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Celebrated Las Vegas Restaurateur Gino Ferraro Opens Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

LAS VEGAS – Well-known restaurateur Gino Ferraro has opened Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar with an expanded menu, wine cellar and 80 employees at 4480 Paradise Rd.

Ferraro’s has been serving Las Vegas since 1985. Since, Ferraro’s has been a leader and staple in Italian fine dining and wine selection, quality standard and service.

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar occupies two chef’s dining tables, a 36 foot-long wine cellar of 10,000 distinctive Italian and California wines, a double-sided wine bar open to the indoor bar area and outdoor patio with a wine system dispenser, late night dining, lounge seating area, live music daily and wine lockers for patrons to house their selected wines.

There is comfortable banquet space to host groups of 10 to 250 people with audio/ visual capabilities for meetings and special receptions.

The main dining area and four banquet rooms can open to accommodate a maximum capacity of 480 people in the entire restaurant.

The restaurant has walnut wood-finished floors, crown moldings, blown glass chandeliers and mood lighting. The ambiance will be open and airy with a warm and sharing atmosphere.

“We’re excited about our new restaurant on Paradise,” stated Gino Ferraro, founder of Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar.

“Ferraro’s will continue to bring the Italian flair and authentic menu partnered with personalized gourmet pizzas, Antipastini (small plates) and, of course, one of the top selections of Italian wines in the world.”

Executive Chef Mimmo Ferraro features the Ferraro’s menu staples that have been a family tradition for years, such as Osso Buco, Pasta e Fagioli and Trippa Calabrese as well as homemade pastas, breads and desserts.

The numerous awards and accolades achieved by Ferraro’s include the DiRoNa, also known as Distinguished Restaurants of North America, for 10 consecutive years; Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence since 1996; Best Italian Restaurant by Las Vegas Life Magazine’s Epicurean Award – voted by a panel of local and national food and drink experts including members of the local chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs; Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association’s Best Restaurant in the category of Italian Cuisine; and voted Best Italian Restaurant in the Las Vegas Review Journals annual reader’s poll. Gino Ferraro has also received such prestigious recognition and accolades for his restaurants including the 5 Star Diamond Award.

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is located at 4480 Paradise Rd. on the corner of Paradise and Harmon, south of Flamingo.

The restaurant will provide a new expanded menu and hours. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Happy Hour is on weekdays from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the lounge and bar.

Dinner is served seven nights per week from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Ferraro’s has a late night menu from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring Antipastini small plate dishes.

For more information, visit www.ferraroslasvegas.com

Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu, an owned member of the Warwick International Hotels’ Collection, has been elected Best Resort by the Vanuatu Tourism Office.

The resort has a total of 140 rooms, ranging from Garden and Lagoon deluxe rooms to Garden and Lagoon Bungalows.

In addition to these, there are the Island Suites, situated on their own private island, and the two-bedroom Erakor Suite.

All the rooms and bungalows offer views of either the gardens or the Erakor Lagoon. Le Lagon Resort has three restaurants and bars on premise. All three restaurants offer a wide variety of foods, from local seafood, to gourmet Asian and Chinese cuisine served in the award-winning Wild Ginger, Asian-fusion restaurant.

For more information, visit www.warwickhotels.com

The Glasshouse, a multi million dollar arts, conference and entertainment centre, has opened in Port Macquarie, giving this iconic coastal destination a new cultural heart. The 2010 ‘On Tour’ season has been announced with shows by Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia and the Bell Shakespeare Company.

For the first time, the Glasshouse offers a quality arts experience in a striking, world-class venue on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Visitors can plan their holiday around an exciting program of events and enjoy the same shows as those on offer in capital cities.

The CBD location of the Glasshouse, on the Corner of Clarence and Hay streets, is walking distance to Port’s beautiful waterways, beaches, restaurants and a variety of accommodation. “The Glasshouse marks a new beginning for cultural tourism in Port Macquarie, and for people living in regional areas.

They now have access to Australia’s best performing arts events in a sophisticated venue, without the cost of travelling to a city,” said Linda Hall, Tourism Manager at Greater Port Macquarie Tourism.

“The ‘On Tour’ 2010 season and a program of other events are expected to boost leisure and business tourism to the region.” said Linda.

Season highlights are ‘The Wharf Revue: Pennies from Kevin’ by Sydney Theatre Company (Feb 2010), ‘Twelfth Night’ by the Bell Shakespeare Company (July 2010), ‘La Traviata’ by Opera Australia’s Oz Opera (August 2010) and Queensland Theatre Company’s ‘Betrayal’ starring Sibylla Budd – the Glasshouse being the only regional destination in Australia presenting this play.

