Brewport Tap House Launches Self-Pour Bar and Restaurant in LA

October 9, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Los Angeles area beer and wine drinkers have a new destination for a unique drinking and dining experience: Brewport Tap House, a self-serve bar and restaurant featuring 60 taps of pour-your-own beer, wine, cider and sake. After an overwhelmingly positive response to its debut in April 2017, Brewport Tap House has announced it will be open seven days a week.

Brewport’s popularity is skyrocketing thanks to its self-serve beverage dispensing technology, iPourIt, which gives patrons the freedom to pour their own alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) beverages from a selection of 48 beers and ciders, and 12 wine, sangria and sake options.

Brewport partners say the self-pour concept has encouraged beer and wine drinkers to broaden their horizons. Plus, all beverages are available to pour by the ounce, giving the customer control over how much—or how little—they want to taste.

“We are in a craft beer boom. We are fortunate enough to live in the mecca of it all in California, where there are so many great breweries and styles to choose from. I am always on the search for something new, fun and special,” said Gina Traber, Brewport partner and Certified Cicerone, who curates the tap list at Brewport Tap House.

Along with the self-pour concept, Brewport features a full kitchen helmed by executive chef, Andrew Fujii. Boundary-pushing menu items include Black Tiger Shrimp Tacos, Fried Chicken Biscuit, and Seafood Pasta Brodo. Fujii has gained such notoriety for his inventive dishes, Brewport will even be featured on ABC7’s Eye on L.A. with Tina Malave.

“When we started the process of opening Brewport, people thought we were crazy. We have come to see such a great response to this self-pour idea,” Traber continued. “People from 21 to 81 are embracing it. We cannot wait to share this concept in other cities and introduce it to other people.”

About Brewport Tap House
From our location at 204 North Main Street, the site of the former El Segundo Post Office, Brewport Tap House features a revolutionary gustatory experience, leveraging technology that allows patrons to access and pour beer and wine by the ounce, a concept known as “self-pour.”

Featuring extensive seasonal craft beer and wine offerings (as well as non-alcoholic beverages), the self-pour format encourages experimentation, prompting patrons to broaden their horizons and try new selections they might otherwise never experience. Brewport features a 48 tap craft beer wall, curated by our own Cicerone®-certified Gina Traber, plus an extensive selection of 12 wines on tap (60 total). As our beer and wine menu varies, so too will our culinary offerings, encouraging sampling, and ultimately pairing. And while we’ll leave you to your own devices to curate your own beverage experience, you’ll by no means be on your own. Our helpful Brewport Flight Crew will be happy to answer any questions you might have as you embark on your adventure. Follow us on: Facebook (facebook.com/brewporttaphouse) | Twitter (@BrewportTapHous) | Instagram (@brewporttaphouse) |Brewporttaphouse.com
Brewport Tap House | 204 Main Street El Segundo, CA 90245 | 310-648-8972

About iPourIt, Inc.
iPourIt, Inc. is a revolutionary self-serve beverage dispense technology that allows taproom and fast casual patrons to pour their own beer, cider, wine, cocktails and coffee, and it tracks and monitors every pour. iPourIt’s data analytics gives bar and restaurant operators valuable information about who poured what, when, and where, so businesses may effectively target patrons and create a positive experience, while increasing revenues. iPourIt’s self-serve solution is now in operation on 2,500 taps nationwide and counting, with more than 3.4 million ounces poured each month, and more than 5.5 million users, a number that grows every day. iPourIt is born and supported in the U.S.A. Learn more about iPourIt at ipouritinc.com, and follow us for updates on Facebook (facebook.com/iPourIt), Twitter (@iPourIt_inc) and Instagram (@ipourit).

LA Weekly Sips and Sweets

September 21, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

L.A. Weekly is proud to present Sips & Sweets 2017! In its fourth year, our now annual holiday party will feature over 30 of the Los Angeles’ top bakers and most well-reputed mixologists. Join us Thursday, December 14nd from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Petersen Auto Museum, and sample delicious confections (and some savory options), sip on handcrafted cocktails and shop for amazing holiday gifts and trinkets. Curated by the L.A. Weekly’s own food critic Besha Rodell and food editor Katherine Spiers, this eating, drinking and shopping extravaganza is one not to be missed.

This year’s ‘eats’ lineup features sweets (and some savories) from Ococoa, Wanderlust Creamery, Mercedes Binge Desserts, Otium, and much more to come!

Hand-crafted cocktails will be prepared by Christiaan Rollich of A.O.C. Wine bar, representatives from Resident DTLA, The Roger Room, The Pikey, Nerano, Lock & Key, Lucques, Tavern, La Cuevita, Otium, 1886 Bar at The Raymond, and plenty more yet to be announced!

All chefs will offer tasty samples of their famous sweet and savory treats, while each bartender will present sips of their signature holiday drinks.

Tickets –> http://ticketf.ly/2wdlGjz.

General Admission tickets include: entry into the event (and museum), unlimited food samples, beer, wine and artisanal cocktail samples as well as access to our artisanal vendor village. VIP Admission ticket includes: all of the General Admission perks plus 1 hour early entry into the eventand an exclusive VIP Gift Bag.

Sponsors of this year’s event include: Effen Vodka, Maker’s Mark, Angel City Brewery, Amoeba Music, Barefoot Wine, Cacique, Health-Ade Kombucha, Food Forward (charity), Imperfect Produce, Hubert’s Lemonade, The Dude’s Brewing Co., WVapes, and more to be announced!

A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to Food Forward. Food Forward rescues fresh local produce that would otherwise go to waste, connecting this abundance with people in need, and inspiring others to do the same.

