open your mind to new experiences</strong></p> <p>Gone are the stereotypical days of extravagant buffets and cruisers filling their pockets with crab legs before the seemingly endless piles vanish. Not to say that there aren’t still buffets on cruise ships. But the buffets of today cater to a more discerning and well-travelled client.</p> <p>Because of the international nature of cruising, the breakfast buffet might include congee and dumplings. Or maybe kippered herring, muesli or sliced meats and cheeses alongside traditional American staples of cereal, yogurt, eggs and pastries. The lunch buffet might be like visiting Japan, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Germany in one 50-foot stretch.</p> <p>For my friends and dining companions last year on Silversea Cruises, the amount of sushi that I consumed every day from the lunch buffet became embarrassing. We got to the point where our waiter would see me coming and prepare a plate of sushi to be sent to the table. I can still taste that salmon sashimi.</p> <p>Remember that the buffet isn’t like the Thanksgiving table; you don’t have to get it all at once. Eat in courses, try things and enjoy!</p> <p><strong>2. Master the main dining room</strong></p> <p>This can enhance your cruise immensely. Most cruise lines now offer open seating – meaning that you can eat at any time you like rather than at a set time.</p> <p>The great thing about the main dining room is its flexibility. The menu might offer appetizers, entrees and dessert, but guess what? You can order any or all of them in whatever configuration suits your mood.</p> <p>If you want three appetizers and no dessert, then fine, that is what you’ll have. If you order the wiener schnitzel and then notice that someone at an adjacent table has the shrimp scampi and you want it too, it is yours. Don’t see shrimp cocktail on the menu but it’s your favourite? Just ask and chances are they’ll make it just for you. My mom enjoyed it every night on our last cruise in October.</p> <p><strong>3. Discover the specialty restaurants</strong></p> <p>Specialty restaurants on many ships offer five-star dining experiences, comparable to some of the world’s great restaurants. Celebrity chefs are now as common on cruise ships as the swimming pool. Nobu Matsushisa, Todd English, Jacques Pepin, and Jamie Oliver (to name a few) all work with cruise lines in menu design, chef restaurants and cooking demonstrations. They’re elevating cruise food to new levels.</p> <p>Steakhouses, sushi bars, Italian trattorias, French dining – all of these can be found on cruise ships. Craving escargot or maybe a Pittsburgh-style steak? You can get these in the middle of the ocean.</p> <p>I had one of the best goat cheese soufflés of my life recently on board Azamara Club Cruises. Yes, there is typically a surcharge at the specialty dining restaurants. But many cruise lines now offer packages that discount that rate. So whether you want to buy a package and enjoy the specialty restaurants multiple times, or pay the one-time upcharge for one splurge evening, take advantage of them and their over-the-top menus.</p> <p>Depending on the cruise line and the category of cabin in which you’ll be staying, sometimes reservations are included and can be made well in advance. Other lines require you to book onboard. When booking onboard, don’t be dismayed if the time and date you want is not available. Many times there are cancellations, so spots open up daily. Befriend the maitre d’ and you’ll be surprised what can happen for you.</p> <p><strong>4. Buy bar and wine packages</strong></p> <p>Is there a particular sprit that you enjoy each evening? Maybe a dry Belvedere martini with a lemon twist or a Glenlivet scotch neat? The premium bar packages on many lines allow you to have these same comforts onboard the ship at a price not much more than you pay at home.</p> <p>Rather than paying $20 each evening for your martini like in a fine restaurant, your daily rate pays for itself in one drink. On my last cruise on Azamara, the premium bar package was less per day than one cocktail with my favourite spirit. Great deal for me and no guilt if I decided to splurge and have a second one.</p> <p>Love wine? Consider a wine package where you can pick premium bottles of wine from around the world and enjoy them at any restaurant on the ship.</p> <p>Can’t finish the bottle? The sommelier will cork if for you and it will be waiting the next night, just like you are at home.</p> <p><strong>5. Opt for a cosy dinner in</strong></p> <p>If you had a busy day of exploring on shore and just want to cocoon in your room that night, order room service. Unlike a hotel on land, it’s included in the price of your cruise. And it’s generally available 24/7 for any late-night cravings.</p> <p>On certain lines, waiters will set up a table in your room and – just like at a restaurant – return with each new course as you’ve finished the last one.</p> <p><strong>6. Take advantage of all your cruise food options</strong></p> <p>Your dining isn’t confined just to the buffet or the main dining room. Get to know all the ship’s venues and sample their wares.</p> <p>Have a casual meal on deck at the barbecue grill. Enjoy a snack or dessert at the ice cream shop. Indulge in special late-night culinary offerings after a show or nightcap. Savor a morning beverage and pastry at a coffee bar.</p> <p><strong>7. Pick your shore excursions with food and drink in mind</strong></p> <p>With so much traveller interest in local food and beverages, most lines offer culinary experiences while in port. You might taste wine in one of the world’s most acclaimed wine regions, tour a distillery, explore local farmers markets with one of the ship’s chefs or try a local specialty like olive oil in Italy or rice vinegar in Japan. You may be able to dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant or in a private home.</p> <p>What’s your favourite part about eating on a cruise? Is there a meal that stands out? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you.</p> <p><em>First appeared on Virtuoso. <a href="http://www.virtuoso.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to visit their website for more information.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/07/queen-mary-2-cruise-ship-gets-pet-friendly-makeover/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Queen Mary 2 cruise ship gets pet-friendly makeover</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/best-cruise-lines-in-the-world-revealed/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The world’s best cruise lines revealed</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/cunard-queen-mary-marilyn-monroe-showcase/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cunard to showcase world’s largest Marilyn Monroe collection</span></em></strong></a></p>

