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AbilityFirst 2024 50th Annual Food & Wine Festival unveils Exciting Plans Announcing Date and Unprecedented New Event Location!
50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Sunday, June 9, 2024
AbilityFirst proudly announces the 50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival, scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and in celebration of this milestone, the event will take place at a new and enchanting location: The Urquhart Residence in South Pasadena!
The Urquhart Residence in South Pasadena!
Great crowd at the event, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
The 50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival is a landmark outdoor event renowned for its gourmet food and beverage tastings.
Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in culinary delights presented by a diverse array of top local restaurants, cocktail bars, breweries, and vintners.
Dulce Vida Tequila, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
As AbilityFirst marks this special anniversary, this year’s festival promises an evening filled with exquisite flavors, entertainment, and a vibrant celebration of AbilityFirst’s mission.
Inspiring program at the event, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
For 98 years, AbilityFirst has been at the forefront of providing person-centered programs to empower individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Anita Lawler Wine, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
These programs guide individuals through each life transition, fostering social connections, independence, and providing essential employment preparation, training, and experience.
El Cholo Cafe, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
Proceeds from this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will directly benefit AbilityFirst’s programs which help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life; providing employment preparation, training, and experience; build social connections and independence; and offer participants and their caregivers an opportunity to refresh and recharge through recreational activities.
Fun music from DJ Q Nice, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
AbilityFirst’s person-centered programs empower individuals to discover what is important to them in their lives, and to develop the skills that are important for them to achieve their goals.
Anita Lawler
Ticket Information:The 50th AnnualAbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will take place on Sunday, June 9th, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Urquhart Residence in South Pasadena.
St Patricks Day in LA: Cocktail Collab as “A Taste of Green’ as Bailey’s Partners with Ian Charms
St. Patrick’s Day is now only a short leap away as we gear up to celebrate the Emerald Isle.
With the turn of the season comes an invitation to swap out your drab winter wardrobe for brighter spring hues because this just in – green is the new black.
St Patricks Day Cocktail Collab Brings Combines Flavor and Jewelry
This St. Patrick’s Day, Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur is partnering with celebrity-loved jewelry brand Ian Charms to release an exclusive charm collaboration that will make the ultimate fashion statement for the holiday.
The two iconic brands are celebrating their Irish roots with a limited-edition Baileys x Ian Charms Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set to make sure both you and your cocktail have the perfect touch of green for your celebrations.
“Baileys has been a beloved treat in my family for generations
and it’s exciting to finally be partnering with a brand that lets me celebrate my Irish heritage,”
Lisa Sahakian
Founder and CEO of Ian Charms
“Designing this charm set was incredibly fun and we’re thrilled to be offering our customers something truly unique to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with.”
St Patricks Day Cocktail Collab is Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set
The Baileys x Ian Charms Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set includes two distinct pieces – a necklace to complement any outfit and a cocktail charm to adorn onto the stem or rim of your cocktail glass.
The design features an eccentric combination of handmade charms, beads and pearls inspired by Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur’s unapologetically delicious ingredients and cocktails.
The one-of-a-kind charm set also pulls elements from the limited-time-offering Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Irish Cream Liqueur as well as quintessential Irish emblems, making this set the perfect accessory for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“We are delighted to be releasing this limited-edition collaboration
with a beloved brand like Ian Charms
to give adults a new way to indulge in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations,”
Camille Hemming
Senior Brand Manager of Baileys & Liqueurs, DIAGEO North America
“Between the classic Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur or the green-themed Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake that’s making a return for the holiday, we hope to offer more ways than one to toast to our brands’ Irish roots.”
“This exclusive drop marks Baileys’ second piece of Treat Couture, fashion-forward collaborations that inspire adults to indulge in unique wearable creations.
To celebrate the indulgence of fashion in the lead up to St. Patrick’s Day, treat yourself to a signature cocktail featuring beloved Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur and minty green limited-time-offering Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Irish Cream Liqueur.”
BAILEYS ESPRESSO MARTINI Ingredients:
1.5 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
0.75 oz espresso
0.75oz Ketel One Vodka
Coffee Beans, to garnish
Method:
Fill shaker with ice
Add all ingredients and shake
Strain into a cocktail glass
Garnish with coffee beans
VANILLA MINT MARTINI Ingredients:
2 oz Vanilla Mint Shake
0.5 oz Fernet Branca Menta
3-4 dashes Absinthe
Method:
Shake with 1 ice cube for dilution
Strain into cocktail glass
Garnish with grated chocolate + mint sprig
The limited-edition Baileys x Ian Charms Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set is available exclusively on IanCharms.com while supplies last. Ian Charms is a female-owned, handmade jewelry company based in LA that has amassed a loyal fan base of celebrities and consumers alike. Ian Charms will donate all proceeds from the charm set sales to CurePSP, and Baileys will match the amount with a donation to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), a non-profit educational foundation supporting emerging and established women entrepreneurs.
