Food and Drink Awards 2025 Best European Fine Food Retailer 2025 - Singapore Owned and run by Anna Jaeger, Anna’s Gourmet is a specialist gourmet grocer, bringing the freshest and finest food and drinks from Europe to its customers in Singapore. Its customers are both expats, who love being able to get hold of food from their home country, and Singaporeans who are happy to explore new foods and flavours. This high-quality range of products includes baked goods, sweets, fruit and vegetables, nuts, dairy and cheese, meat, fish, drinks, and more, available both instore and with same-day delivery, six days a week.
Food and Drink Awards 2025 Artisanal Gelato Brand of the Year 2025 - South Carolina Marion's Gelato is a family-owned business producing small batch artisan gelato. Originally a one-woman-band, the firm has grown over the years since its original inception, and Owner and namesake, Marion Kempf Manderville, has big plans for future expansion. We find out more as the firm gains notable success in the Food and Drink Awards 2025.
Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Phone: 01283 365204 Website: lux-life.digital (Campaign Name) No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. - Food & Drink Awards 2025 LUXlife Magazine is delighted to announce the launch of the Food & Drink Awards 2025, a celebration of excellence across the global culinary landscape. This prestigious programme honours the artisans, entrepreneurs, and brands redefining how we eat and drink – from fine dining establishments and boutique producers to sustainable brands and gourmet retailers. The food and drink industry remains a cornerstone of the global economy, valued at over $9 trillion in 2025 and projected to grow steadily in the coming years. The sector is also undergoing rapid change, driven by demand for sustainability, technological integration, and health-conscious products. As these consumer tastes evolve, businesses are embracing eco-friendly practices, creative flavours, and smart solutions – setting the stage for the innovation the Food & Drink Awards 2025 aims to recognise.
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6. Anna’s Gourmet: Best European Fine Food Retailer 2025 - Singapore 7. Marion's Gelato: Artisanal Gelato Brand of the Year 2025 - South Carolina 8. The Delhi Lounge: Best Contemporary Indian Fine Dining Restaurant 2025 - Texas 10. mecwacare: Best Aged Care & Community Meal Services 2025 – Australia & Resident- Centred Hospitality & Innovation Excellence Award 2025 12. HS Creations, LLC: Best Organic Spice & Herb Blends 2025 - USA 14. Cafe San Rafael: Wine Bar of the Year 2025 - Western Honduras & Best Artisanal Cheese Producers 2025 - Honduras 16. Shelly’s Tea Room: Most Authentic English Tea Rooms 2025 - USA 17. beBeer: Best Emerging Food & Drink Tech Start- Up 2025 - Europe 18. VODKA 57 Pte. Ltd.: Best Craft Vodka Brand 2025 19. Maria's Baking Stories: Best Cake Shop & Cafe 2025 - Scotland Contents 20. Thesleff Group: Most Recommended Restaurant & Bar Collections 2025 - UK 21. slowdrink.de / Walhalla of Whisky: Best Independent High-End Spirits Bottler 2025 - Germany 22. Theesommelier Benita: Best Tea Sommelier for Custom Tea Blends & Unique Tea Experiences 2025 - Netherlands 23. NutriJu Ltd t/a Drink Wow Cacao: Best Emerging Wellness Beverage Brand 2025 – UK 24. CaféMail: Best Customised Quality Coffee Subscription Service 2025 – Switzerland 25. Antonio Carlo Gourmet Sauces: Best Authentic Marinara Sauce Brand 2025 - USA 26. The Magnum Restaurant: Best Fine Dining Restaurant 2025 – Edinburgh 27. Halva Ltd.: Best Liquorice Manufacturer 2025 28. Mecca Cola: Best Ethical Halal Drink Brand 2025 30. Aib Foods limited: Best Gourmet Snack & Ingredients Producer 2025 - UK 31. Minel Meze & Grill: Best Mediterranean Dining Experience 2025 - South East England
6 | LUXlife Magazine Best European Fine Food Retailer 2025 - Singapore Owned and run by Anna Jaeger, Anna’s Gourmet is a specialist gourmet grocer, bringing the freshest and finest food and drinks from Europe to its customers in Singapore. Its customers are both expats, who love being able to get hold of food from their home country, and Singaporeans who are happy to explore new foods and flavours. This high-quality range of products includes baked goods, sweets, fruit and vegetables, nuts, dairy and cheese, meat, fish, drinks, and more, available both instore and with same-day delivery, six days a week. Anna is always listening to its customers and on the look-out for new products to add to its offering, while always ensuring top quality and freshness. Why? Because Anna understands how “many people are curious to explore new food and drinks, tired from the same things they find on the shelves of their supermarkets”. With more than 15 years spent working around the world within the oil and gas and telecommunication industries for organisations such as Alcatel and Rockwell Automation, Anna decided to make the move to Singapore in 2020 and start her own business, which in February 2024 she rebranded to Anna’s Gourmet. By August 2025, Anna’s Gourmet relocated to bigger and brighter premises in Chip Bee Gardens, Holland Village, with Anna saying, “I fell in love with the Chip Bee neighbourhood. A lot is happening here right now. It is really vibrant. Not just us, a number of new restaurants, shops, and studios are opening their doors. Our new store is super easy to reach, being just a two-minute walk away from the MRT and a parking lot – very convenient.” Today, Anna’s Gourmet stocks a wide range of products, and it sits in a beautiful, spacious, new location – while also placing great emphasis on sustainability in a number of ways. This includes using paper packaging, as well as glass jars, which aren’t only friendlier to the environment, but customers can reuse them, too. Overall, the store’s customers highly rate its product offering and customer service, with them leaving five-star review after five-star review. One person says, “This is a very nice and tidy shop with products from Eastern Europe, which you don’t see anywhere else. I would highly recommend to try their caviar and cured fish (extremely fresh) and Georgian