Thursday, May 31, 2012

05/31 Sam Baxter, Terra Valentine Winery, Tony Malkin, Shannon Staglin, Staglin Family Vineyard, Sharelle Klaus

Sam Baxter - Terra Valentine Winery

Sam Baxter stands tall among an esteemed few, of the next generation of Napa Valley winemakers. Baxter literally grew up in the grapevines, trailing father Phil, whose winemaking made a legendary mark in the late '60s when the Napa Valley first experienced international notoriety as a respected winegrowing region.  After graduating from University of California, Davis with a degree in fermentation science in 1998, Sam extended his experience with a pivotal internship position at Sterling Vineyards and stints abroad in Australia. His first encounters with Terra Valentine were cultivated during the early years at the winery, dubbed the "cowboy" era (1999-2001) due to the rough-and-tumble condition of the winery and its vineyard land, which allowed for barely enough energy to run the lights, but no hot water. Working under these off-the-grid conditions went a long way in building Baxter's strong winemaking foundation–one that.

Tony Malkin - Empire State Building NYC

The world famous Empire State Building is "turning green". - Anthony E. Malkin received a B.A. Degree cum laude from Harvard College in 1985. In 1989, Mr. Malkin joined Malkin Holdings. He is now President of this firm and of its affiliates, including W&H Properties. Altogether, these firms comprise the real estate acquisition, management, construction and marketing arm of the Malkin family, which has been active in real estate for four generations. Through his real estate business, Mr. Malkin has been a leader in existing building energy efficiency retrofits through coordinating the team of Clinton Climate Initiative, Johnson Controls, Jones Lang LaSalle, and Rocky Mountain Institute in a groundbreaking project at the Empire State Building (www.csbnye.eom). Mr. Malkin is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the Real Estate Roundtable and Chair of its Sustainability Policy Advisory Committee, the Board of Governors of the Real Estate Board of New York among tohers.  Mr. Malkin guest lectures on real estate and family businesses at the McIntire Schooll of Commerce at the University of Virginia. He has appeared on The Today Show, WABC, and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, InStyle. USA Today, among other notable publications. Once the inspiration and seed for the construction of all tall buildings around the world, now the Empire State Building is again a trend setter – this time for its energy efficient reconstruction. The world famous Empire State Building is "turning green".


Shannon Staglin - Staglin Family Vineyard 

AUCTION NAPA VALLEY THIS WEEKEND -  Shannon Staglin is President at Staglin Family Vineyard. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Cultural Anthropology she moved back to Napa to work as a harvest intern in 2001 where she learned the details of production and viticultural practices. In 2002 she moved from the winery into the office where she honed her skills in marketing, hospitality, consumer and trade sales. After earning her MBA from the UC Davis Graduate School of Management she chose to work for several years outside of the wine business to gain insight, a different perspective and valuable experience that she could one day share with Staglin Family Vineyard. She was recruited to create the marketing program for Wells Fargo Family Wealth, providing multifamily office solutions to ultra-high net worth client families. In 2011 Shannon returned to Staglin Family Vineyard where she oversees all aspects of the business. Her educational and professional experiences provide a new perspective and a fresh outlook that will enhance the family business.


Sharelle Klaus - DRY Soda


Soda, a four ingredient, all natural, less sweet soda has been setting a new national standard for soda with unique flavors including Cucumber, Lavender, Rhubarb, Vanilla Bean, Juniper Berry, Blood Orange and Wild Lime.  Simply put, the independent, Seattle-based company is on a mission to change the way America thinks about sodas. Soda ingredients have been in the news in California lately, from the negative effects of caramel coloring to high fructose corn syrup and childhood obesity.  DRY is simple, refreshing and delicious, while avoiding artificial colors, sweeteners and flavors.  With 45-70 calories per bottle and 11-19 grams of pure cane sugar – as opposed to traditional sodas 140-180 calories and 39+ grams of sugar – DRY is clearly a better-for-you choice.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

