New Rosé All Day Garden Announced

April 2, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB) – America’s most renowned wine and food festivals have four main ingredients—celebrity winemakers, top culinary talent, thought-provoking tasting seminars, and elements that highlight and celebrate current trends. The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, April 26 – 29, combines these elements to create the ultimate wine weekend in Northwest Florida. Held in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Town Center, the 2018 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will feature a dazzling roster of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers while introducing grand new features, including the Rosé All Day Garden, provocative seminars with industry leaders and culinary masters, aiming to please every palate.

“We’ve watched Rosés grow and grow in popularity, and wanted to replace Champagne Lane with something new,” said Chan Cox, founder of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and owner for Wine World. “Inspired by New York City Rosé festivals, including La Nuit en Rosé and Pinknic, we believe the Rosé All Day Garden will beautifully complement our April weather.”

Presented by ResortQuest, the Rosé All Day Garden will feature Rosés from around the globe, including Italy, Spain, France, South America and from North America, California and Oregon. The entire Grand Park will be transformed into all things Rosé. From pink décor to machines whipping out Frosé, a popular frozen drink made with Hendrix Gin and Marques De Caceres Rioja Rosé, the Garden will be blooming pink. Rosé vodka, Rosé champagne, Rosé sparkling wines and Rosé wine from domestic and international vineyards will be among the hundred different tasting options. Attendees are invited to embrace the theme by donning their favorite pink, rose or blush colored attire. A photo booth and Rosé swag from ResortQuest give guests every opportunity to see and drink pink.

“Europeans have been drinking Rosés forever. However, in the last four or five years, Americans began discovering European Rosés, which are light in color with lots of flavor yet dry,” said Chan Cox, founder of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and owner of Chan’s Wine World. “Dry rosés are so versatile. They go with anything and they are pleasant for warm summer enjoyment.”

Educational tasting seminars are another critical element of a world-class wine festival, and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will once again feature highly-sought after winemakers and master distillers from around the world sharing their knowledge and love of producing fine wines and spirits.

On Saturday, April 28, Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell of Hamilton Russell Vineyards as well as Southern Right and Ashbourne wineries will lead the first seminar beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Honoring one of the master distillers featured at the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam on Friday (4/27), Master Distiller with Maker’s Mark, Rob Samuels, will lead an educational tasting seminar on Saturday (4/28) from 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Among the master distillers at the 2018 Craft Beer & Spirits Jam and featured within Spirits Row at the Grand Tasting will be Master Distiller Dave Pickerell of WhistlePig.

On Sunday (4/29) from 1:30 – 2:15 p.m., Mathieu Pouchan of Salon Delamotte will lead a tasting seminar on the timeless classic, Champagne.

Oregon wine pioneer David Adelsheim’s Sunday tasting seminar will focus on the Pinot Noirs that put Oregon wines on the map. His seminar runs 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Finally, a grand wine festival deserves an exceptional culinary program, and the Savor South Walton Culinary Village is set to deliver delicacies that pair beautifully with the wines. Lead by the Culinary Director of Wine World’s The Wine Bar and The Craft Bar, Scott Plumley, the creative spread infuses local produce along with local meats from Heureux Beef just north of Defuniak Springs, Fla., and Coastal Blue Farms in Freeport, Fla. With distinct flavor profiles to blend acidity with bases and balance the wines, the menu includes: Alabama goat cheese fritters with San Marzano Tomato Sauce; avocado sourdough paired with marinated baby tomatoes and Aleppo pepper; Heureux Beef slider topped with aged gouda, tomato-bacon marmalade, and Coastal Blue Farms Micro Arugula; as well as Low Country Shrimp and Grits paired with Conecuh Sausage, Shellfish Nage and Collard Greens.

Award-winning cheeses will also be on the menu. Presented by Gourmet Foods International, world-renowned cheese expert and educator Michael Landis will present a sampling of the American Cheese Society’s Medal-winning cheeses.

