Dale on the Trail
BLOG - FEBRUARY 4,2009
Gary Regan, in this week's Ardent Spirits newsletter, pays tribute to the trainers in the industry and their spirit of giving, reminding young mxologists that we've developed a sharing community, where mixologists respect one another, and urged us to remember this, especially in light of the recession and increased pressure from competition. The Ardent Spirits newsletter is approaching its tenth anniversary, and it is as fresh as ever- Gary remains one of the most eloquent and creative voices in the industry. If you have not yet done so, sign up for his free newsletter: http://ardentspirits.com/newsletter.aspx
Last night at the Museum of the American Cocktail Author and Rum expert Wayne Curtis demonstrated the versatility of rum, in four seasonal cocktails while talking about it's interesting history and culture.. Next seminar March 2nd, 2009 - Adam Seger: Market-Fresh, Seasonally-Inspired. Seminars fill quickly. Register online at www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org.
The 2009 Cheers Conference
Two weeks ago I attended the annual Cheers Beverage Conference, which was held this year in Miami at the Hyatt Hotel. Laddy Weiss launched this event about ten years ago and has succeeded in establishing it as one of the most anticipated industry events.
There was great energy at this year's Conference, especially since it coincided with the inauguration. Despite the unusual chilly temperatures in Miami (40 degrees!), a feeling of warmth, camaraderie, and optimism filled the air as attendees took a mid day break on the 20 th in order to gather around the large flat screen televisions and witness the swearing in of our new President. Congratulations to Doug Frost, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award this year.
Of course one of the most memorable moments was Angie Pontani's dance inside a bath tub of gin at the Hendricks Gin party at the National, while sipping a Carte Blanche. Charlotte Voisey definitely scored another hit with this one! and we all enjoyed
In the evening, some of the leading mixologists from around the country were there to present original cocktails, including Tony Abou-ganim, Charles Joly, Jim Meehan, H. Joseph Ehrmann, Adam Seeger, Daniel Shoemaker , Francesco LaFraconi, Duggan
McDonnell, and others.
At the Gala Cocktail Party at the conclusion fo the conference, I prepared my Spicey Abbey Cocktail. The other drinks were superb as well, two that come to mind were Charles Joly's Rising Sun with green tea infused Plymouth Gin, Monin and Yuzu syrup and Jimmy Meehan's Highland Oasis ( Don Julio Tequila, lime juice, green Chartreus, and passionfruit puree.)
CHEERS
