Burger Burger At Mall of America Launches New Menu Items

Last week, I stopped at Burger Burger’s Mall of American location. The fast-casual restaurant launched a number of new menu items, including cheese curds, mac-and-cheese bites, new chicken sandwiches and more. Visiting was a must.

Upon walking in, I was shocked at how quiet it was despite being packed full of customers. A sign that the food is too good to maintain a conversation with someone while chomping down on their burgers.

After eying their extensive menu and asking for a few recommendations, I finally made a decision. My choices included some of their all-time favorites and a few newer items: the Strawberry Cheesecake shake ($4.95), mac-and-cheese bites ($3.95), cheese curds ($3.95), Glazed & Confused burger ($7.95), dry rub chicken wings ($4.95) and their most popular burger, the John Wayne ($7.95).

The first thing, I sampled was the Strawberry Cheesecake shake, which is their most popular shake flavor. And for good reason, I could taste the fresh strawberries and graham cracker swirled together in creamy goodness. Shortly after, the rest of my large order arrived and the smell of the multiple different fried foods was already making me salivate.

Next, I tried the mac-and-cheese bites that were fresh out of the fryer and practically melted in my mouth. Then I went straight for the cheese curds, which were legendary Wisconsin curds breaded and fried to gooey perfection. They pulled apart like mozzarella sticks, and I nearly demolished them before even sampling the burgers.

The Glazed & Confused burger is made with all natural beef, cheese, jalapeno-brown-sugar bacon and a glazed-donut bun. It’s set to kick off the Burger of the Month rotation, and it’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty. It’s definitely not your average burger, but who wants the same old thing? The bacon has the perfect crunch to balance out the rest of the burger, the cheese adds a subtle balance of cream and the buns are the right amount of sweet to keep you wanting more without overwhelming your taste buds.

Another nontraditional burger, the John Wayne, is one of Burger Burger’s most popular, and though I was skeptical about a barbecue-sauce-laden burger, after my first bite I was sold. It’s smothered in delicious barbeque sauce, the patty is cooked to perfection and the cheese melts beautifully. Like the Glazed & Confused, it’s topped with their crunchy brown sugar bacon, which is to die for. The burger can get messy at times, but you won’t need any ketchup or mustard for either of these flavor-packed patties.

Another new menu item I sampled were their chicken wings; they offer several sauce flavors including buffalo, coffee dry rub, lemon garlic, honey sriracha, honey mustard, bourbon BBQ and sweet chili. I opted for the dry rub, and honestly at a burger restaurant my hopes weren’t too high for their chicken options. But upon my first bite, I knew I had underestimated Burger Burger. The chicken was practically falling off the bone, and the seasoning balanced out nicely with my ranch dipping sauce.

Needless to say, I left Burger Burger with an empty plate and a full, satisfied stomach.

Modobag Brings Motorized Suitcases to an Airport Near You

For those of us who have missed countless connections due to hauling heavy suitcases across mile long terminals, our rushed travel days are long gone. The world’s first motorized—and rideable--- suitcase has arrived. Recently launched onto the crowdfunding site Indiegogo, the Modobag appears to be your standard black suitcase, but it’s so much more.

Among its many unique features it has GPRS-GSM tracking, dual USB charging ports and can get you to your destination three times faster than an average walking speed. It can reach up to eight miles per hour, has a dual-braking system, quick release foot pedals, extendable handle and a high-performance CNC-machined steering column. Additionally, there is an optional “connected” feature that comes with a mobile companion app for iOS and Android users equipped with GPRS and GSM technology that can track Modobag’s location and send consumers “Proximity Alerts”, even if the suitcase is in storage (not usually detected by traditional GPS).

At only 19 pounds, it is both lightweight and a perfect fit for the dreaded overhead compartment. Meaning no extraneous bag checking fees and no lost baggage when you finally land at your desired location.

Modobag is the brainchild of two Chicago entrepreneurs, Kevin O’Donnell and Boyd Bruner. Bruner is an award-winning technical director who won the 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing Daytona 200. Both are passionate about traveling and wanted to create an innovative way to improve people’s travelling experiences. With a team of MIT educated urban mobility specialists, plus an award winning consumer development and design firm, they have succeeded in their mission.

“We created Modobag to revolutionize the way people travel and introduce one of the biggest updates to carry-on luggage since rolling suitcases were launched in the 1970’s,” said O'Donnell, CEO of Modobag.  “With Modobag’s user-friendly, rideable carry-on, anyone from professionals to college students can eliminate their daily stress of commuting by getting to their destination faster, keeping their electronics charged and having fun while they do it.”  

With the vision to change the way the world travels, Modobag has a goal of raising $50,000 on their Indiegogo site by September 9. To encourage donations, they are offering limited-time Early Bird specials of $995, 30 percent off their retail price, among other incentives for backers. If you want to make a donation, head online to igg.me/at/modobag.

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa Begins Renovation

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is starting their multi-year renovation of the entire property. It will include a complete refurbishment and modernization of its 80 guest rooms. While the rooms are renovated, their offering special rates through April 2017.

“If you haven’t stayed in one of the homes in The Galena Territory, they’re a great base for all the activities we have going on this winter,” said Thomas Ruhs, general manager of Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. “Cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating on the pond are just a few of the things you can do including golf since the weather has been warmer."

Room updates will include: new tubs and walk-in showers, all new furniture, paint, carpet and window treatments and luxury linens. “The first phase of the renovation was completed in 2015, which included a brand new exterior, modernized lobby and public spaces, 15,000 square feet of IACC-accredited meeting space, and restoring the golf courses to their original playing condition, said Edward Doherty, president of The Bricton Group, which manages Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. “We are excited to now continue the transformation with the guest rooms.”

