Latest news with #CUT
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business
- Business Wire
CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Named to 2025 Star Bars List by Forbes Travel Guide
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown was named one of the world's 58 Hotel Star Bars verified by Forbes Travel Guide ('FTG'), the world's leading authority on luxury hospitality. The full list is featured on 'At CUT, the experience goes far beyond the plate. It's about creating an atmosphere where every detail, every pour, and every interaction is intentional,' said Byron Lazaroff-Puck. This year's honorees, spanning 19 countries, were identified through data gathered as part of FTG's 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, based on exacting incognito inspections globally. The bars named to the list excelled in scores related to their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless, luxurious service and an exceptional guest experience. The selection of 58 honorees is a tribute to Forbes Travel Guide's founding as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958. Located in the heart of Tribeca, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is a 2025 Forbes Five-Star recipient, recognized for its outstanding hospitality, contemporary design, and refined sense of place. Adjacent to the hotel's lobby, the bar at CUT by Wolfgang Puck has emerged as a destination of its own, offering guests a vibrant yet intimate setting that seamlessly blends culinary innovation with elevated mixology. With its rich textures, warm lighting, and curated cocktail experience, the bar reflects the hotel's broader commitment to excellence, welcoming locals, travelers, and tastemakers to gather, unwind, and enjoy standout service in one of the city's most iconic luxury addresses. 'At Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, we are proud to deliver an experience that is both intimate and iconic,' said Igor Morosowski, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. 'Being named to Forbes Travel Guide's Star Bars list affirms our commitment to excellence and recognizes the bar at CUT by Wolfgang Puck as a place where sophistication, creativity, and community intersect in the most memorable way.' 'At CUT, the experience goes far beyond the plate. It's about creating an atmosphere where every detail, every pour, and every interaction is intentional,' said Byron Lazaroff-Puck. 'This recognition celebrates our commitment to hospitality that feels both personal and elevated. Being part of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown allows us to bring that vision to life in a setting defined by timeless luxury and world-class service. Guests come not just to unwind, but to connect, indulge, and be inspired. We're honored by this distinction and excited to continue raising the bar for what an unforgettable experience can be.' 'The 2025 Star Bars represent the pinnacle of hotel bar experiences,' said Hermann Elger, CEO of FTG. 'FTG's in-person inspections in more than 90 countries provide unmatched insight into hotel bars, with our research delving into two years of exacting data to surface the best of the best.' 'These awards highlight sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, artfully curated wine lists, and cocktails that are skillfully crafted and creatively presented," said Bastien Gardrat, Forbes Travel Guide's Global Spirits Ambassador. 'These are elements that come together to create an unforgettable hotel bar experience. Congratulations to the remarkable bars on this year's inaugural list.' To view the full list of 2025 Hotel Star Bars award winners, visit Connect with Forbes Travel Guide: Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises and their restaurants. Our anonymous inspectors evaluate hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world's best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our exacting inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit About CUT by Wolfgang Puck at The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown The bar is an extension of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the renowned chef's first Manhattan restaurant, located just next door off the lobby of The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. More than just a place to grab a drink, it stands as a destination in its own right. Designed with rich textures, warm lighting, and striking architectural details, the bar offers an intimate yet energetic atmosphere that echoes the restaurant's refined ambiance. Guests can enjoy innovative cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list, whether as a pre-dinner indulgence or a standalone experience. On select evenings, curated DJ sets elevate the vibe, infusing the space with a dynamic rhythm. Whether reconnecting with friends or unwinding after work, the bar has become a favorite among locals, business professionals, travelers, celebrities, and tastemakers alike - a true hidden gem nestled within one of New York's most iconic addresses.
