Local Cuisine With Award-Winning Chefs From Our Last Two Seasons

Local Cuisine With Award-Winning Chefs From Our Last Two Seasons


DE 304 | Award Winning Chefs

Food is at the heart of any travel experience. In this special episode, Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth list their top four chefs from all over the world that they’ve featured over the last two seasons. Check-in and get to know who made the list and where you can visit their restaurants for an out-of-this-world, local cuisine dining experience. Stay tuned!

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in Hong Kong to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.americanmeetings.com.

Watch the episode here

Local Cuisine With Award-Winning Chefs From Our Last Two Seasons

Our Favorite Award-Winning Chefs and Their Top Cuisine

Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth list their top four favorite chefs from all over the world, featured in the last two seasons of Destination Everywhere.

Sarah Grueneberg

Sarah is the owner of Monteverde restaurant and Pastificio in Chicago’s West Loop. She offers Italian dishes influenced by her travels, combining traditional Italian methods with some unconventional delicious ingredients. Our recommended menu? Try the Tortellini in Brodo on your next visit.

Dean Fearing

Also known as the “Father of Southwestern Cuisine,” Dean hails from further south in Dallas, Texas. He worked as a chef at The Mansion at Turtle Creek for a while and now has his own restaurant called Fearings in partnership with Ritz-Carlton, coined as the number one hotel dining in the U.S., according to Zagat. Dean is a jack of all trades, and on top of being a restaurateur, he is also an author, kitchen designer, and he’s part of a band consisting of local chefs. If you must try anything from his restaurant, we recommend ordering his Tortilla Soup.

Rudy Stefan

Rudi Stefan is a self-taught chef from Sibenik, Croatia. He is the owner of Pelegrini, a Michelin star restaurant and is known for using natural local ingredients. Located across the Cathedral of St. James, the place offers an amazing outdoor experience on top of great cuisine. Check out their incredible seafood menu on your next visit.

José Avillez

Chef Jose is a Portuguese chef whose focus is making Portugal a top gastronomic destination and is considered one of the premier experts in Portuguese cuisine. If you want to visit his restaurant and have a culinary experience you won’t get, visit his two-star Michelin restaurant, Belcanto at Lisbon and Porto. Make sure to book your reservations early because as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, it’s the place to be for traveling foodies.

Make sure to tune in next season for more amazing chefs, incredible cuisine, and top-notch culinary recommendations that will satisfy your worldly travel cravings.

Top 6 Hotels In Philadelphia

Top 6 Hotels In Philadelphia


DE 33| Incentive Trips

 

Planning a meeting in Philadelphia is easy when local hotels are historic, award-winning, and offer luxury amenities. From short walks to the Liberty Bell to dinner with panoramic city views, here are our top hotels in Philadelphia. Fall in love with history in this mesmerizing city while enjoying top-notch cuisine from the best restaurants. Business travelers will be sure to find great lodging in these most exquisite amenities. 

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in Philadelphia to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.americanmeetings.com.

Watch the episode here:

Top 6 Hotels In Philadelphia

With just a one-hour train ride south of New York, you will reach Philadelphia. A place rich in history, the City of Brotherly Love is home to the Liberty Bell, the famous Rocky steps, and the house of Betsy Ross, among many others. It is also where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. 

If you plan to visit Philadelphia, one of the first things you should be looking for is the hotel. But besides its room accommodations and housekeeping services, you must also take into consideration its overall feel and the most exciting amenities it houses. 

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth have visited Philadelphia many times before. Besides their personal travels, they have also done a lot of business here. Revisiting their memories and experiences, they explore six of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in Philadelphia. They dive deep into what to find within its walls, the food it offers, and the nearby places for each establishment that every visitor would love to see. 

1. Four Seasons Hotel

Originally located in the Logan, the Four Seasons Hotel at Comcast Center is now downtown. Andy and Todd’s favorite feature is the mesmerizing panoramic view that offers an amazing sight when the whole city lights up at night. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • Jean-Georges Restaurant is located on the hotel’s 59th floor. The place has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a lovely view. 

2. Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Even with several branches worldwide, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Philadelphia stands out because of its unique architectural design. Located at the former Girard Trust Building, this place is a favorite choice for business meetings and events. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The bank’s former vault is now one of the most requested meeting places, which is now known as the Grand Ballroom. All the walls are warped and carry great history. 

3. Rittenhouse Hotel

Featuring high-end service and experience, the Rittenhouse Hotel was voted as the top hotel in the Mid-Atlantic by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020, receiving a score of 99.55. It is known as the gem of the city center. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The hotel restaurant features a chef’s table and six custom menu options for a wholesome and memorable dining experience.
  • The Library Bar located across the street from the hotel offers easy access for a place to unwind. 

4. Logan Hotel

Formerly the Four Seasons, the Logan Hotel takes pride in its helpful staff, fashionable amenities, and overall luxurious atmosphere. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • An enticing farm-to-table restaurant. 
  • Philadelphia’s City Hall, located near the hotel, is arguably the prettiest one in the entire United States. 
  • The Philadelphia Museum of Art down the road, where the famous Rocky Stairs can be found. 

5. Hotel Monaco

Hotel Monaco is a paradise for history lovers since it can be found near the most important landmarks in the foundation of the United States. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The Independence Hall nearby where the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed. 
  • Betsy Ross’ house down the street, known as the birthplace of America. 

6. Loews hotel

Similar to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in terms of history, it is located in the city’s first skyscraper and landmark of the PSFS Building, which was once a bank. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The bank’s old banking room is now a three-story banquet space. It is a wonderful space for single events or those traveling in the city, complete with the original marble safe and cardiac clocks. 
  • A butcher’s block restaurant right off the lobby, featuring great steaks and cuts. 

See more of Andy and Todd’s many escapade reviews at www.destination-everywhere.com. 

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