Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/430172
12 / the tasting panel / december 2014 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Appointments Omni Hotels & Resorts announced the promotions of Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Executive Chef Daven Wardynski and Omni Mandalay Hotel Food and Beverage Manager Charles Riley to the respective positions of Area Executive Chef and Area Food and Beverage Director. As Area Executive Chef, Wardynski will support Omni's Vice President of Food & Beverage, David Morgan, in the creation and maintenance of Omni's qualitative and innovative culinary vision. In Riley's new position, he will assist with the training of all new Omni Food and Beverage Directors, as well as implement brand initiatives and maintain standards compliance. Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, has appointed Jim Gallagher as their Global Chief Communications Officer. Gallagher will work closely with CEO Mike Dolan on long-term strategic and business-related internal and external communication matters, in addition to directing the company's corporate and brand public relations around the world. He joins Bacardi from IMG, the global sports, media and fashion company, where he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for almost eight years. Daven Wardynski. Charles Riley. Jim Gallagher. A Big Thank You! THE TASTING PANEL and Covenant House of California (CHC) would like to extend their gratitude to the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco and Omni Hotels & Resorts for their wonderful donations to the winners of the All Star Mixology competition, benefitting CHC. Their generous contributions included: a two-night stay at Mandarin Oriental SF for the first place mixologist and a one-night stay at any Omni property of their choice for both second and third place. See page 112 for more on the winners. The Truth Is in Here F or those looking to understand the complex world of saké bet- ter, the answers to your questions can be found within the covers of Saké Confidential. Author John Gauntner—the "Saké Evangelist" and the only non-Japanese certified Master of Saké Tasting— delivers an easy and enjoyable expert guide to take you deeper into appreciation of this complex but delightful Japanese beverage. In this beyond-the-basics guide, Gauntner uncovers "the truth about saké," including everything from junmai vs. non-junmai to saké pricing and koji-making.