COOL SPOTS: MacarOn Café, New York

Designer Desserts to Die For

The macaron lives on!

Sprinkled across several locations in New York is the famed MacarOn Café where sweet morsels of meringue-based heaven are born. It all began with an oven in a small café. Chefs, Cecile and Arnaud, had a vision of bringing the French confectionary cookie to New York in 2007.  They have since expanded to 4 cafes in Manhattan and ship to over a hundred retailers across North America. MacarOn Café has also earned major creds in prestigious publications like the New York Post, Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine and Elle Magazine 

Haute Macha Green Tean Macaron

Perhaps one of the main draws to MacarOn Café are the seasonal flavors and couture designs offered in the collections. The perfect summer tropical flavors such as pineapple, passion fruit, mango and orange blossom are among some of the sunny bites you'll experience. The macha green tea macaron is almost too gorgeous to eat. Our personal fave is the passion fruit, which takes us back to our caribbean roots.

MacarOn Café is also very trend-forward with the custom flavor options. You can create special flavors for any occasion adding unique element to any event. The boutique confectionary is also releasing its must-have, perfectly-crafted 4^th of July Macaron. 

Macaron Café's 4th of July Macaron

In this food-savvy culture where the hot new it dessert is in one day and passé the next, the macaron has remained relevant. Answer your next sweet tooth craving with the irresistible bites of MacarOn Café. Tell them we sent you!

Gorgeous gift packaging of MacarOn Café

http://MacaronCafe.com
Twitter/Facebook: @macaroncafenyc
Instagram: @macaroncafe

ART SAKE : COOL CARVINGS

The typography pumpkin by swelldesigner  |

http://mmcollectorscorner.com

DIY Louis Vuitton & Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin

http://www.extremepumpkins.com

http://stephiet.deviantart.com

http://www.deviantart.com

Funscrape.com

Jonathan Mak Steve Jobs Tribute Halloween Pumpkin

by MikeWebkist

pumpkingutter.com

In honor of our beloved NYC in the aftermath of Sandy.
pumpkingutter.com

Anything is possible when the canvas is a pumpkin.

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FOODIE FEATURE : America’s Most Prestigious Gourmet Gathering

YAY!!!!  Food Network's SOBEWFF is coming!

You know we here at COOL love good food... who doesn't?!

What makes the Festival so cool are the unique event locations throughout Miami Beach. One of our absolute favorites are the Grand Tasting Tents located directly on the beach so you're literally walking on sand and enjoying the gorgeous view while sipping delicious wines and savoring the best flavors of South Florida.

So here are some official Festival deets for you fellow Miami foodies:

Starting Monday, October 8, 2012, the Festival is happy to offer MasterCard^® cardholders exclusive pre-sale access to its events. MasterCard^® cardholders can get tickets for the 2013 Festival beginning Monday, October 8 at 9:00 AM (EST) through Sunday, October 21 online at www.sobefest.com or by calling 877.762.3933 (phone sales open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST).  

General public ticket sales open on Monday, October 22, 2012.  Stay up-to-date with the excitement by following the Festival at www.Facebook.com/SOBEWFF or follow founder and director Lee Brian Schrager at www.twitter.com/Lee_Schrager.    

The 2013 Festival will feature a plethora of new events and an unprecedented roster of wine, spirits and culinary talent.  New dishes on the 2013 menu include:

• Jiro Dreams of Sushi: Film Screening and Q&A hosted by Anthony Bourdain, followed by a Sushi & Sake Reception with Katsuya Uechi
• Garden to Glass hosted by Emeril Lagasse featuring BarLab Cocktails & My Ceviche
• Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament hosted by José Andrés at Turnberry Isle Miami
• Discover Ceviche & Pisco Sour hosted by Gastón Acurio & Laurent Tourondel
• Chicken Coupe hosted by Andrew Carmellini
• Taste & Toast with Target, and so much more!

Passionate foodies looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience can choose from a variety of options with renowned culinary talent.  The weekend begins with Best of the Bay hosted by Michael Mina with Tyler Florence, Nancy Oakes, Richard Reddington & Thomas McNaughton sponsored by Far Niente Wine as well as NIGELLISIMA Dinner hosted by Nigella Lawson with Andrew Carmellini and the Carnivorous Dinner hosted by Michael Symon, Tribute Dinner honoring Nobu Matsuhisa and Moët Hennessy’s Christophe Navarre with Mistress of Ceremonies Martha Stewart, and Southern Kitchen Brunch hosted by Trisha Yearwood are additional examples of the unique culinary possibilities found in the 2013 Festival program.

