Michael Hepworth

OLD TOWN HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE WELCOMES GARDUNO’S

Beloved New Mexican Restaurant Replaces Café Pazuela and Cantina

By Bonnie Carroll

Albuquerque NM,(Spiritsman)5/21/13/–May is the month for Garduno’s On the Rio Grande Restaurant & Cantina to premiere at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town in the former Café Pazuela and Cantina. Chef Tony Trujillo, along with his staff and the chefs from Garduno’s have worked together to offer hotel guests the best of all worlds in the new menu being presented to patrons.

“Everyone is very excited about this new addition to our Heritage Hotel experience, and we expect Garduno’s will soon be included in the dining destinations at all of our hotels. This beloved New Mexico brand is a perfect match for our property, and the expansion of Café Pazuela and Cantina, along with the outdoor extension we are implementing is expected to be a major attraction where our guests and their families may enjoy delicious food in either an indoor or outdoor ambiance,” said Shanon Lente, Director of Operations.

Along with outstanding authentic appetizers, entrees and desserts, the mixologist will be premiering two margarita flight options in Garduno’s. One offers three margarita’s made with Sauza Tequila selections, and another from Patron Tequila includes three margarita’s featuring fruit flavors.

Heritage Hotels & Resorts is a cultural hospitality company offering a collection of award winning accommodations distinct in style. Each celebrates the rich, multicultural heritage of the south western United States . When you stay in any one of the four properties you encounter a distinctive history that celebrates New Mexico ’s rich cultural legacy. A portion of every room night is now supporting cultural preservation and advancement.  Visit: www.hotelabq.com.

1. Garduno’s Menu
2. Patron Margarita Flights
3. Sauza Margarita Flights
4. Shrimp Taco Platter

Michael Hepworth

Luigi Fedele (Regional Ministry of EU Special Programs and Internationalization of Calabria), Letizia Miccoli (Executive Director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West),
and Guiseppe Perroni (Italian Consul General) greeted guests at the start of the Grand Tasting

By Cheri Fox

The third annual Vino California Grand Tasting 2013 was held at Skirball Cultural Center on Tuesday, May 14^th .

Los Angeles, CA(Spiritsman)5/21/13/–Several hundred wine enthusiasts and trade professionals gathered at the Vino California Grand Tasting 2013, it is the premier event during the largest native Italian wine festival on the West coast.  More than 100 native Italian wineries from 18 regions of Italy were on display and available for tasting.

Carlo Angelo Bocchi (Italian Trade Commissioner of Los Angeles), Luigi Fedele Paola De Faveri (Deputy Trade Commissioner at the Italian Trade Commision), Letizia Moccoli, and West Hooker-Poletti (President of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West)

The Grand Tasting also featured two impressive seminars on the Calabria region as well as a broad overview of various Italian varietals, led by various wine industry experts.   Attendees and wine aficionados also had the opportunity to taste a variety of Italian products ranging from wine and prosecco sorbet to fresh pastas courtesy of event sponsors Italian Magic Olives, PreGel, Bindi, Ferrarelle, Pasta Mia, Academia Barilla and Il Fornaio.

The Grand Tasting continued nightly, Letizia Miccoli Executive Director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West hosted at local Los Angeles  Italian restaurants that received the “made in Italy” seal of approval and garner a ranking  and award of authentic Italian products and cooking. Wednesdays at the Aventine Restaurant in Hollywood a tour of Southern Italy with Aventine Trattoria and Vino California featured a wine pairing menu matching succulent tastes of southern Italy’s regional cooking.

The white wines from Calabria, Statti Greco I.G.T. Calabria 2012 , was served with Bruschetta,and the second course Crudo a succulent ahi tuna tartar with basil and pine nuts, sweet shrimp and marinated octopus served with Appolonio Casa Vanicola ONLY Rosso Salento IGT 2011.

The main courses of .Pesce Spada a grilled Hawaiian Swordfish,and fabulous roasted eggplant caponata with caper berries, alternately served Scottaditi  meat lovers enjoyed the Grilled lamb chops kumquat confit and wine of the Alovini Alvolo Aglianico Del Vulture 2008. Of course the dessert was spectacular with granita or cannoli served on Aventine cutting board both mouth watering.. viva italia!

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

Hollywood(Spiritsman)5/19/13—The Triple Crown of horse racing three jewels…and it’s three original drinks. Riders Up.

The Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby   the Black-Eyed Susan for the Preakness and the Belmont Breeze for the Belmont.

Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby
Ingredients
1 oz sugar
2 oz Woodford Reserve Whisky
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice

Black-Eyed Susan for Preakness
Ingredients
3 / 4 oz 42 Below Vodka
1 – 1 /4 oz Early Times Kentucky Whisky
3 oz sweet & sour mix
2 oz orange juice
Garnish with orange slice, cherry & stirrer

Belmont Breeze for Belmont
ingredients
1 1/2 ounces of a good American blended whiskey
3/4 ounces Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry
1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice
1 ounce of simple syrup
1 1/2 ounces fresh orange juice
1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
1 ounce 7-Up
1 ounce Club Soda

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

L’ERMITAGE BEVERLY HILLS

Gatsy Sips for Stylish Plates by Chef Ben

Michael Hepworth

By Bonnie Carroll

Beverly Hills, CA(Spiritsman)5/15/13/—L’Ermitage Beverly Hills , now a Viceroy Hotel property, has maintained its reputation as a unique property for the enjoyment of the rich and famous for over a century offering visitors a stylized luxury experience in the City of Beverly Hills . It has recently gone through some attractive esthetic changes in the dining room and bar that not only offer a very inviting ambiance, but enhance the experience of the dinners prepared by Executive Chef Ben Dayag.

Beverly Hills Bubbles Champagne Cocktail

The menu in the bar and restaurant also reflect some great new changes. The dinner menu reflects a magical merging of Italian, Asian and California cuisine. The bar offers a classic old fashioned cocktail that “Gatsby” would have savored with ease, and of course they offer a Beverly Hills Bubbles Champagne cocktail for any lovely “Daisy” he brings along. These stylized cocktails created by the bar mixologists are a delightful prevue to your dining experience.