wine. Shop owner, Anna is always ready to assist with my shopping experience and is very friendly with extensive knowledge of the products she is selling.” Another person comments, “Who would have thought that I would see our favourite sweets in a Singaporean shop? It’s incredible. I already love Singapore! I will definitely visit Anna’s Gourmet again!” Someone else shares, “Finally, the store has moved closer to me. It’s great that all the unusual products loved by Europeans are now nearby! Unusual products for Singapore include cottage cheese and other dairy products from the Baltic countries, dried fish, Siberian pelmeni, pickled vegetables, Georgian mineral water, unleavened rye bread, sausages and other meat delicacies, red salmon caviar, wine and liqueurs from Europe, and plenty of sweets. The new location is more spacious and brighter thanks to huge windows.” The future is looking very bright for Anna’s Gourmet indeed, as it continues to expand its product range in time for Christmas and New Year – and also with more new products to some. Most certainly worthy of being named Best European Fine Food Retailer 2025 – Singapore, we’re excited to see the brand continue to flourish! Contact: Anna Jaeger Company: Anna’s Gourmet Website: www.annasgourmet.sg
Food and Drink Awards 2025 | 7 Marion's Gelato is a family-owned business producing small batch artisan gelato. Originally a one-womanband, the firm has grown over the years since its original inception, and Owner and namesake, Marion Kempf Manderville, has big plans for future expansion. We find out more as the firm gains notable success in the Food and Drink Awards 2025. Artisanal Gelato Brand of the Year 2025 - South Carolina “My strengths are having a deep customer and market understanding due to being in this business for so many years,” Marion elaborates. “I so enjoy the bond I have established with all my regular customers as customer satisfaction stands on top of all Marion's Gelato doings.” So far, Marion's Gelato has only ever been a one woman show, with the help of family too. Now, with the opening of Marion's Gelato’s first brick and mortar location, the company will be seeking staff members to join the team. Marion herself is highly trained in all aspects of running a business in the three big sectors Accounting, Sales and Marketing, and can therefore train anyone who is willing to work, learn, and who is reliable and honest. Recently, Marion’s Gelato tasted success when it gained recognition in the Food and Drink Awards 2025, being crowned Artisanal Gelato Brand of the Year 2025 - South Carolina. Now, with the new store front being planned for a January 2026 launch, the future is looking bright, with Marion already exploring the possibilities of franchising the company, moving forward. Marion also plans to expand her services to more local restaurants, as well as create a consistent base of regular customers. Furthermore, Marion's Gelato will introduce, as an expansion of the business, the company "Roasted Awakening" with its very own roasted variety of coffee beans from around the world. Contact Details Contact: Marion Kempf Manderville Company: Marion's Gelato Web Address: www.marionsgelato.com andcrafted with fresh, natural ingredients, Marion's Gelato (Marion’s) is locally produced in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, bringing an authentic taste of Italy to the Lowcountry. Being made from the finest European ingredients, the freshest, organic and seasonal products, and free from any preservatives, artificial flavours or colouring, Marion's is the solution to living a healthy lifestyle and still enjoying a frozen dessert. “Every cup is filled with love!” enthuses Marion Kempf Manderville, the owner of Marion’s Gelato. “I am a passionate chef at home, cooking and baking everything from scratch.” Marion's Gelato was established in 2019 and started its business in March 2020, coinciding with the lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic - one of the hardest challenges that any small start-up company could face. Initially, Marion's Gelato offered delivery to surrounding zip code areas, and could also be ordered through the website. The company also had a presence at the downtown Charleston city market, the Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Isle of Palms Farmers Market, plus other local markets in and around the town of Mount Pleasant. Having grown organically, Marion's Gelato will now be opening the doors to its first location in 2026, providing all gelato and coffee lovers to access the brand and its creations. As well as offering a retail store, Marion's also delivers gelato to restaurants, and to events in the local area. Growing up in Germany, Marion herself spent a lot of time visiting most of the neighbouring European countries and soaking up many different influences to help her to create a continuous cycle of innovation. This, plus her background working in the food and beverage industry for 39 years, has provided Marion with a lot of knowledge and gives her business a strategic differentiation to its competitors. H
8 | LUXlife Magazine uthentic Indian restaurant, The Delhi Lounge, is situated in the heart of Dallas and aims to combine the rich and diverse flavours of North India with a contemporary dining experience that resonates with today’s discerning guests. The team at the restaurant takes great pride in honouring timeless recipes using the finest ingredients, refined presentation, and genuine hospitality. The menu reflects the breadth of India’s culinary heritage, crafted with both authenticity, and creativity by the master chefs. In Indian culture, the arrival of a guest is regarded as a blessing — a reflection of the divine. The principle of Atithi Devo Bhava embodies this sentiment, emphasising hospitality, respect, and heartfelt generosity. “At The Delhi Lounge, we are proud to carry forward this timeless philosophy,” a spokesperson for the restaurant tells us. “When we welcome guests into our space, we strive not only to serve them exquisite cuisine, but also to create a genuine experience so warm and memorable that they feel compelled to return time and again.” The Delhi Lounge welcomes a wonderfully diverse community of guests - from second-generation Indian Americans seeking the comfort of their culinary roots, to Caucasian and Native American patrons discovering the depth and vibrancy of Indian cuisine, and to food enthusiasts of every background who appreciate refined, flavour-driven dining. Whether it is an intimate dinner, a weekend outing, a special celebration, or a bespoke catering experience, the restaurant strives to ensure that every visit feels like a warm and memorable journey home. “Innovation, for us, is a continuous conversation between tradition and modernity - a balance between our guests’ evolving tastes and the timeless flavours of India,” explains the spokesperson. “Every dish we serve is rooted in forgotten regional recipes and age-old culinary techniques.” These techniques include cooking exclusively in copper vessels, developing curry bases through meticulous research, and upholding a strict commitment to using no artificial food colours in our kitchen. Our marinades are carefully layered and slow-developed, resting for 24 to 48 hours to allow the deepest, most vibrant flavours to emerge naturally. This dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the kitchen to The Delhi Lounge’s bar programme too, where signature Indian-inspired cocktails that blend regional spices with house-made syrups and Best Contemporary Indian Fine Dining Restaurant 2025 - Texas For a true fine dining experience with a difference, The Delhi Lounge, based in Irving, pays homage to the flavours of one of the oldest cities in the world. Each dish, painstakingly crafted by skilled chefs, seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional Indian roots and innovative culinary techniques, narrating tales of emperors, poets, and the irresistible allure of Delhi’s streets. We find out more as the restaurant celebrates a win in the Food and Drink Awards 2025. A premium spirits are served, alongside a full bar and a wide selection of draft beers to suit every palate. The restaurant has noticed guests today are moving beyond a generic understanding of “Indian food” and are increasingly seeking out the regional flavours, ingredients, and stories that reflect India’s true diversity. This evolution in taste has created space for more refined, experience-driven dining, allowing restaurants such as The Delhi Lounge to showcase the culinary heritage of Delhi in a contemporary, upscale environment. Yet, the industry continues to navigate its own set of challenges - from fluctuating ingredient costs and staffing shortages to shifting guest expectations. The restaurant meets these pressures with an unwavering commitment to quality over quantity, thoughtful sourcing of premium ingredients, and a focus on craftsmanship that deepens each guest’s connection to the cuisine. Together, these practices guide The Delhi Lounge toward creating not just a restaurant, but a space where culture, authenticity, and hospitality coexist with purpose and grace. Listening closely to guests, honouring seasonality, and drawing inspiration from the creativity of the culinary and beverage teams is of paramount importance. This steadfast commitment to excellence has earned The Delhi Lounge the OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award and recognition as one of the 3 Best Indian Restaurants in North Texas, as well as being named one of the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the Dallas - Fort Worth Corridor in 2025. More recently, the restaurant gained yet further notable acclaim as it celebrated success in the Food and Drink Awards 2025 where it clinched the prestiogus title of Best Contemporary Indian Fine Dining Restaurant 2025 – Texas. The future of The Delhi Lounge is incredibly exciting, guided by the vision and mentorship of Chef Manjit Singh Gill, the restaurant’s Culinary Director and a legendary figure in Indian gastronomy. His decades of leadership at ITC’s iconic restaurants, including the globally celebrated Bukhara and the royal Dum Pukht, continue to shape our philosophy, techniques, and deep respect for regional culinary traditions. Executive Chef Aishwary Agnihotri carries this legacy forward with precision and artistry. Supporting him is Executive Sous Chef Laxmiprasad Gairola (LPG), with more than 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Chef Gairola is celebrated as a curry specialist
Food and Drink Awards 2025 | 9 and master of spice layering. Beyond his technical expertise, he has embarked on a passionate journey to rediscover “lost” recipes — dishes that were historically modified over time to suit different palates. Through meticulous research, he is reviving these forgotten culinary treasures, restoring them to their authentic form while presenting them with a contemporary flair. “Chef Gairola’s work is not just about cooking; it is about cultural preservation,” added the spokesperson. “By bringing back recipes that have faded from mainstream dining, he ensures our guests experience both nostalgia and novelty in every bite.” “When we build our team, we look far beyond technical skill,” continues the spokesperson. “We seek individuals who share our passion for genuine hospitality, our respect for India’s culinary heritage, and our commitment to continuous learning.” Whether Chef Gill is sharing the history behind a dish, Chef Agnihotri is fine-tuning a masala or Chef Gairola is layering flavours into his curries, every member of our culinary family contributes to creating a sense of warmth and belonging for our guests. This spirit of hospitality is a defining hallmark of The Delhi Lounge experience. “As we continue to grow, our priority remains deepening our relationship with our guests and expanding the ways they experience truly authentic Indian cuisine” In the near term, the restaurant team is especially excited to host a Food Festival with an exclusive five-course culinary soirée this December, featuring Culinary Director, Chef Manjit Singh Gill. “In the year ahead, we plan to introduce new dining formats, quarterly menu refreshes that spotlight regional Indian flavours and locally sourced ingredients, and curated tasting experiences that share the stories and craftsmanship behind each dish. We are also exploring thoughtful opportunities to expand our presence within Dallas and beyond, all while creating memorable dining moments that feel like coming home — no matter where our guests come from.” Contact Details Company: The Delhi Lounge Web Address: www.thedelhilounge.com
Jun22596 10 | LUXlife Magazine The aged care hospitality sector in Australia is in the midst of a significant transformation, where expectations are rising for quality, nutrition, and innovation in resident dining experiences. Food in aged care was once viewed as a just support service; however, it is now recognised how it plays an important role in each resident’s wellbeing, dignity, and daily enjoyment. Today, residents and families seek restaurant-style service, personalised menu options, and nutritious meals that cater to individual preferences and clinical needs. “At mecwacare, we recognise that food is more than nourishment – it's a source of comfort, connection, and joy,” says Dineshkumar. “Our Hotel Services team is leading this evolution by introducing chef-led innovation, fine dining experiences, and resident-centred menu design across all our facilities. The focus has shifted from basic meal delivery to creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate flavour, culture, and presentation.” Dineshkumar has worked at mecwacare for 21 years, and today he manages 22 aged care facilities, five retirement villages, and 21,000 home care and community clients. He enjoys being a part of team that he describes as caring, collaborative, and purpose-driven. The organisation fosters an inclusive workplace where every voice matters, and all teams feel free to innovate, share their ideas, and take pride in their work. This staff culture reflects the mecwacare brand – compassionate, resident-focused, and on a relentless mission toward excellence. Dineshkumar comments, “We believe that hospitality in aged care is about heart as much as skill, and we encourage this through ongoing training, recognition programmes, and leadership development. Team members are empowered to contribute to menu ideas, seasonal celebrations, and fine dining events that bring happiness to residents and families.” Notably, the Hotel Services team has implemented several innovative initiatives that have truly transformed the way residents enjoy their meals. One of its most exciting accomplishments has been the introduction of buffet breakfasts across all facilities, meaning residents get to start their Best Aged Care & Community Meal Services 2025 – Australia & ResidentCentred Hospitality & Innovation Excellence Award 2025 For more than 65 years, mecwacare has been a non-profit organisation providing a range of aged care services, including residential aged care, respite stays, home care, community services, retirement living, affordable housing, and disability services. We are pleased to be recognising its aged care hospitality division, where its teams, led by Head of Hotel Services, Dineshkumar Subramani, deliver exceptional services in catering and cleaning. Every single day, they produce around 6,000 meals, and their annual meal production is estimated at 2.19 million. We speak to Dineshkumar to learn more about how mecwacare’s chefs are leading the way in creating moments of joy, comfort, and connection for residents through food. day with more choice, freshness, and the feeling of dining in a hotel-style setting. This initiative has proven popular, with residents appreciating the independence that comes with putting their own breakfast together and bringing a sense of delight to every morning. The team have also added Visual TV Menus to the dining areas, which bring menus to life with bright imagery and bold, easy-to-read displays so that residents can visualise their meal options in a way that is interactive, engaging, and inclusive. These menus are updated every season, to keep them fresh, varied, and resident-centred, ensuring a healthy balance of nutrition and flavour using seasonal ingredients. Furthermore, puree meals are also available and served with professional care and creativity, ensuring dignity and visual appeal while maintaining the highest standards of nutrition and texture modification. Importantly, its residents are invited to share their food preferences and ideas directly with the chefs through its Food Focus Forums. “By combining culinary expertise, technology, and compassion, mecwacare continues to set new standards in aged care hospitality – ensuring every meal reflects our core values of care, quality, and connection. Our values are to be Caring, Accountable, Respectful and Ethical.” mecwacare's Hotel Services division continues to embrace cuttingedge technology to enhance its service offering, such as FoodByUs, an advanced digital procurement platform that streamlines supplier ordering, enhances transparency, and ensures cost effectiveness across all facilities. Alongside this, it has integrated Safe Food Pro, a state-ofthe-art digital food safety system that has taken compliance, monitoring, and reporting standards to the next level – guaranteeing that every meal served meets the highest of safety and quality regulations. It doesn’t end there, for Daily Meal Audits have also been welcomed across all its kitchens, which allow real-time tracking of meal presentation, mecwacare
Food and Drink Awards 2025 | 11 taste, temperature, and resident satisfaction. By having this system in place, it fosters accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement, aligning entirely with Aged Care Quality Standard 6 – Food and Nutrition. Through these initiatives, mecwacare continues to raise the standard of aged care hospitality – where every meal is made with love, care, and connection to create dining experiences that are brimming with choice, dignity, and joy. mecwacare’s efforts and commitment haven’t gone unnoticed, with it achieving well-deserved, prestigious recognition. Its Hotel Services team are delighted to have won the Team Excellence Awards 2025, which is testament to their dedication, teamwork, and innovation. Additionally, it was celebrated as the State Winner at the Restaurant & Catering (R&C) Hostplus Awards for Excellence 2025 for Health and Aged Care Caterer of the Year, and it has since been named both a winner and National Gold. "These achievements represent more than awards – they symbolise mecwacare’s unwavering pursuit of hospitality excellence, where compassion meets culinary creativity, and every meal reflects our promise of care, quality, and connection,” says Dineshkumar. “At mecwacare, dining is more than a service – it's an experience.” Now, looking towards the future, things are looking very exciting! As mecwacare continues to redefine aged care hospitality, the focus for the remainer of 2025 and beyond will be firmly on digital transformation and innovation in its food service delivery. The organisation has done a lot to enhance its operations digitally, but there is more to come. It is close to completing development of a pioneering initiative called Meals Connect, a large-scale, chef-driven meal delivery programme designed to bring nutritious, high-quality, and affordable meals to community clients across Victoria. This project represents the next stage of mecwacare’s hospitality service model, blending the warmth of traditional care with the efficiency of modern technology. With Meals Connect, mecwacare will look to reach individuals who are living independently and who value flavour, variety, and nutrition in their meals. The programme will leverage smart systems for ordering, menu planning, client reviews, and logistics management, amounting to a smooth process from kitchen to doorstep. The goal is to extend the same high standard of excellence that residents enjoy within its facilities to the wider community – As always, supporting independence, dignity, and connection through food. Contact: Dineshkumar Subramani Company: mecwacare Website: www.mecwacare.org.au
Jun22596 12 | LUXlife Magazine Best Organic Spice & Herb Blends 2025 - USA Joanne Sakulich is an innovator and creator of an original range of organic herb and spice blends through her company, HS Creations. Established during the Covid-19 pandemic, the firm now excels in the industry, leading to it gaining notable success in the recent Food and Drink Awards 2025. We speak to Joanne and learn more about the company’s ethos and commitment to natural, quality produce. HS Creations LLC (HS Creations) is committed to providing premium, organic herb and spice blends that enhance culinary experiences for a diverse customer base. The firm’s journey began during the pandemic when Founder, Joanne Sakulich, identified a need in the market for handcrafted, organic, healthy, fresh blends. “At the time I was not working outside of the house and I found an interesting hobby - dehydrating fresh herbs, citrus, and spices,” she elaborates. “The amazingly fresh and potent aroma and flavour from this astounded me, so I used the small amount of what I could dehydrate for meals when I did cook. Then, Covid hit. We all got shut down and it was hard to get groceries and supplies. Shelves were empty. With that, I got creative and started cooking more at home.” Joanne’s journey progressed as she started to look for better flavours at more affordable prices. The difference she experienced with her fresh blends was incredible and Joanne shared her new-found hobby with her friends, who all loved them too! As more and more people came on board, Joanne began to struggle to keep up with demand and she began researching how to set up a business to provide fresh, certified organic, non-GMO herbs and spices with a potency matching what she could create with the dehydrator. After receiving her official license from California to operate as HS Creations, the world was her oyster!
Food and Drink Awards 2025 | 13 To this end, Joanne now creates small-batch blends that are handcrafted and mixed on demand, ensuring that each batch is precisely measured to maintain consistency in the seasonings. Her range provides healthier, natural alternatives to conventional storebought seasonings, as well as those with specific dietary needs such as vegan, keto, salt-free, and gluten-free diets. All products are designed to offer gourmet flavour, convenience, and value, and are high-quality blends so everyone, regardless of their cooking skills or budget, can enjoy gourmet flavours in their everyday meals. Where core values are concerned, HS Creations operates a steadfast commitment to transparency, sustainability, and customer awareness. So much more than just a spice company, HS Creations is an advocate for healthier, better cooking, and Joanne firmly believes that everyone should have access to gourmet flavours. “The blends we make today are pure organic,” enthuses Joanne. “What you see, is what you get, no hidden additives. The blends I create save space, money, and time. There is something for everyone’s taste.” HS Creations stays competitive by focusing on quality, innovation, and educating consumers. Joanne carefully sources certified organic, nonGMO herbs and spices, making sure each ingredient meets her high standards for both freshness and flavour. The extensive product lineup includes unique blends with many being inspired by seasonings used around the world, like the Bahārāt Blend, which is from the Middle East. To set HS Creations apart from competitors, Joanne likes to provide as much information as possible for each blend, providing recipe suggestions, flavour notes, and related information. She also uses recyclable packaging in order to highlight her commitment to sustainability and works to find strategic partnerships to expand the company’s reach and strengthen brand recognition. Joanne tells us that the organic spices sector is growing rapidly, driven by increasing demand for natural and chemical-free products. HS Creations was established in response to the lack of quality and transparency in traditional spice options and a real challenge within the sector is continuous need for monitoring of the certifications and food purity of the suppliers that Joanne uses. “We have had to shift sourcing, on occasion, due to regional or seasonal availability,” she explains. “Our dedication to transparency and quality appeals to consumers, and we are a leading innovator in the movement toward healthier, more flavourful cooking.” At HS Creations, a real passion for food is valued, as is a commitment to quality, and continuous growth, and the company’s collaborative approach inspires creativity and excellence in its products and employees alike. Team members experiment with the innovative blends at home and are encouraged to contribute to the shared success of the firm. “Our dedication to transparency and quality appeals to consumers, and we are a leading innovator in the movement toward healthier, more flavourful cooking.” Above everything else, integrity throughout the brand is prioritised which is why HS Creations recently gained notable recognition and success in the Food and Drink Awards 2025, being bestowed with the prestigious accolade of Best Organic Spice & Herb Blends 2025 – USA. Now, the future is looking bright for Joanne and the team. HS Creations has established a unique place in the farm-to-table movement, focusing on spices rather than proteins. Looking ahead, the firm now aims to expand its existing product range and develop partnerships. “We are always creating new blends and seeking customer feedback and suggestions,” says Joanne. “By focusing on creating new flavour experiences, we try to stay ahead and engage new customers. The future looks promising as we continue to support the farm-to-table movement by emphasising the importance of high-quality herbs and spices in addition to the traditional focus on proteins.” Such is the praise for HS Creations’ range of healthy, natural produce, that we thought we’d share what just a handful of its delighted customers have to say! “HS Creations spice blends are the only type I use when cooking. So fresh & delicious I have taken on so many new dishes, my family loves it. I highly recommend trying them out for yourself.” - J Todino “Excellent flavours! Lots of custom blends to play with and learn. I add spices to my normal meals to make them unique.” - D Rhoades “Great spices and great service. I highly recommend these one-of-akind blends sure to please the connoisseurs in your life.” - Jake H Contact Details Contact: Joanne Sakulich Company: HS Creations, LLC Web Address: www.hscreations.com
Jun22596 14 | LUXlife Magazine Most of the products San Rafael Family Estates sells, such as its famous, award-winning coffee and cheeses, it makes across its three farms: Finca Managuá, Finca Santa Clara, and Finca San Rafael. The first of these locations can be found near the ruins in Copán and has been producing a wide range of excellent coffees since 1985. Marking its 30th anniversary in 2015, this country estate even began producing natural cardamom using ancestral knowledge, demonstrating just a taste of the family’s prowess in Honduras’ F&B industry. Finca Santa Clara, on the other hand, is a dairy cattle ranch located in Santa Rita de Copán, and is home to around 40 Brown Swiss cows. Across 60 hectares of rich, diverse countryside, these animals are free to roam and graze happily, with this freedom leading to milk of exceptional quality being produced. This is used in the aforementioned selection of cheeses provided by San Rafael Family Estates, the quality of which is reflected through its team having won an award naming them the country’s best artisan cheese producers. The third and final location, Finca San Rafael, is situated just south of the Copán ruins, and is perhaps the most cherished estate in the portfolio of San Rafael Family Estates. Its initial seeds were planted by Mafalda Guerra, the first-generation owner of the company, in 1980, with this having since blossomed into a coffee plantation by the name of ‘La Finoca’. In total, San Rafael has 20 hectares of coffee cultivation and over 40 hectares of forest reserve, making it a key component in the success nurtured by San Rafael Family Estates. Café San Rafael, recognised here as the Wine Bar of the Year 2025 – Western Honduras, brings together everything great about these three estates and serves as the ultimate location for high-quality coffee, cheese, and wine, offered against a contemporary backdrop. Headed up by the aforementioned Carlos René Guerra, a second-generation coffee Wine Bar of the Year 2025 - Western Honduras & Best Artisanal Cheese Producers 2025 - Honduras Regardless of where in the world you are, there is always something special about local produce, which is something that should be forever championed across the diverse landscape of food and drink. San Rafael Family Estates in Honduras more than meets this criteria, with the family business specialising in dairy farming, but also being renowned for the food and drink – especially the coffee, wine, and cheeses – served at its coffee spot, Café San Rafael, in the heart of the country’s Copán ruins. On the back of the company’s dual recognition in this programme, we caught up with the second-generation owner of this family business, Carlos René Guerra, for more. producer and National Barista Champion, Café San Rafael is famous throughout the region for the coffee it serves, which is made from beans sourced just down the road at Finca San Rafeal. Visitors from far and wide visit this spot for its selection of speciality coffees, which take the form of everything from espressos and lattes through to more unique flavours including masala chai, cardamom, and Turkish coffees. All of theses are made to a customer’s liking by a team of talented baristas, young individuals united by a willingness to learn and a knack for problem solving. These individuals are responsible for Cafe San Rafael
