On The Pass

In January 2023, Gabriel traveled to the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Guerrero, to experience Playa Viva, an eco-luxury and regenerative boutique hotel founded by our next guest, David Leventhal, and his then-wife shortly after purchasing the land in 2006.

Playa Viva is situated at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, just forty minutes from Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH). This unique hotel embodies the concept "where your vacation meets your values™," dedicated to a triple-bottom-line approach that benefits the planet, people, and prosperity. With 19 treehouse rooms spread across nearly a mile of private beach and 200 acres of nature reserve, guests enjoy "The Luxury of Immersion in Nature."

In 2023, Playa Viva achieved B-Corp Certification, becoming a world-leading example of experiential travel. The hotel offers an authentic, all-encompassing regenerative experience, combining wellness, action/adventure, excursions to unique places, and a commitment to restoring and regenerating the landscape and local communities.

David’s passion for sustainability also led him to co-found Regenerative Travel, a company that connects travelers with independent hotels deeply rooted in their communities, enabling people, nature, and culture to thrive. Think of it as a Relais & Châteaux for ultra-eco-conscious sustainable properties worldwide. (I’ll include a link in the show notes to explore it further.)

During my stay at Playa Viva, David and I discovered a shared love for building community and fostering genuine human connection—a mission David has successfully pursued since the inception of Playa Viva.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about Playa Viva’s core values and why they have recieved numerous accolades from prestigious publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure Co., and Global Design News, which have elevated David and his team to a global stage.

Learn more about Playa Viva: 

https://bit.ly/4dzZ1zG

Follow Playa Viva on Instagram:

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Learn more about Regenerative Travel:

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Read Gabriel's Articles:

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Lets work together! Get in contact:

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On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Clay Williams, Brooklyn-based James Beard Award-winning photographer.

Clay has been capturing and helping tell stories about food, hospitality, and the people and places that define our culture for more than 15 years. His work has appeared in the pages of Food & Wine, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Travel + Leisure, as well as in cookbooks by Chef Kwame Onwuachi and Atlanta chef Todd Richards. 

In this episode, we discuss:

☑️New stage in where hospitality is going

☑️Storytelling through food 

☑️Hospitality if ready to move out of survival mode 

☑️A snapshot of Philadelphia based culinary creatives and doing it their way

☑️Fusion food is American food 

☑️Clay’s unique creative approach to capturing content 

For more info on Caly Williams:

https://bit.ly/46oA3ku

Follow Clay on Instagram:

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On The Pass Website:

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Read Gabriel's Articles:

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Lets work together! Get in contact:

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www.gabrielornelas.com

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Adam Teeter, New York-based Co-founder and CEO of VinePair.

Adam and Josh Malin Co-founded VinePair ten years ago and together they’ve grown the platform into the largest multi-media publication about wine, beer and spirits in America, reaching almost 40 million people a month.

In this episode, we discuss:

☑️Remake the industry in a new image

☑️Journalism through the lens of the glass

☑️Educating the next generation 

☑️How drinks culture has shifted over the past 10 years

☑️Cocktail culture is dominating 

☑️Rise of the celeb bartenders 

☑️Challenges ahead for Somm’s and Wine Directors

☑️What does the VinePair data tell us?

Check out VinePair:

https://bit.ly/3zVXRA7

Follow Adam Teeter on Instagram:

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Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

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Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn:

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On The Pass Website:

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Read Gabriel's Articles:

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Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

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Our next guests are Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral, Co-founders of The Equiano Rum Company, creators of the world’s first African and Caribbean rums. This pioneering venture not only celebrates the rich heritage of rum but also champions the values of freedom and equality, inspired by the legendary figure Olaudah Equiano.

Ian, known globally as the Rum Ambassador, has spent decades entertaining and educating audiences about the diverse and exhilarating world of rum. He is the visionary behind The UK RumFest, which has inspired a wave of similar festivals worldwide. Ian is one of the most traveled and respected figures in the rum industry, known for his passion and deep knowledge of the craft.

Aaisha, a branding and marketing executive, began her illustrious career in the music industry with major record labels like Island Records, Mercury/Def Jam Records, and Levels Entertainment. She is also the founder of Crave, a brand studio that showcases her innovative approach to branding and marketing. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping Equiano Rum’s distinctive identity and global appeal.

Together with their partner Amanda, Ian and Aaisha have set out to make a significant impact not only in the rum category but in the global spirits industry. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable journey of Olaudah Equiano—from slavery to freedom—they have introduced the world’s first African and Caribbean rum. This unique blend not only pays homage to Equiano’s legacy but also contributes a percentage of the profits to organizations dedicated to freedom and equality annually.

The story of Equiano Rum is not just about producing exceptional spirits; it’s about creating a brand that embodies resilience, liberation, and a commitment to positive change. This ethos resonates deeply with those who believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of honoring cultural heritage while driving social progress.

Learn more about Equiano Rum: 

https://bit.ly/4fauwBZ

Follow Equiano Rum on Instagram:

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Follow Ian Burrell "Global Rum Ambassador":

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Learn more about On The Pass:

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Read Gabriel's Articles:

http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

www.gabrielornelas.com

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Matthew Kaner, Los Angeles-based sommelier, wine educator, correspondent and consultant.

Matthew is the wine correspondent for Men's Journal which garners 12,000,000 unique monthly views. He’s also the Owner of “Will Travel For Wine Consulting” and literally will travel anywhere and everywhere on the globe for wine and food experiences. Matthew was named one of the Sommeliers of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine and in 2019 Wine Enthusiast named him on the 40 Under 40 Tastemakers list among numerous other accolades.

In this episode, we discuss:

☑️You can’t just be good anymore! 

☑️Finding people who know the best times are ahead of us

☑️Find way to be comfortable in the uncomfortable 

☑️Staying relevant and keeping up with culture

☑️Article, “I know how to save the wine industry”

☑️Make memories with friends a family 

☑️The wine Matthew wants to bring to the world 

Articles by Matthew Kaner:

https://bit.ly/4cL2QlF

Follow Matthew on Instagram:

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Kaner article, "I know how to save the wine industry"

https://bit.ly/4f1Bnhc

Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

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Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

http://bit.ly/3YS964b

Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn:

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On The Pass Website:

https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP

Read Gabriel's Articles:

http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

www.gabrielornelas.com

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Rita Jammet, New York-based restaurateur, hospitality advisor and Founder of La Caravelle Champagne.

Rita and her husband André owned and operated the iconic New York French restaurant, La Caravelle. The New York Times described La Caravelle as a “French Legend and a Paris in Manhattan experience to food enthusiasts and the A-list of American society.” 

After closing La Caravelle restaurant in 2004, Rita started to market and distribute La Caravelle Champagne available in a number of distinguished New York hospitality, restaurant and retail establishments.

An avid Champagne lover, Rita promotes not only her champagne but the Champagne region and wines in general. In recognition for her services to the food, wine and hospitality worlds, Rita was recently bestowed the Order of Agricultural Merit by France’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food. 

Simply put, Rita is apart of the social and cultural fabric of New York’s dining scene, a who’s who if you will of New York’s hospitality elite. But more important than that, Rita has a true love for people and hospitality and is actively building community and supporting her industry friends, colleagues and the next generation.

In this episode, we discuss:

☑️The joy of hospitality

☑️More positivity and support in the industry

☑️Jamal James Kent Memorial / Celebration of life

☑️The next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals 

☑️Rita’s lessons and learning from the restaurant business 

☑️La Caravelle Champagne Relaunch (“Champagne is magic!”)

For more info on Rita and La Caravelle:

https://bit.ly/3XTtS5E

Follow Rita on Instagram:

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Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

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Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

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Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn:

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On The Pass Website:

https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP

Read Gabriel's Articles:

http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

www.gabrielornelas.com

Our next guest bathes throughout the year in an energy of potential and is constantly on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Meet Jhonatan Cano, restaurateur, travel enthusiast, and global citizen. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Jhonatan always had a deep yearning to discover the world. He began his career in award-winning hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and Conrad Hotel. Later, he joined José Andrés and the ThinkFoodGroup as an integral team member of the flagship Minibar and Barmini.

Jhonatan is now a Partner and Director of Operations for Hive Hospitality, alongside celebrated chef Ryan Ratino. Chef Ratino is best known for Bresca, a one Michelin-starred bistro, and Jônt, a 17-seat intimate dining experience with a strong Japanese influence, holding two Michelin stars in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his role and influence at Hive Hospitality and their growing portfolio of restaurants, Jhonatan is well-known for his travels and passion for fine dining. 