Baileys encourages consumers of legal drinking age to treat themselves responsibly this season.
Ian Charms is a female owned, handmade jewelry company
Ian Charms is a female owned, handmade jewelry company based in LA. Named “Ian” charms because the creator’s last name (Lisa Sahakian), like many Armenian names, ends in those three letters. For those who like to adorn their necks and wrists with a more personal flair, Ian Charms will work with you to craft a custom piece, just start the process by ordering the type of custom jewelry you’d like.
Notable fans of the brand include Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Julia Fox & Doja Cat, among others. IanCharms.com @iancharms
NAWBO is the unified voice of America’s more than 14 million women-owned businesses
Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of America’s more than 14 million women-owned businesses representing the fastest growing segment of the economy. NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries.
NAWBO develops programs that help navigate women entrepreneurs through the various stages of their business growth. To learn more about NAWBO, please visit www.nawbo.org.
To learn more about NAWBO’s non-profit educational foundation, the NAWBO Institute, please visit www.nawbo.org/university.
BAILEYS Irish Cream Liqueur
BAILEYS launched in Ireland in 1974. It is now available in 180 markets worldwide and is the number one selling liqueur in the world.
Owned by Diageo plc, BAILEYS is currently ranked 7th among all distilled spirits sold worldwide. It’s the signature delicious balance of Irish Cream, whisky and fine spirits that makes BAILEYS Original Irish Cream the perfect little indulgence when you need a break from your daily routine.
The BAILEYS portfolio includes Original Irish Cream, Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Cinnamon, Espresso Crème, Strawberries & Cream and Almande.
For more information on BAILEYS Original Irish Cream, please visit us at www.BAILEYS.com.
Performance and Spirit Stand out with “Lovers and Other Strangers” at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio.“Lovers and Other Strangers” runs at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio Fri-Sat nights only through February 2024. The Taylor Acting Studio is an indie theater that hosts actors workshops, classes and shows at 2401 W. Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, CA.
Cast attends Grand Opening of play “Lovers and Other Strangers” at The Taylor Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 17th, 2024
Starring cast of Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
For those unaware of “indie theater”, it’s a typical “black box” theater. What it lacks in production budget, it makes up for in spirit and talent. It’s a place where you discover hidden gems. And tonight, we found several.
Singer Vanessa Bejine attends Grand Opening of play “Lovers and Other Strangers” at The Taylor Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 17th, 2024
Publicist / comedian Christine Peake at Opening Weekend of “Lovers and Other Strangers” at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
The concern was how well would a risque 1970s sex comedy play in LA’s woke 2024.
Let’s find out…
Lovers and Other Strangers at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
I didn’t walk into the show thinking of it as a “Girls Night Out”, but tonight it definitely played in that direction. The packed theater was 70% women, who laughed, giggled and gasped throughout.
Charly Taylor, Bradley Holzer, “Lovers and Other Strangers” at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
Scene 1: Brenda & Jerry
Starring Charly Taylor, Bradley Holzer
What if your best and worst date was the same date? Holzer’s “Jerry” tries to make his date night a little sexier while Taylor’s Brenda terrorizes him with naive or not-so-much wishy-washy responses.
Taylor’s Brenda is electric as she walks on stage against Holzer’s kinetic energy. It’s a high energy, flirty scene that stays fresh thanks to the performer’s chemistry.
Painfully relatable. Hilarious. And it sets the tone for the night. Laughing. Squirming. Following these characters through a maze of love, romance, disgust, bitterness.
Phillip Latini, Elizabeth Kyokwijuka
Scene 2: Hal & Cathay
Starring Phillip Latini, Elizabeth Kyokwijuka
Do you love dialogue? Phillip Latini and Elizabeth Kyokwijuka clearly love their dialogue and are having so much fun.
Like a tennis match where they volley their bleeding hearts (and heartache) back and forth. Heartbreak, swing, betrayal, swing, jealousy, embrace. Then repeat. Latini offers a sneering performance demanding Kyokwijuka’s intensity and delicious she delivers. Great scene!
Art Santoro and Eugenia Kuzmina at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
Scene 3: Johnny & Wilma
Starring Art Santoro and Eugenia Kuzmina
If you’ve seen Kuzmina’s work on the big screen before you know how easily she holds her stage presence.
