In April 2024, tragedy struck when rising culinary star Joseph D. Fecci passed away at the young age of 26 in Nashville, Tennessee. At the time of his passing, he was in the early stages of opening his own restaurant following his role as chef de cuisine at Yolan at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville.
Trazee Travel honors the legacy of Fecci with the introduction of the Joey Fecci Award for Culinary Excellence to The Trazees. The first award will be handed out in 2025 and the award will officially launch when trazeetravel.com celebrates the 2024 winners of The Trazees at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville, in August 2024.
Nominations are now open for up-and-coming professional hotel chefs under the age of 40. Nominated chefs should show passion, dedication, originality, creativity and leadership, qualities Fecci embodied and lived every day.
© The Joseph Hotel Nashville
Fecci’s memory will live on at Yolan, where his influence remains strong after his untimely passing. In his role he was responsible for leading research and development for the seasonally changing and Italian regionally inspired menus at the hotel’s refined Italian restaurant. Fecci also oversaw Yolan’s culinary team, ensuring strong collaboration and support across the kitchen. Fecci was instrumental in implementing and creating strong relationships to source produce and ingredients from a variety of local farmers. A member of the Yolan team since the restaurant opened in August 2020, Fecci worked alongside Chef Tony Mantuano since Fecci worked his way throughout the entire line of Spiaggia in Chicago from 2017 through 2019.
Fecci had been in the kitchen from a young age. He held his first restaurant job at 15 at Lucia, an Italian restaurant in the town where he grew up. Following graduation from The Culinary Institute of America in 2017, he externed at Aureole, Charlie Palmer’s Michelin-starred flagship at the time, where he worked through the line and became a Chef de Partie. Prior to joining the team at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville, Fecci was Chef de Partie at Per Se in New York City, overseeing the first course of a daily changing tasting menu.
© The Joseph Hotel Nashville
Fecci was born and raised in Somers, New York, and is remembered as a bright light of positivity and inspiration in the lives of everyone he touched. Aside from his love of cooking, he enjoyed golf, skiing and sharing meals with loved ones. He was a passionate New York sports fan and his family and all who knew him miss him dearly.
The Joey Fecci Foundation has been established in his memory to help administer a culinary
scholarship program. Learn more at joeyfeccifoundation.org.
Destinations / North America
Mar 5, 2025Early Spring Outdoor Adventures in Mississippi
Headed to Mississippi this spring? Add some of these outdoor adventures to your itinerary.
Sponsored Content
Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.
Hotel
Mar 5, 2025Experience a Chicago St. Patrick’s Day at This Hotel
If you don’t have plans for St. Patrick’s Day, head to Chicago for high-energy celebrations and a luxury stay at The St. Regis Chicago. The John Jacob Astor Suite at The St. Regis Chicago offers one-of-a-kind views of the Chicago River as it sports its iconic festive green color for the holiday.
Hotel
Mar 5, 2025W Scottsdale’s WET Deck Pool Parties Return for 2025 Season
W Scottsdale marked the return of its iconic WET Deck pool parties on Feb. 21. Now, every Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., guests can bask in the sun on the hotel’s rooftop, enjoying libations, the pool and music.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Destinations / North America
Mar 4, 2025See a New Exhibit from Cirque du Soleil at Las Vegas’s Neon Museum
Cirque du Soleil and The Neon Museum joined together to produce a new exhibit currently on display inside City Hall’s Grand Gallery in downtown Las Vegas. The exhibit, dubbed Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, is on display through May 1.
Dining/Entertainment
Mar 3, 2025Discover This Viral Egg Roll Food Truck in Miami
Willing to travel for food? Most of us are, especially when it comes to a viral restaurant or dish. In Miami, Florida, an egg roll truck is taking the world (and internet) by storm, so why not add it to your Miami travels?
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Hotel
Feb 28, 20253 Chicago Hotels Known for Room Service
Room service is, admittedly, one of the best parts of the travel experience — but any seasoned traveler knows not all room service is equal. When you’re in Chicago, stay at one of these hotels for some of the best (and most unique) room service in the city.