March 2010 by Bar Mechanics

H.I.P. Trade Publication

Spring Break, Spring Training, and Gulf Beaches Make Southwest Florida Paradise

The Lani Kai Resort has been a favorite beach and hot spot for Spring Breakers for over 25 years.

The month started cold, but it didn’t take long for the calendar to heat up as Southwest Florida reminds us that this is the best place to be every year at this time. Spring Break on Gulf Beaches from Marco Island to Fort Myers Beach and all the way to Captiva and Useppa Islands are enjoyed by college students, snowbirds and international travelers and it’s the hospitality business that will always keep them coming. Baseball has been a part of the month of March in Lee County since 1925 and every year fans from all over see our Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox prepare for their season ‘up north’. The Rays are in Port Charlotte now and who knows, maybe the Cubs will realize there’s no water in the desert and wind up in Collier. For those of us in the hospitality business, we have to be at our best because it’s our time to shine and to help visitors enjoy all that our coast has to offer. Hopefully our satisfied guests this year will be our neighbors in years to come.

Red Rock Saloon Opens Red Hot With Cool Blues

Downtown Fort Myers has gotten a blast of cool as the Red Rock Saloon brings ‘bigtime’ live music back downtown to the River District. The Red Rock Saloon is the talk of Fort Myers and the Beverage Underground welcomes this restaurant that serves up hot blues, cool jazz and great food too. Located in the building that was once Ellington’s and most recently Venu, The Red Rock Stage will stay filled and owner Roger DiCiccio has made a commitment to support both local and national blues and jazz acts. “We’re going 7 nights a week and we’ll be bringing great acts to town while supporting quality local bands like The Juice and Catdaddy’s” said DiCiccio who has done a major overhaul to 2278 First Street. “Having Terry Hanck on stage the first weekend really let people know what kind of music to expect, added DiCiccio. Terry Hanck blew the place up with his hard blowing sax, incredible range and gusty vocals setting the pace for future national acts. Popular downtown professional Charley ‘Tuna’ O’Dell tends bar during the day making the Red Rock a great place to grab lunch and celebrate Happy Hour. The room rocks which features a full stage, 10 flat screens and a great menu. Look for the Red Rock to hook It’s easy to see why up Hospitality Industry Professionals with food and drink specials Gulf Coast Town seven nights a week from midnight to close. On weekends, the Red Center is the best place Rock Saloon will be open and serving food until 3 am. to be all month in March. You can kickoff your week of green on March 13th at Bar Louie’s ‘St. Practice Day’, and on Saturday March 20 make plans for the fashion event of the spring at the Fashionista Runway Show. On March 27th bring an appetite because bragging rights are on the line at the Lee County Chili Cook-Off and Circus Sarasota performs March 12th-28th. www.GufCoastTownCenter.com

Gulf Coast Town Center Events Fills Weekend Calendars

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Don’t Spill This Wine!

The Popular Art of Wine Events are returning to Downtown Fort Myers on a more regular basis. Beginning April 9 and every second Friday of each month in 2010 lovers of the grape will be able to stroll downtown and taste art in a glass. We’ll have more details online as the pour out…

EDMEADES 2007 Mendocino County

Zinfandel

When Rocky Patel and Rich Castiano partnered in ‘Burn’ coming later this month to Mercato they agreed that Randy Santerfeit would be the General Manager. Most know Randy from the World Famous Cigar Bar at Gulf Coast, but some remember him as a sales specialist for Premier Beverage.

Tasting Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel reveals the bold confidence that has been the backbone of the brand, the region and the varietal itself. Dr. Donald Edmeades, was laughed at when he became the first modern-day grape grower in Anderson Valley in 1963. His wine was so good it sold to other wineries, such as Seghesio and Parducci, and the first award-winning Anderson Valley wine was made from Edmeades fruit but had a different label. In 1972, Edmeades and son Deron launched their own label and in 1988 Jess Jackson bought the winery. He retooled, replanted vineyards and hired Winemaker Van Williamson in the nineties to create the best wine ever under the Edmeades name, which averaged 10 Gold Medals a year at major competitions since 1994.

