If this period of social distancing has taught us anything, it’s how lucky we’ve been to have easy access to the food we love to eat in Austin. Unfortunately, things have now changed and that means the market needs to change as well. Fortunately, we have people like John and Kendall Antonelli to help us through this transition.
They are the minds behind Austin favorite, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop. The grocer opened 10 years ago and are now offering something they never thought they would need to do, “virtual cheesemonger” sessions, with Cheesemonger Live.
During these virtual appointments, customers may do a live video conference with one of their cheesemongers. They will walk you through the store and provide that personal shopping experience that social distancing has taken away from us. “You can stay comfortably in your chair, or bed, and still get a peek into our case, see the most up-to-date offerings, and work one-on-one with your own dedicated cheesemonger,” says John Antonelli, Co-Founder of Antonelli’s Cheese Shop. “It’s a way to hear from a monger on what’s tasting best, what’s new, and what’s exciting”.
This new avenue allows the shop to continue their operations and give clients an inside look at their product without stepping inside. Thankfully the store is allowed to remain open amid the city’s closure of restaurants because it is a grocer.
The shop is also hosting a virtual cheese class this Friday, March 20th. It’s much like their in-person classes, which include cheese and other products that complement your tasting. You can sign up online for the class and pick up your cheese tasting on Friday before joining a lesson on Facebook live.
The appointment slots for both the class and Cheeesemonger Live sessions are available on the store’s website antonellischeese.com. The Antonelli’s Cheese Shop is located at 4220 Duval St. in Central Austin.
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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