Cruising

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Gordon Ramsy praises pandemic for closing “bad” restaurants

<p dir="ltr">Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has been caught stirring the pot again. This time, saying that a silver lining of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the forced closure of many bad restaurants taking up space in prime locations.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The crap’s gone,” Ramsay told UK magazine Radio Times in a recent interview.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just sh**holes in a prime position and taking advantage because they’re in a great location, and they’ve got the footfall [have closed].</p> <p dir="ltr">“But now we’ve wiped the slate clean, which is good.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In the interview, the Hell’s Kitchen host, known for being fiery in the kitchen, admitted the last two years of the pandemic have been “devastating” for the hospitality sector in Britain. He said the industry “was on its arse, but it’s getting better”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s been devastating the last two years. Landlords don’t say, ‘Take a holiday for two years.’ But I think what has been evident for all of us is the crap’s gone.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Last year, the restaurateur himself estimated his eateries in England lost more than $100 million in the first year of the pandemic due to loss of business during lengthy UK lockdowns.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I get criticised for being wealthy, but the responsibility on my shoulders – the livelihoods at stake – is huge,” Ramsay told The Sun at the time.</p> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">“I do feel under pressure to give my younger members of staff, especially, some hope, and the sense that we can get out of this. There have been so many tears, people at their wits’ end.”</p> <p dir="ltr">At the start of the pandemic in April 2020, more than 1.5 million hospitality workers in the UK were furloughed. It accounted for a quarter of all furloughed staff across Britain.</p> <p dir="ltr">Last year in the week leading up to Christmas, as the Omicron variant ripped through the UK, pubs, bars and restaurants each lost on average $18,000 in what should have been the busiest trading week of the year.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the recent interview with Radio Times, the 55-year-old said throughout the pandemic, restaurants have had to “raise their game” to stay alive.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that it has meant a positive outcome of the last two years is that customers are getting better quality from eateries.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Customers have got so much smarter in the last two years,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They know a lot more about food than they ever have done and have been making their own sourdough, so it’s taught everyone [in the restaurant industry] to raise their game.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s wiped the arrogance from the industry.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ramsay takes over Jamie Oliver’s ‘failure’. Gordon recently took advantage of a business closing himself, when he took over a location formerly owned by fellow celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in Liverpool, England.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s sad that Jamie didn’t make it here – the site is amazing”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was never my intention to take over Jamie’s Italian. Jamie and I are mates everyone thinks we’re not, but we are. Two summers ago we sat in the garden with our kids and had an amazing evening talking, drinking, laughing, crying and just having a proper heart-to-heart.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It had nothing to do with it being his old site. Whether it was Marco Pierre White or Jamie Oliver, it didn’t matter who had the house beforehand. The location was absolutely spot on.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Where Jamie failed, there’s a big learning curve for all of us. One man’s failure is the next man’s success.”</p> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">The site is the new home to Ramsay’s 35th restaurant – the Liverpool Bread Street Kitchen &amp; Bar.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Jacinda Ardern shows off thrifty item in dining room tour

