Starbucks is leveraging the popularity of its sold-out Bearista cups by giving away 17,000 as part of the Starbucks for Life Merrython mobile app game, which runs through Jan. 4, The game offers nearly 10 million prizes, including bonus stars, free beverages and gift cards. The Bearista cup, released in November, was a major hit with fans and sold out quickly.

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New York City's dining scene has been revitalized with a surge of new restaurants that reflect the city's diversity and creativity, note The New York Times critics. Notable openings include Bánh Anh Em, which offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine; Cafe Mado, which brings hyperseasonal dishes to a casual setting; Cocina Consuelo, known for its home-style Mexican food; and Ha's Snack Bar, which delivers unique French-Vietnamese fusion. Other highlights include Kabawa's Caribbean flavors, Kappo Sono's kaiseki experience and Smithereens' New England-inspired seafood. These establishments have quickly become favorites, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Restaurants are ramping up catering and festive menu items for the holiday season, with Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux offering Louisiana specialties, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar selling DIY gingerbread house kits to benefit Habitat for Humanity and Biscuitville featuring party-sized biscuits and sausage balls. Other highlights include Burgerville's cranberry brie bacon burger, Another Broken Egg's peppermint mocha waffle and Pinkbox Doughnuts' Hanukkah and Christmas treats.

A new crop of stylish cafes such as Bauhaus-inspired Meadows Café and Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar Aspen are perking up Aspen's coffee culture, with diverse morning menus and atmospheres. These new spots provide both locals and visitors with energizing spaces to begin their day, contributing to the Colorado ski town's reputation as not just an après-ski, but also an avant-ski destination. The variety of venues, ranging from tranquil resort cafés to design-forward Italian coffee bars, reflects the town's evolving taste and cosmopolitan spirit.

Nando Chang achieved both a Michelin star and a James Beard Award in the same year, marking a rare double win in the culinary world. The greatest recognition, though, comes from loyal diners who repeatedly visit his restaurants, Chang says, adding that the sense of belonging and validation that comes from seeing familiar faces means more than any professional accolade.

Chef Kevin Gillespie reflects on nearly three decades in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry over impressive resumes, the evolution of perspective with age and the necessity of hard work. Gillespie observes that kitchens function as delicate ecosystems where trust, humility and the ability to work together turn individual ability into collective excellence. He also shares insights on handling criticism, the challenges of aging in a physically demanding profession and the importance of letting go and evolving personally and professionally.