The Festival brings back its classics too, including:

• Moët Hennessy's The Q hosted by Paula Deen and Sons presented by Omaha Steaks sponsored by MIAMI magazine
• Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray presented by Pat La Frieda Meats & Diet Pepsi
• Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator's Best of the Best sponsored by Bank of America
• Florida Blue presents Fun and Fit as a Family featuring Kellogg’s Kidz Kitchen
• Dolce Brunch hosted by Daniel Boulud
• Barilla Interactive Lunch hosted by Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos
• Thrillist’s BBQ & The Blues hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian
• Swine & Wine hosted by Michelle Bernstein presented by Pat La Frieda Meats, and more!   

Signature white tents stretching between 10^th Street and 13^th Street off Ocean Drive will once again be home to the epitome of all tasting events – the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village featuring star-studded KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations and the MasterCard^® Grand Tasting Tents, which will showcase offerings from 40 different restaurants and more than 80 wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverage suppliers from the Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida portfolio.

   

See more COOL here.

 

COOL SPOTS : HOTEL HOPPING IN THAILAND

Our Adventures in Thailand feature continues with a look at our cool hotel experiences. Over the years, we've really developed a love for staying at boldly stylish hotels which Thailand has no shortage of. We only chose to stay at hotels that offered impeccable service, convenience, and remarkable design. Each of our hotel stays in Thailand offered those things in their own way.

St. Regis Bangkok

There really is "no address like the St. Regis." From the large, open and airy feeling you get when you walk through the front door, to the grand arrangement of floral artistry you encounter on your way to the check in bureau... the St. Regis Bangkok really serves up a mega dose of modern elegance. It is not too overstated, but unmistakably luxurious. The service, as you can imagine, is perfect with someone always on hand to anticipate your every need.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Elemis Spa complete with a thoughtfully designed boudoir for guests to get prepped for a day of pampering. The hot-cold muscle toning treatment involved us getting into the jacuzzi and then plunging into the cold pool that was connected to it. After getting over the initial shock, it was actually unbelievably rejuvenating. We later lounged in the floating pods of the wet area which St. Regis describes as a "fine balance of tradition and innovation."

Our most memorable dining experience would have to be the breakfast (when booking, make sure your breakfast is included here). And even more impressive was Sunday Brunch hosted by Dom Pérignon... need I say more? The food, ambiance and service really came together to create an unforgettable welcome to our stay in Thailand.

  
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

After spending a few days in the bustling city, it was nice to get out to the mountains and check into the lush sanctuary that is known as the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai. As we arrived to the outdoor check in area, we were greeted with beautiful jasmine garlands and freshly made juices.

Our upgraded room was spacious and it had a cool private balcony situated in a jungle-like oasis that featured a narrow creek which served as a natural soundtrack. We immediately suited up to enjoy the main pool which is an infinity-edge swimming pool that offering breathtaking views of the Mae Rim Valley across picturesque rice terraces.

Perhaps two of the most unique of the many details that made the resort so special were the floating flower designs found all over the property (reminded me of the temple patterns we saw a few days earlier) and the famous pink water buffalo (which we got to ride on).

Hotel Muse
 
"Inspired by the social and artistic milieu of fin de siècle Europe and King Rama V-era Thailand, Hotel Muse combines cosmopolitan chic with playful elegance amid a new golden age of Asia."

After spending several days luxuriating in the mountains, we returned to Bangkok for one more night before heading back to the states. This time we stayed at the boutique property, Hotel Muse. Located in a trendy, upscale soho-like neighborhood, this hotel offers a totally different experience than the others.

The design is a masterful combination of European opulence and Asian tradition punctuated with modern technology. Think Bond... James Bond. As we were being transported to our suite, we could not help but notice the illuminated button in the elevator labeled The Speakeasy. "There's a Speakeasy!?" "Yes there's a Speakeasy," the host replied. We both then replied, "Now That's COOL!"

