F & B : Authenticity
authentic An sip
Mixology lessons , such as the pisco sour class at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco in Cusco , Peru , are a big draw for curious guests . s ipping a local beer or cup of freshly roasted coffee is the at-the-heartof-it-all experience travelers crave ; offering a local beverage option is a low-stakes way for hotels to be more authentic . But some hotels are taking locally sourced beverages to the next level through local collaborations and creative classes .
The W Taipei in Taiwan is one such property . Working with local North Taiwan Brewery , the W Taipei team created 5BEER for the property ’ s WOOBAR . “ Taiwan is famous for its beer and we have discovered a few breweries producing high-quality ones ,” says Cary Gray , general manager , W Taipei . “ We had a lot of fun brainstorming and tasting with the team .” Since its debut earlier this year , 5BEER has been a top seller , popular with local and international guests , according to Gray . Meanwhile , at the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco in Cusco , Peru , guests learn about Cusco ’ s history and culture while mastering the national cocktail — the pisco sour .
“ Cusco is one of the world ’ s best destinations for gastronomy and we want to make sure our F & B program reflects that ,” says Cecilia Rispa , destination sales manager , JW Marriott El Convento Cusco . “ Beyond native dishes , the pisco sour is a big part of our culture , and the best way to experience it is a hands-on approach .”
In Miami Beach , Circa 39 Hotel partners with local Wynwood Brewing Company to walk guests through the brewing process before treating them to a flight of beers . “ The concept has been very well received ,” says Tanja Morariu , director of brand development , Circa 39 Hotel . “ It has helped create awareness about these hidden gems within our city and the community of locals building and reviving Miami ’ s heritage neighborhoods .”
Focused on connecting guests with their destination , Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is betting big on authenticity in beverage programs . Set to open in 2017 , the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Cabo Riviera will feature a Baja Culinary Campus , according to Guy Rigby , Four Seasons ’ vice president of food and beverage , America . The new resort will have its own distillery where guests can learn how fruit nectar is distilled to make the resort ’ s own labels of aguardientes , or “ fire waters ,” potent spirits made from fruits , vegetables , grains and sugar cane that will be grown on the resort ’ s farm .
42 HOTELS October 2015 www . hotelsmag . com