Make A Difference And Experience Conservation In Action With Biosphere Expeditions

If you are looking to spend your holidays in a meaningful way, look no further than Biosphere Expeditions, which organizes research expeditions and citizen science wildlife conservation projects around the world! From a survey of whales, dolphins and turtles around the Azores Archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to a conservation of elephants in the Himalayan foothills of northern Thailand, there are many projects you can participate in to promote sustainable conservation and preservation of the planet's wildlife.

Since its founding in 1999, Biosphere Expeditions has organized research expeditions and citizen science wildlife conservation projects to promote sustainable conservation and preservation of the planet's wildlife.

Biosphere ExpeditionsFounded in 1999, Biosphere Expeditions is a global non-profit whose mission is make an active contribution towards a sustainable biosphere. This mission-driven organization achieves this by empowering ordinary people and placing them at the centre of scientific study, where they can be actively involved first-hand in the field to conduct conservation work.

Biosphere ExpeditionsThroughout the year, the organization hosts "expeditions" around the world - from Arabia to Kenya to Thailand, just to name a few - with a small, intimate group of citizen scientists who are deployed in these countries to promote sustainable conservation and preservation of the planet's wildlife. Biosphere Expeditions emphasizes that its projects are not tours, photographic safaris or excursions, but genuine research expeditions and citizen science wildlife conservation projects.

Biosphere ExpeditionsOne such expedition is the marine volunteering expedition with scuba diving in the Republic of Maldives, where participants help marine biologists study and protect the Maldives' coral reefs and resident whale shark population. Since the trip's inception in 2011, more than 50 people have been trained in Reef Check surveying, including over 20 local Maldivians, in techniques on how to monitor their reefs and set up community-based monitoring schemes. As a direct result of this, local NGO Reef Check Maldives was formed in 2017 and is now very active in community-based reef conservation work and advocacy.

Biosphere ExpeditionsAnother expedition takes citizen scientists to South Africa's Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s only biome contained within one country, to conduct a survey of leopard and its biodiversity and to experience African fauna, such as buffalo, giraffe, eland, kudu, and zebra. The overall goal is to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and create a sustainable future for all.

Biosphere ExpeditionsBiosphere Expeditions was founded by Dr. Matthias Hammer, who was looking to combine his training as a biologist with some real life, hands on conservation work. Biosphere Expeditions was established as a non-profit organization in the UK first, with the first expedition to Poland running in 2001 to study wolves of the Carpathian mountains. The organization continued to grow globally throughout the years, expanding its offices in Germany, France, North America, and Ireland.

Biosphere ExpeditionsThe organization's effort to help preserve the biodiversity of our planet has been widely recognized through numerous awards and accolades. The group has received “Best Volunteering Organisation” (First Choice Responsible Travel Awards), “Top Conservation Holiday” (BBC Wildlife, UK), “Best New Trip” (National Geographic Adventure, USA), and “Environment Award” (from the German government), just to name a few. Additionally, Biosphere Expeditions became an officially accredited member of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA).

Biosphere ExpeditionsBiosphere Expeditions recognizes that our planet is in crisis, but believes everyone has the power to change this through citizen science and hands-on wildlife conservation. Everyone is invited to join in on the mission to fight for a more sustainable planet, to work, learn, experience and take responsible guardianship of our biosphere. So what are you waiting for? Make your holiday time count as a wildlife volunteer and share in this vision of a healthier planet.

The Radian, The Ultimate Travel Pack by Mission Workshop

The Mission Workshop Radian travel pack is designed to seamlessly transition through almost any environment with all the gear required for longer journeys.

If you are going on a journey and seeking the convenience of carrying a bag, then The Radian from Mission Workshop is the perfect solution. This 42-liter pack is designed to seamlessly navigate almost any environment with all the gear required for longer journeys.

The elegance of The Radian lies in its configuration. The entire front panel zips open so that it can be packed flat like a suitcase, while at the same time maintaining the classic Mission Workshop roll-top closure for quick access to essential gear.

The Radian has dedicated laptop, iPad, and water bottle pockets so that it can be used as a single-bag solution for extended trips – replacing a rolling suitcase and pack/messenger combo. Traveling without rollers (with two free hands) is especially liberating when facing subway stairs, cobblestones, and gravel roads.

In addition, The Radian is fully Arkiv® compatible allowing for further expansion and customization with the easy attachment of weatherproof pockets and organizers to the exterior of the pack. The back panel of the pack is plush and breathable with an internal aluminum frame so that it can be carried comfortably all day. The back harness is adjustable in height to accommodate a range of body sizes ensuring a perfect fit. An optional waist belt is available for carrying exceptionally heavy loads.