<p><span>Sometimes, we seem to think we know everything about public figures, but it turns out until yesterday, we didn’t know Jacinda Ardern was a serious thrifter.</span></p> <p><span>During a Facebook Live video yesterday, the Prime Minister of New Zealand started off the live stream but giving a tour of her dining room, which she said was “pretty stock standard, really” despite living at Premier House, the PM’s official residence.</span></p> <p><span>“It’s just a table with some of the features that usually you find in a family home – chalkboard,” Ardern said, gesturing to a chalkboard behind her that had some scrawlings from (we assume) her two-year-old daughter Neve.</span></p> <p><span>However, Ardern showed off an “unusual” feature in her dining room, as she revealed her chairs lived a life before she got her hands on them. </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img style="width: 500px; height: 330.173775671406px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836759/screen-shot-2020-07-01-at-110755-am.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/35e256186ae44ac59de43d2be0d97c1e" /></span></p> <p><span>“Probably the one unusual piece of furniture that is here, I’ll share this with you,” she explained, gesturing to the red leather chairs.</span></p> <p><span>“These are the old Cabinet chairs from back in the day.</span></p> <p><span>“We of course make sure that nothing goes to waste so they’ve been recycled and they’re now our dining room chairs.”</span></p> <p><span>She was quick to admit the chairs weren’t the most comfortable, which is most likely why she added a cushion.</span></p> <p><span>“Not always the most comfortable,” she said, “which perhaps back in the day may have kept Cabinet meetings short.”</span></p> <p><span>Ardern appeared on Facebook to discuss the latest coronavirus developments for New Zealand. </span></p> <p><span>Like Australia, New Zealand was successful at flattening the curve of coronavirus cases early on but has faced challenges as restrictions lifted.</span></p> <p><span>While she had previously declared New Zealand coronavirus-free, a recent spate of cases thanks to travellers has seen her under increased pressure to keep the country’s borders closed.</span></p> <p><span>Speaking to reporters, Arden said opening New Zealand’s borders was “dangerous” and shouldn’t be considered until coronavirus cases drop around the world.</span></p> <p><span>“Any suggestion of borders opening at this point, frankly, is dangerous and I don’t think we should put New Zealand in that position,” she said.</span></p> <p><span>However Ms Ardern was open to the idea of travel between New Zealand and COVID-19-free Australian states, but it would be a matter for Australia when it opened its borders to international travel.</span></p> <p><span>“Ultimately, it’s up to Australia to decide whether or not they’ll go for a whole country approach or a state-by-state approach,” she said.</span></p> <p><span>“Obviously, where there is community outbreak, that is a no-go for New Zealand.</span></p> <p><span>“Where they have border controls in place and where they’ve had no community transmissions for sustained periods of time … that may be a different scenario.”</span></p>

Home & Garden

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Dining with Dolly Parton: Sir Billy Connolly shares his bucket list

<p>Sir Billy Connolly has revealed the people he would like to have at his dream dinner party.</p> <p>In a recent interview with <em><a href="https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/dining-with-dolly-parton-sir-billy-connolly-reveals-his-fantasy-dinner-party-guests/">The Sunday Post</a></em>, the Scottish comedian said his fantasy guest list, featuring both alive and deceased figures, includes country musician Dolly Parton.</p> <p>“I had a brilliant experience seeing Dolly in Glasgow, being swept along with thousands in the crowd and no one recognised me,” he said.</p> <p>“No one could see me until a little girl shouted: ‘Look! Its Billy Connolly!’ She came and gave me a big cuddle. She was wonderful. I met her again in a shop and she did the same thing.”</p> <p>Another singer he would like to invite is Bob Dylan, who created his favourite album <em>Blonde On Blonde</em>.</p> <p>Other famous figures in Connolly’s wish list are authors Charles Dickens and Iris Murdoch as well as artists John Byrne and David Hockney.</p> <p>Byrne, who is an old friend of the Big Yin, paid tribute to the comedian with <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-39947883">a portrait in the 1970s and another in 2017</a>.</p> <p>The 77-year-old went public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013 and <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/billy-connolly-quits-stand-up-comedy-amid-parkinson-s-diagnosis">retired five years later</a>. He is now working as an artist.</p>

Retirement Life

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These are the world’s best fine dining restaurants