The four-day celebration of wine also includes Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, Spirits Row, Nosh Pavilions, live entertainment and more than 800 wines poured by knowledgeable wine industry insiders.

Tickets are now on sale. Event details and tickets are available at http://www.sowalwine.com. To purchase tickets, visit https://sowal-wine.xorbia.com/.

Presented by Wine Enthusiast Media, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Visit South Walton, the festival offers the ideal backdrop for a beach getaway. The Festival is made possible by the generous support of the following Founding Partners: Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Visit South Walton Tourist Development Council, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Wine World of Northwest Florida and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is the official lodging partner of the festival.

About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
This year’s annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will be held April 26-29, 2018 throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines in the world. Meet the celebrity wine producers and master distillers presenting their fine wine and spirits from around the world. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food tasting seminars. Visit the new Rosé All Day Garden, Spirits Row and Nosh Pavilions and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Craft Beer & Spirits Jam and Winemakers & Shakers events round out the extended festival weekend. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.SoWalWine.com.

Great Vegas Festival of Beer to Host Beer and Sear Craft Beer and Culinary ‘Beerunch’ at Searsucker

March 26, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LAS VEGAS – Motley Brews will host a Beer and Sear craft beer and culinary ‘beerunch’ at Searsucker Las Vegas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. In addition to exclusive beer tastings, the event will include music and culinary stations.

Stephen La Sala, executive chef of Searsucker, will prepare a sampling of brunch selections to pair with the beer offerings. Three food stations will offer fresh salt and brine offerings, including poke hand rolls, oysters on the half-shell served with a spicy cocktail sauce and lager mignonette and Bloody Mary shrimp cocktails; brunch favorites, including beer-brined pork belly bennies, served with homemade bread, lemon-dill hollandaise and beer-cured salmon, Mexican poutine served with stout-braised carnitas, rajas and Oaxaca cheese and short rib fries, made with beer-braised short ribs and topped with Vermont cheddar and egg; and Chef La Sala’s traditional taco bar, with an authentic pastor taco, an infamous charred octopus taco and beer-braised crispy pig ears.

Guests attending this exclusive event will experience a decadent taste of the eighth annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, where Chef La Sala will cook a variety of beer-inspired dishes created specifically for festival guests with VIP tickets. This year’s Great Vegas Grand Tasting will be held on Saturday, April 7. The Mad Craft Experience, added to the Great Vegas lineup last year, will be held on Friday, April 6.

Tickets to Beer and Sear are priced at $55, plus tax and fees, and are available for purchase on the website at http://greatvegasbeer.com/great-vegas-presents-beer-sear/.

About Motley Brews:

Founded in 2010, Motley Brews was created for locals, breweries and brew fans alike to share great libations in a true local setting. Motley Brews develops beer-centric festivals and events throughout the Southwest, including San Diego, Las Vegas and Pasadena, Calif. Motley Brews’ annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, founded in 2011, is Nevada’s largest craft beer festival. Motley Brews supports local non-profits with every event, raising more than $125,000 to date. More information about Motley Brews is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MotleyBrews, or on their website at http://motleybrews.com/.

About Searsucker:

Searsucker, a restaurant brand conceptualized by chef Brian Malarkey, brings sharable comfort cuisine coupled with a casual, feel-good atmosphere to Austin, Texas, Del Mar, Calif., San Diego, Calif., and the newest Las Vegas location in Caesars Palace. Named after the simplicity of the seersucker fabric, which is casual and emanates a relaxed vibe among those who wear it, Searsucker evokes that same feeling in its dishes and atmosphere. Each of its four locations features comfortable couches, eclectic music and extreme flavors, all which combine to create the perfect social dining experience. For more information, please visit Searsucker.com.

