NEW Prosecco Cycling Tour w/ Sommelier

January 20, 2022 by evebushman

(Bridgewater, MA) — Tourissimo, a leader in active travel to Italy, is thrilled to announce a NEW 7-day “Grappa and Prosecco” cycling tour of the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco wine making area of Italy. Guests will learn about the ancient origins of wine making and how the reputation and qualities of the wine have evolved throughout the centuries. The cycling is just as varied and dramatic as the Vento region’s history, ranging from a challenging climb up Mount Grappa to the hilly terrain of Prosecco. The tour includes multiple wine tastings, dining at a MICHELIN-starred restaurant, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, overnighting at 4 and 5-star hotels, and cycling one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. Prices start at $4,695 per person double. Venice is only one hour away and makes for a great add-on to the tour. For more information, visit https://www.tourissimo.travel/bike-tour-prosecco.

“For the Prosecco wine lover, this is an absolute dream vacation,” said Tourissimo Co-Founder and Managing Director, Beppe Salerno, who is also a sommelier. “The tour is rich in history, and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular with panoramic vistas and patchwork landscape of steep terraced hills, woodlands, and meadows. The cycling is absolutely amazing, and the food, wine, and accommodations are as good as it gets.”

The Prosecco area is wedged between mountains and the plain before the Adriatic Sea. It is extremely hilly, with grapes growing at 150 to 1,600 ft. above sea level. A route between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene has been named the Strada del Prosecco (“Prosecco Wine Route”), and it’s the perfect riding playground for wine lovers.

The landscape is characterized by ‘hogback’ hills, ciglioni – small plots of vines on narrow grassy terraces – forests, small villages and farmland. Since the 17th century, the use of ciglioni has created a particular chequerboard landscape consisting of rows of vines parallel and vertical to the slopes.

“One goal with this tour, in addition to cycling some of the most beautiful terrain in Italy, is to educate guests about why a Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a superior product, why it is worth spending more for a quality sparkling wine,” said Salerno. “Because DOCG producers—with the limited growing area, lower yields and extremely high cost of production—can not compete with DOC on price, more and more of them are seeking to explore the particularities of their diverse growing area and long viticultural tradition, and find new ways of expressing them in their wines.”

Tour Highlights:

Walking the walls of medieval Cittadella
Exploring the hills of Prosecco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Having coffee in Piazza degli Scacchi in Marostica
Cycling along rolling roads surrounded by vineyards
Experiencing a Grappa tasting at a famous grappa produce
Soaking up the village of Asolo
Enjoying multiple wine tastings at Prosecco Superiore DOCG producers
Picnicing at mulino della Croda
Learning Monte Grappa WWI history and visiting the memorial-museum

What’s Included:

Two professional tour guides throughout the program
All accommodations in 4-star hotels (one 5-star)
All breakfasts, all lunches, and all dinners
Wine and beer with meals, coffee, cappuccino, and gelato stops
Two wine tastings
Logistical support during the tour and luggage transfer
Guided tour of Bassano and grappa tasting
Shuttle at the beginning and at the end of the tour
Bianchi bike rental
GPS navigation and maps

About Tourissimo: We are Italy experts and have several decades of combined experience in all facets of the adventure travel industry. We came together to combine our strengths and focus on what we do best: create and operate tour programs that showcase the best of Italy. In addition to offering fixed departures in some of Italy’s most enchanting areas, we work with tour operators, travel agents and group leaders to provide high-quality, intelligently designed and exciting custom itineraries all over the country. https://www.tourissimo.travel

Walla Walla’s Newest Businesses – And A Luxury Wine Resort – Spotlight the Valley’s Bounty

October 9, 2021 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA’S NEWEST BUSINESSES SPOTLIGHT THE VALLEY’S BOUNTY
From a luxury winery resort to a refurbished 1930’s Showroom, Walla Walla’s new businesses further the valley’s connection to character and place.

(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) – Walla Walla is so nice, they named it twice. Honored for the second consecutive year as America’s Best Wine Region, and boasting a flourishing farm-to-table culinary scene, this rural-chic town in central Washington has earned a reputation for continually building upon its successes as opposed to resting on its laurels. With its sweeping landscape of wheat fields, vineyards, and farmland, not to mention its health and safety-minded Peace of Mind Pledge, Walla Walla continues to delight and entice visitors with no fewer than 11 new businesses opening their doors in recent months.

Yellowhawk Resort, photo from their Facebook page.

Among the most notable, a new luxury winery resort, three new restaurants, three new tasting rooms, and four other businesses, including a curated grocery store, an elevated general store, an artisan showroom, and an educational hops tour.

“It gives me great joy to see these new businesses opening their doors,” Says Robert Hansen, Executive Director of Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine. “The common theme running through these new businesses is a unified connection to place and community supporting the local landscape, artisans, and history that makes Walla Walla so genuinely unique.”

Following is a list of some of the notable businesses that have opened their doors in Walla Walla in recent months:

LODGING
Yellowhawk Resort (formerly Basel Cellars): Yellowhawk Resort is an 84-acre hillside retreat on Walla Walla’s south side. The resort features a sparkling winery and tasting room with farm-to-table dining, a swimming pool and cabanas, lodging, and event space for weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats. As you enter the gate and wind up the hill to the estate house, the elevated setting provides a sweeping outlook on the fields of wheat, lush vineyards below, and the Blue Mountains in the distance. The property was purchased in December 2020 by Pacific Northwest hospitality leaders Dan Thiessen, Chad Mackay, Scott Clark, Philip Christofides, and Paul Mackay, and is part of the Revelers Club loyalty program. Winemaker George-Anne Robertson leads Yellowhawk’s sparkling wine program.

DINING & RESTAURANTS
AK’s Mercado: One of Walla Walla’s top eateries, Andrae’s Kitchen, which Food and Wine magazine’s Ray Isle once described as “hands down the best restaurant inside a working gas station in America,” recently relocated to its own space on Main St. in the heart of downtown Walla Walla. Focusing on tacos, smoked meats, and other street food, Mercado is inspired by Chef Andrae Bopp’s love for the cuisines of Oaxaca and New Orleans, among other places, with a craft cocktail program curated by local mixology legend Jim German. The venue also features various popups from Secret Squirrel wine, Daylight Plant Co, Walla Walla Cheese Co. and others.

The Kitchen at Abeja: Those with a taste for wine country living have yet another reason to visit Abeja, a 38-acre historic Walla Walla farmstead and home to the acclaimed Abeja winery and bucolic Inn at Abeja. The Kitchen at Abeja, which opened July 13, offers a fine dining experience showcasing innovative wine country cuisine and celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal bounty. Dinner guests choose from a five or seven-course prix fixe menu, as well as an optional wine pairing menu. Executive Chef Elodie Li, who returns to her home state after two years of cooking in Michelin two-star restaurants in Provence, France, collaborates with Abeja winemakers Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler on the menus, updated weekly. Surrounded by the winery’s vineyards and gardens, The Kitchen at Abeja is a rich, refined wine country experience.

The Kinglet at Whitehouse-Crawford (opening early 2022): Farther on the horizon is The Kinglet at Whitehouse-Crawford, a new bistro eatery in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford Planing Mill building, from acclaimed Seattle Chef Maximillian Petty. A multiple James Beard semifinalist, Petty’s menu will range from exuberantly curated items, which built his reputation at Eden Hill, to a bar and lounge area that will stay open later with a snack-heavy lineup, including a pizza oven and an extensive cocktail program.

TASTING ROOMS
Moonbase Cellars: The Blue Mountains and rolling wheat fields of Walla Walla enticed Laine and Drew Pauk to call the valley their home. That, and their desire to make wine with a straightforward approach amidst an ideal viticulture climate. Moonbase Cellars’ philosophy is to find fantastic vineyards suited for a specific grape variety, sourcing excellent fruit from premier vineyard sites in the Walla Walla Valley, including multiple locations within the coveted The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. As for the name, Drew has always been fascinated with space. Though his dream of becoming an astronaut didn’t work out, he managed to combine his love for wine and space with Moonbase Cellars.

Kinhaven Winery : This new family-owned small lot winery and vineyard is perched atop a picturesque knoll in the Southside winery district of Walla Walla. The property, with 8 acres of Merlot, Cabernet, Carmenere and Malbec, enjoys unobstructed views of the Blue Mountains and is the perfect setting for family and friends to connect while enjoying their thoughtfully crafted wines. Purchased in 2019 by Terry and Lisa Davenport, who also own the recently renovated Boyer House. From dining in the vines to weddings, the combination of Kinhaven Winery and Boyer House sets up for the perfect family and friend gathering.

5 Dollar Ranch Brewing : Self-proclaimed as “Walla Walla’s best new brewery in 2021,” this newcomer opened in June 2021. Located on the south side of town along the Oregon border on twelve acres of farm property, with sweeping views of the Blue Mountains. An evolving menu of hop offerings is fit to appease the novice to beer connoisseur. The location is both dog and kid-friendly. According to brewer and owner Josh Hulett, while he loves all of his beers, the Hazy’s are not to be missed.

Hoquetas Wine Company: Located at the Port of Walla Walla wine incubator facility in the Walla Walla Airport District, Hoquetas Wine Co. opened its doors in September of 2021. Started by musician turned winemaker Robert Gomez and his family, the winery focuses on producing wines that are both expressive and representative of the region’s terroir. Hoquetus, a musical method where vocal parts alternate to create a single melody, speaks to Gomez’s musical approach to winemaking, where the ingredients are carefully composed to create a melodious pour.

Runway Market : Located in the airport district of Walla Walla’s wine region, Runway Market is a sparkling wine bar serving up local bubbles. The Market serves an assortment of food options, including picnic boxes, paninis, flatbread pizza, and various other grab-and-go options. All tastings include complimentary gourmet popcorn. Cathy Bay and her husband opened Runway Market in 2021 with the hopes of being a stop for not only bubbles and food, but laughter and celebration.

SPECIALTY, ACTIVITIES & OTHER
Showroom at Colville: The Showroom on Colville was built in the 1930s as a showroom for auto sales in the center of downtown Walla Walla. In October of 2019, the Showroom on Colville underwent extensive renovations which unveiled the beautiful bones of the structure, and from there the story began to blossom. A corner of downtown Walla Walla honors local history to gather and celebrate the community with local-centric artisans and purveyors. Shops include TMACS, The Market by Andy’s, Wildlings Co. kids boutique, and many more.