Follow L.A. Weekly on Facebook facebook.com/LAWeekly, Twitter @laweeklystreet, Instagram @LAWeekly and Foursquare for updates as they unfold. We hope to see you there!

About L.A. Weekly:
L.A. Weekly, and morerecently LAWeekly.com, has Los Angeles covered, with investigative reporting, comprehensive calendar listings and forward-thinking cultural coverage, including daily blogs like the highly regarded Squid Ink, which covers the city’s food scene. We keep our readers loyal with stories by some of the country’s finest writers—now accessible through our mobile platforms. In 2007 L.A. Weekly was the first newspaper to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for its food criticism. This year, restaurant critic Besha Rodell was honored with a James Beard Award, widely considered food writing’s top prize.

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2014: Six out of 661 Questions for Wine 661

September 19, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

To keep myself busy while caring for my injured-yet-again spouse, satisfied more by angry single malt Scotch than the doctor prescribed Vicodin, I called Tanya Green, the new owner of Wine 661 to find out what new things they are offering the SCV wine drinking public, myself copiously included.

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Okay Tanya, I have been to this location before, when it was Wine Savor and now as Wine 661. Jeff Jacobson, chair of the SCV Wine Classic, suggested that I talk to you as he holds you in high regard as the new owner. Want to tell West Ranch Beacon readers what your wine story is?

My “wine story” is pretty simple…I love wine so I bought a wine bar, but my passion for wine began by going tasting. I love listening to the experts explain how the grapes were grown and fermented; why I’ll taste certain things because of the composition of the soil, that fruit grown on mountain tops develops thicker skins because of its proximity to the sun and therefore has more character than thin-skinned grapes.

I also have a strange fascination/respect for grapes that are difficult to grow, so those are the wines I’m most interested in. Everything about wine fascinates me from the farming of the grapes to the finished product, which makes owning a wine bar, like being a kid in a candy shop! I love it!

I understand you are serving beers as well as wine; what are some of your customer’s favorites from both?

To me, it was important to be able to carry something other than wine just in case a “beer guy” was dragged in by his wife. That’s why I spent months tasting beer from all over the world to put together, what I think, is the best beer list in town.

I carry rare, hard-to-get beers and artisan ales from Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Oregon, Santa Barbara and Maine. Each of my beers has won some sort of award from “Best Hefeweizen” to “Best Beer in the World.”

Schonramer Gold, for example, is a German Pilsner that won “Best Beer in the World” for 13 straight years and had to be removed from the contest to allow another beer the opportunity to win. I’m proud to carry a beer that good, and, I personally have grown to love beer as much, if not more, than wine.

My personal favorite is a cork-finished 750ml bottle of Belgian Farmhouse Ale called Saison Dupont. It’s gold and hoppy and has lots of personality. I pride myself on carrying beers that no one else carries and in most cases, beers that no one’s even heard of.

This may be off-putting to Coors Light lovers but I don’t mind. I want adventurous drinkers in here. Those that know what they like but can get excited to try something new. Nothing excites me more than transforming a Coors Light drinker into a beer snob!

What’s new now that you’ve taken over?

Wine 661 was a great spot long before I took it over. The ambience is comfortable and cozy and in my opinion, the best in the Valley, but I can’t take credit for that.

What I can take credit for, is a great appetizer list; including some amazing gourmet cheeses from all over the world (my fave is the five-year aged Gouda and the Spanish Blue cheese) as well as artisanal meats from near and far.

I’ve also changed the beer and wine lists and am proud of both. I promise to always rotate my beer and wine inventory so that my regulars never get bored and to carry both inexpensive as well as high-end beer and wines.

Tell readers what’s on your menu and any specials:

The most popular items on my menu are my cheese and chocolate flights. For the “Cheese Flight,” I’ve paired three red wines with gourmet cheeses that compliment them. Cave-aged blue cheese is paired with a phenomenal Merlot. The semi-hard, Manchego from Spain is paired with a complex and delicious Tempranillo and finally a 5 year aged Gouda is paired with a California Zinfandel. The “Chocolate Flight” is the same idea; three reds paired with three different E.Guittard chocolates with different cocoa contents. I think of it as delicious and fun.

Your employee Kirsten is a delight. She poured us some very different water to go with our wine, what’s that about?

The water at Wine 661 has taken on a life of its own. I’ve always loved spa water infused with various fruits (the combinations are endless) so I take filtered tap water and infuse it with cucumber and lemon. It’s refreshing and different and people freak out over it. I serve it chilled in a frosted 750 ml wine bottle over ice. I recently had a customer visit a resort in Hawaii where similar water was served by the pool. When she tried theirs, she told the pool-side waitress that ‘while it was good, it wasn’t as good as the water at Wine 661.’

Tell us what your customers can expect as far as service?

I don’t think anyone can possibly care about their guests as much as the owner so I try to be here six days per week to ensure that everyone who walks through the door has a good experience. I like to have a good time and not take myself too seriously, and I think the service here reflects that. We’re pretty down to earth so people will always feel comfortable and at ease. We get to know our guests and over time we become like family with many of our regulars. I try to remember everyone’s name although I usually find it easier to remember their wine preference. The service here is personal and nowhere near stuffy. There is a certain sophistication that comes with serving and selling wine but this is a casual environment meant for a having a great time and good laugh!

Well, now that now that your palate is whetted by the wine, beer and water at Wine 661, in the immortal words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Now…go!

Napa Valley Resort Hosts “Events Worth Traveling For” September Series

September 10, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Napa, Calif. – The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California, is proud to announce a special series of events this September. The events are designed to give guests, Napa Valley residents and others visiting the area a taste of Napa as they savor, recharge and reinvent themselves while learning about wine, cooking and more. The series features top wineries, breweries, tequila and even a Cajun favorite, crawfish. A complete calendar of events is available at MeritageResort.com/Events.

“When planning this special event series, we wanted to create experiences that spoke to the complete Napa lifestyle, which not only includes amazing cuisine, wine and vineyards but also great beers and fine tequilas.” said Frederic Najem, director of food and beverage, The Meritage Resort. “There is also a playful element within the Napa spirit, which is why we added a Cajun style crawfish boil to the series.”

September 16: Masters Dinner with Don Julio Tequila – Siena Patio
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with us during a fabulous Masters Tequila Dinner with Don Julio, hosted by Greg Bierwirth, a Don Julio brand ambassador. 21 and over only. $85 per person.

September 22: Signature Masters Winemaker Dinner with Staglin Family Vineyard and Musical Concert – Meritage Resort Vineyard Deck
“Listen to the vines – they will tell you what to do” is a piece of advice that the Staglin Family has not forgotten since it was told to them in 1992 by famed enologist Andre Tchelistcheff. This very special winemaker dinner will help benefit the One Mind Institute, a Staglin Family non-profit organization. Throughout the evening, we will have musical guests performing to provide added entertainment between courses and while learning about the beautiful history and winemaking style of the Staglin family from Shari Staglin. 21 and over only. $349 per person.

September 23: Napa Valley Goes Cajun – Crawfish Boil – Oakville Terrace at The Meritage Resort
For one day, we will bring New Orleans to the Napa Valley with an amazing Crawfish Boil and beer from Napa Palisades Saloon. You won’t want to miss this casual event as crawfish, sweet corn, andouille sausage, and jambalaya are served in this Cajun style feast while listening to the sounds of the Bayou. Reservations include all you can eat Crawfish and beers from Napa Palisades Saloon. A cash bar will also be available for wine and cocktails. 21 and over only. $60 per person.

September 29: Masters Dinner with Newton Vineyard, Napa Valley – Siena Patio
Newton’s “Nature by Design” philosophy is present throughout the winemaking process. During our dinner with winemaker, estate director, and the grandson of a legendary innovator in the Australian wine industry, Robert Mann, we will taste through four recent vintages while learning about the history, majesty and brilliance of Newton Vineyard’s refined and unfiltered varietals. 21 and over only. $100 per person.

September 19, 24, 29: Cooking Classes by The Meritage Resort – Vineyard Terrace at The Meritage Resort
Learn from The Meritage Resort’s culinary team during three cooking classes throughout September. Each class will teach different skills in the kitchen and focus on providing the skills needed to create and plate a beautiful and tasty meal. Classes will focus on pasta, desserts and seafood. Price $50 pp, per class, $125 for all three classes

Complete information and reservations available online at meritageresort.com/events. Prices range from $50 to $349 per person inclusive of gratuity and taxes. All events are open to the public.

About The Meritage Resort and Spa
Acres of sun-soaked hillside vineyards. Beautiful accommodations paired with luxurious amenities. Award-winning cuisine celebrating the finest of Napa Valley’s bounty. Indulgent spa treatments in the serenity of an underground Estate Cave. The Meritage Resort and Spa perfectly blends world-class luxury with exceptional hospitality to bring you the ultimate Napa Valley resort experience. We Are Napa. MeritageResort.com, (888) 608-6442.

Vintage Eve Circa 12/2013: Wine Enthusiast Magazine Best of the Year Issue Reviewed

August 1, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I am a loyal Wine Spectator (WS) magazine reader, have been for over 20 years. With that said, I’ve leafed through Wine Enthusiast (WE) magazine many times. I had an opportunity to meet and interview West Coast Editor Steve Heimoff and often find myself in agreement with him on his tasting notes. As I thought our palates were sometimes in sync, when I got the press release below presenting the magazine’s 2013 Top 100 Wines, Top 50 Spirits and Top 25 Beers…I thought I better do more than leaf through the issue.

top row l-r: Tim McDonald, Richard Jennings, Eve, Steve Peck. bottom l-r: Eva and Fred Swan, Steve Heimoff, Gina DeGirolamo

Starting with the article, “The Top 10 Wines Stories of 2013”, penned by editor Adam Strum, I learned that both men and women enjoyed more white wine this year, more wine producers are using social media, wine growing regions like Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara are gaining more attention, as well as wineries producing organic wines.

Then I noticed some other key pages: WE Instagram favorites, suggestions for moving the palate from, say, a Rioja’s Tempranillo fruit to try a Mexican Nebbiolo, where to find great wine lists in the Caribbean, where to eat in Denmark and Bordeaux, several winter cocktail recipes and single malt scotch recommendations.

Lengthier articles included an explanation of the different methods in making a sparkling wine, followed by a few suggestions that were not the standard fare, and ranged in price from $14 to $150; a feature on Portuguese winemakers; cooking classes available in Napa; recipes paired with white wines and their monthly Buying Guide.

Then came their “Must-Have Wines” selected from 16,500 globally tasted wines. A picture of the wine label accompanied most wines featured on the list – and if you’re like me a photo does help you to remember what to buy lest you show up at a store with the entire magazine in tow. (The number one wine was a sparkling: Roederer Estate 2004 L’Ermitage Brut, Anderson Valley at $47 retail and received a 97-point rating.)

Then came their “Top 50 Spirits” which I really looked forward to seeing as this is not something I’ve seen normally covered in a wine magazine. It sounded like they had fun tasting, among other things, “an unusual barrel-aged gin, a field-to-flask whiskey and a citrusy Tequila fermented using wine yeasts…”

Broken down by individual spirit, using photos as well, this time the number one winner was the Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2002 Edition, USA, Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY, at $26 retail and receiving 97 points.

