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HYATT REGENCY TRINIDAD BARTENDER TAKES ON THE WORLD

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Stephon Scott, Trinidad & Tobago Bartender of the Year, takes third at international competition

 

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (August 31, 2011) – Stephon Scott, Hyatt Regency Trinidad’s youngest bartender and recently crowned Trinidad & Tobago Bartender of the Year, joined bartenders from 34 other countries in New Delhi, India for the 2011 Global Final of the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year competition in July. At just 25 years old, Scott was the youngest contender, but his well-developed skills landed him third place in the Latin America and Caribbeandivision.

 

“We’re proud to have such a talented team member shine on a world stage,” said Russell George, general manager of Hyatt Regency Trinidad.  “Stephon works very hard to perfect his craft and we’re happy to be able to support him in his international endeavors.”

 

Scott qualified for the finals in India after winning at the national level.  He was required to make six different cocktails for the six challenges in the competition and of the 422 total drinks concocted, all six of Scott’s were placed in the top 25 overall.  In the local qualifier, Stephen’s creation in the Ron Zacapa (a 23 year-old rum) challenge earned him a three-day trip to visit the distillery in Guatemala.

“Even though I’ve always had a passion to entertain with flair bartending, this was my first-ever mixology competition, “stated Scott.  “I’ve been able to sharpen my skills while working with a strong, supportive team at Hyatt Regency Trinidad.”

Laphroiag

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As you know, we do things slowly up here; Laphroaig will never be rushed. But, as it is with our whisky, so it is with our website. It’s extraordinary to think that it has not really changed in over 12 years, so it is getting rather creaky! With the 18th anniversary of The Friends of Laphroaig coming up next year we thought you were long overdue a new website. We will be emailing you in the next week to let you know when the new site will be up and ready for you to explore.

Now, I know from all your many comments how much you like the present site so please rest assured that all the familiar parts you enjoy will still be there. The site is still divided into two parts; the open part that everybody can go to, and of course your private FOL area that can only be entered with your password.

The open part has lots of new features; beautiful new photography and a brand new professionally shot Distillery Tour film, which I hope you will enjoy. Of course your own private site has had a complete overhaul too, incorporating the many suggestions that you have sent in over the years.

But it’s not just your website that we have improved. When we first started emailing you there were only 73,000 Friends of Laphroaig. Now we are approaching half a million Worldwide! It has become impossible to manage such numbers with our old system so the boffins have changed to a new faster one.

This email is the last using our old system. I am advised that the layout of the new email will look slightly different but should get to your inbox perfectly. However – just in case, if you don’t receive an email from me next week please check your junk mail folder. If we did end up in your junk then click on the ‘not junk’ option or add us to your address book to ensure you always receive the emails in the future. As always, if you have any problems just send us an email.

So, the next email from me will be in a nice new template and with a brand new website for you all to enjoy. I’d love to hear what you think of the new site when you have had a look next week feel free to send me an email or for those of you on Facebook or Twitter you can find me at: www.facebook.com/laphroaig and www.twitter.com/laphroaigwhisky

Slàinte,

John Campbell
Distillery Manager

Taverns & Bars Celebrate “Tavern Month” This May

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 Local Independent Businesses Reflect on Tradition, Jobs Provided in Communities

 

Bethesda, MD – April 29, 2011 – This May, America’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailersencourage everyone to recognize their local bars and taverns by celebrating Tavern Month.  Tavern Month is a chance to raise awareness of the long-standing role of local bars and taverns in communities large and small across the United States.

 

Long known as the “Friendliest Place in Town”, the American bar and tavern represent the best of social culture and the community spirit that is at the core of the country’s civil fabric.  Bars and taverns give to thousands of charities, provide millions of jobs and entertain tens of millions of patrons each year.

 

“Ask just about anyone 21 years of age and older and chances are they have been in a bar or tavern to celebrate good times with good friends,” said ABL executive director John Bodnovich.  “We should never take for granted the role local bars and taverns play in American culture.”

 

“We’re raising a glass to the more than three hundred thousand bars and taverns this May, and the people who help provide memorable moments to millions of Americans each year, and jobs to millions more,” said Bodnovich.

