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Palm Beach Profile: The Dish on ‘Knife Fight’ Celebrity Chef Sean Brasel

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

As Meat Market’s very own Chef Sean Brasel prepares to duel it out in the kitchen on the Esquire Network during Season 4 of Knife Fight, our team went behind the scenes to get the real dish on Palm Beach’s celebrity chef. (Watch the episode during a Special Happy Hour at Meat Market on Tuesday, November 17th. Limited Attendance, RSVP below.)

Born and raised in Colorado, Chef Brasel launched his career as sous chef at Cliff Young’s in Denver. He attended Madeleine Kamman’s School for American Chefs in Napa Valley and shortly after began his business as a restaurant consultant. Chef Brasel and his business partner, David Tornek, opened several restaurants in Denver before moving to Miami, Fla where they introduced two restaurant’s to the South Beach scene. Meat Market was created as a modern take on the classic American steakhouse, now raved about from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Miami and Palm Beach, Florida. Keep on reading to find out who Chef Brasel refers to as “Beethoven in the Kitchen”, what culinary trips he is planning next, as well as what to look forward to at Meat Market during the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival MIAMI TAKEOVER.

Altima: What dishes should guests look out for this season?
Chef Sean Brasel: Developing a new Dover Sole and adding a rotating Mixed Grill featuring exotic cuts of meat, working on some fresh salads featuring local farms.

Altima: Who do you look up to in your industry? Why?
Chef Sean Brasel: There are so many talented chefs and restaurateurs out there, I really can’t name just one, but if I was too I am in awe of the mastermind Grant Achatz. He is like Beethoven in the kitchen.

Altima: We read your bio on the Meat Market website where it states, “Brasel and Tornek focused much of their attention on bringing the American steakhouse into the 21st century with Meat Market.” What need did you see in the American steakhouse that you wanted to change?
Chef Sean Brasel: There isn’t anything specific we wanted to change, we just thought doing it our way is a little more different than the old connotation of the dark wood classic cigar smoking steakhouse.

Altima: When did you know you wanted to be a chef?
Chef Sean Brasel: I loved cooking ever since I was young; I just didn’t realize it could be a reality until I was 19.

Altima: How do you get your inspiration?
Chef Sean Brasel: Inspiration comes from many different sources, sometimes just touring a farm and tasting a delicious fresh mango or strawberry can give you inspiration. As a chef, I am an avid reader and always looking to learn new techniques and patterns in cooking. That also gives inspiration when you read a cool idea and you say to yourself, “Wow, I never thought of combining those flavors.”

Altima: Favorite kitchen equipment or gadget?
Chef Sean Brasel: I am falling back to basics and am really in love with my mortar pesto. It’s a way of crushing for flavor without the electronic things that we have come to depend on. It really makes you think about the outcome of the product thru process.

Altima: Best cooking tip for a novice in the kitchen (Especially for the holidays…)
Chef Sean Brasel: Plan your menu! Planning is execution and without proper planning, you can overcook things or have items not made correctly as your rushed to finish them.

Altima: What do you consider your proudest moment in life?
Chef Sean Brasel: Very tough question. I once catered a Super Bowl event for 3500 people at Miami Bayside. Most of the staff were culinary students. It was nothing but work for 2 weeks straight, and lots of organizing but once that event was running perfectly, it felt so amazing.

Altima: Where do you enjoy spending your weekends?
Chef Sean Brasel: I enjoy working on Saturday nights, and sleeping in on Sunday and going to brunch.

Altima: Top 3 Happy Hours in and around Palm Beach?
Chef Sean Brasel: I don’t know. With the exception of Meat Market. I don’t get the chance to explore different Happy Hours as much as I’d like.

Altima: Next vacation?
Chef Sean Brasel: I am going to Japan and Guam in November cooking some fabulous Certified Angus Beef Steaks for a few select dinners.

Altima: Any pets?
Chef Sean Brasel: Not right now. I do miss my old dog.

