Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
O n January 20, the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, CA, hosted a Tea Tasting and Chocolate Pairing for the winter event of the Park Hyatt Masters of Food and Wine series. A partnership between San Diego Tea Master Chas Kroll and Park Hyatt Aviara Executive Pastry Chef Franck Ri≠aud, the experience gave guests the unique opportunity of learning about and tasting some of the finest international teas and pairing them with handmade chocolates. —Breanne DeMore PHOTO: ROB BROWN PHOTO: BREANNE DEMORE Mastering Tea and Chocolate FARMSHOP L.A. General Manager Jessica Fleming and Mark Stern, National Sales Manager for Paso Robles winery Pomar Junction at a recent wine-and-dine event at the restaurant. Paso Comes to FARMSHOP W e chose FARMSHOP Los Angeles as our "Great Concept" of the month. The idea of farm-to-table and farm-toshop is exciting and inviting. See the story on page 101. Tea Master Chas Kroll. Red Carpet Rolls Out R ed Carpet Wine & Spirits has been a fixture in the Los Angeles community of Glendale for decades. When H.K. Hedlund took possession of the business from David Dobbs several years ago, he decided to take the path towards small-production brands. "I want to focus on boutique, small batch wines and spirits and a beer bar too," Hedlund told THE TASTING PANEL during a recent tasting of smallproduction family wineries. He then announced his plans: a move this spring to neighboring Arcadia, where he is renovating a 5,500-square-foot space for retail, wine bar, craft beer bar, climate-controlled walk-in cold box and events. "We will interact with local restaurants and food purveyors," he added. Becoming a champion of the little guys is a brave move, but one that many retailers and restaurateurs have decided is the future of the business. H. K. Hedlund, owner of Glendale, CA's Red Carpet Wine & Spirits, gets ready for a big move. april 2013 / the tasting panel / 21