Directions:

Heat the butter and oil in a large saucepan. Add the fennel, celery, leek, onion, potato, and garlic and sauté well for 10 minutes. Enclose the spices in a bit of cheese cloth and add along with the stock (add water to cover if needed) and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove the spices before blending the mixture into a puree. Warm the puree, stir in the milk, and continue cooking until the puree has a smooth consistency. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and sugar and strain through a fine mesh sieve.

To make the Tom Yam Foam, bring all ingredients to a boil and simmer until the liquid has reduced to ¾ of its original volume. Add the cream and further reduce the liquid.

Add seasoning, strain, and allow to cool and whip to a foam. Store in refrigerator.

Reheat the soup, pour into a coffee cup, and top with tom yam foam. Garnish and serve.

Mark Bittman knows food, and he’s picked Copenhagen as the newest breakout culinary city. Serious foodies will be already be familiar with Noma, the two Michelin star restaurant run by chef Rene Redzepi (and Restaurant Magazine’s Best Restaurant in the World the last two years running), but Bittman’s recommendations don’t stop there: there’s also Relae (run by Noma alumni), Geist, Paustian, Schonnemann, and Kodbyens Fiskebar. From the Robuchon-style mashed potatoes with pickled brown crab at Geist, to the herring smorrebrod sandwiches at Schonnemann, each restaurant serves up traditional Danish fare with a modern twist.

It’s not only the restaurants in Copenhagen that are cool—the city is also home to its very own Ice Bar, where everything from the walls and furnishings to the cocktail glasses the vodka libations are served in are made from ice specially imported from the Tome River in Jukkasjarvi, 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. The bar’s kept at a crisp 23 degrees Fahrenheit—so bundle up!

If your appetite’s been whet for the latest in creative Nordic cuisine, Crystal Symphony will be making six calls to Copenhagen in 2012, including three overnights, giving you plenty of time to sample the best the city has to offer. Book Now All-Inclusive fares start at just $5,890/person, double occupancy, through December 31. And for an even greater in-depth tour of Scandinavian gastronomy, Crystal’s Wine & Food Festival-themed August 14 sailing from Stockholm to London will feature two renowned Nordic chefs on board.

Alice Marshall Public Relations is thrilled to announce its representation of the One&Only Resort collection. Set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style, genuine hospitality and lively energy that is unrivaled.  Properties include One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas, One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico; One&Only Cape Town, South Africa and One&Only The Palm, Dubai which opened in November 2010.

As an authority on luxury hotels and goods for over 20-years, AMPR is adept at identifying trends and reporting news from their clients in a carefully crafted and nuanced way.  From high-end hotels to exceptional cruises, trains, exotic spas and lavish products, One&Only Resorts joins an exemplary roster of AMPR clientele bursting with exciting and original content.

To kick-off the holiday season, we would like to share with you our One&Only Gift Guide. From a mouth-watering cookbook by South African chef Reuben Riffel to a Physique57® Fitness Retreat, One&Only has your gift wrapped up.

Your One&Only Gift Guide

• Instead of the traditional gift of wine, One&Only Palmilla’s sommelier Manuel Arteaga recommends gifting a bottle of Mezcal from his four favorite artisanal producers: Pierde Almas, Alipuz, Ilegal Mezcal, or Los Danzantes. Often touted as ‘the new tequila,’ mezcal is distilled from the agave (like tequila) and has a distinctive smokiness – perfect to warm up a winter-chilled body. For the ultimate Mezcal Tasting Experience, guests at One&Only Palmilla can schedule a private tasting with Manuel and learn about the production process, regions, and categories, followed by a tasting of seven mescals at the Agua bar. $55 per person.