Then we have the Top 25 Beers to look over that was “culled from our monthly Beer Buying Guide.” This time, the same format again employed, and the number one beer was New Glarus Wild Sour Ale, American Wild Ale, New Glarus Brewing Company, WI, at $10/12 ounce four pack and receiving 98 points. More can be found at www.buyingguide.winemag.com

I thought the magazine would end there, but I was only halfway through. Next came the WE Wine Star Awards that honors “individuals and companies”… “notable for their energy and groundbreaking vision…” The 2013 Wine Person of the Year was named as Barbara Banke, the chairwoman of Jackson Family Wines, and awarded due to the remarkable growth of vineyard holdings she has overseen…and other stellar individuals responsible for the success of our wine landscape follows her. I look forward to reading more in this section and getting to know more about whom we will be watching in the years to come…

# # #

Press Release:

WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE UNVEILS ITS BEST OF YEAR ISSUE

RANKING THE TOP 2013 IN WINES, BEERS AND SPIRITS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

The Ultimate Resource and Foremost Authority on Wine Lifestyle Announces its Annual Issue Featuring its Editorial Team’s Top Picks for the Year

Officially hitting newsstands this week, and sure to surpass expectations, the Wine Enthusiast Magazine Annual BEST OF YEAR Issue is finally here! Passionately committed to presenting the nation with its choice picks for the top wines, beers and spirits tasted this year, the Wine Enthusiast Global Tasting Panel and team of Editorial Experts have come up with a one of the most interesting and stellar lists to date, with the best-of-the best for every palate, style and price point imaginable.

This year’s list includes unique, first-rate picks that boast exceptional quality, drinkability, innovation and availability – aiming to represent the outstanding diversity in each category of wine, beer and spirits available in the market today. Conducting over 20,000 tasting’s over the course of the year and across all categories, the tasting panel and experts whittled the list down to include only the most interesting picks for this issue. Featuring the Top 100 Wines, Top 50 Spirits and Top 25 Beers that were tasted and reviewed throughout 2013, this list is the ultimate guide and resource for exceptional imbibing year-round.

“We are thrilled to present our record-breaking Best of Year Issue with one of the most interesting Top 100 Wines lists in our 25 years of publication,” states Editor & Publisher Adam Strum. “Not only does this list go above and beyond our ongoing promise to search for the best quality-to-price ratio, but we also set a record with a sparkling wine taking the number one spot for the first time in the history of the magazine.”

Standing out from the rest, the wine list in particular showcases more then ever the magazine’s unwavering dedication to providing its readers with incredible wine discoveries. With its creatively curated wine selection it is no wonder that Wine Enthusiast’s Best of the Year issue is setting new standards everywhere. Highlights from the list include:

A number one scoring sparkling wine
Some of the world’s best wines for $16 and under
Exciting emerging regions such as Canada, Israel and Georgia

As one of the most respected and quoted authorities in the world of wine, beer and spirits, it’s no wonder that Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Best of Year Issue is the definitive leader and guide for the top alcoholic beverage picks year after year. Consistently featuring only the hottest trends in everything related to wine lifestyle, Wine Enthusiast’s seasoned editors do the work for their readers. The ultimate list for an amazing year, Wine Enthusiast Magazine has the best of the best for 2013.

# # #

About Wine Enthusiast Magazine:

Wine Enthusiast Magazine educates and entertains readers about wine and the wine lifestyle in an accessible and user-friendly way. Published 13 times per year, the magazine’s readership is more than 800,000. The magazine and its Buying Guide with more than 100,000 ratings and reviews are available online. The magazine hosts signature Wine Enthusiast events for both consumer and trade. www.WineMag.com

SPONSORS AND DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR WINESONG, MENDOCINO’S PREMIER FOOD & WINE EVENT

July 30, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

FORT BRAGG, CA – Tickets are on sale for the 33rd Annual Winesong event — a spectacular weekend of award-winning wine, fabulous food, fine art, music, merriment, and charitable giving. Produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation, the main event – featuring a grand food and wine tasting and a live and silent auction – takes place at the gorgeous Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on Saturday, September 9^th, and on Friday, September 8^th, the nearby Little River Inn will host A Pinot Noir Celebration, showcasing winemakers from Anderson Valley and other renowned Pinot regions. Proceeds from both events go towards supporting the local Mendocino Coast District Hospital that serves so many in the area.

Winesong is very pleased to announce at this time the sponsors for the 2017 event. Some have been with Winesong for years, while others are new to the family, but all contribute in helping to raise essential funds for the rural Hospital. This year, we have a wonderful mix of local and regional, as well as commercial and private sponsors. Sponsors are a vital part of any event — they help offset costs of production, provide auction lots, and add value to the attendees’ experience.

Two of the newest sponsors are Garton Tractor, in conjunction with Kubota Tractors, and American AgCredit. Garton Tractor is a leader in agricultural equipment – for sales, service, parts, and rentals. Garton Tractor has nine stores in Northern CA, and extending to the Central Valley, with the Ukiah Store being represented at Winesong. Kubota Tractors are one of their quality brands and both will be on hand at Winesong, not just for display, but to also help with vendors and guests alike. Both companies stress quality, integrity, and putting people first – and their respective values are both valued and appreciated by Winesong. Another leader in the agriculture industry – American AgCredit – whose mission is to be the best lender to agriculture. American AgCredit is committed to serving all segments on agriculture, ensuring they remain responsible stewards of borrower’s investments. Winesong welcomes the new ag-centric sponsors to our larger Winesong family!

