In-N-Out Burger Pop-Up In Singapore Sells Out In Less Than 5 Minutes

by Jessica Festa on

Who knew locals of one of the most world-renowned food destinations on Earth would go crazy over American burgers?

On July 24, an In-N-Out Burger pop-up restaurant opened in Singapore, lasting less than five minutes before they were completely sold out of patties. Originally scheduled to run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., locals began lining up for the event at 9:30 a.m. By that time, 300 wristbands, which were necessary to claim one burger per person, had already been distributed.

According to CNNGo, the passionate response was due to the chain’s legacy of being “the” place to get great fast food. Even celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay admit to chowing down on their Animal Style burgers.

The first In-N-Out Burger opened in 1948 in Los Angeles, and has since spread to various locations around the western United States. However, after the response from the pop-up, In-N-Out Burger may want to consider opening a permanent shop in Singapore.

[Image via chunkysalsa]

Tokyo Celebrates Summer With Their Annual Eel Day

by Jessica Festa on

While many Westerners picture watermelon, daiquiris and ice cream when they think of summer, Tokyo gets excited for their traditional treat, broiled eel. In fact, they even have a special day to commemorate the dish, Unagi no Hi, also known as Midsummer Day of the Ox, or Eel Day.

The annual event, which takes place every year at the end of July, took place on Friday, July 27. Apparently, the high content of oil in the animal’s flesh can provide locals with enough energy to get them through the remaining hot summer days. On the holiday, locals will head to their favorite restaurant serving eel to order the dish.

According to CNNGo, a bucket of live eels is traditionally kept under the floorboards of the restaurant, until ordered by a patron. Then, the animal is sliced into filets and pierced with bamboo skewers. From there, they are lightly grilled over charcoal before being steamed to soften the meat and release the oils. Finally, the eel is placed back on the charcoals to broil some more while basting. This method is known as kabayaki, and has been employed since Tokyo was called Edo.

Unfortunately, Tokyo’s neighborhoods are changing, as are people’s tastes. Not only that, but the decrease in eel supplies and the rising price of the dish make this once common meal an occasional splurge. For your next trip, you may want to consider visiting Tokyo to taste the tradition before it’s too late.

[Image via Alpha]

Colombiamoda 2012: Fashion And Culture In Colombia

by Jessica Festa on

For those with an interest in travel, fashion and culture, Colombia hosted their annual Colombiamoda fashion event this past week, from July 24-26. The event is world-renowned, with over 30,000 industry professionals from 46 countries coming from all over the world to attend. In fact, Colombiamoda is such an important happening; it helped place Medellin on the map as the “fashion capital of Colombia.”

It’s not just attractive models and high-end retailers that make Colombiamoda such a hit, but the fact that fashion and textiles play a very important role in the city. Medellin is often considered the industrial capital of Colombia, with textiles being one of their biggest areas of commerce. Fifty-three percent of total exports of finished clothing go to countries like the United States, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador and Europe. Moreover, the industry generates 30 percent of Medellin’s employment.

%Gallery-161283%The event is also important because of Colombia’s stance as a major influence on world fashion. For one, garments are high quality and unique but cost very little to make. Additionally, many popular brands are produced there, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein, Dockers, Gap, Levi Strauss, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. Locals take great pride in their city’s reputation, and designers at the show often have their garments reflect the culture and lifestyle of Colombia.

Visitors also got a taste of Mexican fashion from international guest and designer Christian Cota, who based his pieces on the story of an American girl in love with Mexican culture. Cota used craft traditions of the Aztec country roots and handmade garments for his creations.

Looking to attend other major fashion events during fashion season? Upcoming Fashion Weeks include:

  • New York- September 6 to 13, 2012
  • London- September 14 to 18, 2012
  • Milan- September 18 to 24, 2012
  • Paris- September 25 to October 3, 2012
  • Tokyo- October 14 to 24, 2012

As of now, Colombiamoda 2013 is set for July 23 to 25. For a more visual idea of the event, check out the gallery above.

[photos via Proexport]

Olympic Athlete Kicked Out Of Olympics After Racist Tweet

by Jessica Festa on

July 27 will mark the first day of the Olympic Games, and participating athletes are certainly excited. Many are even taking to social media to express their feelings and, while mostly positive, some are having a bit of trouble watching what they say.

This was the case for Greek triple jumper and track and field athlete Voula Papachristou, who tweeted a racist comment in her native language about African immigrants. According to Digital Trends, the tweet translated to, “With so many Africans in Greece … At least the West Nile mosquitoes will eat home made food!!!”

After followers criticized the remark and called it insensitive, Papachristou deleted the comment and apologized on her Facebook page, saying she was “very sorry and ashamed” and “never wanted to offend anyone, or to encroach human rights.”

Unfortunately, the apology was not accepted, at least not by Olympic’s officials, and the athlete has been banned from competing.

Papachristou’s coach, George Pomaski, does not agree with the punishment, stating, “It’s too much, the penalty should not have been so strict. She has already apologized for her remarks. This is a big disappointment not only for her but for her family and for myself, and anyone involved in the Greek team.”

Do you think Papachristou’s punishment was too harsh?

Blake Shelton Cruise Brings Country To Sea, Kid Rock Not Worried

by Chris Owen on

The Blake Shelton cruise is coming up in October, marking the first-ever country music themed cruise. On a seven-day sailing from Miami, country music fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Shelton and some of the hottest names in country music. Believed to be the biggest act yet to sponsor a themed cruise, Shelton is in good company.

Called the Blake Shelton and Friends cruise, on board will be 25 country music artists performing live every night in multiple venues around the ship. Shelton will perform two live concerts during the cruise, a full-ship charter of Norwegian Pearl sailing from the port of Miami on October 15, 2012.

Taking fans to San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola and Nassau, the itinerary also includes three days at sea and performances by special guest Trace Adkins along with Neal McCoy, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin and more.As the first country music festival at sea, this one looks to be a bit tamer than some of the hard rock festivals we have reported on previously. Kid Rock’s 4th annual Chillin the Most cruise would be one extreme, along with the KISS cruise. On the other end of the entertainment at sea spectrum would be the Beatles Fans cruise or the Turner Classic Movies cruise. Somewhere in-between looks to be where the Blake Shelton version will find a home.

Sold out in several categories, cabins are still available. Information about pricing and booking is available on the Blake Shelton Cruise website.




[Photo via Blake Shelton Cruise]