october 2009
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September-October IssueTRANSCRIPT
They call it O-N-D and it’s the most important three months for suppliers and distributors of spirits and wine. To all retailers that are still standing, the O is for October and it’s typically the end of hibernation and the beginning of the buying and selling season. And we’re optimistic! The month begins with Spirits and Wine Distributor Holiday Shows held throughout the area where companies show products, new vintages and pitch retailer’s deals. October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and ‘Pink’ fund raising events will be held all month with proceeds benefiting the local Susan G. Komen Chapter. You don’t have to be German to love real beer festivals and our favorites are held during various ‘Oktoberfest’ celebrations. Getting your gore up for Zombicon in Downtown Fort Myers gets better every year and Halloween is perennially one of the biggest days in the hospitality business. We even have a couple Hospitality Industry Professionals (HIP) appreciation parties that are planned for us before Halloween. BONUS: Halloween is on the Saturday night before the ‘fall back’ day of daylight savings time, which means an extra hour of sleep and an extra hour of bar business for late night party places. October means Optimism…it’s about time!
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October is for OptimismOctober is for Optimism
FMB Baywalk Merchants
Bay Walk PlaceSan Carlos Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach, FloridaBetween 3rd Street & the Harbor
www.PumpkinFestOnTheBeach.com
High Hopes As Selling Season Begins
PUMPKINA
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FESTIVAL OCT 23-25The Bay Walk Group of merchants that includes the Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill, The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, Snug Harbor Restaurant, Matanzas Inn and Restaurant, and Shipwreck Treasures is kicking off the Halloween week with its First Annual Art and Pumpkin Festival from Friday, October 23rd to Sunday, Oct. 25th. Event Admission is free and planon lots of family fun, food, beverages, street vendors and plenty of art and music. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with evening events at the establishments.
The First Annual “Mad Scientist Cocktails and Costumes” party will be held at The Edison Restaurant and Bar, 3583 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers on Thursday October 29. Hospitality Industry Professionals are invited to a Free Cocktail Party and
encouraged to enter an exciting Cocktail Competition sponsored by Pinnacle Vodka and Republic National Distributing. Entering a recipe in any or all three selected Pinnacle Vodka Flavor categories will give area mixolgists the chance to win great gifts and a Grand Prize that includes a very rare Six Liter bottle of Pinnacle Vodka. Six Liters is a half a case, or six bottles worth of smooth Pinnacle vodka in a giant ‘display-like’ bottle that is about ‘knee high’!
The event is a fund raiser for The Edison-Ford Foundation a local non-profit organization that needs the help of the community and the hospitality industry to help support restoration and preservation of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and its educational programs. Donations tickets for the Costume Party are $20 which includes entertainment, hor’dourves, a free Pinnacle Cocktail and the chance to win great donated prizes as well as enter the Mad Scientist Costume Contest. It’s also a chance for everyone that to party with area bartenders, servers and the Young Professionals of Lee County.
We Have Your Halloween Hook-up! Check out www.BeverageUnderground.com for the best October Events
EDISON FORD FOUNDATION ‘MAD SCIENTIST PARTY’ WELCOMES HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS
PINNACLE VODKA INDUSTRY HALLOWEEN PARTY FEATURES COCKTAIL COMPETITION & COSTUME CONTEST
Full contest rules including prize and party info can be found online. Your Republic-National Sales Associates will have invitations to the event.
Invtations can also be picked up from all Edison Restaurant staff all month long.
Win BIG! @ www.OutrageousCocktails.comRegistration Ends Oct. 22nd
PAGE 2 BUBBLE UP! ‘THREE O’ BUBBLE PARTY @ WORLD FAMOUS CIGAR BAR GCTC TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH
Since they opened in 2000, Yabba Island Grill has successfully combined creative cuisine with a bangin’ party atmosphere & The Beverage Underground got a sneak preview of the great new menu that is launching at press time. DJ U-Nek rocks the house on weekends & by far is still the best weekend party in Downtown Naples.
Sal and Bob Lanzieri host Two Brothers Radio on Naples Talk Radio 98.9 FM every Saturday at noon. It’s entertaining and informative and you can win prizes for answering questions on cuisine to cocktails. Two Brothers Baci, in North Naples is ‘Brooklyn Style Italian Soul Food’ and they received four and a half stars from Florida Weekly’s Karen Feldman.
Denny Larson is remembered by many for his many years with Southern Wine and Spirits as a sales consultant & territory manager and while he still lives locally he travels the United States and Central America as the National Sales Director for Siku Glacier Ice Vodka.
Ed McDermott who has been the beverage coordinator for the Chops Group has taken a position as Constellation Brands Representative at Southern Wine & Spirits. ‘Eddie Mac’ was the beverage coordinator at the Registry Resort for 13 years before it became The Naples Grand. Blu Sushi had a great turnout & a full field of golfers for their 1st Annual Golf Tournament that was held at the Club at the Renaissance on Sunday September 20th. The Event benefited the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Don’t look for a new Naples location but the talk is that the McGregor BLU location may be bigger this season.
all around theUnderground
Whatever You Do...Don’t Spill This Wine!
Wine maker Melissa Bates’ passion and experience of sourcing and blending grapes from California’s Central Coast has resulted accolades and awards following the release of Acre Wines. It’s no secret that our on-premise guests are seeking alternatives to the high dollar by the glass features, and Acre Wines will deliver an approachable quality that will please palettes at a palatable price point. Fragrant black cherry, plum and berry aromas yield to a balance of savory oak tones and a ripe, jammy finish, and delivers both great taste, value and outstanding image bottling for table presentation.
Phone [email protected] SUBSIDIARY OF BAR MECHANICS LLC
Larry ‘Smokey’ GentaPublisher-Editor
Suzanne PetersDirector of Operations
Rusty BenzingCreative Director
Debra DeLucca-WelshSales
Alex Deeley Web Design
MerlotCentral Coast California
www.OutrageousCocktails.com
THE UNDERGROUND IS
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Christian Audigier is a "Fat Bastard"Wine Label Reveals Another French Wine Behind Clever Hook
Enough is enough. We have been bombarded from all angles with the ‘Ed Hardy’ lifestyle thanks to fashion criminal Christian Audigier.
Ed Hardy is a brand and Don Ed Hardy is an artist. Christian Audigier on the other hand is a
marketing wizard that began his ‘celebrity’ fashion career in adding designs to off-the rack, ready to-wear clothing. I was okay with that until I heard that Ed Hardy the renown skull and roses tattoo artist sued Audigier for $100 million…and won. Audigier is scamming everyone, but was stealing from Don Ed Hardy while he licensed everything and anything he could put Hardy’s art on…without approval. Garments of all types, shoes and flip-flops,
watches, lighters, toothbrushes, g-strings, pillows, money clips and clip on ties- all bear Ed Hardy’s work. When I saw Ed Hardy wines featured at a fine dining restaurant I envisioned Audigier giggling on the way to the bank. You
may have heard that French wine sales have dropped. So marketers decided to package it different, give it a clever name and put the country of origin in small print. Many brands like Ed Hardy, Lulu B, Red Bicyclette and even Fat Bastard are good tasting and approachable French wines bought in bulk and packaged with clever names and target marketed. Ed Hardy wines aren’t bad, but you might be paying $5 for the wine and the rest for the wrapping. He stole Ed Hardy’s name and work and got caught and now you know…Christian Audigier is a Fat Bastard and his wine may be too.
Caution, reading further may want you to tear up a T-shirt you paid over a hundred bucks for.
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The search for the world’s purest vodka may be over. SIKU Glacier Ice Vodka® is truly a global cooling effort that begins and ends right where we like …on pure ice. Crafted in small batches, using the world’s finest grains and five distillations give ‘Siku’ all it needs to be one of the better vodkas we’ve tasted, but it was the smoothness in the finish that made this one different. Siku means ‘ice’ in Greenland and that’s where the purest ice in the
world is harvested to start the process that results in an ultra premium vodka that we’ll see sweep the nation in the coming year. Makes sense that real purity begins with drilling into a glacier deep enough to get ice that is up to 60,000 years old and making that clean, crisp water the beginning of perfection. Now available in fourteen states, and projected for Florida distribution in 2010, Siku Glacier Ice Vodka is distilled in the Netherlands and is accumulating awards including a Silver Medal in the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition & the prestigious Sante’ Magazine Gold Star Award the last three years. The packaging is magnificent as well, and bartenders will love its long neck for a great grip. On the back bar a silver topped enclosure from Italy will stand above most. Siku’s distinctive aqua-colored base and German glass fired three-times grabs light and highlights the unique bottle art. The search for pure vodka will bring you to Siku Glacier Ice Vodka.
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The ‘B Street Band’ is the longest running tribute to Bruce Springsteen and when they play at Visions Night Club in Naples on November 11th, it won’t be their first or last time in SWFL. The band is based in Belmar New Jersey and first played Hollywood Knights in Naples in 1986. Since then has been a favorite of Chico Charities and have played many private and corporate events in Southwest Florida. Check them out www.BstreetBand.com
Marilyn Goodman who owned and operated National Bartending & Casino Games had retired but will be reopening the original downtown location in late October. The new owner defaulted after losing the Bonita location Marilyn will return. Marilyn is a friend to the industry and has run the most successful school on Florida’s West Coast for over 20 years.
Lots of changes at Southern Wine and Spirits as promotions have shuffled the deck and the Beverage Underground welcomes ‘Champagne Wayne’ Ballard as the new Regional Manager. You’ve got to love a guy who has his ‘champagne’ nickname on his biz card. Congratulations in order for Ellice McCoy who moves up to Area Manager and to Steve Rosenfeld, Dawn Slater and Bridgette Weis who all left our west coast for the new positions on the east coast.
Find out how you can sample siKu now: [email protected]
For details visit GulfCoastTownCenter.com
Oct 9
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Tony Lawrence
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Classic HitsOct 10
|
The Bunche Band
Classic HitsOct 16 | Gulf Coast School of Music
ClassicalOct 17 | The Chicago Mob
Chicago Blues & RockOct 23 |
Petco Halloween Contest
Begins @ 8 PMOct 24 | WildFire Classic HitsOct 30 | Capo Kings Classic RockOct 31 | Riverside Blues Blues & Motown
Free Concert Series Friday & SaturdayMarket Plaza Square @ 8-10 PM
GULF COAST TOWN CENTERA joint venture of The Richard E. Jacobs Group and CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
TEN WINES TEN DOLLARS ONE CHARITY • WINE WEEK OCTOBER 5TH THRU 9TH • WWW.KARMACLUB.NET PAGE 5
Stars will shine!Save the Dates!November 5-8, 2009Silverspot Luxury Cinema at Mercato
www.naplesfilmfest.com
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It’s called Root, and it is the first true American Liqueur in nearly 100 years. Unlike anything on the market today, Root Liqueur is new, but has classic...roots, and is a certified 100% organic spirit, produced for the Art in the Age brand. The recipe goes back to the 1700s when Native Americans taught the recipe for Root Tea to settlers. Over generations, Root Tea grew in potency, particularly in Pennsylvania, where the ingredients grew in abundance. During the Temperance Movement, Charles Hires, (yes THAT Hires) who was a Philadelphia pharmacist removed the alcohol and ironically rechristened it
Root Beer. Root, is available in Pennsylvania now online and is scheduled for broad distribution in 2010.
