What We Found at the Nightclub and Bar Show Las Vegas

July 23, 2021 by evebushman

We’ve been covering the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas for a few years. Usually I attend the classes and share what I’ve learned, while Eddie visits with and photographs his favorite vendors. This time we both visited with as many vendors as we could over two days. We saw a lot of new technology for F and B (front and back of the house. For these establishments the front refers to the area we see: entrance, dining, bar. The back refers to the kitchen, storeroom and anything else we can’t see.)

Chaco Flaco table. Photo credit: Edward Bushman.

Will be reviewing the Codigo 1530 Rosa Blanco on this site 7/30. Photo credit: Edward Bushman.

Hoping to see the Booze Cream mobile truck again! Photo credit: Edward Bushman.

Can’t wait to put the Twang Reserve Michelada Pickle flavor in my next Bloody Mary! Photo credit: Edward Bushman.

Besides F and B I was offered many privileges for R and D (research and development) with many spirit brands that may not yet be distributed in every sector of the market. For the photos please see this link for my Facebook page. For more details, read on.

Front and Back (Anything but booze for your bar, winery or restaurant)

Sour: Brine Brothers mixers made a pickle fan out of me. Amazing stuff alone (good for muscle cramps I’ve been told) and we think it would be killer in a cocktail! Besides all natural pickle juice they also make an olive juice for drinks. While Twang makes, you guessed it, drink mixers as well as salts/sugars/seasonings for the rim of your glass. We loved the pickle flavor for their Reserve Michelada Mix, among others, that can also be used in a Bloody Mary! https://brinebrothers.com/ https://www.twang.com/

Smoke: Middleton Mixology makes a “Smoke Top” for cocktails that has a fun presentation at the table. Fog Hat has a smoked charcuterie board as well as the smoke top, which can, in our opinion, work magic at all kinds of different establishments. https://middletonmixology.com/ https://foghatsmoker.com

Garnish and Ice: Who loves a bit of colorful dried garnish in their cocktails? We do and we dug everything Dehy Garnish is making as presentation is so important. Also check out the Ghost Ice System for perfectly clear diamond shaped XL cubes made right in your bar – no carving required – for upscale cocktails. And if you want to dazzle your guests turning a large ice cube into a sphere, check out the copper-aluminum Melt Down Ice Press. The Perfect Puree makes a ton of beautiful fruit purees, some of which I tasted in killer combos. https://www.dehygarnish.com/ https://www.ghosticesystem.com/ https://meltdownice.com/ https://perfectpuree.com/

Being Responsible and Being Fun: If you want to serve you patrons fully, consider offering the yummy, and buzz-killing, Get So Bar that “reduces alcohol absorption” before you begin a night of drinking. I tried two of their flavors and loved them. And finally, the girl-i-est vendor at the Nightclub and Bar show: the Tipsy Chics that sell all sorts of fun boozy accessories, including jeweled magnetic wine charms and bracelet flasks.

https://www.getsobars.com/ https://www.tipsytags.com/

Odds and Ends: Did you know that pizzerias have their own trade magazine? Aficionados/home chefs van also check out PMQ Pizza Magazine. Lippy’s Caddy makes an uber convenient tray to use at home or in your restaurant, easy to fill and light to hold. Zenreach “pairs with your guest Wi-Fi network” which opens dozens of possibilities for you. https://www.pmq.com/ https://lippyscaddy.com/ https://zenreach.com/

Research and Development (booze for your bar or party)

Happy to taste some really smooth tequila from Codigo 1530 (full review of “Rosa” Blanco, that spends one month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French oak barrels, is in the works) and also hit a sweet note with Tequila Don Elias that has expressions in both bourbon and French oak barrels. If you can find them, try them. http://www.tequiladonelias.com https://codigo1530.com/

Island Vibes Rum makes several flavors, including Coconut and Spiced versions, our favorite was the Key Lime. We would drink this over ice, no mixer needed. https://www.facebook.com/islandvibesrum/

Enjoyed a few of the more flavorful canned cocktails notably from Sip Shine (aka Sip Moonshine) with a 20% ABV, and Chaco Flaco Drinks that are all natural and award winning. I had never been a fan of canned cocktails (or any kind of hard seltzer – which these are not) until this. https://www.sipmoonshine.com https://chacoflaco.com/

Booze Cream Las Vegas is part booze truck and part party vehicle, with unique creamy flavors and a nice 16 proof alcohol. When you are in Las Vegas follow them on Instagram to see where they may pop up or rent them for your next LV party! https://www.instagram.com/boozecreamlv/ https://www.boozecreamlv.com/

More spirits we loved included the creamy “Personal Trainer Approved and Gluten Free” Muscle Vodka, the smooth Branson Cognac XO, and the award-winning Humboldt Distillery hemp-infused vodka – which would be gin if it had any juniper! https://www.musclevodka.net/ https://www.bransoncognac.com/

https://humboldtdistillery.com/

In the to-go or almost to-go type variety we found Get Jevo makes Jell-O shots in “endless recipe combinations” – including wine – and you can make them in bulk in your bar. While Liqs Cocktail Shots can be found at some liquor stores and bars, they boast a nearly no-end expiration date, a tamper free lid (for ladies in bars that prefer a gifted cocktail comes sealed) and some really cool cocktail combinations. https://www.getjevo.com/ https://www.liqs.com/

The Exhibitor List

1 49er Communications
2 50 Eggs Hospitality Group
3 A La Carte Specialty Foods, LLC
4 Aardvark Paper Straws / Hoffmaster
5 AC RadioCom
6 Accardis Systems, Inc.
7 Accel Entertainment
8 Acue Lighting
9 ADJ
10 A-holes
11 Air Comm Radio
12 AlaEat
13 All American Design Center
14 All Book Covers
15 Almendra Americas, LLC
16 Alumalite Design
17 American Beverage Marketers
18 American Green
19 Anna’s Kitchen Shrubs
20 ANTI
21 Arak shalit and bbeerbong
22 Arryved POS
23 Associated Agencies Inc
24 ATM Headquarters
25 ATM Merchant Services
26 Atmosphere TV
27 Backbar
28 Bar Fling
29 Barfly® Mixology Gear
30 Bar-I
31 Barn Furniture Mart
32 BarPay
33 BarRags Drinkwear
34 Bartesian
35 Barventory
36 BASSBOSS
37 Bbot, Inc.
38 Beach Bar Rum
39 Beer Tubes
40 Berg Company
41 Bill’s Lemonade
42 Biolo
43 BIOQTECH
44 Bissell Commercial
45 Bistro Bar
46 Black Star Hospitality Group
47 Blondies Cocktails by Jenny McCarthy
48 BLUE MARTINI
49 Boiron Americas Inc
50 Boozy Productions
51 Boston Beer Company
52 Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne
53 all natural Brothers
54 Bubbly Blaster
55 BuzzyBooth
56 Ca$hMate USA
57 Cappuccine, Inc
58 Carol Flemming Costume Design
59 Cellier Wines Distributing Inc.
60 Chaco Flaco
61 Chebango EPZ Company Limited
62 Citrus America, Inc.
63 CMA Dishmachines
64 Codigo 1530 Tequila
65 Cookin’ With T. Will
66 Cool-A-Zone
67 Coreshtech Co., Ltd.
68 Crew Supply Co.
69 dba RestoNXT
70 D-Color Printing Co
71 DEHY Garnish
72 Devault Enterprises, Inc.
73 DJ Trivia & DJ Bingo
74 DQ VIP Systems
75 Dream Line
76 Dri Mark Products Inc.
77 Drinco
78 Drink Rooibos
79 DSDLink
80 Durty Gurl Cocktail Mixers
81 Easybar Beverage Management Systems
82 El Bandido Yankee Tequila
83 ElectricGo
84 ELMECO
85 Emuamericas, llc
86 Esentia Systems, Inc.
87 Event Smack
88 Evergreen Music Network
89 Exotico
90 Flawk- Invite, Attract, Reward
91 Fly-Lid
92 Focus POS Systems
93 Food & Beverage Magazine
94 FORLIFE
95 Foto ATM
96 Fresh Origins
97 Frosty Factory of America
98 Frylow
99 Fuji Merchandise Corporation
100 FunctionaliQi
101 FUSO International (Nasa Corporation)
102 Future POS
103 G&G Closed Circuit Events
104 GC Pro
105 Ghost Ice
106 Glanola North America, Inc.
107 Glastender Inc.
108 Glenburn Tea Direct
109 Golden Life Tea
110 Gotze
111 Gourmet Innovations
112 Grand Prize Promotions
113 H Risch
114 Haïtea
115 Happy Boy Distributor, Inc.
116 Harbortouch
117 Harney & Sons Tea Co.
118 Heartland
119 Heineken Corporation
120 Hoshizaki America, Inc.
121 Hospitality Insurance Agency
122 Hot Tamn’s
123 Humboldt Distillery
124 Hypemakerz
125 iCashout
126 IceBreakers Experience
127 ICTEK
128 iCX Social Darts
129 IDScan.net
130 ILLA TEA
131 Illuminated Trees
132 Image Apparel Solutions
133 Impact Enterprises
134 Incredible Technologies
135 Indonesia Pavilion
136 Indus International
137 Industry Print
138 InsureOne Insurance
139 Jackson Warewashing Systems
140 JEVO
141 JLS Local Agency
142 Jumbo Stuffed Tater Kegs
143 Kallpod / Kontactless
144 Kanak Naturals, Kanak Exports
145 Kazi Yetu Limited
146 Kendel Instant Ginger Tea
147 King of Sparklers
148 Koloa Rum Company
149 KONA POS
150 Kuramoto Ice
151 L&M Food Service/BT Supplies West
152 Lancer Worldwide
153 Langkloof Honeybush Company
154 Laser Encore
155 LEVL 360
156 LifeStyle77
157 LineLeap
158 Lippy’s Caddy
159 LIQS
160 Liquid Death Mountain Water
161 Liquid Ice Energy Drink
162 LIT Designs
163 Logwood Company, LLC
164 Loomis
165 Lyte
166 Lytepost
167 Mad Hops Inc.
168 Manitowoc Ice
169 Marqii
170 Marukan Vinegar USA, Inc.
171 Meltdown
172 Melvin Brewing
173 Melvin Marsh International Limited
174 Mexcor International Wine & Spirits
175 Middle West Spirits
176 Middleton Mixology
177 Minipack
178 Mist America
179 MixitFresh LLC
180 Mobile Training
181 MoodLyte Technologies
182 Mr. Black Industry
183 Muscle Vodka
184 Nepal Tea
185 Netspend
186 Nevada Royal Spirits LLC
187 Nextbite
188 NexteraPOS
189 Nightcap
190 No More Empty Tables
191 NuCO2
192 Nuline Beverage Products
193 OFG Products
194 Ole Smoky Distillery
195 Orange Door
196 Oregon Fruit Products Co.
197 Pacific Coast Producers
198 Pacific Pickle Works
199 Partender
200 PartyMachines
201 PatronScan
202 phade by Wincup
203 PIUROS: Cold Pressed Mixers
204 Plate IQ
205 PLUSH Vodka
206 PMQ Pizza Magazine
207 Pod Plug
208 PointOS
209 POSITOUCH
210 Powers Paper LLC
211 Precious Vodka
212 Precision Pours Inc.
213 Premier Proteins
214 Price Chopper Wristbands
215 PrintCube
216 Pro-Tech Mats Industries Inc
217 Pure Pour
218 Qtrade Teas & Herbs
219 QubicaAMF Bowling
220 Queen of Hearts
221 Quik n’ Crispy Greaseless Fryers
222 RD USA
223 Reboot Power
224 Redfern Enterprises Inc
225 Restaurant Manager POS
226 Rezku POS
227 RFID Enabled Fast Payments
228 RIA Distributing/PENKA
229 RIPE Bar Juice
230 Ripples
231 Robot Coupe
232 Rockless Table
233 Roxi Spice
234 Royal Sovereign International
235 Rudolph Foods Co.
236 RX Music
237 Sammy Hagar-New
238 SandenVendo America Inc
239 Sani-Spire
240 Santo Tequila
241 Sarilla Sparkling
242 Savory Fine Foods
243 SelectPath Inc. dba Contact Wireless
244 Serv-A-Charge
245 Shimmerscreen
246 Silver Hawk Vineyards
247 Sing Time Karaoke
248 Singa Karaoke
249 Sip Shine
250 Sit N Charge
251 Smart Bar USA
252 SmartTab POS
253 Smokin Mary
254 Smooch-A-Thon
255 SOBAR®
256 Social Pulse LLC
257 Sound Stage Systems
258 SoundTube Entertainment
259 Sovereign Brands, LLC
260 SpeedQuizzing Smartphone Trivia Software and App!
261 SpotOn
262 Spring Primavera
263 Sri Lanka Tea Board
264 Starteam International Limited
265 Steeped Games
266 Stenson Tamaddon
267 Stundenglass
268 Sunkist Foodservice Equipment
269 Sunstar Vending
270 SupraCut Systems International Inc.
271 Sweet Mesquite Bakery
272 Tagrisk Insurance Services
273 Tailgating Specialties
274 TapGlo Inc.
275 Tending
276 The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
277 The Drink Exchange
278 The Foghat Cocktail Smoker
279 The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley
280 The Reeden Company LLC
281 The Tea House Times
282 Tiki Farm
283 Tipsy Chics
284 Total Touch
285 Trankebar Tea, Chantico Agave
286 Trident Beverage/ Lazy Bay
287 Truly Hard Seltzer Experience
288 Twang Partners, Ltd.
289 Unistraws, LLC
290 United Standard POS
291 Upn’Go
292 US BeerSAVER Systems INC
293 Valley Dynamo
294 Ventola Projects Ltd
295 Versitech
296 Virtual Dining Concepts-Mr. Beast Burger
297 VITO Fryfilter
298 Vivid Lite
299 VizyPay
300 Vyyer Technologies
301 White Claw Hard Seltzer
302 Wonkyware
303 World Tea Academy/World Tea News
304 WOW Plastics Inc.
305 Wristband Resources
306 Wristband Specialty
307 WyreStorm
308 XTREME Music Bingo
309 Zahra Food Industries Ltd
310 Zenreach, Inc.
311 Zoom Out Mushroom Tea