It’s good to hear that Eric Pate has returned to Naples and he and younger brother Nate can be found at Eric Pate’s Backstreet Bar & Grill at 849 7th Ave S., in the former location of Gina’s on 7th Ave and Nektar Restaurant. At one time, Cloyd Pate owned the Verandah in Fort Myers and his three sons Stanley, Eric and Nate have been Naples Restaurateurs for over 40 years. The 34th Annual Great Dock Canoe Race is scheduled for Saturday May 8 and this year’s theme is “Let the Games Begin!”. The event is a full day of fun that begins at 11 AM. Proceeds from the event benefit The Lighthouse of Collier, a non-profit Center for Blindness and Vision Loss. The waterfront restaurant formerly known as The Channelmark reopened as an Italian Restaurant called Luna Rosa. But it is so slow that it may not be Luna Rosa very long….we are hearing that it will soon be called The Boathouse…but no relation to Naples Boathouse.

84.1% Zinfandel Alcohol 15.2% P.H. 3.78

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Lively, informative and fun, the Beverage Underground has expanded to a full hour. Every Saturday Morning host Larry ‘Smokey’ Genta entertains with insider news that connects listeners with the people, places and events that create the buzz in the beverage and bar business. The new expanded time slot allows time for studio guests and more features that introduce products and opens discussion of the everchanging beverage industry. The show airs locally in Lee and Charlotte Counties on 1410 AM and all of Collier and parts of Lee County on 1660 AM and can be heard online at either AvenueFLA.com or BeverageUnderground. com and past shows are archived online. Beverage Underground radio will begin making appearances beginning in April and will be available to come to any event with marketing and product support for your restaurant, bar or any products relating to beverage and hospitality industry. Look for us at openings and product launches throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast.

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BACK BAR BUZZ VODKA BRAND LAUNCH ‘COKE BOMBS’MAKE SPRING BREAK POP

Many a shooter was born on a beach and this year one of the new products that is getting popped in Spring Break locations throughout Texas and Florida are a mix of 360° Cola Vodka and energy drink to make 360° ‘Coke Bombs’. ‘Cola Vodka’ is new this season and is the second flavor extension of the Eco-friendly 360° Vodka series that includes their critically acclaimed ‘Double Chocolate’ Vodka. Filtered five times, 360° is an American Vodka that has won gold metals for taste and critical acclaim for their eco-friendly packaging. Earth Day 2010 Promotional pricing in place, ask your Premier Beverage Sales representative for details.

ALL-NATURAL BERRI ACAI IS ELEVENTH ABSOLUT FLAVOR

Fashionista Runway Show Saturday, March 20th, 8pm Join us at Gulf Coast Town Center for the fashion event of the season. Grab a glass of wine at 55 Degrees Cool Wine & Cheese and take your seat on the Market Plaza lawn as the evening begins with live music by Vanilla Crosby starting at 7 pm. Then, at 8 pm, get ready for an exciting runway show featuring the hottest spring fashions for 2010. Fashions provided by local boutiques such as Cali boutique, Designer Shoe Gallerie, Lane Bryant, Ron Jon Surf Shop, St. John Outlet, Venez and Vila, all found exclusively at Gulf Coast Town Center. I-75 and Alico Rd • 239.267.0783 • GulfCoastTownCenter.com A Joint Venture of The Richard E. Jacobs Group and CBL & AssoCiATEs PRoPERTiEs, inC.

Absolut® Berri Acai is now available nationwide and this blend of acai, blueberry and pomegranate with the aroma and slightly juicy taste is a result of Absolut Los Angeles which was released in 2008 as part of Absolut’s ‘City Series’’ that raised awareness to American Cities and their Charities. Absolut Los Angeles raised awareness and money for Green Way LA. Absolut® Berri Acai is as mixable as any fruited vodka and is a great alternative flavor that’s made from all-natural ingredients without added sugar or preservatives. It was Absolut that first expanded the flavored vodka category when they released Absolut Peppar in 1986, but the category got respect two years later when Absolut Citroen became a ‘must have’ for every location. All 11 Absolut Flavors are available from Southern Wine & Spirits.

Siku Glacier Ice Vodka

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Look for Siku Glacier Vodka to start making it to select locations in Florida beginning late March and to be available throughout Southwest Florida in April according to National Sales Director Dennis Larson. Siku is made from pure water harvested from the purest glacier ice in Greenland that is documented to be over 60,000 years old.

