Floored! NRA Show 2009 News

Gold Rush

   

International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) exhibitor Dry Fly Distilling took the double gold at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Dry Fly Distilling, established in 2007, is Washington’s first craft distilled spirits producer of vodka, gin and soon (you heard it here first!), whiskey.

All Dry Fly Distilling’s ingredients are locally sourced. Small sustainable farm families provide the wheat used in the vodka and gin and six Northwest organic botanicals (including hops, yes, hops!) round out the gin.

The vodka’s caramel overtones and butterscotch nose are made possible by using only the sweetest “hearts” of the distillation run. They always double distill, never once, and only do a light filter to deliver the ultimate punch of flavor. That same award-winning vodka is the base ingredient for Dry Fly’s gin.

Attend IWSB to find out which big-name vodkas Dry Fly Distilling beat out for the double gold. Register today!

Spotlight: 2009 Keynote Executive Panel

  

Prominent. Respected. Inspiring. Dynamic. Visionary. Innovative. These are all words to describe the distinguished lineup of “best in class” industry leaders who will take part in the keynote executive panel "Seize the Moment: Energize the Guest Experience and Drive Sales in This Economy" at NRA Show 2009.

This year’s new, interactive format will include wine maker and restaurateur Joseph Bastianich, chef-owner Daniel Boulud, Chipotle founder Steve Ells, hospitality analytics entrepreneur Damian Mogavero and Buffalo Wild Wings' Sally Smith. Award-winning journalist Steve Dolinsky (pictured above) will lead a lively exchange between the panelists and audience to identify cutting-edge and profitable steps you can take today in this fast-changing marketplace.

Also, National Restaurant Association chairman and co-president of Enovo Restaurant Ventures LLC Michael Kaufman will deliver a welcome address before the keynote and also lead the Faces of Diversity awards ceremony (created by the Association in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice).

NRA Show 2009 and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event attendees are encouraged to submit questions for the panelists prior to the event through Floored! (yeah, you got it, right here!) and also @NRAShow09 on Twitter and on Facebook.

Not yet registered to attend NRA Show 2009? Don’t miss your opportunity to ask questions and interact with the keynote panelists. Register today!

The Oscar Goes to...Chicago Restaurant Week

The Oscars® are only hours away, but the 2nd Annual Chicago Restaurant Week is already in high gear across the city. Get ready to eat it up at over 130 restaurants through February 27, with three-course prix-fixe menus of $22 for lunch and $32 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity).

America's new president and Chicago's very own, President Barack Obama, enjoys a rich mix of dining spots in Chicago. And Chef Rick Bayless' Topolobampo, the sophisticated sibling to Frontera Grill, both Chicago Restaurant Week participants, is often selected as the Obamas' hot spot for regional Mexican food.

Look for Chef Bayless to make an appearance, as he and many other celebrity chefs always do, at NRA Show®2009 and the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) at Chicago's McCormick Place.

Check out 312DD for the perfect spot to dine during the NRA Show and IWSB.

All Shook Up With A Twist

People have been thirsting for cocktails for hundreds of years. In fact, the word "cocktail" first landed in the U.S. in the early 19th century. Early cocktails such as Planters Punch, the Dry Martini and Pink Lady were, well excuse us, for the rich. Fast forward to today where cocktails are straight up mainstream and enjoyed by bar flies, lounge lizards and cocktail connoisseurs.

When we discovered Conelly Cocktails puts a twist on classic cocktails, we were all over it like ice cubes, salt and an orange slice on a Salty Dog. Conelly serves up all the necessary ingredients in two cans to make a Mai Tai, Planters Punch, Ladykiller, Sex on the Beach and Tequila Sunrise.

One can contains the mix of spirits and the other holds the companion fruit juices. Simply pour into a shaker, add ice, shake --never stir-- and presto, you have a delicious cocktail ready to serve in minutes. These refreshing cocktails will be launched by Conelly Cocktails at the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (@ NRA Show 2009) and will soon be available to consumers across the U.S. at restaurants, clubs, hotels, airports and more.

We'll drink to that. Cheers!

Vino Cacao is coming to America

The buzz surrounding the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event is so loud it can be heard on the other side of the ocean.

Vino Cacao, the Paris-based manufacturer of chocolate Bordeaux wine and chocolate Cognac, is exhibiting at IWSB 2009. CEO Franck Maupouet, the chocolatier son of wine-grower family in France, hopes to expand distribution in the States. NRA Show's premier alcohol forum will provide him with numerous opportunities to connect with high-volume buyers from numerous industry segments.

Wine and chocolate — two products that invoke passion in all of us, right? Not only can you imbibe Vino Cacao at a cocktail party or other special occasion, but you can also infuse your culinary creations with it as well. View a menu of ideas from Vino Cacao here.

Franck, we look forward to see you in Chicago in May!

LiQ-or-Treat!

Searching for a sweet treat that's different from the rest? Something with a little kick in it?

Try a LiQ Bar. The margarita and daiquiri popsicles are exciting additions to any event or menu. LiQ Bar is exhibiting at the International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event in 2009, and they can't wait to meet everyone at the restaurant and hospitality industry's premier beverage alcohol event in May.

In the meantime, LiQ Bar is keeping itself very occupied. It recently wowed folks at the Miami International Wine Fair to coincide with its launch in Florida. Then LiQ Bar is expanding to California in the next 30 days.

To see if LiQ Bar is coming to your area, stop by its spot on the Web, www.liqresponsibly.com.

Happy Halloween, everyone! Have a safe and fun day.