• For the fitness buff, pair Physique 57®’s new book, The Physique 57® Solution: The Groundbreaking 2-Week Plan for a Lean, Beautiful Body in stores nationwide on January 4th, with the promise of a stay at One&Only Ocean Club during one of their 4-night Physique57® Fitness Retreats. Guests enjoy two daily classes with Physique 57® instructors, use of a Balinese-style spa, nutritional cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, all in a Bahamian paradise. Retreats are scheduled for December 4-8, 2011, January 12-16, 2012, May 3-7, 2012, September 20-24, 2012, and December 2-6, 2012.

• For the chef, One&Only Cape Town’s Reuben Riffel’s new cookbook Reuben Cooks Local, takes home chefs on a journey through one of South Africa’s most well-loved culinary repertoires from his celebrated city bistro. Filled with over 230 pages of recipes and tempting images, readers also learn what inspired this chef and his rise through the South African restaurant ranks.

• Cape Town-bound spa-goers will swoon over ‘The Essence of Africa’ at One&Only Cape Town’s award-winning spa. The new therapy combines traditional African massage tools, such as the ‘Eucalyptus wooden rungu,’ and age old healing ingredients such as Baobab tree oil and Rooibos herbs from the bush to lift the senses, improve skin elasticity, and reduce stress. If you can’t make it to South Africa, try gifting some new in-room bath and body products by South African Charlotte Rhys, just out with her new line of men’s amenities in time for the holidays.

• For the music buff, give the gift of three nights at One&Only Ocean Club during December 7-13 and get VIP tickets to hear country sensation Brad Paisley perform live at the Grand Ballroom at Atlantis, Paradise Island, on Saturday, December 10 at 9:30pm. (Book by December 5.)

After Labor Day we’ll be putting away all our summer whites but not so fast with those Nantucket Reds, they’re alright! While Nantucket conjures images of quintessential New England summers and those famed weathered-looking pants, we recommend donning the slacks this autumn and heading to the Grey Lady. Forget high season crowds, in the fall the masses have dispersed and the rates have dropped. If that alone is not reason enough, here are another 14 Reasons to visit Nantucket in the fall.

1.       Value

Fall rates at hotels on the island are greatly reduced in September, October, and November. For example, at the iconic White Elephant the lowest midweek July rate available is $550, while in September guests can stay overnight for as little as $375 with the Hot Dates, Cool Rates promotion.

2.       Nantucket Restaurant Week , September 26-October 2, 2011

For a small island, Nantucket has a wide variety of renowned culinary establishments that include the new Brick Bistro, award-winning TOPPER’S, and the harborside Brant Point Grill, home to the Lobster Bloody. During restaurant week, three course dinners will be offered at these and other top Nantucket eateries from $25 – $45.

3.       Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair, October 2011

Celebrate fall harvest at the Old Mill and learn about Nantucket’s agricultural heritage, play lively colonial games, and make traditional crafts such as cornhusk dolls or beeswax candles.

4.       The Nantucket Project, September 30-October 2, 2011

Unlike crowded, impersonal meetings-of-the-minds like TED and the Aspen Institute, the first Nantucket Project will gather amazing speakers including Ed Crane, founder and President of the CATO Institute, a libertarian think tank, and Craig Ventor, biologist and entrepreneur best known for being among the first to sequence the human genome, for an intimate weekend of stimulating lectures and conversation held at the White Elephant.

5.       Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival, October 8, 2011

Visit Nantucket’s famous cranberry bogs, generally closed to the public but open for a short time in October just when the berries are harvested. Partake in bog tours, hay rides, sheep-shearing, and, of course, fresh berries and delicious cranberry confections.

6.       Golf

Nantucket’s top-notch Sankaty Head Golf Club’s coveted ocean views and links-style holes are usually only available to members. In the off season (October-May), for a fee, anyone can tee off.

