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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

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

Women are less likely to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation than men. Training on breast mannequins could be helpful

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If someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, this may increasingly have happened minutes of life. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation may increase their probabilities of survival. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps blood pumping, delivering oxygen to the brain and vital organs until specialized treatment arrives.

However, research shows that bystanders are less likely to intervene to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person is a girl. AND latest Australian study analyzed 4,491 cardiac arrest cases between 2017 and 2019 and located that bystanders were more likely to perform CPR on men (74%) than on women (65%).

Could this be partly because CPR training mannequins (so-called dummies) shouldn’t have breasts? Our recent research we checked out mannequins available all over the world to train people to perform CPR and located that 95% of them were flat-chested.

Anatomically, breasts don’t change the cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique. However, they’ll influence whether people try to accomplish that – and hesitation at these key moments could mean the difference between life and death.

Differences in heart health

Cardiovascular diseases – including heart disease, stroke and cardiac arrest – are probably the most common diseases important reason behind death for ladies all over the world.

But if a girl goes into cardiac arrest outside the hospital (meaning her heart stops pumping air properly), that is actually what happens. 10% less likely receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation than a person. Women too less likely survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation and are at greater risk of brain damage following cardiac arrest.

Bystanders are less likely to intervene if a girl needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to a person.
Doublelee/Shutterstock

These are just among the many health inequalities experienced by women, in addition to transgender and non-binary people. Compared to men, their symptoms they are more likely to be rejected or misdiagnosed, or it could take longer to receive a diagnosis.

Reluctance of the witness

There can also be growth evidence women are less likely to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to men.

This may be partly due to the concerns of those being accused of sexual harassmentworry may cause damage (in some cases based on the assumption that ladies are more “fragile”) and discomfort related to touching women’s breasts.

Bystanders may also get into trouble recognition the lady has a cardiac arrest.

Even in simulated scenarios, researchers found that interveners were less likely to remove women’s clothing prepare for resuscitationcompared to men. And there have been women less likely to receive Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation (an electrical charge to restart the center) – even when the training was in the shape of a web based game that didn’t require touching anyone.

There is evidence of how people behave in resuscitation training scenarios reflects what they do in real emergency situations. This means it is amazingly vital to train people to recognize cardiac arrest and prepare for intervention, no matter gender or body type.

Attached to men’s bodies

Very Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training resources depict male bodies or don’t specify gender. If bodies shouldn’t have breasts, it’s a male default.

For example, the 12 months 2022 test taking a look at CPR training in North, Central, and South America, it was found that nearly all of available mannequins were white (88%), male (94%), and slim (99%).

The woman's hands press the torso of a mannequin wearing a blue jacket.
It is amazingly rare for a mannequin to have breasts or a bigger body.
M Isolation photo/Shutterstock

This research reflects what we see in our work once we train other healthcare professionals to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We noticed that every one the mannequins available for training are flat chested. One of us (Rebecca) had difficulty finding training mannequins with breasts.

Single mannequin with breasts

Our recent research we checked what cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins are available and the way diverse they are. In 2023, we identified 20 cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins in the worldwide market. Mannequins are often torsos with no head and without arms.

Of the 20 available, five (25%) were sold as “female”, but only considered one of them had breasts. This implies that 95% of obtainable CPR training mannequins were flat-chested.

We also checked out other diversity characteristics, including skin tone and bigger bodies. We found that 65% had more than one skin tone available, but just one had a bigger body. Further research is required on the impact of those elements on bystanders when performing CPR.

Breasts don’t change cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique doesn’t change when someone has breasts. The barriers are cultural. And although you could feel uncomfortable, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation as soon as possible can save your life.

Signs that somebody may have cardiopulmonary resuscitation include not respiration properly or completely or not responding to you.

Perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitationit’s best to:

  • place the heel of your hand in the middle of your chest

  • place your second hand on top of the primary and interlace your fingers (keep your arms straight)

  • press firmly to a depth of about 5 cm before releasing

  • press your chest with a frequency of 100-120 beats per minute (you may sing a song) in your head to show you how to keep time!)

An example of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation – using a flat-chest manikin.

What a couple of defibrillator?

You haven’t got to remove someone’s bra to perform CPR. But you could need to accomplish that if a defibrillator is required.

AND defibrillator is a tool that uses an electrical charge to restart the center. An underwired bra may cause minor skin burns when the debrillator pads apply an electrical charge. However, in case you cannot take your bra off, don’t let it delay your care.

What should change?

Our research highlights the necessity for a big selection of breast CPR training mannequins, in addition to a wide range of body sizes.