Motley Brews to Bring Eighth Annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer Back to Downtown Las Vegas in April

March 11, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LAS VEGAS – Great Vegas Festival of Beer will return to Downtown Las Vegas for two days on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 – which coincides with National Beer Day. The experiential event, produced by Motley Brews, is expected to be the state’s largest craft beer festival for the eighth time with more than 500 beers and 10,000 attendees anticipated throughout both days.

The weekend will begin with the return of the Mad Craft Experience, which was added to the Great Vegas lineup last year, from 7-10 p.m. on April 6, with culinary competitions and select beer tastings from notable breweries. The Grand Tasting will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, with early entry at 2 p.m., and will offer more than 500 craft beers from more than 120 local, regional, national and international breweries, in addition to beer-inspired and infused cuisine from some of Las Vegas’ top chefs.

“We have separated Great Vegas from any other beer festival in the nation by introducing new interactive and experimental experiences for craft beer lovers,” said Brian Chapin, founder and CEO of Motley Brews. “This year, we’re adding even more entertainment, culinary options and of course, beer.” Chapin demonstrated Las Vegas’ thirst for craft beer with the inaugural Great Vegas in 2011, which quickly sold out to more than 2,000 attendees. The event has grown from year to year, prompting an expansion to two days in 2017.

Tickets for the Mad Craft Experience start at $55 plus fees. Tickets start at $40 plus fees for Saturday’s Grand Tasting, providing access to the festival from 3 to 7 p.m. along with a tasting glass, unlimited beer samples and entertainment options including a silent disco, BrewLogic seminars and more. Early admission tickets are also available, providing entry at 2 p.m., priced at $50 plus fees.

VIP tickets to the Grand Tasting, Great Vegas’ most coveted credential, are priced at $90 plus fees, and include early entry at 2 p.m., access to the VIP Brewers Lounge, which includes a rotating tap of limited release and rare beers, a decadent spread of top-notch cuisine prepared by celebrated Las Vegas chefs, a lounge area and more. VIP tickets are limited, and all tickets are available for purchase now at www.greatvegasbeer.com.

A portion of the proceeds from the event always benefit local non-profits, this year including The Folded Flag Foundation, the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, Goodie Two Shoes Foundation and the Nevada Craft Brewers Association. More information about Great Vegas Festival of Beer is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GreatVegasBeer, or on the website at http://greatvegasbeer.com/.

Motley Brews will host a Beer and Sear craft beer and culinary ‘beerunch’ at Searsucker Las Vegas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. In addition to exclusive beer tastings, guests will experience a decadent preview of what is to come at Great Vegas, where Stephen La Sala, executive chef of Searsucker, will cook a variety of beer-inspired dishes created specifically for festival attendees with VIP tickets.

About Motley Brews:

More information about Motley Brews is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MotleyBrews, or on their website at http://motleybrews.com/.

Tastings.com’s Top Drinks Of The Year

February 17, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

CHICAGO (PRWEB) – Great news for all discerning drinkers, Tastings.com has awarded their 2017 Best of Category and Best of Show winners. Tastings.com’s beverage experts tasted through over 4,400 products in 2017 and have now announced the best of the best for your drinking pleasure.

Sagatiba Preciosa Cachaca is one of the clear standouts of 2017. Silently aged for 23 years, this batch of rare Brazilian sugar cane spirit was uncovered to the delight of Tastings.com’s judges. They awarded the superb sipping cachaça a superlative 98 points. Other barrel-aged spirits joined Sagatiba at the top— Kavalan, a brand that wows connoisseurs year after year, holds 2017’s Best Whiskey accolade with their 98 point Solist Port Single Cask expression; and Grand Marnier’s luxurious Quintessence is crowned 2017’s Best Liqueur.

