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Meet Chef Deborah VanTrece: The Black woman running the kitchen at the world’s largest Centurion showroom

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Courtesy of Chef Deborah VanTrece

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The world’s busiest airport is currently home to American Express’ largest Centurion Lounge. It is the largest showroom in Europe with an area of ​​almost 26,000 square feet networkand encompasses a locally inspired menu from Atlanta-based chef Deborah VanTrece.

As certainly one of the South’s most recognizable culinary personalities, the collaboration between VanTrece and AMEX was successful. “Many things went through my mind, knowing that it was the largest salon,” he tells ESSENCE. “Realizing that it was a world stage, I knew I had to take it into account. Throughout my career, I have created globally inspired food and soul food. I immediately felt like this was a place where I would connect.”

Meet Chef Deborah VanTrece: The Black woman running the kitchen at the world's largest Centurion showroom
Courtesy of American Express

Drawing on the experience of a former stewardess and her family traditions, Chef VanTrece has prepared a custom menu that features dishes similar to black-eyed pea biryani, grilled za’atar chicken thighs with green tomato chimichurri, Twisted Soul salad with strawberry-pepper vinaigrette and far more. There will even be a food and beverage station offering gluten-free and vegan options, including protein snacks, salads, smoothies and immune-boosting juice shots.

With the recent Centurion Lounge, VanTrece wants to provide travelers from throughout the world a taste of Georgia’s capital. “It’s not only part of my history, it’s part of the Atlanta food scene for me,” says the award-winning culinary expert. “If you visit our restaurants here, the best restaurants, you will see many cultural twists using Southern ingredients. It’s something I’ve dedicated my entire profession to and I assumed I’d just stay true to who you might be and do what you do.

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Meet Chef Deborah VanTrece: The Black woman running the kitchen at the world's largest Centurion showroom
Courtesy of American Express

In addition to the chef’s rigorously prepared dishes, Hartsfield-Jackson’s Centurion Lounge features the chain’s first whiskey bar. The cocktail menu, curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan, features five specialty whiskey cocktails and over 20 classic and recent American whiskeys. The lounge also encompasses a fully stocked primary bar with 10 wines hand-selected by Centurion Lounge sommelier and wine director Anthony Giglio, an on-site cocktail menu including non-alcoholic options, and signature drinks.

The nearly 26,000-square-foot lounge showcases commissioned artwork from local artists, a 50-year-old olive tree and a 3,850-square-foot custom light sculpture that depicts a forest cover, creating a soothing space for Cardholders to unwind before their flights. With this incredible aesthetic and unparalleled menu, Centurion Lounge is poised to change into an Atlanta mainstay for years to return.

ESSENCE: Chef Deborah, how did you originally partner with AMEX to pick dishes for the Centurion Lounge?

Chef Deborah: Believe it or not, I got a random email and I get random emails all the time. So you look and think, “Hmm, is that this true? I’m unsure. Pass this on to my family. We all look and say, “What do you think?” And consider that you most likely just made a backup. At some point, one other one got here. So we looked at it somewhat more seriously and said, “OK, let’s reach out and see what’s going on.” So I talked to a gentleman named Joe, I believe he’s from New York. He told me about the showroom and said, “We’re interested in you putting together a menu, curating that menu.” I knew it somewhat bit because Greg Collier from Charlotte is a friend of mine and a 12 months or two ago I said, “Okay, this is basically cool. Greg does it. This is amazing”. And that was the end for me.

So it was out of the blue that they contacted me and I used to be definitely interested, but I used to be still very cautious, cautious. It was a giant deal. And also looking at American Express, I assumed they were a giant deal. I worked with Resy, that is what we use for our reservation systems for all my restaurants. But seeing my brand going someplace else gave me some food for thought. So it took them a minute to discuss with me and persuade me and make me feel like you actually intend to make my food, you actually need to inform my story. And once I felt comfortable with it, I used to be on board.

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What was the technique of creating the menu for this particular salon?

I got here and saw the showroom before I even agreed to it. It was absolutely beautiful. This is even at the construction stage. I believe this tree was something that completely amazed me since it was here after I first got here here and saw this space. I had numerous experience in food service, so I understood what was needed, after which it was very helpful to be a steward for years and to know what was missing. If you visit enough airports, there are things you’re going to get there, there are occasions you might be delayed, and there are belongings you wish you had instantly. So I used all of this stuff, deciding what would work well for the first cycle of this menu.

When people from throughout the world arrive at the Atlanta airport, what do you wish your food or this menu to inform them about the city’s culinary culture?

I would like them to feel the diversity of food culture. I also want them to feel love in food. I am unable to comment because I do not sit in the back of all those kitchens in those restaurants, however it was really vital to me that we cooked the food from scratch. I consider that each one cultures have their version of soul food because all of us have food that brings us memories that come from inside. I can offer you recipes, but the ending must come from the heart. I desired to be sure that that the heart, the hospitality, after they come here, on this beautiful setting, after which actually taste the food – they taste love. They taste like a fusion of cultures. They taste refined because the techniques and spices we use are refined.

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So if you happen to’re not familiar, here’s just a few things we’ll walk you thru. And if you happen to recognize something, there’s something that can make you say, “Wow.” An Indian gentleman just got here as much as me and said, “I appreciate all the vegetarian options.” I look and there’s biryani on his plate, together with vegetable gumbo and a complete cake. And a smile appears on his face and he’s comfortable. This is what I hope to realize with the style of cuisine we wish to showcase.

With this amazing showroom opening during Black History Month, do you are feeling any extra excitement or extra resonance about being a Black female chef?

Yes, and I promise I won’t cry since it brings tears to my eyes. It’s beyond my imagination. I entered it when it called to me. I like cooking. And then at some point I assumed that everybody likes to cook – everyone knows learn how to cook. And it took me quite just a few years to understand, well, no, you already know something. You have somewhat area of interest that folks don’t really have, and attempting to maneuver in the world we’re in has been difficult. To get to the point where a world company looked at you and said, “You’re who we want,” it tells me quite a bit about my journey and what I’ve achieved, however it also tells me quite a bit about the company I work with.

And that was really vital to me that there was an organization that looked at this city and thought, “What can we do? How do we represent this city?” And he said, “This black woman, this African-American woman, is the one we want to represent the city.” So, since this particular month is occurring, I feel like we’re probably making history and I’m here for it. I’m here for this and I’m fully committed. I’m very grateful and appreciative.

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When we talked, you used the term “soul food” quite a bit. If someone asked you, “What is soul food?” What would you tell them?

For me, it’s food that touches the soul. I believe for all of us there’s a certain style of food that brings back memories. We grow up with food from the moment you might be born. While you are in the belly, let’s have a baby shower, there’s food involved. Here children, there’s food. Holidays, weddings, death, food are throughout us and are definitely a component of everyone’s life. And when you may create a meal that makes you are feeling good, sometimes sad, but from place, that to me is food for the soul. This must touch you. Our food, African-American food, was born out of conflict, however it was also born out of affection. And we now have ancestors who couldn’t take anything and make something out of it. I keep joking, I believe there is a chitlins on that arm and a filet mignon on it. Which one is simpler to provide good taste? It’s filet mignon.

But these comfort foods, the ones that tell stories that folks at one point thought they were ashamed of. But how can we be ashamed of something that nourishes us and flows from love? So for me, I actually have a really broad definition of it, and likewise my small, microcosmic definition of what I grew up with. So what touches my soul might not be the same food that touches yours or hers. But if it touches us from the inside, that is the point. So like that gentleman who said, “Thank you for having these vegetables, this vegetarian option,” I touched something in him in a roundabout way. I do not know what it’s, but I did what I made a decision to do.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Digital mental health programs are inexpensive and progressive. But are they working?

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Almost half of Australians will experience Mental health problems in life. Recent floods, drought, cyclones, bush and pandemia because Increased suffering locally.

However, many individuals in need of mental health services are Cannot be obtained. The costs, stigma and availability of mental health staff are Barriers in care. Australia also has a critical shortage of mental health staff. And until 2030, This is anticipated We will lack 42% of the mental labor force needed to satisfy demand.

To partially solve this gap, the Australian government involved Investing $ 135 million in digital mental health programs whether it is chosen.

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Online mental health programs might be more progressive and cheaper than other varieties of therapy. But do they actually work? Let’s assess the evidence.

What are digital mental health services?

Digital mental health services differ significantly. They include information on online mental health or application, tools for tracking symptoms and learning or skill programs. These tools might be obtained with or without the support of a therapist or trainer, and some use generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

The umbrella term “Digital Mental Health Services” also includes peer networks, telephone helpline and teeth services on the phone, chat or teiling -based screening.

Services akin to Mindspot,

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Mindspot site rankings and treatments. It is financed by the Australian government.
Mindspot (screenshot)

Digital mental health services are targeted by quite a lot of mental health problems, akin to depression, anxiety, trauma and eating disorders. Some are intended for specific groups of individuals, including culturally diverse communities, LGBTQia+people, recent parents and young people.