Tonight Kuzmina’s “Wilma” steals the scene in the first few moments with a quiet confidence and a misbehaving perfume bottle. Then like a cat and mouse game, she taunts, teases and plays Santoro’s Johnny until he can’t take it anymore. He’s a mountain of a guy who’s gentle until he’s not. When Santoro fires back it becomes a chess match. Physically, emotionally, psychologically. Tossing and turning – the more they fight, the more their chemistry builds and what does that say about love?
Charly Taylor and Nathaniel Wyatt
Scene 4: Susan & Mike
Starring Charly Taylor and Nathaniel Wyatt
In tonight’s opening scene, Taylor is electric. Now she visits us again. In this scene she shows another side – calmly keeping pace while Wyatt takes the spotlight burning through his dialogue. He bares his soul with vulnerability, angst, anger, desperation.
Nathaniel Wyatt has leading man relatability. Think Tom Hanks in 1984’s massive hit “Splash”. If he and Charly Taylor aren’t pitching themselves (Hanks and Darryl Hannah, respectively) to the studios for a remake, the movie-loving world is missing out.
Sergio Lopez, Jordan Whitney
Scene 5: Bea, Frank, Rickie & Joan
Starring Eugenia Kuzmina, Sergio Lanza, Sergio Lopez, Jordan Whitney.
Throughout the night we’ve seen couples wrestling with every quirk and detail of relationships, healthy and not. Here we see two married couples, one older, one younger – and how both couples are dealing with all of romance’s issues.
Sergio Lopez should win acclaim for his performance in this scene. In a room full of bombastic characters, your eyes keep going back to him as he makes the subtlest of feelings quake the entire theater.
Sergio Lanza brings heart to the room and a baseline to Lopez’s reactions. Lopez and Lanza should work together more often. As Lanza’s internal boiling builds, he fills the room with emotion that all of the actors play off in the second half of the scene. The ensemble harmony is so flavorful and fun.
Cue Jordan Whitney’s entrance who brings sunshine on a cloudy day. Moments later, she informs Kuzmina’s performance in one of the highlights of the evening.
Eugenia Kuzmina reveals herself as a character actress
Eugenia Kuzmina reveals herself as a character actress. You know her best from several turns in Hollywood blockbusters, most notably gangsters and spies in big-budget Guy Ritchie movies.
But tonight she’s having a blast playing against type. She’s moody and vulnerable. Playing a lowly housewife with a lifetime of regrets. A woman in the audience goes from sobbing to full-on guffawing within seconds thanks to Kuzmina’s heartbreaking monologue in the second half of the scene.
One specific beat is so raw, honest, yet bitterly funny. Kuzmina captures the mood.
It’s the perfect scene to end the show on.
Eugenia Kuzmina
Indie Theater at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio is a fun date night
Why is indie theater important? Because in a town like LA, you can be sure these guys aren’t doing it for the money or the fame. They’re performing for you tonight because they love it.
Director Jennifer Taylor from Taylor Acting Studio
Years ago, I was sitting in a black box theater and after the show I noticed an Oscar-winning filmmaker getting up from his seat in the back row. On the walk out, I nudged him about why he was there. He replied, “Eh, I had a tough week. Got me cynical. These kids helped remind me that I love storytelling.”
Joe Winger at the premiere weekend
If you love storytelling, give indie theater a try. Pick a restaurant within walking distance. Make it as date night.
DTLA’s Boomtown Brewery 9th Anniversary Celebration in the Arts District Feb 17
Boomtown Brewery , L.A.’s iconic craft beer haven located in the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, is gearing up to commemorate nine years of brewing excellence with a blow-out Boomtown Brewery 9thAnniversary Celebration coming up on Saturday, February 17th, 2024!
Boomtown Brewery 9thAnniversary Celebration on Saturday, February 17th
Boomtown Brewery invites beer enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike to join the party in the Boomtown Tap Room located just steps away from their state-of-the-art brewery for a full day and evening filled with Craft Beer, Food Trucks, DJ’s, Live Entertainment, and much more.
Owners John Rankin, Alex Kagianaris, and Samuel Chawinga, along with their dedicated team including Head Brewer Amber Sawicki and Production Manager Benjamin Turkel are thrilled to celebrate nearly a decade of crafting exceptional beer byshowcasing over twenty Craft Beer selections such as the Nose Job IPA, Las Palmas Pale Ale, and Mic Czech Pilsner along with fresh IPAs, Stouts, Sours Gluten-Free Seltzers, and more.
But the highlight of the celebration will be Boomtown Brewery’sBAD HOMBRE BAR featuring one-of-a-kind renditions of your favorite Mexican-style Lager.