<p>It serves contemporary European cuisine inside a Beijing historical temple dating back to the Qing Dynasty.</p> <p>And now, TRB Hutong has won the title of best fine dining restaurant in the world, coming on top of the 2019 Travellers’ Choice list based on <span>millions of reviews and ratings left by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Restaurants-cFineDining-g1" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a> users over the past year</span>.</p> <p>The Beijing restaurant, which charges 688RMB (AU$143 or NZ$155 or SG$134) for a five-course menu, was first opened in 2012. Since then, it has earned various accolades, including Restaurant of the Year awards from<em> The Beijinger </em>and <em>Time Out</em>.</p> <p>“Charismatic GM and former sommelier Ignace Lecleir takes pains to make every guest feel like a VIP, and the regular arrivals of complimentary amuse bouche ensures nobody leaves unsatisfied,” the verdict read, according to <span><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/tripadvisor-worlds-best-restaurants-2019/index.html"><em>CNN Travel</em></a></span>.</p> <p>Coming in second place was France’s Epicure, a three Michelin star restaurant headed by acclaimed chef Eric Frechon. Ristorante Ville Crespi in Italy grabbed the third spot, with the reviews noting its “creative, delicious and unique dining experience”.</p> <p><strong>The world’s best fine dining restaurants in 2019 according to TripAdvisor</strong></p> <ol> <li>TRB Hutong, Beijing, China</li> <li>Epicure, Paris, France</li> <li>Ristorante Villa Crespi, Orta San Giulio, Italy</li> <li>Restaurante Benazuza, Cancun, Mexico</li> <li>The Jane, Antwerp, Belgium</li> <li>Le Brouillarta, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France</li> <li>David's Kitchen, Chiang Mai, Thailand</li> <li>El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain</li> <li>Aramburu, Buenos Aires, Argentina</li> <li>Adam's, Birmingham, United Kingdom</li> </ol>

International Travel

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MasterChef’s Matt Preston shares 5 gripes about dining out in Australia

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Matt Preston has been a judge on MasterChef for 11 years, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t immune to gripes about dining out. He shared his thoughts with </span><a href="https://www.delicious.com.au/food-files/news-articles/article/matt-preston-shares-10-gripes-dining-out/xeymtohz"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Delicious</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and mentioned his top 5 pet peeves when he dines out for a meal.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I love eating out. Well, I just love eating – in, out, wherever,” Preston said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But a few things occasionally bug me about cafés and restaurants. My sister gets narky about a beautiful Instagrammable breakfast loaded with flowers and pomegranate seeds, but the things that make me mad are far more infuriating.”</span></p> <p><strong>1. Designer restaurants</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preston maintains that design isn’t about a “picture in a magazine” but should focus solely on the experience of the diner.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If the room is too dark to see the food and too noisy to hear what the other side of the table is saying, then the fit-out has failed. Well, unless you want to go with boring, ugly friends who you don’t want to see or hear,” he says with a laugh.</span></p> <p><strong>2. Edison bulbs</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Edison bulbs look like the ones in the photo below.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8XLCHFqAn/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8XLCHFqAn/" target="_blank">💡💡💡🌿♻️💃 . . . . . #ViejaEddie #lamparas #Deco #decoracionindustrial #decovintage #livingroomideas #Iluminacion #Argentina #lightsdesign #interioresdesign #filamentodecarbono #plantasyflores #edisonbulbs #foto #arquitectura #estudioarquitectura #arquitecturainterior #industriallamps #ladrillovisto #interiorismo #homify #houzz #lamparapared #cordobaargentina #patagoniaargentina #norteargentino #rosario #mendoza #buenosairesciudad #argentina</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/vieja_eddie/" target="_blank"> Lámparas Vieja Eddie</a> (@vieja_eddie) on Jul 15, 2019 at 8:54am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s safe to say that Preston isn’t a fan of them at all. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Surely these are past their use-by date, along with their dangly cloth-wrapped cords. How about going back to LED downlights, wall conches, chandeliers or even candles for a change?”</span></p> <p><strong>3. Evaporating waiters</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to his extensive experience within the hospitality industry, Preston has experienced a decent waiter or two in his time. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s not that hard. We’ve had our dessert and you’ve delivered the coffees. This means the meal is coming to an end; the final act of the evening is about to unfold,” Preston gripes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Isn’t it obvious we’ll want our bill? This is the good bit of the evening for the restaurant when the bill gets paid and the waitstaff discover whether you’re going to stiff them for the tip, so why do they seem to disappear at the end of the evening? Just bring the bill, take our money and we can all go home.”</span></p> <p><strong>4. Expensive food that isn’t delicious</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is something that Preston says he “shouldn’t have to get mad about”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Aren’t chefs always telling us they’re in the flavour biz-er-ness? Now, I love experimental cookery as much as the next pretentious food wanker, but if you want me to be your guinea pig, serve your prototypes on a cut-price menu like Ben Shewry used to do at Attica on Tuesday nights. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Every chef (apart from maybe a dozen trailblazers around the world like Central’s Virgilio Martinez, Noma’s René Redzepi or Massimo Bottura) should run every new dish through the same prism – if it’s not delicious it ain’t going on the menu.”</span></p> <p><strong>5. No reservations at a restaurant</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Admittedly, this is a gripe that is felt amongst many.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Is it really that hard to take some bookings for those who need to get a babysitter or have to travel to eat at your place?” Preston explained. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Surely you want to give those people reassurance they can eat at your place? Oh, and don’t try and sell it like it’s a benefit to us the customer – that is the height of hide.”</span></p>

