Tag: Restaurant PR

VIDEO: “Doughn’t” Miss This

Cherith AndesBlog, Clairemont Client News, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR, , , , , ,

Dessert…as an appetizer? That’s how one diner described Il Palio‘s renowned sea salt and rosemary focaccia bread. A hallmark of Il Palio’s menu, the focaccia embodies all the qualities of regional Italian cooking–simplicity, balance and epic flavor.

Step into the kitchen with Chef Teddy Diggs, executive chef at Il Palio, as he unveils the secrets to this mouth-watering dish and answers the question that everyone keeps asking: how does he get two quarts of olive oil in that ball of dough!?

We love watching an artisan ply his craft!

 

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Il Palio, Siena Hotel Hire Clairemont

Cherith AndesBlog, Clairemont Client News, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR, , , , , , ,

Raleigh PR Agency Represents Top Autograph Collection Hotel in the Americas

Clairemont Communications, a full-service public relations agency with a focus on blending traditional communications and social media, has been named agency of record for Il Palio and The Siena Hotel Autograph Collection, the Triangle’s longest-standing AAA-rated Four Diamond restaurant and hotel.

Located in Chapel Hill, N.C., The Siena Hotel selected Clairemont to devise a long-term public relations strategy and spearhead communications during a major renovation to Il Palio, the boutique hotel’s premiere Italian restaurant. The Siena recently secured the Hotel of the Year Award for the Autograph Collection in the Americas by Marriott International.

“As we revitalize our classic ambience to showcase our modern feel, we understand the challenges of commanding the attention of fresh audiences,” said Anthony Carey, general manager, The Siena Hotel. “With a proven track record of creating award-winning PR campaigns, Clairemont is the ideal choice to escort us through this next phase of growth.”

Teddy Diggs, executive chef, Il Palio
Teddy Diggs, executive chef, Il Palio

Clairemont will work with The Siena Hotel executive team to unveil new features of Il Palio, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, including a structural overhaul by New City Design. Culinary innovations, led by acclaimed Chef Teddy Diggs, will include a custom-designed wood-fired grill—one of the few in the Triangle region—a chef’s table and an open kitchen. Upon re-opening in September, Chef Diggs will debut an expanded menu designed to highlight regional Italian cooking and reflect discoveries from his culinary tour of Italy, such as hand-made pastas and simple, rustic flavors expertly crafted with the wood-fired grill.

“We’re honored to work with The Siena Hotel to reintroduce Il Palio to its loyal customer base as well as to open the doors to a new generation of diners and foodies in the Triangle,” said Dana Hughens, chief executive officer, Clairemont Communications.

Clairemont Communications, has provided strategic public relations counsel for a variety of award-winning clients, including restaurants such as PDQ, T.MAC and Grounds Café. Additionally, Clairemont’s experience spans a range of industries, from real estate with Newland Communities and education with Kenan-Flagner School of Business to furniture and home interiors with clients such as FurnitureLand South, Thomasville Furniture and Drexel-Heritage. Clairemont’s campaigns have garnered 106 industry awards from the North Carolina Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA) and Raleigh Public Relations Society (RPRS), recognizing strategic excellence in social media, media relations, community relations and event marketing in just five years.

Inspired by the beauty of Italy and located in Chapel Hill, N.C., The Siena Hotel is the premiere Autograph Collection Marriott hotel in the Americas. As the Triangle’s longest-standing AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel, The Siena offers an elegant European escape with 79 luxury rooms, 4,000 square feet of special event space and unparalleled onsite dining at renowned Il Palio restaurant. Legendary hospitality and elegant European architecture coupled with innovative services has earned The Siena the Hotel of the Year Award for the Autograph Collection in the Americas by Marriott International. The Siena Hotel is nestled just 1.5 miles from the heart of Chapel Hill with a convenient 15-minute drive to RDU International Airport, Duke University and the Research Triangle Park. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.thesienahotel.com or call 800-223-7379.