Beer has its own royalty of 2017. 4 Hands Brewing Company in Saint Louis Missouri created the year’s Best Flavored Beer, Zelllige Moroccan Coffee Stout. Tastings.com calls the beer “An intriguing and exotically spicy Turkish bazaar of a flavored stout.” The prolific Samuel Adams released their smoky, hybrid-styled Rauchbier, Cinderbock, that topped the beer category at 97 points. It is prestigiously awarded Best Beer of 2017. Another can’t miss gem is 96-point WildCraft Cider Works’ Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Cherry Cider, a platinum-medal palate-pleaser that takes the interplay of fruit and wood to the next level.

The year’s Best White Wine is Corner 103’s pretty Grenache Blanc from Alexander Valley. With a long-lasting finish of lilac and wet stone, it’s no wonder that it achieved 95 points. As for wine of the pink persuasion, the definitive Best Rose of 2017 is the insanely delicious Retrofollies’ 2016 Coteaux Varois de Provence. For those with a sweet tooth, the stylish and elegant Alea Ludendo 2013 Elba Aleatico Passito scored 95 points, topping the dessert wine category. 2017 Best Of Awards are seen in every major wine category as well as all major wine producing countries. See the complete results here.

Devoted to helping consumers discover and understand the world’s best drinks, Tastings.com is proud to share their unbiased reviews with adult beverage enthusiasts everywhere. Their professional judges are esteemed members of the drinks trade and hold prestigious certifications and accolades in wine, beer, and spirits. All products are tasted blind, using proprietary methodology and software in a neutral laboratory environment. Tastings.com, powered by the Beverage Testing Institute, has been known for providing consumers the most impartial, fair reviews in the industry for 38 years. Drink like an expert and follow their motto: drink what you like, love what you drink. Visit Tastings.com before you buy.

Tastings.com Launches 2018 With Announcement Of Innovative New Categories

January 28, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

CHICAGO (PRWEB) – World Wine Championships is the largest category within Tastings.com with over 3,000 wines tasted annually. This year’s calendar will include exciting new calls for wines in the growing Eastern European imports, the ever trendy Rosé wine and a new Wine Cocktail group for delicious Mimosas and Sangrias. These are just a few selected by the Tastings team in which US market buying trends show superior growth. “Rosé wine has surmounted its fad status and has become the new normal here in the states. Just like Rosé’s place in European culture, the category has become an American summer staple,” says Laura Kruming, Assistant Director at Tastings.com To view the complete 2018 wine calendar of categories, click here.

Because wine is the biggest category accounting for over 65% of the total reviews from Tastings.com overall, the judges have carved out a unique niche competition called World Value Wine Challenge. This competition promotes the best wines that retail at $20 and under, a price point which represents 90% of all wines sold in the US today. If a wine brand wishes to be a part of the competition, they must enter the program by August 1st here.

Fabulous new spirits and libations are discovered every year in the International Review of Spirits. In 2018, the program is also expanding its World Cocktail Championships with an opportunity for products to compete for the title of Best Gin, Best Tequila, Best Rum and Best Whiskey in the selected cocktail. In 2018, the Chicago Rum Festival is also back as the largest rum festival in the Midwest. And as co-producers, Tastings.com will review Rums featured at the fest and participate in Rum education and seminars. Spirits brands must enter here.

The beer world is one of the most unpredictable with trends coming and going as fast as the wind can carry them. Tastings.com judges love to embrace that unpredictability and will feature new categories for Foraged Beers, Barrel Aged Imperial Stouts & Hard Sodas. Brewers can enter of type of beer or beer style to the World Beer Championships here for a powerful review from our expert professionals.

Tastings.com is forever on the forefront of the wine, beer and spirit community, helping consumers and professionals make better beverage choices for over 38 years. It has a dedicated tasting lab in Chicago, IL that invites professional-only trade buyers and writers to taste and review according to a strict methodology. With new category calls and expanding event partnerships, the 2018 schedule is now open for entries and the excitement is building for a groundbreaking year in beverage trends. See the complete list and more on Trade.Tastings.com

Something Wicked Comes This Way: The Raymond 1886 Unveils The Final Solstice Winter Cocktails!