05/30 RON SALERNO, FERRARELLE USA, JUSTIN SILVER, DOGS IN THE CITY, CHEF PIERO BIONDI

RON SALERNO - FERRARELLE USA



Ron Salerno’s career path to the specialty food business was a circuitous one. After successfully selling his technology business in 2000, Ron took some time to see what he would do next. Truly passionate about his Italian heritage and Italian food, he decided to pursue a job in the Italian food importing and distribution business which would lead him to Roma Foods. With his resume pasted on a bottle of his homemade wine, Ron reached out to founder Luigi Piancone and mailed off his credentials. As soon as Mr. Piancone received the wine / resume, he called Ron who in quick succession became the Sales & Marketing Director for Roma Foods. In 2005 Mr. Piancone sold Roma Foods to Vistar merging the two companies into their existing food service operation. The new company, called Roma Foods, was now worth roughly $3 billion with 28 operating companies around the U.S. With an MBA in International Business, experience working for a publicly traded company and his familiarity with corporate structure, Ron was invaluable in helping to evolve the Roma ‘family style’ of business into a formal, more traditional corporate business model. Vistar/Roma Foods was eventually purchased by Blackstone Capital and then acquired the Performance Food Group creating what is now the third largest food service company in the world. After the merger, Ron left Roma and started Salerno Imports. The company imported Brava-Italia energy drinks; Izzi brand Limoncello, Sambuca & Amaros and VerdeOro olive oil. In 2009, Ron was named Director of Ferrarelle USA (www.ferrarelleusa.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of the number one brand of mineral water in Italy. Ferrarelle USA is responsible for importing, distributing and building the Ferrarelle brand in America. To date, Ron has built a thriving organization and established a national distribution infrastructure with two dedicated product distribution centers. The Ferrarelle brand is sold in restaurants around the U.S., leading supermarket chains and in many specialty retailers. Volume has already reached into the hundreds of containers per year and has been growing at a rapid rate. Ron has excelled in combining his American business education and experience with his passion for Italian food and heritage to transform an old-world style business model for the US market. Ron has found professional and personal satisfaction working with Italian companies and continues to expand his portfolio with Ferrarelle , a career path his grandfather, who emigrated from Avellino, would definitely have been very proud he chose.


JUSTIN SILVER - “DOGS IN THE CITY"

In Manhattan, Justin Silver is known as the “go-to guy” for all things dog-related. He has a
creative and instinctive ability to connect with his canine customers while solving dilemmas for their two-legged masters. In each episode, he meets with clients who present a range of relationship problems, lifestyle changes or domestic issues – from a couple looking to move in together, but she’s terrified of his golden retriever, to a recently divorced couple whose dog is having a rough time adjusting to joint custody. Justin gets as imaginative as necessary to reach a satisfying resolution, often finding that the owners can be a special breed themselves. “Dogs are at the center of the story here, but this is a show that reveals as much about human nature as man’s best friend,” said Executive Producer Carol Mendelsohn. “Dogs are often a lightning rod for their owners’ emotions and dysfunction at home. Justin has an amazing gift to break down these complex issues with incredible heart, humor and, sometimes, much-needed candor.” Justin Silver has been taking care of dogs and their owners for more than a decade. A dog trainer, behaviorist and owner of a pet care company, Silver is also a comedian and founder of Funny for Fido, a nonprofit that raises money for homeless animals by producing a yearly stand-up comedy event. Silver firmly believes that every dog can be trained to be a wonderful companion by working on issues calmly and confidently with both his four- and two-legged clients. The series will premiere Wednesday, May 30 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.


CHEF PIERO BIONDI - RECIPES and "SIMPLICITY" IN COOKING


FORMER CRN HOST AND CO-FOUNDER OF "WHAT'S COOKIN" RETURNS TO TALK RECIPES AND "SIMPLICTY" IN COOKING , A FACTOR IN BEING A GREAT CHEF - RECIPES ON WEBSITE

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

05/29 ANDY SCHWEIGER, GM CARLOS ESCOBOSA "MABELLA SUITES, GEORGE JARKESY!