Boomtown Brewery proudly represents Los Angeles, a beacon for creativity and community in the DTLA Arts District. Crafting old-world, unfiltered, full-flavored beers with integrity, become a haven for expression and grit in the Arts District.
The Boomtown Tap Room serves as a community space for artists, makers, crafters, and a diverse community to come together and enjoy exceptional beer in a vibrant atmosphere.
From live music to trivia, open mic nights, food festivals, and more, Boomtown Brewery continues to contribute to the local community in meaningful ways. So, mark your calendars and save-the-date for Boomtown Brewery’s 9th Anniversary Celebration!
Boomtown Brewery’s9th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 am.This is a 21+ event after 8:00 pm. This event is Free to attend, and no tickets are needed.
Wisconsin Already knows the Big Winner on Superbowl Sunday
When the Big Game rolls around each February, Wisconsin Cheese knows that eyes are on both the TV and what’s on the table.
If you do the cheese math, Wisconsin crafts 600 types, styles, and varieties of cheese, which means there are 600 options for cheese A, 599 options for cheese B, and 598 options for cheese C. The total combinations equal 214 million cheeseboard options, and with 126 million households in the U.S., no two game day spreads need to be the same.
“With friends gathered around the TV and taste buds craving something extraordinary,
Wisconsin Cheese is here to elevate the game day experience
with artisan cheeses for a vast array of cheeseboard combinations,”
Suzanne Fanning
CMO of Wisconsin Cheese.
“Wisconsin crafts 50% of the nation’s specialty cheese, which means The State of Cheese has the award-winning cheeses to make every spread score points with fans of any team.”
Play your starting lineup: an award-winning cheeseboard that will win over every guest’s taste buds. Whether you want to keep it classic or try a creative new play with thrilling flavors, these cheese boards will enliven your snacking array:
Salty and spicy is a game-winning combo. This Spicy Game Day Board is an easy win for any host.
Be sure to share your creations with us on Instagram and Facebook. For more information about award-winning Wisconsin Cheese and winning recipes, visit www.wisconsincheese.com.
Wisconsin Cheese
The tradition of cheesemaking excellence began more than 180 years ago before Wisconsin was recognized as a state. With 90% of the State’s cow’s milk being turned into cheese, Wisconsin’s 1,200 cheesemakers, many of whom are third- and fourth-generation, continue to pass on old-world traditions while adopting modern innovations in cheesemaking craftsmanship. Wisconsin has won more awards for its cheese than any other state or country.
Funded by Wisconsin dairy farmers, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that focuses on marketing and promoting Wisconsin’s world-class dairy products.
10 Unique Food and Beverage Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we all know the drill — flowers, chocolates, candy, rinse and repeat.
Although a lovely sentiment, it’s not exactly the stuff that legends are made of, right?
So, we dove deep into the web and came up with a list of food and beverage items that say “I love you” in an unconventional and out-of-the-box way.
These gems are not your garden-variety tokens of affection; they’re off-beat, they’re fun, and they scream “Be Mine” in the most deliciously distinctive ways.
From quirky snacks to sippable surprises, here’s our list of
10 unique food & beverage gifts for Valentine’s day
Olive & Cocoa Chocolate Heart Pretzels
Imagine a dozen crunchy pretzels, each smothered in a dreamy mix of milk and white chocolate and then dotted with playful pink hearts.
Both salty and sweet, as most relationships are, these tantalizing treats arrive in a chic, handcrafted wooden crate, tied up with a red ribbon, and just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Trust us, they are the yummiest way to say “I heart you!”
It’s like nature’s own love boosting superfood – the Ayurvedic secret often dubbed as a ‘natural viagra’ for both ladies and gents. And, it’s not just about cranking up your libido and vitality; it’s also great for knocking down stress and anxiety, which are the usual, and unfortunate romance killers.
Sprinkle some of this 100% USDA Certified Organic magic powder into your daily routine and get ready for a more sumptuous and satisfying sex life.
We’re talking about Lou Malnati’s heart-shaped deep dish pizza for two, with your pick of cheesy goodness or savory sausage, paired with a giant heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie. And this cookie isn’t just any cookie – it’s the same recipe used in Lou Malnati’s iconic pizzerias.
It’s like a big hug from Chicago, sent straight to your door this Valentine’s Day. Who can resist that?
Get ready to fall hard for these delicious hand pies, bursting with juicy Montana huckleberries and blueberries.
Elle’s Belles country kitchen whips up each small-batch bakes with love, making these some of the tastiest treats you’ll ever devour.