Il Palio is an award-winning Italian dining destination in Chapel Hill, N.C. and the premiere restaurant of The Siena Hotel Autograph Collection. Consistently awarded Four Diamonds by AAA and acclaimed by Conde’ Nast, Il Palio marries the traditional flavors of Italy with a casual elegance that showcases the culinary roots of rustic Italian cooking. Il Palio features wine from Italy’s 21 regions and vintifications produced in every corner of the Italian Peninsula, a selection that earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Executive Chef Teddy Diggs brings robust training from the Culinary Institute of America along with rich national experience, including appointments in the Washington D.C. dining spotlight and tenure at Martha’s Vineyard. Il Palio offers breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday with a special brunch on Sundays. For more information, visit www.sienahotel.com/il-palio or call 800-223-7379.

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Mystery Meals Sweep Raleigh

Cherith AndesBlog, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR, Trends, , , , , , , , ,

Contrary to a Charlotte reporter’s infamous claim, Raleigh’s food scene is anything but blase, especially with this tasty twist. The pop-up dinner, the Triangle’s newest culinary foray, appeals to the developing Raleigh palette while satisfying our yen for community and conversation.

And, not to mention, our secret desire for red carpet treatment.

The Mystery Dinner

In its original form, the pop-up dinner featured an exclusive cast of chefs who pulled out all the stops to craft a one-time specialty menu. The guest list touted the “who’s who” of the culinary underground along an elite few “in the know.” Although guests knew the time and date of the soiree, everything else remained under wraps until 48 hours (or sometimes just 60 minutes!) prior to the dinner when…voila! Guests received a clever riddle unveiling the mysterious dinner location. How very Sherlock of us!

Acorn Kitchen, a Raleigh concept known for its distinctive catering, was one of the first to pilot the pop-up trend in the Triangle. Hosted in the courtyard of the Raleigh Architectural Institute, the mystery dinner piqued the interest of culinary critics and acclaimed foodies alike, delivering such social buzz and culinary zest that it has since become a hallmark event.

Pop-Ups with Wide Appeal

The latest iteration of the pop-up dinner has a broader appeal. You don’t necessarily have to know somebody who knows somebody with the secret handshake to enjoy a sparkling evening with fine wine. Ashley Christensen, 2014 James Beard Award recipient, recently launched a pop-up dinner series as a precursor to her upcoming concept, Death & Taxes. With the right ticket price, guests receive a VIP tour by Ashley herself (there’s the red carpet element!) followed by a four-course meal prepared by acclaimed chefs. The difference? The details are known, but the allure of the “backstage pass” remains.

Marketing with Meals

Pop-up dinners can serve a worthy function, too. Restaurants and chefs engage in friendly competition with other eateries to stoke interest in their collective brands. Catering companies, such as Snap Pea, forge a loyal following and engage new customers who may not otherwise have tasted its fare. ChickenWireNC provides local chefs opportunities to showcase their latest dishes to a select few fans and friends. All exclusive, all intriguingly delicious.

Rivaling the classic dinner-and-a-movie, the pop-up dinner pairs entertainment with a five-star meal. Raleigh certainly jumped on the right end of this rising trend—and we can’t wait to taste what’s next!

Any pop-up dinners that we should put on our watch list?

P.S. A special thanks to foodie friends Durham Foodie, Raleigh What’s Up, CookEatLife and FeliciaPhoto for their tasty tidbits about Raleigh’s food trends!

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Trends Tuesday- Triangle DQ

Jasmin SessomsBlog, The Clairemont Team, Trends, , ,

Everyone has their own way to decompress after a long week. Although I love to pamper myself with a tranquil massage or veg out on the couch for never-ending Lifetime movies, I discovered this past weekend that a quick stop to Triangle Dairy Queen satisfied my sweet tooth and had me smiling the rest of the day. Since Triangle DQ is one of our esteemed clients, I know the Blizzard menu like the back of my hand.

So what’s so prodigious about Triangle DQ you ask? For me, I love knowing there is always a new Blizzard waiting for me as soon as I step into the door. Leave the classic Neapolitan flavors behind as you bask in the glory of the Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard of the Month. If salted caramel truffles, buttery toffee pieces, choco chunks and rich cocoa fudge – just to name a few options – aren’t enticing you into a Triangle DQ store, the new DQ Bakes items are sure to do the trick.

