Tailgating Across America Featured In New Travel Channel Series

by Chris Owen on

Tailgating happens at football games and other sporting events, concerts, festivals, fairs and just about any other place where Americans can set up a grill to celebrate before an event. At Super Bowl XLVII, coming up on February 3 in New Orleans, you can bet there will be plenty of tailgaters on hand. Chronicling tailgating all over the U.S., the Travel Channel has a new show coming up that promises to be a must-see for motivated fans who just can’t get enough pre-game hoopla.

The original Travel Channel series, “Tailgate Takeover,” will premiere this summer with 13 half-hour episodes hosted by food expert Adam Richman. Showing how some of the best NFL tailgaters party all football season, the show is set to detail some of the most amazing, over-the-top efforts by fans across the U.S.

“Travel Channel fan-favorite and food expert Adam Richman has crisscrossed the country sampling the most delicious and iconic food our nation has to offer. Now he’s back, to takeover tailgating like never before,” said Laureen Ong, President, Travel Channel in a TV By The Numbers report.

In parking lots of high schools, colleges and sports venues around the country, tailgating can start early and last as long as the actual event itself. Those planning tailgate parties have plans in place months in advance and come packed heavy with gear promoting their favorite team logo and colors.Can’t wait until summer? Looking for additional content for your own tailgating effort? Watch/record the Travel Channel’s Super Bowl Tailgate Takeover on Wednesday, January 30 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. a one-hour special featuring the most incredible tailgate experiences leading up to Super Bowl XLVII.

One of the best tailgating parties in the U.S. happens in Kansas City as we see Travel Channel alum Anthony Bourdain checking out the scene in this video:




[Photo Credit- Flickr user richelleantipolo]

Video: Zulu Dancing

by Elizabeth Seward on

“Amazing Dancing From The Zulu (kwaZulu-Natal)” from Alex Masterson on Vimeo.

The Zulu people of South Africa make up the largest ethnic group within the country. Mostly living in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, nearly 10-11 million Zulu people in the region now celebrate equal rights in South Africa. The Zulu culture is vibrant and fascinating. One of the most notable aspects of Zulu culture is Zulu dancing. Dancing is a community ritual within the Zulu tribe and most ceremonies feature dancing. Chants often accompany the Ingoma dances, which are considered to be one of the purest forms of Zulu dance. In this video from Vimeo user Alex Masterson, a small group of Zulu people dance a traditional dance.

Cruise Line Brings Heat To New York City

by Chris Owen on

Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing new 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway to New York City later this year to sail year-round to Florida, the Bahamas and Bermuda. Getting ready to be New York’s home town cruise line, Norwegian has engaged in partnerships with the New York City Rockettes, pop artist Peter Max and others. Norwegian Breakaway will even have Sabrett New York hot dog carts positioned around the ship in convenient places, much like on the streets of New York City.

Now, Norwegian is back on the streets of New York offering what they call “Warming Stations” around the city.

As part of their sponsorship with NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership of the City of New York, Norwegian Cruise Line is setting up three warming station events in New York City through the end of January.

The warming stations feature a large backdrop of Norwegian Breakaway along with heat lamps, sand and palm trees to give passers-by a warm, tropical feeling. Commuters passing through can visit, have their pictures taken with the backdrop like they might while boarding a cruise ship and enjoy a hot beverage.Upcoming dates and locations are:

January 14 – Flatiron Plaza
January 22 – 14th St. & 9th Ave.
January 28 – Times Square

And what would be a cruise-oriented event without something free given away?

The Warming Stations will feature instant-wins every hour where visitors can win tickets to either see “Rock of Ages” or eat at Geoffrey Zakarian’s restaurant, The National.

Featuring an oceanfront boardwalk called the Waterfront, Norwegian Breakaway will have shops, restaurants and bars combined with entertainment and gaming. A hub of activity spanning three decks is called 678 Ocean Place, featuring seven dining venues, 12 bars and lounges coupled with shops and other entertainment options.

Can’t wait for Norwegian Breakaway to arrive in May? Norwegian Cruise Lines has a micro-site set up all about the new ship and its features. Check this video for more:




[Photo Credit- Norwegian Cruise Lines]

Free Tropical Ice Skating Party Brings A Slice Of Florida To Wintry NYC

by Jessica Marati on

By now, most New Yorkers are over the thrill of winter’s first snow and eager for a little sunshine.

But if a tropical vacation isn’t in the cards right now, head down to The Rink at Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, January 16, where the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau will be holding a free tropical ice skating party to celebrate its new “Hello Sunny” marketing campaign.

“Tropical ice skating” might seem like an oxymoron, but Fort Lauderdale will certainly try. Look forward to beach balls, breezy music, swimsuit-clad ice dancers and an on-site “Beach on Wheels,” with models tossing out inflatable beach balls and distributing free sunglasses. There will also be free ice skating, including skate rental, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – a great chance to save on the regular $30 cost of admission.

And in case all the palm trees and beach umbrellas fail to distract you from the fact that it’s actually 35 degrees, a trip to Florida will also be raffled off.[Photo Credit: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau]

Cruise Line Brings Dining From The Sea To New York City

by Chris Owen on

Each cruise line seems to have its own focus and Celebrity Cruises is no exception. On board their “Modern Luxury” ships, Celebrity Cruises chefs create relevant, unforgettable dining experiences.

To take that message to New York City, perhaps to those who have never sailed before, Celebrity is coming to town with a pop-up restaurant featuring favorites from their onboard menus along with items that reflect the culinary feel of Manhattan.

Celebrity’s own James Beard-featured chef, John Suley, will be on hand for the event, which is open to the public with advance reservations.

To be held at The Kitchen NYC on January 29, 31, and February 1, 2013 for lunch ($40) or dinner ($75), the fresh-from-scratch meal also includes the services of master mixologist Junior Merino, aka The Liquid Chef, on hand with special (and included) concocted libations.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Celebrity Cruises Scholarship at The Culinary Institute of America, with a $10,000 donation guaranteed. Attendees will also be entered to win a Caribbean cruise for two on a Celebrity Cruises ship. Reservations are available from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. for dinner at celebritycruisespopupnyc.eventbrite.com.

This is not a first for Celebrity Cruises. Their pop-up restaurant debuted in San Francisco in 2012.

Want to know more about pop-up restaurants? Check out this video: