Ole Smoky Distillery, Yee-Haw Brewing & Music City Roots Have Teamed up

January 8, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) – Ole Smoky Distillery, the leading craft distiller of Moonshine and home of the world’s most visited distillery, announced today that they are expanding their East TN presence by joining forces with Yee Haw Brewing Company, one of Tennessee’s top craft breweries. In collaboration with Music City Roots, they will collectively open an entertainment complex in Nashville’s burgeoning area of SoBro. The venue, currently being called 6th & Peabody will feature a distillery, brewery, live music, bars, tasting rooms, beer & bottle shops and merchandise. Visitors will be able to enjoy cocktails by the glass, as well as purchase jars of moonshine and bottled beer for enjoyment at home. Doors are scheduled to open in the second half of 2018.

“We are all very excited about this new endeavor,” says Joe Baker, Owner of Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Founder of Ole Smoky Distillery. “By providing guests with the best of Tennessee music, beer and moonshine, in a comfortable setting, we are confident that our newest venue will do extremely well in Nashville.”

The announcement of the multidimensional property comes after years of planning the overall concept. Having a brewery and distillery under the same roof will give visitors a unique experience with something that appeals to every individual, which is what the companies always envisioned. On any given day, there will be at least six beers on tap, and ten moonshine flavors being poured.

Along with experiencing a unique drinking occasion, guests will also enjoy authentic, world–renowned musical performances. Music City Roots, will be curating the live music talent and entertainment for the venue. Music will be presented day and night with an intimate performance area in the tasting room, a full-production concert stage in the main hall, as well as a broadcast studio for WMOT Roots Radio 89.5 FM. In order to build anticipation for the new venue, Music City Roots will be hosting a “Roots on the Road” campaign where they will go to various venues in Nashville, performing and spreading the word about the new location.

“Music City Roots looks forward to continuing to export the diversity and quality of our musical culture to a national and international audience from the heart of Nashville. We are honored to expand our long-term relationship with the great folks at Yee Haw and Ole Smoky by opening what will be an iconic and authentic addition to Music City,” says executive producer Todd Mayo.

“The heart of this partnership is our shared goal to curate a world-class listening environment, and present the music with the utmost respect for the artists that create it. In addition to being a live venue, it will be fully equipped for HD video broadcast, state-of-the-art live audio recording and radio broadcast”, says executive producer John Walker.

Baker and team will be transforming a warehouse currently standing on a 12k square foot property located in SoBro, also known as the South Six District. Currently the area is surrounded by a number of apartment buildings and hotels in development, which means there will be a need for more entertainment facilities for these residents and guests to enjoy. SoBro is a short walk and easily accessible from the popular “Lower Broadway” strip, the Music City Convention Center, and Bridgestone Arena.

“It makes sense for Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw to team up and create a space where all of our fans can enjoy themselves outside of our East Tennessee home base,” says Robert Hall CEO of Ole Smoky. “Both brands have a strong presence in the state and by joining forces we can offer great entertainment and a wide variety of beverages to fit every taste.”

This facility will be Yee-Haw’s second location and Ole Smoky’s fourth location.

Details about the bottle shops and tasting room (including a full beer and moonshine list, hours, events, and more) will be available soon. For more information about Ole Smoky please visit http://www.olesmoky.com. For more information about Yee-Haw please visit http://www.yeehawbrewing.com. For more information about Music City Roots please visit http://www.musiccityroots.com.

About Yee-Haw Brewery Co:
Founded in 2015, Yee-Haw Brewing Co is a craft brewery and tap room located in a historic railroad depot built in the late 1800’s in Johnson City, TN. Yee-Haw quickly grew from a start up to one of the southeast’s fastest growing craft breweries. Best known for their World Beer Cup award-winning Dunkel, Yee-Haw Brewing’s reputation for high quality ales and lagers is built on their commitment to using only the finest ingredients.

Yee-Haw is an expression of exuberance, a celebration of life, and a commitment to adventure. They’re serious about making great beer and improving the lives of those around them. Whether it is their commitment to a local nature conservancy, reviving a local outdoor concert series, supporting local art programs, or helping a local bike club raise money to build new trails, Yee-Haw is part of that experience. Remember, you’ll say it when you drink it, and cheers to the good times.

About Music City Roots:
Founded in October of 2009, Music City Roots is a weekly live musical variety radio show hosted by Grammy winning “Mr Americana” artist, Jim Lauderdale. Streamed live every week online to a global audience and airing on over 25 radio stations, Music City Roots has aired nationally in 75% of the United States on public television. Roots was created to shine a light on the variety and diversity of American Music. Roots has hosted Grammy winning artists like Chris Stapleton , Sturgill Simpson, Emmylou Harris as well as iconic American acts like The Doobie Brothers and features a weekly emerging artist as well. A community of fan’s, bands and brands, Music City Roots hearkens back to the golden age of live radio utilizing traditional and present platforms of discovery: radio, television, and streaming both live and on demand.

About Ole Smoky Distillery LLC:
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the U.S. and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. The company’s roots can be traced to the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains. In 2009, the law in Tennessee changed and suddenly, it was legal to make, distill and sell the infamous bootlegger’s hooch. It was at that point that a group of families decided to bring their artistry of superior moonshine making to the world at large.

And the world welcomed it. Ole Smoky was named an Impact Hot Brand by M. Shanken Communications, a leading publisher in the U.S. wine & spirits industry. The Hot Brand Award is given to both established and upcoming brands that achieve double-digit growth in each of the past three years, with a minimum of 200,000 cases. Additionally, people from all over the world visit the famed Gatlinburg Distillery, The Holler™, to see and experience how Ole Smoky moonshine is made. Since it’s opening in July of 2010, Ole Smoky Distillers have opened two more locations with The Barn™ in 2013 and the Barrelhouse™ in 2015, which produces the company’s new whiskey line that just launched nationally in Fall 2017. 2018 will mark the opening of the company’s fourth distillery in Tennessee.

Ole Smoky now retails globally and offers more than twenty creative flavors crafted from authentic family recipes. And while Ole Smoky has long been enjoyed on the porch from the jar or the jug, Ole Smoky now finds itself mixed in handcrafted cocktails of the finest order in establishments across the U.S. including at some of the biggest music and sporting venues in the country.

For more information, please visit http://www.olesmoky.com and find them on social media @olesmoky.

Shine Responsibly®

Savor the Finer Things: Masters of Taste Announces 2018 Date – Sunday, May 6th, 2018

November 23, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Los Angeles, CA – Come savor the finer things and be part of Masters of Taste 2018, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, May 6^th, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

Masters of Taste 2017 attracted nearly 2,400 guests and garnered media attention throughout Southern California and beyond. Masters of Taste 2018 is expected to bring over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 40 Master Chefs including returning Culinary Masters Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird), Chef Tony Esnault (Church & State, Spring), Chef Calogero Drggo (Celestino Ristorante), Chef Tim Guilitinan (The Raymond 1886), Chef Paul Shoemaker (The FLATS), and Chef Erwin Tjahyadi (Bone Kettle, Komodo) to name a few. Also, participating in Masters of Taste 2018 will be L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50 yard-line bar featuring four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations and their Master Mixologists curated by Marcos Tello of Template Consulting, select wineries, local craft breweries, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2018 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community and offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last two years Masters of Taste has raised nearly $1 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date to savor the finer things at Masters of Taste 2018!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2018 will take place on Sunday, May 6^th, 2018. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information on Masters of Taste 2018, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com/Tickets.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival

November 1, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Miramar Beach, Florida (PRWEB) – Tickets are on sale now for South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, taking place April 26 – April 29, 2018, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. With more than 800 wines to taste over four days, this annual charity event delivers a wine experience unparalleled among Northwest Florida wine festivals.

In addition to the vast selection of wines from around the world, expect to meet nationally and internationally well-known wine personalities and industry experts interacting personally with attendees. Winery owners, winemakers, vineyard managers and extremely knowledgeable wine industry experts provide festive, entertaining and educational commentary during the tastings.

Past featured winemakers are a who’s who of the best in the world, including Peter Mondavi, Jr., Mark Perrin, Jean-Charles Boisset, Cristina Mariani-May, Franco Massolino and more. Previous master distillers include Wes Henderson, Jimmy Russell and Willie Pratt.

Tasting Seminars are available for those wishing more focused and in-depth tastings. Enjoy the various food stations inside the Savor South Walton Culinary Village and Nosh Pavilions located throughout the festival. Discover the new Rosé All Day Garden and ever-popular Spirits Row. Ongoing live entertainment rounds out the festival offerings.

The festival kicks off Thursday with Winemakers & Shakers, held at Wine World in Destin. The VIP Wine Tasting now takes place Friday as does the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam. The Grand Tastings are Saturday and Sunday. For the first time, VIP Wine Festival 3-Day Packages that include most festival events are available.