 

Today’s bars and taverns reveal the changing cultural norms of the country while still reflecting the fiercely independent spirit of bar and tavern owners. 

 

Bar and tavern owners continue to place a strong emphasis on responsible service by training employees and incorporating programs to prevent drunk driving and underage access to alcohol. 

 

“Bar and tavern owners understand the responsibility that comes with serving beverage alcohol and they take it very seriously,” said Bodnovich.  “By using technology, training, and partnering with other members of their communities, they are doing their part to thwart underage access and alcohol misuse.”

 

As the retail tier of the Three-Tier System, bar and tavern owners work with state regulators and elected officials to support sensible beverage alcohol policy.  They are the face of the broader hospitality industry and are quick to take up arms against those who would attack their lawful businesses.

 

Bars and taverns are also places where trends and tastes are developed and customers can sample from a vast variety of products.  Each independent bar and tavern maintains its own unique identity and appeal to its customers.  Whether it’s a wine bar, a corner pub, a trendy lounge or a family-owned and operated tavern, they all provide a setting for meetings, remembrances and celebrations that is unique to their geographic area and customers.

 

Tavern Month has been celebrated each May for 58 consecutive years by American Beverage Licensees, the largest national trade association dedicated to supporting and promoting the beverage alcohol retail community, and its on-premise predecessor, the National Licensed Beverage Association.  ABL is joined by its state and local bar & tavern association affiliates this year to spread the word that May is Tavern Month…Let’s Celebrate!

 

*****

 

About American Beverage Licensees (ABL)

American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is the preeminent national trade association for beverage alcohol retailers.  Its members are comprised of on-premise and off-premise licensees who provide hundreds of thousands of jobs and annually infuse millions of dollars into the American economy.  To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.     

 

Exclusive Interview with The Bar Genius

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Claud, now known as Zag, lives in a small efficiency apartment above his brothers’ restaurant, Chez Pierre (his brother’s name is Irving), bought by his parents after his father sold his hedge fund for $40 million.

This is where Claud, now Zag, keeps his $2 million collection of oil and vegetables, as well as his collection of bar napkins — 6,669 different ones, to be exact. (He sells his own witty bar napkins with sayings like ‘Last Call’ and ‘Is That Your Cocktail?’, six for $40.) He also has 3,200 books on everything.

Claud/Zag said in an English-French accent, “I have served every President since Eisenhower and every head of state in the world, three popes, 72 Academy Award winners, and 12 queens including Elton John.” He has also been a consultant to 320 liquor and spirits companies.

The co-creator of the Mojito and the Cosmopolitan, he has traveled the world six times serving and promoting his creations. For the last 11 years, he has been a judge at the Best Ultimate San Francisco-New York Mighty Contest Challenge. He is only 40 years old.

The many names Claud/Zag has gone by are: Bar Emperor, Master Mojo Up-To-Date Mixman, and Bar Genius Guru.

He has spoken and taught at Drinks of the Decade, “Hey I Know What I’m Doing & You Don’t” seminars, Bar Brilliance (a $3,000 three-day course in Camden, NJ.), and has written for every major magazine and newspaper in the free world. He is the featured writer for 200 trade publications, including LeaveMyDrinkAloneIAmGoingToTheBathroom.com. Not to mention, he has written the bestseller of all drink books, It’s All About Me, I Am the Greatest (Limited Edition of 15).

In my brief and scary conversation with Zag, who just changed his name to Cocktail, he began, “Any person can make a cocktail, but can they make up a great recipe using a lot of Velvet Falernum? I don’t think so. Only I can, and “I” is my favorite word.”

Zag/Cocktail was then joined by his four public relations firms, and I had to leave. It was much too crowded in his small apartment with his $2 million worth of oil and vegetables, 6,669 bar napkins, and 3,200 books on everything. But I did get two of his favorite recipes he created for the world.

 

World’s Best Cocktail

  • 3 parts Velvet Falernum
  • 3 cl Ripoff vodka
  • 3 oz Rad’s Galliana
  • 3 spoons Blue Afghan sugar substitute
  • 3 leaves of a Calabrand bush
  • 3 turtle doves (no animals will be harmed, use only the shells)

Muddle with a BarGenius muddler (available online from LeaveMyDrinkAloneIAmGoingToTheBathroom.com) for six minutes and then blend all ingredients.