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1418 Dean Street in the River District, Fort Myers

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Home of the Boston Red Sox The Best Before and After Game Party Free Trolley to City of Palms Park

1st Annual Edible Mollusk Festival SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 11 AM-1 PM

Celebrate “Oyster Love” and raise money for the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Mollusk Exhibit More Details Visit:

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NEWS of Brews PARIS PROVES TO BE TOO SEXY FOR THIS BRAZILIAN BEER AD A beer ad showing American celebrity Paris Hilton in several suggestive poses has been pulled and a new ad had to be recast and relaunched in Brazil. The provocative campaign set Brazil on its ear and was banned and considered sexist. The original ad featured Hilton seductively rubbing a can of beer over herself while she sashayed around a windowed office in a black mini-robe, allowing herself to be photographed by a voyeur in an apartment across the way. The Brazilian agency that regulates advertising prohibits the sensual depiction of women in alcohol commercials.

‘Beer Caves’ Are New ‘Downunder’ Cellars for Malt Aficionados ‘Beer Caves’ are temperature controlled places like basements, garages and bedroom closets that are becoming as important to beer collectors as wine cellars are to enologists. “Light and temperature are always going to be the enemy of beer aficionados’ says awardwinning Beer Writer and Critic Gary Monterosso, and some stouts, porters and strong ales can get better over the years, even decades, he says. In the last few years brewers have been cranking up the alcohol percentage and punching up the spices with everything from figs to juniper berries to create flavored beers that age.

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Real Names of the Rich and Famous A:6,B:3,C:4,D:2,E:1,F:5

Finally an eco-friendly system to control grease traps, and all drain and plumbing problems without harsh chemicals.

March Mascot Madness 1:J,2:F,3:D,4:H,5:I,6:B,7:A,8:C,9:E,10:G

Go Green

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Underground Did you hear that two brothers in their 70’s are talking about building a $32 Million Brewery in Immokalee? The beer will be a high-quality lager called Montenegro. No, there’s no punch line other than that 78 year-old Curtis Sittenfeld said that Immokalee was “a great location. It’s centrally located, with easy access to our markets.” Just at Press deadline, it was announced that Mike Hogan will join The Pewter Mug in Naples as their Chef and Kitchen Manager. Hogan was the Chef at Shula’s Steakhouse and joins Grill Master Mike Pilarski who has grilled steaks at the Mug since 1973. You heard it first in the Underground…Don’t be shocked when Pure Urban Oasis hires high profile bartenders away from some established locations….the gloves are off in the uber cool places. The Timbers Restaurant will raise money and celebrate ‘oyster love’ on Sunday April 17 for the “1st Annual Edible Mollusk Festival & Oyster Eating Contest”. The event will see who can eat the most shucked oysters in 90 seconds, proceeds will benefit the Baileys-Matthews Shell Exhibit. On a recent Ft. Myers Beach cruise to Junkanoo we ran into Neil Van Vliet who ran the Food & Beverage at the Lani Kai Resort for 21 years before leaving the business for a while. Neil has been at Junkanoo for 2 years now and on our stop we had great drinks, great food and that great view. Peter Palermo is staying busy in his newly re-opened 5th Avenue Deli that is actually off 5th Avenue a block or so on 8th Street in Naples. The location was formerly Trixie’s Torpedoes. Congratulations to Mike D’Auria and his wife Priscilla Pique D’Auria who are expecting a baby this summer! They were married in Ft. Myers last year and moved to Pensacola where Mike is the General Sales Manager for Southern Wine & Spirits. Priscilla was a representative for Coastal Wine & Spirits before relocating. We know that both Mike and Priscilla have so many friends in Southwest Florida who wish them well.

Permitting Specialists of Food & Beverage Inc Jessica Russo Agent/Owner 239.849.0012 JessicaRusso@comcast.net

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BEVERAGES ENERGY, SPORT AND BEVERAGES IN THE MIX

IT’S GUARANA THAT GIVES BAWLS BOUNCE TO BATTLE THE BIG BOYS

In 1938 Herb Bishop was facing the Great Depression and It was a time for new ideas and hard work. He experimented with juice soft drink bottles creating a new carbonated drink that required less fruit and less sugar. He named it Squirt because the drink was claimed to “squirt” into one’s mouth like a freshly squeezed grapefruit. Bishop understood the need for promotion and advertising to compete in the soft drink marketplace and found Ed Mehren, who created a likable character named “Little Squirt” in 1941. With unique advertising, Squirt became a popular soft drink in many parts of the country, and Squirt established itself as a cocktail mixer in the 1950s. Bishop sold to Brooks Products in 1977 and in 1983 Diet Squirt became the first soft drink in the United States to be sweetened with aspartame. Squirt was acquired by A&W Beverages, Inc. in 1986 and has increased sales every year since 1983. Squirt is available locally at The Sandy Butler Gourmet Market and all Fresh Market Locations

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You just have to love a product that started as a class project. Hoby Buppert was a college graduate at Cornell University seeking an alternative to coffee who took his senior thesis and went Bawls out. Now in its 13th year in business, this premium, carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage made with Guarana is available across the country. Bawls has been getting noticed for its great taste and is showing increases in sales. This Miami-based drink was named for the caffeinated ‘bounce’ it gives you, but we know that it takes Bawls to battle the big boys in the energy drink business with such success.