Training resources need to higher prepare people to intervene and perform CPR on individuals with breasts. We also need greater education on the chance of developing and dying from heart disease in women.

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

Ant stings can be painful. Here’s how to avoid getting stung this summer (and what to do if it happens)

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The starting of summer is just a couple of days away, and plenty of of us will be looking forward to long, sunny days spent on the beach, by the pool, camping or having a picnic within the park.

Insects love summer too. Most of them right then grow and feed. However, this shared appreciation of the season can sometimes lead to conflict.

Insects have long been preyed upon by many species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and other insects. Accordingly, quite a lot of defense mechanisms have evolved – perhaps none more familiar to humans than the sting.

Many ants have a stinger on their rear end which they use to deliver venom. It will not be the sting itself that causes pain, but relatively venom. Ant venom accommodates a mix of various chemicals, a few of which have evolved specifically to manipulate the nerve endings in our skin to cause pain.

Let’s take a have a look at the several ant stings chances are you’ll experience this summer in Australia and how to respond.

Bull ants

Bull ants (also often called bulldog ants, jumper ants, or jumper ants) are large for an ant. Some species can grow to length 4 centimeters. They are easily identified by their large eyes, long mandibles (jaws), and aggressive nature.

Their sting is immediate, hot, sharp and unambiguous, similar to that of a honey bee. The intense pain will only last a couple of minutes before being replaced by redness and swelling across the sting site.

There are many differing kinds of bull ants in Australia.
Sam Robinson

Green-headed ants

Green-headed ants are also called green ants (but not to be confused with green ants). green tree ants northern Australia, which do not sting). Green-headed ants are common and love our lawns.

About Length 6 millimetersthey’re much smaller than bull ants. They can be recognized by their shiny green-purple exoskeleton.

Green-headed ants are frequently less aggressive than bull ants, but they can still deliver a big sting. The pain from a green ant sting can construct up step by step and cause intense, sticky pain.

Green-headed ant.
Green-headed ants can be identified by their color.
Sam Robinson

Fire ants

Fire ants (or imported red fire ants) are native to South America. They were detected first in Brisbane in 2001it probably moved in containers and has since spread across south-east Queensland.

Fire ants are reddish brown and black and range in size from Length 2–6 millimeters.

You will almost certainly encounter fire ants of their nests, which appear like a pile of loose dirt. A hearth ant nest has no obvious entrance, which is way to distinguish it from other similar ant nests.

Disturbing a hearth ant nest will awaken an offended mass of a whole bunch of ants and expose you to being stung.

The initial pain from a single sting seems like an intense, hot itch, although it can be controlled. However, fire ant stings rarely occur in the only digits. One ant can sting multiple times, and plenty of ants can sting one person, which can lead to a whole bunch of stings. A hearth ant sting can cause pus-filled ulcers and scarring in the next days.

If you reside in an area where fire ants are present, it’s price taking a couple of minutes to learn how to do this recognize and report their.

Electric ants

Electric ants is one other nasty random import, coming from Central and South America. Currently limited to Cairns and surroundingsthese are tiny (1.5 millimeters long) yellow ants.

Like fire ants, these ants are frequently defensive, so lots of them will sting without delay. Their sting is more painful than you’ll expect from such a tiny creature. I compare it to being showered with red, hot sparks.

If you think that you see electric ants, please report it Biosecurity in Queensland.

Australian ants should not the worst

You may be surprised to hear that Australian ants don’t even make it to the rostrum when it comes to essentially the most painful ant stings. The winners include: harvester ants (North and South America), which cause severe, sticky pain, comparable to a drill slowly rotating in a muscle – for up to 12 hours.

The gold medal goes to the sting of the South and Central American bullet ant, which has been described How:

Pure, intense, sensible pain. It’s like walking on burning charcoal with a 3-inch nail stuck in your heel.

How to avoid getting stung (and what to do if you do)

Fortunately, the answer is frequently quite simple. Look around before you sit on the bottom or unfolded a picnic blanket, avoiding places where you see ant nests or a lot of foraging ants.

The selection of footwear might also be necessary. In my experience, most stings occur on the feet of those wearing thongs.

If you get stung, generally the situation will improve by itself. The pain often subsides after a couple of minutes (sometimes slightly longer within the case of a green ant sting). The redness, swelling and itching that sometimes follows may last for several days.

In the meantime, if mandatory, ice pack it will help with the pain. If it’s particularly bad, a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine may provide temporary relief. You can get it over-the-counter at a pharmacy.

A small proportion of individuals may experience an allergic response to ant stings. In very severe cases this may include respiratory problems or ingestion. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms after an ant sting, you need to seek urgent medical attention.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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