Serve in a very tall glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

 

I Can’t Believe I Drank the Whole Thing After My Bicycle Broke Cocktail

  • 18 parts oil of Chevron
  • 3 cl Whoever-Pays-Me-Product-of-the-Moment
  • 5 green peppers, chopped
  • 2 small onions, mashed
  • 2 ounces pure water from Iowa
  • 8 slices of bologna, for garnish

Shake 18 times. Serve in eight shot glasses with a bologna slice.

 

APRIL FOOLS! Or is it… ?

Read more: http://www.thedailymeal.com/exclusive-interview-bar-genius#ixzz1IfCTQRDJ

 

Rhode Island: Pub to open in Providence funeral home

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Owners plan bar in home’s garage

Source: WPRI

Tuesday, 21 Sep 2010

Providence city officials have granted a liquor license to the owner of an east side funeral home, clearing the way for the business to open an Irish pub inside.

Mark Russell, who operates Monahan Funeral Home, plans to convert a garage attached to the funeral home into a pub, which will be called McBride’s.

“Inside there will probably be seating for 55 to 60 people,” Russell tells Eyewitness News. “There will be a full kitchen. It will serve pub grub.”

Monahan Funeral Home is located in Wayland Square, in an area filled with high-end shops.

Area business owners tell Eyewitness News they aren’t thrilled with the idea of a bar opening up in the upscale area.

“We didn’t really want a bar, per se,” Wendy Brown said. “We didn’t want people to start drinking at nine in the morning then stay until two (in the morning).”

To keep his neighbors happy, Russell said he has agreed to several restrictions.

McBride’s will close earlier than other city establishments. It will shut down at 11 p.m. on weeknights and at midnight on weekends.

“Our reputation has been here in Wayland Square since 1934, and on the east side of Providence since 1876,” Russell said. “We’d never allow something to develop that would be adverse to the neighborhood.”

That is something neighbors tell us they can live with.

“New business for Rhode Island is important,” Brown said, referring to the state’s struggling economy and high unemployment rate.

Russell hopes to have McBride’s open by March 1, which would be just in time for St. Patrick’s Day

Entrepreneur Reveals America’s Best Bars for Business

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Story Also Pours Over The Rules of Engagement in Bar Negotiations

IRVINE, Calif., July 6 /PRNewswire/ — Where is business getting done in America?  Over cocktails.  In a publishing first, Entrepreneur magazine, in collaboration with Esquire magazine, reveals America’s best bars for business. The list and the accompanying stories appearing in the July issue of Entrepreneur magazine cover the ins and outs of the top 15 bars and the etiquette for getting the deal done (http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/july/207194.html).

“Finding a corner booth that substitutes well for the corner office is no flimsy pursuit. Choose the right bar and you’ve found the place to deepen a connection, make a pitch, close a deal–and, not least of all, enhance a client or prospect’s opinion,” says Amy Cosper, Editor in Chief at Entrepreneur. “But the refreshing ease that comes with clinking glasses can melt as quickly as crushed ice if the lights suddenly dim low and Lady Gaga starts blaring.”

According to Entrepreneur, the ingredients for a great business bar include discreet seating, friendly staff, compelling crowds, manageable din, full range of liquor, good lighting, good food and decent decor. Topping the list of bars that have the right recipe for business is One Flew South in Atlanta, Georgia.  What’s shocking is its address – Terminal E of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. That’s right, the airport. Rounding out the rest of Entrepreneur’s America’s Best Bars for Business list are:

—  The Chateau Marmont – Los Angeles
—  Al Biernat’s – Dallas
—  Miracle of Science Bar+Grill – Boston
—  Gilt – New York
—  Madera Lounge – Silicon Valley
—  Seasons Bar and Lounge – San Francisco
—  Proof – Washington, D.C.
—  Purple Cafe and Wine Bar – Seattle
—  The Living Room – Minneapolis
—  Sage – Las Vegas
—  Motel Bar – Chicago
—  Churchill Bar – Denver
—  Tria – Philadelphia
—  The Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge – Raleigh, N.C.