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

NEW ORLEANS WINE and FOOD EXPERIENCE ANNOUNCES 2021 CULINARY AWARD WINNERS

July 18, 2021 by evebushman

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA—The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has announced the winners of the 2021 Culinary Awards. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, a distinguished panel of judges visited each restaurant before the event to chat with the chef, taste his/her dish and shoot a professional photograph of the entry. The votes were compiled, and the winners were revealed during NOWFE’s Grand Tasting events on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12 at The Sugar Mill.

“It was so wonderful to have our chefs and attendees back together at The Sugar Mill this year,” said Aimee Brown, NOWFE Executive Director. “Our chefs presented dishes that proved to be outstanding and a diverse culinary representation of all that our City has to offer.”

This year’s winners are…

BEST OF SHOW
SAVORY – Chef Amarys Koenig Herndon and Chef Jordan Herndon, Palm & Pine
Corner Store Tuna Crudo with Big Shot Pineapple Nuoc Cham and Shrimp Chips

SWEET – Marielle Dupre & Nicole Eiden, Windowsill Pies
Brandied Cherry Pie

SOUPS AND STEWS
GOLD – Chef Matt Farmer, Trenasse
Fowl Gumbo – Chicken, Duck and Turkey, Housemade Andouille with Garlic Rice and Turkey Crackling

MEAT & POULTRY
GOLD (tie) – Chef Jesus Arguelles, Red Lotus at L’Auberge Baton Rouge
Korean Bulgogi with Crawfish Fried Rice and Housemade Kimchi

GOLD (tie) – Chef Tom Wolfe, Rib Room at the Royal Orleans
Crispy Pork Belly, Sultana Risotto, Sweetened Goat Cheese, Rocket and Tamarind Molasses Glaze

SEAFOOD
GOLD – Chef Valeriano Chiella, Domenica
Smoked Scallop Carpione: Bottarga, Calabrian Chili, and Preserved Lemon

SILVER – Chef Jason Caronna, Rizzuto’s Ristorante
Seared Diver Scallop and Pork Belly with Malbec Caramel over a Mascarpone – Creamed Corn Risotto with Crispy Fried Okra