The Radian can either be carried onboard or checked for airline travel. Its dimensions are within the carry-on guidelines for many airlines and its shoulder straps can be concealed with a hidden zippered panel when being checked. Although The Radian has a clean minimalist silhouette that blends perfectly with the cityscape, it is extremely durable and weatherproof allowing it to excel in rugged backcountry and off the beaten path travel destinations. It was specifically designed without large exterior branding elements, bright colors, or a lot of exterior straps for a low-key look that doesn’t scream “tourist”.

Buddakan Will Celebrate The 2020 Chinese New Year With Lion Dance Performance And Dim Sum Brunch

Ring in the Year of the Rat at Buddakan in NYC with a live DJ, traditional tea service, red envelopes containing a fortune or a prize, as well as Lion Dance Performances.

Buddakan, an upscale Chinese restaurant in the heart of NYC's Meatpacking District, will celebrate the 2020 Chinese New Year all weekend with a special programming that includes a live DJ, lion dance performance, traditional tea service, and more this weekend from January 24 to 26.

The Sunday's special Brunch Party will include two Lion Dance performances at 1pm and 2:30pm. Additionally, the brunch will feature specialty cocktails like Tranquility (Belvedere vodka, lemongrass-infused oolong tea, kalamansi-lemon juice) and Jade (Sipsmith gin, Nigori sake, lemon, celery), as well as classic Dim Sum menu featuring favorites like Lobster Egg Rolls, General Tso's Dumplings, and Pork Buns.

Exhilarating to the eyes and tastebuds alike, Buddakan presents the vivid flavors of the Far East in a surreal atmosphere that marries the serenity of Asia with the flamboyance of 16th-century Paris. Guests can make reservations for the special Chinese New Years celebration on OpenTable or by calling Buddakan at 212-989-6699.

Classic British Cuisine At Queensyard In NYC's Hudson Yards

With a breathtaking view of the Vessel sculpture and a delicious menu of British fare, queensyard is the new "must visit" dining destination to appease your appetite.

Located in the heart of Hudson Yards, queensyard is a British restaurant where the layout is inspired by the rooms of an English country home. It is an all-day dining destination that transitions from the daytime grab-and-go to a low key evening wine bar in the café, light lunch in the Kitchen, afternoon tea, after-work drinks in the Bar to the Dining Room's cozy but elegant dinner service.

English Rose Foie Gras

The look may be deceitful for this savory dish of chicken liver foie gras parfait, which is coated in bittersweet chocolate and stout. The creamy foie gras is complemented by pickled mushroom and almonds.

Marinated Hamachi

Four slices of raw hamachi (yellowtail) is drizzled with olive oil and chili flakes. The hamachi is served with creamy avocado wasabi with fermented kohlrabi, lychee, and finger lime for additional flavors and texture.

Perigord Truffle Risotto

The rich, creamy truffle risotto made with 48 month parmigiano reggiano is topped with a generous amount of fresh, shaved truffle. The arborio rice is cooked perfectly well.

Berkshire Pork Chop

The perfectly cooked, bone-in pork chop is crusted in fine pistachio, and served with mouthwatering maple and bourbon ragú. The pork chop is complemented by confit satsuma mandarin, sea buckthorn, and juniper.

Olivetta, a new coastal European restaurant and culinary destination opens in West Hollywood

Located at 9010 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood, Olivetta is a new culinary destination created by restaurateurs Matt and Marissa Hermer (Draycott) and helmed by Executive Chef Michael Fiorelli (formerly of Love & Salt). The stylish restaurant is designed by Tom Parker (Fettle) with four different dining areas that bring the taste of the Mediterranean to this boutique boite.

Tucked away on WeHo's Restaurant Row, the incredibly stylish 150 seat bungalow boasts an atmosphere of carefree sophistication by combining the whimsical elegance of the western Mediterranean with the theatrical exuberance of West Hollywood. Taking inspiration from Italy, Greece, France and Spain, Chef Fiorelli’s culinary approach celebrates old-world ingredients and preparations of the region while reimagining the classics. The menu features simple yet elegantly executed produce-forward dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Cocktails

The bar program, curated by award winning mixologist Melina Meza, pairs familiar favorites with unique ingredients to create cocktails such as a Dirty Martini made with bleu cheese infused dry vermouth, Kalamata olive brine, and a garnish of gorgonzola stuffed Castelvetrano olives as well as original creations such as a Tequila based cocktail made with elderflower, rainbow carrot, jasmine honey, Italian amaro and fresh lime. These elevated and complex flavors provide the perfect complement to Chef Fiorelli’s Mediterranean menu.\

Food

By utilizing old-world ingredients and styles of preparation, Chef Fiorelli has drawn inspiration from the coastal classics of Italy, Greece, France and Spain to create a menu of contemporary dishes with a Californian sensibility. The menu captures the spirit of being on holiday while fully celebrating the exquisite locally sourced ingredients found here at home. Some of the highlights include Grilled Branzino made with green herbs and lemon conserva, Grilled Spanish Octopus with crispy potatoes, chorizo, fried peppers, preserved lemon, salsa verde, and Roasted Baby Carrots made with pistachio, feta and dill.

Olivetta is located at 9010 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood and is open Sunday through Wednesday, dinner 5pm – 10:30pm and bar 5pm – 12am, and Thursday through Saturday, dinner 5pm – 11pm and bar 5pm – 2am.

Beautiful Presentation And Delicious Food At Lumaca In NYC

Located in HGU New York Hotel, Lumaca by celebrity chef John DeLucia specializes in coastal Italian menu inspired by the chef's southern Italian roots.

As the new flagship restaurant in HGU New York Hotel, Lumaca features a menu filled with coastal southern Italian delicacies with rustic breads, hand-shaped pastas, and more. The ingredients are sourced straight from Italy along with locally-sourced seafood and authentic Italian flavors.

Hamachi

As beautiful as it is delicious, the Hamachi dish features fresh sashimi of yellowtail paired with grapefruit slice, crispy rice cake, micro greens, red pepper, and creamy black garlic aioli for a melange of different flavors and textures. The vibrant color of the dish adds to the aesthetic aspect of the dish.

Burrata

Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth burrata is generously drizzled with aged balsamic and unfiltered extra virgin olive oil, and then seasoned with salt and pepper. The burrata is complemented by a thin slice of sweet persimmons and greens.

Spaghetti Pescatore

Spaghetti, prepared perfectly al dente, is prepared in rich seafood brodo with a collection of fresh seafood that includes calamari, octopus, scallops, mussels, and clams. The hearty seafood brodo has rich flavors from the garlic and tomato.

Branzino Al Cartoccio

Steamed in parchment, the Mediterranean sea bass has an extremely moist texture full of flavors. The sea bass is served on top of bed of barley and an assortment of seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, and olives.

Pistachio Tiramisu and Vanilla Gelato

End the meal on a sweet note with this pairing of Pistachio Tiramisu and Vanilla Gelato. The tiramisu features an alternating layers of pistachio-flavored cream and coffee-soaked cake, and topped with crunchy pistachio and crumbs.

From Lobster To Steak, Brooklyn Chop House In NYC Delivers Mouthwatering Experience

Opened in fall of 2018, Brooklyn Chop House in New York City's Financial District offers a unique twist on classic steakhouse items with an Asian influence.

Run and operated by seasoned restaurateurs Stratis Morfogen, Dave Thomas and Robert "Don Pooh" Cummins, Brooklyn Chop House in Financial District is a chic Asian steakhouse that offers an eclectic menu of fusion dumplings, shareable small plates and entrees, and over-the-top desserts.

Philly Cheesesteak and Pastrami Dumplings

The dumplings menu offers innovative items like Pastrami Dumplings filled with - yes, you guessed it, pastrami - as well as Philly Cheesesteak, the Reuben, and Lamb Gyro, just to name a few. Brooklyn Chop House did an excellent job filling these doughy dumplings with all your favorite New York staples.

Bacon Cheeseburger Shumai and French Onion Soup Dumplings

Traditional shumai, which is typically made of pork and shrimp, are instead filled with savory Bacon Cheeseburger and served with ketchup on the side. The soup dumplings are filled with cheesy, rich French Onion Soup.

4LB Main Lobster

On the entree side, Brooklyn Chop House has a range of options like steak, lobster, chicken, and duck. The restaurant prepares fresh 4lb Maine lobster in two ways: Salt and Pepper as well as Fresh Ginger and Garlic. Picture above is the Ginger and Garlic Lobster, sauteed in thick ginger sauce.

Grilled Filet Mignon

The show stopper at Brooklyn Chop House is the steaks and chops, like this 16oz filet mignon. The restaurant also offers extravagant items like 48oz dry-aged Porterhouse, 32oz prime dry-aged bone in Tomahawk, pork chops, veal chop, and lamb chops.

Desserts

End the note on a perfectly sweet note with these unforgettable desserts. The fried sweet wontons are filled with delicious apple pie fillings, and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. On the right is a huge slice of rich Red Velvet cake with a dollop of whipped cream.