Walla Walla General Store: A new home, kitchen & gift store founded by Jean Bender and Peggy Frasse. The store opened to locals & visitors alike on May 6, 2021. From small delights, such as penny cent candy to homewares from makers such as Simon Pierce, Walter G textiles, Riedel and Staub – there is something for everyone at the Walla Walla General Store. Much more than just a retail space, co-founders Jean & Peggy envision the store as a space for community. Following a successful summer Art Series, resident Allison Palmer will host a continuation of “Make for Joy” there this fall. Weekly Monday-Wednesday classes will begin in September, and continue through December.

Walla Walla Brews Cruise : Walla Walla is known for wine, but it’s also home to plentiful craft beer and cider. Alongside thousands of acres of vineyards are century-old wheat fields and orchards stretching across the valley. Generations of wheat farmers have made their home in Walla Walla and now support a growing community of brewers. Walla Walla Brews Cruise tours are knowledge-based tours where you will learn about the process of brewing beers and crafting cider, with a guided discussion of varying styles of alcohol.

Foodscape Walla Walla : Foodscape could technically be described as an online grocer, but it’s so much more. It’s a place to acquire food, talk about food, or gather meaning from food. It was started by Hannah MacDonald, a longtime chef, local, and significant influencer on the Walla Walla food scene over the past decade. Foodscape highlights the area’s bounty, from food to all the agriculture offerings: produce, meat, and seafood. They also directly import hundreds of spices from all over the world, as well as other specialty products like olive oil, seafood, and vinegar. Foodscapes give locals and visitors alike the tools that they need to cook any cuisine under the sun.

About Walla Walla:
As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, access to an abundance of outdoor recreation, and an arts & entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size. This community of just over 30,000 residents is known for many things, including its friendliness and hospitality, the quality of its wine, and of course the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. An easy and scenic four-hour drive from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, Walla Walla can also be accessed via Alaska Airlines’ daily non-stop flights from Seattle. For more information and to begin planning a trip to Walla Walla, visit www.wallawalla.org.

EMERIL LAGASSE FOUNDATION’S BOUDIN BOURBON AND BEER GOES “BACK-TO-THE-TABLE”

September 8, 2021 by evebushman

NEW ORLEANS, LA—The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has announced that it will bring Boudin, Bourbon and Beer “Back-to-the-Table” in 2021. In response to the devastating impact the pandemic had on the hospitality industry, the organization has chosen to forego its traditional festival format and celebrate at individual restaurants during the month of November.

“While our industry is still struggling, we are excited to be able to encourage our loyal Boudin, Bourbon & Beer patrons to dine out during November to provide support to our restaurants and sponsors,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing generosity the restaurant community has provided over the last ten years in raising awareness of our mission to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential.”

The “Back-to-the-Table” event will include restaurants across New Orleans that will craft special boudin dishes and feature Abita Beer and cocktails from Buffalo Trace and Sazerac brands. Chefs confirmed to date, include Frank Brigtsen, Adolfo Garcia, Donald Link, Susan Spicer, Stephen Stryjewski, as well as Atchafalaya Restaurant. Additional chef and restaurant participants will be announced as they are confirmed.

In addition to the “Back-to-the-Table” dining campaign, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation will continue the mentorship components of Boudin, Bourbon & Beer through a special internship program. Participating restaurants will welcome student mentees from program beneficiaries into the kitchen for an unmatched learning opportunity.

The Foundation has distributed $15.5 million to date, focusing on children’s education programs and funding to support basic childhood needs. As part of its mission, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation created a signature program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen. This national education initiative integrates gardening and cooking concepts in elementary and middle school curriculums. This one-of-a-kind program offers an engaging experience that connects kids to the world of food and nurtures skills that benefit them not only in the kitchen but also throughout life. Currently, there are three kitchens in operation, with one to be completed in September and a fifth in 2022.

About Emeril Lagasse Foundation: Founded in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife Alden, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501c(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. The Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education. For more information visit emeril.org.

Mikkeller Bar San Francisco Opening

August 31, 2021 by evebushman

SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — After a tough year in the US and a long lockdown, Mikkeller San Francisco can now finally look forward to opening its doors again at the start of the new year.

“Mikkeller Bar San Francisco was the second Mikkeller Bar we opened and the start of our entire operation globally, so that place means something very special to us. It is a bar that has done really well right from the beginning in 2013, and we are of course very happy and grateful that very soon we’ll be able to invite the old regulars and other beer lovers back into the bar again,” says Mikkel Bjergsø, founder and Creative Director of Mikkeller.

Mikkeller Bar San Francisco is now one of three Mikkeller locations in California. In addition to San Francisco, Mikkeller owns a combined brewery, tasting room and bottle shop in Miramar, San Diego, plus a bar in the Little Italy area of San Diego.

In connection with the reopening, the bar has been remodeled, which Mikkeller’s Danish designer Camilla Monsrud is responsible for. The bar has been modernized changes and that bring some color details into play, to form a soft contrast to bricks and iron beams and at the same time create a common thread to Mikkeller’s other locations, which are characterized by their Scandinavian and minimalist lines.

As something new, the premises at 34 Mason Street will also house a bottle shop, so guests will have the opportunity to buy beer and merchandise to take home from the bar. The food concept continues largely as before, with head chef Antonio García serving solid high-end bar food. In connection with the opening, Mikkeller’s brewery Baghaven, which is internationally recognized for its unique spontaneously fermented beers, will have its debut in the US at Mikkeller Bar SF.