Winesong is also thrilled to welcome Grape Encounters Radio as a sponsor. Last year David Wilson, Host of Grape Encounters, attended as a media affiliate and we’re elated that he chose to participate at a greater level this year. Grape Encounters Radio is the number one wine broadcast in America, simulcast on numerous stations across the country. What makes Grape Encounters a stand out is their focus on people as much as the wine itself. Having been on the air for eight years, Grape Encounters seeks to bring the entire world of wine to their listeners – and it’s evidenced in their weekly broadcasts. And – they make wine accessible to everyone, regardless of how great or little your knowledge or wine.

Local realty firm Pamela Hudson Real Estate is also a new sponsor to Winesong. PHRE specializes in high-end residential and commercial properties for buyers and purchasers, for investments or personal use. A highly-respected broker and realtor, Pamela herself is a huge community supporter, and we’re delighted to earn her support, and that of Pamela Hudson Real Estate, at Winesong.

Community First Credit Union, soon to merge with MendoLake Credit Union, is a new sponsor as well. Community First Credit Union covers Napa, Sonoma, and as of August 1^st, Mendocino & Lake Counties. CFCU offers all of the amenities you’d find at other credits unions, plus amazing service. We welcome Community First as a new sponsor and member of our Winesong family and community.

A host of additional businesses and individuals will also be sponsoring this year’s event, including The Coast FM – KOZT, Harvest Market, D. Scott Farmer & Mia Ballentine, Savings Bank of Mendocino, Little River Inn, North Coast Brewing Company, Mendocino Coast District Hospital Physicians, Ledford House, Mission Linen Supply, Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association, Thanksgiving Coffee Company, Caito Fisheries, Steppin’ Out Magazine, Mendocino Winegrowers Inc, Rossi Building Materials, Canclini Television & Appliance, Braggadoon Signs & Graphics, and Anderson Logging. For further information the 2017 Winesong event sponsors, please visit http://winesong.org/partners/sponsors/.

Further details regarding the Winesong events:

A Pinot Noir Celebration: Meet the Winemakers

Friday, September 8, 2017 | 1 to 4 p.m.

The weekend kicks off with a prestigious Pinot Noir tasting, presented by Winesong and hosted by Little River Inn. Attendees will enjoy Pinot Noir from renowned Anderson Valley, along with wines from other award-winning pinot regions, alongside tastes of Little River Inn’s finest culinary offerings. General Admission Tickets for A Pinot Noir Celebration: Meet the Winemakers are $75 per person.

Wine & Food Grand Tasting in the Gardens

Saturday, September 9, 2017 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stroll through the lush Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens while enjoying vintages poured by world-class wineries from Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and beyond. Sample beer, spirits, and food from 50 of Mendocino County’s finest purveyors. The tasting is accented by various musical groups performing a variety of styles including jazz, classical, blues, calypso and folk rock. General Admission Tickets with festival seating at auction and access to wine and food tasting are $150 per person.

Silent & Live Auctions

Saturday, September 9, 2017 | SILENT: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; LIVE: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The centerpiece of Winesong weekend is the Charity Auction, featuring both a silent and live auction. Nearly 200 lots will be on offer, featuring spectacular wines from the world’s most prestigious wine producers, rare vintages, large format bottles and special vertical and horizontal collections, as well as original art from acclaimed California artists and highly coveted international and domestic vacation packages. Auction Reserve Tickets with assigned seating under the auction tent (w/catered lunch) and access to wine and food tasting are $250 per person.

Tickets to all events are available for purchase at: http://winesong.org/events/purchase-tickets/

For further information, please visit http://winesong.org or call (707) 961-4688.

About Winesong & the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation

Winesong is produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. Its mission is to help the small rural Hospital provide the best possible medical care to residents as well as the many visitors to the Mendocino Coast. Winesong proceeds have enabled the Hospital to purchase chemotherapy equipment, portable ultrasound machines for the Emergency Room as well as a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Center, Cardiology Equipment, a Bedside Medicine Verification System, and most recently, a Patient Bedside Monitor Alert & Telemetry System. http://winesong.org

Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne Announce 2017 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine Concepts

June 4, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Chef Suzanne Goin and Restaurateur Caroline Styne Introduce New Offerings for their Second Season with the Hollywood Bowl

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today details of enhancements and menus from Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 2017 season. Building on the success of last summer’s inaugural season with James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining options for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998, when they opened Lucques, their flagship restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired menus, which include over 17 concepts, are created by Suzanne Goin in tandem with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne. Before being finalized, the dishes meet thorough testing and approval from Goin, Styne, Sodexo Sports & Leisure and the LA Phil. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine is pleased to welcome back Executive Chef Jeff Rogers to oversee the broad range of dining operations that serve thousands of guests nightly.

This year premieres the newly-built Plaza Marketplace – located in the completely renovated Box Office Plaza – which offers pre-entry shopping for picnics on the grounds. Suzanne Goin’s “grab-and-go” prepared foods will be available along with fresh breads, cheeses, and snacks, complemented by a collection of Caroline Styne’s favorite wines. This location will also be the new pick-up spot for pre-ordered picnic boxes.

Another pre-entry dining option is a new snack bar located on Peppertree Lane, featuring classic concession food including nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, and soft pretzels, as well as chips, beer, and sodas. Inside the venue, a second stand offering a choice of hand-crafted pizzas has been added alongside a new BBQ kiosk.

Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options range from two full-service restaurants, food kiosks, and custom picnic boxes for pre-order, to Supper in Your Seats. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine will also provide catering at several locations for groups both large and small.

