From modernized macarons in New York to a permanent exhibition in Las Vegas showcasing all things Elvis Presley, here's a look at the latest products, trends, and ideas from across North America.
Soothe is a massage-on-demand service that can bring a relaxing treatment to a meeting attendee, stressed-out employee, or corporate client in an office, hotel, or anywhere, with as little as 60 minutes’ advance notice in Los Angeles. The online service and mobile app connect to a network of 300 therapists available to travel immediately. In addition to offering massages for individuals and couples, Soothe also offers chair massage services for corporate events.
Photo: Courtesy of Soothe
The new boutique bakery TruTru Cakes & More, which opened in Miami in April, comes from sisters and co-owners Alejandra and Daniela Calbimonte. It offers catering for events from its lineup of classic sweets like cupcakes and red velvet cake, as well as savory treats.
Photo: Courtesy of TruTru Cakes & More
Founded by seasoned event designer Michelle Gubitosa and former fashion stylist Nilda Martin, Reserve Modern Event Rental offers rentals for Boston-area events. Owners describe the pieces as design-focused and fashion-forward, and inventory includes bars, tables, thrones, chandeliers, and chairs.
Photo: Courtesy of Reserve Modern Event Rental
Petal by Pedal delivers seasonal flowers and succulents via messengers on customized bikes or by foot around New York. The bouquets are sourced from local New York farmers and are arranged sustainably in Mason jars with twine and typewriter-written cards. The floral company also provides arrangements for events and parties, in addition to individual orders. Delivery is available from Canal Street to 60th Street and from West End Avenue to First Avenue in Manhattan; succulents cost $55, petite bouquets with as many as 10 blooms are $85, and large arrangements with as many as 18 blooms are $140.
Photo: Courtesy of Petal by Pedal
New to Toronto, Midnight Snack Company specializes in late-night fare. The caterers prepare bar snacks, sweets tables, and after-dark snacks for weddings, meetings, and events; menu items include toasted white chocolate doughnuts and fried chicken and waffles.
Photo: Becca Lemire
The “Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition, The Show, The Experience” at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino debuted in April and features artifacts never before displayed outside of the Elvis estate. (The Westgate site was formerly the International Hotel, where the star performed more than 600 sold-out shows.) The expansive permanent exhibition in Las Vegas encompasses more than 28,000 square feet and includes hundreds of items from the Presley family archives. Plus, the newly renamed and renovated Elvis Presley International Showroom will present live shows for limited-engagement runs on the same stage where the showman performed for millions from 1969 to 1976. Group tickets and tours are available.
Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Escapology is a new teambuilding venue that opened on International Drive in Orlando in December. Teams of as many as six players are locked in a room and must work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and discover the key to the door within one hour. Games are based on themes such as “Arizona Shootout,” “Cuban Crisis,” or “Shanghaied.” Packages are available for private groups and include two games per person, complimentary breakfast, and use of a meeting area that seats 30 people.
Photo: Courtesy of Escapology
Perennial Virant, a seasonal American restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, has the tagline: “Eat what you can, can what you can’t.” In that spirit, the upscale eatery now hosts canning demonstrations for groups of eight or more guests. During a typical session, a chef will demonstrate how to can a fruit or vegetable, then serve a dish using that ingredient. Guests leave with take-home recipes and jars of the preserved ingredients. The restaurant also hosts chef-led butchering, pastry, and cocktail classes.
Photo: Shannon Braniff
The Washington art studio and lounge ArtJamz opened a new location in Brookland late last year. In addition to its in-studio offerings, its staff also can set up paints, canvases, and easels at pop-up promotions or work with corporate clients on private events or teambuilding programs.
Photo: Courtesy of ArtJamz
Dana’s Bakery opened its first Mac Bar outpost in the Gansevoort Market in New York’s meatpacking district late last year. The sweet shop is known for pairing traditional French technique with modern flavors like red velvet, fruity cereal, and s’mores. Recent and upcoming macarons include Cadbury Creme and Marshmallow Peep, along with cocktail-inspired confections.
Photo: Courtesy of Dana's Bakery