With the increasing trend for responsible travel, visitors can feel positive about their visit to the Glasshouse, as it is a leader in its environmentally friendly design and historical preservation.

They’ll also be sure to have an exceptional experience, as Glasshouse Theatre is the only proscenium arch theatre of its type on the Mid North Coast of NSW with seating capacity for 606 people, over two levels with dress circle and stalls.

The venue offers multi-purpose meeting rooms, tradeshow and exhibition areas, catering, a Regional Gallery with a changing program of touring exhibitions and extensive foyer space providing flexible layouts for events. The Glasshouse opened in July 2009 and has already seen over 60,000 people through its doors.

Port Macquarie is ideal for a short break, a 4.5 hour drive north of Sydney, with regular QantasLink, Brindabella Airlines and Virgin Blue flights taking just 40 minutes from Sydney.

Event and tickets bookings are available through the new customer service centre in the Glasshouse, open 7 days -

go to www.glasshouse.org.au  or call (02) 6581 8888.

For visitor information services call 1300 303 155 or go online at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

The Glasshouse ‘On Tour’ Season 2010 includes:
1. Show Title: The Wharf Revue: Pennies From Kevin
Company: Sydney Theatre Company
Author: Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott
Dates: Friday 26 & Saturday 27 February
Time: 8pm

2. Show Title: Toy Symphony

Company: Queensland Theatre Company and State Theatre Company of South Australia
Author: Michael Gow
Date: Friday April 16 & Saturday April 17
Time: 8pm

3. Show Title: Cosi
Company: HIT Productions
Author: Louis Nowra
Date: Friday 14 and Saturday 15 May
Time: 8pm

4. Show Title: A Day in the Death of Joe Egg
Company: Critical Stage and Whoosh Productions
Author: Peter Nichols
Date: Friday 23 July and Saturday 24 July
Time: 8pm

5. Show Title: Twelfth Night
Company: Bell Shakespeare Company
Author: William Shakespeare
Date: Friday 30th and Saturday 31st July
Time: 8pm

6. Show Title: La Traviata
Company: Opera Australia’s Oz Opera
Author: Giuseppe Verdi
Date: Tuesday August 24 and Wednesday August 25
Time: 8pm

7. Show Title: Betrayal
Company: Queensland Theatre Company
Author: Harold Pinter
Date: Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October
Time: 8pm
Starring: Sibylla Budd

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. said its Luxury Collection brand has signed two new deals to open the brand’s first hotels in China.

The Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is scheduled to open as a Luxury Collection Hotel in May 2010 after a $22 million renovation, and The Malus Sanya, a Luxury Collection Resort, a new-build resort set to open in late 2012.

These new developments are illustrative of The Luxury Collection brand’s overall global growth that includes seven new deals and five hotel openings in 2009.

Scheduled to debut in May 2010, following a $22 million (RMB 150 million) renovation, The Astor Hotel Tianjin features 152 guestrooms and suites, approximately 1,000 square meters of meeting space, five restaurants and bars, an indoor swimming pool, and state-of-the-art fitness and business centers.

With a heritage extending more than 140 years, The Astor Hotel first opened in 1863 and is one of China’s most iconic landmarks.

Classified as a National Important Historical Relics Protection Unit by the Chinese Government, it is renowned as the preferred destination for foreign expatriates and local dignitaries. Since its opening, the hotel has gone through several restorations and expansion programs including the building of its second tower which was completed in the late 20th century.

The Astor Hotel is located in the central business district (CBD) of Tianjin at Tai’erzhuang Road, Heping District, facing the Haihe River and Green River and at the back of Victoria Park. It is also a 35-minute drive from the Tianjin International Airport. For more information, visit www.luxurycollection.com/astor.

Opening in the autumn of 2012, The Malus Sanya is part of the integrated Haitang Bay Beach Resort district spreading over a site area of 150 square kilometers with 40 kilometers of beachfront.

The resort will offer 160 luxury guestrooms and villas, approximately 300 square meters of meeting space;

two signature restaurant and bars;

a 24-hour business center;

state-of-the-art health club and fitness center; signature spa;

outdoor swimming pool;

tennis courts;

specialty shopping, and will share a recreational center with the newly opened Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort.

The Malus, Sanya is situated on the southern part of Hainan and Haitang Bay, and is ideally located on the island’s eastern coastal area.