Executive Chef Benjamin Dayag, who studied under Nobu Matsuhisa at Nobu New York and Social House in Las Vegas brings a whole lot of talent to the table.  Most of the staff in his kitchen came from Nobu, and Chef Ben says he is delighted to be working with the talented culinary team at L’Ermitage.

Dinner items offered include everything from delicious pasta dishes, unique meat and seafood presentations to “Nigiri Sushi” representing a weaving of Italian, Asian and California flavors. “We use only the freshest produce and food items in our kitchen” said Chef Dayag. The plates that arrive at the table are exquisite in design and presentation, and showcase the gastronomique simmering in Livello’s kitchen.

Livello Bar Classic Old fashioned Cocktail

Desserts offered include a crème brulet that is outstanding, as well additional sweet combination endings. A wonderful wine and cocktail list is available, with fine selections to pair with lunch, dinner or brunch. The lounge offers two delicious mocktails for non-alcoholic drinkers, and wine can be purchased by the bottle or by the glass.

The hotel is walking distance to all points of interest in Beverly Hills , including Rodeo Drive , City Hall, Paley Museum and fine shopping and dining destinations.

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Livello

9291 Burton Way

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310) 385-5390

www.vicerayhotelsandresorts.com

Bonnie Carroll

www.lifebitesnews.com

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

Hollywood(Spiritsman)5/10/13/—D’USSE Cognac is a brand on the rise, and for those of you who care about this sort of thing, then it is the house brand at Jay Z’s hip and trendy club in New York called 40/40 Club. The brand has been introduced to the well heeled customers of the club, many of whom were not particularly hip to cognac. Many of these customers enjoyed the cocktails so much that they have been enticed to try D’USSE straight on the rocks.

What they experienced is a rather bold new Cognac that delivers a smooth finish. The aroma is quite intense with a woody feel with a slight hint of cinnamon and floral.

Retailing at $45 a bottle, D’USSE originally launched in New York City and Washington DC, and more recently has been spotted in Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas. The Cognac is produced in the cellars of the Chateau De Cognac-a home with a 200 year legacy.

Cellar master Michael Casavecchia is the man behind the brand. “After years as the curator at the Chateau de Cognac, I was given the opportunity to put my blending skills to the test. I developed my own vision of a distinctively bold, yet remarkably smooth Cognac.” He goes on to say, “With an appreciation for the heavy responsibility that goes along with every decision in the Cognac making process, I was honored to set forth an important legacy with D’USSE.”

What that all means is a Cognac that comes from the humid cellars deep in the bowels of the Chateau. These cellars are protected by French stone walls three meters thick. These walls interact with the nearby Charente River to maintain a constant temperature of 59 degrees and a year round humidity factor of 90%-perfect climatic conditions for aging Cognac.

Cognac is not the kind of drink to have every day especially if you are winding down after a hard day at the office, but any well stocked home bar should have some in stock, and D’USSE would be a good choice to make.

Cocktail of choice:

LORRAINE 75

. 1 part D’USSE Cognac

. ½  part Triple Sec

. 1 part Orange Juice

. Top w/ Prosecco

Glassware: champagne flute

Garnish : long orange spiral

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby winner Orb

Shug McGaughey ‘s Orb, ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, raced to victory in 2 minutes and
2.89 seconds, outrunning Golden Soul in second place and Revolutionary
in third at the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Michael Hepworth

HOLLYWOOD(Spiritsman)5/4/13/—Kentucky bourbon-maker Woodford Reserve is offering a $1,000 mint julep for the Kentucky Derby, with the proceeds going to benefit retired racehorses.

If you have a mint to spend on your mint julep this year, a bourbon maker has a way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style, and benefit a worthy cause at the same time.

Woodford Reserve of Versailles, Ky., is selling a limited amount of mint juleps priced at $1,000 and more in advance of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Proceeds from the pricey drinks go to Old Friends, a facility for retired racehorses. In the seven previous years that Woodford Reserve has offered the special drinks, it has raised more than $354,000 for various charities. http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/default.aspx

So what makes a mint julep worth $1,000? Besides the usual concoction of bourbon, spearmint leaves, water and sugar, Woodford Reserve serves it in a sterling silver cup hand-engraved with the date of this year’s Derby and the horse-and-rider image that also adorns the gold Kentucky Derby trophy. A gold-filled garland of roses rounds out the base of the cup, and there is a gold-plated straw for sipping. The cup also comes in a box lined with custom silk and made from the American oak that is used in Woodford Reserve’s bourbon barrels.

The company has had 79 $1,000 drinks for sale online since April 15, and 78 of them have already been sold, according to the website. Customers don’t have to stop at a $1,000 mint julep, either; there also is an online auction for nine “Legendary Cups’’ in which the bidding starts at $2,000.

There also is the “Golden Opportunity,” a cup with a starting bid of $5,000. The highest bidder gets to present the trophy to the winner of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which precedes the Kentucky Derby race; tours the Old Friends facility with a Hall of Fame jockey, and receives dinner at Woodford’s distillery.

Woodford Reserve

http://www.woodfordreserve.com/AgeScreener?ReturnUrl=%2f

Longines Awards Luxury Timepieces to  Owner, Trainer, and Jockey of Kentucky Derby Winner, Orb Swiss Watchmaking Brand is the Official Watch and Timekeeper
of Kentucky Derby 139 and Entitlement Partner of Longines Kentucky Oaks 139

http://inr.synapticdigital.com/swatch_group/kentucky_derby/

Today Food

http://www.today.com/food/1-000-mint-julep-only-kentucky-derby-6C9764802

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

Hermosa Beach,CA(Spiritsman)5/2/13/—I had been to Hot’s Kitchen in Hermosa Beach just once before, and after almost three years in business I can report that the restaurant is kicking. The ambience is the key thing here, and when I wrote my first review I think that I upset the publicist by saying that the place was way too loud for my liking, and that the acoustics were horrible. Nothing has changed, so I guess beach crowd diners are used to that kind of atmosphere,

Sean Chaney

Let’s just concentrate on the edgy food prepared by chef/owner Sean Chaney at the Ballast Point Beer Dinner where he was ably assisted by Chef de Cuisine John Komolos. The six course feast was 90% sold out, and first course saw a Charcuterie plate accompanied by a delightful and sweet tasting Pescadero Pilsner with only 4.6% alcohol. The mini-charcuterie featured the ubiquitous deviled egg, cordobesa & finocchiona salami, pawlet cheese and a selection of olives.

