On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Adam Teeter, New York-based Co-founder and CEO of VinePair.   Adam and Josh Malin Co-founded VinePair ten years ago and together they’ve grown the platform into the largest multi-media publication about wine, beer and spirits in America, reaching almost 40 million people a month.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️Remake the industry in a new image ☑️Journalism through the lens of the glass ☑️Educating the next generation  ☑️How drinks culture has shifted over the past 10 years ☑️Cocktail culture is dominating ..read more

Our next guests are Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral, Co-founders of The Equiano Rum Company, creators of the world’s first African and Caribbean rums. This pioneering venture not only celebrates the rich heritage of rum but also champions the values of freedom and equality, inspired by the legendary figure Olaudah Equiano.   Ian, known globally as the Rum Ambassador, has spent decades entertaining and educating audiences about the diverse and exhilarating world of rum. He is the visionary behind The UK RumFest, which has inspired a wave of similar festivals worldwide. Ian is one of the most ..read more

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Rita Jammet, New York-based restaurateur, hospitality advisor and Founder of La Caravelle Champagne.   Rita and her husband André owned and operated the iconic New York French restaurant, La Caravelle. The New York Times described La Caravelle as a “French Legend and a Paris in Manhattan experience to food enthusiasts and the A-list of American society.”    After closing La Caravelle restaurant in 2004, Rita started to market and distribute La Caravelle Champagne available in a number of distinguished New Yor ..read more

Our next guest bathes throughout the year in an energy of potential and is constantly on a journey of exploration and discovery.   Meet Jhonatan Cano, restaurateur, travel enthusiast, and global citizen. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Jhonatan always had a deep yearning to discover the world. He began his career in award-winning hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and Conrad Hotel. Later, he joined José Andrés and the ThinkFoodGroup as an integral team member of the flagship Minibar and Barmini.   Jhonatan is now a Partner and Director of Operations for Hive Hospitality ..read more

On this episode of the High Tea series, Bill Esparza, Los Angeles-based James Beard Award winning writer and author of LA Mexicano.   Bill is a leading authority on Latin American cuisine as a freelance writer for publications such as New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Eater; he’s also appeared on several food television programs.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️Travel always inspires him to discover more ☑️Afro-Mexican cuisine of Oaxaca  ☑️”The indigenous-exchange” ☑️Brief history of Afro-Mexican people ☑️Evolution of Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles  ..read more

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Esther Tseng, Los Angeles-based food, drinks and culture writer.   Esther is an Academy Chair of the USA West region for The World’s 50 Best Bars and has served as judge for the James Beard Foundation. She has contributed to numerous publications like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Eater, Civil Eats, Saveur, Resy, VICE, Time Out and many more.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️Esther’s recent tasting menu experiences  ☑️National Geographic walking guide of Los Angeles ..read more

Daniel Johnnes, truly needs no introduction. He is a luminary in the wine industry, renowned for his leadership and community-building efforts. As one of America’s pioneering sommeliers—one of our forefathers in the field, if you will—Daniel has dedicated decades to mentoring and educating the next generation of wine professionals.   Daniel is the visionary founder of several prestigious wine events and initiatives. He established La Paulée, an annual celebration inspired by the traditional Burgundian harvest festival, which brings together top winemakers and wine lovers from around the w ..read more

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Mike Jordan, Atlanta-based journalist and Senior Editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.   As Senior Editor, Mike leads the media brand “UATL,” which focuses on Black culture. Just last week, Mike won the James Beard Foundation’s 2024 Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award for coverage of Atlanta. He’s also an executive board member for the Atlanta Press Club. His work has been featured in National Geographic, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Southern Living, and other national and international publi ..read more

On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Xanthe Clay, UK-based chef and food writer with 25 years of experience as a Telegraph columnist.   For the past 11 years Xanthe’s been The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy Chair for UK and Ireland. At the Telegraph she provides guidance on everything from roasting a Christmas turkey to baking the perfect loaf of bread. She’s also focused on taking a deep-dive into topical issues such as ultra processed foods, ethical farming and sustainability.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️Chef’s are more connected to where ..read more

As the Beatles sang in their 1967 hit, “All You Need is Love,” they weren't just referring to the love of another but also the love of oneself. Our next Hot Spot guest, Chef Jordan Kahn, is writing a new chapter in his career, focused on redefining success and joy through love.   Jordan honed his skills under culinary icons like Thomas Keller, Grant Achatz, and Michael Mina. He has been at the forefront of LA’s culinary scene with his restaurants—Destroyer, an informal daytime spot serving sophisticated, wholesome fare; Meteora, a transporting, holistic restaurant focusing on live-fire co ..read more