Food and Drink Awards 2025 | 15 upholding the stellar customer service and unrivalled experience the location offers, which extends beyond its coffee. For those after something a little stronger than Honduras’ famous coffee – or the smoothies and hot chocolate it serves, both of which are fan favourites – Café San Rafael also showcases the vibrant flavours of the region by offering a range of signature cheeses paired with wine from an extensive list. Although the wine is magnificent – especially at happy hour (3PM to 6PM) – the combination of it with the unsurpassed selection of cheeses is what really makes Café San Rafael a go-to destination for foodies worldwide. Be it mainstays such as brie, camembert, and blue or more local styles such as queso fresco, these cheeses are the striking centrepieces of cheese boards which also include staples like olives, crackers, nuts, and meats, complementing the authentic taste of Honduras no end. The timeless pairing of wine and cheese is just one way that Café San Rafael’s artisan cheeses can be enjoyed, as they also find their way into a selection of gourmet sandwiches – including grilled cheese, cheese and tomato, tuna melt – and a multitude of other dishes. “I’m trying to develop a cheese culture in my town.” The extensive menu here also spans breakfast options inspired by European cafés – omelettes, hash browns, toast, and fruits – as well as a selection of pancakes and waffles. A couple of bistro favourites, namely shakshuka and a ribeye steak with eggs, round out these breakfast offerings, giving way to an equally comprehensive main menu of burgers, wings, and salads, which can be washed down with a curated list of cocktails or a selection of beer from around the world. But make sure to save room for a slice of cheesecake. All of this top-notch food can be enjoyed outside in Café San Rafael’s stunning garden patio, with its shaded seating area being the perfect place to cool off after exploring the Maya ruins nearby. Whilst tourists certainly love this destination – many credit it as being one of few places in Central America to get really great cheese, and a number of reviewers have even described its lattes as some of the best they have ever tasted – the spot is equally celebrated by the locals, many of whom stop by weekly for a coffee and a slice of cake. Even those who do not live close enough to Café San Rafael to be able to drop in regularly can enjoy this signature coffee from wherever in the world they are, thanks to the team selling bags of their coffee blend from inside the shop. Ideal either as a memory from an unforgettable coffee shop or as a gift for a coffee enthusiast back home, these bags are available in a number of sizes, from 340g up to 1kg, covering all bases for customers. Hot sauce and sweet ketchup – both of which are made in-house – are also for sale. This adds up to something truly special for San Rafael Family Estates, whose blend of vertical integration (using its own coffee and dairy for these products) and welcoming location in a standout area has positioned Café San Rafael as a premium, authentic, and gourmet dining experience – the likes of which cannot be matched for miles around. With plans to build a rooftop seating area and develop a new menu in the pipeline, things are only set to improve for visitors of this bustling café in the beating heart of Copán. Recognised as having the Wine Bar of the Year 2025 – Western Honduras and as the Best Artisanal Cheese Producers 2025 – Honduras, Carlos René Guerra and the rest of the team behind San Rafael Family Estates have something really special on their hands with Café San Rafael. For more on its full range of wines, cheeses, coffees, and other such items, simply visit the web address listed below and experience first-hand what makes this modern destination one of the most popular, sought-after spots in the entire region. Contact: Carlos René Guerra Company: Café San Rafael Web Address: https://www.cafesanrafael.com/
16 | LUXlife Magazine Most Authentic English Tea Rooms 2025 - USA Shelly’s Tea Rooms is Massachusetts's only authentic English tea rooms that is owned and run by the English – a venture that began almost two decades ago when husband and wife, Sean and Shelly decided it was time to raise the standard of tea rooms. Often finding themselves disappointed with poor service or food quality at tea rooms they visited, they made the leap and opened their own in England, before making the move to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 2022. It was back in the summer of 2007 that Sean and Shelly decided they were going to launch Shelly’s Tea Rooms, which was originally located in a stunning 15th-century building near Canterbury, built 100 years before the first pilgrim arrived in the US. From there, they moved to the picturesque St Margaret’s Bay near Dover. The business ran successfully in England for more than 10 years, before the couple made the choice to bring their English tea rooms to America, having fallen in love with the country over 25 years prior while on vacation. Thus, they settled on the iconic town of Plymouth, the birthplace of the USA, for the tea rooms’ new location. Both Sean and Shelly bring experience in retail and running large businesses, which they leverage to deliver the highest standard of service at Shelly’s Tea Rooms. Previously, Sean enjoyed a successful career in the retail motor industry, while Shelly also worked in retail after obtaining her diploma in catering. For Sean and Shelly, it has always been about the customer and ensuring they have the best possible experience, with the ethos being simple: “to deliver the best service, food, and value”. Every food item available at Shelly’s Tea Rooms is made from scratch, from raw ingredients, right down to the clotted cream. Its menu comprises afternoon teas; desserts including freshly baked scones, Victoria sponge cake, lemon sponge cake, Bakewell tarts, and more; and lunches and light bites such as crumpets, cheese scones, and a selection of finger sandwiches. This is while the tea rooms also serves many gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. To wash it all down, it offers in excess of 100 premium loose-leaf teas, including black, flavoured, green, herbal, decaffeinated, iced, and more, as well as coffee. Notably, Sean and Shelly recently launched their sister website, Scones 2 You, shipping their delicious, handmade scones anywhere in the USA. They also continue to offer franchise opportunities of their tea rooms across the country. “For us, it is all about authenticity and staying true to that, so every menu change or tea choice has to have this in mind,” Sean says. “We believe in consistently