Highlights of the 2017 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine portfolio include:

Supper in Your Seats – Available by pre-order online up to 4pm the day before a performance, Supper in Your Seats offers the choice of curated three-course dinners or customized meals from à la carte selections delivered right to your box seats. You can also pre-order complete market-fresh picnic boxes that can be conveniently picked up at the new Plaza Marketplace.

Menu Highlight: The brand new Moroccan Feast features a trio of hummus with grilled flat bread, spiced carrot salad, shaved summer squash with preserved lemon, labneh with toasted seeds, parsley and mint, chicken tagine with apricots, saffron cous-cous, almonds and harissa, and olive cake with pistachios and citrus zest for dessert.

The Wine Bar by a.o.c – Boasting a wine list curated especially by Caroline Styne, L.A.’s favorite wine bar comes to life at the Hollywood Bowl and features artisanal cheese and charcuterie, signature vintner’s and farmer’s plates, grilled flatbreads, market-fresh salads, and a.o.c.-styled fish and meats. There are also craft brews and farmers’ market- driven cocktails made with soju and other wine-based liquors.

Menu Highlight: Alaskan halibut niçoise with haricots verts, tomato, olive and anchovy.

the backyard – Al fresco dining featuring an all-new menu at the Hollywood Bowl centers around two large wood-burning grills with a farmers’ market-driven menu of summer salads, grilled fresh fish, scallops, lamb merguez, pork chops, steaks, side dishes and an extensive raw bar. Menu Highlight: Kurobuta pork chop with summer figs, St. Agur, speck, arugula and saba.

Kitchen 22 – Made-to-order beef and turkey burgers, savory sandwiches and grilled delights anchor the Hollywood Bowl’s tribute to American classic fare.

Menu Highlight: The Cali, featuring free organic turkey, Monterey Jack, avocado and tomato aïoli served on a whole wheat bun.

Street Food and Snacks – Authentic street foods can be found throughout the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl, including a diverse selection of the multi-cultural foods of Los Angeles from street tacos and specialty hot dogs and sausages, to confections and signature desserts at the Sweet Shop and Larder Baking Company.

Marketplace East & Plaza Marketplace – Feature “grab-and-go” salads, hot entrées that include rotisserie chicken, barbecued beef brisket and mac n’ cheese, as well as other picnic-friendly sandwiches and cheese plates. Showcasing the best of Goin and Styne’s casual Larder café-marketplace, these Hollywood Bowl venues also feature a large selection of hand-picked wines, craft beers, sodas and waters, as well as salty and sweet snacks including cookies and brownies, candy,nuts and crackers.

Menu Highlight: Slow-roasted salmon with cucumber yogurt, quinoa and turmeric.

Buzz McCoy’s Marketplace and Sushi – The west side of the Hollywood Bowl features its own brand of market favorites at Buzz McCoy’s Marketplace. A delicious menu of freshly made “grab-and-go” salads, sandwiches, and other, hot and cold, picnic-friendly foods, alongside the Bowl’s very own Sushi Bar, where chefs prepare premium sushi, all of which can be pre-ordered, as well as purchased on-site.

Menu Highlight: Chopped chicken salad with feta, fried pita, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and mint.

Lucques at the Circle – This is a full-service dining experience for subscribers of the Pool Circle. Showcasing a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from the award-winning cuisine of Lucques.

Menu Highlight: Grilled mustard chicken with spinach, pine nuts, pecorino and soft egg.

Please visit www.HollywoodBowl.com/FoodandWine for more information about the food and wine experiences available at the Hollywood Bowl.

About the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres – orchestral, chamber and Baroque music, organ and celebrity recitals, new music, jazz, world music and pop – at two of L.A.’s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall (www.LAPhil.com) and the Hollywood Bowl (http://www.HollywoodBowl.com). The LA Phil’s season extends from September through May at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education and community programs.

About the Hollywood Bowl

One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and plays host to the finest artists from all genres of music. It remains one of the best deals anywhere in Los Angeles; to this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many classical and jazz offerings. The venue offers something for everyone, from its sizzling summer evening concerts to the daytime arts festival for children, “Summer Sounds: World Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl.” In February 2017, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the thirteenth year in a row at the 28th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer. http://www.HollywoodBowl.com

About The Lucques Group

With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard award-winning Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two other fine dining restaurants – a.o.c. and Tavern – and four marketplace restaurants – The Larder at Maple Drive, The Larder at Burton Way, The Larder at Tavern and The Larder at Tavern at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also operates Lucques Catering, the Larder Baking Company and, since 2016, comprehensive food services for the Hollywood Bowl. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.

About Sodexo Sports & Leisure

Sodexo Sports & Leisure, a division of Sodexo, Inc., is a premier provider to cultural destinations and event venues around the world and in the U.S. including The Jules Verne restaurant at the Eiffel Tower, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Space Center Houston, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and the Detroit Institute of Art. Sodexo, Inc. is headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD and funds all administrative costs for the independent and charitable Sodexo Foundation – granting more than $29 million since 1999 to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at SodexoInsights.com.

THE OTHEROOM ANNOUNCES LAS VEGAS DEBUT AT THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS PALACE

May 29, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

A trendy neighborhood favorite in LA and New York, The Otheroom is set to bring its unique and sophisticated bar and restaurant concept to Vegas

LAS VEGAS – The Otheroom, the stylish and unique bar concept that has long been a favorite of the fashionable set in LA and New York, is preparing to open its doors in Las Vegas at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace later this spring. Known for its sexy atmosphere and premium selection of fine wines and craft beers, The Otheroom Las Vegas will also boast a new addition to the concept – a signature cocktail line and gourmet bites.

