Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
Brief Encounters Whether THE TASTING PANEL goes to the brand execs or the brands call us, there is an abundance of news to report, from the latest releases to behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the world's most influential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. We may not have enough pages in each issue to devote as much attention as we would like to each person whose path we cross, but please note that if it's in the publication, we deem it noteworthy —Meridith May, Publisher & Executive Editor THE MESSAGE 18 / the tasting panel / july 2014 T o host a dinner at the notorious James Beard House in New York City may be the chef's equivalent to a Broadway star winning a Tony award, however if this were a musical, Chef Mario Pagán would be changing the lyrics to "Don't Cry For Me Puerto Rico." Pagán, chef and owner of three of the finest restaurants in San Juan, teamed up with DonQ Rum to showcase Caribbean influenced cuisine and cocktails that had guests at the "Sip and Savor Puerto Rico" event transported to a tropical island full of fresh flavors. Not one to com- promise authentic- ity, Pagán brought all the indigenous ingredients he needed from the island stateside to deliver exquisite entrées such as a smoked salmon alcapurrias with cilantro tartar that were paired with three different DonQ craft cocktails: The DonQ Cristal with toasted coconut drink- ing vinegar, pineapple, amaro, allspice and lime put one in tropical bliss—a joy that extended to Chef Mario Pagán and his award-winning smile throughout a hosting dinner at the legendary James Beard House. Moral of the story? Dreams really do come true—both on and off the Broadway stage. —Brian Kustera Puerto Rican Sensation: Chef Mario Pagán PHOTO: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION PHOTO: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION Chef Mario Pagán at the James Beard House for "Sip and Savor Puerto Rico" Bringing Blackwell to Light I n mid-May, the American Wine & Spirits Sales teams came out in full force to meet with legend- ary music producer Chris Blackwell, who was stateside to support his mega-hit Jamaican spirit, Blackwell Rum. "The American Wine & Spirits team is behind this product because they know it's a great rum," said Geoff Curley, Marketing Director for Blackwell Rum. "It's got a great story and is definitely making an impact in the market." Back row, left to right: Kameel Totah, Division Manager, On-Premise, AWS; Ray Sodeika, VP, AWS; John Brooks, Sales, AWS; Lori Selly, Sales, AWS; Erick Hartung, Sales, AWS; Erica Levin, Sales, AWS; Erin Landsberg, Sales, AWS; Paul Swigger, Import Specialist, AWS; Mike Anderson, VP Broad Market Sales Manager, AWS. Front Row, left to right: Billy O'Connell, Sales, AWS; Mandie Joplin, Sales, AWS; Geoff Curley, Marketing Director, Blackwell Rum; Chris Blackwell, owner, Blackwell Rum. PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM