There are plenty of delectable liquors and liqueurs available to suit any taste, whether you like smooth or sweet. If you want something that steps out of the box in terms of flavor, then we have some ideas for you. Look at these options for something with nuanced or pronounced flavors that you can sip over ice or turn into a lively cocktail.

To read the full article by Carmen Varner visit luxebeatmag.com.

Some years back, when I was working at Different Pointe of View, I was asked to travel to New Orleans and cook.  I was beside myself with excitement. Not only is New Orleans a big food town, but it also is a magical place filled with beautiful architecture and even more beautiful people. I made sure to stay a few days so I could eat my way through the city before I had to return home. I started my mornings with rich coffee flavored with chicory and piping hot beignets covered in decadent powdered sugar. or lunch I would stroll the streets and ask the locals where to eat. I ate vinegary muffuletta sandwiches and spicy gumbos. I was compelled to try everything.  And while I loved it all, I did have a favorite, the fried oyster po’ boy. This sandwich had it all: crusty fresh baked bread, spicy and creamy remoulade, crispy fried oysters and bright romaine lettuce.  All the flavor components came together and the mouth feel was extraordinary. I must confess that I ate more than a few when I was there! So, now, all these years later, I still dream about those po’ boy sandwiches I ate while in New Orleans. That is what inspired this recipe. I wanted to take those wonderful flavors and create a dish that paid homage to what is, in my opinion, one of New Orleans’s greatest gifts.

To view the recipe by Chef Ivan Flowers visit luxebeatmag.com.

I love all mushrooms, but I must confess that I’m partial to king trumpets. Savory in flavor with a firm meaty texture, they live up to their royal title. Only one thing could make these wonderful gifts better… Cognac! It is warm and nutty by nature, but when you combine it with butter it is transcended to a roasted sweet caramel. In this recipe, when the cognac & butter meet the smoky piquillo pepper, the herbs de Provence & the salty Parmesan, magic happens. The mushrooms dance and the cognac sings. This dish is a wonderful accompaniment to a thick steak, a pan-seared salmon, or a roasted chicken.  You can serve red or white wine with this dish, but once you taste it, you will want to celebrate, so have a chilled bottle of your favorite Champagne ready! Bon Appetit!

To view the recipe by Chef Ivan Flowers visit luxebeatmag.com.

Ahhhh antipasti, is there anything better? That magical word of delight, what you are going to eat before the pasta! I am crazy for good antipasti plates. But I do have one problem with them, what do I eat first?  I want a little of everything all at once! So I created these Prosciutto Di Parma Rolls. The buttery prosciutto, the sharp Parmigiano, the sweet creamy mascarpone, the tangy basil dancing with the roasted peppers. Now imagine all of this in a single bite, yes a single bit I tell you. You will be popping these little beauties till the cows come down from the pasture. Pair with a crostini and a nice Chardonnay and you will be a few steps closer to heaven my friend.

To read this article and view the recipe by Chef Ivan Flowers visit luxebeatmag.com.

Set amid black rock lava fields in the southwest corner of Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, a top attraction for visitors to the Land of Fire and Ice. The area where the lagoon is located is at the convergence of the North American and Eurasian plates, which is a geothermal hotbed of activity. Named a wonder of the world by National Geographic in 2012, the Blue Lagoon is a place of mystical, otherworldly beauty. Location aside, this unique spot is known for its water – a phenomenal natural resource found nowhere else on earth. 

To read the full article by Debi Lander visit luxebeatmag.com.

I found it hard to resist the emotional pull of the wondrous Duomo in Florence, Rome’s ancient Coliseum or the colorful row of houses on the tiny island of Burano. Italy’s towering mountains, sunny landscapes and rustic charms accompanied by fabulous food and wine and Italian hospitality make it one of the finest travel destinations anywhere. The abundance of Renaissance art alone made my head spin. I found myself mesmerized by my surroundings, adoring the sights, sounds and smells, but becoming glassy-eyed. I needed to slow down, unwind and simply bask in the Italian culture.

To read the full article by Debi Lander visit luxebeatmag.com.

A trip to Venice is often on many travelers’ bucket lists. With its picturesque canals, narrow streets and numerous historic sights, this renowned destination is a magnet for tourists, who flock there en masse. Some keep to the main areas, never venturing off the beaten path during their stay. Others wander into the quieter and less frequented spots, delighted to find quaint and peaceful scenes to enjoy sans the crowds. And then there are those who opt to explore the islands nearby, like Murano and Burano. Murano is well known for its exquisite blown glass; whereas handcrafted lacemaking is Burano’s claim to fame. That and its colorful houses, which make it a photographer’s dream. I had the opportunity to visit both islands on a recent trip to Venice. Having been there, done that in Italy’s “City of Water,” I sought out new experiences to enjoy.

To read the full article by Debbie Stone visit luxebeatmag.com.

The Aria Hotel Budapest sings with excitement the moment you pass through the door of the original 1880s exterior into its modern décor. No doubt the tone is the result of its inspiration and musical concept by master designer Zoltan Varró. The luxury boutique hotel followed his passion to “simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence.” All I can say is the lobby wraps you in music and surrounds you with delicate notes of beauty.

To read the full article by Debi Lander visit luxebeatmag.com.

The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest sits on fabled history almost as long as its name. The renovated historic venue along the Danube River was constructed from 1904-06 over the Nákó House, a neo-classical palace built in 1827. Visitors now wander the lobby, off Széchenyi Square, and experience the grandeur of old-time Budapest. The smart ones book a room. Originally, the palace served as an office building but was also a home for wealthy British aristocrats connected with the Gresham Company. Bombing of the nearby Chain Bridge during WWII caused great damage. After the war, Soviets occupied the city and soldiers took up residence in the quarters. The palace fell further into disrepair.

To read the full article by Debi Lander visit luxebeatmag.com.

When Hemingway first came to Idaho—on September 19, 1939, to be exact¬ home was Suite 206 at the Sun Valley Lodge. “Glamour House,” he nicknamed it, and so it remains. The Sun Valley Resort is the granddaddy of U.S. ski resorts, the first in the nation, founded by W. Averell Harriman in 1936. Since then it has attracted the rich and famous for seasonal recreation:  golf, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, swimming, tennis ice-skating and skiing.

To read the full article by Debi Lander visit luxebeatmag.com.