December 9, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Pasadena, CA: Darkness falls across the land, the midnight hour is close at hand. Situated inside The Raymond 1886, the historic craftsman cottage turned acclaimed restaurant in Pasadena, The Raymond 1886 tempts guests to get in touch with their morbid side and brood over the cold infinite of the universe and our own mortal coil by bringing out the macabre in everyone with their new The Final Solstice Winter Cocktails Menu!

Amaro Rye, Photo Credit: Acuna-Hansen

“This season we decided each cocktail would have a sci-fi, horror, and ominous feeling to the menu,” says Head Barman Peter Lloyd Jones. “This is our first dark and offbeat menu, so it is an edgy departure from our previously lighthearted themes and opens the door for each bartender to really show their own unique creative style.” Known for their highly innovative seasonal cocktail menus, The Raymond 1886 raises the bar once more with The Final Solstice Cocktail Menu, eleven spine-tingling libations, where each bartender offers their own signature take on what the end of the world means to them. However, before anyone pays Charon to ferry them across the River Styx, all potential concoctions go through the signature The Raymond 1886 “5 palate rule” test. “Once a cocktail has a name and a story behind its creation,” explains Jones, “it must be approved by five people that have been through our bar program. Every cocktail ever created and printed on a menu at The Raymond 1886 has passed this rule. We believe the broad palate spectrum helps to make sure the cocktail appeals to a wider audience.”

Welcome to Los Angeles 2019, a tech-noir urban dystopia where the Tyrell Corporation holds the monopoly on bioengineered androids known as a Replicant. This neo-noir infant-style cocktail created by Peter Lloyd Jones is comprised of London Dry Gin, lemon, Orgeat, smoked salt, and a house-made Butterfly Pea Tincture float and will leave you wondering: Do androids dream of electric sheep? Are we living out implanted memories in an environment manufactured by a tyrannical corrupt corporation? Though Roy Batty and his ragtag team of escaped androids may have failed, make no mistake, the Robot Revolution is on its way. There have been many advancements and revolutions for the human race that have had effect on our survival; advancements in all walks of life have helped us succeed, or fail and learn. But what happens when our most prized creation surpasses our intelligence. Will it realize its limitless potential? Will it realize how limited we are as humans and purge for optimal existence? With technology advancing as it has, it is important to keep your loved one’s close, your eyes open, and your brain awake with this cold brew cone from Cameron Masden, featuring deep flavors from Galliano Ristretto espresso liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, Cynar 70, cold brew coffee, mint, and cinnamon. A nice treat for the potentially bittersweet end. Robots. Androids. Humanity is encouraged to reach for the stars – but what happens when the stars reach for humanity? Luis Nava presents The Dreamcatcher, named after the Stephen King novel about four friends dealing with a parasitic alien during their annual camping trip. Comprised of cacao, Averna, house-made Woodford Reserve Bourbon infused graham cracker, cream, chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow; you never know what is lurking when you are enjoying S’mores next to the campfire.

Before locusts and fire, there was blood! Upset with the beer cocktail scene, Jesus Gomez and Adam Vaughn have decided to turn the whole place bloody with Plagues of Egypt. This exquisitely rich, robust and romantic concoction will raise your spirits during the times of damnation, featuring Top Tank 7 Saison, lemon juice, house made hibiscus syrup, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, Camus Cognac, and watch out for the frogs, they’re everywhere! There is no remedy for the 10 plagues, except for this cocktail. When John Milton imagined the Garden of Eden in his seminal poem Paradise Lost, his rich prose evoked images of a utopia not unlike a Caribbean island, with its luscious environment and delectable delicacies. However, paradise is no more in this world of iniquity and indulgence, where guests are invited to fall into temptation with this take on an old-fashioned created by Nathan Baker, featuring Rhum J.M. Gold from the edenesque island of Martinique, Nate’s house-made chai tincture, barrel-aged maple syrup, and lime peel. It takes three components to become the Master of Toddy, but are you cunning enough to wield the power of the Deathly Hallows? This toddy-style cocktail created by Adam Vaughn pays due respect to both the legendary Master of Death and a Hot Buttered Rum, comprised of Wray & Nephew OP, vanilla, and a house-made butterscotch patty. Not for the faint of heart, this cocktail promises to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses.

