Exclusive Kat: _ Food Review

Friday, February 14, 2025

Food & Drinks: In My Happy Place ~ Akira Back Paris

I am truly blessed that I get to go to Paris a couple times a year. I know it can be cliché but somehow no matter what is going on or how the weather is the trip always is filled with magic and beautiful memories. My first time going to Akira Back was in April 2023. I came with my dog Chicky to help my little brother tour his future (now current) university. During our few days there a friend of mine came to visit and I happened across this restaurant and they had availability at the sushi bar for the two of us. That's precisely how my love affair began with returning again and again each time I'm in the city.

I loved sitting at the sushi bar, seeing the art form of how they prepare and plate the sushi and many of their cold appetizers as well. Definitely gives you ideas of what to order, get next time or develop some order envy from the dishes that pass by. This post has some of the dishes I've tried over my trips from the beginning to just a couple of weeks ago.

I truly encourage those that love delicious food, great ambience and impeccable service to visit Akira Back in the Prince de Galles Hotel. They also have an amazing bar that serves its own menu in an equally beautiful setting where you can enjoy sitting in the interior courtyard surrounded by lushes plants and feel the sun.

Akira Back Paris, 33 Av. George V, 75008 Paris, France

_ Food Review _

Events: Chefs and Champagne w/ the James Beard Foundation

Being a NYC resident summer time is all about getting out of the city and living that Hamptons life. One of the best events to capture that feel is at James Beard Foundation's Chefs and Champagne! JBF's year-long "Rise" celebration—a salute to the countless ways our food community rises to meet the world’s challenges and makes it a more delicious, diverse, and sustainable place for all. It was a beautiful day to be surrounded by endless champagne and food from top chefs around the country. This annual culinary highlight of the Hamptons summer season will showcase chefs who embody the leadership and commitment that JBF supports everyday through its many programs including Awards, Women’s Leadership, Impact programs, and Scholarship, including announcement of the 2018 recipient of Christian Wölffer Scholarship at Chefs & Champagne. This years honoree was the lovely Padma Lakshmi, host and executive producer of Bravo’s James Beard Award–winning and Emmy award–winning Top Chef, food expert, model, actress, and best-selling author.

Wölffer Estate Vineyard: 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962, USA

_ Food Review _

Food Review: A Taste of Spring at Haru Gramercy Park

I'm always on the look out for fab, fun and delicious places to go to throughout NYC. Did you know Haru is Japanese for Spring? In celebration of the impeding warmer days and longer sunshine they had a private tasting of a few new dishes and a pair of flirty cocktails. Keeping in mind that summer is vastly approaching the menu is full of protein-packed, beach body building seasonal food.

Haru's Executive Chef, Steven Ferdinand hosted this amazing soirée as we dined with cocktails, seafood, beef and lamb. I enjoyed everything but my favorites would have to be Black Sapphire (cocktail), Oscar Roll (sushi) and the Grilled Lamb Sirloin! Make sure you check out the new menu or just come in general perfect spot to meet up with friends, a date or just to eat some good food.

*Above: Guinea Pepper Ceviche: Octopus, shrimp, bay scallops, citrus ginger marinade*

This was so fresh and had great flavor! Excellent appetizer pick for sharing.