Altima: What do you normally wear outside of the kitchen?
Chef Sean Brasel: If I am not in my gym workout clothes, then I am in jeans and a t-shirt

Altima: Biggest pet peeve?
Chef Sean Brasel: I have a big pet peeve with my cooks who tell me the easy answer versus telling me the truth like, “Chef I burnt this product.” Instead blaming everyone else who supposedly turned up the oven or the flame.

Altima: What are some of the highlights we can look forward to at Meat Market’s MIAMI TAKEOVER during the annual Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival?
Chef Sean Brasel: Miami Takeover in Palm Beach will have some amazing chefs in Miami working together. We are working on creating something different to bring to Palm Beach by featuring our own take on what Miami cuisine is and how we can use one specific local product to showcase our individual culinary twist of Miami flavors. The lineup features some of the best culinary talent in Miami right now and I’m excited to get cooking with them!

Knife Fight, Equire Network feat. Meat Market’s Chef Sean Brasel
NOVEMBER 17TH | 9 PM EST
Looking for tickets to the Knife Fight? Our club members are invited to cheer on Chef Brasel as he competes for the title of ‘Culinary Master of the Universe’. The screening will allow guests to watch the show a week before airdate. Meat Market will provide Happy Hour pricing for bar guests and complimentary bites that Chef Brasel created while on the show (These dishes have never before been seen on the menu!)
RSVP HERE

 

 

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UBER-ly Excited for the Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show!

If you are quick, you might have already caught on to the title. It is true, the 13th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show is not only going to spoil you with its stellar array of coveted artistry, but Uber’s rideshare services, the Show’s new partner, will make your experience seamless. Before heading out to one of the most anticipated ART shows at the Palm Beach County Convention Center this season, remember to a) download the Uber app if you have not already and b) plugin code “FINECRAFT” (New users only) for a complimentary ride (up to $20) to or from the venue.  The code will be activated in February.

Each year in late February, thousands of art connoisseurs, interior designers, curious locals and tourists make plans to spend part (if not all) of the weekend perusing the impressive showcase dubbed the #1 Fine Craft Show in America” by  Art Fair Source Book. From February 26-28 2016, the convention center will feature 135 of the nation’s top contemporary craft artists who have mastered the intricacies of glass, ceramics, sculpture, furniture, fashion, jewelry and more.

Altima’s idea to form the partnership between Uber and PBFCS came as the solution for an easy parking option which allows patrons and special guests to avoid long lines at the valet parking or self-parking. Read more from Alexandra Clough of the Palm Beach Post Blog, “Who ya gonna call? Uber, if you’re attending convention center show”.

If you are interested in hearing more about Altima’s Public Relations and Marketing services for your events, CLICK HERE.

 

 

 

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

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Racial murders happening in our own backyard…… Thank you One Jupiter for raising awareness through exhibit of Guatemalan Art and local history

I’m always asked to click the right box.. Am I Hispanic/Latino  or Caucasian?  It was an added plus when applying to Ivy League colleges, as there was a quota to be filled, but for some reason,years later, I’ve continued to click the ‘Latino’ box… It’s just something I’ve always done in an effort to champion opportunities for fellow Hispanics who will go way beyond what is required to prove themselves.   Recent vocalizations by running officials and hate crimes this past month have made me more passionate…I’ve witnessed first-hand employees who have crossed the Rio Grande, lost a spouse during their treacherous trip at the hands of greedy smugglers, only because they were eager to work hard, pay taxes/social security (which they do) .  In my case, the surviving spouse continued to pay taxes hoping to become legalized, and sent whatever was left to her children in Guatemala… (like her there are so many…) 

Then we hear about 18 year old Onesimo Marcelino Lopez-Ramos...who came to this country to support his family in Guatemala.  An aspiring young chef, murdered because the color of his skin.  Funds needed to be raised to ship his body back to Guatemala.. Ironic, as he was trying to bring his family here legally, and he is sent back in a body bag ONLY after monies were raised to ship him back….A tragedy which never would have happened without the HATE involved, and triggered by some of our influential community leaders.