Pepsi and Mountain Dew ‘Throwback’ in New Package to Return in April For Eight Weeks The successful short run test marketing of Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback will make the more sugary original recipes available nationwide for about 8 weeks beginning April 20th, but don’t expect to see the nostalgic old package. Even though their press release said that Pepsi and Mountain Dew are inviting consumers on a nostalgic trip back in time by offering special retro versions of these popular beverages, the bottles and cans have old fonts and new designs to feature a retro look. The throwback is really in the recipe as both drinks are sweetened with natural sugar, just as they were back in the ‘60s and 70s’, to give consumers a taste of the past.

Vita Coco Gets the Interest of Hollywood As Coconut Water Looks Toward Mass Appeal Back in 2003 when New Yorkers Ira Liran and Michael Kirban met some Brazilian girls who missed home and their “agua de coco”, the friends wanted to know more. Liran traveled to Brazil and started researching the prospect of branding coconut water for the American market. After spending several months working with coconut plantations, producers, making connections, and learning the politics of production in Brazil, Vita Coco was born. Coconut water has grown up since then and the two friends have the hottest Coconut water brand in America… and it’s about to get hotter. Recently, an extraordinarily highprofile group of investors led by veteran pop star Madonna as well as other celebrities, including actors Matthew McConaughey, Demi Moore and rock star Anthony Kiedis purchased ten percent of the company.

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PAGE 7

Saint Patrick's Day All Around The Underground St Pat’s facts that may make you some ‘green’ What’s St. Patrick’s Day without a Parade? Boston’s was the first in the US in 1737 and the New York City Parade down 5th Avenue is the largest and attended by an estimated 2 million people annually. Savannah, Georgia is one the country’s best towns to get your green on and they start with the annual ‘dyeing of the fountains’ in historic downtown where they draw over 500,000 for their St. Pat’s Parade. In Seattle, the Annual Green Stripe Laying happens the night before St. Patrick’s Day in memory of John Doyle Bishop who originally had been arrested for vandalism for painting a green stripe on the parade route the night before the parade. Now the Green Stripe Laying is more of a parade party before the actual parade. One of the Best Irish Pub’s in America is Coleman’s Pub in Syracuse’s Irish section known as Tipperary Hill which is also home to the World Famous “Green-on-Top” Traffic Light. Saint Patrick’s Day is rung in at midnight with the painting of a Shamrock under the Green-Over-Red traffic light and the tapping of Coleman’s ‘basement keg’ of green beer. Since 1961, when Chicago sewer workers used green dye to check for problems, the City of Chicago uses it to dye the river green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day even if it only lasts a few hours.

SATURDAY MARCH 13 The “Everybody’s Irish Party” starts in Southwest Florida with ‘St. Practice Day’ at Bar Louie at the Gulf Coast Town Center. Saturday March 13th features an all day party that really gets going at 3 PM with authentic Irish dancers and music on stage until 1 AM. Two of the bands playing will be TJ Kelly Band and Riverside Blues Band. Saturday the 13th is also when the 32nd Annual Naples’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place. Did you know more than 40,000 attend and that it’s one of the biggest and longest running parades in the state?

WEDNESDAY MARCH 17 There will no shortage of green beer on the official St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday March 17th and it won’t be hard to find a party. In downtown Fort Myers, the streets will be closed and music will be on the corners and in the air from the Hideaway Sports Bar to Sal’s Longshot Lounge. In Estero, Beef O’Brady’s has their annual festival on 41 in San Carlos, and heading south there’s Landsdowne Street in North Bonita. Both Johnny Malloy’s have a party planned and on Bonita Beach Road, Fitzgerald’s has their Annual St. Patrick’s Day Tent Party that features the popular Celtic Band ‘West of Galway’. The Dog Track always has a huge St. Pat’s Party because it’s a great chance to try out your “Luck of the Irish”.

Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold beer – and another one!

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TASTING ROOM NOTES: 3/10 Two Reds

Two Whites Anselmi 2005 Capitel Croce

Roberto Anselmi is widely regarded as one of Italy’s leading white wine producers and a native of the Soave region, but he opted out of the association of Soave producers years ago, choosing to make wines of much greater concentration and richer style from most other Soaves on the market. His Capitel Croce is 100% Garganega of the Veneto region and is an winner of eight consecutive Tre Biccchieri awards. This barrel-fermented single-vineyard wine has great balance with nutty oak and a full mouth of tasty herby fruit and it a great wine to enjoy with chicken, veal, pork and grilled fish with any amount of spice or crust.

Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc ‘07 When it comes to sauvignon Blanc the crisp goodness of Sonoma makes for refreshment and elegance in a glass of fresh flavors. Matanzas Creek is a ‘non grassy’ Sauvignon Blanc with a balanced natural acidity and a longer finish that makes for savory salads, seafoods and shell fish and light grills. 93 Points/Year’s Best - Wine & Spirits, June 2009

White Fact:

Garganega is a white Italian wine grape grown in the Veneto & is the 6th most planted white grape.

Peter Lehman Clancy’s Blend This is one of those wines that delivers above its price both in ratings and satisfaction, as Clancy’s blends bold, robust cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and then softens it with merlot. This is a ‘goes with everything’ red than delivers quality and consistency.

Murphy-Goode ‘07 Liar’s Dice Zinfandel With the changing of pinot noir flavors you may enjoy grabbing onto the delightful earthiness that can be found in the hearty and indigenous California Zinfandel grape. Try many…enjoy several, but after the first sip of Murphy-Goode Liar’s Dice Zinfandel, you quickly realize that it’s a bottle that you’ll recommend and one that you might buy as a gift. Murphy-Goode Zins are the gems of Alexander Valley with added Dry Creek fruit. Delicious and close to full bodied it has sweet and juicy fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry jam. Soft tannins perfectly balance the sweetness of the fruit. Perfect for your dining table or backyard grill this is one that will leave you wanting more.

Red Fact:

Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards.

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PAGE 9

CORKS, CASKS & CELLARS IN THE UNDERGROUND

RESPECTED BRANCAIA ESTATES IL BLU IS ‘RED HOT’ AFTER PARKER’S 95 RATING

Sasyr Sangiovese & Syrah

One of the perennial monsters of international awards, ratings and quality is the Swiss-owned Brancaia Estate in the heart of Tuscany. Since receiving a first place award for their Chianti Classico in 1983, owners Brigitte and Bruno Widmer have produced a line-up that has garnished accolades throughout Europe. Over the past several years, the popularity of these wines has increased in the US and recent vintages have been extra noteworthy. With the continued consulting support by the brilliant Dr. Carlo Ferrini, Barbara Kronenberg-Widmer is earning even more respect as a learned winemaker. Together they have reached new heights when the 2007 Brancaia Tre received a ranking as the #10 in the Wine Spectator’s Annual Top 100 Wines. Their sumptuous (IGT) Super Tuscan, Il Blu has been a favorite for some time. but 2006 was its best year as The Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker gave it a best ever 95 rating. The 2006 year was especially good for Italian Merlot and the blend of Il Blu has 45% Merlot along with 50% Sangiovese and just 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Brancaia is distributed locally by Premier Beverage Company.

Sasyr, is a singular and sublime blend of sangiovese and syrah grapes from the Tuscan vineyards of Rocca delle Macie. It’s delicious, affordable and very versatile.

PAGE 10

$8 MILLION RAISED FOR COLLIER NEEDY CHILDREN AT THIS YEAR’S NAPLES WINE FESTIVAL Even though there may have been fewer bidders and wine lots for auction this year, the 10th Annual Naples Wine Festival returned to being the top grossing Fine Wine Charity in America. Donations reached $8 Million this year, all benefiting various children’s charities throughout Collier County. Last year Naples came in second to Napa Valley, but regained the title as biggest fundraiser when this year’s Napa Wine auction dipped to $5.3 Million. The auction and festival includes luxurious dinners for 25 in private homes, which are prepared by America’s most famous chefs, including Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Tom Colicchio and Emeril Lagasse.

