Appetizers

Mini cannelloni bites with ricotta, shaved mozzarella, and arrabbiata salsa, by Eatertainment in Toronto

Until December 31, Winter Haven South Beach in Miami is offering a Savoring SoBe package for a 15 percent discount on hotel accommodations. The package also consists of a 25 percent discount on the South Beach food tour by Miami Culinary Tours that features an in-depth tasting of cuisine in Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, such as ceviche, empanadas, and Refajo drinks. Participants will also learn about the district’s architecture and other local fun facts. The package requires full prepayment at the time of booking.

Venezia Gelato, a traditional Italian gelato shop, opened in south Austin, Texas, in May and offers freshly made, handcrafted flavors, along with an array of other frozen treats and authentic Italian coffees. Seasonal flavors include Venezia, a blend of chocolate and hazelnut; lemon; strawberry cheesecake; and coconut and chocolate. In addition to standard gelato, the shop stocks frozen “donuts”—rings of gelato covered in icing and toppings, as well as frozen lollipops, pastries, made-to-order cakes, and affogatos—a coffee-based dessert topped with vanilla gelato.

Repeat Roses is a New York-based company that collects and repurposes florals from events and delivers them to those in need, such as residents in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. The service is available throughout the United States through a network of employees and providers; fees start at $750.

Specialty outdoor retailer REI opened a 51,000-square-foot flagship store in October in Washington’s NoMA neighborhood. Along with the store’s grand opening, REI launched “United Outside," a program that focuses on getting people outdoors. The retailer offers activities in the city such as rock-climbing lessons and bike tours. Most activities are free but require registration.

Rebecca Merhej, the pastry chef at Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach, California, recently began baking layer cakes that are available for events. The two-layer confections are offered in unusual and sophisticated flavors, such as buttermilk polenta with berries and almond buttercream or chocolate olive oil cake with chocolate buttercream and sea salt. Seasonal specialties are available based on the baker’s finds at the local Santa Monica farmer’s market. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.

High Roller at the Linq Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, has launched yoga sessions within its pods, offering views over the city as the wheel rises 550 feet in the air. The experience includes a one-hour yoga session (that’s two rotations) with an instructor and accommodates as many as six guests per cabin. Participants are guided through the experience by way of headsets that allow them to hear the instructor and music.

Toronto-based Coco & Cowe Confectionary offers its Dicki Dee ice cream bike for rent both in and outside of the city. The bike, which can be customized by color to fit a theme, can be stationed at corporate events, weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, and more as a serving station option.

Chic Event Furniture Rental in Orlando has created a new cocktail table inspired by hedge walls. The table combines faux boxwood, a white wood frame, and a clear glass top. The base is 45 inches high, and the glass on top is a 24-inch square. The table rents for $75 for single-day events.

Casual dining spot Balade Your Way brings authentic Middle Eastern dishes to Midtown New York, with a menu that includes shawarma sandwiches and manouche filled with zaatar or cheese, plus grab-and-go items like hummus and kale tabbouleh. In addition, diners can create mix-and-match dishes by choosing a base (pita wrap, rice, or salad), a protein, and toppings such as turnip pickles, Feta cheese, or tahini sauce. Catering for lunch and dinner is also available throughout the city.