The Las Vegas outpost of this swanky neighborhood haunt, which for more than 30 years has attracted celebrities and tastemakers who appreciate an under-the-radar drink, will occupy premium real estate within The Forum Shops footprint with street-level access to Las Vegas Boulevard and dedicated patio space in front of the Strip-side Trevi Fountain landmark. The upscale lounge and dining concept is the latest addition to The Forum Shops, which celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of opening this May.

“As a premier hub for hospitality and entertainment, Las Vegas was a logical next step for expanding The Otheroom brand,” said The Otheroom Managing Partner Pete Nowak. “Our location within The Forum Shops will expose The Otheroom brand to the upscale clientele that patronize the high-end retail outlets inside, while the more casual outdoor patio seating will allow even more visitors to enjoy our premium hospitality offerings. We are thrilled to bring our brand of sophistication to the Las Vegas Strip.”

Nowak, who boasts more than 20 years of experience in entertainment and hospitality development and management, heads up an all-star team of hospitality operators and financiers. Liam Dwyer, a Light Group veteran with background developing and opening successful concepts in Las Vegas, New York City, The Hamptons and Ireland, will serve as General Manager. Element Management Group, known for other highly successful hospitality concepts in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Denver, will serve as the operating partner.

The 3,200 square-foot lounge and patio will feature a chic, candle-lit aesthetic with industrial, yet glamorous, brick and metal finishes, providing patrons a seductive setting that blends both masculine and feminine touches. A curated playlist of contemporary, chill tunes further enhance the vibe immersing the customer in an intoxicating assault of the senses which is amplified by the impressive list of on-tap craft beers and selection of fine wines accompanied by the rich flavor profiles of the restaurant’s small bites menu.

ABOUT THE OTHEROOM

The Otheroom is a unique brand of hip and sophisticated bars and restaurants with flagship locations in New York City and Los Angeles. For more than 30 years, The Otheroom has served as the neighborhood haunt of choice for celebrities and tastemakers in Venice Beach, Calif. and Manhattan’s West Village. Offering a stylish and vibrant setting for an affluent clientele, The Otheroom is known for its fine wine selections and list of hand-picked craft beers. As the brand expands into other major U.S. markets and glamorous destinations abroad, the concept continues to evolve and now offers a signature line of cocktails and delicious gourmet bites at select locations. For more information or for reservations, visit TheOtheroom.net.

Getting Our Cocktail Glass Filled by Brady Weise

May 26, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

This week we learn all about veteran “Barman” Brady Weise, followed by a 5-question interview that should interest those that want a rewarding bar career and those of us that just like spending time in a bar.

Brady Weise, Barman

With a flare for the flavorfully dramatic and the keen instincts that gift top‐notch bartenders, Brady Weise has carved the perfect spot for himself among L.A.’s cocktail elite by creating memorable cocktails, many of which find their base in beer.

It’s no surprise, considering Weise started brewing his own beer at 15 and won his first award for it at 16. The journey to becoming a professional bartender started in Chicago, where a marketing company hired Weise to launch Yellowtail Wines in Japan. When that venture was a success, Weise moved on to creating his own alcohol import/export business, which inspired him to step behind the bar and that is when he realized there was much for him to learn.

He moonlighted at a few spots in Chicago and San Francisco, and then moved back to Los Angeles, where he split his time between building cocktail programs in Hollywood and working the bar at the famed Library Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel. After the Roosevelt, Weise moved to Pasadena where he was a lynchpin of the 1886 bar at the Raymond. Staying loyal to his roots and his market, Weise was one of the principal architects of the cocktail program at the Rathskeller. Still creating and always challenging conceptions with his work, Brady has moved into the event area where he spends his hours educating consumers and restaurant staff alike about new products and their space in the marketplace.

And as Weise shares his unique cocktails with his dedicated clientele, his passion for liquid creations continues. Says Weise, “One of my favorite things is stepping behind the bar. It’s always changing, it’s always interesting and there’s never a dull moment. It’s such an interesting place to be!”

Q and A With Brady

Where do you see the future of spirits leading?

The spirits industry is going through an unprecedented shift with massive consolidation of brand portfolios, huge multi-billion dollar mergers, and a marketing storm that we have never seen before. Part of this change is due to a failure of the current distribution model, and part of this is a function of attempting to broaden choice through the opportunities created by that system failure. In California for example, we have three major distributors; one of whom controls close to 80% of all major brands. This has allowed smaller labels to take advantage of holes in the market that large producers can’t fulfill.

A great example of this would be the explosion of whiskey, gin, tequila, and rum brands. While vodka is still the most popular spirit, consumers these days are interested in well-balanced drinks that include ingredients that are unique with a range of flavor profiles. This has given rise to the bartender asking for more ingredients from producers that meet these taste requirements; whether it be bitters, unique syrups, or exotic herbs and spices, the bartender of today is a much different craftsperson from the bartender 20 years ago.

What is your biggest challenge?

I’d say one of the biggest challenges today is keeping up with trends and demand. It used to be even 10 years ago that one new restaurant a month had a cocktail program. Now it seems like there’s one a week! Bartenders have been really pushing new trends and keeping up with them has been part of the everyday challenge of the business.

It used to be that a well-made Old Fashioned was enough to keep people excited. Now you have to have infusions, house syrups and tinctures, large block ice, etc. to get people to come and see your bar.

I think this is great for the industry as a whole, but keeping up with all the changes can be exhausting sometimes. I find that it’s best to look at what changes are coming down the pipeline and to examine the trends as a whole rather than what’s hot and new this week.