Mikkeller Bar SF reopened in April but will have its grand opening celebration the week of July 26^th. This reopening will feature beers, food, and special events the entire week to celebrate the opening. For a list of detailed events please visit our Social Media channels below:

https://www.facebook.com/MikkellerBarSanFrancisco
https://www.instagram.com/mikkellerbarsf/
https://mikkeller.com/locations/mikkeller-bar-san-francisco

The Ford Announces Culinary Partnership with Plant-Based Chef Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde for 2021 Concert Season

August 7, 2021 by evebushman

Plant-Based Menu and Beverages are Featured at the Ford Terrace Café and Grab & Go Market

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Ford, the 1,200-seat Los Angeles amphitheater nestled into the Hollywood Hills, announces a new culinary program designed by celebrated chef and community activist Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde. Beginning July 30, 2021, attendees of The Ford’s performing arts programs began to order food and beverages at Todo Verde at the Terrace or the Grab & Go Market with Ramirez’ flavor-rich and healthy plant-based menu of dishes and drinks.

Jocelyn Ramirez founded Todo Verde in 2015 with a mission to create delicious and healthy foods inspired by her Mexican and South American roots for her Eastside Mexican community. As one of the most popular vendors at Smorgasburg LA, Ramirez continues to learn about the health benefits of nutrient-dense food and healthy ecosystems and shares her knowledge of healthy living through workshops, dialogues and food demonstrations throughout the community.

Photo credit Lindsay Kreighbaum.

Ramirez is thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce her menu at The Ford, stating, “This is such a moment for chefs of color in Los Angeles, and I’m honored to be a part of The Ford’s season as the first plant-based food concessionaire to take over a major music venue in the city of Los Angeles. Just six years ago, Todo Verde was founded and has become a staple across LA’s farmers’ markets and Smorgasburg LA. Now we are happy to call The Ford home, serving up some of our signatures like tacos de carnitas, ceviche, mulitas de chorizo and more.”

In addition to three types of tacos – Mushroom y Mole, Jackfruit Carnitas con Pipian Verde and Chorizo-Spiced-Seared Mushroom, – Todo Verde offers several dishes to share: Ceviche de Palmitas with hearts of palm in citrus and olive oil served with avocado, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, cucumber, black sesame & tortilla chips; Como La Flor of quinoa, cilantro micro greens, tomato, cucumber & orange, served with citrus-dressed mixed greens; Mulita of house-made cashew cheese melted between blue corn tortillas with house-made plant-based “chorizo,” cashew crema & pickled red onion; Nachos with house-made plant-based nacho cheese over tortilla chips with choice of plant-based “chorizo” or jackfruit, cashew crema & pico de gallo; and Poblano Mac y Cheese with fire-roasted poblano cashew queso and wheat semolina macaroni.

Desserts include Cacao Pudding, a cacao-and avocado-based pudding spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup with strawberry reduction, dehydrated strawberries & pistachio crumble; and Plant-Based Cheesecake of creamy cashew-based lemon cheesecake with toasted almond cashew crust, cacao ganache and lemon zest.

To complement these menus are Todo Verde’s refreshing agua frescas, Strawberry Rose and Black Rice Horchata, which are available in both non-alcoholic and spiked versions using craft spirits. Guests may select craft beers from SouthNorte Beer Co. (San Diego) and Baja Brewing (Tijuana) and natural wines from small producers Sassara and Las Jaras wineries.

The Grab & Go Market features some of Todo Verde’s favorite food businesses that embody the cultural flavors that define Los Angeles. Carnivores, pescatarians and vegetarians can choose from Ramirez’s curated collection: George’s Boyle Heights Bean & Cheese Burrito or Ground Beef Burrito; Seoul Sausage Korean Fried Chicken; Bridgetown Roti Garlic Trini Eggplant & Scallion or Green Curry Shrimp & Potato; Toss It up Caesar Salad or a Southwestern Chicken Salad; Maison Matho French Ham & Butter Sandwich; Mama Musubi Curry Chicken Musubi or Yuzu Salmon Musubu; and Plantae Sushi Miso Avocado Roll or Spicy “Tuna” Roll. Ramirez includes a vegan and traditional Cheese Box served with accompaniments, and for dessert, Madame Shugah cookies; Omiso cookies; Bijoux Macarons; Coolhaus dairy-free ice-cream sandwiches; and Buttery Co kettle and cheddar corn. The Grab & Go Market offers an expansive selection of local craft beers and natural wines by the glass and bottle.

To browse the complete Todo Verde at the Terrace Café menu or to order online on show days (90 minute window) click HERE. To view the complete Grab & Go Market offerings, click HERE. To learn more about dining and picnicking at The Ford, click HERE.

About Jocelyn Ramirez:

Todo Verde founder Jocelyn Ramirez is a plant-based chef, college professor, yoga instructor and advocate for healthy food access in her community. After Jocelyn’s father was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she created a plant-based superfood smoothie diet that made him dramatically stronger and helped with a quick recovery. She founded Todo Verde in 2015 and left her career in higher education to pursue a new path in foodways related to culture and tradition, and she references traditional recipes passed down for generations within her family. Her business offers a robust catering division and can be experienced at farmers’ markets and at Smorgasburg LA in DTLA. Jocelyn’s background includes Fine Art, Design and Business degrees, and she has trained at the Matthew Kenney Culinary Institute. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Vice, Spotify, Buzzfeed, Smithsonian, and Bon Appetit. Jocelyn published her first cookbook, La Vida Verde: Plant-Based Mexican Cooking with Authentic Flavor (Page Street), in 2020. In 2017, Jocelyn co-founded Across Our Kitchen Tables, an organization focused on uplifting women of color in the food industry that hosts skill-shares and an annual symposium. She currently sits on the Culinary Advisory Board for Food Forward and the Leadership Board for the Los Angeles Food Policy Council.