Food & Wine

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How to find good restaurants in a new city

<p>Where to eat? It’s a question you’ve probably pondered when visiting somewhere unfamiliar. Though it’s fun to explore a strange suburb, town or city, when you’re hungry you’d rather minimise the chance of paying exorbitant prices for an unpleasant experience.</p> <p>Can economics help?</p> <p>We’ve combined economic theory with data from online restaurant ratings to identify a few simple strategies that will help you find a decent restaurant in unfamiliar places.</p> <p>The key? Location is almost everything – but in the opposite sense to what a real estate agent would have you think. When it comes to restaurants, quality of location is inversely correlated to quality of food and service.</p> <p><strong>Search costs</strong></p> <p>The first economic principle that’s important here are “search costs”.</p> <p>If you’re from out of town, it’s likely your search strategy will involve looking for something appealing within walking distance of where you are staying. To decide if it’s appealing will involve walking past it.</p> <p>Suppose you do this. Perhaps it not exactly what you wanted. Should you press on, looking for a better option?</p> <p>It’s a risk. You may end up trudging around only to end back at the same spot 30 minutes later. Settling on the first restaurant you find may therefore be the best option to minimise search costs.</p> <p>Economic theory provides a key insight about markets with search costs for customers. Businesses can take advantage of these costs to raise prices or lower quality. They can do this because they deal with more uninformed customers.</p> <p>Consider a large city with tourist and non-tourist areas.</p> <p>In non-tourist areas, restaurants will rely on local customers. If they do not provide good food and prices, customers are likely to go elsewhere next time. A restaurant that satisfies its customers will get return business; one that doesn’t is more likely to go out of business.</p> <p>In tourist areas, the situation is different. Visitors do not know the quality of each restaurant they encounter, and at best might be repeat customers for a few days. So restaurants can charge higher prices and serve lower quality food without much risk of harming long-term profits.</p> <p><strong>Big data to the rescue</strong></p> <p>To investigate how customer ignorance influences restaurants price and quality, we used data from Yelp, a major online platform where users rate restaurants.</p> <p>Yelp has a global outreach that allowed us to investigate this question in cities all over the world, such as Paris, London and Sydney.</p> <p>We mapped Yelp’s ratings onto topographical information from OpenStreetMap, an open-source repository of local information on streets and buildings.</p> <p>What we found was exactly what was predicted by economic theory: restaurants in tourist areas have lower ratings than those in non-tourist areas.</p> <p><strong>Mapping Sydney</strong></p> <p>The map below presents the results for Sydney. You can see the valley of tourist points (the red dots) in the centre of the city generally align with average ratings. There are just a few cases of exceptional ratings near tourist attractions, such as around the Sydney Opera House.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279351/original/file-20190613-32356-1hm1zbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279351/original/file-20190613-32356-1hm1zbw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Sydney.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jeanne Dall'Orso, Romain Gauriot &amp; Lionel Page</span></span></p> <p><strong>Mapping London</strong></p> <p>The pattern is even clearer in London, where areas with higher local ratings seem to be systematically away from touristic locations. Our map suggests that you’d be advised not to look for lunch around Victoria Station, near Buckingham Palace (in the southwest corner) or near the British Museum (northwest from the centre of the map).</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279352/original/file-20190613-32317-1obm5xr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279352/original/file-20190613-32317-1obm5xr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">London.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jeanne Dall'Orso, Romain Gauriot &amp; Lionel Page</span></span></p> <p><strong>Mapping Paris</strong></p> <p>Finally this Paris map suggests you are advised to venture away from all the landmarks you know – Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Louvre – when looking for some good French food. Definitely steer clear of the area around the Paris-Gare de Lyon train station.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279353/original/file-20190613-32335-235fwo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279353/original/file-20190613-32335-235fwo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Paris.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jeanne Dall'Orso, Romain Gauriot &amp; Lionel Page</span></span></p> <p><strong>Visibility trap</strong></p> <p>The existence of tourist traps may come as no surprise. If you’ve ever gone sight-seeing in a big city, you know there are restaurants whose business is based on attracting tourists, and that they are often pricey and ordinary.</p> <p>This insight goes beyond just restaurants. In economic terms, any time a business deals with uninformed customers, higher prices and lower quality is more likely.</p> <p>A key characteristic to attract uninformed customers is visibility. A restaurant on a main road or busy thoroughfare, for example, can be found by potential customers simply walking around.</p> <p>To test whether restaurants with high visibility are indeeed more likely to offer worse deals, we looked at restaurants that were more visible but not necessarily in touristic locations.</p> <p>We focused on corner restaurants – visible to pedestrians from two streets instead of just one.</p> <p>Again we looked at Yelp ratings, and again the effect was there: corner restaurants had lower average ratings. The largest effect was for corner restaurants on big avenues in tourist areas, where average restaurant ratings were more than 0.2 stars (out of 5 stars) lower.</p> <p><strong>Chain reactions</strong></p> <p>Though our results show restaurants in tourist areas and in visible locations are generally more likely to offer worse quality and prices, there are some caveats.</p> <p>Economic theory suggests chain restaurants should have more incentive to keep the standard their consumers are used too, even if located in visible locations.</p> <p>A customer dissatisfied by the food/service of one chain restaurant is less likely to come back to the chain elsewhere. Corporate headquarters can therefore not allow individual franchises to use a visible location to lower quality or raise prices.</p> <p>This economic prediction was also confirmed in our data: restaurants that belong to a chain are not rated significantly lower in visible locations.</p> <p><strong>Find the hidden restaurants</strong></p> <p>So our advice is the following:</p> <p>You maximise your chance of finding a fantastic dining experience by stepping away from the beaten tracks. Whether searching online or on foot, look for the “hidden restaurants” tucked away on side streets and the like. Avoid the establishments with huge garish signs that are clearly pitching themselves to tourists.</p> <p>Your second-best option, when in doubt, is to look for a chain restaurant as a “safe haven” in a touristic location. Such establishments are unlikely to offer you a surprising experience, one way or other other. What you expect is probably what you’ll get.</p> <p>But when it comes to restaurants, the better option is usually around the corner.</p> <p><em>Written by <span>Lionel Page, Professor in Economics, University of Technology Sydney and Romain Gauriot, Postdoctoral Associate, New York University Abu Dhabi</span>. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-find-a-good-restaurant-economists-can-help-117670"><em>The Conversation</em></a><em>.</em></p> <p><em>This article was co-authored by Jeanne Dall’Orso, who now works as a data scientist for Masae Analytics in Paris. Jeanne also co-authored the 2016 paper <a href="https://econpapers.repec.org/paper/qutqubewp/wp041.htm">Disappointment looms around the corner: Visibility and local businesses’ market power</a> with Lionel Page and Romain Gauriot.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. 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International Travel