7.       Nantucket Slam, Cystic Fibrosis Benefit, September 11-13, 2011

This all-inclusive, two-day, competitive catch and release tournament is two days of competitive fishing for Bluefish, Bonito, Striped Bass, and Atlantic Bonito/False Albacore. To get a “Slam,” one must catch three of a designated species in the same day. All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

8.       Scenic Hiking and Biking

Rent a bike and roll down the recently resurfaced 6.4 miles of bike paths of Nantucket and check out the beautiful fall foliage. Bike rentals typically cost around $30/day; complimentary bikes are available for guests of White Elephant Hotel Residences, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and The Wauwinet.

9.   Spooky Halloween at haunted Jared Coffin House

Every year kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating at the shops and stores lining Main Street. Enjoy a super spooky stay on Nantucket at the Jared Coffin House, said to be haunted by the ghost of the successful 19th century ship-owner after whom the house was named. Other ghosts are rumored to roam the halls and rooms of this historic property – room rates start at $125 October 23-31.

10.   ACK Pink with Nantucket Island Resorts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2011

For the month of October, Nantucket Island Resorts will be donating $1 from every room night bought to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides against Breast Cancer charity.  In addition, guests booking a stay during the weekend of October 14-16 will have the opportunity to participate on the Nantucket Island Resorts-sponsored team during Nantucket’s Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 16. Nantucket Island Resorts has committed to a $1000 donation for the Breast Cancer Walk. Those who join the team will receive a complimentary team tee-shirt. Additionally, proceeds from themed cocktails and treats on offer at The Wauwinet, the White Elephant, the White Elephant Hotel Residences, and Jared Coffin House will be donated to the cause.

11.   Inexpensive Airfare

Think getting to Nantucket is difficult and pricey?  Phooey!  Fly Jet Blue direct from New York City to Nantucket starting at $69 this September.

12.   Romance

If you took the kids to Nantucket this summer, come back in the fall without the little ones and stay at the romantic Wauwinet (open until October 29).  The 32-room inn doesn’t allow children under 12, so there’s no chance of having a screaming baby just down the hall.  Rates at this luxury inn start at just $225 in October.

13.   Traditional New England Thanksgiving

Visit the state where the original Thanksgiving took place.  The White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill hosts a special Thanksgiving buffet with all the comfort foods you’d expect at your grandmother’s house without all the cooking and dirty dishes. Brave souls can participate in the 10^th Annual Turkey Plunge on Children’s Beach, where hundreds jump into cold Nantucket Harbor on Thanksgiving morning.

14.   Fall isn’t all… Come in December for Christmas Stroll! December 2-5, 2011

Nantucket Island celebrates the entire holiday season with Nantucket Noel, a month-long celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce that runs November 25-December 31. The highlight event is the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend.  Stores, shops, and restaurants open their doors for holidays shoppers, carolers sing favorite holiday tunes, and Santa Claus arrives via a Coast Guard Vessel.  This is an authentic experience not to be missed! Several Nantucket Island Resorts properties are open for the Stroll Weekend, including the historic and centrally located Jared Coffin House, the iconic White Elephant, and the luxurious White Elephant Hotel Residences.   These properties offer a variety of cozy accommodations for visitors to the island.

Need a vacation? Black Tomato is offering an amazing prize that will make you feel good inside and out. Enter here to win a trip to Jamaica at the incredibly chic and Bohemian Jakes AND a three-day pre-trip BluePrintCleanse for you and your travel partner so you arrive beach bod ready. After sipping on six fruit and vegetable juices daily for three days, arrive at an Oceanfront Cottage for a four night stay, complete with a seaside scrub at the resort’s Driftwood Spa, courtesy of Black Tomato. Guests can explore the beautiful YS Waterfalls, lounge on the beach, or take a boat trip to the Pelican Bar (situated on a sand bar almost a mile out to sea). After a three-day juice cleanse that jerk chicken and watermelon sorbet served up at Jakes will taste like manna from heaven!

