Latest news with #Mauro
The Age
5 days ago
- Business
- The Age
‘Know your skills and value': How small businesses can face up to tax time with confidence
It's often said that no one becomes a small-business owner to actually run a business. It is, after all, a world that few enter into with a blueprint for success. Yet, some 2.6 million Australians have taken the leap into entrepreneurship, many of whom rely on advisers, loved ones, the internet and all manner of support systems to learn as they go. What can hold some back, however? It's the fear of asking 'silly questions' — a phrase most of us have uttered in some form or another throughout our lives. Kelsie Gaffey is one such entrepreneur in the early stages of building a business. The young South Australian opened Gracie's Wine Room, a buzzy hotspot in Melbourne's East, earlier this year. 'Entrepreneurship has always been something I've aspired to, but I've never really thought I had the time, experience or money,' she says. 'But I knew in my heart that I didn't have a passion for the nine-to-five grind, so about a year ago, I started taking steps to build something of my own, and that's how Gracie's came to be.' Gaffey is slowly but surely learning the ropes. And with tax time on the horizon — her first being self-employed — she's leaning into the idea that there's no such thing as a silly question in small business. Uncovering tax-time trepidation To spotlight some of the complexities of end of financial year (EOFY), Xero surveyed 1000 everyday Australians, including small-business owners. The research found that almost three-quarters of people (73 per cent) feel worried or stressed around June 30, and nearly a quarter (22 per cent) have avoided asking a tax-related question out of fear it might seem silly. Gaffey can relate to this. 'My skills are centred around marketing and creativity, but not so much the financial side of running a business,' she explains. 'So, honestly, I'm feeling a little nervous about EOFY.' Accountant Julian Mauro from Melbourne-based advisory firm Mauro sees this all too often. 'Our clients constantly say, 'Why wasn't this taught in school?' And it's true, especially for small-business owners. They simply don't know what they don't know,' he says. In particular, tax deductions leave one in two people (51 per cent) confused. 'We've pretty much had people ask us everything under the sun in terms of what they can claim on tax. But unless you're taught, you can't be expected to know,' Mauro says.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Forbes
Autumn In Piedmont's Langhe Hills: Fine Wines, Food And Stunning Landscapes
Rows of the colorful autumnal vineyards on the hills of Langhe in Piedmont, Italy. The autumn harvest season is one of the best times to visit the Langhe Hills of Piedmont. Visitors can enjoy the region's bounty of fine wines and cuisine amidst breathtaking views of vineyards, rolling hills, and woodlands, swathed in vibrant shades of red, orange, gold and brown. Located in northwestern Italy (in the southern part of the Piedmont region), the Langhe Hills are framed by the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Apennines. Eleven small villages (communes), including the town of Barolo, are spread over this hilly area, which comprises the official Barolo DOCG wine production zone. Nebbiolo Grapes Located northeast of Alba, the Langhe Hills are the exclusive home to Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy's most prestigious red wines. The wines are named after these two tiny villages. Both wines are made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and are favorites among wine enthusiasts. Often described as siblings, Barolo is known as the "King," and Barbaresco as the "Queen." However, the region produces other high-quality reds and whites, including Barbera, Pinot Nero, and Chardonnay. The Piedmont Langhe/Monferrato wine region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its stunning vineyard landscapes and rich winemaking traditions. (The only other Italian wine region to achieve this status is the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene wine region, which produces Prosecco.) Italian white truffles at the Truffle Fair in Alba, Piedmont (Italy), the most important international truffle market in the world. The regional cuisine of Piedmont is also legendary among food lovers, perhaps only second to Emilia Romagna. The town of Alba is the epicenter of white truffles, known for its yearly International White Truffle Fair. The fair's 95th edition will be in October. Steeped in agricultural and culinary traditions, the Langhe Hills are known for their regional pastas (tagliarini, tajarin and agnolotti), risotto, polenta, and cheeses. Meat lovers enjoy the uniquely lean, tender Fassona beef, from a breed of cattle native to the region. The area is also famous for Piedmont IGP hazelnuts, which are valued by chefs and chocolatiers worldwide. In Turin, the nuts are used to craft gianduia (a chocolate-hazelnut confectionery). Alba is home to Nutella, the popular spread that is considered a descendant of the candy. Mauro and Giovanni Manzone in the wine cellar A consortium, Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe E Dogliani, oversees the strict procedural guidelines for its 500 members that govern the production of Barolo and Barbaresco as well as other denominations like Dolcetto di Dogliani, Barbera d'Alba and Langhe DOC. Only vineyards located on the slopes of the hills, with the best sun exposure and an altitude between 170 and 540 meters above sea level, are allowed to produce Nebbiolo grapes for Barolo. Grape quantity is also capped to guarantee high quality. Most wineries in this region are small, family-owned, and produce site-specific wines. Each village (commune) has distinct soil types, altitudes, exposures and microclimates. Giovanni Manzone Winery is located in Monforte d'Alba, one of the 11 communes in the province of Cuneo. The winery's namesake inherited a house and farm from his father, Stefano, located in what is now called the Castelletto MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva), a recognized Cru (single-vineyard designation) within the Barolo DOCG. The steep, stony ground made cultivation challenging. But through perseverance and hard work, he began to produce wine and bottled his first Barolo Ciabot del Preve in 1961. Following long-standing tradition, his Barolos were and still are aged in large oak barrels with long maceration times. In the 70s, the family acquired another plot of land in Gramolere, now considered a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva (MGA) or Cru within the Barolo DOCG, which has been known historically for grapes that produce wines of incredible structure. At the end of the 1980s, Marc de Grazia, an influential American wine importer who promoted Barolo wines, recognized the quality of Manzone wines, leading to their fame worldwide. This was the start of a 23-year successful partnership with the importer. A fifth generation of the Manzone family, Mauro and Mirella, now oversee operations of their 14.3 hectares of land. About 8.5 hectares are used to produce Rossese Bianco, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo wines within the Barolo appellation. The grapes are hand-harvested and the winery follows a Colderetti protocol to ensure environmental sustainability. Manzone Famiglia Manzone Winery welcomes visitors for guided tastings and tours of the cellar and vineyards. 'We can't compete with the marketing of large, commercial wineries,' says Mauro over a Zoom call. 'The best way to show our work is through tastings of our wines.' The Manzone tasting room offers expansive views of the Barolo region. Mauro compares the small villages dotting the Langhe Hills to 'small jewels,' each with its own charm, characteristics, and customs. Plans are underway to renovate the farmhouse to host overnight stays. Visitors meandering the cobblestone streets of the well-preserved medieval centers will find historic castles, churches, markets and museums (including a Barolo wine museum and a corkscrew museum). More active wine tourists can book popular e-bike tours, plan walks, or run beside the photogenic hills and vineyards. 'Wine and food show their best together,' says Mauro. The Langhe Hills do that in spades. Local trattorie, osterie and ristoranti offer food enthusiasts opportunities to savor authentic farm-to-table regional Piedmontese cuisine paired with exquisite wines. One of the most convenient ways to explore the region is by car, allowing stops at wineries, wine shops and other attractions in the scenic villages. Unlike more trafficked wine regions, visitors appreciate the authenticity of the small hotels, agriturismi, and guest houses in the Langhe Hills. The passionate winemakers of the Langhe Hills are warm and welcoming. They are rightly proud of their terroir, which offers tourists a perfect mix of gastronomical, historical, and cultural treasures. Manzone Wines The Nebbiolo grapes of this complex and balanced wine come from vineyards with the Castelletto MGA. A traditional single-vineyard Barolo made from older grapes in the Gramolere MGA, full-bodied and well-structured with excellent aging potential A just-released special edition Barolo from the 2009 vintage, offering depth, structure and elegance, celebrating the winery's 100th anniversary A delicate, juicy red wine from a new vineyard planted in 2020 Barolo village road sign, Piedmont, Italy Before visiting any winery, check its website for its offerings, opening hours, and cost. It is always prudent to make reservations in advance. These wineries are proud of their history and heritage and are happy to share their stories with visitors. Located close to the center of the village of Barolo, this family-owned winery was established in 1972 by Aldo Vajra, who inherited parcels of land from his grandfather. The estate emphasizes sustainability and focuses on the unique characteristics of its Barolo Cru vineyards. The winery offers tastings and guided tours. Considered one of the region's oldest wineries, Coppo cellars date back to 1892. Located in Canelli in Monferrato, the winery's tours and tastings offer valuable insights into Piedmont grape varieties, vineyard management and winemaking methods. The cellars (known as 'Underground Cathedrals') include 5000 square meters of tunnels with vaulted ceilings and natural Canelli tufa rock that are recognized as part of the Piedmont UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ceretto, based in Alba, is considered a leader in the single-vineyard Barolo movement. Known for its commitment to sustainability, it has implemented various organic and biodynamic practices in its vineyards. The winery offers private tours, Cru tastings of Barolo and Barbaresco, and vertical tastings. Located in the village of La Morra, about 9 miles from Alba, Renato Ratti offers guided tours of the cellars, special visits, and Barolo tastings. The property rents rooms and suites in the family estate at Costigliole d'Asti in the Monferrato hills, with a restaurant and wellness area. The winery plans to open a museum in 2025. This fifth-generation family-owned winery is located in Alba's historical center, built on the city's 2000-year-old walls. The vineyards are in multiple communes in the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Tours and tastings are by appointment. Information about the Langhe Hills from the Italian Tourist Board