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Top 3 restaurants with the most spectacular views of Vivid 2019

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vivid Sydney attracts millions of visitors each year to check out the amazing light displays scattered all throughout Sydney.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As there are a fair amount of people all trying to see the same thing, it’s safe to say that crowds can be attracted to the lights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, with a bit of planning ahead, you’re able to beat the crowds and enjoy a lovely meal at the same time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are a few restaurants that have ideal views of the best spots of Sydney.</span></p> <p><strong>1. Aqua Dining, Milson’s Point</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This restaurant boasts authentic Italian food and offers a gorgeous view right near the iconic Harbour Bridge. This places you in the ideal spot to see the lights hit the bridge instead of being amongst the crowds. This is perfect for those looking to experience a high-end Vivid dining experience.</span></p> <p><strong>2. Hacienda, Circular Quay</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This restaurant offers breathtaking views and offers a bar menu full to the brim with flavoursome Latin American dishes. Some of the food you can get includes tuna ceviche and flathead tortilla. With dishes starting from $14, this is an ideal night out for those on a budget who still want to see the amazing lights Vivid has on offer.</span></p> <p><strong>3. ARIA, Circular Quay</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This restaurant is for those who have a refined palette and a bit more to spend. It’s so close to the Sydney Opera House you can taste it, and it boasts a menu curated with celebrity chef Matt Moran’s finest. It also offers the best views of the Sydney Harbour to boot. What more could you want? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, if the crowds don’t seem too bad, there’s some spectacular lights to see. With lights showing for three weeks from the 24</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of May to the 15</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of June, there’s plenty of time to see and enjoy the light show Sydney puts on every year.</span></p>

Domestic Travel

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You can now dine with your dog at this Japanese restaurant

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A restaurant chain in Japan has realised that many people do enjoy dining with their dogs. Therefore, to keep their customers happy, they have involved your dog in your overall dining experience.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuV_J3yjMJE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuV_J3yjMJE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by emi (@emi11dai02)</a> on Feb 26, 2019 at 3:36am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ushisuke, which is a chain of restaurants in Tokyo and Tokahham, are serving grilled meat to their customers and their furry friends, according to </span><a href="https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/03/japan-has-bbq-restaurants-for-you-and-your-dog/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kotaku</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, that’s right. The restaurant grills meat for you AND your dog.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The restaurant has also gone one step further to make sure that your dog feels included in the dining experience.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs0Sm-4AkSI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs0Sm-4AkSI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ✭ アモル ✭ (@amor_album)</a> on Jan 19, 2019 at 5:00am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pets are able to sit at the table and order from a specific menu that’s catered to dogs. Items include a selection of rice, veggies and thick slices of meat.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the dogs are up at the table in their special seats, they are able to patiently wait for their food to be cooked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Would you take your pooch to a restaurant like this? Let us know in the comments.</span></p>