“I hate the office,” growls Doug Ellin, the creator and executive producer of the hit HBO series Entourage. “I’d much rather do meetings in a great bar, where people aren’t nervous and you can relax and be more creative.”

But knowing where to go is only half the battle. In the pages of Entrepreneur on America’s Best Business Bars, Esquire editor Ross McCammon tackles the sobering rules to drinking for success. The rules for engagement answer the most perplexing questions of:

—  When do you show up?
—  Where to sit (or stand)?
—  Beer, wine, whiskey or something with an umbrella?
—  Bottle or tap?
—  Order like others or chart your own course?
—  Pay or pee?
—  When to hit the business talk?
—  When to leave?

“Drinking is good for business when done the right way in the right place,” concluded Cosper, while sipping her own glass of whiskey after putting the July issue of Entrepreneur magazine to bed.

To learn more about the featured bars and rules of conduct for doing business in them, pick up a copy of the July issue of Entrepreneur on newsstands or visithttp://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/july/207194.html.

Atlanta bartender in Playboy

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Photo courtesy of Playboy.comPhoto courtesy of Playboy.com

Ashley Krystle serves ‘em strong at the Havana Club in Atlanta, and bares her secrets (and more) in the July edition of Playboy magazine. She was selected for the feature as part of Playboy’s “Hottest Bartender Search.”

In a Q&A with the magazine (since we know you read it for the articles) she reveals that club owners prefer to keep her front and center so patrons see her as soon as they arrive, and that she’s pretty friendly with the paying guests.

“It’s really cool,” she says in the article. “Most of the clientele are regulars and have become friends, so basically I get paid to hang out and do shots with my friends.”

Here’s her secret recipe for what she calls an A.M. shot, so named, she explained, because after you slam one, “you’ll want to party into the a.m.”

1 part Cîroc Red Berry

1 part Cîroc Coconut

Splash of simple syrup

Splash of sour mix

Splash of 7Up

Mix and serve in a shot glass

Thirsty? Drink up at one of these top 10 roofdeck bars

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roofdeck bar | Bartender.comIt’s been a long day, it’s hot outside, and you need a cold beverage – stat! Maybe you’re celebrating a good friend’s promotion, or commiserating over a failed board meeting. Whatever the reason, rooftop bars were created for a reason – to relax, rejoice and re-hydrate while taking in some of the best views. Here are the top 10 roofdeck bars not to be missed:

1. Sky Terrace, on the Hudson Hotel –New York, NY

The Sky Terrace is an outdoor bar featuring some of the most amazing views New York and the Hudson River. Grab a chair or hang in an hammock. Caveat: the rooftop is only accessible if you are staying in the hotel or know someone who is.

2. 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden – New York, NY
Another from the New York, NY area is the 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden. Situated in the heart of Manhattan this 22,000 square-foot rooftop bar can accommodate about 350 people. The rooftop has 1940s furniture surrounded by palm trees and fountains, giving it a most tranquil atmosphere. Order up some eats from the mostly Malaysian-influenced menu and sip on a specialty cocktails. The bar is open year round, and guests get complementary robes during the colder season.

3. Float, on the Hard Rock Hotel – San Diego, CA

In San Diego‘s Hard Rock Hotel lives the Float, featuring a comfortable bar, spacious pool deck for lounging and multiple fire-pits for keeping warm on those cold Southern Californianights.

4. Spire Bar & Lounge, on The Hotel – Miami, FL

The Spire Bar and Lounge is located in The Hotel in Miami, and is a great place for young spring breakers. Located in Miami’s Art Deco District this stylish bar offers great views of the Miami skyline and beach, both of which may be enjoyed with the bar’s extensive cocktail and tapas menus.

5. Rooftop Lounge, on The Townhouse Hotel – Miami, FL

Also in Miami is the Rooftop Lounge at the top of The Townhouse Hotel. During the day this is an excellent place to kick back and relax by the pool. At night, the roofdeck turns into one of South Beach’s great social hot spots. There are regular parties every Friday and Saturday nights with a maximum capacity of 250 people. The affordable drinks and panoramic views make this a rooftop you don’t want to miss.