And here’s the kicker — each pie is handcrafted, ensuring your gift is as unique as it is delicious. But remember, all good things take time, and these handmade beauties need 24 hours to bake and package before heading your way.
Whisk your taste buds to Italy on Valentine’s Day with Nonna Dora’s heart-shaped ravioli, a beloved staple for 25 years at New York City’s I Trulli!
Handcrafted with special Italian flour, these beauties get their charming stripes from beet puree and are filled with creamy Italian ricotta. Boil them up, sauté with butter and sage, and voilà—a romantic dinner to remember.
Behind these gems is “Nonna Dora” Marzovilla, a pasta-making legend for over 70 years, now delighting NYC with her own spot, Nonna Dora’s Pasta Bar. It’s like getting a squeeze from an Italian nonna in every bite!
What better way to say “I love you” than with an elegant bouquet of long-stemmed candied bacon shaped roses. Perfect for anyone who can’t resist the sweet and salty combo of maple syrup and bacon, each rose shaped flower is topped with a red sugar coating to keep those roses a brightly blooming red.
Seeking a little romantic tea time with your honey?
Jacqueline Aliotti’s heart-shaped tea bags are the perfect choice to heat things up. Inspired by her childhood in Lyon, France, surrounded by the warmth of her parents’ tea shop, each boxed set includes 5 English Breakfast, 5 Earl Grey, and 5 White Berry tea bags, perfect for sharing a romantic afternoon with your Valentine.
When not doing stand up comedy, she is a working actress and just celebrated her 50th popular Podcast, which is on spotify and iheart radio.
Cat Ce is definitely productively packing her days with her creativity and manages to stay fit and radiant. She is also a certified Pilates teacher – which explains the body!
Physical stamina is a must for her busy schedule
Her work out regime is very specific to her needs and she swears by swimming to keep her body toned and mind relaxed.
Anyone who has been backstage at a comedy show or eaten at a comedy club will tell you there are specific comfort foods that may not be the healthiest if eaten on a nightly basis. Who doesn’t love pizza or chicken wings and fries at 11pm?
Well, Cat Ce for one stays away from the temptations as much as she can.
“I try to eat healthy & balanced meals.
Smoothies, fruits, veggies, fish or lean meat with great protein are my main nutrients…”
reveals Cat Ce
“…I try to do everything in moderation. I don’t completely cut out bread, I just try to minimize the intake of carbs, get enough protein, and never deprive myself. I have a balanced lifestyle. Staying active with daily exercise, and swimming is my daily routine. A solid workout will obviously help you stay in shape, but also helps me manage stress.
Cat Ce wears many hats and works out regularly to stay fit
I keep physically strong, which leads me to feeling mentally strong, this also guarantees a good night sleep — which is also key.
The simple basic fundamentals of taking care of ourselves is my mantra, this will lead to success. I believe.”
Something tells me Cat Ce is right!
To catch Cat Ce performing check out her upcoming shows in Los Angeles Hollywood Improv Jan 15th and 19th, the Comedy Store Jan 15th and Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas on Jan 20th!
Zayn Malik joins Mixoloshe as Chief Creative Officer and Co-Owner
The global superstar launches a custom Lychee Martini flavor, with a unique can design inspired by his own tattoos.
The fast-rising, award winning non alcoholic beverage brand, made with clean ingredients and nothing artificial will make its retail debut at Walmart, launching across the US with the retailer by end of October
Mixoloshe, a female founded and award winning non-alcoholic beverage brand, announces its partnership with celebrated award-winning artist and entrepreneur Zayn Malik, who has joined the company as the Chief Creative Officer (CCO) and Co-Owner.
The partnership will center around reshaping the narrative of the non-alcoholic beverage industry, as well as deep creative collaboration on marketing initiatives and upcoming flavor launches.
Additionally, Mixoloshe will launch in 500 Walmart stores across the country, marking the brand’s anticipated retail debut.
Zayn’s first flavor launch is a non-alcoholic Lychee Martini, a refreshing and exotic drink, that is sweet, floral, and slightly tropical. The can design is also captivating and unique, featuring replica illustrations of his own most beloved tattoos.
Mixoloshe was founded in 2022 to redefine the booming non-alcoholic drink category with a clean, alcohol-free take on cocktails and premium spirits that taste like the real thing.
Their collection offers a non-alcoholic range of popular cocktails, such as a Mojito, Old Fashioned, Gin & Tonic, and Margarita, as well as non-alcoholic Tequila, Whisky, and Gin, all made with real ingredients, and low in sugar, calories.