delivering our product with a service level unsurpassed in the industry and not chasing fads.” Ultimately, it is easy to see why locals are flocking to Shelly’s Tea Rooms for their traditional English tea fix. With glowing review after glowing review on Google, people can’t get enough. One person says, “Having just visited Great Britain this summer, I was so excited to be able to have high tea locally. This was truly a gem and my parents and I loved the experience.” Another person shares, “So pleased with our experience! We had the Gluten Free Windsor Tea, Apricot Tea, and the Cranberry Autumn Tea – Highly recommend both, they were delicious. All of the tea sandwiches we tried were very tasty; especially liked the cucumber, it was nice and light. We enjoyed the scones immensely; they were such a treat and were the best gluten-free scones I have ever had! They were fluffy and moist; not dry at all. I would definitely try the clotted cream and jam on your scone, it is divine. “I can honestly say that it was worth every penny! We didn’t make a reservation but I would definitely recommend if you are coming on a weekend or busier time of the year. The owners were so nice and took good care of us. You can tell they have worked so hard to make it a wonderful place to indulge! 10/10 recommend and we will be back!” Someone else comments, “Staff and service were amazing! This is the only second place I’ve ever been to for afternoon tea. But first place for ENGLISH afternoon tea. I think their afternoon tea is priced fairly. Their finger sandwiches were good. For me the cucumber finger sandwich was the best. I got peppermint leaf tea, which was good too! Their scones are excellent! The chocolate cake was really good! Overall, I would recommend Shelly’s Tea Rooms.” Contact: Sean Sinclair Company: Shelly’s Tea Room Website: www.shellystearooms.com
Food and Drink Awards 2025 | 17 On the side of breweries and promoters, they can create a brewing ID page/card as part of the platform and the web app and share their events or products. Beer lovers, breweries, promoters, and elected councillors (as beBeer Ambassadors for their commune) can all come together here to promote local heritage. This is while beBeer is also on the look-out for communes to meet the criteria for the “brewing commune” label with one, two, or three hops. “Here, there is no ISO or other type of label,” says Pascal. "It's about compiling everything related to the brewing world in your commune/ city so that the beBeer jury can assess the intensity/ presence of brewing in a particular commune. There are 10 objective criteria that lead the jury to make its decision and award the number of hops to the communes. Sometimes, you can't even imagine the brewing treasures hidden in your own city." beBeer has contacted several communes and it hopes to soon, in the beginning 2026, announce the first ones to be awarded the label across several European countries. From there, local and regional elected councillors will be able to act as the link between beBeer, their commune, and their local brewing industry. Underscoring everything at beBeer are values of independence and passion, where it seeks to remain independent so that love of beer can remain the sole driver of the platform; and diversity and mutual respect, which is necessary between all members of the community in order to build and maintain an open, happy/hoppy, and flourishing community. Pascal Goergen concludes, “The beBeer team invites you all – brewers, promoters, enthusiasts, and local elected councillors – to discover the world of beBeer... and above all, to enjoy exploring our breweries, check out the events calendar and news, and gradually get to know the first ambassadors and brewing communes in all European regions.” Register for free on the beBeer platform. Contact: Pascal Goergen Email: [email protected] Company: beBeer Website: www.bebeer.org Web app : www.bebeer.app Our 2025 winner is the Belgian Start-Up beBeer. As you may have guessed, “beBeer” means be beer (we are beer), but there is also another reference... namely ‘Bibere’ that means ‘to drink’ in Latin. beBeer is thus the fitting name for the beBeer world that allows beer lovers to access thousands of places to find their favourite beverage, including breweries, events, calendar and local initiatives. The innovative “beBeer in your pocket” mobile-first web app welcomes beer enthusiasts and promoters alike to access a genuine independent European brewing network that promotes local and regional beer heritage. Best Emerging Food & Drink Tech Start-Up 2025 - Europe beBeer’s mission is simple: to connect brewers and promoters, local and regional beer lovers, and local/regional elected councillors in order to: make it easy for beer lovers and visitors to discover what the world of beer has to offer; to raise the profile of the local brewing industry and promote its activities; and for mayors and elected councillors, to provide an opportunity for local economic development and attracting tourists. “The project has been maturing and in preparation for several years,” says Founder, Pascal Goergen. “I had to combine my various professional experiences to be able to bring together digital, local, and the brewing world. And above all, to propose something innovative and positive for the local sector and for the brewing tradition in Europe. The same was needed for beer lovers: a practical and concrete tool. That’s what the beBeer app offers. Easy, free, and in your pocket!” The user-friendly platform is available in French, English, Dutch, and German, while giving anyone who is interested in beer tourism access to a beer calendar and interactive map featuring more than 5,000 breweries and promoters for easy navigation. While there are breweries on the platform, there are also microbreweries, and promoters doesn’t just include pubs but also brewing tours, brotherhoods, museums, tasting competitions, festivals, and even restaurants offering beerbased dishes. “The added value lies in the creation of a genuine European beer tourism network that promotes local and regional beer heritage”. bebeer.app
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