As we all know, each March our city is taken over for 10 days by a vibrant and inspiring energy. An energy from tech leaders, entrepreneurs, movie stars, musicians, film makers and fans. It arrives not just from across our country but across the globe as well. All to one dot in the middle of Texas and it is known as South By SouthWest.
This year the Driskill was a hub for daily food panels and it was nothing short of phenomenal. Topics ranged from craft beer and urban wineries, to food waste and sustainability to technology changing how we eat and our relationship with food- the panels added to that innovative SX energy.
Perhaps one of the most inspiring panels for me was the “Disrupting Global Hunger: Moonshots for Humanity. The World Food Programme has a goal to end world hunger by 2030. This means providing nutrition for the 800 million people- 1 in 9- who are hungry. Children are not getting the nutrients they need to develop mentally and physically which leads to stunted growth that can be irreparable. What was most uplifting about this grim statistic was hearing about the innovative ways to help achieve this moonshot such as putting the furthest behind first and helping those in rural areas have access to their local market by paving the road from farm to market. To find out more about helping visit: www1.wfp.org/zero-hunger
The Smart Kitchen: Cooking with Better Technology
How AI/Machine Learning Will Change the Way We Eat
Think Outside the Trash Can: Fight Food Waste Now
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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,…