As an extra incentive, festival tickets will be discounted through the end of the year and prices return to full price on Monday, January 1, 2018. Tickets can be purchased at SoWalWine.com.

“This festival celebrates diversity and we will have something for everyone,” said Chan Cox, festival founder and owner of Wine World. “The best wines, an amazing culinary village, celebrity winemakers and chefs, craft beer and spirits, not to mention many experts in their field will join us at a beautiful location in Grand Boulevard.”

The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival is truly a celebration of wine, food and music.

This event is a major fundraiser for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation with proceeds benefiting more than a dozen children’s charities in Northwest Florida.

Presented by Wine Enthusiast Media, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Visit South Walton, the festival offers the ideal backdrop for wine, charity and fun along the South Walton beaches; named among the best beaches in the country.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is made possible by the generous support of the following Founding Partners: 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.

About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is an annual charity event held the last weekend of April. The festival features a stunning showcase of some of the best wines in the world. Celebrity wine producers and chefs present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. 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 and live entertainment. 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 SoWalWine.com.

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).

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival debuts September 29 & 30, 2017

September 3, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Roanoke Island, NC (PRWEB) – On Roanoke Island where history, legends and grapes intertwine, The Lost Colony Wine and Culinary Festival’s Grand Tasting debuts on Saturday, September 30th. On the grounds of the famous outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, attendees will taste wines from around the world, discover local craft beer, sample savory local fare and enjoy live entertainment. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Roanoke and Pamlico Sounds, there is no better way to spend a fall day on the Outer Banks. The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival’s Grand Tasting event opens at 12 noon for VIP ticket holders ($75) and at 1 pm for General Admission ($50). The Family Coppola’s Virginia Dare Winery partners with the Roanoke Island Historical Association for this “don’t want to miss” festival in benefit of The Lost Colony.

Roanoke Island is the site of Queen Elizabeth I’s first attempt to establish a colony in the New World, and is the birthplace of America’s first English child, Virginia Dare. The Lost Colony, tells the story of the 1587 colony and has performed on this historic site since 1937. Roanoke Island is also home to the Mothervine, America’s oldest cultivated grapevine. The island’s history is imbedded with fabulous legends! The Virgin Queen and Sir Walter Raleigh’s dreams, the colony’s unsolved disappearance, and a love story that tells how the grapes of the Mothervine became stained red. The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival celebrates Roanoke Island’s history, legends, and heritage with wine, handcrafted beer and sumptuous food.

Francis Ford Coppola is intrigued with the mystery and legends of the Lost Colony. When Virginia Dare Wines, a North Carolina winery during the 1800s, became available for purchase, The Family Coppola seized the opportunity to add its legendary wine to its portfolio of wineries and resorts. In 2015 The Family Coppola launched the revitalization of Virginia Dare Winery at its new home in Sonoma County, promoted as “American Wines Since 1835.” Crafted with grapes from the finest viticulture regions in California, Virginia Dare Winery wines are rich with characteristics befitting an American legend: Pure. Natural. Distinctive. The partnership with The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival reflects The Family Coppola’s appreciation of history and storytelling, and celebrates the treasures, people and places that shaped this great country.

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival opens with a Vintner’s Dinner featuring Virginia Dare Wines at the Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores on Friday, September 29th. A multi-course meal will be fabulously paired with the wines by Chef Thomas. To purchase tickets or for more information on the Vintner’s Dinner and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 30th please visit our website, http://www.tlcwinefest.com, or call (252) 473-2127. Vintner’s Dinner tickets and VIP tickets for the Grand Tasting are very limited and early purchase is encouraged. The festival is generously funded by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and is sponsored by several local partners including First National Bank as the Noble Sponsor. For a full listing of the Festival’s supporters, please see our website.

Perlis and Haig Pick: South Bay Beer & Wine Festival

July 1, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Recently, thanks mainly to the efforts of my sister-in-law Elizabeth (Liz) Haig, we attended the 4^th Annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival. Our spouses Karen and Brian tagged along.

Since Liz went to all this trouble. I’d like to share her thoughts on the event and introduce you all to the person who has really been like my sister for about half [geez!] of my life.

Here’s Liz…

The South Bay Beer and Wine Festival in Rolling Hills Estates is a fundraiser for the El Segundo, Palos Verdes Peninsula and South Bay Sunrise Rotary clubs who volunteer and contribute to many worthwhile charities in our community.