Pan Seared Hake w/organic sea beans, piopini mushrooms and yuku kosho followed and was served with the Brother Levonian Saison beer, a complex and hard to find beer with hints of honeysuckle and orange blossom. Hake is an African fish rarely seen on menus in these parts, and is somewhat of an acquired taste but worked well on this occasion.

Best part of the meal was probably the Spanish Burger, a first time item at Hot’s that will now be part of the regular menu. The beers started getting stronger however, and the burger was paired with  Sculpin I.P.A. with an increased 7% alcohol content and a lot of body.

Roman style Carbonara with an embedded fresh quail egg was a unique presentation indeed, and was paired with Habanero Sculpin beer infused with the heat and flavor of Habaneros which added to the overall palate confusion of the pairing.

My guest from Peru was completely confused by this time, and the Mystery Meat with a morello cherry sauce, tuscan kale and a granny smith apple chutney had him completely flummoxed. I nevertheless finished the plate easily to discover that it was beef tongue, yet another acquired taste like the hake earlier. This was paired with a Hoppy Red Ale with a caramel malt base.

Final course was a Port Float with manhattan beach creamery toffee caramel swirled ice cream with a Victory at Sea Imperial Coffee Porter. A most unusual ending to a very eclectic meal that certainly stays in the memory of culinary experiences.

Check out their upcoming beer dinners as people are likely to come to see what chef Chaney is likely to come up with next time.

Hot’s Kitchen

-844 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

310-318-2939

www.hotskitchen.com

Open 7 days  11am-10 pm

Parking-Small Lot, Street parking or City Parking lot north of pier..

844 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 318-2939

Open Everyday from 11am to 10pm

*Reservations for parties of 4 or larger!

We’re social. Are you?

Events and Guest Feedback:

Kellie Motte
Hot’s Restaurant Group
Kellie@hotskitchen.com

Special Events and Catering

Kelly
catering@hotskitchen.com

Public Relations and Marketing:

Melrose PR
Kelley Coughlan
kelley@melrosepr.com
310-450-7960

All other inquiries:

info@hotskitchen.com

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Strawberry non-alcoholic

Michael Hepworth

By Bonnie Carroll

HOLLYWOOD(Spiritsman)4/30/13/–The Library Bar in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is home to up and coming performers, both in front of the bar and behind the bar. It’s amazing how many people are more and more enjoying healthy and inventive libations made with natural ingredients. The mixologist at this trendy venue gives new meaning to ‘farmers market’ fresh! The front of the bar itself is lined with beautiful herbs, fruits and vegetables included in the original recipes used for favorite and specialty cocktails prepared for patrons.

Alex Frost, mixologist at The Library Bar, not only serves amazing standard and individual requests, but he also mixes up some extraordinary looking and tasting non-alcoholic cocktails to please the most sophisticated beverage loving Hollywood lady.

Basil Muddle w/gin, lime, Soda

The private little bar emulates an inviting dimly lit library, and is filled with comfy leather furniture accented with animal prints. I guess you could say it’s a hip ‘cheers’ style hangout for the rich and hope to soon be famous crowd in Hollywood. If you are in Tinsel Town you don’t want to miss this historic little hide-a-way. It’s all good here, and everyone is having a great time.  www.Thompsonhotels.com.

HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL

Healthy Cocktails for Shooting Stars

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Bonnie Carroll

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Bonnie Carroll’s Life Bites News,

International monthly online travel/lifestyle magazine, founded 2005

www.lifebitesnews.com

2115 De la Vina St. Suite 31

Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Contributor: Food & Home Magazine, Breathe In! Magazine Spa Editor

BH Times Magazine, Entertainment/Travel Contributor

FBworld.com, Food & Beverage International Magazine, Contributor

Spiritsman.com, Travel, Beverage Contributor

Montecito Messenger – Daily Sound,

Travel Team Reporter KZSB Radio

-

Michael Hepworth

HOLLYWOOD(Spiritsman)4/29/13/–Roll up your sleeves, take a chance, and pull a bottle of wine from the 100-bottle Wine Wall! The wine you receive could be valued at up to hundreds of dollars… or it may not be. That’s the risk!

Tickets are $50

http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Browse.action?auctionId=192036232

The wine has graciously been donated by Montesquieu!

http://montesquieuwinery.tumblr.com/

Montesquieu is a full-service wine group that sources for our clients the very best wines in the world – particularly those that come from boutique, family-owned, organically-farmed vineyards. We pride ourselves in discovering hidden gems – vineyard properties steeped in tradition, whose wine reflects unique terroir and local culture.

Our clients come from all walks of life and range from novice to connoisseur, but they share one thing in common – an appreciation for the good life. Our dedicated and passionate staff of brokers work directly with our clients to cultivate and enhance this appreciation by offering them the opportunity to procure exclusive, hand-crafted, delicious wines tailored to each client’s tastes and interests.

With all of our wines, we work directly with the winemakers and growers who cultivate the land, giving our clients a view into the passion, talent and effort that goes into each bottle we sell.

We consider social responsibility an important part of our mission, and so we are thankful to be able to support organizations like CASA that are meeting such critical needs in our society.  Recently we have also partnered with groups such as the Boomer Esiason Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Aspen Institute, and a few months ago we were able to raise funds to enable Wine to Water to build eight deep bore wells in Ethiopia to provide clean water to over 10,000 people. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to do what we can to play a small role in making the world a better place by working with these inspiring foundations.

Donated By:

http://www.montesquieu.com/

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

‘Community Pub by the people for the People.’ 