Feel like a hair dryer is blowing directly into your face each time you step outside? Air conditioner ailing amid the 100 degree temperatures? And are you afraid that if you stand in front of your open freezer door one more time your electricity bill may look more like your monthly rent? Jakes in Jamaica feels your pain and has decided to share the recipe for their homemade sorbets, which launched this month at the chic bohemian resort.

Coming to the rescue of heat wave sufferers, Jakes offers the icy treat in unique flavors such as the island-authentic Soursop*, refreshing Cucumber & Ginger, as well as fruity classics, watermelon and passion fruit. (All produce used is grown locally in  the Treasure beach community.)

If you can’t make it to Jamaica this weekend, follow these simple steps to create your own frosty clouds of Jakes-tastic sorbet bliss.

Jakes Homemade Watermelon Sorbet

1. Place following ingredients into a mixing bowl:

-          4 cups of seeded watermelon (We recommend buying organic. Jakes uses only local produce, and we want this to taste as close to the real deal as possible!)

-          1/2 cup of sugar

-          1/2 lemon (peeled)

-          4 cups of ice

2. Blend at low and increase to high for 30 seconds until stiff peaks form. Serve immediately.

3. Tweet (@jakeshotel) a photo or comment about your creation (ours is below!).

With rates at Jakes starting at $95 per night this summer, there’s no reason not to head down to the island’s South Coast. It may be hot there too but it’s hardly a case of “out of the frying pan, into the fire” … I think we can all agree that taking a dip in the Caribbean Sea is the best way to beat the heat!

*What exactly is Soursop? Native to the Caribbean, this funny fruit may be prickly and green on the outside but inside is an edible white pulp with a is sweetly tropical flavor.

For reservations call 1.800.Outpost or visit jakeshotel.com

Set in the heart of Provence amid lush vineyards and olive groves, the refined-rustic Hotel Crillon le Brave is offering oenophile’s the rare opportunity to participate in the annual Vendanges (grape harvest) with an all-inclusive* three-day weekend package.

Package Details

When: The Vendanges package is offered at Hotel Crillon le Brave September 29 – October 2

What:

• Three nights of accommodation
• Daily breakfast and dinner (*wine and other beverages are not included with dinner)
• One picnic lunch
• Two half-days of involvement in the grape harvest of the acclaimed Château Pesquié vineyard (where evidence of wine cultivation dates back to the 14^th century!)

o   Picking and transporting grapes to the caveau (wine vault)

o   Learning about the different kinds of grapes, ideal time for harvest, the wine-making process and taste analysis from winemaker and estate owner, Paul Chaudiere

Price: €1300 for a standard room or €1550 for a deluxe room based on double occupancy.

A relaxed haven of simple sophistication, the five-star property consists of seven beautifully restored stone houses, dating from the 16^th and 17^th centuries, that are linked by bridges, cobblestone walkways and hidden courtyards. The authentic Provençal accommodations include 23 rooms, seven suites and a two-bedroom house, each decorated with a mix of contemporary furnishings and shabby-chic accents.

In addition to the hands-on Vendanges experience, guests can explore the hotel’s terraced gardens and take a dip in the swimming pool, tour the historic village on complimentary bikes, or play on the nearby tennis and boules courts. The open-air spa at Hotel Crillon le Brave offers a selection of therapeutic body treatments.

The southern region is famous for its food, and Hotel Crillon le Brave’s restaurant does not disappoint. Set in a rustic cellar with an open fireplace and terrace, the restaurant serves up flavorful regional cuisine such as gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb) and ragoût de gambas (shrimp stew) by Chef John Ellis. Local Rhône wines like Gigondas, Vacqueryras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape enhance the experience.

To make a reservation, call +33 (0)4 90 65 61 61 or email reservations@crillonlebrave.com.

Executive Chef at the Metropolitan Nicola Ducceschi is whipping up a sizzling new menu just in time for BBQ season. Discovering his passion for cooking at an early age, Ducceschi has worked at such esteemed restaurants as The Dorchester and Michelin-starred restaurant Chez Bruce. After working in many restaurants and private homes in Italy, he moved back to London and started his career at the Metropolitan.