Family & Pets

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The new food revolution: How dining on a cruise just got better and cheaper

<p>Michelin-starred or celebrity chef-run restaurants are not hard to come by on a cruise anymore – because they’ve come to you.</p> <p>Cruising the ocean can, believe it or not, be where you find incredible food for reasonable prices. With dinner options that aren’t available on land and a range of food that will leave your wallets as well as your belly satisfied, maybe a cruise should be your next holiday destination if you’re a foodie.</p> <p>Here are some reasons why you should dine out on the seven seas, so your taste buds love you even more.</p> <p><strong>Michelin-starred choices </strong></p> <p>The exciting factors that are coming into play for cruise lines is their increasing range of food for affordable prices – and the best part is the quality is so good it’s award winning.</p> <p>At the restaurant Harmony which can be found on the Majestic Princess cruise ship, it’s one of the only restaurants off-shore that has a Michelin-starred menu and chef. In fact, Harmony, run by a former chef for Wing Lei – the first Chinese restaurant in North America that has a Michelin star – has created a list of food that appeases your cravings for Cantonese dishes as well as seafood, mouth-watering noodle dishes and soups. </p> <p><strong>Food is fun </strong></p> <p>As demands for more creative and delicious food on cruise lines increases – the more fun cruisers will see from restaurants and experimentative chefs.</p> <p>On one cruise line, dishes are presented on porcelain plates decorated with Sodamin’s Food Faces culinary pop art, produced by the French brand Bernardaud.</p> <p>This restaurant featured on Holland America’s cruise line headed by Rudi Sel De Mar and launched in 2016.</p> <p>24-hour pizza restaurants are proving popular as well for their ease and accessibility for cruise passengers.</p> <p><strong>All types of options for your cravings </strong></p> <p>One of the best factors of cruise food is there are endless options to satisfy all your cravings on board. If you’re feeling a craving for a plate of fresh sushi made to order, then carnival cruise lines have that for you. If fresh fruit with a side of yoghurt is calling your name after a great workout then head down to the breakfast bar on your cruise’s food hall level. The best part is, most of the food is free, delicious and fresh. What more could you ask for?</p> <p>What is the most memorable you’ve ever had on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Cruising

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“It gave people fodder”: The impact of Jamie Oliver's fall from grace

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Within the past few years, Jamie Oliver has faced some of the biggest challenges of his career.</p> <p>Since his first appearance on <em>The Naked Chef</em> in 1999, the celebrity chef had gone on to achieve success through numerous hit television shows, cookbooks, charities and health campaigns. However, the 43-year-old is now dealing with a troubled business empire and a series of controversies that has reportedly turned fans away.</p> <p>Public relations expert Catriona Pollard said Oliver’s downfall was caused by blunders such as overexposure, actions that do not match his personal brand, and failure to address public criticisms.</p> <p>Oliver’s image as a healthy everyday cook does not hold up with his actions, Pollard told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/other-industries/expert-reveals-where-it-all-went-wrong-for-celebrity-chef-jamie-oliver/news-story/34ba7db90c12c01fbe704f820f432591"><em>news.com.au</em></a>.</p> <p>Oliver was well-known for his easy, budget-friendly recipes, as shown in the television show <em>Jamie’s Money Saving Meals</em>. However, his eateries are priced on a premium. For example, the Australian branches of Jamie’s Italian restaurant chain ask $20 for a one-course lunch.</p> <p>Last year, Oliver said the chain had “run out of cash” and closed 12 of the restaurants in Britain.</p> <p>“You can buy one of his books for $20, or watch his TV show for free,” said Pollard. “But a lot of his restaurants sold expensive meals … which didn’t really stack up for people.”</p> <p>Pollard said linking his name to the restaurants was a mistake, as their failures would be connected to his personal reputation.</p> <p>Oliver is also a proud advocate of healthy foods and sustainability as the UN Environment’s environmental champion. The public was quick to accuse Oliver of hypocrisy after the chef signed a £5 million (AU$9 million) deal with petrol giant Shell, which is one of the top 10 greenhouse gas-producing companies in the world.</p> <p>“Jamie Oliver has a very distinct personal brand linked to very distinctive values,” said Pollard.</p> <p>“He’s so outspoken when it comes to things like healthy eating and the environmental impacts of climate change, which is great, but … the deal with Shell was seen as negatively straying from that very distinct brand.</p> <p>“It gave people fodder and they started to change their opinions of him. That backlash was caused because people thought he wasn’t behaving the way they thought he should.”</p> <p>On Monday, the chef was also revealed to have been an informal advisor to McDonald’s for years, despite having dubbed their burgers as “not fit for human consumption” in 2011.</p> <p>Pollard also noted Oliver’s media gaffes as one of the reasons the public is turning away from the Brit. While Oliver said nothing on the Shell deal, he revealed the royal family’s rejection to his offer to cater for Prince Harry’s wedding.</p> <p>“He absolutely should have kept quiet at a time when people were already questioning his reputation — it was not a very sensible thing to do, to say he was snubbed by one of the most watched marriages in recent history,” she said.</p> <p>“It made people think [the royals] didn’t want to be associated with him, which was a misstep.”</p> <p>Pollard said it is not too late for Oliver to address these problems. “He’s absolutely not down and out — but he needs to think twice before saying something in future … and look back at what made him great in the first place, and make sure he stays aligned to those values people were attracted to.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Money & Banking