The Nation's Premiere Food, Wine, Travel 
& Entertainment Show!
 
 
ANDY SCHWEIGER - SCHWEIGER VINEYARDS  

Andy Schweiger—owner and winemaker at Schweiger Vineyards  is the chair of the Auction Napa Valley global e-auction. Andrew Schweiger spent his early years in Sonoma County, California. He attended Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa where he was an accomplished musician, often performing with the Santa Rosa Symphony, Sonoma County Junior Symphony and numerous other musical groups. Andrew gained a passion for winemaking early in life being surrounding by vineyards on the family property on Spring Mountain, high above St. Helena. While in high school, he spent summers working in a variety of capacities at local wineries including
Gloria Ferrer and ZD. In 1988, Andrew started his formal training in winemaking at the University of California, Davis. While keeping a full schedule at school, he expanded his winemaking bag of tricks by working at various wineries, including Joseph Phelps and Trefethen Vineyards. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in fermentation science and a minor in viticulture, Schweiger set right to work at Chateau St. Jean, and a few years later at Cain Cellars. When the time came in 1994 for Schweiger Vineyards to begin wine production, Andrew was able to balance his work load and oversee all the winemaking operations at Schweiger in addition to his full time obligations. Finally, the big step forward came in 1999, when Schweiger Vineyards chose to stop selling fruit to other wineries, and Andrew took the leap to Schweiger Vineyards full time. Andrew resides in St. Helena with his wife Paula and two children, Jerry and Megan. 


 GM CARLOS ESCOBOSA - MABELLA SUITES

Since its purchase, Marbella Suites en la Playa has been continuously improved and upgraded to accommodate the growing public audience of travelers looking for a unique hotel experience, in a breathtaking beachfront location, for a moderate price. We’ve worked to bring back the feel of a traditional hacienda hotel, but also adding the important modern touches guests need, such as WI-if Internet throughout the property.


GEORGE JARKESY - CRN TALK HOST

Chairman of the National Eagles and Angels Association and CEO of Jarkesy & Company. He also owns and operates a winery. A successful money manager and professional investor, respected financial and corporate adviser and a dynamic public speaker, George has founded, invested in and helped to build companies engaged in a broad range of industry sectors, including financial consulting, media, real estate investing, real estate management, employee leasing, light steel manufacturing, livestock management, high technology, natural resources, healthcare and biotechnology.


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Friday, May 25, 2012

05/25 LARRY HYDE, HYDE VINEYARDS, CHEF DREW DECKMAN, DECKMAN'S, STEVE EVANS!



The Nation's Premiere Food, Wine, Travel 
& Entertainment Show!


LARRY HYDE - HYDE VINEYARDS

Larry Hyde is the founderowner and viticulturist of both Hyde Vineyards and Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyards and winerylocated in Carneros (Napa Valley). He was born and raised in WoodsideCA. One year he applied for a harvest job at nearby Ridge wineryand because Larry was fluent in Spanish he ended up working in the vineyard and supervising the workers. That was the beginning of his great passion for viticulture. Larry's educational background includes UC Berkeley and Davis. His work experience includesCuvaisonMondaviStag's Leap Wine Cellars and Phelps winery. In 1979Larry's father purchased his first hundred acres of pasture land in Carneroswhich became Hyde Vineyards. Todayit's a "Grand Cru" of California and Larry is a highly respected grape growerknown for clonal experiments. High quality fruit from Hyde Vineyards finds its way to some of the best wineries in California. In 2000Larry became a partner of Aubert de Villaineforming a wine ventureHdVand in 2009another projectinvolving Larry's sonsPeter and Christophergiven an appropriate nameLarry Hyde & Sons. 
 

