Chris Infotainment

A Legacy of Flavor and Community A family-run restaurant in Massachusetts has closed its doors after nearly eight decades of serving the community, marking the end of an era. Hawthorne by the Sea, along with its adjoining Anthony's Pier 4 Cafe, officially shut down this week after operating for 78 years at the Boston harbor. The closure has left many locals heartbroken, as the restaurants were more than just places to eat—they were part of the town’s history. Hawthorne by the Sea was located in Swampscott, a coastal town 12 miles north of Boston. The restaurants served classic Northeastern dishes such as lobster, crab cakes, and scallops, which became staples for both locals and visitors. The owners, Anthony Jr., Michael, and Paul Athanas, expressed their gratitude to the community for supporting the businesses over the years. The brothers described their mixed emotions about closing the business, which they inherited from their father, Anthony Athanas. An Albanian immigrant and...

Vietnam has made a significant mark on the global fine dining scene, with several restaurants across the country being recognized as some of Asia's best. Among them are three in Hanoi, one in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and one in Hoi An, all featured in the 2025 Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" Restaurants Awards. This prestigious list is based on an analysis of reader reviews on the travel platform Tripadvisor. Rhythms Restaurant – A Culinary Gem in Hanoi The Rhythms Restaurant, situated on the 7th floor of La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa in downtown Hanoi, claimed the third position on the list. Known for its exceptional dining experience, the restaurant offers a menu that highlights traditional Vietnamese dishes. Signature offerings include roasted chicken prepared in the style of northwest Vietnam, spring rolls, and banana rolls served with ice cream. The combination of flavors and presentation makes it a standout choice for both locals and visitors. Sou...

Tragic Fire Claims Lives of Four Family Members in Gyeonggi Province A devastating fire at a restaurant in Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, has led to the tragic deaths of four family members. The incident occurred on the evening of the 11th, when flames engulfed a raw fish restaurant in Cheongpyeong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon. The fire broke out around 11:19 p.m. and took firefighters over three hours to fully contain, with the last of the flames extinguished by approximately 2:45 a.m. on the 12th. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the first-floor restaurant was already completely consumed by fire when they arrived. The victims, who were inside the building during the outbreak, were unable to escape in time. Rescue teams found them in cardiac arrest and transported them to a nearby hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The four deceased individuals included a couple in their 40s who owned the restaurant, as well as their teenage sibl...

A Legacy Ends: Akasha, a Culver City Staple, Closes After 18 Years Akasha, an all-day bakery, café, and restaurant that has been a cornerstone of the Culver City community for nearly two decades, is set to close its doors permanently on Sunday. The decision comes as the business faces mounting challenges, including rising operational costs, shifting demographics, and the broader economic pressures affecting the Los Angeles area. Founded in 2008 by Akasha Richmond and Alan Schulman, Akasha became known for its globally inspired menu, which reflected the couple’s extensive travels and culinary expertise. Over the years, the restaurant built a loyal following among locals and visitors alike, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse array of dishes. However, recent years have brought unprecedented difficulties, leading to the difficult decision to shut down. In an Instagram post announcing the closure, the owners wrote, “Like so many beloved independent restaurants, the challenges ...

A New North Korean Restaurant Opens in Moscow A new North Korean restaurant, named “Pyongyang-gwan,” has recently opened in Moscow, the capital of Russia. The establishment is located at the former site of a family restaurant called “Verba,” situated in the southeastern part of the city. This marks another attempt by North Korea to expand its presence in foreign markets through the operation of restaurants. According to reports from the Telegram channel “postolovkam,” which highlights unique dining spots, the staff at Pyongyang-gwan includes actual North Korean women. These employees are described as “young women in uniforms and heels, resembling flight attendants.” The channel operator shared their experience visiting the restaurant, noting that the service was slow and orders were served randomly. They suggested that potential visitors might want to return after a month when operations become more organized. The menu at Pyongyang-gwan features a range of Korean dishes, including r...