He regularly travels across the globe for 48 to 72 hours to experience the best restaurants in the world. Jhonatan has visited all 50 of The World's 50 Best Restaurants, all three Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S., 83 three Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, and over 40 countries and counting. As you’ll hear Jhonatan discuss, it's more than just food; it’s an emotive and therapeutic experience for him.

Learn more about Jhonatan and Hive Hospitality:

https://bit.ly/4cP4zGn

Follow Jhonatan on Instagram:

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Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

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Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

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Learn more about On The Pass:

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Read Gabriel's Articles:

http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

www.gabrielornelas.com

On this episode of the High Tea series, Bill Esparza, Los Angeles-based James Beard Award winning writer and author of LA Mexicano.

Bill is a leading authority on Latin American cuisine as a freelance writer for publications such as New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Eater; he’s also appeared on several food television programs.

In this episode, we discuss:

☑️Travel always inspires him to discover more

☑️Afro-Mexican cuisine of Oaxaca 

☑️”The indigenous-exchange”

☑️Brief history of Afro-Mexican people

☑️Evolution of Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles 

☑️Los Angeles is the 2nd largest Oaxacan city on earth

For more info on Bill's articles:

https://bit.ly/4bugTL4

Follow Bill on Instagram:

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Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

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Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

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Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn:

https://bit.ly/3Oxa2I3

On The Pass Website:

https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP

Read Gabriel's Articles:

http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

www.gabrielornelas.com

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Esther Tseng, Los Angeles-based food, drinks and culture writer.

Esther is an Academy Chair of the USA West region for The World’s 50 Best Bars and has served as judge for the James Beard Foundation. She has contributed to numerous publications like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Eater, Civil Eats, Saveur, Resy, VICE, Time Out and many more.

In this episode, we discuss:

☑️Esther’s recent tasting menu experiences 

☑️National Geographic walking guide of Los Angeles 

☑️Culver City itinerary, starting at Jordan Kahn’s Destroyer 

☑️How to be a good diner and respectable guest? 

☑️Are the days of, “the customer is always right over?”

☑️Celebrity restaurants

For more info on Esther:

https://bit.ly/3VUVrtT

Follow Esther on Instagram:

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Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

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Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

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Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn:

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On The Pass Website:

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Read Gabriel's Articles:

http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

www.gabrielornelas.com

Daniel Johnnes, truly needs no introduction. He is a luminary in the wine industry, renowned for his leadership and community-building efforts. As one of America’s pioneering sommeliers—one of our forefathers in the field, if you will—Daniel has dedicated decades to mentoring and educating the next generation of wine professionals.

Daniel is the visionary founder of several prestigious wine events and initiatives. He established La Paulée, an annual celebration inspired by the traditional Burgundian harvest festival, which brings together top winemakers and wine lovers from around the world. He also co-founded La Fête du Champagne with Peter Liem, a celebration dedicated to the wines of Champagne, showcasing the region's finest producers. Additionally, Daniel created La Tablée, another esteemed event that honors the rich culinary and wine traditions of France.

Beyond these festivals, Daniel is the founder of Pressoir, a unique organization that hosts exclusive wine events and tastings, offering unparalleled experiences for wine enthusiasts. In his role as Corporate Wine Director for the renowned Chef Daniel Boulud, Daniel oversees the wine programs across Boulud's acclaimed restaurants, ensuring exceptional wine pairings and selections.

Daniel's contributions to the wine world have earned him numerous accolades. He is a three-time James Beard Award winner, a testament to his excellence and influence in the industry. Moreover, he has received several prestigious awards from the French government, recognizing his dedication to promoting French wines and culture. Listen, learn and enjoy from Daniel Johnnes!

Learn more about Daniel and Pressoir:

https://bit.ly/3z8dHY9

Follow Daniel Johnnes on Instagram:

https://bit.ly/3zj4sUL

Learn more about La Paulée:

https://bit.ly/3VyxEhY

Follow La Paulée on Instagram:

https://bit.ly/3LaKSgt

Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

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Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

http://bit.ly/3YS964b

Learn more about On The Pass:

https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP

Read Gabriel's Articles:

http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

www.gabrielornelas.com