With so many digital options available, finding the correct program might be difficult. Financed by the federal government Medicare Mental Health Portal He was created to assist Australians find services based on evidence.

This website presents the choices of Australians regarding mental health support.
Medicare Mental Health (Screenshot)

Are they working?

Review of the evidence found at 2020 Almost half This was utilized by individuals who used online programs for joint mental health conditions.

This review included Online programs with self -threading lessons or modules to cut back the symptoms of depression or anxiety. These programs were just as effective as head to head, but face -to -face therapy required a mean of seven.8 times more therapist’s time than online programs.

Evidence of other varieties of digital mental health programs continues to be developing.

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For example, evidence of application for smartphones focused on mental health symptoms is mixed. One sec Some Studies have shown the advantages of mental health from using such applications, others didn’t report differences in symptoms. Researchers suggest These applications must be used with other mental health brackets, not as independent interventions.

Similarly, while the AI ​​chatbots received A recent attentionThere is uncertainty in regards to the safety and effectiveness of those tools as an alternative to therapy.

Chatbots akin to AI “Waebot“In the case of depression, it may possibly provide users with personalized suggestions and support to learn therapeutic techniques. But although chatbots can potentially improve mental health, the outcomes are largely inconclusive Until now. Is also no regulation on this field.

Early research show Some advantages from digital approaches within the treatment of more complex mental health conditions, akin to suicidal and psychosis. But further research is required.

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Do users like them?

Users have reported many advantages to digital mental health services. People Find them comfortable, available, private and inexpensive and are often Very blissful with them.

Digital services have been designed to directly cope with among the major barriers in access to treatment and can reach a major number of people that go to the Internet to acquire details about mental health.

Digital services will also be utilized in the “care” approach to treating mental health problems. This means that folks with less complex or less heavy symptoms first try a low -intensity digital program before “accelerating” to more intensive support. National Health Service of Great Britain Conversation therapy program Uses this model.

The NHS Talking Therapy Program includes the choice of learning cognitive therapy techniques.
NHS/Each mind matters (screenshot)

But some people still prefer face -to -face services. Grounds This includes web communication problems, the perceived lack of treatment and personal connection, in addition to concerns in regards to the quality of care.

Some Australians face challenges related to digital skills and Internet access, which hinders to have interaction in online services.

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Privacy concerns may discourage people from using digital platforms, because they are nervous about how their personal data is stored and made available.

What do clinicians take into consideration them?

Mental health specialists increased their use Digital mental health tools (akin to Consultations of Sweekly) clearly during Covid pandemic. However, many clinicians try to make use of these tools because they haven’t received sufficient training or support.

Even when they are willing, clinicians face barriers within the workplace that hinder their inclusion of their practice. These include:

  • Limited financing and reimbursement of costs
  • unclear rules related to liability and risk management, data storage and security
  • Disturbances of labor flow, akin to the mixing of those tools with existing systems, customer training to make use of them and monitor their use.
The young man talks to his mental health provider
Some patients and clinicians prefer personal therapy.
VH-Studio/Shutterstock

Some clinicians stay skeptic About whether digital services can really match the standard of non-public therapy, which results in hesitation within the advice of them to individuals who can use.

What must occur next?

With mental illness and suicide estimated on the expense Australian economy $ 70 billion a 12 months, there are strong personal, social and financial reasons for supporting progressive solutions that increase access to mental health services.

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But to ensure that digital approaches to achieving full potential, we must increase the ability of labor in the sphere of mental health and support organizations to incorporate digital technologies for his or her practice.

It can also be vital to enhance the consciousness of digital mental health programs and reduce barriers to access to those services or we Risk left The individuals who need them essentially the most.

In the case of Australians with more complex mental health problems or those for whom digital mental health treatment didn’t work, access to non-public therapy and other mental health should remain available. Digital mental health programs are a part of the psychiatric care system, and all sorts of care are replaced.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing – essence

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Fold by India Espa-Jones, photos courtesy of Sonia Broman

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What does the cosmetic product turn out to be viral? It’s not nearly amazing ingredients and effectiveness, a luxurious packaging or an inspiring brand founder. In addition, the recipe must include bomb marketing, stories telling and activations across the product itself – because of Masterminds PR and marketing.

And on the subject of influential favorites and celebrities, reminiscent of Eye masks and Eadem’s mouth,, Toni Renee This is a marketing maven behind these important arts. In an exclusive conversation with Essence below, Renee discusses how she began, why she values ​​black start-ups and develops beauty space.