You can run, you can hide, but you cannot escape the imminent Zombie Apocalypse! After a long day of fighting off zombies and searching for shelter, re-energize with this tribute to both a Tiki classic and an iconic end-of-the-world-scenario, comprised of Deanston 12 year whisky, Bowmore 15 year whisky, Laphroaig 10 cask, pineapple juice, lime juice, Orgeat, Falernum, house-made lemongrass syrup, mint, and a zombie apocalypse garnish. A multi-layered and exceptionally well-balanced cocktail created by Jesus Gomez and Adam Vaughn, this collaboration demonstrates that two brains are better than one. Perhaps those zombies originated from a horrible, government virus? When the great sickness spread, they said it didn’t exist. Humanity is doomed to toil in the dredge of a sick and dying world. But survivors believed, hoped, worked, and now have it: the medicine that will end the end of days and bring about the rebirth of human civilization. A new dawn begins with The Antidote, created by Casey Levantal, featuring Laphroaig Select, Absinthe St George, Carpano, Campari, flamed absinthe sugar, and lemon peel.

Some catastrophes are not worth more than throwing our hands up in defeatist acceptance. Screw it! The world is over! It came and went and we few left must wallow in whatever remains on this, The Morning After. Mercifully, Ned Kirby has something a little bit stronger than coffee this morning, with El Dorado 12 year, Galliano Ristretto, cacao, coffee, heavy cream, and cinnamon. The biggest mistake humans made was believing they had all the time in the world. They didn’t, we don’t, and Ned Kirby entices guests to take the thyme to enjoy the End Of Thyme. Appreciate its aroma, savor its flavors and revel in its marvelous effects, featuring Amaro Montenegro, Suze bitters, Rittenhouse Rye, Del Maguey Vida, and thyme. One or two more of these and time won’t mean anything at all. Whichever way you look at it, it has begun and it will finish, make no mistake about it, We’re in it. With endless possibilities of “The End,” (pun intended), enjoy every moment, every person, and every delicious libation. With London Dry Gin, house made plum syrup, yellow chartreuse, lemon juice, and lime mint island garnish, this cocktail created by Cameron Masden will leave you knowing exactly just how far in it you are.

It’s the end of the world as we know it, but everything is feeling fine at The Raymond 1886 Happy Hour! From 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm every Tuesday through Friday, guests can partake in $5.00 Wines by the Glass, $4.00 Draft Beer, and Half-Price Well Drinks. Additionally, a daily Specialty Cocktail selected by the bartender will be available for $7.00 each. An extensive Bar Snacks Menu created by Executive Chef Tim Guiltinan is also offered Half-Price during Happy Hour, enticing guests with hearty dishes like Suckling Pig Al Pastor Tacos made with pineapple, avocado, salsa roja, the Greek Style Cauliflower, with half-a-head with whipped feta, or the Jidori Chicken Wings, prepared with caramelized fish sauce, and marinated cucumbers.

Winter is coming and the end is nigh, so take advantage of these dark times with even darker cocktails at The Raymond 1886!

The Raymond 1886 is open for Lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, for Dinner every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 10:00 pm, and for Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. 1886 is open every Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday, from 4:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight, and every Friday and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am. 1886 Happy Hour is every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information or reservations, please visit www.theraymond.com or call The Raymond 1886 directly at 626.441.3136.

Social Media: Please follow 1886 on Facebook: Facebook.com/1886BarAtTheRaymond Twitter: @1886Bar Instagram: @TheRaymond1886

The Raymond 1886

1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

T: 626.441.3136

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:
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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.