 
CHEF DREW DECKMAN - DECKMAN'S

Chef Drew Deckman, after growing up in Peachtree City, GA and completing a degree in Philosophy from Rhodes College, embarked on a culinary journey that has brought him to San Jose del Cabo in what is now "DECKMAN'S San Jose." Chef Drew spent 10 years in France, Switzerland and Germany cooking with Gastro-Masters such as Paul Bocuse, Jacques Maximin, Gilles DuPont and Tommy Byrne. Drew was awarded a coveted Michelin Star for his work in Restaurant Vitus in Germany as well as Rising-Star Chef in Berlin in 2003 during his tenure as Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Berlin.  After mentoring under star-teacher and cookbook author Madeleine Kamman, Chef Drew was part of the final class of the School for American Chefs at Beringer Vineyards. He has worked in Kona Hawaii, Cancun, Mx, Rome, Italy, Shanghai, China and spent time as a private Chef to an entertainer in Los Angeles. Chef Drew has finally found a permanent home in Baja California Sur where he enjoys blue-water sport fishing, scuba diving and golf. Drew is dedicated to local, sustainable ingredients, is Convivium Leader for Slow Food BCS, and is the culinary consultant for Casa de Piedra Winery, Paralelo Winery, Estacion por Venir Winery and La Contra Vinos.


 

STEVE EVANS - THE MOVIE GUY

Latest box office info and news from the world of movies and films. Steve talks about the good, the bad and the ugly. His extensive theatrical experience makes him the right guy to talk about movies and their affect on popular cultures



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Thursday, May 24, 2012

05/24 RICHARD PINK, "PINKS", CHEF G.GARVIN!




The Nation's Premiere Food, Wine, Travel 
& Entertainment Show!

RICHARD PINK - PRESIDENT  "PINKS"  HOLLYWOOD, CA 

HOT DOG TO THE STARS!  It's our 72nd year in Los Angeles, at the same location.  A family-owned hot dog stand since 1939. Yes, we've been in business at the same location since 1939 and now that we're on the Internet, too, we invite you to browse our site, learn about our great hot dog stand, and then come on down for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack. Pink's Hot Dogs are now available at other locations: Cedar Point Amusement Park (Sandusky, Ohio), Harrah's Rincon Hotel & Casino (near San Diego), Hollywood Park Casino, Knott's Berry Farm, LAX Bradley International Terminal, Planet Hollywood Hotel (Las Vegas), Universal City Walk, the Greek Theater (summer season), L.A. County Fair (September), San Diego County Fair (June), Ventura County Fair, Orange County Fair (August), and Southern California Fair, Perris (October).


CHEF G.GARVIN - 'ROAD TRIP WITH G. GARVIN'

Acclaimed cookbook author, host and larger-than-life personality, Chef Gerry Garvin, aka ‘G.’, takes viewers on a culinary expedition to taste the most delicious Southern-inspired cuisine the country has to offer in Roadtrip with G. Garvin, premiering Tuesday, May 29th at 9pm ET/6pm PT.  Traveling to Atlanta, North Carolina and South Carolina, New York, Houston and more, G. Visits a different city each episode to discover the hidden gems and the people behind the magic. From traditional ethnic food and urban farms to barbecue pit masters Extraordinaire, G. Garvin leaves no stones unturned in his quest to find the hottest, most delicious spots in the country.  In the season premiere, G. Travels to Charleston, S.C., a city with a passion for quality and tradition.  G.’s first stop is The Glass Onion, a restaurant that believes in the importance of eating naturally and locally, as G. Creates a fresh and sophisticated pork belly sandwich beloved by locals.  After trying all the fixings, G. Hits the road for his next destination, Cakes by Kasarda, who specialize in fine and unique cakes.  G. Receives a lesson from the owner as he prepares from scratch a groomsmen cake shaped like a beer bucket and topped with sugared “ice”.  G.’s last stop takes him to meet the owner of Barrier Island Eco Tours, as he explores Charleston’s undeveloped barrier islands and back creek salt marshes, all before enjoying a traditional Charleston feast before the sunset.


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