Los Angeles,CA(Spiritsman)4/28/13/–As you can judge by the name, the Hyperion Public restaurant in Silverlake is on Hyperion Blvd in an area that is fast becoming a trendy dining area. It is billing itself as the community pub and can loosely be described as an American comfort food restaurant. Ambience is just right for the hip and trendy Silverlake crowd, and the décor was designed by actress and interior designer Claire Stansfield. The restaurant was created by three partners who met at their children’s pre school, and who go by the name of MSA Capital Group.

One of the partners is Paddy Aubrey who is the executive chef and who call his menu ”Unique American.” That means menu items such as crispy buttermilk fried chicken paired with spicy blueberry sauce and bacon slaw which happened to be my favorite item that I tried on my visit. Other unique items on Aubrey’s roster are turkey meatloaf w/cauliflower puree and gourmet burgers served with organic mixed greens or fries.

His take on the mac n’ cheese on offer includes “mac of the moment,” and other dishes of note include Roasted Mushroom Quinoa Salad, Quinoa Bean Burger and Cedar Plank Salmon which is served with French styled lentils. Chicken wings are served with medium, hot or lemon pepper sauce.

Appetizers fall into the currently popular style such as Deviled Eggs with a spiced goat cheese filling or the Brussel Sprouts Gratin with creamy pecorino. The pan seared crab Cakes with a spiracha aoli were particularly good and priced at $11, a very competitive price for crab cakes. In fact all the prices are very reasonable, with no entrée priced over $16.

They have three types of burgers including the Quinoa Bean Burger and the Hyperion Burger. The latter has Angus Beef, Cheddar Jack, Grilled Onion and Braised Mushroom with Applewood Bacon and at $14 is big enough for the hungriest person.

Cocktails are all priced around $12, and the one that I tried was appropriately called the ‘Silver Lake Sling’ with Hendricks Gin, Benedictine, Pama, Fresh Lime, Bitters and Soda.

What more can be said that this is the ‘Community Pub by the people for the People.’

Hyperion Public-2538 Hyperion Ave, Silverlake CA 90027

323-761-6440

www.hyperionpublic.com

Open seven days a week

Sunday 11 am-Midnight

Monday-Wednesday- 4pm to Midnight

Thursday-4pm-2 am

Friday-12 pm-2 am

Saturday-11 am- 2 am

Weekend Brunch Saturday & Sunday 11 am-2 pm

Happy Hour-Thursday 4pm-7pm ; Friday 3 pm-7pm.

Average check for  w/drinks $70

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

Hollywood(Spiritsman)4/21/13/–Italian Vodka Punzone has recently hit the market with three releases, Punzone Vodka, Punzone Originale and Punzone Lemoncino. Retail price for the Originale is $42.99, and $37.99 for the other two. Punzone which is Italian for ‘punch’ first surfaced in New York and New Jersey in July 2012, when entrepreneur Frank Guerrera brought the drink to the market. His vision in an industry dominated by the vodka giants, was to explore a niche market of organic Italian vodka, and early indications are very positive.

Guerrera formerly owned a mortgage business, but has now gone full throttle with Punzone after spending about six years perfecting the brand so that it could come to market. Numerous trips back to Italy were needed to source the right ingredients and respective areas, and now everything is in place.

Production of the drink takes place in Northern Bologna, the all important blood oranges come from a grove in Calabria, and the grapes come from Abruzzo, which is fifty miles east of Rome.

Punzone Vodka is distilled from organic-grown wheat from Italy, and is enhanced with water from the Italian Alps which helps ensure that no unnatural additives affect the consistency of the ultra-premium 80 proof drink.

Tasting notes indicate a rating of 91 from the Beverage Institute for this grassy and lemon tasting vodka that is distilled in a five column still.

Punzone Originale is a fusion of organic Sangiovese-grape sangria and natural blood orange essence sourced from orange groves in Southern Italy. The recipe comes handed down from the family and is a Ready-to-Drink beverage by itself. The red-version is an acquired taste, so we suggest trying it out for yourself at least once to see if the combination of ingredients suit your palate.

Punzone Lemoncino includes white sangria from organic Chardonnay grapes from the Abruzzo region and a natural Sicilian lemon essence. Like the Originale, it is also Ready-to-Drink, and is a lot milder than most lemoncillo infused drinks that can have a rather tart taste.

Taking on the big boy conglomerates is always a risky business in the liquor industry, And my only concern is that the price point may be too high for people who would pay these prices for the Grey Goose’s and Belvederes of this world. Punzone has a shot at making a name, but only time will tell.

www.punzone.com

www.facebook.com/punzonevodka

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

California Zephyr Railcar Charters Offer Exciting Summer Trip

Byways of California and Oregon  June 4-9, 2013

Michael Hepworth

By Bonnie Carroll

Los Angeles, CA(Spiritsman)4/11/13/–Ever since George Mortimer Pullman introduced the Pioneer in 1864 people have been riding the rails in luxury, while enjoying historic views. Biltmore, Vanderbilt and the Rockefeller savored the pleasures of luxury train travel to popular vacation destinations, as they experienced the beauty of America and the world. Pullman ’s luxury style travel continues to be enjoyed by travelers on the Blue Train of South Africa, the Orient Express which was immortalized by Agatha Christie in her book “Murder on the Orient Express,” and a bevy of international luxury trains throughout the world.

This summer adventurous travelers wishing to experience the pleasures enjoyed by the ‘rich and famous’ of the past can savor a six day mini-vacation traveling on the “Byways of California and Oregon ” luxury railcars. The trip is limited to a maximum of 45 guests and departs from Emeryville on June 4, with deluxe overnight accommodations aboard a unique train of vintage private cars.

Railcar passengers will experience the opportunity to travel historic routes and see historic sites without the hassle of packing and unpacking, while enjoying delicious food and fine wines that include Mumm Champagnes, Ancient Peaks Merlot, Columbia Crest Cabernet, Cheateu Ste Michelle Merlot & Sauvignon Blanc and more, served by a trained staff of professionals. Travelers may also request their own favorite wines to enjoy during their trip.