Due to the growing influx of leisure travelers to Hainan, the region is currently constructing its third International Airport only 127 kilometers from Haitang Bay in Boao, Qionghai City.

For more information, visit www.luxurycollection.com/malus

For more information about The Luxury Collection, visit www.luxurycollection.com

Paresa, the luxurious Cliffside retreat on Phuket’s “Millionaire’s Mile” now offers guests staying in their luxurious Cielo Residence complementary access to the “Coral Executive Lounge” at Phuket International Airport.

Cielo Residence is the ultimate in luxury holiday living with its own private infinity pool where you can relax and enjoy your fresh Lavazza coffee made at your personal espresso machine, or a glass of chilled white wine poured from your wine cellar.

If it is too hot to move, just call your personal butler who is there to cater for your every need throughout your stay.

In addition you can also take advantage of your private living and dining pavilion, spacious verandah and your indoor and outdoor bathrooms.

“Being one of the first to offer this valuable service to our guests to make their departure through Phuket International Airport smoother is just the beginning of the things we will offer them that enhances their stay” commented Paresa General Manager Scot Toon.

Following their stay at Paresa, guests will be able to take advantage of the Coral Executive Lounge’s comfortable and relaxed environment prior to their homeward journey.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the Fast Track Immigration service, a variety of food and beverages, business services, full flight information and a last minute traditional Thai neck and shoulder massage.

……..The perfect end, to a perfect stay.

Situated on the western coast of Phuket, Paresa is a new pool villa style resort set to rival existing five-star resorts on the island. Perched high on the cliff top, surrounded by tropical forests and the blue waters of the Andaman Sea, Paresa’s unique architecture and elegant interiors have been designed to complement the natural surroundings, boasting uninterrupted sea views.

Kuala Lumpur, 18 November 2009 – Adding to its list of accolades, Hilton Kuala Lumpur is the proud recipient of Asia’s Leading City Hotel and Asia’s Leading Design Hotel (World Travel Awards 2009), Best City Hotel – Kuala Lumpur (TTG Travel Awards 2009, Asia Pacific) and the Best City Hotel (Best of Malaysia Awards 2009, Travel Awards by Expatriate Lifestyle).

Held in the UK’s cosmopolitan capital, London, the World Travel Awards 2009 are considered the highest accolade within the travel industry.

Dubbed the “Oscars” of the global travel and tourism industry, this year the event attracted over 1,000 senior management and key decision makers from the global travel and tourism industry.

Votes are cast by travel professionals from 183,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries and divided into 919 categories.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur was recently awarded the Best City Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, at the 20th TTG Travel Awards 2009, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The glamorous evening received an overwhelming response, with 670 travel industry members attending to congratulate the 76 exceptional individuals and organizations.

Readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China and TTG Asia e-daily voted over a period of three months (June to August) with more than 43,000 votes received in the print and online voting exercise this year. Among the other awards presented were Outstanding Achievement Awards, Travel Hall of Fame, Best Travel Agents, Best Airlines, Best Hotel Chains, Best Hotels, Best Resorts, Best Spa Operator and BT-MICE Awards.

Meanwhile, the Best of Malaysia Awards 2009, now in their fourth year, received an impressive 100,000 votes from the expatriate community in Malaysia.

This figure was up 80% on last year’s vote count, highlighting the importance expatriates place on travel and tourism, as well as demonstrating how involved they have become on the subject.

“These awards are not only testament to Hilton Kuala Lumpur, but the Hilton experience in general, which every team member works extremely hard to deliver on a daily basis. We are extremely grateful for the recognition we have received here at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, both at the national and international level, and look forward to welcoming more guests to come and experience the world class service Hilton has to offer,” said Mr William Costley, General Manager of Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

Prior to these awards, Hilton Kuala Lumpur has received many accolades, including Best Hotel Malaysia at World Travel Awards 2005 in London, International Five Star Diamond Award by American Association of Hospitality Sciences Awards 2005, Best Business Hotel in Asia by TTG Asia 2005, Best Hotel Development award at the FIABCI Malaysian chapter’s Malaysian Property Awards 2006, Best New Business Hotel in the World at the Business Traveler Awards United Kingdom 2006, Best Business Hotel in Kuala Lumpur by Business Traveler Asia Pacific 2006, Luxury Hotel of the Year in Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2007.

Sheraton on the Park has been named “Australasia’s Leading Conference Hotel” at the 2009 World Travel Awards, held in London on Saturday 7th November.