So here’s the good news:

One Jupiter Community event is a Jupiter community initiative, created with the collaboration  of El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center,  Jupiter Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta and the Town of Jupiter Community Center all of whom decided to make a difference with an extensive exhibition of Guatemalan art and local history on display at the Jupiter Community Center beginning on September 10th.    We are All one and we need to remember that!

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In addition, please join the Jupiter Lighthouse ArtCenter as they celebrate Guatemalan Legacy and remember Onesimo on September 18th.  Event is free for all ages and will begin at 5:30 pm at Jupiter Community Center, 200 Military Trail.  At 6pm, there will be showing of the documentary film, “Brother Towns.” The film is the story of two towns linked by immigration, family and work: Jacaltenango, a highland Maya town in Guatemala; and Jupiter, our coastal town where many Jacaltecos have settled. Following the film will be a discussion led by Jamie Stuve (President and CEO of the Loxahatchee River Historical Society), Dr. Timothy Steigenga (Professor of Political Sciences and Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences at Florida Atlantic University) and Jeronimo Camposeco (advocate and expert in social and anthropological research including consulting on farm worker labor practices and Maya culture for various universities).

Read more 

To help Onesimo’s family with expenses, please visit www.youcaring.com/inmemoryofonesimo  they have raised $1,150, but they’re not at the finish line yet…

For more information on how to get involved, contact Cynthia Trone, Director of Education at the Lighthouse ArtCenter School of Art, cynthia@lighthousearts.org,

(561) 748-8737.

 

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They’re Back! Just wait till you see what they brought with them…

Just when we thought we had lost them to some exotic destination, Nadine Kalachnikoff and Lars Bolander unexpectedly surprises us with yet another pioneering endeavor! And lucky for us, it’s happening in our backyard! We shouldn’t be surprised, as this dynamic creative duo– icons of design, style and fabulous taste— have always been ahead of the eight ball… World travelers in search of the unique and beautiful, Lars and Nadine have created a bazaar-style shopping experience where we may all share in the experience of their world travels…

I had to pop in to check it out. Of course it’s off the beaten path, but then again aren’t all treasures? Among their latest acquisitions from their summer travels to Greece, London and Sweden:  Hand-painted plates from Greece which Nadine naturally needed to alter so they are ‘made to order’. When asked if I could see the website, she was appalled!

“Website? He’s an aging artisan from Greece!” So I guess we have to wait until the doors open to see what they have in store.  Next Stop? India.

Nadine and Lars will be hosting ‘visiting’ artists and designers this season in their ‘out of the box’ warehouse-style studio located at 1696 Old Okeechobee.  Stay tuned for calendar of upcoming exhibits and news!

For those of you who want to be kept in the loop, and travel the world within your backyard,visit

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-1696/605969822873983?sk=info&tab=overview

and ‘like’ their page.

 

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Chisholm Gallery – A Treasure Trove for True Collectors

 

While driving through Wellington last week, I popped by to visit Jeanne Chisholm, an old friend and owner of the Chisholm Gallery, known as a leading international dealer of polo and sporting art for over 30 years.  I was a accompanied by an avid sailor who also happens to be a serious art collector.  He was immediately drawn to a spectacular oil on canvas by Isabella Monari called “Regata blu 1” pictured here.  I was drawn to Monari’s stunning fencing scenes! That was just a sampling  of so many fabulous pieces on display at the gallery.  Jeanne’s impressive collection currently on view include watercolors by Hungarian artist Elmyr de Hory (think F For Fake by Orson Welles,)  polo paintings of legendary Pete Bostwick and Tommy Hitchcock by Lisa Bostwick, and fine art limited edition black & white photographs by Francesco Scavullo: Think Sting, Jagger, Bacall, Sophia, Pavarotti, Lisa, Glenn etc… Scavullo created the COSMO GIRL His photographs graced the covers of Vogue, Rolling Stone, Life, Time, Newsweek, Town and Country, Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Glamour, Harper’s and Queen, L’Officiel and Max.

View Regata blu 1 details and view more of Isabella Monari works of art.

