On Today's Show: CRNtalk.com
Robert Burr - Organizer Rum Renaissance Festival (Miami)
David Cid - Brand Manager Bacardi
Rum is experiencing a Renaissance around the world as more savvy consumers discover the incredible flavors of fine rums from the Caribbean islands and every region of the Americas.
Mark your calendars now for one of the premier international rum events in May as Rum Renaissance Miami Festival presents a unique and exciting celebration of the finest rums in the world , featuring a slew of great VIP parties, an exhibition of the best rums in the world, seminars and workshops, an opportunity to rub shoulders with dignitaries and notable experts, plus a big beach and pool party event. We'll be celebrating island cultures with hot music, great food and an amazing array of tropical libations. The LocationRum Renaissance takes place in the sub-tropical wonderland of Miami's golden beaches at the world famous Morgans Hotel Group Shore Club resort on Miami Beach. Experience the Shore Club's Sky Bar, the Red Room night club and Red Room Garden Bar, three of Miami Beach's most exciting hotspots. Sample the world's finest rums in this magical setting amongst the palm trees, the gentle ocean breezes and the natural beauty of South Florida. Make plans now to experience Rum Renaissance Festival in Miami -- May 14-17, 2009.
Anthony Carroll - Master Coffee Taster - "Starbucks"
When Anthony Carroll isn’t pulling his favorite ingredients together to develop a flavorful new recipe or strapped to his snowboard shredding double black diamonds in the Cascade Mountains, he’s using his keen sense of taste and passion for adventure to develop new coffee blends for Starbucks Coffee Company. Slurping and spitting is part of Anthony’s daily grind as Starbucks green coffee quality manager. In fact, he tastes up to 100 cups of coffee per day – smelling and tasting each bean the way a sommelier samples fine wine. All told, Anthony will taste approximately 25,000 cups of coffee annually as one of only a handful of Starbucks master tasters around the world.
Andy Arndt - Executive Chef Aquariva Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar
Northwest inspired casual Italian restaurant known for its chic waterfront atmosphere and locally sourced cuisine, is proud to announce the hire of Andy Arndt as the new Executive Chef. Bringing 22 years of experience to the table, Chef Andy is reinventing the look and feel of the restaurant. “Chef Andy’s diverse experience and out-of-the-box technique sold us right away,” said General Manager George Lake. “His revamped menu includes richer seasonal Northwest flavors and textures, and is receiving rave reviews from customers.”
Experienced in managing AAA Five Star Diamond restaurants with sales revenues upwards of $15 million, Chef Andy has cooked in restaurants from New York City to San Francisco. He comes to Aquariva most recently from Elaine Bell Catering in Napa, Cal., where he dazzled the likes of top Google Executives with seasonal organic cuisine as the Executive Chef. Previous to Elaine Bell, Andy spent four years as the Executive Chef at Ojai Inn and Spa in Ojai, Cal. While at Oaji, he oversaw a staff of 40 cooks and served celebrity guests including Oprah and Don Johnson, earning the title of 2008 Chef of the Year at the Napa Valley Mustard Festival.
“When I first came to Aquariva I thought to myself, this is the hidden gem of Portland, people need to see this,” said Chef Andy. “It has a relaxing waterfront atmosphere, delicious local food, and is barely five minutes from the city.” Born in Ohio, Chef Andy discovered his passion for cooking in high school while washing dishes in a small San Diego restaurant, San Vincente Inn. Quickly working his way up the ranks, he was promoted to Lead Cook within a few years and decided to make his love affair with food official by earning a Culinary Arts degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Andy’s cooking motto -keep it simple- combines minimal seasonal ingredients and unique textures and flavors. Included in his recipes are herbs and spices from the restaurant’s riverside garden and local produce and meat as available.
Gina Shirtsir - Durgin Park Faneuil Hall Market Boston
Legendary Boston restaurant known for Surly waitresses, checkered table cloths and great food. For well over a century, Durgin-Park has catered to the hearty appetites of straw-hatted, white-aproned market men and local characters. Today it hosts visiting celebrities, business men and women, students, and tourists from every part of the globe
Steve Evans - "The Movie Guy
What's happening at the movies this weekend? Steve has all the info on what to see or maybe what to pass up. The hottest films and the biggest bombs from "The Movie Guy".