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Samsung education-focused CSR programmes
Making a positive difference in the lives of South African youth. Samsung's education-focused, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes strive to promote innovation and empower youth through technology; with the ultimate aim of addressing societal issues. These programmes offer support to underprivileged youth and aim to cultivate creative thinking while also providing critical skills training needed by the local economy. By doing so, Samsung is creating opportunities for young people to make a positive impact on their communities and society. Samsung spoke to some of the beneficiaries from its education-focused initiatives that are driven through technology,and this is what they had to say: Siyabonga 'Siya' Mojalefa Tshabalala originally from Qwaqwa in the Free State was part of the 2022 Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme in partnership with Central University of Technology (CUT). SIC is a global initiative that upskills youth aged 18-25 in future technologies to enhance their employability while focusing on AI, IoT, Big Data and Coding. Siya explained: 'Through this SIC programme I gained hands-on experience through paper coding, peer programming and projects and these skills have helped me to solve real-world problems. The programme also taught me some important soft skills that are required in work environments, these included communication, critical thinking, problem solving skills and ability to collaborate with others.' Another beneficiary, 26 year old Mulalo Ndou, did her undergrad in mathematical science and majored in mathematics and mathematical statistics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She also completed her honours in risk analysis (cum laude) at the University of the Free State (UFS). According to Mulalo, Samsung's bursary fund was her light at the end of the tunnel. Mulalo received funding from Samsung when she needed it to complete her last year of studies. 'I lost the funding I had for my studies in my final year and had to go back home, but Samsung came through for me, she said. 'This bursary fund paid for my annual fees and accommodation in my final year and postgraduate studies. It also provided me with a monthly meal and living stipend as well as an allowance for a laptop.' After Mulalo finished her postgrad, Samsung provided her with an internship opportunity. 'When the internship period was over, Samsung gave me a full-time position as a process improvement data analyst/reporting specialist. I am very grateful to the individuals at Samsung who helped me to be successful in my role,' she added. In an effort to pay it forward, Mulalo also works as a volunteer at Rising Females in STEM, as she is also a rising female in technology and mathematics. Mulalo said that she has always wanted to be one of the mentors in the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) programme. 'This SFT opportunity came at the right time and has been an amazing experience. I am learning something new each day from the participating learners and, most importantly, how to become a great mentor.' Nzumbululo Todani, an 18 year old learner from Mbilwi Secondary in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. Nzumbululo is one of the beneficiaries from the SFT contest that challenges students to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills to solve real-world problems in their local communities. His participation in the SFT competition has proved to be invaluable – he attributes his academic achievements in 2024 to his experience in the programme. Nzumbululo was awarded the top learner in the province for the 2024 NSC examinations with an average aggregate of 97%. Also, he was awarded for obtaining 300/300 in two gateway subjects: physical science and geography. 'When I participated in the contest, I assumed the role of team coordinator, managing and planning the daily landscape of the project and doing quality control on the prototype as well as all papers written and the final presentation. The competition left me with invaluable communication, leadership, planning, evaluation and time management skills.' Thoriso Rangata is a 32 year male entrepreneur and the owner of KTO Digital – a business process automation, software development services and background screening software as a service (SaaS) solution provider. He currently stays in Johannesburg but is originally from Limpopo and is one of the beneficiaries of the Samsung EEIP Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Thoriso became part of the programme when he responded to a public call for applications. At the time, his business needed support so that they could meet the company's growth objectives. Since being part of the EEIP programme, Thoriso won the Nedbank Business of the Year award in 2022. His company also launched its own product and received accreditation for the business as a credit bureau in 2022. 'The other direct benefits that we received from being part of the programme included: grant funding, asset financing and continuous business mentorship that our business needed in order for us to move forward, Thoriso added. 'We strongly believe that the skills we acquired from this EEIP programme, which included business regulatory governance structures and strategic business growth approaches/methods – have contributed to the success of our business to date.' Through these education-focused CSR programmes that are driven by technology, Samsung is actively promoting the transfer of critical skills as well as both employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that are needed by the country's youth and the local economy. The testimonials from the youth that participated in Samsung's programmes are a clear indication of the impact the company is making in South Africa. By continuing to fund such programmes, Samsung is working towards winning the fight against youth unemployment, inequality and poverty in the country; through job creation and the development of a skilled workforce. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung newsroom at
TimesLIVE
12-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Central University of Technology student dies in suspected GBV incident
A 19-year-old student from the Central University of Technology (CUT) was found dead in Colesburg, Northern Cape, on Wednesday morning. Bunono Alulutho Buba, who was studying for a Bachelor of Education degree, was discovered in the veld between Bongweni and Khayelitsha in Kuyasa. She had multiple stab wounds to her neck and abdomen. According to CUT, police have opened a murder case and confirmed that her boyfriend has been detained in connection with the killing. According to preliminary reports, police received a complaint about 2.25am on June 5 about a person who was allegedly being attacked at a drinking spot in Khayelitsha. Officers found no-one there and went to the nearby Manne Dipico Hospital to check for injured people. 'It is indeed regrettable that the scourges of gender-based violence and femicide are sporadically stifling humanity and the existence of our beloved sisters, mothers of our land. This endemic is leaving society, the family and friends broken and traumatised, given that the loss of one too many remains a loss to the nation,' said Dr Bernard Sebake, CUT dean of students. Sebake asked the students and staff to pray for the grieving family. 'We also urge our students, staff and communities in Colesberg to put faith in law enforcement and co-operate in affording Ms Buba and her family much-needed justice,' said Sebake. While at the hospital, a man driving a Volkswagen Golf approached police and reported that his girlfriend was lying in the field nearby. Police accompanied him to the scene, where they found Buba's body. The man identified as her boyfriend was later detained after being found in possession of her belongings. CUT has condemned the killing.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Raise a glass at D.C.'s hottest rooftop bars