Mixoloshe’s soft seltzers and non-alcoholic spirits have been recognized globally as best in class, and in 2023 they were honored with the Bartenders Spirits Gold Award, Ascot Award Gold for Taste, and the SIP Awards in Gold, Silver, and Bronze, to name a few. Their collection includes 8 canned non-alcoholic cocktail varieties, including the newly launched Lychee Martini flavor, and three bottled non alcoholic premium spirits.
“The non-alcoholic beverage market is ready for disruption, which can create immense growth potential. We see consumers already shifting preferences towards healthier and alcohol-free alternatives, which provides an opportunity for a brand like MIXOLOSHE to redefine this industry. I could not be more excited about the chance to make some noise in the category of non-alcoholic beverages and build one of the most talked about drinks in the world.” – Zayn Malik
“Zayn is a creative visionary both in music and beyond. His passion for innovation and his ability to captivate audiences will undoubtedly help us redefine the narrative around the non alcoholic beverage category, with a fresh perspective on making healthy lifestyle choices and living well, irrespective of your beverage preferences,” said Kristina Roth, MIXOLOSHE Founder and CEO. “I’m looking forward to working alongside him and shaping a future for this category where the glass is always half full of possibilities.”
Soft seltzers are available in a 12 pack, and retail for $29.99. Non-alcoholic spirits are available in a 750 ml bottle and retail for $29.99.
Mixoloshe is a female-founded line of non-alcoholic seltzers and spirits that are formulated to taste and smell boozy without the booze. Whether you’re booze-free forever or just for the night, these drinks are the perfect inclusive answer to an age old question—what are we drinking? High in flavor and low in calories, MIXOLOSHE packs a party into every can of soft seltzer and bottle of non-alcoholic spirits. With a mission and ingredients that are anything but fake, the brand offers booze-free cocktail alternatives that taste like the real thing. Party tonight with no regrets tomorrow.
Legendary Pittsburgh Restauranteur Joseph Costanzo Jr. Reveals all in his Tasty Memoir with “On The Rocks”
On the Rocks chronicles the real-life journey of restaurateur Joseph Costanzo Jr., from his rise to success in the 1990s as a owner of the highly acclaimed Primadonna Restaurant, radio host, columnist, and aspiring politician to his sharp fall in the early 2000s, ending in an investigation and a stint in federal prison.
Costanzo is a complex character, whom readers will admire for his confidence and rebuke for his arrogance, will love for his generosity and despise for his egotism, and will learn from in both his attention to detail and lack thereof.
This driven, not-your-average-Joe is an unforgettable character who achieves the seemingly impossible but can’t help getting in his own way. Come along with Joe for a bumpy ride on the rocks
Today, we’re having a conversation with all three: Joseph Costanzo Jr., co-writersMaria C. Palmer and Ruthie Robbins.
The conversation has been edited for clarity and length. Find the un-edited conversation on our FlavRReport YouTube channel.
Something that I find amazing, this book has been 17 years in the process. Is that an accurate piece of trivia?
Maria C. Palmer: 100%. Yes, that is a very accurate piece of trivia.
So way back 17 years ago, what sparked this for you?
Maria C. Palmer: A couple of things. I think that because the restaurant was such a significant part of our lives, and it was always the highlight of my father’s life. Once it went away, the spark kind of went away, too. And I wanted to bring that back in my Dad. So I started asking him lots of questions about his life. Specifically for a family history. At the time, being a writer myself, in addition to grant writing, I’m also a writer and I can really spot a good story that has commercial value.
On The Rocks co-author Maria C. Palmer
There were just so many wonderful elements to his story. So I started recording some vignettes of different things that had happened throughout his life. But not really knowing and or intending at the time that it would be a book.
But as we went on, I saw that the potential was there and I was lucky enough to still be in contact with my former teacher, Ruthie Dines Robbins and brought the project to her and asked her if she would be willing to work on it with me.
It was really from there that we decided it would become a book and that we would work together diligently for probably 10 years together.
Ruthie Robbins: I’m only 7 years.
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: They had it in Maria’s voice originally. Ruthie was in a book club and they said, “Put it in Joe’s voice and they had to go back and change the whole book.” I watched 11, 000 emails back and forth.
Ruthie Robbins: We were not primarily emailing. We were mostly talking and texting, and that year was the pandemic year. So I was off teaching that winter and the following fall.
Before we get into the restaurant itself, what was the writing process like?
Maria C. Palmer: I can speak to the family history and just the overall process of it. It was really challenging. Because whenever you’re writing a memoir or a biography, You’re not writing a Wikipedia page. So it’s not from the time somebody is born until the time that they pass away.
You’re picking the most poignant time in their lives. Not only cherry picking all the good things that happened during that time period, but you’re picking some of the challenges too, because that’s what makes a good story.