The hotel was delighted to win the title for the third year in a row, having had success in the 2007 & 2008 Awards in the same category.

Earlier this year, the hotel has also taken out the title of ‘Function Venue of the Year at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence 2009.

Sheraton on the Park has once again proven to be the hotel of choice for conference and event planners both here in Australia and Internationally.

The award recognises the hotel’s commitment to providing a superior product with the flawless delivery of every function through the hard work and dedication that each of our associates bring to an event.

The World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sectors of the global travel industry; with the official voting process formulated by 167,000 registered travel agents and professionals worldwide.

With 17 flexible function rooms, meeting planners are spoilt for choice at Sheraton on the Park. The pillarless Grand Ballroom, complete with natural light, seats up to 900 guests and boasts integrated high definition audio visual equipment.

The executive style ‘Meetings On 5’ houses luxurious boardrooms, an outdoor Terrace, innovative catering and Meeting Concierge services.

The Castlereagh Room offers private access and is innovatively designed with a sleek finish, BOSE sound system and built in audio visual systems including two high definition projectors.

Our newest addition to the portfolio, the Times on the Park room offers sweeping views over Hyde Park, fantastic natural light and is perfect for intimate meetings, events and weddings.

“We are delighted to win such a prestigious award,” said Mr. Sean Hunt, Managing Director of Sheraton on the Park and Regional Vice President of Starwood Pacific Hotels. “This award cements Sheraton on the Park’s reputation as the hotel of choice for business and leisure travelers in Sydney, and is testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction and the professionalism of our staff at every function.”

Sheraton on the Park – Featuring 557 luxury rooms and suites, Sheraton on the Park is the only five star hotel on Hyde Park and is renowned for being the benchmark of classic hotels in Sydney. The property features the Sheraton Club on Level 21, complimentary internet access in the Link@Sheraton, a Health Club with stunning rooftop pool and a variety of food and beverage outlets offering guests extensive dining options.

The hotel stands in one of the city’s most desirable locations in the heart of Sydney’s business and premium shopping district. The Hotel was recently awarded ‘Function Venue of the Year’ in the 2009, 2008 & 2006 AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence and ‘Best Luxury Accommodation’ at the 2007 NSW Tourism Awards and Australasia.

Baroque Bistro Patisserie (Baroque) opens it’s doors this week to an already eager patronage from the popular Franco-Australian Charkos family’s La Renaissance shopfront.

Baroque is in a prime position @ 88 George Street on the corner of George and Hickson Road – stage central for the weekend Rocks Markets and opposite Ken Done’s gallery, with views stretching from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge

Baroque has a large open plan purpose built pastry and cuisine kitchen, a retail area and a 100 seat bistro and bar with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The atmosphere is relaxed, the menu affordable (www.baroquebistro.com.au)

Bar and counters in stunning rose copper, chrome pendant lights and hand crafted Italian seating are design features. The unique industrial style interiors from restaurant expert architects and designers Dale Jones-Evans compliment the raw heritage of the 19th century building.

The Charkos’ have appointed Yann Fontaine as Chef de Cuisine at Baroque. He has been working with the Charkos brothers, Christophe and Olivier, for the past month on menus.

Fontaine arrived in Sydney from France in 2002, working initially as Chef de Partie for Peter Gilmour at Quay for 2 years before he was appointed Sous Chef at Bilson’s, working with Executive Chef Tony Bilson and Chef de Cuisine Manu Fieldel in 05/06. He has recently returned from working in Perth, his wife’s home town.

Prior to arriving in Sydney, Fontaine trained initially with Group Paul Bocuse in Lyon 96-97 achieving Commis de Cuisine with Le Sud and L’Est, Then to the Group Bernard L’Oiseaux at the 3 star Michelin Cote d’Or in Saeulieus (Demi Chef de Partie) and to the Paris showcase Tante Louise (Chef de Partie).

Head Pastry Chef is Pierre Gobert recruited by the Charkos family in 2008. He has been the creative force behind the delicious and ever expanding range of macarons at La Renaissance. He has been promoted to head the team of patissiers at Baroque. The shop front at La Renaissance remains and his mouth watering treats are available from both properties

Gobert graduated from the fine Pastry School: Les Compagnons du Devoir in France in 1999. He then worked as Pastry Chef in a variety of Patisseries including Café Pâtisserie Antoine in Bordeaux, Casabielle in Marseilles and Boulangerie Renaudon-Périgueux in Périgueux before a year as pastry chef in Madrid at La Tahoma de Alain.