How were you trained?

I was trained by some of the best in the business. Marcos Tello is a great teacher, and gave me a lot of the tools I still use when creating cocktails. Part of the reason his program is so successful is that he has templates and formulas for everything; you don’t need to guess at what you’re doing. This helps you to focus your energies on working within the formula, and not trying to reinvent it. The other training I’ve had comes from some of the best minds in the Los Angeles restaurant scene. Working with talented and determined people is always a joy; especially if it’s with the kitchen AND the bar. I think any bartender that refuses to work with their kitchen in menu creation is missing out on a huge chance to succeed.

Part of my training also comes from the guests themselves; as you become successful their expectations of you changes. This forces you to keep evaluating your decisions when creating a menu. I think that is one of the most important lessons for me in recent memory.

What advice do you have for a budding mixologist?

Read a lot. A LOT. There are so many books out there that have technique and tips from some of the top talent around; they are basically giving you their bar programs for the cost of the book. Don’t watch YouTube unless it’s for fun; most of the information out there is incorrect and won’t explain execution to you like a book will.

Another thing to learn about is the financials of a bar program. This is one of the points I can’t stress enough. If you can’t understand how the money is being spent, then you can’t be an effective asset to the business. Anyone can make an amazing cocktail with a $100 bottle of liquor and expensive produce. The trick is to make it taste expensive even though what’s in it is not.

What events can drinkers find you next?

I’m usually at events all over Los Angeles lately. I work with the MYM agency and they are great! I’m currently not behind any bar at the moment, but I’m always pouring something people enjoy. If you catch me at a bar, it’s usually in Pasadena. I live there and have great relationships with most of the restaurant staff around town. There are some great gems in Pasadena if you know where to look.

Contact Brady: bradyweise@gmail.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Unites the Best in Craft Beer and Legendary Blues

May 24, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Mammoth Lakes, CA (PRWEB) – The 22nd Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, California is gearing up for its High Sierra summer party with four days of music and two days of craft beer tasting. It’s Mammoth’s strongest rockin’ blues lineup yet, August 3rd-6th, outdoors among the pines at The Woodsite.

More than 20 internationally known bands will perform on two stages. On the Bluesapalooza Main stage, the Beyond Blues Thursday Night (5:15pm-10:00pm) kicks off with Robert Randolph and The Family Band with special guests Flow Tribe and Dreddie Poppins and The Professionals. Friday Night Rock ‘N Blues (3:00pm-10:00pm) features headlining performances from Mavis Staples, Valerie June, Eric Sardinas & Big Motor, Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, and Saturday’s Bluesapalooza (11:30am-9:30pm) features Walter Trout, Sonny Landreth, Malina Moye, Samantha Fish, Dirty Revival, and Anthony Gomes. Festivalgoers can unwind, kick back and relax on Soulful Sunday (11:00am-5:30pm) with Vintage Trouble, Janiva Magness, Cedric Burnside Project, and Griff Hamlin & The Circle City Horns. On the Minaret Stage, RJ Mischo & Paris Slim, Brother Yusef, The Bald Eagles and additional special guests will have scheduled performances throughout the weekend.

“At 8,000 feet, we’re the highest elevation beer and music festival on the West Coast,” says Sean Turner of Mammoth Brewing Company, host brewery of the event. “And it takes place under the pines in one of the most beautiful venues in the West! It’s a great place to come find your new favorite band and your new favorite beer and meet some of the brewers.”

And when it comes to craft beer, attendees have a mammoth supply to choose from and taste. The Mammoth Festival of Beers features two days of beer tasting, both Saturday (12pm-5:00pm) and Sunday (12pm-4:00pm), showcasing more than 90 breweries pouring over 200 craft beers, such as Mammoth Brewing Company, Bear Republic, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Firestone Walker, Green Flash, Hangar 24, Russian River Brewing, Santa Cruz Mountain, San Diego, Sierra Nevada, Stone, and many more. And for the progressive taster, this year’s new-dedicated Barrel-Aged Sour Beer Bar will serve specialty beers all four days of the festival. The event benefits the California Craft Brewers Association, The Infinite Music Foundation and many local nonprofit organizations. Along with the beer and blues, plenty of tasty food from some of Mammoth’s best restaurants will be served in the Blues Food Court satisfying the heartiest of appetites. The popular Cigar Bar returns. And for those that prefer grapes over hops, returning winery J. Lohr will offer their signature wines.

Multi-day tickets are the festival’s best buy and very important ticket holders, aka VIP ticket holders, receive early festival entry each day; special VIP bar lines with complimentary Sour Bar Beer tastings; a Lair of the Bear lounge access with special amenities; VIP porta-potties, and more.

Advance tickets are on sale now and this year’s event is again expected to sell out. Tickets are available online at http://www.vallitix.com or http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com or phone at 888-825-5484; and locally at the Mammoth Brewing Company Tasting Room. For festival updates and additional information, visit the event’s responsive website, http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com which features music videos; links to bands, breweries and ticketing; a photo gallery; email signup; live social media updates; FAQ section; an informative blog on festival happenings; and more. According to the event producers, this is the best place to obtain up-to-the-minute information about the festival. Or, contact the event hotline, 888-99-BREWS (992-7397).

The event venue, The Woodsite, is located at 5701 Minaret Road between Main Street and Meridian Boulevard. Mammoth Lakes is a mountain resort located near Yosemite National Park in the Eastern High Sierra off Highway 395, offering world-class golf courses, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and resort facilities. For additional information about camping or local accommodations, call 800-GO MAMMOTH or visit http://www.visitmammoth.com or http://www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com/lodging.