About The Ford

The Ford is one of the oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles, with an outdoor 1,200-seat amphitheater and a rich history dating back to 1920. Situated in a 32-acre park and under the stewardship of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Ford presents an eclectic summer season of music, dance, film and family events that are reflective of the communities that comprise Los Angeles.

Starting June 3 for One Month: It’s Tiki Time! The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino and Brewery Transforms Second Floor into The Island at Ellis, a Hidden Tiki Bar Pop-Up

May 25, 2021 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS /PRNewswire/ — Prepare to be transported into a one-month-only mid-century tiki dream at The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery, where the restaurant’s second floor will be transformed into a delightfully kitschy, tiki bar escape, called The Island at Ellis. The summer soiree will run from June 3 until July 4.

Stepping into this all-day oasis, sponsored by Bacardi, guests will be greeted by a 15-foot swordfish, staff decked out in Hawaiian-themed attire and tiki-style vignettes throughout the space. But no tiki bar is complete without tropical favorites, and The Front Yard’s Tiki Bar will be serving up dishes such as a Teriyaki Chicken Burger, Tiki Quesadilla, and Coconut Shrimp, only available on the second level of the restaurant. Ten boozy island-themed specialty drinks will also be available, with beer cocktails and Ellis Island spins on Tiki classics, multiple served as individual cocktails or in punch bowls for a crowd. For high-res photos of some of the menu items, click HERE.

In addition to the specialty Island at Ellis offerings, The Front Yard’s brunch and dinner menus will be available, with fan favorites like Stuffed Crunch Toast, Salmon and Lox Flatbread, Bacon Mac & Cheese, a Giant Pretzel, and more. All of Ellis Island’s iconic beers will also be on the menu, served in glassware made specifically for the pop-up.

And it would not be Vegas without a little gambling! Two blackjack tables will add some Sin City flare and a variety of slots will be available to play in a lounge area located by the Terrace Bar.

“We can’t wait for the launch of The Island at Ellis,” said Director of Marketing, Christina Ellis. “We have really enjoyed decorating and transforming the restaurant, and we knew now was the perfect time to take it to the next level.”

Starting June 3, the Tiki Bar will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm and 4pm to midnight; Mondays from 10am to 3pm and 4-10pm; and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4-10pm. Reservations are available through OpenTable and people can follow this special pop-up on Instagram at @islandatellis.

About The Front Yard

The Front Yard is a two-story indoor/outdoor beer garden, providing a casual brewpub atmosphere in the heart of Las Vegas at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery. With a premium bar and a full-service restaurant, The Front Yard offers some of the Ellis family’s favorite recipes along with dishes curated by Executive Chef John Ales, providing a little something for everyone.

Retractable ceiling shades, expansive windows, and Instagram-worthy garden walls present a lush outdoor atmosphere where patrons can come together for brunch on the weekend or enjoy a game on the restaurant’s 18-foot big screen.

The Front Yard is open for dinner daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Brunch is served Saturday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Front Yard is located at 4178 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109 and can be reached by calling (702) 733-8901. Follow The Front Yard on Instagram and Facebook at @thefrontyardlv.

Vinexpo America and Drinks America Plan A Joint Debut In New York, March 9-10, 2022

May 23, 2021 by evebushman

Where the wine and spirits world meets in America: Vinexpo America and Drinks America plan a joint debut in New York, March 9-10, 2022

PORTLAND, Maine – Diversified Communications and Vinexposium has announced two co-located events—Vinexpo America and Drinks America—that will reunite the beverage alcohol industry in person, under one roof, in 2022. The trade-only expos will be held March 9-10, 2022, in the new Hall 3 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Together, they promise to attract top buyers and decision makers from across North America, the largest and fast-growing beverage-alcohol-consuming market in the world.

Vinexpo America is a repositioning of the former Vinexpo New York, which for three years served as the premier international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America before a 2021 pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its new form, Vinexpo America will focus exclusively on wines, with representation from all of the world’s top-producing regions.

Drinks America is a brand-new expo created in response to a forecasted continuing rise in consumption of spirits and ready-to-drink beverages. It will feature a wide array of spirits, beer and sake from producers across the globe as well as beverage alcohol accessories and services.

Both events will provide U.S. and Canadian buyers access to new and established brands that are looking to expand distribution, network and meet with existing customers in North America. From conferences to master classes, two full days of educational programming will address issues relevant to both the wine and spirits worlds.

For attendees, Vinexpo America | Drinks America offers the advantage of one registration for full access to both shows’ exhibits, programming and events—a great value that also optimizes efficiency as they can meet with producers from around the world in one location over two days.

Exhibitors will benefit from visibility to all buyers, decision makers and influencers from both events, plus unlimited free guest invitations. A new business matchmaking service will facilitate one-to-one meetings during the two-day exhibition.

“We’re excited to renew our partnership with Vinexposium and come back to New York in 2022 with a brand-new, greatly enhanced offering,” said Mary Larkin, president of Diversified Communications USA. “Bringing together Vinexpo America and Drinks America in a single meeting place will enable us to serve the entire U.S. wine and spirits communities—an especially welcome opportunity after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the industry’s major exhibitions in 2021.”