Lovers of the finest in Sporting and Polo Art: Stay tuned for so much more from Chisholm Gallery this season!

 Or discover for yourself!

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VIP Access to InList now available to Altima Elite subscribers

We’re thrilled to offer our Elite subscribers the opportunity to become InList VIP members and have access to the hottest and most exclusive events in 45 cities and jet-set destinations around the world. InList’s cutting-edge technology also includes an in-app concierge with complete, live service only a tap away.

Co-founded by nightlife mogul/developer/philanthropist Michael Capponi and software engineer Gideon Kimbrell, this mobile app’s latest features include “I’m on my way” and “I’m in” buttons, which notify both the venue and personal concierge of the customer’s arrival to ensure seamless assistance until the member is “in”.  So whether it’s Fashion Week in Paris, a movie premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, or a reservation at a local restaurant, InList has your hassle-free access to these highly curated events around the world

See what Fox News 5 says and understand what VIP Access means at www.inlist.com.

 To receive Exclusive VIP Membership, download the app, sign up, and request VIP with our code: AltimaPB

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Hublot POLO CUB Gstaad and MENUHIN Festival

Famous for its winter season, Gstaad has been a destination for the who’s who– celebrities, Royals and jet-setters from across the globe since the early 1900’s — some who enjoy the skiing and but most who relish the après-ski scene-   So its only natural that Gstaad would host the Hublot Polo Cup Gstaad, as it is the ‘Sport of Kings’.

The Gstaad Polo Club is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary, from August 13th to August 16th. In addition to Hublot, sponsors include Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza, E. I. Sturdza Investment Funds, McLaren Geneva, Gstaad Palace, Vicomte A., Perrier Jouët champagne and Dunhill to name but a few.

Polo aficionados who appreciate the finest music has to offer, will have the opportunity to enjoy the Menuhin Festival which began July 16th and continues through September 5th.  Even on top of the summits of our mountains, you can hear the gentle sound of the music…

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13th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show — a Destination for collectors

The 13th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show as this year’s show promises to drive even more cultural tourism to Palm Beach County, given the added surprises up its sleeve.  This year the event has added a charitable component to engage some of the country’s most prominent collectors.   The by-invitation only party will be held Friday, February 26th.  Appropriately billed “Head to Toes”, the reception will benefit three organizations that improve children’s lives, through the art and education to enrich their minds, down to the shoes that will protect their feet.

Considered to be the #1 Fine Craft Show in the Country based on artist’s sales by Art Fair Source Book, a leading resource in the industry, the juried event will showcase and offer for sale a unique and vetted selection of contemporary American fine craft.

Cultural Tourists typically stay longer and spend more when visiting a destination. This year the show will be bigger and better than ever, with over 135 master and emerging artists from all over the country convening at our show,” says Elizabeth Kubie, Director of the Palm Beach Fine Craft Show.

Click Here to receive updates on the Palm Beach Fine Craft Show

 

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Masterpiece 2015 London complimentary invitations

Attending  The Masterpiece Fair once was enough for me to make sure it’s on my calendar every year. There is nothing else like it!! Seeing my favorite Worth Avenue gallery, The Silver Fund, with their special pieces of silver and 20th century furniture in a knock-out stand, shine amongst the 150 galleries from across the globe made it ultra special.

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The museum-quality works with superb provenance and London’s finest restaurants within the luxurious marquis, including Le Caprice, Scott’s, and The Ivy are enough reasons for true ‘connoisseurs’ to schedule a visit to what many refer to as ‘the most civilized art fair in arguably the most civilized city in the world.’ For those who prefer ‘people watching’, Masterpiece won’t let you down! We ran into part-time residents Rod and Penny Stewart as well as fashion designer Tom Ford on our first day!

Masterpiece-Tom-Ford--Rod-Stewart (2)For those of you who are en route to the UK to attend Ascot, Wimbledon or popping in to London on your way to the South of France, complimentary passes await you courtesy of The Silver Fund!