It was challenging to figure out what the storyline was going to be and sometimes to tell those hard parts of the story.
What was even more challenging, was just the nebulous nature of the publishing industry. I just thought you wrote a book, it’s on Amazon and then people buy it. And that could not be further from the truth. Query letters. Polished one page, a 90,000 word manuscript. A whole book proposal. An entire business plan of why we’re writing the book and why it’s going to sell into the market. Requiring that much to not even get a thanks,, but just no response whatsoever.
Ruthie Robbins: Totally agree. The writing was not arduous part because Maria and I get along so well.. We’re real partners, but this publishing thing. We really didn’t understand the process, so it is difficult, and especially in this genre, [competing with] the celebrities and athletes and reality stars who wrote memoirs. They want a name on the shelf that someone will pick up in a bookstore.
Mr. Costanzo, one of my favorite parts of this book is the wine mentions. Tell us your “Pin on the wall” story.
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: Yeah we’re in a tough neighborhood, but we brought in a lot of people outside the area and upscale people, limos, what have you.
I had a bus boy and he was a really good worker. He became a server and he came to me after he got the drink order and said, ”what’s a pin on the wall?”
I never heard of a “Pin on the Wall”. So we went to the bartender. He didn’t know either. We looked it up, nothing.
So I went out there to ask the customers, so we could make it for them – and one of the most mortal sins at the Primadonna was making Joe Costanzo look bad – I said, excuse me what’s in a Pin on a Wall and they all started laughing. The guy said, “Pinot Noir.”
They’re laughing at me. That’s bad. So I went in and I really did a job on this kid. My wife grabbed me by my tie and pushed me downstairs to my office.
I was in this kid’s face because he really wasn’t real serious about the situation. If you’re going to be the best at what you’re doing, you can’t be messing up like that.
He ended up being great. Chris, who was the server, became a maitre’d and a great employee of mine. He was very loyal. I really went overboard with him and I did feel bad about it.
Reviews are incredibly important. The amount of work and effort you put in to get your Four Forks Review. Tell us a little bit about what happened.
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: Because the area was an old steel town which had a reputation of a lot of fighting, a lot of drinking, a lot of drugs, nobody would come into that area to eat.
I knew I needed credibility, and the only way I would get credibility was through the Pittsburgh Post, because the dining critic, Mike Kalina, who was a syndicated columnist, had tremendous credibility. KDKA TV, Post Gazette, New York Daily News.
For two and a half years, I kept reaching out to him. This is in a time before cell phones and emails.
But I knew if he comes down and gives us a good review, people from outside the area, from the upscale areas of the city are going to come in. That’s what happened.
But he did say to me, “You deserve four, but I’ll only give you three because you’ll never handle the business.”
That Friday night, June 3rd 1988, he was 100 percent right. People were lined up at the door. I was used to doing 10-15 dinners a night. We did over 200 dinners that night and it was a total joke. People waited two and a half hours. When food came out of the kitchen, people actually applauded. People were begging me to get him a bottle of vodka because they couldn’t get a drink at the bar.
We were short of service. We were short of bartenders. I made it all work in the next couple of weeks and I hired people.
I don’t want to ruin the upcoming movie or TV series, but when you trimmed it down, how much heartbreak was there in cutting out so many stories?
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: It was very tough. We had a book signing in August. I kept telling people they were in the book, and they were in the draft I read. But there were final touches that I didn’t see and we lost a lot of names and alot of stories. So I really felt bad. I found the actual early draft and sent copies to those people. This should be in a book, but it will be in the movie, I guarantee you.
Ruthie Robbins: It was so hard. We did a lot of fact checking when we wrote, because memories are so unreliable. We talked to people who were in the original book [draft] and they expected to be more. And on top of that, you try to end the chapter on a cliffhanger. When you take out a story that changes the number of pages in the chapter, it changes the pace of the book. That was a terrible editing challenge.
Maria, what was that like for you as the author and the daughter?
Maria C. Palmer: Originally the book was written partially in my voice and partially in my Dad’s voice. It started chronologically for me in my twenties and [had] flashbacks because the story starts in 1986 and I was very young at that time. It was confusing and it didn’t work. Everything that I wrote and all that I put my heart and soul into was all cut from the book. So now I have another book project that I’m working on.
But I will echo what my father and Ruthie said. It was hard because everybody did have a significant piece to the Primadonna story.
Mr. Costanza, it would be an easy assumption to say you’ve lived a big life. Are there one or two things you would have done differently in the stories of the book now looking back on them?
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: Sure. When you are hitting all home runs, you tend to believe that everything that you do is gonna be a home run. I had the most popular restaurant in Western Pennsylvania. Maybe I’m going to do something else, maybe I’ll go into politics.
I spent about $300,000 of my own money to put my name out there. Most people loved Joe Costanzo, but now when you get into politics it’s not that way. So that was probably my biggest regret.
My wife begged me not to do it. She said, Joe, we have a miracle here and you’re going to try for another miracle. And she was right. You may or may not like Joe Costanzo when you read the book, but you will love Donna Costanzo.
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: And that’s bottom line. Everybody says the same thing. Joe, it was great. What he did is impossible, but his wife was a saint for putting up with all this stuff that a restaurateur has to go through.
The theme of hospitality comes out in the book, but you so clearly love people. What has it been like getting all these people’s responses to this story?
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: This has been unbelievable for me. People are very happy that this all happened this way. I treated people really well and people wanted to reciprocate. So exhilarating to me. My life has been very boring, but now it’s really gotten to the point where it’s been great thanks to Maria and Ruthie.
Ruthie Robbins: It’s heartwarming. Especially from former students, the outpouring has brought me to tears sometimes. It’s reconnecting with people over the book. That has really been so wonderful
Maria C. Palmer: This has been such a 17 year journey. I always believed that there was something special about this story. Seeing that exactly what I felt in my gut for 17 years is actually playing out in real life.
Whenever we’re in Pittsburgh, it is almost surreal because people are talking about “On The Rocks and it’s really cool and crazy to know that something that you created means so much for people.
Joseph Costanzo Jr.: The big thing which is amazing to me is that the book came out August 8th, 2023. For two weeks, the book was the number one bestselling ebook on Amazon for culinary memoirs. Ahead of Anthony Bourdain’s, Kitchen Confidential and Stanley Tucci’s Taste “On the Rocks” for over two weeks was the number one overall best-selling ebook. Now that’s hard to believe because this was just a Western Pennsylvania thing and Bourdain and Tucci are worldwide known authors and entertainers.
Tell us where we can find the book and all the ways we can keep in touch with this story.
French Bloom delivers flavor, elegance and subtlety without the boozy battle.
You want to celebrate. You want to “pop the cork”, enjoy the flavor, but you don’t want the after-effects. The drunkenness. Certainly not the hangover. And women? Of course there needs to be ways to elegantly celebrate even (and especially) during pregnancy. Imagine a pregnant-friendly wine?
It’s a situation that should have been solved already. But now it has and with style. It’s a subtle, elegant, flavorful answer.
French Bloom Re-Invents the Game
Now everyone can share “moments of pleasure” as their website mentions. French Bloom’s organic de-alcoholized chardonnay and pinot noir, alcohol-free French sparkling cuvées combine French tradition with innovation.
French Bloom Co-Founders Maggie Frerejean – Taittinger and Constance Jablonski
The Team Behind French Bloom
Maggie Frerejean – Taittinger and Constance Jablonski bring different and complementary skill sets. Equally important, they bring the desire for the vision and the motivation for innovation.
Through their innovative and female-founded brand, French Bloom gives an alternative and inviting drink to those wanting to celebrate elegantly and differently, making the most of the precious moments shared with friends and family.
If the names sound familiar, Constance is a globally-working fashion model you’ve seen representing Estée Lauder and countless luxury brands.
Maggie is director of the Michelin Guide and married to Rodolphe Frerejean-Taittinger, chief executive of Champagne Frerejean Freres.
Carl Héline, the former head of Champagne Krug, joined French Bloom.
Let’s Taste French Bloom
Le Rosé
Pale pink in the glass. Rose petals, freshly picked red currant, raspberry aromas on the nose. Indulgent white peach notes on the palate. Elegant. The organic French grapes give a nice acidity. Well-balanced complexity of minerality and freshness. Tartness and a rounded balance on the finish.
Certified Vegan- Organic- Halal
0.0% Alcohol
Pregnant-friendly
Low Calorie
Sulfite-Free
No preservatives
No sugar added, 4,2g/ 100ml
A blend of de-alcoholized organic French Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, organic grape juice, Gensac spring water and natural organic flavors such as lemon.
Le Blanc
Organic French Bubbly, 0.0% Alcohol
Medium golden amber in the glass. Minerality and pear aromas on the nose, that just keep opening and opening. Pear, banana, melon, white flowers. An explosion of complexity on the palate. As the flavors open, Granny Smith apple, spicy citrus. A full-bodied mouth with a luxurious, zesty finish that keeps going.
De-alcoholized organic wine, organic grape juice, French sparkling Gensac spring water, organic lemon juice, organic natural flavors.