BRONZE – Geordie Brower, Palace Café
Crabmeat Cheesecake

SEAFOOD (Raw)
GOLD – Chef Brett Monteleone, Junior’s on Harrison
Scallop Crudo with Cantaloupe Miso, Togarashi Candied Peanuts, Watermelon Radish and Micro – Cilantro

SILVER – Chef Ciera Fultz, Vyoone’s
Citrus Tuna Tartare with red onion avocado and mango, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers, and served with housemade red potato chips

BRONZE – Poke Loa
Fresh Ahi Tuna Bowl with white rice, spring mix, zucchini noodles seasoned with tamari, sesame oil, and chili paste topped with crab salad, seaweed salad, sesame seeds, baby cucumbers, sweet onion, edamame, furikake, and red tobiko

HONORABLE MENTION – Legacy Kitchen Craft Tavern
Salmon Poke: Salmon Belly with Spicy Ponzu, Sesame on a Fried Wonton with Mango and Micro Cilantro

HONORABLE MENTION – Poke Loa
Salmon Poke Bowl with seaweed salad, crab salad, baby cucumbers, sweet onion, green tobiko, and macadamia nuts

LAGNIAPPE
GOLD – Chef Corey Thomas, Shaya
Vegan Devils on Horseback – dates Medjool, walnut tehwiche, and mushroom “bacon”

SILVER – Chef Ross Dover, Restaurant August
Charred Carrot Agnolotti with Crispy Garlic, Cream Cheese, and Sage

BRONZE (tie) – Chef Prince Lobo, Addis Nola
Bayentu-Misir Wot, Atakilt, Gomen, Keysir with Shiro and Injera

BRONZE (tie) – Chef Brandon Felder, Centerplate
NOLA Carbonara- Housemade Squid Ink Spaghetti, Champagne Cream Sauce, Crispy Pork Belly, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Sous Vide Egg, and Golden Pea Shoot Petals

HONORABLE MENTION – Chef Nathaniel Zimet, Boucherie
Jerked Avocado Tamale with Charred Squash Cream and Cured Salmon Belly

HONORABLE MENTION – Chef Peter Isaac, Briquette
Salmon Pate on Toasted Bread Rounds

HONORABLE MENTION – Oceana Grill/Mambo’s
Crab Cake Bites with Crawfish Mushroom Cream Sauce

LAGNIAPPE (Sandwich)
GOLD – Chef Martha Wiggins, Café Reconcile
Fried Chicken Sandwich- Pickle Brined Thigh, Crab Boil Mayo, Bibb Lettuce, and House Made Dill Pickle on a Grilled Sweet Potato Rosemary Bun

SILVER – Chef Tung Nguyen, Em Trai Sandwich Co.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Bao with a Crispy Wonton Chip

BRONZE – Chef Casey Levy, Mahony’s
Chilled Shrimp, Avocado & Beer Battered Blue Crab Louie Po-boy

DESSERTS
GOLD – Chef Matt Farmer and Martha Gilreath, Trenasse
Pop Pop Fizz Fizz with blood orange curd, gin compressed peaches, cardamom shortbread, orange blossom, and juniper mousse with pop rocks

Named USA Today’s 10Best for Best General Food Festival and Best Wine Festival, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has showcased the culinary excellence in our community for over 29 years alongside national and international wines at wine dinners in many of the city’s finest restaurants; at VINOLA, a premium tasting event; at dozens of culinary Labs and demonstrations; and ultimately at the Grand Tastings. NOWFE is a non-profit organization with proceeds going to causes that support culinary education. It has raised more than $1.5 million for local non-profit organizations. www.nowfe.com.

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo Moves In Person Event to August 2022 – Coffee Fest Still On For 2021

July 15, 2021 by evebushman

SHELTON, CT – As the restaurant and foodservice industry comes out of the year-long impact of the global pandemic, Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group, along with the California Restaurant Association, has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Healthy Food Expo West that was scheduled for this August at the Anaheim Convention Center. This decision was made following extensive conversations with hundreds of exhibitors, operators, sponsors and speakers who recommended moving the next in person live event to August 2022, which will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Event dates will be announced this July.

“Few business sectors were more impacted than the California dining industry, and although disappointed that we will not be able to gather this August, we know this is the right decision. With overwhelming support from the community for the 2022 event, we are confident we will successfully bring the restaurant and foodservice industry back together for an even stronger event in Los Angeles,” said Greg Topalian, CEO of Clarion Events North America, producers of the food and beverage portfolio of events. “Our events are here to support the industry as a partner, and we know this is the right decision for our community. We are confident that as the industry rebounds next year, the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Healthy Food Expo West will be the must attend events in August 2022, and overwhelming support from the vendor community points to a strong return to a live event in Los Angeles”.

“Restaurants were the first businesses forced to shut down at the beginning of the pandemic and they are among the last businesses to reopen now, 15 months later. The economic losses to restaurants, their workforce and communities have been disproportionately enormous. Every restaurant owner in this state knows that for them, the road to true recovery will be long, so we welcome the decision by Clarion Events to wait until August 2022 to bring the industry back together,” said Jot Condie, President & CEO of the California Restaurant Association (CRA), sponsors of the trade show and conference. “We look forward to supporting our members, the operators, during this recovery to rebound even stronger through the association’s leadership and local/state advocacy.”

