The ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction closes on Sunday, 12 July, so we are now entering the captivating final stages as auction watchers turn to bidders and look to snap up an experience of a lifetime, with the knowledge that every dollar they spend will be channelled straight back into helping the hospitality community. Here we round up some eclectic and unique lots that you simply need to see
Steak and Red Wine-Fuelled Argentinian Experience to Buenos Aires and Mendoza – plus Flights
As an exciting last-minute addition, this brilliant experience in Buenos Aires now includes flights from anywhere in the world, as well as internal flights to and from Mendoza, courtesy of Visit Argentina. Discover the country’s best meat and wines on a three-day tour hosted by Pablo Rivero, owner of the legendary parrilla restaurant, Don Julio in Buenos Aires, ranked No. 34 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. This unique opportunity sees you learn about the grilling culture of Argentine asado as well as its famous wine with a trip to the renowned region of Mendoza, staying in the region’s finest hotels along the way.
London Rugby Twickenham Experience with Luxury Hotel, Fine Dining and Cocktails
Experience the incredible atmosphere of an England rugby match at Twickenham with the luxury of London hospitality, courtesy of The London Essence Company. You’ll stay at the spectacular Rosewood London and enjoy cocktails at the acclaimed Scarfes Bar before discovering a hidden oasis inside Kwānt with Erik Lorincz, the legendary bartender who led the American Bar to No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2017. You’ll end with dinner at the renowned 50 Best Restaurants institution The Ledbury, or an equivalent meal cooked by its world-leading chef, Brett Graham.
Three Days Luxury Touring from Paris to Cognac with Rémy Martin
Make your bid for a full 'French Art de vivre' journey in Paris and Cognac, courtesy of Rémy Martin. Over 2 days and 2 nights, you’ll take a tour of the vineyard and distillery for a unique encounter with cellar master Baptiste Loiseau and discover the roots of the House of Rémy Martin and the cognac-making process. You’ll also enjoy a cocktail masterclass with master mixologist Cédric Bouteiller and an unforgettable dinner prepared by Chef Romuald Feger. Back in Paris, you will enjoy a night in a 5-star hotel in the City of Light and taste a Rémy Martin Cocktail in a trendy Parisian mixology bar.
A Journey to the Adriatic Coast with Dinner at Uliassi and Terrazza Marconi Hotel and Spa
Take a romantic weekend trip to the Adriatic Coast with this indulgent hotel and dining package including dinner at Uliassi, which entered the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. Your experience includes a stay at the Terrazza Marconi beach resort hotel and spa, overlooking the sea. Indulge in a trip to the Spa Marine for facilities including thalassotherapy pool and Turkish hammam bath. The experience will be rounded off with an incredible meal at siblings Mauro and Catia Uliassi’s eponymous restaurant, which has been serving simple, contemporary Italian cuisine since 1990.
4-Day Adventure in Malaysia’s Long Semadoh Valley for 6 People with Dewakan
Experience an immersive adventure over 4 days and 3 nights, exploring the people and the bounty of their land in Malaysia, courtesy of Dewakan restaurant. In the Long Semadoh Valley, nestled in the highlands of Lawas, pristine air and beautiful streams produce the best heirloom rice while the Lun Bawang community guard their traditions and heritage through traditional farming. You will discover the culture of the community, share a meal prepared in Lun Bawang fashion and enjoy a family style dinner prepared by Dewakan using foraged ingredients.
Liquid History from Italy: Disaronno Drinks and Masterclass in Your Own Home for up to 10 People
Discover the secrets of the world's favourite Italian liqueur and the main classic drinks with a personalised masterclass with a professional bartender for up to 10 people. It can be virtual, at your home or in a bar of your choosing in your own city, courtesy of Disaronno. By the end of the 90-minute class, you’ll have tasted a special selection of Disaronno and Scotch whisky aged in Marsala barrels and you’ll be well-versed in Disaronno history and how to prepare classic drinks for your friends.