Jack Daniel’s won’t be circling the track after the 2009 season, and have announced that they will no longer sponsor Richard Childress Racing’s No. 07 NASCAR Team. Owner Brown-Forman sited a change in its “spending priorities” due to the recession as the reason for discontinuing the partnership.
BRAND NEWS
Celebrities and their love of the grape aren’t new but there are several varietals that connect sports legends with established wine makers and vineyards. Even though it’s called Larry Bird’s Legend Wines, it’s not from Boston or Indiana and is actually from Cosentino Signature Wineries in
Yountsville, CA. Arnold Palmer has led his ‘Army’ from the golf course to the clubhouse with his wines that are produced by Luna Vineyards in Napa Valley, while NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana has partnered with Beringer Vineyards to produce Montagia, a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine that the Montana’s use primarily for charitable causes. Olympic skater Peggy Fleming along with husband Greg Jenkins, makes wine from her own vineyards, but also buys grapes from former Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden. Mario Andretti has been producing wine since 1996, but recently contracted Napa Valley winemaking veteran Bob Pepi to oversee his efforts, but it was Blues Brothers guitarist Steve Cropper that first introduced Dan Aykroyd to fine wines when they shared a bottle of Premier Grand Cru after an episode of Saturday Night Live. Now almost twenty years later Aykroyd has a partnership with the vintners of the Santa Rosa-based DeLoach Vineyards, owned by Jean-Charles Boisset, who distributes the Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series.
Celebrity Wines Offer Vintner Options
Beverage Underground Network Business OpportunityMeet the CEO of Perky’s Pizza & view a demonstration on how
Perky’s can help your business and increase sales.Sal’s Longshot Lounge • 1504 Hendry St., Fort Myers
6 PM • October 19th
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PAGE 6 ZOMBIECON 2009 AT THE SIDNEY BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER • OCT. 17TH • WWW.ZOMBIECON.COM
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Advanced Social Media Training To Connect, Listen and Engage
YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE TALKING. ARE YOU LISTENING?
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On premise retailers are changing their mix, not just reducing inventory as recent polls indicate that 53% said they are selling more by the glass wines under $8 and 44% are selling more wine bottles under $30.
In November look for the long-awaited arrival and launch of Antica Sambuca. Their Classic Sambuca as well as their Vanilla, Raspberry and Espresso Sambucas received a four-star rating from the Spirit Journal. They’ve also won awards for their revolutionary and patented built-in pour spout that is fly proof! You heard first in the BeverageUnderground.
After years in South Naples, Owner-Chef Richard Amador will return to his original location in Naples just north of Coastland Mall in November. Count on Amador’s Italian Bistro to have a lively bar, great service and Mr. Amador’s award-winning Italian cuisine.
The Summer of Change finds two of the most high profile Fort Myers Chefs and wine aficionados Shannon Yates and Harold Balink together and ready for the season at Cru in the Bell Tower.
After being forced to move five blocks north for the building of yet another Walgreens, we are sorry to see Mason Ole close their doors in Naples. The corner of Rosemary Lane and US 41 …is cursed I tell you… estimates are that there have been 18 restaurants in just over 25 years in that spot.
Here’s a great opportunity to see a pizza system that may add some solutions for all license holders. Perky’s Pizza has a self-contained ready to make pizza that may give beer & wine (2-COP) license retailers a way to add the world’s best bar ‘meal’ in a little bit of space. Restaurants and Bars (SRX) see it as a way to relieve some labor costs and still satisfy food service requirements. Perky’s will be in Fort Myers on Monday October 19th for a demonstration of this exciting option. The Beverage Underground Network seminar includes free pizza and a sampling of wine or beer at Sal’s Longshot Lounge, 1504 Hendry St., Downtown Fort Myers.
Former Premier Beverage Sales Associate Martin Ycaza is now one of Telemundo’s most popular local program hosts. En Casa Con Martin Ycaza a daily show at 11:30 AM Monday thru Friday is a lifestyle show that reaches the Latin Community with news, entertainment, fashion and local concerns. Martin is also the host of Vision Night Club’s hot-hot-hot Friday Night Latin Dance Party.
360° Vodka the first Eco-friendly Vodka that is high quality and made right here in the USA. They will be introducing two great new flavors, that will fill a void in many mixologists palettes. 360° Double Chocolate and 360° Cola will blast on to the scene in 2010. Look for the Beverage Underground Street Team to have it first.