The guest room renovations should be finished by April 2017. Guest rooms will still be available and discounted rates are offered at the over 250 villas on the property.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa Named No. 1 Best Hotel in California

The U.S. News & World Report has named rancho Valencia Resort & Spa the No. 1 Best Hotel in California. Additionally, they were also listed as one of the top ten hotels in the U.S.

“We’re excited to be recognized as the number one hotel in California and feel privileged to be named one of the top ten luxury hotels in the U.S.,” states Jeff Jacobs, co-owner of Rancho Valencia. “We strive to make our guests feel at home and have a memorable experience time and time again with our 4-to-1 staff to guest ratio, welcoming suites and world-class amenities.”

The rankings rely on luxury hotel and resort industry awards as well as expert and guest reviews to determine the list. "The award-winning hotels on the U.S. News Best Hotels rankings meet the standards of both everyday travelers and industry experts in offering exceptional customer service and luxury amenities," said Erin Shields, travel editor at U.S. News.

In addition to the high ranking by U.S. News & World Report, Rancho Valencia has received many awards including: Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award 2014-2016; TripAdvisor 2017 Traveler’s Choice Awards No. 15 Best Hotel in the U.S.; U.S. News & World Report No. 1 Best Hotel in the U.S., No. 1 Best Hotel in California, and #1 Relais & Châteaux Hotel in North America in 2015; AAA Five Diamond Award 2014-2017 and others.

Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis’ Compost Program Excels

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis has finished the first year of a program meant to reduce hotel CO2 emissions, and it has been successful. The project primarily focuses on composting, its fully operational in the hotel.  In the first 11 months, hotel teams composted 415,000 pounds of unused food waste. The composted scraps are picked up by St. Louis Composting and sent to a facility in Belleville, Illinois. The compost is sold to homeowners and landscapers in the St. Louis area.

“We are making it a priority to educate all hotel staff on the importance of composting,” said Amanda Joiner, general manager. “The next phase of this initiative will see composting rolled out in our Club Lounge and Employee Dining Room – and we’re also hopeful that the practice may become a habit in our own homes as well.”

Between January and November 2016, the composting output of the Ritz-Carlton  equated to removing 291 tons of CO2 emissions and 62 cars from the road. In 2017, they expect to increase the composting production.

Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) President Has Successful Term

Global DMC Partners has congratulated BBC Destination Management’s director of sales, David Room, DMCP, CMP on his successful term as the ADMEI Board President. Rome served as board president from Feb. 13, 2016 until Jan. 21, 2017.

“I have always known David to be an inspiring and impactful leader throughout the many years I’ve worked with him,” said Catherine Chaulet, president of Global DMC Partners. “He has constantly taken an active role in driving innovation and education across the DMC industry—and across Global DMC Partners—so he was the perfect fit for the 2016-2017 ADMEI Board President. The entire Partnership is so proud of him for all that he has accomplished.”

Rome’s main goal as president was to focus on education, particularly education for international Destination Management Companies (DMCs.) In order to achieve this, he built in complimentary and accessible education programs into the ADMEI Membership.

“It’s the ongoing initiative and drive that David, Cindy and Robert demonstrate that will continue to show the incredible value that DMCs have on the entire meetings industry,” said Chaulet.

The current board for ADMEI includes Cindy Y. Lo, and Robert Lee, DMCP.

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis’ Samson Desta Earns a Meet Minneapolis Hospitality Hero Award

Samson Desta, a room service attendant for the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis was awarded the Hospitality Hero award by Meet Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association. The award is given out quarterly to members of the Minneapolis hospitality community who are nominated by their colleagues.

“Samson listened and understood my needs and delivered more than just a meal, he delivered an experience that made me feel special and welcome,” said meeting connections sales manager, Michael Rudy. “It was Samson’s effort in taking the extra few minutes to have a conversation that truly reinforced our commitment to the Hyatt’s purpose through the foundation of care.”

Director of sales and marketing, Vince Vito said “Desta embodies authentic hospitality and is a great ambassador for Hyatt and for Minneapolis.”

The Hospitality Hero award recognizes an individual or company that has made an impact on Minneapolis through their work in the industry.

For more information about Meet Minneapolis head to Minneapolis.org.

Target Center Offers Upgrades for NCHC

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) will host a media event that gives reporters a sneak peek behind the scenes of Target Center’s renovations in anticipation of the NCHC. The Frozen Faceoff is set for March 17-18.

“In its short history, the Frozen Faceoff has always showcased the best that college hockey has to offer,” said NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton, pointing to the overall success the conference has enjoyed in over three years, including the first national championship by a member school, “and we are even more excited for the event this coming March with all the transformation that is taking place at Target Center.”

Members of the press as well as Priority Ticket Members will have the chance to observe the improvements within the Target Center. Including the Chairman’s Club, TCL Theater Boxes, LED lighting and an improved sound system. They will also be sampling the new and improved menu items. The event will be held at Target Center on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Speakeasy Announces New Menu in Northeast Minneapolis

Stem, a speakeasy located in Northeast Minneapolis, has introduced a new menu that will include small lot wines, craft cocktails, artisan beer and appetizers.

“The neighborhood in Northeast Minneapolis is known for its beer,” said Ivy Taheri, Stem owner. “We wanted a place where people can socialize and be comfortable in an upbeat atmosphere. We can’t wait to surprise our guests with unique wines from around the world, craft cocktail creations and fun events to suit everyone’s needs.”

Stem’s wine menu includes a range of wines such as small lot wines, wine flights and a daily rotating by the glass menu. Guests can sign up for monthly educational wine tasting events as well as other events during the week.

Located in the historic Fire Barn building, Stem provides events with an industrialized speakeasy atmosphere for up to 90 guests. For more information about Stem, head to StemMinneapolis.com.