Just when we thought things couldn't get cooler, we realized that the room was the kind that turns on and greets you as you enter. The bathroom is luxurious with a glorious venetian mirror and a claw-foot, roll-top bathtub on a black marble floor that leads into a separate rain shower. The extravagant bath tub is situated right next to a floor-to-ceiling window with a built in sound system so you can soak and peacefully watch television simultaneously. The wall baroque-inspired wall pattern compliments the dark wood floors and masculine furniture in the main room.

As we relaxed in the intimate infinity edge pool that overlooked the cityscape, we had the pleasure of meeting Alex, the super cool general manager. He was fun, full of energy and eager to make sure that our stay was everything we expected and more. The worst thing about the hotel is that eventually, we had to check out. Just when we thought we were alone in this sentiment, we met a local medical doctor who decided to stay there for 3 months just because she thought it was so cool! 


From the decor and design to the sipping and spa-ing (needed an 's' word)... The legendary Thai hospitality really lived up to the hype.

Hotel links here:
http://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai
http://www.hotelmusebangkok.com
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/bangkok

Stay tuned for more cool from our Thailand adventure.

FOODIE FEATURE : THE COOLEST RESTAURANTS IN GREATER MIAMI GET SPICY! + SPICY GIVEAWAYS!

You can be dining at any one of these Cool Miami Spice Participating restaurants for free. 

See contest details below. Follow @CoolCreativeinc on twitter and subscribe to this blog.

Hooray! Miami Spice Restaurant Program is back! The wildly anticipated summer long celebration when restaurants in Greater Miami and The Beaches offer discounted three-course lunch & dinner menus is spicier than ever. Now in its 11th year and new to the program is a second option, which is offered simultaneously from August 1 – September 30, 2012, offering Miami Spice fans with more diverse and wide-ranging dining options. The expanded format of Miami Spice – presented by American Express and sponsored by Stella Artois and BACARDI® rum – consists of a two restaurant groups:  Luxury Dining Restaurants and Fine Dining Restaurants.  Luxury dining restaurants offer three course prix-fixe lunches at $23 per person, dinners at $39. Fine dining restaurants feature menus at $19 for lunch, $33 for dinner.

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COOL CONTEST
We're giving away two pairs of Miami Spice vouchers to COOL peeps that read this blog!
Each pair of vouchers will allow you and a guest to enjoy lunch or dinner at a select, Miami Spice participating restaurant. All you have to do is: 

1. Subscribe to this blog (by entering your email addy over there on the right) and 
2. Follow @MiamiandBeaches and @CoolCreativeinc on twitter. 

We will be choosing 2 winners at 12:00pm Friday, August 3, 2012.
Each winner will receive a pair of  Miami Spice vouchers. 
Tweet us @CoolCreativeinc and let us know you've entered. Yes, this may increase your chances 
to win! GOOD LUCK!!!

CONTEST CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS! 

Twitter winner: @PattyPoppins

Subscriber: Lisa Anke

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Miami Spice is presented by American Express and sponsored by Stella Artois and BACARDI® rum.
For an up-to-date list of participating restaurants, menus, and scheduled events, visit the official Miami Spice website: www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.  

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COOL SPOTS : LOOK UP... ITS JUVIA MIAMI

Juvia Miami Beach

As Lincoln Road tries to recapture its glory days of the past, we've been seeing many designer boutiques and restaurants pop up in the area. One of the newest kids on the block is Juvia, an indoor/outdoor restaurant located on the penthouse level of the 1111 Lincoln Rd building. We love the semi-secret entrance that you have to know is there to know that it's there. Once you ride up the elevator and reach the restaurant, you are greeted by the cool roof-top deck which features a vertical garden and gorgeous views of the South Beach Art Deco district, making it the hottest place to be in Miami Beach. If you continue to the dining room, you'll get a trendy beach house vibe similar to that of Soho Beach House's Club Bar. The wait staff is courteous and knowledgeable and the crowd is the typical "size you up and down" Miami- chic.

The appetizers are the best part of the dinner menu. Our faves include: The Salmon Nashi with truffle oil, dry mison and micro arugula; Tuna Poke with sesami chili, hijike, red onion and scallions; Hamachi Espuma with yuzo kosho espuma and micro cilantro; and the Cold Moked Sea Scallop with bloody mary espuma, crispy pancetta and bonito flakes.