Lead by Chef Nicola, the Met’s menu is full of savory options. With creative dishes like popcorn and coriander coated prawns, barbecued lamb cutlets, crushed peas and fennel chutney, and deliciously sweet dessert options like Apricot, jasmine and peanut trifle, there’s no way to leave hungry!

The Metropolitan’s luxurious private dining options are also sure to please. Chicly designed, the Met provides multiple dining options for any occasion. Whether choosing from the posh White Room, Met Space, and Met Boardroom, the Met also offers the more sought-after COMO Suite which is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner for two, or elegant dinner party!

Led by new Head Chef, John Ellis, guests learn to cook authentic Provençal fare and embark on excursions through the local area, including meetings with local purveyors and wine tastings. After the chef hat comes off, guests can relax with a treatment at the hotel’s open-air spa, tour the historic village on complimentary bikes, or play on the tennis and boules courts.

Package Details

When: October 9 – 15 and October 23 – 29

Ingredients:

• Six nights of accommodations
• All meals (including wine), as well as cocktails upon arrival
• Four intensive half-day cooking classes, with recipes for four complete menus to take home
• Local explorations including truffle hunting near Mont Ventoux, wine tasting at Chateau Pesquié, and cheese sampling with Madame Vigier, a maître fromager
• Tour of Carpentras Market, which has been in existence since 1155 and is known for being one of the best in France
• Transportation and entry fees for all excursions included

Price

• €2900 per person based on double occupancy; €700 single supplement fee
• For “non-cooking” companion, the cost is €1900 if sharing a room with a “cook”. “Non-cooks” may participate in all events and meals outside of the cooking classes.

*Space is limited to eight participants per group.

To make a reservation, call +33 (0)4 90 65 61 61 or email reservations@crillonlebrave.com.

Next Up: Truffle & Wine weekends! Join a hunting excursion with an expert truffle hunter and see how dogs sniff for the black diamonds, sip local wines, and visit Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Provençe’s antique capital. Stay tuned for dates and details!

Everyone is trying to get healthy for summer. (Radiant skin and bikini bod? Check!) What better way than with COMO Shambhala Estate’s NEW juices? The resort just added Berry Beauty and Femme Fertile to its already extensive juice menu. No water/maple syrup/cayenne pepper concoctions here. Berry Beauty protects against early aging with a concentrated burst of anti-oxidants and phytonutrients and tasty ingredients including black skinned grape juice, mongoesteen pulp, ripe strawberries, and frozen blueberries. The Femme Fertile is perfect for those hoping for a little bun in the oven – with hibiscus flower, aloe vera, tangerine, passion fruit, strawberry, and cantaloupe, it optimizes the female reproductive system and hydrates skin and hair.

These juices join seasoned favorites such as Stress Reliever (with carrot, red apple, red grapes, ginger, spinach, fennel, beet and beet greens, celery, and sweet potato), Bloat Away (with cucumber, parsley, celery, fennel, pear, and mint), and Liver and Body Armor (with carrot, celery, red pepper, spinach, parsley, fennel, broccoli, and pumpkin seeds).

The Estate is nestled in the Balinese jungle among waterfalls and thick, verdant flora, the perfect setting to cleanse and tune-out. Among its wellness programs is its Cleansing Program, a three-, five-, or seven-day program. Consultants will encourage good nutrition and daily elimination to improve lymphatic circulation and keep those organs in tip top shape.

The three-night program includes:

• Accommodation
• All meals (including standard beverages)
• Wellness consultation
• 60-minute cleansing treatment
• 60-minute massage
• 120-minute body treatment
• Complimentary airport transfers
• Participation in The Estate’s daily schedule of activities
• Services of a personal assistant

Other wellness programs include Ayurvedic, Get Fit, Stress Management, and Rejuvenation.