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Discovery of the Solange team

After signing up on the University of Cincinnati to go away the mother’s house, collecting tables on the bus didn’t seem so bad. “I went to study without the real direction of what I wanted to do,” says Renee Essence. Soon after, she was discovered by one among Solange’s close friends, Diane “Shabazz” Varni, who saw the potential in her vision.

From there, Renee worked on a platform built across the album Solange, where she wrote about black culture, music, and after a while she had something to say in her social media strategy. Since then, her work included brand and content strategy, influential marketing and each work between them.

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Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Prioritization of black beauties start-ups

Working with the coach, RCA Records and Magazine, the chance was presented to just accept her multi -faceted talent for L’Oréal. But “I wanted to leave the corporate structure and see if I can do the same marketing level at the startup,” he says. PO will sit with Local founder, olamide olowe“I rejected my position in L’Oréal and went to the town.”

Renee has developed a very deliberate strategy, feeling very “willingly” to strengthen the black cosmetic brand, creating a community around products and types through press tours to places reminiscent of Ghana (i.e. yes Well received by the press) and cooperating with the influential customers with which customers are involved.

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Viruses

One of her biggest marketing tricks up to now? Eye masks. “We were going to intend to intend to introduce to the brand and how we wanted the brand to look outside,” says Renee. “I really love to connect the community.” With over 19,000 posts using the #TOPICALS HASHTAG on Tiktok, the creators wear masks under the eyes as a essential beauty accessory in lots of movies. In other words, products are still a hot commodity to this present day.

Working with Ead and Camille Rose

Like her strategy, she had a similar approach to the black brand of Camille Rose hair care and the minority of the French skincare brand EADEM. “I think that the biggest obstacle is to understand that as an audience he becomes younger, they have shorter attention,” he says. “Your marketing and advertising must be a bit more aggressive and to the point.”

Toni Renee is a cosmetic marketing that is to know

Expanding beyond the wonder box

Now Renee has frequently expanded beauty, calling for brand new fields in its portfolio, reminiscent of technology and entertainment. From assistance in influential marketing within the Bumble dating application, to work on several HBO Max projects, its talent can’t be packed in just one brand. “[I’m] You can get out of the corporate rat race and continue to create amazing marketing strategies, “he says. “Freelance consulting is a terrifying space, but these brands trust me, my vision and what I see.”


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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

What happens to Wendy Williams? What we know about her recent hospitalization

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Wendy Williams was removed with her assist in New York and brought to the hospital yesterday by the Police Department in New York.

On Monday, March 10, after warning for assist in taking good care of the court, the 60-year-old was the host of Talk show supposedly slipped out the note through the window of her residential assistance in paparazzi, who read “Wendy’s help”, leading Nypd to escort her to the hospital, Post reported.

In January, Williams called the “Breakfast Club” to make clear his situation and ask for help from public opinion. She said The Radio Show that she was forced to live in a security facility in the sphere of security, she had no access to her phone and couldn’t make her own purchases. She added that the guests were forbidden, the elevators are closed and her cats were faraway from her care.

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“I am not cognitively, but I feel that I am in prison,” she said.

“I am in the place where people are in the 90s and 80s and 70s” she added. “Something is wrong with these people on this floor.”

After the interview with “The Breakdeal Club”, her guardian ordered a brand new assessment amongst Wenda’s claims that she shouldn’t be overwhelmed, regardless that she is ruled as such due to the diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and frontal -protective dementia (FTD). TMZ reported That she received a brand new rating – she returned “capacity test” – which he passed with a superb result.

Williams is under court care, and the lawyer Sabrina Morrissey called her guardian, from May 2022 she was taken care of among the many growing health problems and the alleged suspicious activity related to Fargo bank accounts. Speaking of “The Breakfast Club”, the tv personality defined the arrangement as “emotional abuse”.

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“This system is broken,” she said.

Williams also suggested that he didn’t completely support Morrissey to take legal actions against the A & E network so as to emission the explosive documentary film “Where is Wendy Williams?” In 2024, life documentation of Williams Chronicle in the autumn of his program, when he fights the abuse of gear, health problems and financial problems.

Just a number of hours after her appearance on the syndicated radio program, Morrissey submitted a request for a brand new medical assessment.

“In these statements (Williams) indicated that in her opinion she did not suffer from dementia and is not overwhelmed,” he said. “We write this letter today, because during the radio interview this morning (Williams) discussed A&T’s matter and seemed to indicate that she did not want to continue the action.”

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However, the notification noticed that it often happens that somebody with her diagnosis has conscious moments and feels fully capable.

Szemran also appeared, which Williams will appear within the media this week, only this time a call to “View”. Though Her unexpected hospitalization could put the important thing In these plans.

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(Tagstotranslate) lifestyle

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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