Juvia is cool enough for us to recommend it to you so you can experience it for yourself.
Just know that being in the hottest place to be has its price if you know what we mean.

Chefs: Laurent Cantineaux, a protege of Daniel Boulud
Sunny Oh, formerly of Nobu South Beach
Cuisine: Asian with South American flare and classic French techniques

They just introduced Brunch Among The Clouds at Juvia Miami.
$85 prix fixe menu

Juvia
1111 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 763-8272
@juviamiami

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FOODIE FEATURE : DINNER IN SKY

Dinner in the Sky is a high flying Sky Box that takes 22 guests to a viewing height of up to 180 feet. The 22 guests are comfortably strapped into a leather seat that is secured to a dining table. The dining table and seats are connected to a crane which then performs the lift. The center of the dining table has a walking platform that can accommodate up to 5 service personnel for the purpose of serving food, beverages, picture taking, conducting a meeting or product launch presentation. (source dinnerinthesky.com)


Its is only available for rent in about 42 locations around the world including Las Vegas and Florida. And if you're looking for a cool new business opportunity, you can buy some of these babies to start your Dinner in the Sky franchise. This is cool, but I don't know if I'd be able to keep my food down (green in the face). 
Dinner in the Sky is the type of bucket list item for the foodie with an iron stomach.

Next time you're strolling around a major city look up and you might get a glimpse of one of the coolest dining experiences the world has to offer. *Sigh* I love it when people get creative.


Check dinnerinthesky.com for more information.

 See more COOL features on our blog THAT'S COOL. Just click and scroll down. 

FOODIE FEATURE : PAULINA'S POPS

Follow Paulina's Pops on Twitter

This past weekend my girlfriends and I threw a baby shower for one of our dear friends. The theme was based on the movie UP! We had tons of colorful balloons, color-themed food, of course an UP! cake made with rainbow cake inside... it was amazing! I'd have to say that the highlight of the shower were PAULINA'S POPS! Guests cheered as Paulina's tricked out pop cart rolled into the party. Within minutes a wave of comments, including: "Unbelievable!" "I've never had anything like this!" "This is incredible!" "Out of the World!" and of course "Yum!" filled the party. We couldn't get enough and each pop was better than the last. When asked, no one could decide which one was their absolute favorite. The interesting flavor combinations included spicy cucumber-lime, hibiscus raspberry and dulce de leche caramel candy apple with real apple slices frozen inside of the paleta! The company is based in Miami and celebs, socialites, foodies, food critics, and editors are already taking note and placing their orders.

A third generation paleta maker, Mexican descendent Paulina Naranjo, grew up eating paletas and watching them be made. She learned the art of creating authentic, hand-crafted paletas and the importance of using only the highest grade, freshest ingredients in every single paleta. Paulina's Pops features flavors that are reminiscent of Paulina's childhood including my personal favorites: Spicy Mexican Chocolate and Salted Tangerine. 

Pops, a tricked out pop cart, amazing flavors that would excite even the most discerning foodie and a fun brand personality rooted in authenticity... now that's cool!

Paulina's Pops will be featured at this year's South Beach Food & Wine Festival. 

For orders large or small... please contact 786.380.6977. Private parties, events, and wholesale opportunities are available. The company is sharing the love this February! 20% off all orders made in February.

PALETA 101: A paleta is a Latin American ice pop usually made from fresh fruit. Paleta flavors can be divided in two categories: cream-based and water-based. Milk-based flavors are creamy in texture and traditionally include vanilla, chocolate, rum, coconut, pecan/walnut (nuez), mamey, and arroz con leche, which is a type of rice pudding. Ice-based flavors include strawberry, mango, lime, cucumber, dill pickle, Jamaica, cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple, guava, and tamarind. They are made from juices and sometimes include bits of frozen fruit or spices.

FOODIE FEATURE : FRENCH MACARONS

J'ADORE LES MACARONS! Anyone who knows me knows that I live for desserts. I particularly have a sweet spot for Macarons. Macarons are delicate morsels of goodness created by the French. One of my fave purveyors of these little bites of heaven is Le Macaron in Sarasota. In a moment of divine favor, I stumbled on this little shop while exploring the area during a weekend getaway last summer. What's cool about these things is the amazing flavor and the color combinations. Inspiration you can eat, now that's cool!