Baroque is a perfect place for showcasing Sydney to visitors, entertaining clients, or a meal with friends. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a traditional and contemporary French menu, which includes cutting edge pastries and sweets to either eat in house or take away.

Baroque is open Monday to Sunday 8.00am until 11.59 pm.

For bookings go to www.baroquebistro.com.au  or call 02 92414811

Wins Two Awards In Opening Year

Marilynne Paspaley AM’s vision to create a world class hotel in Australia’s unique Kimberley region has been recognised with her new five star spa resort Pinctada Cable Beach winning two AHA Aon Hotel Awards for Excellence within its first six months of opening.

Pinctada Cable Beach was honoured at last night’s gala awards function, at Perth’s Burswood Entertainment Complex, winning both the Regional Accommodation Hotel/Resort of the Year and also the Accommodation Hotel/Resort Restaurant Award for its signature restaurant SELENE Brasserie.

Pinctada Cable Beach, a $33 million development and the first full service hotel to be built in Broome for two decades, was officially opened on August 5 after a soft opening in May.

The intimate 72-room spa resort reflects the colours and textures of the Kimberley landscape and pays homage to the rich heritage and eclectic culture of the famous pearling town of Broome.

In accepting the awards last night Marilynne Paspaley AM, Founder and Managing Director of Pinctada Hotels & Resorts, spoke of her passion for the Kimberley, gained largely through her family’s rich pearling heritage, as well as her vision to create a hotel that celebrates Broome – its history and cultural influences, its architecture that makes sense of the climate, its vibrant colours and its harsh but magnificent landscape that is the desert meeting the sea.

“The Kimberley is a world class destination and my vision was to create a world class resort in this unique region,” she said. “Pinctada Cable Beach is one of only four hotels to be built in Western Australia in the past 20 years and I am delighted that we have been honoured with these awards within our first six months of opening.”

SELENE Brasserie, the only regional finalist in the coveted Accommodation Hotel/Resort Restaurant Award category, features a signature menu designed by multi-award winning chef Greg Malouf of MoMo to suit the Broome climate and fresh produce of the region.

The Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean inspired menu is enjoyed in an environment that offers quality service and cuisine while also reflecting the relaxed and free spirit of Broome.

At SELENE Brasserie, an ambience of understated elegance is enhanced by original artwork and handpicked furnishings and décor that reflect the colours of the Broome landscape.

“It has been a pleasure working with consulting chef, Greg Malouf of MoMo,” Marilynne Paspaley said. “Both Greg and I acknowledge, however, that it is Pinctada Cable Beach’s Executive Chef Craig Hillis and his kitchen brigade, who have embraced this style of cuisine and delivered excellence from the first day of trade.

“They continue to surprise and delight our hotel guests with their skill and are developing a strong local following as well.”

Pinctada Cable Beach was also a finalist for the Resort Style Accommodation award. McAlpine House, Pinctada Hotels & Resorts’ boutique escape in Broome, was also a finalist in all three nominated categories – the Superior Accommodation Award, the Regional Accommodation Hotel/Resort of the Year and also the Concierge and Guest Services Provider Award. McAlpine House was honoured at last year’s awards as the inaugural winner of the Best Regional Accommodation Hotel/Resort of the Year – Boutique Style.

The Pinctada Hotels & Resorts portfolio of hotels in the Kimberley also includes Captain Kennedy House – a five-bedroom former Master Pearler’s home in Broome and The Kimberley Grande, a homestead-style resort in Kununurra, the gateway town to the wonders of the East Kimberley.

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur has been named among the “World’s Most Exclusive Hotels” by Forbes.com, the online edition of the Forbes magazine.

The magazine included 11 hotels in the list of the “World’s Most Exclusive Hotels,” including The Ritz, Paris; Four Seasons, Punta Mita, Mexico; Jade Mountain, St. Lucia; and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Capetown, South Africa.

The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is conceived as a traditional Indian palace.

Spread over 30 acres of landscape on the banks of Lake Pichola, the hotel features courtyards and walkways, fountains, reflecting pools and gardens.

Offering spacious guestrooms with private terraces and many with swimming pools, large marble bathrooms that overlook walled courtyards, restaurants that serve traditional Rajasthani, Indian and International cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool and an Oberoi Spa,

The Oberoi Udaivilas also offers private yoga, meditations and Paranayam sessions.

For more information, visit www.oberoigroup.com