At the 2022 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo there will be a significant change to the education program through a new partnership with EventEd. The restructured program will bring the best of curated content for all visitors through four new Educational Summits, for independents, foodservice, chains, and retail – and will make this a ‘must-attend” event. In the meantime, Clarion Events will continue to support the operator need for education and networking and will continue to provide year-round opportunities for foodservice professionals to connect virtually through Digital Forums, a robust on-demand webinar library and late 2021, a new national digital event. For more information, visit https://www.foodandbevshows.com/.

Although the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Healthy Food Expo West will not be held August 22-25, 2021, Coffee Fest Anaheim, also produced by Clarion Events, will go on as scheduled at the Anaheim Convention Center. For information about Coffee Fest, visit https://www.coffeefest.com/.

Founded in 1906, the California Restaurant Association (www.calrest.org) has become one of the strongest advocates for the restaurant industry in the country. The CRA exists to help restaurateurs navigate the sometimes treacherous waters that are the hospitality industry. Serving a broad and diverse membership the CRA works to maintain its status as the most inclusive and powerful voice of restaurant operators in the state.

Clarion Events (us.clarionevents.com) produces 37 events across 13 sectors of both trade and consumer events. The Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group include the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, Healthy Food Expo, Coffee Fest and The NGA Show. Clarion Events acquired PennWell in early 2018, bringing 4 Tradeshow 200 events into the U.S. portfolio and super-charging the already rapid growth. Clarion Events has offices in Trumbull, CT; Kennesaw, GA; Boca Raton, FL; Tacoma, WA, and Fairlawn, NJ.

Hotel Citrine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel and Wild Onion Bistro & Bar Bring Vibrant Hospitality Experience to the Heart of Silicon Valley

July 14, 2021 by evebushman

PALO ALTO, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Hotel Citrine, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opens doors June 20 in Silicon Valley. Thoughtfully integrating vibrancy and sustainability, Hotel Citrine offers an exceptionally intuitive experience for travelers. With 150 well-appointed, carefully designed soothing, creative and comfortable guest rooms and suites, Hotel Citrine is the perfect elevated enclave with thoughtful touches and modern amenities.

Hotel Citrine joins Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals. The hotel is owned and developed by T2 Hospitality, managed by Evolution Hospitality and located on the same campus AC Hotel Palo Alto, which opened this past spring, also part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

Hotel Citrine is located at 750 San Antonio Road, minutes from Stanford University, Shoreline Amphitheatre and Caltrain, 12 minutes from San Jose International Airport and 22 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. It’s convenient location near the world’s most innovative companies, unique restaurants, and outdoor activities makes it the ultimate destination for digital nomads visiting the Bay Area as well as leisure guests looking to experience the best of the Valley.

“We are thrilled for Hotel Citrine to join AC Hotel Palo Alto, completing our Palo Alto campus,” said Alex Lane, Campus General Manager. “We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to Hotel Citrine, giving them a vibrant, design-forward space in which to work, relax and socialize.”

Guestrooms feature sustainable bedding and towels, eco-friendly finishes – cork headboards, terrazzo flooring, rain showers and antique brass fixtures. Deluxe King Rooms and One Bedroom Suites also feature balconies. All rooms and suites offer a 55″ TV with high tech connectivity, wifi access points in each guest room, integrated luggage benches, organic bath products from emerginC. The hotel’s flexible indoor/outdoor spaces offer over 400 square feet of gathering space. The larger meeting room opens to an adjacent 590 square foot patio.

Signature restaurant Wild Onion Bistro & Bar is the perfect neighborhood eatery, offering breakfast, brunch, grab-and-go pastries and coffee by morning, and an all-day bistro menu late into the evenings. Open daily, the restaurant features local ingredients, sourced organically when possible, further uniting the property to the surrounding community as a destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s vibrant open space and sunny patio is inspired by the essence of California cuisine. Chef Duy Tran’s menu features an eclectic mix of the best seasonal and locally sourced produce, paired with unique handcrafted cocktails and elixirs, local craft beers, and hand-selected local wines. Inventive combinations of flavors will be on display in items such as Avocado and Shishido Tacos, Buffalo Cauliflower, Mushroom Eggplant Bolognese and more hearty dishes including Steak Frites, Roasted Chicken and an American Kobe Burger.

Pandemic Trends Promote Small Producers of Premium Spirits

July 13, 2021 by evebushman

MIAMI/PRNewswire/ — Small spirits producers, such as independent bottler The Perfect Fifth, are set to benefit by taking their produce to the key Californian cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, as pandemic-driven trends indicate consumers are reaching for the top shelf when selecting lockdown indulgences.

With the pandemic forcing the closure of bars and restaurants across the globe, consumer behaviour has adjusted accordingly in the last year, and this trend looks set to continue. According to research group IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, “premium-and-above spirits are forecasted to increase their global volume market share to 13% by 2024 as consumers continue to favor quality over quantity.” As locked-down consumers seek out more premium products, this may have an unexpected positive impact on smaller producers, who had previously competed with major brands for space on the bar.

One such example is family-run bottler of premium single malt and single grain Scotch whisky The Perfect Fifth, who are taking advantage of the trend to target discerning drinkers in key international markets, including select US cities. In contrast with the larger producers who dominated liquor sales pre-pandemic, releasing their spirits in batches of thousands of bottles, The Perfect Fifth is an independent bottler of single casks of well-matured Scotch whisky. A single cask of whisky typically holds no more than a few hundred bottles, depending on the size of the cask, making every release from this new company an extremely small batch. The company has so far released four limited edition, single cask expressions of premium whisky (price range $850 – $3,000) from top distilleries across Scotland.