The “Byways of California and Oregon ” will leave from Emeryville , California on June 4, and the itinerary includes stops at Martinez and Sacramento to board additional guests, overnight in Westwood, tour of Lassen Volcanic National Park , visit to Klamath Falls , visits in Chemult, and Bend , and a visit to the Deschutes River Canyon ’s confluence with the Columbia . West to Portland on the south bank of the river with a one night stay at Portland Union Station, followed by a stop at Klamath Falls and a motorcoach to Crater lake Lodge for a farewell dinner featuring a sunset view of the world’s deepest and clearest lake. The final day includes spectacular views of Mt. Shasta , Castle Crags, the pristine Sacramento River Canyon and the Sacramento Valley agricultural powerhouse before a final goodbye stop at Emeryville on June 9.

“We’re pleased to offer this exciting rail trip adventure to travelers on the “Byways of California and Oregon ”. “The railroad saw a gem in this beautiful land and it was the harbinger of tourism to the area,” said Burt Hermey of California Zephyr Railcar Charters. “It’s fitting that more than a century later, trains still bring travelers to these must-see destinations.”

Pricing for this trip includes Roomettes at: $5,199/person; Bedrooms (sleep 2) $5,199/person, double occupancy; Drawing Room $6,199/person, double occupancy. Third person occupying the same room travels at a 30% discount. (Only one drawing room left). Owner’s Stateroom $6,300/person, double occupancy. (Sold!). . For detailed information on the daily schedule for this trip or to make reservations please visit www.calzephyrrailcar.com or call (714) 751-2032.

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Bonnie Carroll

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Bonnie Carroll’s Life Bites News, International monthly online travel/lifestyle magazine, founded 2005

www.lifebitesnews.com

2115 De la Vina St. Suite 31

Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Contributor: Food & Home Magazine, Breathe In! Magazine Spa Editor

BH Times Magazine, Entertainment/Travel Contributor

FBworld.com, Food & Beverage International Magazine, Contributor

Spiritsman.com, Travel, Beverage Contributor

Montecito Messenger – Daily Sound,

Travel Team Reporter KZSB Radio

Michael Hepworth

an extremely rare find in the 140-year history of the venerable French cognac. 

HOLLYWOOD(Spiritsman)4/8/13/–Extraordinary Discovery – Only the Second to Join Rare Cask Collection April 1, 2013 – Seldom do the forces of nature align to create the remarkable occurrence that is LOUIS XIII RARE CASK. The discovery of one unique barrel among the hundreds of century-old tierc?ons that will become LOUIS XIII, is indeed a miracle that cannot be explained or replicated by human intervention.

Such is LOUIS XIII RARE CASK 42,6, only the second distinctive barrel to be discovered in the venerable Cognac’s nearly 140-year history – reflecting the complex unpredictability of nature as well as the contributions of four generations of gifted cellar masters.
The rare blend offers an exquisite taste profile featuring an incredible richness and aromatic intensity, and an alcoholic strength of 42.6 percent alcohol by volume, slightly higher than the 40 percent of classic LOUIS XIII.

This exceptional tierc?on contains only enough cognac to produce 738 decanters of RARE CASK 42,6, which will be distributed to a select list of retailers worldwide beginning in May. Each decanter will be engraved with a unique number from 001 to 738.
Pierrette Trichet, Cellar Master of the House of Re?my Martin, first discovered this particular cask in 2009 during her usual tastings of the outstanding 40- to 100-year old eaux-de-vie aging in casks set aside for inclusion in the prestigious LOUIS XIII blend.

Noting its distinctive aromatic complexity, she began to follow its evolution more closely. As cognac is a living, mysterious product, nature had yet to perfect her masterpiece. In the fall of 2012, Pierrette and Deputy Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau tasted the contents of this cask and discovered it had finally achieved its long-awaited perfect point of balance.
LOUIS XIII RARE CASK 42,6 celebrates the classic LOUIS XIII blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vie, 100 years in the making, here featuring salient aromas that are unique to this one precious cask. Discovered in the fall, it appropriately features autumnal notes of plum and dates, mingling with flavors of gingerbread, prune stone and ginger, and punctuated by a final touch of tobacco leaf.

The first expression of RARE CASK, LOUIS XIII RARE CASK 43,8, was released in 2010 to great acclaim by connoisseurs throughout the world. While both feature exceptional aromatic intensity and the unique characteristics that distinguish LOUIS XIII, there are unique notes prominent in each. The first RARE CASK revealed notes of wild mushrooms and candied fruit, and an alcohol content of 43.8 percent ABV.
Ever since the extraordinary discovery of the first RARE CASK, Trichet has been looking for other casks to enrich this collection, like an explorer searching for a priceless gem. The casks she selects are kept a closely guarded secret. However, amongst the finest Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie currently earmarked for LOUIS XIII, there may be some that will eventually be used in the blend of a future RARE CASK.

The iconic black crystal decanter for the LOUIS XIII RARE CASK collection was created exclusively by Baccarat, utilizing all the skill and expertise of the famed crystal house’s talented masters. The decanter owes its shape to the famous LOUIS XIII bottle whose original design was inspired by a metal flask discovered on the site of a 16th century battle.

A team of more than 20 master craftsmen complete more than 50 steps in creating a single RARE CASK decanter, all of which must be carried out while maintaining the opaque crystal at a constant temperature. The LOUIS XIII RARE CASK 42,6 decanter is distinguished by its fine detailing: beautifully adorned with a 22 carat rose gold neck with delicately engraved quatrefoils patterns on both sides.
Decanters of LOUIS XIII RARE CASK 42,6 will be priced at approximately $22,000 (excluding sales tax). For more information on LOUIS XIII RARE CASK, visit www.rare-cask.com ; and for
About LOUIS XIII de Re?my Martin LOUIS XIII cognac was created in 1874 by the House of Re?my Martin, founded in 1724. It is an intricate alchemy blended from 1,200 eaux-de-vie, created from the chalky soils of Grande Champagne, the best growing area of the Cognac region, France.

This Cognac ages up to 100 years in specially crafted barrels called tierc?ons. Four generations of cellar masters have worked to oversee the unique blend, which evokes tasting notes and scents of myrrh, honey, immortelle, plum, honeysuckle, wood bark, leather and passion fruits, making it the most complex and most prestigious cognac in the world.