Guadalajara Culinary Tour and Alcalde Meal with Chef Francisco Ruano
Be taken on a journey of the traditional flavours and textures of Mexico with Francisco Ruano, the talented chef behind Alcalde, No.14 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. On this 24-hour experience, you’ll sample seasonal ingredients and eat breakfast at Mercado Alcalde, the market after which Ruano’s restaurant was named, then you’ll attend an agave masterclass with Pedro Jimenez, owner of Mezcal Mezonte. You’ll also try a traditional torta ahogada, Ruano’s favourite local dish. Your trip will be topped off with a classic tasting menu with Mexican wine pairing at Alcalde.
Ultimate Delhi Culinary and Cocktail Tour for 4 with Indian Accent
Delve into Delhi’s culinary treasures with charming chef Manish Mehrotra of Indian Accent, the six-time Best Restaurant in India. Starting with a morning tour of the city’s gastronomic gems, you will take in the sights and smells of Old Delhi’s Spice Market, followed by a tasting menu lunch with wine pairing at Indian Accent. In the evening, take part in a cocktail class led by award-winning mixologist Varun Sharma, followed by the ultimate Indian comfort food dinner at Comorin. You will also take home a signed copy of the Indian Accent cookbook and a special cocktail-making kit.
The Very Best of Gourmet Hong Kong with Four Seasons and Restaurant Lung King Heen
Take an epicurean adventure through the award-winning bars and restaurants of the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong with this spectacular 2-night stay. From your base in the beautiful Harbour View Suite, you’ll enjoy meals at Sushi Saito, the Hong Kong branch of the cult Japanese restaurant that has appeared in every edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants; Lung King Heen, No.33 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020; and 3 Michelin-star Caprice, which has featured in 4 editions of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. You’ll enjoy post-dinner drinks and a Masters of Craft session with bar manager Lorenzo Antinori at Caprice Bar, No.34 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020. This package includes Executive Club access and round-trip airport transfers.
Bistronomy at Belon: Cooking Masterclass and Dinner with Daniel Calvert for 6
Experience Belon, No.4 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020, with this special French cooking masterclass and tasting menu for up to 6 people. You will learn to cook a starter, main and a dessert with chef Daniel Calvert in a demo kitchen, before enjoying a full dinner with wine and cocktail pairings at the hugely popular Hong Kong haute bistro.
Private MO Bar Experience and Luxury Hotel Package at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Luxuriate in a five-star experience at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore and unravel the tales behind MO Bar’s exquisite repertoire of signature cocktails. Featuring magnificent views over Marina Bay, bask in the grandeur of the lavish Mandarin Suite and enjoy an elegant afternoon tea upon arrival. Retreat into bliss with a 2-hour couple treatment at The Spa and wind down the evening with a sumptuous dinner at MO Bar or Cantonese fare at Cherry Garden. Sip the night away at one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars as you embark on an exclusive cocktail masterclass with bar manager Adrian Besa.
California Wine and Food Safari for 8 with Saison’s Mark Bright
Take a guided tour of the Californian wine regions of Monterey and Santa Cruz with Mark Bright, award-winning wine director, winemaker and co-founder of Saison Hospitality Group. You’ll discover a side of the region that’s unknown to anyone outside the industry under the guidance of Bright, who, as a winemaker, is known for his blends of Old-World techniques with New World grapes. Your day will be topped off with a special dinner at Embarcadero dining gem Angler. The optimal time for this experience is autumn.
Head to 50BestForRecovery.com to place your bids and read all articles about the 'Bid for Recovery' Auction by clicking here. Visit the Restaurant Recovery Hub and the Bar Recovery Hub to explore useful resources during the coronavirus pandemic and read the stories of chefs and bartenders around the world. Follow 50 Best on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news on our fundraising initiatives.
Reporting by Laura Price, Giulia Sgarbi and Mark Sansom