“The launch of our events in the United States in 2022 is designed to coincide with the resumption of trade between Europe and the USA. Under a new name, Vinexpo America aims to embrace the entire North American market, alongside Drinks America. It has become crucial to offer our customers a comprehensive business platform that matches the scale of the American continent and includes spirits, craft drinks and beers alongside wine,” stresses Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.

More information regarding the 2022 event will be announced in the coming months.

About Vinexposium

Owned jointly by Comexposium and Vinexpo Holding, Vinexposium is the world’s leading organiser of wine and spirits trade events. Vinexposium offers an enhanced range of high-performance events, tailored to different market segments, with a portfolio of iconic and recognised events: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, WOW! Meetings, Vinexpo America & Drinks America, Vinexpo Hong Kong, WBWE Asia, Vinexpo Bordeaux, Vinexpo Shanghai and WBWE Amsterdam, as well as Vinexpo Explorer and World Wine Meetings.

About Diversified Communications

Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products, Diversified Communications connects, educates, and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: renewable energy, healthcare, natural and organic, food and beverage, and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA, with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com

New Mobile App GYDO “Get Your Drink On” Introduces the Drink-Gifting Revolution and is Now Available Worldwide through the Apple App and Google Play Store

May 18, 2021 by evebushman

CARPINTERIA, Calif./PRNewswire/ — Get Your Drink On (“GYDO”), a new mobile app that allows users to gift a drink to family and friends located anywhere in the world, is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Free to download, GYDO is designed to bridge the long-distance gap between friends and family through a social gifting experience and makes up for those missed moments that cannot be attended in person.

In today’s ultra-connected and technology-driven society, GYDO modernizes the age-old concept of buying a friend a drink by sending a virtual GYDO Drink Card, which can be stored in the user’s digital phone wallet. The GYDO Drink Card can be used to purchase a beer, cocktail or glass of wine at any brewery, winery or bar that accepts Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Co-founded by entrepreneurs Ryan Williams and Rachel H. van Gorp, GYDO is led by a team of experts with ten years of experience in mobile app development. As expatriates who were distanced from family and friends, Williams and van Gorp grew tired of missing out on weddings, birthdays, promotions and engagements after moving far away from their loved ones.

“Ryan and I were both expats when we created GYDO, and designed the mobile app with human connection in mind after experiencing first-hand the emotional toll that takes hold after missing out on so many of life’s important moments that we would otherwise be present for had it not been for the distance,” said GYDO Co-Founder, Rachel H. van Gorp. “At a time when being connected to loved ones matters more than ever before, GYDO is pioneering the drink-gifting revolution by providing users with a unique way to virtually join the celebration with friends and family.”

For more information on GYDO “Get Your Drink On,” please visit http://gydo.app.

ABOUT GYDO “GET YOUR DRINK ON”
Get Your Drink On (GYDO) is a mobile platform that has digitized the age-old concept of buying a friend a drink. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Ryan Williams and Rachel H. van Gorp, GYDO is led by a team of experts with ten years of experience in mobile app development. As expatriates, Williams and Harnsberger were inspired to create GYDO after constantly missing out on life’s special moments with friends and family abroad. No matter the distance or the occasion, GYDO lets users gift their loved ones a drink at any brewery, winery or bar in the world. GYDO is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information, please visit http://gydo.app.

Cheers to a collection of new cocktails at CASBAR Lounge at SAHARA Las Vegas

March 15, 2021 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS – Those who have been looking to shake things up with their cocktail game need to look no further than CASBAR Lounge at SAHARA Las Vegas, which recently unveiled a new cocktail menu from the resort’s award-winning beverage team.

Let your tastebuds go on an adventure with the Aromatic AV8, featuring Empress 1908 Gin, Crème de Violette, lavender syrup, lemon juice and egg white. Get exotic with The Brazilian Mula, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Giffard Caribbean Pineapple Liqueur, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime juice and Q Ginger Beer. Stay up all night with a Spicy Espresso Martini, combining Remy 1738, vanilla spice and Ancho Reyes with espresso. Turn into a super taster with an Electric Feels, charged with Grey Goose Vodka, white cranberry, vanilla spice, lemon juice and sparkling wine, rimmed with tongue-tingling Electricdust, a revolutionary new flavor and sensation-enhancing dust powered by the Buzz Button flower that allows you to taste different nuances and flavors. Refresh yourself with the Blueberry Lemonade Mai Tai, which combines Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum with Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and Orgeat Syrup. Kick things up a notch with the Mojave Margarita, featuring Espolòn Reposado Tequila, Giffard Apricot, prickly pear puree, lime juice and agave syrup, smoked with mesquite. The Cadillac Penicillin is sure to cure any case of the blues, with Glenmorangie 10 Year Scotch, honey-ginger and lemon juice, topped with Ardbeg 10 Year Scotch. Try a new take on a classic drink with the Overseas Old Fashioned, crafted with Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey, Disaronno Amaretto, chamomile tea syrup and orange bitters. Or envision yourself overseas with the Mediterranean Martini, a combination of Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose Vodka, Lillet Rose, blood orange syrup, lemon zest and Q Grapefruit Soda. All cocktails are available for $15 each.