An unusually rich, aromatic taste profile and an alcoholic strength of 42.6 percent, slightly higher than classic LOUIS XIII, define this remarkable cognac.  Only 738 decanters of RARE CASK, each individually engraved with a number, will be available globally beginning in May for a retail price of $22,000 (excluding sales tax).

Only twice in the company’s history has there been a discovery like this – one unique barrel among the hundreds of “tierçons” that will one day become LOUIS XIII.

LOUIS XIII, visit www.louis-xiii.com.

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

MOONSHINE, LIQUID GOLD

Micro Distillery Builds on Recent Successes

Michael Hepworth

HOLLYWOOD(Spiritsman)4/4/13/–Having been named the 2012 South Carolina Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition, Dark Corner Distillery continues to prove themselves by receiving a Gold Medal and “Best of Category” award for their highly coveted Moonshine Corn Whiskey at the 10^th Annual American Distilling Institute (ADI) Craft Spirits Conference held in Denver.

The Institute is host to the first craft spirits competition in America where entries are judged blindly on nose, palate, balance and finish. At this year’s conference which is held all of this week, 23 gold medals, 44 silver medals, and 46 bronze medals were given out, totaling only 37 percent of participants.

A true American settler’s style whiskey, our original is made with corn, red wheat, barley and rye. Artfully distilled in a handmade 80-gallon copper pot still, and bottled at 100 proof, our moonshine is ultra-smooth and sure to become your favorite sipping whiskey.

“We’re thrilled to be honored with a gold medal this year after taking home silver in 2012 at our first-ever ADI conference. We’ve focused on perfecting our Moonshine, and today the hard work has paid off” says distillery founder Joe Fenten.

Founded in 2011, Dark Corner Distillery is a Greenville, SC based micro distillery which produces high-quality distilled spirits for those with discerning taste. Defined by heritage, the distillery offers visitors a unique experience including product tastings, distillery tours and distiller training courses.

Dark Corner Distillery

241-B North Main St

Greenville, SC 29601

864-631-1144, darkcornerdistillery.com

http://www.darkcornerdistillery.com/spirits/moonshine/?ao_confirm

Would you or your group like to learn how to make Moonshine? We can help! At Dark Corner Distillery we are now offering a hands-on training course for aspiring distillers. During this 5 Hour experience attendees will learn grain science, fermentation, filtration, distillation, proofing, bottling, and aging. Lunch and plenty of samples are provided. Upon graduation, each student will receive and official Dark Corner Distillery certificate of completion and a bottle of unaged corn whiskey (Moonshine)

Classes are led by John Wilcox, the head distiller of Dark Corner Distillery. His love for the artistic side of brewing and distilling grew into a passion that helped form the creation of Dark Corner Distillery’s award winning spirits.

Hours: Mon–Sat, 12pm–6pm

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolate, Peoples Choice Award

Benefiting the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center

Michael Hepworth

By Bonnie Carroll

Santa Barbara,CA(Spiritsman)4/3/13/—The Santa Barbara Women’s Club was the destination for wine and chocolate lovers to savor some sensational wines and sinful chocolates to benefit the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center . Rincon Catering & Beach Club provided an amazing assortment of exceptional appetizers, entrees and cheese specialties that got rave reviews from guests.

Matthew Chung, Wine Consultant

Matthew Chung, fine and rare wine consultant, shared secrets of successfully pairing chocolate with wines being poured at the evening fundraiser. Wines being poured were from Beckman Vineyards, Brower-Clifton, Dierberg Estate Vineyard, Giessinger Winery, Imagine Wine, Oreana Winery, Palmina, Rideau Vineyard, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, Starlane Vineyard, and Whitcraft Winery.

Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro, Best Chocolate Dessert & Table Presentation

Chocolate tastes were provided by Carlos Lima, Brasil Arts Café; Andie Escobar, The French Table; Tom Neuhaus, Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates; Ashleigh Johnston-Barton, Piece of Mind; Renaud Gonthier, Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro; Marc Borowitz, Rincon Catering & Beach Club; Suzon Bishop, Santa Barbara Fudge; Lauren Pitts, Shaybu Chocolates, and Ashleigh Carracino, Sojourner Café.

Shaybu, Best Chocolates

Judges for the competition were Jean-Michel Carre, Owner of Chocolats du Calibressan, Indera Mortensen, Pastry Chef, Fresco Café, and Lys Gabriella Poet, Local Private Chef.

Brower-Clifton Wine

Awards were presented for Best Table Presentation and Best Chocolate Dessert to Renaud Gonthier – Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro; Best Chocolates went to Lauren Pitts – Shaybu Chocolates and the People’s Choice Award went to Tom Neuhaus – Mama Ganashe Artisan Chocolates.

Palmina Wine

A silent auction and live auction of unique gifts, which included a two day trip to Hearst Castle from Santa Barbara to the Castle in a historic train car donated by California Zephyr Railcar Charters, along with tables covered with specialty gift items that attracted a crowd of enthusiastic bidders. The entertaining Emcee for the evening was Sean English.

Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center empowers people through healing and social change to eliminate all forms of sexual violence. We are committed to transforming lives by providing services and education to meet the needs of our diverse community. Since 1974, Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center has worked to support sexual assault survivors and their loved ones, and to build a community free from sexual violence. For information visit www.sbrapecrisiscenter.org.

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

Los Angeles, CA (Spiritsman)3/24/13/—La Stella Winery is a small boutique winery at Osoyoos in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, but they have formed a rather unique relationship with the iconic Los Angeles Chef Celestino Drago. The winery people came down to Los Angeles to Drago Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles for a private dinner at the Italian restaurant, and Celestino and his team came up with a six course wine pairing dinner. Celestino is a supporter of the winery, and the limited edition wines are available in his restaurant, including their flagship wine, the 2007 LaStella Maestoso “Solo” Merlot which was paired with the Rack of Lamb.

Low rainfall and high summer temperatures in the Okanagan Valley allows them to farm in a sustainable way in their 50 acre parcel of land. The soil composition is very distinct in the area which is known as Olivers Golden Mile and Black Sage Bench, and La Stella practices what is known as low input viticulture. That means deficit irrigation producing very low yields that helps concentrate the flavors and complexities of the fruit.