It was a sold out event with nearly 1,300 guests. There were about 30 breweries and almost 20 wineries scheduled to pour and many local restaurants and other vendors serving up great food. I enjoyed several tastings that I thought I’d comment on a few that I really liked. I couldn’t get to all of them.

Kinship Winery in Paso Robles had a very nice Pinot Noir, it was light and refreshing and not too sweet. The Chardonnay was mild and had a fruity after taste. A portion of their proceeds goes towards helping children in Guatemala.

I tasted a flavored cognac, vodka and fruit juice blend called Mascarade with club soda and a mint leaf. It was very good and reminded me of a Mai Tai. And I really like Mai Tais.

Common Cider Company had several interesting flavors and their drinks were about 8% alcohol. We tried the Hibiscus Saison and Blackberry Sangria. Hibiscus Saison tasted like a mild cranberry drink without the tartness. The Blackberry Sangria was fruity and smooth.

Tito’s Vodka was serving up cool, refreshing cocktails and since it was extremely hot, it helped cool things down.

As for the beers, there were so many to choose from with a wide variety to sample. Absolution, Arts District, Knee Deep, RIPP Beer, Ironfire, Mother Earth Breweries and Scholb Premium Ales had some interesting new beers.

Red Car Brewery, Rock & Brews and Truxton’s had delicious sliders. Wa Dining, Pei Wei Asian, Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ, Tamiza’s Treats and Luna Grill had very tasting offers and it was nice to have a variety of different food choices.

Live music from the band, Detour, who played pop rock classics made us feel like dancing and really added to the atmosphere. I would definitely go again next year!

Thanks Liz.

I have a few more things to add.

On the day of the event [May 21^st] we were experiencing unseasonably warm weather, which made it a perfect day to get out of the Santa Clarita Valley and head down to the South Bay. It was somewhat warm down there too [although not like here] so it was a perfect day to focus on beer, which is what I did.

I had no idea there was such a craft beer movement going on in the South Bay. That area was well represented as well as other parts of LA and beyond.

Here were some of my favorites…

Arts District Brewing Company

Avery Brewing

Brouwerij West

Eagle Rock Brewery

House Beer

Iron Triangle

Phantom Carriage

Smog City Brewing Company

Three Weavers Brewing Company

Iron Triangle’s Dark Ale got my nod a second time [see my Masters of Taste article] for my favorite beer.

Also, Phantom Carriage gave me a good education on the purposeful use of brettanomyces in beer, which is usually a no-no for wine. They are definitely worth a trip to Carson to check out.

All in all, a nice way to spend a warm day out of the SCV.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

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

May 24, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Bay Beer & Wine Festival

May 11, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

South Bay Beer & Wine Festival

May 21^st 2017 at Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates

1 PM to 5 PM

VIP – 12 NOON to 5 PM

The South Bay Beer & Wine Festival invites you to enjoy the wares of approximately 70 Craft Beer, Wine & Restaurant exhibitors this May. The best of Southern California’s regional breweries, wineries and restaurants are featured, yet the Festival in its fourth year is a mecca for craft brewers from throughout the west. Tasting of all beer, wine and food is unlimited, and each festival attendee receives a great souvenir glass to take home.

The VIP upgrade adds tastings of assorted spirits, preferred parking, and entry to the Festival one hour before general admission. We applaud the generosity of all our exhibitors who energetically participate each year to raise money for our charitable beneficiaries. Treat your palate and have a blast with your friends this Spring on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula.

All proceeds fund the community outreach programs of Rotary Clubs within the South Bay and Harbor cities of Los Angeles. It’s a Springtime event that can’t be missed.

Tickets Prices

Tickets for the South Bay Beer & Wine Festival includes unlimited tasting of craft beers, fine wines, delicious food, live music, and silent auction.

General Admission $75.00 online; Day of the event, if any are still available, $75.00 at the gate.
Your Ticket includes:

Festival Access from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Souvenir Tasting Glass
Unlimited Tastings of Craft Beer, Fine Wines, and Foods from ~70 Great Exhibitors
Live Music
Art Exhibition
Free Parking

Unlike many festivals, your ticket price provides an “all-inclusive” experience. No hidden costs (like food trucks or parking). It’s a great value!

VIP Upgrade $30; Limited; advanced online purchase only. Day of the event: Not available.

Access to VIP Tent with seating and shade for relaxing
Premium distilled spirits tastings
Preferred parking next to event field
Early entry to event. Access at 12 noon — 1 hour before General Admission
To be used with a General Admission ticket

Fine Print: You must be at least 21 years old to enter the Festival. No smoking in the Festival. And, please, no pets.