GALLO’S RED BICYCLETTE WASN’T THE ONLY BOGUS PINOT NOIR SHIPPED FROM FRANCE The math caught up with the 12 Frenchmen that were convicted of selling 18 million cases of fake pinot noir to the Americans over the last few years. It seems Gallo had the biggest exposure with their Red Bicyclette label and French authorities easily showed that more “pinot noir” was exported to United States than was grown in the whole of the Languedoc region. Of the 18 million cases of fake pinot noir, Gallo says it imported about 3.6 million cases of the 2006 vintage. Meanwhile, Constellation Brands has said it imported less than 2 million cases from the same suppliers, but believes its wine was genuine pinot noir. Grower cooperative Sieur d ‘Arques and broker The Ducasse Company are at the source of the contract with Gallo that U.S. officials say they are investigating.

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Café A Taste Of Culture

Underground

Dunkin Donuts’ Hangs Tough and Battles Big Burger Coffee Shops

Despite efforts by McDonald’s Corp to price cut competitors, Dunkin’ Donuts’ market share in the coffee business is steady and in some spots growing. Starbucks continues to dip in popularity despite lower prices but the biggest change in cup sales has been at convenience stores where coffee sales are down dramatically. Dunkin’ continues to score well in grocery stores as more units are added to the retail line, which many observers believed to have helped the brand in morning commute sales. COFFEE FACT: Coffee beans were chewed for more than 400 years before the first cup of coffee was brewed.

Iced Tea Popularity Traces Back to 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair Most every cup of tea served in America was poured hot prior to a blistering summer in 1904. Although cookbooks often offered a variation of iced tea it was the World’s Fair in St. Louis that made the chilling of tea popular and commercial. Because of the intense heat, India Tea Commissioner Richard Blechynden realized that the heat prevented the crowd from drinking his free offer of hot tea, so he poured the tea through iced lead pipes. COFFEE FACT: Coffee Arabica accounts for about 70% of world coffee production. Brazil, is responsible for 30 to 40 % of total coffee output.

Dr. Oz Reports that Black Coffee Can Be Best Budget Weight Loss Weapon

“The easiest, cheapest, most available, secret, magic pill is called coffee,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz and says that many people don’t know their favorite beverage can also help them lose weight. “It actually works, but you have to drink it carefully. It cannot have cream in it, cannot have sugar in it. It’s got to be black coffee, straight up.” Coffee is also a major source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet, and a plain cup of brewed coffee contains zero fat and only a few calories. The host of the popular Dr. Oz Show suggested that dieters should “Use it a couple times a day when you’re starting to get cravings. It’s a very effective, proven remedy that works for folks because it’s cheap and inexpensive,” said Oz. COFFEE FACT: Coffee Has Its Own Designated Holidays in some countries . Costa Rica: September 12; Ireland: September 19, and in Japan October 1 is “Coffee Day”.

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Reelin’ in the Beers FIND THIS BEER

Magic Hat #9 5.1% ABV

The most sought after craft beer for more than 10 years, Magic Hat Brewing Company has finally come to Florida with their #9 brew. Magic Hat originates in Burlington, Vermont and several varieties have received cult status with college drinkers and craft brewers. Classified as ‘not quite Pale Ale with the essence of apricot’, this wildly popular beer has only been available in limited quantities and only in draft since it launched in mid 2009. This month, be prepared to see Magic Hat #9 in bottles and to change the way Southwest Florida parties. Coastal Beverage Naples

Suncoast Beverage Fort Myers

Mexican Marketing Honcho Brings Homer’s Duff Beer to Life

BEER PONG THROW DOWN MillerCoors has filed a lawsuit in a Chicago U.S. District Court alleging that a Bridgeport, Connecticut-based company who sells Beer Pong supplies has infringed on and damaged the brewer’s lite beer brand marks. PB&J Design Inc. is selling beer pong tables, kegs full of beer pong balls, pitchers and cups featuring a logo similar to the Miller Lite Beer. Beer pong is a wildly popular drinking game that requires players to toss ping-pong balls across a table trying to land in the opposing teams cup of beer.

Heineken Will Raise Prices to Offset Shrinking US Demand Expecting that beer consumption will fall in many parts of the world, Heineken will look to offset losses and meet sales figures by increasing prices. The company, owner of Scottish and Newcastle breweries and brewer of Amstel, suffered last year as people cut down on beer drinking in the recession but pushed through price increases. The Dutch company said it was committed to maintaining or raising prices.