Winemaker is Severine Pinte, who was unfortunately not available for the Los Angeles visit, and she has been with the winery since August 2010. She is a graduate of ENSAM (Ecole National Superior Agronomic of Montpelier) where she acquired a Master of Viticulture and Oenology.

Viticulturalist: Severine Pinte

There are six wines including the aforementioned Maestoso Merlot which came out of the 2008 growing season which was unusually cool but with a perfect September/October. The wine has a balanced level of acidity and a lot of maturity and is a must find. On the other hand, the Maestoso 2009 Merlot experienced a very warm season and is more exotic tasting with a hint of blue fruit, smoked meat and café mocha.

The 2008 Fortissimo Selezione Di Famiglia consists of almost equal parts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with 8% each of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Celestino paired this wine with fettuccine, oxtail ragout and gorgonzola crème followed by mushroom agnollotti in a truffle sauce. The wine came across as a Tuscan style wine, typically loud and boisterous.

The Leggiero 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay was paired with assorted hors d’oeuvres and has a nice crisp acidity and a fruity drinkable taste with hints of apple, melon and lemon rind. The La Stella Vivace Pinot Grigio was paired with the smoked sturgeon and caviar.

However the wine did not match the food, and was rather a dull wine that needed to be a lot bolder, despite the press handout boasting intense Asian pear and citrus notes.

This is a small boutique winery that produces no more than 10,000 cases a year. You may need to a bit of detective work to track them down, but it will be well worth the effort.

La Stella Winery, Osoyoos, British Columbia

www.lastella.ca

Drago Centro
525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 •
Tel: 213.228.8998 | Fax: 213.228.0028

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner: Monday – Saturday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Now Open Sundays! 5:00pm – 9:00pm

www.dragocentro.com

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

ANNOUNCES BEST GIN, VODKA, SCOTCH, TEQUILA AND MORE

2013 Chairman’s Trophy Winners and Full Results Announced Today, Including USC’s First 100-Point Spirit

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2013

Michael Hepworth

New York, NY (Spiritsman)3/22/13/— – Ultimate Beverage Challenge’s (UBC) fourth annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge was held at state-of-the-art Astor Center in New York City on March 11-15, 2013. Today, Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) proudly announces this year’s Chairman’s Trophy winners and Finalists in more than 30 spirits categories, including USC’s first 100-point score that honors Highland Park 25 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Orkney.

Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2013 had a record number of entries, up 8% from last year, from more than 70 companies and 30 countries around the world. This year’s entries likewise included more craft spirits than ever before and an extraordinarily high standard of spirits across all categories.

Led by UBC Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult and Judging Co-Chairman Sean Ludford, the judges included many of the world’s most famous distilled spirits authorities, award-winning authors, spirits buyers, journalists, educators, bar owners and consultants.  The judging panels rated the distillates on the 100-point scale, using USC’s innovative multilevel evaluation system, which renders the industry’s most unassailable results. This remarkable super-group of experts named 33 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman’s Trophy winners and 151 Finalists. Judges for USC 2013 were F. Paul Pacult, Sean Ludford, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Tad Carducci, James Conley, Dale DeGroff, Jim Meehan, Dan Nicolaescu, Steve Olson, Julie Reiner, Jack Robertiello, Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, MW, Katie Stipe and David Wondrich.

Says UBC founder F. Paul Pacult, “The increase in entries we’ve had for Ultimate Spirits Challenge each year is a testament to suppliers who appreciate our meticulous attention to rating and scoring their products. They understand that Ultimate Spirits Challenge also provides them with an array of useful tools to help them build and market their brands, from credible scores to insightful tasting notes to useful point-of-sale materials to our summary guide in Beverage Media.”

THE 2013 RESULTS

This year, all spirits rated 85 points and higher are featured on their own detailed results page and include relevant award information, downloadable score icon, tasting note, accolade and bottle image. New this year, USC will also provide a summary page for this year’s Award Recipients and Great Values in each category. Because of Ultimate Spirits Challenge’s partnership with Astor Wines & Spirits, all spirits that display a shopping cart icon boast a ‘click and purchase’ option for consumers who can place their order online, with direct delivery to many states in the U.S.

For a complete list of results go to www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2013results/

For downloadable images (hi/lo res) go to www.ultimate-beverage.com/2013USCpics

  2013 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY WINNERS

  VODKA – UNFLAVORED

Tahoe Blue

VODKA – FLAVORED

HOPHEAD Pot Stilled Hop Flavored

GIN

Fords Gin

AQUAVIT

Linie Aquavit

TEQUILA – 100% AGAVE

BLANCO: Milagro Silver

REPOSADO: Siete Leguas Reposado

AÑEJO: IZKALI Añejo

EXTRA AÑEJO: Casa Sauza XA Edición Limitada Extra Añejo

MEZCAL

Del Maguey Minero

RUM

Brugal Papa Andres

RHUM AGRICOLE

Rhum Clement Grande Reserve 6 Years Old

WHISK(E)Y – NORTH AMERICA

AMERICAN WHISKEY: Balcones 1 Texas Single Malt

BOURBON: Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

RYE: Knob Creek Rye

TENNESSEE WHISKEY: George Dickel No. 12

WHISKEY – IRELAND

BLENDED: Jameson 18 Years Old

IRISH POT STILL WHISKEY: Redbreast 15 Years Old

SINGLE MALT: Tullamore Dew 10 Years Old

 WHISKY – SCOTLAND

BLENDED MALT: Haig Supreme 1627 12 Years Old

BLENDED: Royal Salute 21 Years Old

SINGLE MALT*: Highland Park 25 Years Old (100 points)

 WHISKY – CANADA

Caribou Crossing Single Barrel

BRANDY

ARMAGNAC: Delord 30 Years Old 1981 Bas-Armagnac France

CALVADOS: Boulard XO Calvados France

COGNAC: Hardy XO Cognac France

GRAPPA: Bocchino Riserva Carlo Bocchino Grappa Italy

PISCO: Barsol Supremo Mosto Verde Pisco Peru

FRENCH BRANDY: St-Rémy Réserve Privée

SPANISH BRANDY: Cardenal Mendoza Brandy de Jerez

AMERICAN BRANDY: E & J XO

 SHOCHU

Iichiko Frasco Barley

LIQUEUR

La Muse Verte Absinthe

APERITIF

Lillet Jean de Lillet 2009

*Signifies Ultimate Spirits Challenge’s first 100 point rated spirit.

