Food lovers rejoice for the much-loved award-winning Australian Jones the Grocer just opened in the luxury “Pearl Plaza” building in Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi last week.

Enjoy a contemporary 100 seat café offering an a la carte menu of Australian cuisine with an international twist. All the ingredients are natural, fresh and simple many of which are available for purchase in the store shelves.

An interactive tea and coffee section features freshly ground and seasonal brews using methods that bring out the best flavors of the bean or the tea leaf.

Delight as well in an area full of delicious fresh and artisan breads as well as sweet handmade pastries.  There is also a walk-in cheese room where you can discover the finest international cheeses as well as Mediterranean antipast0.

Commenting on the brand’s new location, Yunib Siddiqui, Managing Director states, “Since opening in September 2009, jones the grocer has become the ultimate food lover‟s destination in Abu Dhabi and with this in mind we have started to roll out our expansion across the UAE with the opening of our second Abu Dhabi store this month and a third to follow shortly. April will be another landmark month for jones the grocer with the first store in Dubai opening. We are excited about our growth and the opportunity to bring gourmet food into everyday lives.”

A real treat for gourmet food lovers of the UAE, the new store in Khalidiya also features a beautiful new decor with Italian marble walls as well as state-of-the-art displays for specialty foods. The new Abu Dhabi branch is just part of Jones the Grocer UAE expansion. The brand plans a further Abu Dhabi opening and Dubai launched during Spring 2011.

Al Mamoura Building B
Ground Floor 06/07
Corner 4th Muroor & 15th Street
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel:   +971 2 4438 762

George Bumbaris & Sarah Stegner, the environmentally-conscious chefs & co-owners of Prairie Fire & Prairie Grass Cafe, have designed a new ”Sustainable Wedding Program,” drawing attention to the growing movement of socially conscious brides who wish to utilize sustainable resources for their wedding.

In addition to crafting personalized rehearsal dinner and bridal shower menus that celebrate local and sustainable foods, Bumbaris & Stegner have resources that connect brides to top farm wedding experiences in the Chicago area. Stegner is a two-time James Beard Award winner and the co-president of Chicago’s Green City Market Board. Signature menu items that feature locally-sourced products, sustainable meats and ocean-friendly fish include Tallgrass beef filet with local potatoes and River Valley Farm mushroom sauce;  a signature item of lamb sausages with grilled stacks of root vegetables and creamy Three Sisters Garden polenta topped with Pleasant Ridge Reserve cheese; Lake Superior whitefish over roasted portobello mushrooms and creamy potato puree. (menu changes frequently to reflect the best of each season).

Resources include:

Flora Confections – Handcrafted traditional and contemporary French-inspired confections, using preservative-free, locally-sourced products, including Three Sisters Farm pecans and Seedling Fruit’s dried cherries.

Garden Offerings – Thirty acre farm located in Huntley, IL, cultivating woodies, berry and old-fashioned rose bushes and flowering trees and featuring custom-made bouquets.

Limelight Food Illuminated – Culinary inspiration from sustainable Midwest farms and local artisans who supply beautiful vegetables, lettuces, berries, cheese, meats and cage-free eggs.

Pitchfork Productions – Portia Belloc Lowdes owns this special event and marketing company that partners with local farmers, wineries, and eco-conscious caterers to create events ranging from farm weddings for 300 to “Pig Gigs” on the beach.

For more info, contact Prarie Fire at 312.382.8300 or on the web http://www.prairiefirechicago.com/

Photograph by Toni Frissell. Courtesy of the Taylor Family Collection.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, the Phoenix Art Museum opens its exhibition “Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor,” which displays the socialite and sportswoman’s custom-made couture crafted by the likes of Hubert Givenchy, Charles James, Madame Gres, Cristobal Balenciaga, Mariano Fortuny and others.

Taylor (1910-2007) was certainly a “fashion independent,” having worked with some of the most in-demand international designers of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s to create a widely varying, yet still timeless and elegant, wardrobe that reflected both her daring personality and elite place in society.

In 2008, Taylor’s family gifted her wardrobe to the Phoenix Art Museum in a gesture named by “Art and Antiques” magazine as one of the top 100 museum gifts of the year. And after more than two years of meticulous research and careful planning, the museum’s curator of fashion design, Dennita Sewell, is proud to showcase Taylor’s unique, forward-thinking style in a highly comprehensive exhibition.

The range of what’s on display is as wide as were Taylor’s interests. At times a risk-taking pilot, competitive tennis player, expert skiier, avid equestrian, fashion designer, model, and at all times, a turned-out woman of society, Taylor had a list of designers she enjoyed working with to ensure she had the appropriate attire for every one of her activities.

There’s no specific pathway for museum’s guests direction through the exhibition, but we recommend beginning with the photographs on the lefthand wall as you enter the gallery. Sewell took inspiration for this wall from a hallway filled with family photos in the Denver home Taylor shared with her husband, Vernon “Moose” Taylor Jr.