ENERGY, SPORT AND BEVERAGES IN THE MIX
REQUEST OFF! THURSDAY OCT. 29 PINNACLE MAD SCIENTIST CONTEST @ THE EDISON RESTAURANT PAGE 7
Michael Hensel’s career has spanned nearly three decades as a ‘bar chef’ and recently he began bottling and marketing his personal recipes that are offered as the highest quality mixers available. Hensel, a German-born businessman became a bartending superstar in Hamburg and it was in those early days of his career that he developed a true appreciation for the art of the cocktail. Over the years he perfected non-alcoholic recipes for mixers, including Mojito, Mojito Blackberry, Margarita, and Caipirhna that are produced and bottled with 100% all natural ingredients, no artificial anything, and without compromise of freshness.
Xyience’s energy drink, Xenergy, is the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Xenergy has zero calories and is a sugar-free drink fortified with vitamins. All-natural flavors provide a consistent supply of energy, without the “crash” of many other energy drink brands. Xenergy Premium Energy flavors include Cherry Lime, Cran Razz, Mango Guava, and Blu Pom. Xenergy Xtreme Energy flavors include Lemon Blast, Citrus Slam, Cherry Rush and Apple Jak’d. Xenergy is available in retail stores throughout the United States and Canada. Visit www.xyience.com
From the beginning the “secret ingredient” in Whiskey Willies Bloody Mary Mix would be ALL the ingredients. The result is a crisp, fresh, tangy, rich, lively, sharp, intense, spicy and stimulating mix that was created by a bartender, William “Whiskey Willy” Grey from the resort area of Orange Beach, Alabama over 18 years ago. The tomato product is the best on the market and spices are ground no more than 48 hours before production. The horseradish is
delivered fresh and Whiskey Willy’s is made in small 250 gallon kettles, then simmered for over an hour giving all the flavors time to marry and mature into the robust, full bodied - perfect - every - time Bloody Mary.
Back in the decade of the 70’s, several brands of Chocolate soda were marketed but it was Canfield’s Diet Chocolate Fudge that was preferred by the masses and by 1984 it helped turn a regional bottler in Chicago into a national phenomenon. Coca-Cola was in a tailspin over its poorly received New Coke and consumers were seeking alternatives, and when Chicago Tribune reporter Bob Greene reviewed the product and described it as tasting “like a calorie-free hot fudge sundae,” sales went from lukewarm to one of the
hottest in the soft drink market practically overnight. By 1985, regional bottlers across the United States had gained franchise rights and more than twenty-five million cans of Canfield’s Diet Chocolate Fudge soda were sold in the first four months and almost 165 million cans that year.
Purista Ultra-Premium Mixers Introduced
UFC gets Energy from Xyience
Bartender Created Bloody Mary Mix 18 Years Ago
BEVERAGESback in the day
Canfield’s Diet Chocolate Fudge
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RUM. RUM. RUM.FACT: Rum was given as a daily ration to British sailors for over 300 years between 1655 to 1970.
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“The first time I played the Masters, I was so nervous I drank a bottle of rum before I teed off. I shot the happiest 83 of my life.” --Chi Chi Rodriguez
There’s a mutiny building in the spiced rum category and while Captain Morgan’s remains the ‘Goliath’ brand, he may be in for a fight. Sailor Jerry Rum was purchased by the William Grant Company in late 2008 and slowly is getting more recognition and a cult following. Based on the
customized rums that sailors made on long journeys it’s distilled at 92° and has a smooth taste and gritty attitude. Its namesake “Sailor Jerry” Collins, was a Honolulu tattoo artist and bona fide badass that spawned a lifestyle when he redefined the old-school tattoo. Value brands like Admiral Nelson and Castillo Spiced are nipping at the Capt’n & Coke drinker from the other end with price options.
WILL ‘THE SAILOR’ FORCE ‘THE CAPTAIN’ DOWN THE PLANK?
It was a family’s passion for rum and the love of the people and friendships that they developed over 25 years while on their island getaway vacations that have built a family owned rum company. Bob Brinley who first went to St. Kitts with an electronic business in 1984 along with his son Zach were fueled with the desire to stay on the island and spark the economy of St. Kitts by using local resources…like rum! And while they brought awareness to the beauty of the island, The Brinley Family found out how highly competitive the rum business is. But ever since their island friend, the experienced distiller and winemaker Michel Joly, blended ‘serious flavor’ to their first ‘dream bottle’ of Brinley Gold Rum in 2002, it’s been magic. Brinley Gold has been awarded their share of Double Gold, Gold, and Silver Medals at the Annual International Rum Festival and by the Minister of Rum. The family is active in all aspects of operations and are dedicated only to producing the finest 72 proof, St. Kitts Gold Rum infused with Madagascar Vanilla, Brazilian Mango & Coffee, Tahitian Lime, and Natural Coconut from the Tropics. Available in over 20 states and thought the Caribbean.
Brinley Gold Rums are distributed by The Opici Wine Company.
DEDICATED TO FLAVOR & DRIVEN BY PASSION
BRINLEY’S GOLD RUMS WIN DOUBLE GOLD AGAIN!
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RUM. RUM. RUM. FACT: Admiral Nelson’s body was preserved prior to burial in a cask of his favorite rum when he died aboard ship during the famous Battle of Trafalgar.