Time Out
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Chicago sandwich king debuts new Italian beef collab at Time Out Market
Acclaimed Hulu series The Bear continues to put spotlight on Chicago and its iconic Italian beef sandwich, catapulting our culinary scene to new heights and creating lots of copycats. But Chicagoans know there's nothing better than the real deal — which is why we're thankful for Windy City native Jeff Mauro, and his latest creation for Stefani's Bottega Italiana at Time Out Market Chicago. The new Mauro Beef Sandwich layers slow-roasted, thin-sliced prime beef with hot peppers and tangy giardiniera relish, served with gravy. Find it at Stefani's, which opened at Time Out Market in the West Loop back in February. The Italian icon typically slings Roman-style pizzas, pastas, and schiacciata sandwiches, but we have a feeling this big, beefy number might just outdo its predecessors. Born and raised in Oak Park, chef Jeff Mauro is considered the Sandwich King on Food Network's The Kitchen, and for good reason. For years, Mauro has been on a mission to make the best version of the beloved Chicago-style Italian beef. Only now has he finally achieved his goal with what he calls 'the best Italian beef for purchase,' featuring Turano bread, gravy, and an original recipe for giardiniera. (Pro tip from chef: Don't say the 'a' at the end of giardiniera when you order.) ' It's the greatest beef that you will ever taste,' Mauro told WBBM. 'And I guarantee that. It's USDA choice or prime whole muscle chuck roll. It's not filled with anything, it's like rubbed and roasted old school, sliced paper thin.' The Food Network star's collaboration with Stefani Restaurant Group includes a plan to ship this truly famous beef across the country, giving restaurants along the East Coast a taste of Chicago. Apparently, Mauro's father grew up with Phil Stefani, making this partnership a 'super special' personal and professional experience. And if you're looking for a high-quality beef sandwich outside the immediate area, Mauro recommends looking for high-turnover locales to guarantee fresh ingredients. 'The secret key is you got to wrap that sandwich,' he said. 'Throw it in a greasy paper bag.'
Emirates Woman
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
9 fabulous activities to experience in the UAE this weekend
Your ultimate weekend guide in the UAE, May 30 to June 1, 2025. Stock up on your activewear Whether a Pilates class, coffee run or a gym session, Sculpwear has launched a limited drop reintroducing the most-loved, consistently sold-out styles in two all-new colorways: powder pink and graphite grey for their first anniversary. The Birthday Edition reflects what Sculpwear customers kept coming back for: that unmatched buttery feel, that lived-in ease, that quiet confidence. These are the same foundational pieces refined in tone, reimagined in hue designed to blend into your wardrobe and elevate it without trying too hard. Available exclusively online from May 26th, the Birthday Edition will be released in limited quantities – just enough for those who know what it means to wear Sculpwear. Prices start at Dhs185. For more information visit Put your decorating skills to the test Kosas and cult-favourite homegrown bakery Risen Bakehouse have collaborated to unveil the exclusive new Cloud Set Translucent Setting Blurring Powder from Kosas. To mark the launch, Rise Bakehouse will host a Kosas Cake Decorating Workshop on Sunday, June 1, from 11:15am to 12:30pm, inviting beauty and dessert lovers alike to unleash their creativity and design their own dreamy treats inspired by the four Kosas Cloud Set powder shades: Candy, Buttery, Peachy, and Velvety – the workshop offers a fun, hands-on way to experience the magic of Kosas. Attendees will leave with their custom cloud-inspired cake along with a special gift from Kosas. Spaces are limited, and tickets are priced at Dhs230, available to book via the Rise Bakehouse website. For more information visit Hone those luscious locks As temperatures rise and holiday plans take shape, Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa at The Abu Dhabi EDITION invites guests to get their hair summer-ready with their signature philosophy: enhancing natural beauty through intuitive care, not masking it. With a season known for humidity, UV damage, and long beach days, now is the time to invest in expert-led rituals that leave ones hair healthy, hydrated, and effortlessly radiant with his exclusive treatments available at the Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa in The Abu Dhabi EDITION. It's open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 9pm. For more information visit Book this fine-dining experience One&Only Royal Mirage – Chef Mauro Colagreco is returning to his Dubai seaside kitchen for an intimate culinary moment that feels both rare and rooted. On Saturday, May 31, he'll fire up the open grill for an elevated Asado Night, where guests can gather beachside over smoky flavours, shared plates, and South American warmth. Sunday slows into a laid-back Lazy Brunch – think signature dishes, coastal breeze, and that unmistakable Mauro touch that turns a meal into memory. The sharing-style set menu with Chef's live station will take place from 6:30pm onwards. The menu is priced at Dhs490 per person. For more information visit Experience a late-night swim View this post on Instagram A post shared by SĀN (@ Nestled along the scenic Palm West Club, SĀN Beach invites guests to experience the allure of moonlit waters and starry skies with late-night swims. Guests can bask under the stars, enjoy the vibrant pool bar until 9 PM, and indulge in a delectable dinner at the restaurant to