Who doesn’t love tequila?… and who doesn’t like trying new tequila?
Develop by tequila master Carlos Camarena and visionary French spirits producer, Jean Sebastian Robiquet, Excellia Tequila introduces a new production process that is a marriage of traditional French and Mexican spirit making techniques. Made from the Blue Agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico and is then aged in Sauternes Wine Casks & Grand Cru Cognac barrels. Like a fine Cognac, the aged spirits are then blended by a Master Blender to create perfectly balanced Blanco, Reposado and Anejo expressions.

The end result is an fine Tequila, rich with a flavor from the French wine casks and cognac barrels. Tequila experts have been playing with the idea of elevating the Tequila ageing process for some time, however Excellia is the very first product of its kind.

Earlier this summer, I was invited to the Moët Hennessy offices to get a preview of their 2010 USA Holiday Gift Collection which represents a selection of Holiday offerings from their distinguished Champagne, Wine, and Spirits. I’ve highlighted items in their catalog that caught my attention as well as have a great taste. The collection displays the creativity and craftsmanship developed by Moët Hennessy team. Have a look and prepare your holiday gifts to loved ones.

DOM PÉRIGNON SIDE BY SIDE

The “Side by Side” limited edition is a first in the history of wine: two bottles of the same vintage of Dom Pérignon, with two different levels of maturation. Never before has it been possible to discover and compare two moments in the life of one remarkable wine, side by side. Dom Pérignon Vintage 1996 was aged for seven years in the cellars and was disgorged in 2003, when the wine entered its first plenitude and the Dom Pérignon style had been reached. Continue reading “Moët Hennessy USA Holiday 2010 Collection” »

This is the first clear spirit from the House of Rémy Martin and will be launched this September. Pronounced “Vee” (derived from the French word “Vie” for “life”), Rémy Martin V is also the first product of its kind in this category. Continue reading “Introducing Rémy Martin V” »

ABSOLUT vodka will launch a super premium version ABSOLUT 100 for Father’s Day (in São Paulo). Within the concepts of high quality, luxury and uniqueness, which permeate ABSOLUT 100. An avant-garde symbol of masculinity and adored by the most demanding. Therefore the professionals and brands listed meet the expectations of this consumer profile.  The vodka has selected three visionaries fashionistas to develop, together with the brand, unique and modern gifts for young and modern men. Only 50 kits per store will be produced and marketed, from the 20th of July. To boost the launch, during the three Saturdays leading up to the Father’s Day, ABSOLUT vodka will provide bartenders, that will develop cocktails in partner stores to welcome customers. The curators of the project are stylists Felipe and Ricardo Bruno.

Stone Bonker, brand of designer João Henrique Correia, designed two options of skinny black ties,in italian silk. One with the square end and one conventional. Each accessory will accompany the black bottle of ABSOLUT 100 in a custom box.The kits will be sold at the Stone Bonker store, in São Paulo.

A few weeks ago I was invited to see the Moët Hennessy Holiday 2010 Preview and one of the many additions to stand out was the tribute collection to Andy Warhol by Dom Pérignon.

A fan of the champagne himself, Warhol along with 20 friends purchased 2,000 bottles to be stored and enjoyed on the arrival of the new millennium. Unfortunately Warhol didn’t live to see that day and the location as to where these bottles are remains unknown. Continue reading “A Tribute to Andy Warhol by Dom Pérignon” »

Hashi
5009 Broadway
NYC 10034
646-837-6888

Nestled in the heart of Inwood, Upper Manhattan’s historical playgrounds for literature greats such as Edgar Allan Poe arrives the sushi spot, Hashi that residents in Inwood sing praises for. Hashi, which means chopsticks in Japanese pleases every taste bud that you can detect with their genius blend of herbs in their appetizers. I suggest these that I had during my visit: Mixed Sunomono (Cucumber salad with shrimp, kani, octopus and furikake sweet vinegar dressing and vegetable gyoza with ponzu sauce. I know you’re licking your lips and I haven’t begun to describe the entrees, but first let’s talk about the ambiance. Continue reading “Hashi Is Inwood’s New Sushi Haven” »

Lately (and I mean over the last few years), alcohol brands have been collaborating often with artist giving them their own bottles and letting them go crazy with designs. This time Absolut Vodka called in for the help of Stephen Powers (ESPO) and Chiho Aoshima for a new campaign, “The Absolut Art of Sharing”. Each artist contributed two designs to a series of four unique drink pitchers. The set been released in various sizes, in a select group of global markets (1L in US, 700ml in Europe/New Zealand, & 750ml in Mexico). More information can be found here, at Absolut collector’s forum.

View the artist individual pieces and video after the jump Continue reading “‘Absolut Art of Sharing’ by Stephen Powers and Chiho Aoshima” »

The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge gives new meaning to that Las Vegas slogan we know all too well. In this town where the newest and most novel reigns supreme, there really isn’t much that has stayed in Las Vegas. Compared to Aureole’s flying sommeliers and the Encore’s Switch Steak where the decor changes several times during dinner, the Peppermill is a retro-sexy breath fresh air that’s much the same as it was when it opened over 30 years ago.

Getting to the Peppermill on foot from the spectacular and nearby Wynn is decidedly unsexy. Located on the Strip between the stalwart and shabby Riviera and the Stardust, it’s in a pretty grim neighborhood of seedy tattoo parlors, medical clinics and cheap variety stores. Plod on, nonetheless, and the Peppermill’s colorful, kicky neon looms large. Like a bright little Oz, it beckons you into the big parking lot and suddenly it’s 1979. Continue reading “The Peppermill: Sexy Coffee Shop” »

Appearance is an important part of what makes food so appetizing, especially their bright vivid colors. Photographer and food stylist Linda Lundgren organized her food by color to create a series of photos that showcase some of the most common food hues. The series covers yellow, red, blue, purple and green displayed against a black backdrop. The photos not only contain foods that are a specific color but also food packaging. While we typically see foods organized by type or taste, seeing them in groups of colors gives a completely different perspective.

View more photos after the jump Continue reading “Styling Food by Linda Lundgren” »

Being my first time traveling to South America by way of LAN Airlines, the start of my journey was off to a good one that will live in my mansion of memories forever. LAN is the leading international airline that caters to the South America region and they sure do know how to make you feel comfortable and assure you that with each trip you fly to Latin America, it will be with LAN. Not only was it my first time to South America but flying there in Business Class added to one of the many reasons why LAN gets my vote. From the great hospitality of its staff, 3-course meals with the finest wine of South America, to their impressive 40-plus movie selections to keep you entertained during your flight. Business Class aren’t the only guests who receive the many perks, guests in Economy receive the same treatment… minus the recliner seats. In a matter of a workday schedule, you’ll arrive in one of South America’s most beautiful cities, Buenos Aires.

View more photos of LAN Airlines Continue reading “My Guide to Argentina” »