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“Don’t talk to me about Naval tradition! It’s nothing but rum, sodomy, and the lash” --Winston Chruchill
With the signing of the 1733 Molasses Act the British issued a stiff tax on molasses imported to the colonies from the preferred French colonies, but the colonists still bought through traders. That went on until 1764, when the English then imposed the Sugar Act which made the Molasses Act more enforceable. Duties began to be collected on the sales of molasses. Rum distilleries in the colonies organized boycotts of British imports under the banner of “no taxation without representation”, which became a popular slogan. All this occurred before the famous tea party which was fueled by rum…mixed with tea.
Who knew that the Asian Pitaya Fruit was really a Dragon Fruit & that when it was matched with Strawberry and Bacardi that it would
mix so well. Bartenders, servers and most of all consumers are finding a tropical jumble of possibilities by adding other mixers like lemonade, ice tea, and ginger ale. Bacardi Dragon Berry was just introduced in April 2009, and the immediate strength of the brand is that it’s finding its niche in other cocktail categories. The fragrance jumps out but delivers a mildness of sweet fruit then backs it with a slight bit of spicy finish. Even though Dragon Berry pours a bit thicker than most flavored vodkas it’s bottled at the same 70°. On premise Bacardi Dragon Berry is being worked into martinis, unsweetened tea and is being dropped in Red Bull for Dragon Bombs, all factors in creating one of the summers hottest brands. “In today’s environment, flavored rums continue to drive innovation in the rum category,” said Gordon Chisholm, brand director, Bacardi Flavored Rums. Look for the success of Dragon Berry to be the beginning of more ‘exotic’ fruited Bacardi Rums as the world still drinks the Bacardi brand over every other spirit.
DRAGON BERRY RUM’S VERSATILITY CREATES MIXING OPTIONS FOR SELL THROUGH
George Washington lost his first election to the House of Burgesses at least in part to his refusal to provide the usual number of barrels of liquor to the voters.
He learned his lesson, and ponied up the booze the next election, and won. Owing the victory to his favorite cocktail…George Washington insisted on a barrel of Barbados rum at his 1789 inauguration.
WASHINGTON LOSES FIRST ELECTION, BLAMES IT ON RUM
WAS IT RUM…NOT TEA THAT CAUSED THE BOSTON TEA PARTY?
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Before W. Clarke Swanson Jr. was the chairman and CEO of Napa National Bancorp, director of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, and director and former chairman of the Oakville Winegrowers Association, he had a successful media career that was based here in Southwest Florida. After receiving a Bachelors Degree in History and Political Science from Stanford University and a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University, Mr. Swanson managed to parlay his passions to own and operate radio stations, newspapers and was a local pioneer in cable TV. He and his wife Elizabeth raised their three daughters, Alexis, Veronica and Claiborne, in Naples, Florida until the family moved to Napa Valley in 1985 to begin Swanson Vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley on the legendary Oakville Cross Road.
It was André Tchelistcheff, one of the century’s most influential winemakers, who suggested that Clarke plant the then relatively unknown variety merlot, and recommended that he hire an untested 26 year-old winemaker named Marco Cappelli. Clarke Swanson’s commitment and those decisions were pivotal moves that enabled Swanson Vineyards to establish a distinct identity as an innovator. He continued an unconventional path, producing lesser-known varietals such as petite syrah, sangiovese, and a rosato of syrah. With 100 vineyard acres in the Oakville appellation, Swanson
remains committed to outstanding and sustainable vineyard practices that nurture merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot grigio and other small lots of distinctive varietals. Clarke Swanson returns to Naples often, dapperly dressed with a warm smile, vibrantly colored socks and is often seen celebrating his love for his family and friends made here through the years.
You won’t need a tux, a gown or a loan for a high priced charity event to enjoy ten great wines for ten dollars when Culinary Concepts declares October 5-9 ‘Wine Week’. Trade a shift, and make plans to enjoy delectable cuisine and fine wines all week long at Pazzo! Cucina Italiana, Yabba Island
Grill, Chops City Grill Naples & Bonita Springs, and Blue Water Bistro in Estero. During Wine Week, all guests will have the opportunity to sample 10 different varietals from 10 different vintners for just $10 at each restaurant with entrees. Through their Karma Club, Culinary Concepts has found so many innovative ways to give back to the community and all proceeds from the wine purchased during wine week stay local and benefit the Children’s Museum of Naples. Each restaurant will feature different varietals from different vintners throughout the week, creating the opportunity to be introduced to a variety of wines and evaluate recent vintages: Scheduled wine varietals are listed below, but visit www.KarmaClub.net for full details.
PAZZO! CUCINA ITALIANA, NAPLES : Pinot Grigio and Pinot NoirCHOPS CITY GRILL, NAPLES : Chardonnay and Cabernet SauvignonYABBA ISLAND GRILL, NAPLES : Interesting Whites and MerlotCHOPS CITY GRILL, BONITA SPRINGS : Sauvignon Blanc and MalbecBLUE WATER BISTRO, ESTERO : Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon
Karma Club Wine Week is Ultimate ‘Win-Win’
Jessica RussoAgent/Owner
“17 YearsLocal Real Estate
Experience”
www.AdvancedRealtySolutions.netVisit Us Online at
CORKS, CAPS & CELLARS
Ten Wines, Ten Dollars and One Charity
Clarke Swanson and Family Calls Napa Valley and Naples ‘Home’
IN THE UNDERGROUND
www.MurphyGoodeWinery.com
Green coffee is similar to green tea. In its raw, unroasted form, and drinking ‘green coffee’ daily, can promote weight loss says a new study. British researchers have carried out the study and found that chlorogenic acid from green coffee causes
significant levels of weight loss - the drink works by reducing sugar absorption from the gut and speeding up the rate at which fat is burned. In a four-week trial, researchers found that those who drank one cup a day lost 3.5 pounds in two weeks, and 4.45 pounds in a month, compared to drinkers of standard coffee, who on average lose just 0.3lb in two weeks. Five bikini-clad baristas in Everett, Washington face prostitution charges after police said that they served up more than just hot coffee at Everett’s ‘Grab-N-Go’ espresso stand. Although the women only ‘flashed’ patrons…on a regular basis according to police, the five women have been charged with prostitution and violating the city’s Adult Entertainment ordinance.