further elevate their evening. Escape the ordinary and dive into night-time bliss at SĀN Beach. For more information visit Put wellness first For all the yoga lovers, Rumi Earth hosts an exclusive yoga day at Atlantis, The Palm. Known for its sustainably made athleisure apparel and fitness equipment, is set to host a special Pop-Up & Yoga Day event focused on wellness and sustainability. The event will take place on Sunday, June 1st, offering a full morning of holistic activities at the iconic Asateer Tent. The complimentary indoor event is designed to provide a serene escape and enable a world of conscious living, much like the vision for Rumi Earth's community initiatives. Visitors are invited to engage in a range of activities focused on holistic wellness, creativity, and sustainability. The website for the event can be found at – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images & Feature Image: @haileybieber
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Shooting at Capital Jewish Museum highlights rising wave of anti-Jewish hate crimes
The shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington, D.C., after a Jewish event Wednesday highlights the struggle American cities face trying to protect Jewish citizens and landmarks, which have repeatedly been targeted by radicals and terrorists over the years. Anti-Jewish hate crimes have soared to record highs, according to the Anti-Defamation League, citing FBI data. Massacres include the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh in 2018 and the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack Hamas launched on Israel. Large police departments, like the NYPD, have been focused on target-hardening efforts to improve safety in and around Jewish landmarks for years. "Unfortunately, over the decades, special attention has had to be paid when there is a Jewish or Israeli theme to these locations and events," said Paul Mauro, a retired NYPD Inspector. "This was only heightened after 9/11, after the Tree of Life murders in Pittsburgh, after 7 October – after so many others." Police Raid Dc Shooting Suspect Elias Rodriguez's Chicago Apartment In New York, police have visibly beefed up their presence outside synagogues, the Israeli consulate and the Big Apple's own Jewish Museum. Read On The Fox News App When there's even the perceived chance of a threat, the department will routinely beef up security around Jewish landmarks in the city. Some have a visible police presence all year. "The good news is that NYPD knows how to do this and, while nothing is perfect, they have developed great expertise in this area — often thanks to best-practices gleaned from partner agencies around the world," Mauro said. Israeli Official Warns Of The Growing 'Tsunami' Of Antisemitism Many other departments have adopted the NYPD's protocols. Whenever attacks take place, police around the country are quick to announce increased patrols near places of worship. Despite years of police efforts, attacks continue, including a shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night. The 31-year-old suspect, Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, is accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy workers from behind after they left an event sponsored by the American Jewish Committee. Opinion: Stop Talking, Start Teaching: New York Must Fight To End Antisemitism In Our Schools Mauro told Fox News Digital that visible security measures may have influenced the decision to attack outside the venue rather than within the building. "The fact that the story is that he was pacing around out front, and that the event was going on right there, and then he decided to do it outside?" he said. "He traveled all the way from Chicago to do this?" He noted that the venue and organizers did have some security measures in place. The invitations were encrypted and limited. At least one off-duty MPD officer was inside for security. The officer, who was wearing a police vest, may have scared the suspected gunman from opening fire inside the building, he said. "I think he saw the security and said, 'I'm better off not going in there and getting shot myself,'" Mauro speculated. "He didn't decide to shoot it out. He decided to pull a Mangione. He wanted to live." Luigi Mangione, a 27-year-old Ivy League grad turned suspected killer, is accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson from behind after stalking him in Manhattan. He allegedly had a manifesto outlining his disdain for the health insurance industry in his backpack when police arrested him at a Pennsylvania McDonald's days later. A possible manifesto from Rodriguez was being investigated by the FBI to verify its authenticity, Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed on X Thursday. The Jewish community has also taken its own measures to increase security. Texas resident David Katz, a former DEA agent and the CEO of the Global Security Group, uses his expertise on active-shooter response to train Jewish volunteers to protect their own synagogues on the side. "I can't believe, still, that someone could be pacing in an agitated manner outside a major Jewish institution and no one challenges the guy?" he told Fox News Digital. "No one calls the police to even interview him?" An outside presence is a key aspect of security that Katz teaches, he said. "In my synagogue, one of the volunteers would simply go out and say hi," he explained. "Engage the person and see how they respond. You look for body language clues while scanning for concealed weapons. We would have back-up volunteers ready to act. Everyone is armed and everyone is trained."Original article source: Shooting at Capital Jewish Museum highlights rising wave of anti-Jewish hate crimes