6. Medjool Sky Terrace – San Francisco, California

Medjool Sky Terrace in San Francisco is the rooftop of the world-famous Medjool Restaurant. It Features a Mediterranean style tapas menu, cocktails, and breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco. Medjool Sky Terrace does not take reservations, so in order to take advantage of the bar and lounge it is best to arrive at a reasonable hour.

the peabody memphis default | Bartender.com7. The Peabody – Memphis, TN

A well known hotel for rooftop parties in Memphisis The Peabody. Playing host to parties for some 80 years now, The Peabody Hotel is a historical and elegant place, perfect for vacationers and residents, alike. The cover? A mere $5. The result? A night to remember in Memphis.

8. Sky Bar, The Hilton – Virginia Beach, VA

On the rooftop of the Virginia Beach Hilton is Sky Bar, offering exceptional views from the 21st floor. On a clear night, you can see all the way to North Carolina. Featuring a specially prepared menu, high-end beers, wines, and spirits and the infinity-edge pool, this is the perfect place to experience this hotel’s full beauty.

9. Above Beverly Hills, The Thompson Beverly Hills – Los Angeles, CA

Rising above the not-to-clean air of Los Angeles lies the Thompson Beverley Hills rooftop bar, located just off Rodeo Drive. Only to hotel patrons and their invited guests, this rooftop bar has become a favorite LA hot-spot for those looking out for the newest place to see and be seen. T

10. Highbar, The Gramercy Park Hotel – New York, NY

Nestled on the top of the world famous Gramercy Park Hotel is the Highbar. A likely place to see celebrities, this 18th floor New York terrace bar offers panoramic views of Manhattan. Open until 3 a.m. on weekends, the Highbar hosts drinks and simple foods, such as hot dogs and hamburgers.

The Naked Bartender® Prefers His Drinks All Natural

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After Grueling Competition, Carlo Romero Wins Hearts of Hostesses Everywhere and Earns the Title of Stirrings Naked Bartender

NEW YORK, June 25 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Stirrings, the line of all-natural mixers and bar ingredients, has found their man.  After a grueling finalist search all across the country in search for the country’s most “naked,” all-natural men and an all-out Stirrings Naked Bartender competition yesterday in New York, Stirrings has tapped Carlo Romero of San Diego, CA, as the official Stirrings Naked Bartender, a brand ambassador and official bartender who embraces the brand’s simple, fresh lifestyle and will tour the country helping Stirrings consumers serve simply better cocktails in the coming year.

During the Stirrings Naked Bartender competition, which happened yesterday at the Time Warner Center in New York, a panel of no-nonsense judges, including Celia Chen, Founder & Editor of Notes on a Party, and Joaquin Simo, a bartender at the ultra-chic New York City lounge, whittled down the competition. Six Naked Bartender hopefuls were scored on their creative and classic cocktail creation, a judges’ challenging Q&A and on-the-spot consumer questions.  But at the end of the day it was Carlo who won over the judges and the hearts of hostesses everywhere.

“We wanted to bring our lifestyle to life and demonstrate that Stirrings’ ever-growing portfolio makes it simple to create all-natural, world-class drinks,” said Jody Samuels Ike, Senior Brand Manager, Diageo Cocktails.  “The Naked Bartender will be the voice of the brand, spreading the word that better ingredients make better cocktails and that drinking and serving responsibly is simply better.”

“I’m extremely excited to tour the country on behalf of Stirrings as the Naked Bartender,” said Carlo Romero.  “My lifestyle is all about serving the best natural ingredients so I’m excited to encourage my fans to embrace the all-natural lifestyle as well.”

Consumers who miss out on The Naked Bartender event can still participate in all of the all-natural excitement.  Fans can visit Stirrings.com and the Stirrings Facebook page to view recipes, photos and video messages directly from The Naked Bartender.  In fall, 2010, the Naked Bartender also will tour the states, conducting cocktail demos and encouraging consumers to celebrate the all-natural lifestyle with Stirrings.

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