Two new iPhone applications that allow Starbucks coffee drinkers to store their favorite drinks, and pay using a bar-code display that can be scanned are available. The Starbucks card mobile application acts like a physical payment card allowing customers to store value on the app and redeem it at checkout.
The world is green tea hooked but try Oolong Tea for an option with health and better taste. Green tea is dried almost immediately after picking, which is why it retains most of the antioxidants of fresh leaves, but Oolong is kept after picking, allowed to wither and also gently bruise, all of which helps the fermentation and oxidation of some of its chemical compounds, reducing bitterness, but also developing more complex tastes all while retaining antioxcidents.
The leading theory connects it to the once-popular song in 1860 called Old Black Joe written by Stephen Collins Foster who also authored Oh! Susannah and Camptown Races. The name joe appears to have been primarily used in the military, and particularly the navy. Others say that during the first half of the twentieth century it was the drink of the ‘common joe’ but the terms java and jamoke were also used.
ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND • CALL 239-694-5000 PAGE 11
5630 Yahl St. #3Naples, FL 34109
www.jojoka.com
(239) 591-0663
Family Owned RoasterSince 1894
Brinley Vanilla was the Winner of
'BEST IN SHOW'at WSWA 2009!
To Order call:
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www.brinleygoldrum.com
STARBUCKS FIRST TO RELEASE iPHONE APPS FOR CUSTOMERS LOYALTY AND SPEED
HEY COFFEE GUY…WHY IS COFFEE CALLED ‘JOE’?
DRINK GREEN COFFEE ‘TO LOSE WEIGHT’
OOLANG POURS ON FLAVOR AND BENEFITS
UndergroundCaféA Taste Of Culture
CUP SIZE MEANS BIG TIPS AND BIG TROUBLE
PAGE 12 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER • WWW.TWITTER.COM/BEVERAGEUNDER • CALL 239-694-5000
Reelin’ in the Beers
La Fin Du Monde means ‘the end of the world’ and we advise that you go that far to find this beer. Besides the fact that this golden high quality ale clocks in at a powerful 9% ABV, it drinks very smooth, with more subtlety than expected. The Beverage Institute has honored this liquid gold with many medals of excellence including five platinum medals, six gold, and one silver since first brewed by Unibroue in 1994. Sold in 12 ounce capped and .750 ml cork finished bottle.
La Fin Du Monde Triple Fermentation Golden Ale
Chambly, Quebec, Canada
Available exclusively from Republic-National Distributors
FIND THIS BEER
Beer Wars is a no holds barred exploration of the U.S. beer industry that discusses the difficulties that smaller craft breweries face when competing against the larger breweries, and it’s now available on disc. The movie features Arat Baron, who
formerly helped grow the Mike’s Lemonade brand, and Sam Calagione, the founder of Dogfish Head Brewery among others.
Get it @ www.BeverageUnderground.com
InBev needs to pay down some debt since its $52 billion purchase last year to buy Anheuser-Busch, they are negotiating the sale of Busch Entertainment to the private equity firm The Blackstone Group. The
deal is for the InBev owned theme parks including three Sea World locations and two Busch Gardens.
Oktoberfest was NOT really a German Festival in the beginning, it was a celebration held in Munich, for the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Theressa of Bavaria on October 17, 1810.
Depite one of the “worst advertising slowdowns in years,” the NFL and networks are glad they can count on the ole buddy…Beer… to step up and spend freely. According to advertising data, while auto and financial service big boys have cut deep into their ad spending during recession, both Anheuser Busch and MillerCoors “plan to ramp up their efforts” during the regular season and playoffs this year.
Does this mean ‘Shock Top’ will go away? Beginning October 5th, Anheuser Busch will splash big and spend $30 million promoting Bud Light Golden Wheat. Critics are saying that this 118 calorie beer will spike sales for fourth quarter but will bite into sales of the ‘Bud family’, switch some Blue Moon drinkers as well as hurt the Shock Top brand.
BUSCH TO SELL SEA WORLD IS SHAMU PART OF THE DEAL?