While the Fox Network figures out how to stop Mexican entrepreneur Rodrigo Contreras with a lawsuit, he is producing Duff Beer, the once fictitious brand drank by Homer Simpson as fast as he can at a brewery in Tijuana. Contreras is likely to be forced to stop the sales but since he first began selling his Duff ‘cervesa’to Europe he has increased sales from 8500 cases a month in 2006 to the current sales of over 50,000 cases per month. In Mexico he is selling 20,000 and much of that goes to Americans. The next step is to produce the beer in cans the way it is drank in the animated show, but Contreras is cautious. I don’t know if they will sue me or see that it might be better to be my partner.

The World Famous Cigar Bar WALK-IN HUMIDOR @ TWO LOCATIONS

Downtown Fort Myers - 239-337-4662 | Gulf Coast Town Center - 239-267-6020 Visit us online @ www.WorldFamousCigarBar.com

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SUNDAYS

Hospitality Industry Nite (H.I.P.) Anthony Wayne LIVE! 9 PM In The Biz? Most Drinks 1/2 Price

BOSTON BLOCK PARTY - PUB CRAWL 11 BEERS - FRIDAY, MARCH 26TH - DOWNTOWN FT MYERS

Miller & Moulton’s

BAR STOOL BANTER

Next Year’s Bigger Tourney Might Cost Your Bar Money A very bad thing for local sports bars and restaurants is going to happen. The NCAA Tournament is going to be expanded from 65 to 96 teams. That means there will be more March Madness than ever before. How is that bad for area bars and restaurants? Because the NCAA Tournament is one of the biggest sporting events in our country but the first round is a phenomenon unto itself. It’s when you have roughly a dozen David vs. Goliath matchups. Where you don’t have to know a player, a coach, what state the school is even from, yet you are hooked. People cut out of work early. Bosses know it and look the other way. Mostly because they’ve taken off as well. I know some very mature, responsible, hard-working people who use two of their precious vacation days,... just so they won’t miss a minute of the first round of the tournament. So how is making the tournament bigger bad for area bars/ restaurants? Because bigger will not mean better. Bigger will mean watered down. Gone will be the David vs. Goliath matchups of the last 25 years. Goliath will get a first-round BYE, so David will likely get knocked off by a run-of-the-mill power conference school. And even if they do pull the upset,... it’s just that, an upset. Not a shocker! Not a bracket buster! Not an all-timer. With the exception of Laettner hitting the shot vs. Kentucky, all of our March Madness memories are of the David vs. Goliath first round matchups or the Final Four. Sometime next year or the year after, the first part of that memory bank will disappear. Which will make the tournament far less exciting. Which will mean far less people playing hooky and bonding over basketball with complete strangers at area bars/restaurants. So patrons and owners, enjoy this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. Because it may never be this good again. And that’s a shame.

Miller & Moulton in the afternoon Weekdays 2-7 PM - www.770ESPN.com

SOIL / SMILE EMPTY SOUL VIOLENT SOHO AND BLACK SUNSHINE

FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2010 CITY OF PALMS PARK DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

TICKETS ONLY $29 PIPE DREAMS / 99XONLINE.COM ALL TICKETMASTER LOCATIONS

“Raising a glass to another one that bit the dust”

R.J. GATOR’S 2007-2010 Gulf Coast Town Center

The last of three area R.J. Gators closed and we raise a glass and shake a head as the Florida based casual dining chain leaves Southwest Florida. The chain was strong and was wildly popular when it first opened in Fort Myers on Colonial in 1989, but the second location in Bonita always struggled. The third store at GCTC had the best location but never impressed anybody.

239.274.0088 239.277.0028 fax

www.GendronFuneralHome.com

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND • CALL 239-694-5000

PAGE 13

BOSTON BLOCK PARTY FRIDAY MARCH 26th

‘AFTER THE GAME’ BEER CRAWL 11 BEERS - River District Bars www.FortMyersArtWalk.com

PAGE 14

ART OF WINE FESTIVAL THE 2nd FRIDAY Monthly

Downtown Fort Myers River District

www.ArtOfWineFestival.com

REAL BARTENDERS BUY PROFESSIONAL TOOLS - HTTP://TOOLS.BEVERAGEUNDERGROUND.COM

MARCH MASCOT MADNESS It’s NCAA Tournament Time and with 64 teams there’s always a few with unknown but overachieving mascots. Match the Team nickname with the University and good luck in your brackets.

1. Old Dominion 2. Vanderbilt 3. Xavier 4. Temple 5. Butler 6. Purdue 7. Texas-El Paso 8. Baylor 9. Villanova 10. Kansas

A. Miners B. Boilermakers C. Bears D. Musketeers E. Wildcats F. Commodores G. Jayhawks H. Owls I. Bulldogs J. Monarchs

Answers On Page 5

‘The Sports Capital Of The World’ Fort Myers Bonita Springs Naples Sarasota

Chef Richard shows Special Love for Friends In the Biz

Bistro Itialiano

239-262-8500

2500 9th Street N. Naples, Fl 34103

BEVERAGEUNDERGROUND

Timothy “Timo” Ortyl CURRENT GIG: Blue Water Bistro Bar Manager BAR EXPERIENCE/INDUSTRY AWARDS: 16 years behind the bar. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2006,2007.2008,2009; Wine Enthusiast Award of Unique Distinction in 2007

THE FACTS: HOMETOWN: West Orange, NJ FAVORITE BAND: Any showtune… just kidding. If I had to pick one I’d say Tool. FAVORITE MOVIE: Airplane. ‘Surly you can’t be serious. I am serious, and stop calling me Shirley’. FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: The New York Football Giants YOUR HIDDEN TALENT: None they are all out in the open. WHO TRAINED YOU: I’m self trained. I bent the truth at 18 to get behind the bar. I faked it until I made it. FAVORITE BAR TO DRINK AT? King’s Lounge WHAT DO YOU DRINK? Vodka when I am out and about and wine at home. FAVORITE BAR JOKE OR BAR TRICK? Check Timo’s Joke out online @ BeverageUnderground.com PET PEEVE/CUSTOMER: Sitting in a dirty spot when someone just leaves, when there are 5 clean spots next to them. PET PEEVE FELLOW WORKER: Standing around when they are not busy. WHERE IS YOUR DREAM BARTENDING JOB? Very happy at Culinary Concepts and BWB… but to live the dream, I’d say ‘Vegas, baby!”. Pro2Know ‘Timo Ortyl’ Interviewed On Beverage Underground Radio Sat., March 20 - 10 AM

Coconut Point Mall, Estero - 949-BLUE (2583) - GR8FOOD.net

SKINNY MIXES NOW AVAILABLE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FIND OUT WHERE BEVERAGEUNDERGROUND.COM

PAGE 15

Naples’ Landmark Restaurant Prepares to Re-open The lights will shine bright again at the Pewter Mug Restaurant later this month and this time expect ‘old friends and new wrinkles’ to give the locals and long time visitors to Naples something to remember and smile about. Count on the same great Prime Rib, Steaks and Seafood and some new wrinkles like a live entertainment schedule, a new bar program and special savings and local benefits for members of their ‘Pewter Club’. “We are all old friends and we promise… we’ll have fun and work hard until the end”, said General Manager and new partner Curt Boyette who joins former Naples High School classmates, veteran bar, and restaurant pros Larry Genta Jr. and Pat Murphy along with Bobby DiModica as the new management and partnership group. DiModica has lived in the area for over 19 years, but he is the new guy in this group. Boyette and Genta graduated from Naples High in 1974 and worked at the Witch’s Brew during and after college. Curt later owned the Seawitch Restaurant where he met and worked with DiModica before selling and moving to Las Vegas to manage the famous Lawry’s, The Prime Rib Restaurant. Pat ‘Murph the Surf’ Murphy first started as a waiter at the Pewter Mug in the late 70’s, and was the bartender the night they closed for vacation. “We saved the Mug, and it will always be a Naples place,” said Murphy a 1975 Naples High graduate. “We’ll have great Steaks and lighter food too. After dinner you’ll be able to hear live music and even dance”, added Boyette. Get more info online @ www.PewterMug41.com

Fashionista Fashionista Runway Show Runway Show Saturday, March 20th - 8 PM

Beverage Underground

Radio Hour

Saturday, March 20th, 8pm www.GulfCoastTownCenter.com

Saturday’s - 10 AM The Avenue 1410/1660

Join us at Gulf Coast Town Center for the fashion event of the season. Grab a glass of wine at 55 Degrees Cool Wine & Cheese and take your seat on the Market Plaza lawn as the evening begins with live music by Vanilla Crosby starting at 7 pm. Then, at 8 pm, get ready for an exciting runway show featuring the hottest spring fashions for 2010.

Listen to archived shows

Fashions provided by local boutiques such as Cali boutique, Designer Shoe Gallerie, Lane Bryant, Ron Jon Surf Shop, St. John Outlet, Venez and Vila, all found exclusively at Gulf Coast Town Center.

www.BeverageUnderground.com

I-75 and Alico Rd • 239.267.0783 • GulfCoastTownCenter.com