From there you can continue clockwise to take in more than 200 pieces and 60 full ensembles, including Taylor’s fitted military jackets and hats (owing to her Huguenot heritage and love for the United Kingdom); equestrian attire — for Virginia foxhunting, English foxhunting and everyday Denver riding; vintage Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hermes luggage; iconic Fortuny gowns; Givenchy cocktail dresses; Madame Gres masterpieces; atunning Balenciaga designs; and much more.

In the exhibition you’ll also find Charles James jackets, boleros, skirts and, interestingly, dress forms which were stamped by the fashion house to identify them as representative of the “ideal average” feminine shape of the times. But the showstopper pieces here are Taylor’s theater and evening dresses, as well as ball gowns designed by Charles James. Deceptively simple in style, they show a masterful command of fabrics and draping.

“Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor” will be on display in Steele Gallery at the Phoenix Art Museum Feb. 27 through May 22, and admission to the exhibition is included in the museum’s general admission. For more details, visit the Phoenix Art Museum online here.

The Phoenix Art Museum is located at 1625 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix 602.257.1222

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Darren Criss celebrates his birthday at Lavo at the Palazzo.

Darren Criss held a belated birthday celebration Saturday night at Lavo at the Palazzo. The “Glee” actor, who turned 24 earlier in the month, stopped at the red carpet and graciously signed autographs and took photos with fans before heading in for dinner in the private dining room with a group of 25 friends.

After enjoying favorites from the kitchen the large group made their way to the club, taking over a section of VIP tables on the dance floor. Criss was surprised with a birthday cake from Gimme Some Sugar shaped like his signature hot pink sunglasses. The group danced and partied to the sounds of DJ Skratchy.

Camille Winbush from the “Secret Life of the American Teenager” celebrated a belated birthday with a girls’ night at Lavo and a group of friends that included actresses Francia Raisa and Logan Browning. Winbush, who turned 21 earlier this month, sipped cocktails and had a great time.

Electro rock band Pendulum stopped by Lavo after their show earlier in the night. They took over a VIP table on the stage and were surprised when DJ Skratchy played one of their songs and gave them a shout out.

Magician David Copperfield was spotted grabbing a late night dinner of Kung Pao chicken with a female companion at Tao Asian Bistro at the Venetian.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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Holly Madison at Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala.

Last night, Keep Memory Alive celebrated its 15th annual Power of Love gala at the Bellagio with a star-studded red carpet, celebrity chef dinner, exclusive auction items and exciting announcements for the future of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

For the 1,100 guests in attendance, the unforgettable night included a four-course dinner created by celebrity chefs José Andrés, Michael Mina, Wolfgang Puck and François Payard and entertainment from comedians Brad Garrett and Ray Romano, Motown group Human Nature and singing sensation Eric Gomez. No stranger to celebrity sightings, the gala also saw support and appearances by Lisa VanderPump from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” “PEEPSHOW” and “Holly’s World” star Holly Madison, Laura Croft from “Holly’s World,” actress Teri Hatcher, Caesars Palace headliner Matt Goss, choreographer Robin Anton, comedians Gilbert Gottfried and David Brenner, and actors Chazz Palminteri and Steve Schirripa. Also showing their support was casino mogul Steve Wynn and Sen. Harry Reid.

Stirred by the generosity of the evening, Hatcher added a large, exclusive Oscars 2011 gift bag to the auction and Garrett and Romano spontaneously added additional seats to their auction item — dinner and poker game at one of their houses.

Adding to the gala’s excitement, Chairman and Founder of Keep Memory Alive Larry Ruvo announced that Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health will expand its clinical services in 2011 to include two neurological disorders that are currently underserved in Nevada, Parkinson ’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Directed by nationally recognized physicians who have been recruited to lead their respective specialties, both programs will begin seeing patients this summer.

The donations made at each Power of Love gala have helped Keep Memory Alive support its mission to provide enhanced treatment for patients suffering from neurocognitive disorders, raise awareness for these conditions, and help support Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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Jenni "JWoww" Farley and her boyfriend Roger Matthews on the red carpet at Vanity.

Jenni “JWoww” Farley celebrated her birthday at Hard Rock Hotel last night. She dined at Rare 120 with a dozen friends before hitting up Vanity nightclub.

JWoww, her boyfriend Roger Matthews and about 15 friends partied the night away. JWoww was dressed in a sexy silver sparkling two-piece dress by Richie Rich. She danced at her VIP table on stage as fans cheered and yelled out to her. Fans were extremely excited to see JWoww as she high-fived and shook hands with party revelers. At 1 a.m., DJ Hollywood announced JWoww was in the house and wished her a happy birthday with a three-tier pink cake.

JWoww and Matthews were seen dancing and being very affectionate throughout the night, holding hands and kissing before leaving the club around 3 a.m.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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Upon arriving at 8230 Melrose Avenue, I of coarse first noticed the gigantic 9-foot neon pink Vivienne Westwood signature which serves as the store’s exterior signage.  The 10,000-square-foot corporate headquarters is divided into 3 main locales.  While the ground floor has more than 2,000 square feet of retail space, the second floor is dedicated to a very luxurious wholesale showroom. The best part is that the rooftop event area will host several trendy outdoor events in the coming months!

“The collection that we have in the store is equal to the collection that we have in the store in London or in Tokyo or Milan.  We try to have the same merchandise – maybe less coats, because tis’ not so cold here.” – Cristiano Minchio, Chief Executive of Operations of Vivienne Westwood of America

The latest retail addition contains the runway collections of the Gold Label; Ready – to – Wear from the Red Label; contemporary pieces of Anglomania; and even an L.A. limited edition selection of goods including trinkets like a keychain with the store’s address to leather goods and cotton tees. The Melrose store also carries Vivienne Westwood Men and Vivienne Westwood Baby in addition to the tempting handbag wall and inspirational leathers section.

Moving on the serious merch: shoes!  Here, in one single location, houses some of the most impacting trends from the Vivienne Westwood timeline.  Her pirate, bondage, and sack boots all grace the marvelous shelves, amongst the bubblegum – scented, plastic collaboration shoes produced with the Brazilian company, Melissa.  The beloved rocking horse shoe will also be making an appearance any day now! Product prices can range from $20 for Baby to $100,000 for Gold Label.

Vivienne Westwood has and will continue to appeal to many different trendsetters from across the globe over many years with her strict line construction juxtaposed with innovative design details. She established a name for herself in the 1970s through outfitting The Sex Pistols in her infamous King’s Road “SEX”. Then, Westwood set the tone as a trendsetter via the band Adam and Ants in the late 1980s with the ‘pirate’ look.

Now Westwood continues her legacy by way of fashionistas on the streets of Tokyo. The brand now operates more than 300 stores internationally and reportedly brings in more than $44 million in sales per year. Although the Melrose shop is the first U.S. store, the brand intends to expand with additional retail locations around North America. Coming next are stores in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Costa Mesa, then Vancouver.

Vivienne Westwood Corporate Headquarters is located at 8230 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles.
Open Monday through Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday: noon – 6 p.m.

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Spring training fever is catching, and Sapporo Scottsdale is catering to sports fans with Arizona team-themed rolls and one ultra-juicy cocktail.

If you haven’t checked out the creative libations and flavorful rolls at Sapporo Scottsdale, you’re missing out on a hotspot that’s already received the stamp of approval from such well-known pros as former Phoenix Suns star Amar’e Stoudemire, Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings, former MLB center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. and others.

Diamondbacks, Cardinals and Suns fans, as well as other sports enthusiasts can head to Sapporo Scottsdale for a chic atmosphere and a menu of contemporary Pan-Asian specialties, plus these fun team-inspired treats:

• The Diamondback Roll with fresh salmon, crab mix, and sautéed onions, topped with shrimp
• The Phoenix Suns’-inspired Pineapple Martini (pictured) with housemade pineapple-infused Svedka Vodka, fresh pineapple purée and an edible purple orchid
• The Phoenix Roll with eel, shrimp, crab mix, kaiware, cucumber, avocado and tobiko

They all sound like major scores to us.

Bonus: Sapporo now offers a convenient complimentary neighborhood shuttle, available to guests before and after meals from 4 p.m. to close daily; opt for pick-up or drop-off at a number of locations within a 10-mile radius of the restaurant, including Old Town Scottsdale, Salt River Fields, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa or Kierland Commons. (The 14-person shuttle can even be reserved in advance. Contact the restaurant for more information.)

Sapporo Scottsdale is located at 14344 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale 480.607.1114

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Tonight, the delicious and renowned Forge Restaurant in Miami Beach will host its second Wine Dinner Series, which includes a six-course meal and delicious wine. The Wine Dinner Series, originating in New York’s Greenwich Village, is a perfect combination of chef Dewey LoSasso’s gourmet dishes and Joseph Phelps’ wine selection.

Taking place at 7:30 p.m. during the 2011 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, food connoisseurs from everywhere will come together to enjoy a fabulous meal consisting of lobster, wild boar, duck wonton, filet mignon, and pumpkin pie.

The Forge Restaurant is the second oldest restaurant in Miami Beach. After nearly a year and $10 million worth of renovations, it has been transformed into an even more enchanting and elegant bistro. With a completely updated menu, the atmosphere consists of exotic lightwoods and jaw dropping Murano chandeliers. This restaurant was created with a great European hotel lobby in mind.

A family owned business; this restaurant is located at 432 41st Street in Miami Beach.

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While much of Miami was gearing up for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, on Wednedsay, Feb. 23, The W South Beach Hotel & Residences, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour and ABEST (The Association of Brazilian Fashion Designers) instead all joined forces to host a one of a kind, vivacious Brazilian swimwear fashion show.

As guests were treated to a luxurious atmosphere and delicious cocktails, the show began.With guests including Susanne Birbragher, Deborah Slack, Courtland Lantaff, Stephanie de la O, Ricardo Dunin, Jordana Mesner, Daniella Sredni, Ben Levanthal, Monica Kalpakian and Jason Binn Each swimsuit was designed with delicacy and care by designers that included Lenny, Vix Cia Maritima, Jo de Mer and Rosa Cha. The show, which proved to be a wonderful success, was a night filled with sophisticated style.

For more pictures from this event visit Haute Living’s Events Gallery.

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