Guests can also enjoy non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails for $13 each, including a Raspberry Mojito with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, RIPE Mojito Juice, fresh raspberries, soda and mint; an Espresso Martini, featuring Lyre’s Coffee Originale, Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, fresh espresso and vanilla syrup; a Piña Colada, made with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, coconut water, pineapple puree and mint; a Clover Club, featuring Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white; or an Old Fashioned, with Lyre’s American Malt, Tippleman’s Smoked Barrel-Aged Syrup and Angostura Bitters.

Or, with the build-you-own highball menu, create a drink that is uniquely you by selecting your own vodka, bitters and soda for $14 each. A selection of reds, whites and bubbles, draft and bottled beer, snacks and cigars are also available at the stylish, 24-hour lounge.

Since welcoming back resort guests, SAHARA Las Vegas has followed a comprehensive outline of health and safety protocols under the resort’s SAHARA Cares program. Under this program, a number of contactless solutions were developed to assist with social distancing measures. Guests are encouraged to reserve cabanas, daybeds and even live table games for their party so that they can curate their own unique boutique experience.

The resort collaborated with health experts to establish several practices to minimize risk for guests and team members. For the latest update on the SAHARA Cares program, an updated list of resort venues and hours or to make a reservation, visit saharalasvegas.com.

About SAHARA Las Vegas

SAHARA Las Vegas is an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,615 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers – including the AAA® Four Diamond Alexandria Tower, more than 85,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, two rooftop pools and a collection of acclaimed restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The inviting casino occupies 60,000 square feet and features approximately 600 of the latest slot and video poker machines, 50 classic table games, Infinity – a premium gaming lounge, The Poker Room at SAHARA Las Vegas and a sports book operated by global gaming leader, William Hill. An impressive selection of culinary and cocktail offerings include Bazaar Meat by José Andrés™, named “Best Restaurant in Nevada” by Business Insider; CASBAR Lounge; Bella Bistro; Uno Más; Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen; Prendi; The Tangier; and more. Additionally, SAHARA Las Vegas is home to MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas presented by Channing Tatum. SAHARA Las Vegas players can also enjoy the perks of an Infinity Rewards membership, a joint loyalty program between SAHARA and its sister property Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Reno, that gives players the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards across both destinations. SAHARA Las Vegas is a minority-owned business certified by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, please visit saharalasvegas.com and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Experience Scottsdale Announces What’s New in Scottsdale, Ariz. for Spring 2021

March 11, 2021 by evebushman

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (PRWEB) – Springtime in Scottsdale blooms with thrilling outdoor activities, fresh resort experiences, wellness retreats and new additions to the first-rate food scene. Though things will look a bit different this spring – when this Sonoran Desert destination is typically known for its large-scale sporting events, flurry of activity and bustling energy downtown – Scottsdale still boasts plenty of sunshine and excitement for locals and visitors alike.

SPA ESCAPES

This season, the 33,000-square-foot Spa at The Boulders Resort Scottsdale will reopen. Relax in a sanctuary for well-being which includes a Labyrinth for quiet contemplation, an authentic Tipi used for traditional Native American rituals and private meditation in the Organic Garden. Recharge with outdoor activities around the 1,300-acre property, including moonlight bike rides, desert hikes and the Sonoran Explorin’ Tour.
For the jetsetters looking to experience the world without crossing the seas, look no further than VH Spa’s Jet Set Crowd menu at Hotel Valley Ho. This exclusive spa program showcases 90-minute indulgent treatments inspired by international spots such as Istanbul, Helsinki and Reykjavik.
The NOW Massage, a boutique massage concept based in LA, kicked off the new year by opening its doors in Scottsdale on Jan. 2. The serene and approachable atmosphere is designed for clients to easily reset and revive the mind, body and soul. Described as, “a reimagined neighborhood spa experience,” The NOW Massage offers treatments specifically created for stress relief, relaxation, muscle recovery and optimum healing.
The Spa at JW Marriott Camelback Inn has debuted a brand-new Mindful Meditation Room administering contactless treatments. Try Himalayan Salt Lamp Therapy to boost mood and ease allergies and stress, or become immersed in traditions of Chinese medicine with the Gemstone Water treatment, created with wood, water, earth, metal and fire.

RESORT SCENE
THE BIG NEWS: Scottsdale welcomed the area’s first-ever Dark Sky Zone resort on Oct. 20, ADERO. The six-story, 177-room property perched high in the desert features signature restaurant, CIELO, and grab ‘n go Spa café, Revive. Debuting on property on Feb. 11 is Skytop Lounge, an al fresco dining experience placed on the lawn overlooking the canyon and below the stars. The outdoor cocktail lounge will offer delectable bites and astro-inspired cocktails, such as the “Dark Sky.”