Raise a glass at D.C.'s hottest rooftop bars With its noisy buzz of titillating political intrigue, Washington, D.C., isn't known for sitting still and dishing up boring. This appetite for creating showy attention-grabbing news has produced a delightfully positive trend: a jaw-dropping spike in bars with a number of rooftop bars across the city is booming, with more than 30 new or renovated locations opening since 2020. What's all the fuss about? In D.C., the sheer exhilaration of being at a rooftop bar is fed by the city's height restrictions, capped at 130 feet since 1910. This unique feature for an American city has fostered the rooftop boom, since scenic views are available from nearly all of scores of great bars offering views of some of the world's most iconic landmarks, it can be paralyzing to know how to whittle your must-visit list. Here are five standout venues to experience this city's passion for elevated socializing: CUT Above Rosewood Washington on the banks of Georgetown's historic C&O Canal Towpath, this elegant rooftop features Wolfgang Puck's elevated culinary program along with an elevated view. It showcases an indulgent interpretation of his full-service restaurant CUT, located on Rosewood's ground refined bar bites while sipping artistic cocktails such as Georgetown Gem, with freshly juiced watermelon, and High Society, with fresh guava and lime. Enjoy enchanting views of the historic area with its spires, the winding Potomac River, Francis Scott Key Bridge and the Kennedy Center. ART DC Arlo Washington DCNear the National Building Museum, National Mall and Union Station, ART DC opened in late 2024. This is your go-to for Japanese and Pan-American themed food and drink — such as edamame hummus, miso salmon rolls and yakitori. Try the Shogun Old Fashioned or the signature Kitsune's Elixir with spiced rum, pear and sake. Note: They offer a "reverse happy hour" from 8:30 p.m. to close. Its convenient central location is mere blocks from two major Metro subway stations, and the view of the U.S. Capitol is bewitching. VUE Rooftop DC Hotel WashingtonThis see-and-be-seen rooftop bar and restaurant is so close to the White House you can peek into the grounds, sweeping the imagination into the dramatic happenings of America's most famous address. Shift in your seat for glimpses of the stately Washington Monument, just two long city blocks at VUE are humorously named with nods to D.C. politics such as Power to the Peaches and Scandal of Kernal Nature. The venue serves dinner with a dedicated children's menu and offers weekend brunch featuring Tres Leches French toast and steak and eggs. Moonraker Pendry Washington DC – The WharfDripping with refinement, this haven sits atop the Pendry hotel in the Wharf District, a lively live-work-play area on D.C.'s waterfront. Find yourself either indoors at the cozy dark wooden circular bar or on the open terrace. By day the space projects a casual lounge personality, whereas the evening scene is energized with boozy culinary focus is Japanese-inspired, with unique cocktails and a bountiful sake and Japanese whisky list. Views include the lively Wharf, Washington Channel, the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. Top of the Gate The Watergate HotelAt this seasonal open-air rooftop oasis, you'll rise well above past crimes and misdemeanors to enjoy a 360-degree view over the city. Plane-spotters will love being on the Potomac River flight on Mediterranean-inspired fare like seafood towers and truffle fries paired with seasonal cocktails while reveling in sweeping views of the river, The Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the crisscross network of bridges connecting the district to Virginia.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Rugby star turns up and wins World's Strongest Man on first attempt as amateur
Rugby star turns up and wins World's Strongest Man on first attempt as amateur The 30-year-old weighs over 23 stone and has made history The former rugby player has excelled in the Strongman arena. (Image: (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) ) Former rugby player Rayno Nel has won the World's Strongest Man 2025. The ex-Free State Cheetahs player became the first ever African to win the famous competition and defeated strongman royalty Tom Stoltman in the final in California. Claiming the coveted title by a mere half-point, Nel became the first rookie to win WSM since 1997. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Nel's success is fairly unprecedented too, he only took up strongman training three years ago, and took part in his first event at South Africa's Strongest Man in 2023. His strength was first recognised while at Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein, where he was captain of the rugby team for three consecutive years before going on to play for the Cheetahs. CUT posted a statement following the success of their alumnus: "His journey reflects CUT's commitment to excellence, resilience, and innovation on and off the field. We salute Rayno for his outstanding achievement and for carrying the CUT flag with pride and power." Nel is an electrical engineer by trade and works full-time unlike many of the other athletes, and despite just winning the most sought after prize in the world of strongman, he insists he has no intention of going professional at the moment. Article continues below Speaking to the legendary Eddie Hall after taking the title, he was asked about this, with Hall fully expectant that Nel would be putting all his eggs in one basket with strongman. "I love what I do," explained Nel. "I'm an electrical engineer by trade and it's really something I hold close to my heart. So, I don't think I'll ever go away from it, strongman is just a couple of years. "That's a good question, I need to sit down and think: 'What is my future?', for now, I'm going to enjoy winning the World's Strongest Man. "It's something you guys work for, for so many years, and for me it's just something that came in the first year. "I'm amazed by the great result, I'll just go back to the drawing board, plan and see what's next." Article continues below Check out this clip below. Content cannot be displayed without consent Nel also completed a stunning repetition of 490 kilograms on the deadlift. For context, the world record is 501kg, set by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (controversially besting Hall's 500kg record).
