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After a long, long winter, we welcome back the warmer days. Open up the bistro doors and put the tables back out on the patio! in the Mix starts off 2014 by celebrating one of the most notorious libations of all times, Tequila! Our features on the subject include a collection of compositions by some of our best journalists. We delve into the uses, history, future, packaging design and travels involving this magical spirit. On the wine side, we have two remarkable stories on Spain. “Rolling on the Ribera” by Elyse Glickman is one of her best articles on Spain. We also feature an essay by Ed Korry on Sherry. Ed is not only an educated man on all subjects of wine, but he is also especially profound when it comes to Sherry. In fact, he is a “formador homologado de los vinos de Jerez” – an official wine educator of Sherry. Once you read this, you’ll get it. Ever thought about pouring wines on tap? You should. Read the article “A Better Way to Serve Wines by the Glass” and you will know why! Find out why Tito’s Vodka is for the dogs in a heart-lifting story on page 60. Do you think you know your Spanish wines? Try Barry Wiss’ crossword puzzle and let us know how you did. Bartender, Mixologist or Bar Chef? That is the question posed by our publisher, Don Billings, to five of the industry’s top authorities on the subject. See what they think in this thought-provoking expose. There’s always a lot more inside, including technology, training, travel and more! Have a great springtime. Mike Raven
Editor in t h e Mi x
On the cover — Atlanta artist, Suzi Selman, painted a portrait of a vintage “jimador” harvesting an agave plant to uncover the magical “pina” used to distill Tequila.
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Innovate 26.
Spotlight On – Jon Holecz, vice president of marketing at Western Spirits
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Midscale Hotels Have Bars Too by Ned Barker
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A Better Way to Serve Wine by the Glass by Mike Raven
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Technology – Your Room is Ready. :) SMS Hospitality Services by Adam Billings
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Designing Tequila – Color, shape and design of today’s Tequila bottles by Christine Heller
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A Panel of Masters – Tylor Field III moderated a panel for Landry’s 2014 Leadership Conference.
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Explore 14.
The Adventures of George: Mezcal – Hold the Worm Please! by Tony Abou-Ganim
58. Making the Rounds – The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Beach Resort by Helen Benefield Billings 60. Vodka for Dog People by Kester Cockrell-Chau
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A Diplomatic Recon – The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa by Helen Benefield Billings
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Rolling on the Ribera – Wineries of the Ribera del Duero by Elyse Glickman
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Crossword Puzzle – Wine Crazy for Spain by Barry Wiss, CWE, CSS
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Digital
Web
Media Video
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DRAUGHT SLIM KEG
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY GUINNESS Draught Stout © 2014 Guinness & Co. Imported by DIAGEO - Guinness USA, Norwalk, CT. *Allowing room for the head, which gives you a greater yield per keg
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Resort Features • Seven dining venues plus in-room dining await guests • The Heavenly Spa by Westin • Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio • Two outdoor pools with direct ocean views • Two marinas and water sports • 18-hole golf course managed by Troon Golf & Tennis Center • Huge onsite convention center with over 200,000 square feet of meeting space • Great for families
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Working
The Land
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Giving Back to Our Own 2014
A NETWORKING BEER, WINE & COCKTAIL PARTY BENEFITING CORE The View at The Palms Casino Resort 4321 West Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV
MARCH 24 | 6-9PM
SPONSORS
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TICKETS...CONTACT LAUREN LAVIOLA lauren@COREgives.org | www.COREgives.org
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ONLY AT
2014
CHILDREN OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES
P
R
E
S
THE FOURTH ANNUAL
E
N
T
S
SILENT
AUCTION ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CORE CHILDREN OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes.
BIDDING DATES + TIMES
MARCH 25TH MARCH 26TH 9:00AM-5:00 pm
9:00AM-1:30 pm
WINNERS POSTED BY 3:00 PM MARCH 26TH
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DONATING, CONTACT LAUREN LAVIOLA lauren@COREgives.org | www.COREgives.org Spring 2014 • itmmag.com
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