MORE FOOTBALL, MORE BEER, MORE MONEY
ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND • CALL 239-694-5000 PAGE 13
BATTLE OF THE SUPER-DUPER LIGHT BEERS Imagine our shock when after trying Bud Select 55 and liking it enough to endorse it over Miller’s 64 calorie effort, we were told by the client not to talk about the product so much. What? You want us to endorse the beer but not talk about the beer? Essentially, yes. We were then educated on how Bud Select 55 is essentially like Diet soda. Very few people drink diet soda for the taste. They drink it because its far less calories. Over time, you get used to the taste difference. The same theory goes to marketing Bud Select 55. Anheuser-Busch looks at it as a “lifestyle” drink. Work up a good sweat, you don’t have to settle for water or any of the ade drinks. Grab a Bud Select 55. To the ladies who like beer, but usually pass because “it makes me fat”, well not anymore. When you go out, grab a Bud Select 55. Miller’s marketing of their 64 calorie beer seems more focused on taste. Because Miller Lite “tastes great and is less filling” for all of 93 calories. We’re guessing Miller 64 sales are pretty good because why else would Bud have come up with a competing product? For the record, Southwest Florida loves their light beers. When Michelob Ultra was tested in fifteen markets around the country for a year before it went national, SW Florida sales were 3rd. Bud Select 55 is also being “tested” here and roughly fifteen other places before its national launch early in 2010. Southwest Florida sales are currently second. So even though Miller and Moulton sometimes have the on-the-go lifestyle of a manatee,...We are part of the super-duper light beer sales wars. May the best beer win. Oh wait... it’s not about the beer. Or is it? We’re confused...but thirsty.
BAR STOOL BANTER
Miller & Moulton Week Days 2-7 PM - www.770ESPN.com
1. Puerto Rico ____ G. Ron Zacapa
2. Dominican Republic ____ N. Mount Gay 3. Bermuda ____ D. Pampero
4. St. Kitts ____ E. Rhum Barbancourt
5. Fiji ____ H. Ron Centenario
6. Guatemala ____ M. Brinley’s Gold
7. Brazil ____ A. Ron Abuelo
8. Venezuela ____ C. Gosling’s
9. Haiti ____ K. Bacardi
10. Panama ____ L. Coruba
11. US Virgin Islands ____ F. Oronoco
12. Jamaica ____ B. Sailor Jerry
13. Costa Rica ____ I. Seven Tiki
14. Barbados ____ J. Ron Matusalem
Arrgh! Match these rums to their countryof orgin and earn your Pirate Patch.
Miller & Moulton’s
Answers on Page 15
1-2=Swabie; 3-4=Deckhand; 5-6=Corsair; 7-8=Swashbuckler; 9-10=Buccaneer; 10+=Pirate King
PAGE 14 FREE PINNACLE BAR FOR THE INDUSTRY! THURSDAY OCT. 29 6-8 PM @ THE EDISON-FT. MYERS
Every month John “Johnny” Creus will share tips for better service. Find John @ The Reserve
GET STARTED TODAY! WWW.YRGFITNESS.COM
Curtis E. O’BrienFinancial Consultant | Southern Division
9350 Marketplace Road, Suite 101Fort Myers, FL 33912
Tel: (239) 225-6560 x 311 Fax: (239) 225-6860 Cell: (239) 935-9644
With the slowest off-season I have witnessed in a long time occur this year; many of my fellow colleagues in the hospitality industry are game planning to maximize profits for their respective business for the upcoming busier months. Yes, the right amount of advertising and target promoting will get people
through your doors. But without the foundation of excellent service, all your dollars and efforts to get people to dine and drink in your establishment goes for naught. Excellent service directly correlates to your bottom line profits. Arm your staff with the right knowledge, up to date training and incentives for performance. This may seem like management 101, but all these methods work. That is why they are used across the board from high-end bars and clubs; to neighborhood eateries. Emphasize guest interaction. Give samples of whatever specials you are running. And when all else fails always smile. Cheesy? Why yes, but it works. You know all your efforts in advertising, training and knowledge are bearing fruit, when you start seeing new and unfamiliar faces. Regulars and repeat customers are great; they show your methods work. New faces mean growth and opportunity. It all starts with excellent service.
Tips For Better Service
“Ask Johnny” Sponsored By
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James R. Haught12800 University Dr # 155Fort Myers, FL 33907(239) 415-4650
EDISON’S FAMOUS
Buy One Lunch and Get One FREE!Everyday of the Week from 11am to 4pm, You and a Friend canenjoy lunch from our NEW Special Menu prepared by Chef Kris
(Dine In or Take Out)
~ Open 7 Days a Week ~ Lunch ~ Dinner ~ Cocktails ~ Live Entertainment Nightly ~
Beverage Underground TributeRaising a glass to another one that bit the dust
BOURBON STREET2009-2009
Six Months. Open in time for Mardi Gras...closed before Labor Day. When Bourbon Street opened in the Estero Ridge Plaza the place was jumping, but the honeymoon ended quick. With a life span of just six months, Bourbon Street quietly and unceremoniously departed.
www.gendronfuneralhome.com239.274.0088 - 239.277.0028 fax
877.251.0088 toll free
HERE’S HOW TO PLAY The goal is to use every number from 1 to 9 without repeating that number in any column across row down or within any 3x3 block. There’s no math involved - no need to count or add up. Just use logic to solve the puzzle.
Solve It. Enter It. And Win A Free Happy Hour PartyEnter Online @ www.BeverageUnderground.com/sudoku/
October Winners Party @ The Reserve - Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers
DifficultyRating
9 7
8
8
88
9
9
77
7
7
11
1
12
2
2
26
5
3
3
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4
Hint: Use Pencil
4
WIN BIG! OCTOBER COCKTAIL RECIPE COMPETITIONS. REGISTER NOW WWW.OUTRAGEOUSCOCKTAILS.COM PAGE 15
Hometown: Chicago, ILFavorite Band: Billy JoelFavorite Movie: Godfather 2Favorite Sports Team: Da CubsYour Hidden Talent: Make a Great PizzaWhat do you drink? Coors Light and TuacaFavorite Bar to Drink At? Cigar Bar of CourseFavorite Bar joke or Bar trick? Wybmadiitywtm - Will you buy me a drink if I tell you what this means? Pet Peeve/Customer: People coming in after we turned on the lights at the end of the night and asking if we called last call yet.Pet Peeve fellow worker: TardinessWhat liquor do wish your bar carried? I work at THE Cigar Bar we carry everything!Where is your dream bartending job? Playboy Mansion
Bar Experience / Industry AWARDS: 24 years experience in hospitality biz.
