CHEF/HOTEL PROFILE . . .
Versante Hotel Greater Vancouver’s Newest Luxury Boutique Hotel Opened July 29, 2021 Minutes from Vancouver Airport, Versante Hotel is anything but a typical airport hotel Years in the making and hugely anticipated, Versante Hotel — Greater Vancouver’s first new luxury boutique hotel in years, and the first hotel of its kind in the city of Richmond — finally opens to the public on Thursday, July 29.
Every detail at Versante, from leading-edge technology to vibrantly colourful interior design, has been carefully considered to offer the most unique and captivating hotel experience in the region. “Having spent almost 20 years managing boutique hotels in Canada and the US, I can’t overstate how special a property Versante is,” says General Manager, David Curell. “In a region crowded with branded hotels, we’re proud to be Richmond’s only independent boutique hotel, and locally owned and operated. Our guests are independent spirits who seek out fresh and innovative experiences everywhere they go.” Here are some of the many reasons why Versante is Canada’s most remarkable new hotel experience of 2021. ROOMS
100 guestrooms and suites boasting five bold décor themes – developed by Vancouver-based CHIL Interior Design – evoke a distinct personality. Wall coverings, fabric selections and furniture colours were customized to create an immersive experience within each room scheme. In addition to either two luxury queens or one king-size bed, each room features:
Contactless check-in/out, room entry and lighting controls via the Versante App. The app also allows for contactless room-service ordering, as well as connecting with the Versante guest-services team Complimentary high-speed wi-fi with unlimited bandwidth 24-hour room service Spa-like bathrooms featuring the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, large rainforest shower with heated floor, and, in most guestrooms and all suites, a freestanding soaker tub with view window Floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms, offering expansive mountain and river views Energy-efficient View Smart auto-tinting windows State-of-the-art MirrorTM workout technology in select suites Versante is the only hotel in Canada featuring bath amenities by Red Flower, a women-owned New York City brand whose acclaimed bath and beauty products are biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free.
LOCATION
Situated in Richmond, Versante is only 20 minutes by vehicle from Downtown Vancouver, and mere minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The city of Richmond was cited by The New York Times as having the best Asian food in North America — so you can discover incredible culinary experiences just steps away. World-class shopping, golf, recreation, gaming, and much more are also close by.
REJUVENATE
In addition to a 24-hour fitness facility with Peloton bikes and Life Fitness cardio equipment, guests may retreat to the serene outdoor rooftop terrace with a saltwater pool and hot tub.
DINING
Versante is home to an array of thrilling new dining concepts. Experience Mediterranean flavours at Bruno, or ascend to Alaïa and marvel at sweeping 12th-floor views. Versante Bar is a sophisticated lounge offering delectable small plates and classic cocktails by night. ADDITIONAL FEATURES & AMENITIES A showstopping lobby evoking the vibrancy of a Chinese night market, including one-of-a-kind pieces by world-renowned Vancouver artists Andy Dixon and Marie Khouri Complimentary airport transfer by luxury car Complimentary bike rental Pet friendly Over 5,500 square feet of function space for meetings, events, weddings, and more.
Reservations are now being accepted at versantehotel.com. ______________________________________________________ Gucci Osteria Firenze Book Your Table In Pink Florence! The city of Renaissance art, home of the Medici Family, and birthplace of the House of Gucci, celebrates a century of Gucci.
Although Gucci needs no introduction, the Florentine fashion house has a long and interesting story. Gucci was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Tuscany. Under the direction of Aldo Gucci (son of Guccio), Gucci became a worldwide-known fashion brand and an icon of the Italian Dolce Vita. Today, it also has a brand called Gucci Osteria.
The Gucci Osteria is a series of Italian, contemporary restaurants, found in world class cities with varied and different identities. Each restaurant shares a culinary philosophy based on the rhythm of the seasons. Guests experience a food emporium of designer food and wine under the tutelage of three Michelin star Chef Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana in Modena.
The first Gucci Osteria opened in Florence in 2018, and has since pioneered an unparalleled high level of creativity and inspiration. At the helm of Gucci Osteria in Florence is Executive Chef Karime Lopez, a woman, and a rarity in Italy because male chefs rule. And, Chef Lopez rules - with her take on flavor, finesse and exquisite cuisine.
Previously Chef Lopez worked in Mexico City; then came to Italy to work with Chef Bottura. She says, "Chef Massimo taught me that cooking is a cultural art form. I have also learned to advocate the importance of building a responsible and motivated team, fully involved in all creative decisions. This is what I’ve built the foundation of Gucci Osteria upon."
Chef Lopez incorporates vibrant colors and flavors of Italy in the seasons, and beyond with poetic surprises that translate to deeply delicious cuisine.
If you plan to visit Florence, It is highly recommended you make a reservation in advance for this one-of-a-kind food and wine experience. It's like dining at a nobleman's dining room in the heart of Florence!
Special menu suggestions are: the Tortellini with Parmigiano Reggiano; Vongo - La, a risotto made with scarpace and clams; Sea Deepness, ditalini in squid broth or The Birth of Venus, scallops, tarragon and daikon - the names of each have your appetite soaring. Leave the wine to the sommelier and do not forget desserts- truly works of art. Inquire about the Bloom - and Re-Bloom!
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