Sunset Announces Sunset Celebration Weekend

April 24, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Oakland and Sonoma, CA (PRWEB) – Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual Sunset Celebration Weekend, May 20 and 21, 2017, at Cornerstone Sonoma, Sunset’s wine country location. Sunset fans join editors, celebrity chefs, vintners, craft beer brewers and renowned lifestyle experts for this two-day series of culinary, wine, garden and lifestyle experiences. To purchase tickets and find more information, go to http://www.sunset.com/cw.

Airstream from the 2016 event.

For the second year, Time Inc.’s Sunset, the leading lifestyle brand in the West, will host Celebration Weekend at Cornerstone, a marketplace with food, wine and spirits, shops, gardens and event spaces that serves as Sunset’s beautiful wine country location year-round.

Featured Exhibits, Seminars and Experiences

Sunset “Smart Cottage”
Feeling outsmarted by smart home technology? The Sunset “Smart Cottage” at Celebration Weekend will prove that a high-tech home can be both attainable and beautiful. Sunset has partnered with leaders in smart technology and design, including Mosaic, Decorist, California Closets and Thumbtack, to reimagine a classic 900-square-foot cottage on the Cornerstone property into a permanent showcase for function, technology and style. From Nest and Amazon Echo to the August Smart Lock and Phillips Hue lightbulbs, Sunset editors are curating the most powerful technology to up your home’s IQ.

Visit the “Smart Trailer,” a special-edition Tommy Bahama Airstream parked adjacent to the Smart Cottage, and discover a world of portable and easy-to-install smart devices that run on batteries but pack a big tech punch.

Can’t visit the Smart Cottage in person? No problem. Visit Sunset.com to view a preview of the “Smart Cottage.” The “Smart Cottage” will also be featured in the September issue of Sunset magazine, accompanied by an immersive 3D experience, using a Matterport Pro Camera, providing a view of the Smart Cottage from every angle on Sunset.com.

Camp Sunset
This year, Sunset is creating the ultimate glamping experience at “Camp Sunset.” Under three white canvas teepees, courtesy of Under Canvas, attendees can enjoy summer camp-style activities, a photo booth and gourmet s’mores while learning about the latest products essential for any glamping trip. Want more inspiration for cooking under the stars? Head over to the Live Fire cooking stage to check out the chefs from “Dirty Gourmet,” which was founded to rethink food in the outdoors.

From the Pacific Northwest to SoCal, the West’s Best Chefs Headline Two Days of Cooking Demos on Two Stages: The Sunset Outdoor Kitchen and the Live Fire cooking stage

Los Angeles
Alvin Cailan—Chef/Owner, Eggslut, Amboy and Unit 120

Portland
Tyler Malek—Head Ice Cream Maker, Salt & Straw (PDX, LA, SF), Wiz Bang Bar
Gabriel Rucker—Chef/Co-owner, Le Pigeon and Little Bird Bistro
Matthew Domingo—Culinary Director, Traeger Pellet Grills

Northern California
Ryan Scott—Chef/Proprietor, Finn Town; host, nationally syndicated “The Ryan Scott Show”; author ONE TO FIVE: One Shortcut Recipe Transformed into Five Easy Dishes (Oxmoor House/Time Books) (San Francisco)
Chris Cosentino—Chef, Cockscomb (San Francisco)
Perry Hoffman—SHED, Culinary Director (Healdsburg)
Douglas Keane—Healdsburg Bar and Grill; Two Birds, One Stone (Healdsburg, St. Helena)
Ari Weisswasser—Chef, Glen Ellen Star (Glen Ellen, Sonoma County)
Robert Masullo—Chef/Owner, Masullo’s (Sacramento)
Michelle Tam—Nom Nom Paleo (San Francisco)
Samin Nosrat—Author, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: The Four Elements of Good Cooking (Simon & Schuster) (San Francisco)

Wine Seminars
Join Sunset Wine Editor Sara Schneider and some of the West’s most revered winemakers and spirits experts for educational sessions that range from “Wine List Secrets from the Sommeliers” to “Zinfandel: Back to the Future with California’s Wine”.

Cost per seminar: $20 per person. Wine seminars have limited seating and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase advance tickets while supplies last at http://www.sunset.com/cw. Tastings are included in the cost of each seminar. Must be 21+ years old to attend.

Tour the Sunset Test Garden
Designed by Homestead Design Collective, the Sunset Test Garden is divided into distinct garden “rooms,” including the Cocktail Garden, the Farm, the Backyard Orchard, the Flower Room and The Gathering Space, the outdoor living room of Sunset’s dreams.

Celebration Weekend 2017 Event Information:
A complete schedule of presenters and events, event information and online tickets are available at http://www.sunset.com/cw.

Stay up to date on Sunset Celebration Weekend 2017 by liking Sunset on Facebook and following Sunset on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, #sunsetcw.

Sunset Celebration Weekend sponsors include Belgard, Delta Faucets, Toyota Mirai, Sunbrella, and Pure Leaf.

***Event activities, participants and schedules are subject to change.

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ABOUT SUNSET
Time Inc.’s Sunset (http://www.sunset.com) is the leading lifestyle brand in the West. Through magazines and books, events and experiences and digital and social media, Sunset covers the West’s best flavors, destinations, design trends and innovations. Sunset engages and inspires an audience of over 5 million educated, active and affluent consumers every month through its five regional print editions—Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Southern California, Southwest and Mountain—as well as via all tablet devices and its website. In addition to its print and digital publications, Sunset showcases the region’s unique lifestyle and noteworthy destinations through its flagship events, established home programs, licensing partnerships, books and International Wine Competition.

Perlis Picks: The Blaq Square

April 15, 2017 by Michael Perlis 2 Comments

So is it worse to be forgetful or ignorant?

When I knew I was going to be meeting with Brad Slaughter, General Manager and part owner of The Blaq Square, the first question I wanted to ask him was the origin of the name of the restaurant.

[The second question was going to be if he was related to pro wrestler Sgt. Slaughter, but that would have been just silly, right?]

But, I forgot to ask. So, I emailed Brad right after our interview asking him to explain the name, and he immediately responded:

Photo from Facebook

“The name is inspired by the famous painting called “The Black Square” by Kazimir Malevich. It’s very unique, eclectic, rustic and inspires thought. That’s exactly what we wanted for our restaurant. The spelling Blaq is to give a chic name to match our brand and creativity.”

Well, dear reader, I hope you are a little better versed in art than I am. In retrospect, yes, I had heard of the painting [I’m gonna stick with that], but that’s about it. Some internet research led to some fascinating stuff, but I will leave that to you to do on your own. This article is supposed to be about The Blaq Square restaurant.

But, the name does make sense in the context in which Brad explained it. The restaurant, Brad said, is a fusion gastropub, but the fusion is not of cuisines, but “of preferences.” While the menu is 50% vegan, and there are many gluten-free choices, there are also lots of items that would satisfy a carnivore such as myself.

When Karen and I ate there the first time, I ordered The Sober Irishman sandwich, described as Corned Beef, Beer Mustard, Whiskey Onions, Red Cabbage and Carrot Pepper Slaw on a Brioche Bun. While these days I am trying to really only eat half portions, gosh darn if I couldn’t help myself with this sandwich. So good.

The selection of burgers and other items look just as enticing. [Speaking of burgers, Brad heavily suggests trying a burger made from Beyond Meat plant protein. While I admit the idea initially held little appeal, Brad’s description makes me want to give it a shot.] The rest of the menu is a selection of small bites and sandwiches, in keeping with the gastropub motif, along with several different pizzas made in the pizza oven that the predecessor occupant of the premises left behind.

The availability of the pizza oven was a major influence on Brad and his partners’ [including Owner/Partner/Executive Chef Nate Malonson] ability to effect the transition from the previous tenant to The Blaq Square in what has to be record time. Even then, getting things ready in only three weeks for their opening on December 8^th last year seems pretty amazing, given all the work that was done to the interior of the restaurant. Brad said that they have really focused on a philosophy of doing things to “provoke thought” and “increase creativity”. This attitude shows not only with the interior of The Blaq Square and the food items but also carries over into the drink selection, both alcohol and non. Having high quality choices, sourced organic and locally whenever possible [they even grow they own herbs] and with input from what customers are asking for, with an assortment of shakes, juices and teas, along with lots of craft beers, many of them local. And the wines…local favorites including Pulchella and Reyes highlight the list, along with some standouts from Paso Robles and beyond are sure to appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.

Brad says the community has really embraced The Blaq Square, which is great to hear. Online comments bear this out. It’s good to see a place like this in the Santa Clarita Valley, to join the small but growing group of independently owned restaurants – definitely worth checking out.

The Blaq Square

23460 Cinema Dr Suite A

Valencia, CA 91355