Dino Camarano“World Famous” Cigar Bar
PROS 2 KNOWBEVERAGE UNDERGROUND
THE FACTS:
Mad Scientist Cocktails & Costume Contests
www.EdisonFordFoundation.org
Complimentary Pinnacle Vodka BarHor'dourves & Prizes
Cocktail Contest Winners Named @ 8 PM
H.I.P. & “IN THE BIZ” PARTYPinnacle on the Patio 6-8 PM
Thursday, Oct. 29th
HALLOWEEN PARTYMad Scientist Costume Contest 8 ‘til ...
Hor'dourves, Door Prizes & Entertainment$20 Donation Edison-Ford Foundation
3583 McGregor Blvd.Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Outrageous
Cocktailswww.OutrageousCocktails.com
PLAY SUDOKU ONLINE WIN PRIZES www.BeverageUnderground.com
Answers to Pirate Rum Quiz 1:K,2:H,3:C,4:M,5:I,6:G,7:F,8:D,9:E,10:A,11:B,12:L,13:J,14:N
Answers to Mad Guess Scientist 1:1902,2:1968,3:1946,4:1892,5:1924,6:1944,7:1972,8:1950,
239.354.1245www.entreenaples.com • [email protected]
Beverage Underground Featured in the Current Edition...Check it Out!
Southwest Florida’s #1 Guide to Dining & Entertainment
Thomas Alva Edison is our hometown ‘Mad Scientist’. His first patent was for an Electrical Voting Recorder Machine in 1868. Besides giving the world light and recorded music, he holds the world record for his 1,093 US patents.
MAD GUESS SCIENTIST
Visit BeverageUnderground.com to view these Mad Scientists.
1. Air Conditioning _____ 1989 2. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) _____ 1944 3. Bikini _____ 1948 4. Flask, Vacuum (Thermos) _____ 1972 5. Frozen Foods _____ 1890 6. Sunscreen _____ 1950 7. Video Games _____ 1946 8. Video Tape _____ 1968 9. World Wide Web _____ 1924 10. Slot Machine _____ 1892 11. Velcro _____ 1902
MATCH THE YEAR WITH THE INVENTION.
Now Partnered With
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Visit Dino “The Pro2Know” Almost any night! @ Gulf Coast Town Center
James R. Haught12800 University Dr # 155Fort Myers, FL 33907(239) 415-4650
PAGE 16 READ BY OVER 5000 HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS IN PRINT • ADVERTISE WITH US • CALL 239-694-5000
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ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL!Must present coupon. Expires Oct. 31, 2009
(239) 433-1616
(239) 417-1010WWW.PLANETFITNESS.COMJOIN ONLINE
Register Your Bubble Cocktail @ WorldFamousCigarBar.com
Fort MyersCorner of Daniels & 41
415-6637
Fort MyersGCTC Mall433-3399
NaplesAirport Rd & Naples Blvd
593-4998
NaplesImmokalee Rd & 41
594-0065
EsteroCoconut Point Mall
948-9071
Any menu burrito,regular drink, all youcan eat chips & Salsa
MOE MONDAY
ON
LY$555Every Monday3pm til close
‘Hubba Bubba, Bazooka Joe…we’re having a party!’ The World Famous Cigar Bar in Gulf Coast Town Center is hosting a Hospitality Industry Professionals Three-O Bubble ‘In The Biz Party’ on Tuesday Night October 20 to celebrate the successful launch of the new super-premium vodka that is sweeping the country. This is one of many super premium flavors of Three Olives and this party will call out local SWFL mixologists for their favorite ways to mix this dynamic fusion of classic fruit flavors and imported English vodka. The party is open to all and every member of the hospitality community. Invitations are on their way from your Premier Beverage Company representative…but you can get invited and be put on the World Famous Cigar Bar ‘VIP List’ by submitting your cocktail recipe. So get a bottle of Bubble and start blending and shaking
for the chance to win prizes for creative mixology. Winners and their recipes will be featured in next month’s Beverage Underground, but everyone that enters has a chance to win prizes and get gifts at the party… but you’ll have be present to win.
Three-O Bubble and the Cigar Bar want to see who can blow the biggest bubble gum bubble and there will plenty of specials throughout the night…All Ladies wearing pink will sample ‘Bubble Bombs’ and be entered for the chance to win too.Get more details and register your Three-O Bubble recipes
@ www.WorldFamousCigarbar.com
‘Three O’ BUBBLE VODKA ‘IN THE BIZ’ PARTY@ WORLD FAMOUS CIGAR BAR GCTC - TUESDAY OCT. 20
(239) 591-8383
The B Street BandBruce Springsteen TributeWednesday, Nov. 11th
1 Night 2 Shows
www.BeverageUnderground.com
WelcomesFrom the Jersey Shore
OPEN ALL NIGHT