  For the first time, a selection of 24 products from China were submitted as a group for assessment by a special Ultimate Spirits Challenge panel of judges, the results of which can be found here www.ultimate-beverage.com/special-evaluation/.

Ultimate Spirits Challenge…not like any other competition and doesn’t want to be.

Next 2013 Challenge: Ultimate Wine Challenge, June 3-7, 2013. Click here for more information.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE www.ultimate-beverage.com 

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of wines and spirits for producers, importers and marketers through its two innovative annual competitions – Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Ultimate Wine Challenge. Based on exacting standards, expert judges and rigorous methodology, UBC raises the standards of spirits and wine evaluation and supplies ratings and accolades to help companies build their brands with buyers, both industry and consumer. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley, Sean Ludford and David Talbot. Challenge results from 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 as well as event photos, videos and press coverage can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com.

Ultimate Beverage Challenge inquiries: info@ultimate-beverage.com, 1-347-878-6551

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UltimateBeverageChallenge

Website: www.ultimate-beverage.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ultimatebeverage

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

KEYT 3 TV reporter John Palminteri and guest with Trini Quinn, proprietress

By Bonnie Carroll

Santa Barbara,CA(Spiritsman)3/18/13/–Upper State Street in Santa Barbara was alive with the authentic sounds and cuisine of Ireland for St. Pat’s Day. Willie & Trini Quinn, proprietors of La Arcada Bistro at 1112 State, a few doors from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, were serving authentic Irish soda bread with Dubliner cheese, corned beef with cabbage and a signature Lamb Shepherds Pie that would have charmed my dear grandmother, who was by the way born near County Mayo in Ireland , which is also the birthplace of proprietor Willie Quinn.

A perfect pint of Guinness

Signature Irish Coffee

With an Irish band, dancing and singing, and an atmosphere of great fun and good cheer the restaurant and outdoor patio was overflowing with patrons having a tasty and memorable St. Pat’s, including Santa Barbara KEYT 3 TV senior reporter John Palminteri and friends.

Signature Shepherds Pie

Irish faire is always on the Bistro menu, along with a sizable breakfast, lunch and dinner list of delicious continental and American plates. Guinness pints and a signature Irish coffee that rivals the old Buena Vista in San Francisco, as well as a full pub bar of cocktails provide endless options to wet your whistle. It’s nice to see another new place to eat on State Street, with owners who dearly understand the meaning of warm hospitality. Slainte! (to your good health in Gaelic).

Proprietor Willie Quinn greets guests at the door

Visit www.laarcadabistro.com/ for information.

Bonnie Carroll

www.lifebitesnews.com

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

HOLLYWOOD(Spirtisman)3/11/13/–The first 1000 cases of Miraval wine produced by  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were snapped up within hours of going on sale on … Six Thousand Bottles and counting “SOLD OUT”

Fergie and her father, winemaker Pat Ferguson, visit The Wine House in Los Angeles last month for an exclusive bottle signing in celebration of her new wine line Ferguson Crest. /  for Ferguson Crest http://fergusoncrest.com/about

Drew Barrymore “I love wine, especially Pinot Grigio. It’s what I drink with my girlfriends,” she says. “It feels so right when you’re sitting around a table having food and wine.

Mauviniere / Associated Press

Jason Merritt / Getty Images,

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com

Michael Hepworth

Dayton, OR(Spiritsman)3/11/13/–Oregon wines are set to get a boost this year with the opening of the new Sokol Blosser Winery Tasting Room in Dayton, Oregon, sometimes in July. The new facility is expected to give Oregon wines a boost as well as lifting the spirits and heighten the total experience of the wines, the vineyards, the estate and Willamette Valley. Formed in 1971, the family run winery is run by Alison Sokol Blosser, daughter of the founders.

The 5,000 square foot tasting room will include a library, kitchen table where wines are served with Oregon food, Farm Table for outside group space, a Terrace reserved for club members and VIP’s, and a cellar lounge reserved for high end club members. Next door will house the Storrs Room honoring the architect John Storrs, which will cater to large groups of 40 people.

If you are not too familiar with Sokol Blosser Wines then this will serve as a brief introduction, since I had the opportunity to taste some of their wines recently at an informal wine dinner at Towne Restaurant in Los Angeles. The 2010 Pinot Noir has just been released after a twelve month bottling period, and with only 853 cases produced, it should prove to be a hot ticket. The 2011 Pinot Gris only needed 6 months bottling prior to release, and has a slightly lower alcohol content (13%) than the Pinot Noir.

Over 1800 cases of this fresh tasting wine has been produced, and the tastemaker notes indicate a mineral and stony taste with hints of apricot, apple and fig. Crisp and dry tasting, this is a wine which is also rich, concentrated, and creamy with a long and lush finish.

They also have a 2010 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir which retails for $38, which is made 100% from organic grapes. Fermentation lasts nine days, and then 16 months in barrels followed by a 5 ½ months bottling period. This is a wine that has benefited from the unusual weather in Oregon in 2010. The year started out hot and balmy couple of months followed by almost five months of cold and wet weather. Summer also proved to be cool and wet until October time when sunny and warm temperatures finally helped the grapes which ripened at a rapid pace. The result is a classic vintage despite the limited yields, with this particular Pinot having traces of rose petals, dried sage and cigar box and a spicy mineral finish.

Oregon wines have an uphill battle to compete with California wines in particular in this State, but if the sommelier includes a few on the list at your favorite restaurant then you might want to consider.

www.sokolblosser.com

Address: 5000 NE Sokol Blosser Ln, Dayton, OR 97114

Phone:(503) 864-2282

Hours: Monday hours 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

mrspiritsman@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman

http://spiritsman.blogspot.com