Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/17414
THE MESSAGE A Shooting Star Mike Miller (holding the HARLEM bottle), owner of Delilah’s in Chicago, was the fi rst semi-fi nalist to make it through to the fi nals for the “Make Your Best Shot” competi- tion, sponsored by THE TASTING PANEL. He is shown with Mike Jenkins of Wirtz Beverage Illinois, Martin Du≠ y of Diageo and Je≠ Clarner of Wirtz Beverage Illinois. The event took place at EPIC Chicago. See more on the competition on page 90. Season(ed) Somm rick Loomis is used to opening new restaurants for Four Seasons Hotels. His latest venture is Culina, just opened this past spring at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, where he takes on the role of Sommelier. “One might think that opening a modern Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills is a daft idea,” Loomis notes. “There are lots of them. But for us, it’s working.” Culina’s spectacular setting, streamlined open-air looks and focused cuisine “makes some of the other Italian restaurants around here look old school,” quips Culina fan, Anthony Dias Blue. The restaurant boasts L.A.’s only crudo bar, a spacious patio and two lounges. B Executive Chef Victor Casanova comes with an extraordinary background; his cutting- edge dishes were revered at the former Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician in Scottsdale. 18 / the tasting panel / october 2010 Brick Loomis. PHOTO: TORI SOPER PHOTO: TOM ZASADZINSKI