“Given the limited nature of our releases, we are releasing our next batch of spirits to select markets, to ensure we can meet anticipated demand,” said COO and Founder Karl Schoen. “San Francisco is widely regarded as a real paradise for lovers of good food and wine, with a plethora of diverse, Michelin-starred restaurants, and Napa Valley and Sonoma County on the doorstep. San Diego is a little-known secret among those who know where to look, as the city harbours some hidden gems of bars and retailers, and we’re thrilled to have our Scotches sitting on their shelves.”

The bottles from The Perfect Fifth’s first release of premium Scotch whiskies are currently stocked in retailers across California: In Los Angeles, stocks include Wally’s, K&L Wines, Cypress Craft Beer & Liquor, Wine Expo Santa Monica, Old Oaks Thousand Oaks, BL#2 Palmdale, Remedy Glendale, Hawaii Supermarket San Gabriel, Wing Hop Phung Arcadia/Monterey Park; stocks in San Francisco include Cask on 3^rd, Ledgers Liquors, The SF Wine Co, The Whisky Shop; stock lists in San Diego include The Bottle House, Keg N Bottle, Sin Lee Food Whole Sale.

theperfectfifth.com
@perfectfifthspirits

Sweden Creates the World’s Largest Open-Air Bar

July 8, 2021 by evebushman

Following the success of the 2019 Edible Country campaign is the launch of Drinkable Country – the largest, open-air, world-class bar led by internationally acclaimed team at Tjoget, and other leading Swedish beverage experts. Starting June 15, visitors can book a seat at more than 16 tables located in some of Sweden’s most beautiful natural landscapes for a chance to enjoy a selection of drinks and DIY recipes reflecting the country’s 100-million-acre natural pantry.

New York, NY – The world’s largest, outdoor, socially distanced bar is opening this summer in Swedish nature. In 2019, Sweden launched The Edible Country, the world’s largest DIY gourmet restaurant, with recipes developed by Guide Michelin-awarded chefs. The concept, which until now, consisted only of food, is being expanded to include an incredible drinking experience. Drinkable Country features a combination of ready-made beverages that reflect local nature and produce alongside drinks that visitors can mix themselves with ingredients found in the surroundings based on recipes provided by Sweden’s foremost beverage experts. When booking a Drinkable Country experience, guests will have the opportunity to explore the area with local guides while collecting and mixing the ingredients, and then enjoy the various drinks.

Credits: Niklas Nyman/Visit Sweden

“The DIY recipes enable visitors to explore Swedish nature through world-class taste experiences,” says Jens Heed, Program Director Food Travel at Visit Sweden.”The country’s 100 million-acre pantry of fruit, berries, vegetables, and crystal-clear spring water is open to everyone. We call it the Drinkable Country – the world’s largest open-air bar.”

The recipes have been developed in collaboration with four different beverage experts, each of whom has been given the responsibility to represent different regions in Sweden. Rebecka Lithander represents southern Sweden. Lithander has experience from the two-Michelin-star restaurant Daniel Berlin, where she raised the non-alcohol drink packages to the same high level as the food. The tables on the west coast are represented by Bar Bruno, a local gem of a cocktail bar; while on the east coast, it is the world-famous bar Tjoget that will compose the drink menu. Emil Åreng, a nationally and internationally acclaimed bartender and author of the world’s best cocktail book in 2016, represents the northern part of Sweden.

“It is a thirst-quenching journey through Swedish nature that is a completely new and fascinating way to experience cocktails and to discover the country and its natural environment,” says Leo Lahti, Bar Manager at Tjoget.

In Sweden, nature is everyone’s playground. It’s a place to linger – as long as you do not disturb or destroy it – thanks to the unique Allemansrätt – Swedens’s “freedom to roam.” With the Drinkable Country, Sweden invites everyone to experience their close-to-nature lifestyle over world-class food and drink.

More information about the experience: visitsweden.com/drinkable-country/

Video: https://youtu.be/1u-c9YnGbho

The Beverage Experts

Southern Sweden: Rebecka Lithander is an acclaimed sommelier who now works at the locally praised restaurant Mutantur in Malmö. Before joining Mutantur she worked at the two-star Guide Michelin restaurant Daniel Berlin.

Western Sweden: Bar Bruno, a small cosy bar that serves innovative cocktails with a home-bar feel.

Eastern Sweden: For the past five years, Tjoget has been on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars.

Northern Sweden: Emil Åreng with roots in Norrland was named Sweden’s best bartender in 2015 and has also won several international awards. Emil most recently came from Cardier Baren at the historic Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, where he was Creative Director. He is the author of the cocktail book Salongs i Norrland, which was named Best Cocktail Book in the World in 2016.

The Edible Country
‘The Edible Country’ is an initiative from Visit Sweden to highlight the natural and healthy pantry that Swedish nature has to offer. The menu suggestions of the do-it-yourself dining experiences are co-created with four of Sweden’s top chefs: Titti Qvarnström, Niklas Ekstedt, Anton Bjuhr and Jacob Holmström. The dishes are created with inspiration from Sweden’s varied landscape and shifting seasons. The over 20 tables are placed in Swedish Lapland, Stockholm Archipelago, the High Coast, Dalarna, Gävleborg, Sörmland, Värmland, Västsverige, Småland, Halland, Skåne and Gotland and you can find more information about the regions on our webpage. The initiative is an open invitation for everyone to experience the Swedish ‘close-to-nature’ lifestyle and take pleasure in the natural pantry that Sweden has to offer. Add-on services that will help you during your experience, for example, your very own personal guide or chef and a basket with the necessary ingredients to create the drinks or cook the recipes outdoors are available to book online.