FIVE MORE STAYS:

On Dec. 29, the W Scottsdale introduced the new Cottontail Lounge, with a sophisticated environment while still retaining the bold and flirty style for which W Hotels are known. Cottontail Lounge replaces the former Shade Lounge and serves breakfast, craft cocktails derived from an extensive mixology program, and inventive bites.
The star-studded culinary team at Sanctuary just got hotter with the addition of industry powerhouses, Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz and Bar Chef Christiaan Röllich in Nov. 2020. The two will lead the advancement of the resort’s fine dining experiences at elements and jade bar. This is a homecoming for Sanz, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, who began her career at elements, under the direction of Chef Beau MacMillan. Röllich began at Les Deux Café in LA, where Forbes dubbed him, “one of LA’s most innovative mixologists.”
After a nine-month closure, Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has just reopened its doors with new Chef de cuisine, Nino La Spina. A native of Sicily, Chef Nino began his career when he moved to Pisa for his studies and landed at renowned restaurants like Paris’ Michelin-starred Mirazur on the French Riviera, before moving stateside to work at Four Seasons Palm Beach. His Mediterranean style of cooking fused with Chef Victor Davila’s Latin and Mexican flare brings an adventurous new cuisine to Talavera’s Spanish steakhouse menu.
Canopy by Hilton joined the Old Town Scottsdale arts district on Oct. 1. This 177-room resort – the first new-build hotel in Old Town in over a decade – delivers a modern elegance, with two dining experiences and a rooftop pool.
Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley – a 215-room, 20-acre new-build opening in 2021 – will have it all; exemplary service, views of Camelback Mountain, modern and sleek interiors, a 16,000-square-foot spa and a location minutes from downtown Scottsdale. The resort has pivoted amid construction to incorporate new safety measures and features, such as the installation of Plasma Air in every guestroom and common space, to reduce airborne viruses and bacteria.

EVENTS + PRIVATE EXPERIENCES
THE BIG NEWS: Golf fanatics rejoice; the Waste Management Phoenix Open returns Feb. 1-7 at TPC Scottsdale. The legendary 16th hole will also live on at the 86th edition of “The People’s Open,” though modified from previous years. With limited fans in attendance, the scaled-down, one-level, open-air venue will offer limited ticket packages for fans who want to stay seated at the 16th hole. COVID safety protocols will be enforced throughout the entire tournament.

MORE THINGS TO DO:

Barrett-Jackson’s 50th annual Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, typically hosted in January, will take place March 20-27 and include the Barrett-Jackson Cup Competition, featuring 50 vehicles from the nation’s top custom car builders.
Grab your mitts and sunscreen, Spring Training is back in Scottsdale. Beginning Feb. 27, catch the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium or the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. At this time, it has not been confirmed if fans will be permitted to watch from the stands.
Desert Botanical Garden’s newest art exhibition, “Wind, Water, Earth” features three large-scale living sculptures by artists Natasha Lisita and Daniel Schultz, using florals and plant materials as a medium and desert elements as inspiration. The sculptures will be available for viewing select dates from Jan. 19-April 25, 2021.
Travelers can now dive deep into the wonder of the sea at OdySea Aquarium without leaving the “personal bubble” with new private aquarium rentals. The buyout provides exclusive access to the entire aquarium, including the 3D movie and OdySea Voyager, and breakfast in OdySea’s posh VIP room with views of sharks, stingrays and more.
The Musical Instrument Museum has launched a spring virtual education program analyzing the relationship between music and science. Using STEM-based learning for students K-8, the courses cover how musical instruments are made and include hands-on activities for critical thinking.
With prime weather, plenty of space and many expert-led outdoor experiences now offered privately, the time is right for opting outside in Scottsdale. Soar in a hot air balloon with Rainbow Ryders or Hot Air Expeditions, horseback ride at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch or with Wandering Heart Adventures, or kick it into high gear on an ATV tour with Stellar Adventures.

FRESH BITES
THE BIG NEWS: Amid the pandemic, Scottsdale has continued to defy the odds with the opening and sustaining of myriad new restaurants since spring 2020 – including Pizzeria Virtú, FRANCINE and Benjamin’s Upstairs to name a few, just in the downtown area alone. The city’s business owners have also found new ways to dine safely and make up for lost revenue during temporary shutdowns with new allowances from the Governor’s office as of Dec. 2, 2020, for restaurants to expand outdoor seating into parking lots and sidewalks, as seen in many major US cities.

Photo from Z’Tejas Facebook page

FIVE NEW WAYS TO SIP + SAVOR:

Cold Beers & Pizza, a spin-off of its neighbor and local favorite, Cold Beers& Cheeseburgers, opened in Old Town Scottsdale this month. Highlights include Cowboy Pizza and gluten-free crusts, as well as a wide selection of brews.
Southern charm, a lively atmosphere and a taste of Nashville await at Belle’s Nashville Kitchen. Belle’s debuted in Old Town Scottsdale in December, serving up a Honky Tonk brunch, Nashville Hot Chicken and whiskey tastings.
Local breakfast joint, Hash Kitchen, introduced a new spin on brunch, “Hash at Night,” on Oct. 2. Available at select locations on Fridays and Saturdays, late-night noshers can expect all the Hash Kitchen staples, including the build-your-own bloody mary bar, bubbly Boba mimosas and cereal shooter flights.
Trendy Fox Restaurant Concept, Culinary Dropout, opened a location at Scottsdale Quarter in Oct. 2020. The new, spacious restaurant brings a lively, open-air atmosphere for enjoying a casual meal and delighting in lawn games.
Z’Tejas, with restaurants only in Arizona and Texas, is scheduled to open a new restaurant in Scottsdale in Feb. 2021. Classic Z’Tejas dishes like sizzling Santa Fe Enchiladas and Diablo Pasta appear on the menu, along with seasonal southwestern offerings, and its signature margaritas and tequila flights.

For more Scottsdale travel news and story ideas, visit http://www.scottsdalepressroom.com. For more information about Scottsdale’s commitment to keeping residents and visitors safe, visit the “Be Safe Scottsdale” page.