I was ecstatic to hear about the new menu options DQ would be introducing and the opportunity to try them out for myself. DQ Bakes is a new line that features artisan sandwiches, snack melts and deserts a la mode. If you are already in love with the traditional menu items, the new additions to the menu take your taste buds to a whole different level.

Did I mention that the Clairemont team got a VIP tasting of the new menu additions? The girls and I spent an entire lunch hour serving as official taste testers for the brand. Not only was the food delicious, but owner and operator Andy Valkanoff was one of the first in the state to offer the new menu.

But for me, the DQ treats are what are sure to keep me coming back for more. Create a special birthday with a custom DQ ice cream cake, make mom smile with a Blizzard after dinner. So this weekend, skip the massage and ditch the gym. I am sure that DQ will aid in a blissful weekend and if not, your next Blizzard is on me.

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Friday Five: 36 Hours in Raleigh

Tracy LathanBlog, Free Advice, In Our Community, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR,

As you may recall, last March the NY Times ran an outstanding piece highlighting our beloved City of Oaks titled, 36 Hours in Raleigh. N.C. The article featured some the local restaurants, shops and museums that have helped put Raleigh on the map in recent years.

I’ve lived in Raleigh for almost twenty years now (wow time flies), so needless to say I have seen how much our great city has changed for the better. The growth has been steady, strong and smart. I have always lived and worked close to downtown, so keeping up with what new restaurants and businesses are opening and thriving has become a personal passion for me.

A few weeks ago, my college roommate came to visit for the weekend. When she left Raleigh in 2001, there were only a handful of good restaurant options and downtown certainly was not the destination it is today. My husband graciously offered to take the kids out of town for the weekend, so I had the chance to serve as tour guide and show my dear friend how things have changed in a “36 Hours in Raleigh” of our own. So, for today’s Friday Five, here are a few of the spots we visited along the way.

Friday Night – 8:00 p.m.

For dinner on Friday night I chose one of my favorite spots downtown, Poole’s Diner. Time after time Poole’s does not disappoint. My husband and dine here often and always prefer sitting at the bar, which helps trying to get a seat on a busy weekend night. The vibe, cocktails and menu are consistently good. We choose a few menu items to share and it was perfection.

We also had the most wonderful chocolate dessert at Poole’s made with Videri chocolate from the local chocolate factory in the Raleigh Depot. Videri is BYOB and has a great patio, so it’s a perfect spot to enjoy one last glass of wine and some delicious chocolate before heading home. They also offer factory tours and serve up Stumptown coffee if you are in the neighborhood have a chance to stop by in the morning. The owners, Sam and Starr Ratto, have really created something special.

Saturday Afternoon – 2:00 p.m.

We spent the afternoon on Saturday shopping, and since we both have young children, we had to stop in one of my favorite children’s boutiques in Five Points, Progeny Shoppe. Store owner, Lauren Hood, has created a curated collection of modern, hip clothing, accessories and toys for little ones. The store is delightful and it’s almost impossible to walk out empty handed!

Saturday Night – 6:30 pm

 For dinner Saturday night I decided on another favorite of mine, Bida Manda. We started with a moscow mule and shared the lettuce wrap appetizer. The service is always fantastic, and the décor creates a warm atmosphere that draws you in off the street. A creature of habit, I always get the Pad Tai and am never disappointed.

Sunday Morning – 8:00 a.m.

I couldn’t think of a better way to end our weekend than with breakfast at Joule. Joule has quickly become my hands down favorite spot for leisurely weekend brunch, or for a quick breakfast during the week. I love the coffee, the hipster vibe, the vibrant décor and the community table. Obsessed with the grits and sourdough toast with avocado…what a great addition to downtown!

These are only a few of the spots we visited during our weekend tour – there were so many more we didn’t have time for. I was proud to see what Raleigh has become through her eyes. What also became clear along the way is that Raleigh has achieved the best of both world’s…home to an amazingly talented group of chefs, small business owners and entrepreneurs, Raleigh has maintained a local, organic, laid back feel. Nothing fancy, just good people, good times and really good food.

 

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