Trends, Travel, Film, History and Books

March 5, 2013

Explore Croatia’s Adventurous Side With Sail Croatia

Source: Cision

Bring the holidays alive and book a trip guaranteed to offer fun, laughter and adventure in the sun. Providing great-value, lively holidays around hot spot Croatia, Sail

Croatia is the only company to offer adventure excursions in this part of the world. With optional activities starting from just £12 and including kayaking, white-water rafting and buggy safaris, these active trips are sure to keep thrill-seeking travellers on a high from start to finish without breaking the bank.

Small ship specialist Sail Croatia has got a jam-packed itinerary for the carefree, venturesome types looking to explore the amazing islands between Split and Dubrovnik from just £288 per person. In addition to snorkeling, socializing and sunbathing on board a Navigator cruise, independent travelers can also take advantage of the vast array of activities on offer, including:

Kayaking Adventures

To see Korcula from a different perspective, how about taking a kayak around the island to explore its secret caves and stunning coastline? A local instructor will guide kayakers around this beautiful destination to discover Croatia’s best bits, which can only be reached by sea. Prices start from £12 for 90 minutes.

River Rafting

Grab an oar and kick start the holiday with three bumpy hours of white-water rafting down the Cetina river. Navigate through rapids, waterfalls, canyons and hidden caves as the Cetina runs from the hinterlands, through the mountains and into the coastal town of Omis. Prices start from £29 for three hours.

Buggy Safari

Get off the beaten track and jump on a buggy for a safari around Korcula’s vineyards and beaches. This unique tour allows travelers to experience parts of the island most visitors don’t get to see. There’s also snorkeling gear thrown in, perfect for cooling off in the Adriatic Sea. Prices start from £35 for two hours.

There’s also the option to go on a discovery dive from £36, venture around the vineyards of Hvar on a wine tasting tour from £18, take guided day trips to neighboring Balkan States including Mostar, Bosnia and Montenegro from £45 and join a Dubrovnik walking tour from £11.

The ideal holiday for young people in need of an injection of adventure, Sail Croatia’s Navigator route is a sociable, cool way to explore Croatia’s turquoise bays, wild rivers and bustling towns. Sailing from Split to Dubrovnik, this seven-night trip makes its way around lively ports and islands, stopping off each day for an exciting optional activity. Prices start from £288 per person on board a standard ship for selected departures in May, which includes accommodation in a twin cabin, breakfast, lunch and an expert tour guide who is on hand to point out the best swimming spots and top party venues.

El San Juan Resort & Casino Appoints New Executive Chef

Israel Calderon to Lead the Culinary Team at San Juan’s Iconic Hotel

Source – Cision

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – El San Juan Resort & Casino announces the appointment of Israel Calderon as executive chef. An award-winning chef, Calderon will oversee the resort’s culinary operation including the property managed restaurants – La Terraza, Acquaire, and Encanto Beach Club & Grill, the Lobby Bars, room service, catering and special events, always ensuring a consistent culinary experience for guests and diners.

“We are excited to welcome Chef Calderon to our team,” said Olivier Maumaire, general manager, El San Juan Resort & Casino. “His wealth of knowledge and creativity, combined with our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences, will help drive our success even further.”

Calderon brings more than 20 years of experience to his position at El San Juan Resort & Casino. Since the ’90s, Calderon has built much of his reputation by working at renowned hotels such as Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre – executive chef; The San Juan Water & Beach Club – executive chef; Mundo Imperial – executive chef; Sheraton Old San Juan – executive chef; Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach– executive chef; Chicago Hilton and Towers – executive sous chef; and Caribe Hilton – executive cous chef.

Calderon has also had the opportunity to cook for many personalities, celebrities and dignitaries such as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Richard Branson, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and India’s High Commissioner in Trinidad, Mr. Chandradath Singh.

One of Calderon’s most memorable moments in his career was when he was invited to the White House by U.S. President Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for the launch of Chefs Move to School. Chefs Move to School is a program dedicated to solving childhood obesity within a generation and is an integral part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative.

“I feel privileged to be a part of the team at El San Juan team,” said Calderon.. “I’m eager to contribute my skills, passion for food, and expertise in executing my culinary concept for El San Juan Resort & Casino.”

With a style that can be described as both innovative and classic, Chef Calderon demonstrates a true passion for cooking and creating extraordinary dishes with simple ingredients. He takes great pride in the presentation of his creations and in using top quality products. Calderon has studied at the Instituto de Educacion Universal in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and the Culinary Business Academy in Albuquerque, N.M., as well as completed programs in Italy, France and Switzerland.

Calderon is a “Certified Executive Chef” (CEC) and “Certified Culinary Administrator” (CCA) by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the authority on cooking in America since 1929 and the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America. Calderon is an active member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Chef and Child Organization and the World Association of Chefs Societies.

Tribeca Film Festival Announces Lineup for World Narrative, Documentary, Viewpoint Series for 12th Annual Fest

Source: Indiewire

The 12th Annual Tribeca FIlm Festival, which runs from April 17-28, has announced the lineup for their World Narrative, Documentary, and out-of-competition Viewpoints series, revealing 46 of this year’s 89 feature-length films.

Each category of the festival will have its own opening night film, with each premiering on April 18. Writer-director Rachel Boynton’s “Big Men,” documenting the current state of Africa’s oil companies and exec-produced by Brad Pitt, will open the Documentary competition while Lance Edmands’ “Bluebird” will open the World Narrative competition. Meanwhile, the Viewpoints series, which focuses on “unique, personal stories and diverse filmmakers in international and independent cinema,” will open with the documentary “Flex is Kings,” directed by Deidre Schoo and Michael Nichols. Read more ..

10 Amazing Lines
When we came across these fantastic lines, we laughed, gasped and rethought our own lives. Discover the gems hiding in the books by Karen Russell (Vampires in the Lemon Grove), Herman Koch (The Dinner) and other amazing authors.