About Visit Sweden
Visit Sweden is Sweden’s marketing company. Visit Sweden markets Sweden abroad as a destination to contribute to more jobs and economic growth. The company also provides and sells communication and knowledge services related to the hospitality industry, tourism, and travel. Foreign tourists spend approximately SEK 144 billion annually in Sweden and approximately 172,400 people are employed in the hospitality industry’s companies alone. Visit Sweden is owned by the Swedish state through the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation.

Costa Palmas Announces Collaboration with Chef Nancy Silverton

July 6, 2021 by evebushman

EAST CAPE, MEXICO (PRWEB) – Costa Palmas, the 1,000-acre resort and residential community on the East Cape of Los Cabos that is home to Four Seasons Resort & Residences Los Cabos and soon-to-be Amanvari Resort & Residences, has announced a partnership with James Beard Foundation Award winner, author and restauranteur Nancy Silverton, her first restaurant in Mexico. The acclaimed chef, known for multiple Los Angeles eateries such as Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza and chi SPACCA plans to inject a distinctly Baja spirit into the refined yet relaxed atmosphere of the Los Angeles favorites, as she becomes the anchor in the first phase of the Costa Palmas Marina Village.

“After many years of anticipation, we are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Nancy and her team at Mozza at the center of the Marina Village at Costa Palmas,” says Jason Grosfeld, Chairman and CEO of Irongate (Costa Palmas developer). “The casual and vibrant Marina Village plaza will come to life under Nancy’s direction set around a handmade pizza oven with the active Marina only steps away. Mozza at Costa Palmas will be a place where both members and guests socialize from day to night, and it will very quickly become the place to be at Costa Palmas.”

Set to open early this fall, Mozza will be centrally located in the courtyard of the Marina Village, located at the edge of the international Costa Palmas Marina. The multi-dimensional eatery will be the perfect blend of Osteria Mozza, Pizza Mozza and chi SPACCA, all with an East Cape flare, that features the incredible seafood, produce and provisions of the area. As each day evolves, the menu will change and the crowd may change, but the energy will always be there around the handmade wood-fired pizza oven with the world-class marina in view.

“I’m excited to be partnering with Costa Palmas for the debut of my first Baja outpost. Mozza will soon open, as the classic 1939 song goes, ‘South of the border, down Mexico way,’ ” says Nancy Silverton. “The vibrant flavors of Mozza’s cuisine combined with the alluring vibe of Baja will be a match made in culinary  heaven. I don’t want to give away the entire menu just yet, but I’ll tease just this … imagine the Mozza wood-fired oven and grill sizzling with the glorious bounty of the Sea of Cortez right outside your window. We can’t wait for our guests to experience what we have in store.”

With the yachts, sailboats and fishers forming its backdrop, Mozza at Costa Palmas will seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors to complement the natural East Cape setting.  Made up of a variety of interconnected spaces, Mozza’s design will feel like it has evolved over time. Bright, colorful furniture pieces that evoke the fragmented spirit of Postmodernism will be juxtaposed against a worn and weathered landscape that hints at the elegance of traditional Mexican design.  Mozza’s grab-and-go counter, on the other hand, will be reminiscent of a timeless Italian deli.

The Costa Palmas Marina Village, located at the heart of Costa Palmas international marina, adjacent to Four Seasons Resort and Residences, will be alive from the earliest morning hours as fishermen set out, until the wee hours of the night as the late-night crowd heads in. The Marina Village will be connected with the marina itself as world-class sailing, fishing and cruising yachts up to 250 feet form the backdrop to everyday village life. The concept is designed to be a marketplace that works together as retail spaces, open pavilions, restaurants and cafes open onto a central plaza to create a lively gathering place. Costa Palmas Marina Village will be where the community comes together.

Plans for future Marina Village phases include a vibrant boutique hotel and residences, a nightclub, new retail, as well as the Costa Palmas Yacht Club, the marina outpost for the private members-only club at Costa Palmas. Four Seasons Private Villas within the Costa Palmas Marina, only a short water taxi from the Village, are available for sale now.

ABOUT NANCY SILVERTON
Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles and Newport Beach as well as Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles. Silverton also founded the world-renowned La Brea Bakery as well as Campanile Restaurant, an institution that Angelenos cherished for decades. Early in her career, Nancy was named Food and Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chef.” In 2014, she received the highest honor given by the James Beard Foundation for “Outstanding Chef.” That year, she was listed as one of the Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink by both Fortune and Food and Wine Magazines. Silverton is the author of eight cookbooks and was profiled in 2017 on Netflix’s documentary series “Chef’s Table.” Nancy is active in fundraising for numerous charities including No Kid Hungry and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

ABOUT COSTA PALMAS
Costa Palmas is a 1,000-acre (400 hectare) beachfront resort community located 45 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport on the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula. Thoughtfully and sensitively designed and situated along a two-mile (3.2 kilometer) stretch of swimmable beach, Costa Palmas introduces an elemental form of luxury hospitality set among organic farms on an international marina. The community is home to Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, Amanvari, a Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole golf course, 18 acres (7.3 hectares) of orchards and farms, and its own private beach and yacht club.

ABOUT IRONGATE
With operations in California, Colorado, Hawaii and Mexico, Irongate is a full-service real estate development firm specializing in residential and resort communities located in world-class destinations. The company’s expertise lies in identifying opportunities for high profile, luxury branded projects that combine timeless architecture and design with five-star service. Entrepreneurial in spirit, the vision of Irongate is to elevate the communities in which they develop creating one-of-a-kind opportunities and introducing brands that attract visitors, residents, and investors alike.