Don’t forget to check out the latest art exhibits and upcoming events online!
https://www.masterpiecefair.com

Just email dealers@thesilverfund.com

DATES & TIMES

Preview Day
Wednesday, June 24, 11am – 10pm

Fair Days
Thursday, June 25, 11am – 9pm
Friday, June 26, 11am – 9pm
Saturday, June 27, 11am – 7pm
Sunday, June 28, 11am – 7pm
Monday, June 29, 11am – 9pm
Tuesday, June 30, 11am – 6pm
Wednesday, July 1, 11am – 9pm

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Cuban Artist KADIR LOPEZ restores Havana’s Iconic Electric Theater Signs

“Alumbrando el Barrio” or “Lighting up the Neighborhood” will permanently illuminate ten theater signs in Havana. Unveiling will take place during the 12th Bienal de La Habana from May 21st to June 20th, 2015.

Cuban painter and sculptor, Kadir Lopez Nieves, born in 1973 in rural Las Tunas, parlayed his artistic vision to transform historical icons into works of art. This year, during the 12th Bienal de La Habana, Kadir will unveil his in situ restoration project of ten of Havana’s neon and incandescent signs on the very theaters where for decades that have sat, rusting metal hulks, still attached to the buildings.

Havana, once graced by thousands of electric signs on theatres, stores, hotels and nightclubs, was a city of lights that rivaled even Paris in the 1950s. Thousands of neon and incandescent signs heralded the urban chic of Havana before the practice fell in to disfavor in the early 1960s and they slowly evaporated from the city’s skyline. The politically incorrect implications of the fabulous signage, as well as the maintenance required in the harsh, tropical climate propelled the signs into decay.

“…we all know about Cuba’s fleet of American cars. …I wonder what remains of Havana’s old neon signs. A little bit of Paris, a little bit of Vegas and a lot of South Beach, Havana was a city that positively glittered…” T. Rinaldi, NY Neon Blogspot

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During the last the last ten years, Kadir Lopez has focused on reclaiming many of the city’s old inventory of unused commercial baked enamel signage and has created extensive works of art, exhibiting in Cuba, Europe, Latin America, the US and Canada in both collective and one man shows. His work is exhibited in galleries, museums and private collections.

Increasingly unsatisfied with dichotomy of working in the studio and confining the work to the interiors of exhibition spaces, Mr. Lopez decided to move his works to the streets of Havana, thereby creating a new social practice he defines as En Poder Practica Social.

“…I was feeling confined in the studio and longed to share the beauty I find in the antique signs with my neighbors and other Habaneros. En Poder, or In-Power, if you will, stands for the empowerment of the people of the city through my work, playing with the concept of electricity and illumination. Our motto is “Relighting the Neighborhood, and that is exactly what we intend to do.” Kadir Lopez Nieves

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Today, Havana is a city with a new vigor and energy that is quickly reclaiming old traditions and creating new ones. With a keen consciousness of this throughout his body of work, Kadir Lopez Nieves will move out of his studio and into the streets of Havana in force during the upcoming Bienal de La Habana, breathing new life into the electric signs that are the equivalent of the rolling stock of antique American cars that grace the city’s streets. He will also participate in three important exhibitions with related works and deeper insights into his En Poder Practica Social project.

“I look forward to doing my part in relighting the neighborhoods of my beloved Havana. I am committed to work on preserving and relighting every single sign that still stands in the city….for as long as it takes.” Kadir Lopez Nieves
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Theatre Locations of Signs to be illuminated during “Alumbrando El Barrio”:

-ALAMEDA/Santa Catalina Y Parraga,
Vivora -ACAPULCO/Avenida 26 esquina Ave kohly,
Alturas del Vedado -APOLO/Diez de Octubre numero 446 -ARENAL/(ave 47 y calle 30 , playa)Columbia y 6.
La Sierra -ARSENAL/Casablanca -CITY HALL/Ayestarán y San Pablo,Plaza
For complete list, contact Mr. Adolfo Nodal adolfovnodal@gmail.com /310 808 3594
or visit www.kadirlopez.com
https://www.facebook.com/enpoderpracticasocia

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