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The royal family's dining habits revealed

<p>A former chef at Buckingham Palace has revealed the royal family’s odd dining habits, spilling the beans on everyone from the Queen to Prince William.</p> <p>Darren McGrady, who dished out meals for the royals daily for 11 years, made some interesting observations about Her Majesty’s palette in an interview with Marie Claire.</p> <p>And it turns out the Queen’s eating habits are not as regal as you might think.</p> <p>“Breakfast was very simple for Her Majesty,” says McGrady.</p> <p>“Some Kellogg's cereal from a plastic container, which she'd serve herself. And some Darjeeling tea.”</p> <p>McGrady also recalled how Prince Harry and Prince William loved fast food.</p> <p>He said: “I remember the Princess came into the kitchen one day and said, ‘Cancel lunch for the boys I'm taking them out, we're going to McDonald's’.”</p> <p>Her Majesty swapped the finest crockery in favour of a “plastic yellow Tupperware container” and could not stand any meal that involved garlic because she simply, “hated the smell of it”. Dark chocolate was also her “favourite”.</p> <p>McGrady also revealed that the Queen played an active role in planning the catering for royal events: “She’d oversee the full menu, choose what she wanted – do we have enough pheasant, grouse, partridge?</p> <p>“She loved food from the estate and to see her own produce on the menu.</p> <p>“She loved the hosting side of the event. Garden parties were huge we’d have to do so much food, scones and pastries, ice cream made fresh.”</p> <p>What’s your view of these dining habits?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / The Daily Mirror </em></p>

News

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5 cruising dining hacks

<p>Food is an important part of any holiday and on a cruise, it is especially helpful to know all the insider tricks. These five hacks will help you stay well fed and happy on your next cruise.</p> <p><strong>1. Take a look at menus in advance</strong></p> <p>All the main dining room meals are planned out for the week before you cruise, which gives you the opportunity to take a peek at the menus in advance. Simply visit the front desk and request to see the selections available for each night of your cruise. This will help you decide which nights you want try an alternative restaurant.</p> <p><strong>2. Order it twice</strong></p> <p>If you have a meal on a cruise that completely blows you away, pre-order it for dinner the following night. On some cruises, the chef will accommodate the request. It might not always be possible, but if you give them advanced notice, it definitely improves your odds.</p> <p><strong>3. BYO lunch</strong></p> <p>If you are in a port that allows you to take food off your ship (such as the US and some Caribbean ports) you can save yourself money by packing your own lunch before you head out. If you want to experience the local food for the cultural experience, it might be worthwhile packing a snack for when you get hungry during an all-day tour.</p> <p><strong>4. Grab free snacks at coffee bars</strong></p> <p>Cruise ship cafés or bakeries with a speciality coffee menu will often charge for your beverage but you are also likely to find free snacks in these places. From pastries to salad, fruit, quiche or cake, if you are feeling hungry in between meals, a café may be the perfect spot to visit.</p> <p><strong>5. DIY room service</strong></p> <p>If you feel like eating in your cruise cabin but nothing on the room service menu sounds appealing, go to the buffet and fill and a plate and take it back to your room to enjoy. As long as you aren’t dumping heaps of plates outside your door, the staff should have no problem with it. You can also request for waiters to arrange to have your half-finished meal sent back to your room.</p> <p>What are your cruise dining hacks? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Cruising

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