NIGHTCLUB & BAR SHOW IS EVOLVING INTO BAR & RESTAURANT EXPO

July 3, 2021 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS – On the heels of its highly successful return to Las Vegas, the Nightclub & Bar Show announced that the annual convention will evolve to become the “Bar & Restaurant Expo”. The formal announcement was made at the all-new Food Festival Welcome Party on June 29^th that featured a variety of food trucks and beverage sponsors with an only in Las Vegas performance by The Drumbots, the official Drum Line of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 29: (L-R) Vice President of Bar Restaurant Group Tim McLucas and The Drumbots perform during Day 2 of the 35th Annual Nightclub & Bar Show and World Tea Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center on June 29, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Nightclub & Bar Media Group)

“This rebrand will open the door to the vast food and restaurant segment of industry and allow us to explore new opportunities in the food and beverage industry,” said Tim McLucas, vice president of Bar & Restaurant Group. “As the bar, nightlife and restaurant business authority, the repositioning to Bar & Restaurant Expo allows us to create new opportunities for important business growth tied to new customer expectations and an enhanced guest experience.”

However, the changes are much bigger than just changing the show name. Imagine interactive booths and improved customer engagement, product experiences with real time operator feedback, and an overall immersive environment. The evolution of the brand aligns with the fast-moving hospitality industry. The change will broaden the breadth and depth of the audience of the expo to include food buyers, food & beverage directors, food distributors, chefs, as well as other key stakeholders within the food service sector.

To learn more visit: https://www.ncbshow.com/ncbshowcom/evolution

About Nightclub & Bar Show

Nightclub & Bar Show is evolving to Bar & Restaurant Expo. Mirroring the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry, the event has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators, and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. The Bar & Restaurant Group is a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces VIBE Conference, World Tea Conference & Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com.

About Questex

Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality, and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

2021 Nightclub & Bar Show Celebrates Its Return With Food Festival Welcome Party, June 29

June 27, 2021 by evebushman

Las Vegas – Celebrating their highly anticipated return as the nation’s most influential gathering of bar and restaurant tastemakers, the 2021 Nightclub & Bar Show invites all attendees, sponsors, speakers and press alike to revel in the Food Festival Welcome Party on Tuesday, June 29, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

“We are ecstatic to finally celebrate this incredible industry in-person at the Food Festival Welcome Party during the 2021 Nightclub & Bar Show,” said Tim McLucas, Bar & Restaurant Group Vice President. “It is our utmost priority to provide guests with exciting, unique and exclusive industry opportunities, and we’re confident that this welcome party will deliver just that plus a couple of surprises.”

Hosted on the Expo Floor, near NxT, guests can savor delicious menu items from a variety food trucks and vendors. Offering more than just delectable beverages and bites, the exclusive welcome party offers attendees networking opportunities with top industry influencers, exciting live entertainment, The Drumbots performance (Official Drum Line to the NHL Vegas Golden Knights), and never-before-seen industry trends waiting to be discovered.

The Food Festival Welcome Party is free and open to all attendees at the 2021 Nightclub & Bar Show. Additional tickets can be purchased via online registration. Sponsors include Truly Hard Seltzer, Heineken, White Claw, PathSpot, Chaco Flaco, MixitFresh, Booze Cream, Silver Hawk Vineyards, and Think Twice.

To learn more about registration or other programs and activation at the 2021 Nightclub & Bar Show June 28 – 30, 2021, visit www.ncbshow.com. Nightclub & Bar Show is a trade event and not open to the general public.

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About Nightclub & Bar Show

Nightclub & Bar Show is the go-to resource for the bar and restaurant industry. Mirroring the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry, Nightclub & Bar has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. Nightclub & Bar Show is part of the Bar & Restaurant Group, a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces VIBE Conference, World Tea Conference & Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com.

About Questex

Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

American Airlines Chooses Six New Wines To Serve on New Flights from NY, Miami & Dallas to Tel Aviv, Israel – and Two are Kosher

June 17, 2021 by evebushman

(Bayonne, NJ) – For those heading to and from Israel, it’s the best news since the kosher meal option: American Airlines is now serving fine kosher wines in all cabins on all of its new flights between New York’s JFK International Airport and Tel Aviv.

Photo: MamaLikesToCook.com

And starting on June 4, All Miami and Dallas passengers will be able to order from American’s kosher wine list as well.

The panel tasted many different wines (hey, it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!) and narrowed the new selections down to six wines – only two of which are kosher certified – and both kosher varieties come from the esteemed House of Herzog.

Nathan Herzog, President of Royal Wine Corp. – which is owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family – was not surprised to see the prestigious Herzog name on American’s kosher wine list. “After all, the Herzog family’s winemaking roots go back nine generations. They produce world-class wines that just happen to be kosher.”

Herzog said, “Royal and Herzog Wine Cellars are excited to partner with American Airlines. Their decision to offer high-end kosher wines shows how committed they are to this new route.”

Travelers on American can order the Baron Herzog Chardonnay, a full-bodied white featuring fragrant notes of apple blossom and honeysuckle and flavors of ripe peach, tangerine, and a hint of caramel.

Those who prefer red wine will savor the soft, rich Herzog Lineage Cabernet Sauvignon with its aroma of black cherry, boysenberry, and tobacco. Both wines are perfect companions to foods of all kinds and will definitely set the mood for an Israeli sojourn.

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking origins go back more than 200 years in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine.