L’Artigiano Gelato from Italy Makes United States Debut at NYC’s Columbus Circle
L’Artigiano, synonymous in Italy with creamy, flavorful gelato and a long history in the region of Umbria, is making its debut in the United States at NYC’s Columbus Circle .
L’Artigiano Gelato
Officially launching across 12 retailers at over 400 locations in the New York City metro area, L’Artigiano is now available to purchase at D’Agostino, Kings Food Markets, Gristedes, Garden of Eden locations, and more with the ultimate goal of expanding to nationwide availability.
L’Artigiano Gelato Origin
L’Artigiano’s origin began in the picturesque town of Assisi in the Province of Perugia, by visionary Antonio whose dream of sharing gelato led him to develop a secret recipe making use of the region’s best ingredients. His story started humbly in 1927, with nothing but his recipe and a small cart before quickly transforming into a popular shop in Assisi that drew customers near and far hearing the near-legendary tales of Mastr’Antonio’s gelato.
With his secret recipe passed down within his family for generations, in 2012 the L’Artigiano brand was established by Antonio’s great-grandson Francesco Annaloro.
Today, L’Artigiano continues to expand Antonio’s dream beyond the rolling green hills of Umbria toward a global audience while keeping its artisan soul firmly rooted in Mastr’Antonio’s traditions.
The original recipe from Mastr’Antonio is the basis for the brand’s gelato products. Manufacturing still takes place in the town of Assisi, and each gelato crafted, whether classic or new, bears the enduring legacy of his profound passion and unwavering dedication.
Featuring premium raw ingredients predominantly sourced from Italy including locally procured fresh milk delivered to the factory daily and fresh fruit pulp, L’Artigiano’s devotion to the artistry of gelato shines in their traditional and innovative flavors. From Sicilian Pistachio to a vegan Mango as well as classics like vanilla, chocolate, and Chocotella (chocolate and hazelnut), the breadth of gelato available at launch provides the right sweet treat for occasions big and small.
“There’s no place better to introduce Americans
to the rich flavors and history of L’Artigiano than New York City,”
Francesco Annaloro
L’Artigiano founder
“New York City’s own history is so entwined with Italian American heritage and, of course, cuisine, that bringing our gelato with its own deep connection to tradition here felt like the perfect first step into this new territory.”
To help cement their introduction with this bustling audience, L’Artigiano is joining forces with another Italian icon, Fiat, to launch a spectacular pop-up this spring and summer. L’Artigiano will be selling their gelato from a custom Fiat 500 in signature L’Artigiano colors, starting April 1st and running until June — perfect for enjoying as the weather turns warm and the desire for something cold and sweet returns. Consumers have the option to choose their favorite flavor as a scoop or cone. Flavors that will be served include Sicilian Pistachio, Mango, Vanilla, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate, Strawberry and Chocotella. Visitors can check out L’Artigiano’s pop-up at the Ground Floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M and Sundays from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Consumers can learn more and out find where they can purchase L’Artigiano at nearby retailers by checking out www.lartigianogelato.com/where-to-buy/.
L’Artigiano gelato
L’Artigiano gelato began in the town of Assisi in the Province of Perugia, Italy in 1927 by a man named Antonio. Mastr’Antonio’s secret recipe for rich and creamy gelato has been passed down for generations and is the foundation for the brand’s products today.
Since its beginnings as a humble cart ran by Mastr’Antonio, L’Artigiano has transformed over the years into a global brand, bringing its premium gelato, still made in Perugia today using ingredients sourced directly from Italy, to a continuously growing audience. L’Artigiano is available in flavors like Sicilian Pistachio, Chocolate, Vanilla, Mango, and more.
The Shops at Columbus Circle
Developed by Related Companies, The Shops at Columbus Circle have served as the gateway to Central Park and Manhattan’s Upper West Side for more than 20 years.
This iconic lifestyle and cultural destination is home to some of New York City’s most beloved chef-driven dining destinations, including Per Se and Masa, both 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as beloved concepts from Momofuku, Quality Branded and the award-winning Porter House Bar and Grill; an array of fashion and lifestyle retailers including the City’s only Williams-Sonoma; and public art icons “Adam and Eve” by renowned Artist Fernando Botero. The Shops are the heart of Deutsche Bank Center which includes the celebrated performing arts space Jazz at Lincoln Center; the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel; state-of-the-art commercial offices; luxury residences offering unparalleled views; and more.
For more information about The Shops at Columbus Circle, The Restaurant and Bar Collection and other special events please visit: https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com/
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Can NYC get Somm-Approved wine from a Can? We Tasted with Kristin Olszewski from Nomadica Wines
Can NYC get Somm-Approved wine from a Can? We Tasted with Kristin Olszewski from Nomadica Wines
Sommelier Businesswoman Kristin Olszewski brings Michelin quality to Canned Wines with Nomadica Wines
Nomadica offers sparkling, rose, white, red and orange options — both canned and bag in a box.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Kristin-Our-Story.webp)
Nomadica Wines ‘s Owner Kristin Olszewski
Nomadica Wines are sourced from vineyards with responsible farming practices and winemakers who engage in low intervention wine making.
Wine-lovers can be 100% confident you’re drinking serious sommelier-approved wine.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines14-1017x1024.jpg)
Nomadica Wines ‘s Owner Kristin Olszewski; Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Today’s conversation with Sommelier / Businesswoman Kristin Olszewski from Nomadica Wines has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, un-edited conversation, visit our YouTube channel here.
Joe Winger: We’re here today with Kristin Olszewski from Nomadica Wines.
What’s the most important message you want to share today with our audience?
Kristin Olszewski:
I think the biggest message that I want to get across is that everyone should be drinking more wine. That’s my mission in life to just bring consumers back to the wine category.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines20-1024x1010.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
Outstanding. And how how are you trying to get that done?
Kristin Olszewski:
I’ll give a little context on my own history and how I came here.
My undergrad degree is in sustainable agriculture and I ended up dropping out of Harvard Medical School to become a sommelier – typical journey.
I just really fell in love with wine. I worked in restaurants to pay for school and wine was always the thing that captivated my interest.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines7-714x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
I feel like it’s the intersection of history, agriculture and gastronomy. And then also there’s something so fun and communal and – you’re getting a little tipsy. It’s everything.
But I spent a decade-plus in Michelin restaurants all over the country, everywhere from three Michelin stars, Saison in San Francisco, Husk in Nashville, Osteria Mozza here in LA.
When Nancy Silverton was on a Netflix show called Chef’s Table, I started noticing a different customer coming into the restaurant. Usually as a sommelier, you’re talking to a very specific demographic of people. I would say 45 plus male white wine collector. That’s my demo. And when Nancy was on Chef’s Table, young people started coming into the restaurants, a lot of women, and I noticed they didn’t want to drink wine.
They would drink tequila, beer, cocktails, like anything but wine.
That always felt like such a missed opportunity because wine, it’s the most ancient beverage. Our people have drank wine for millennia. It’s also in an age where we care about what’s natural, what’s minimally processed, what’s better for you.
Great wine is literally just grapes, yeast, water, and time, so I started digging into why aren’t you drinking wine? And I found out a few things.
One, people felt like wine wasn’t a good value. If you weren’t going to spend a lot of money on wine, you couldn’t get a great wine, which is untrue.
The other one is people feel like they needed a PhD or some level of education or knowledge in order to access wine, which, again, is not true.
I want to be people’s guide, hold their hand and walk them into the world of wine. So I started Nomadica to do that on a larger level.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines10-927x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
That’s beautiful.
You mentioned two things. We’re going to go into both. Your background in Michelin restaurants. I’ve heard heavenly amazing stories. I’ve heard horror stories.
Can you share an experience and what you learned from?
Kristin Olszewski:
Everyone always asks me if I watch The Bear or not. And I’m like, no, I can’t.
Some positive stories, Michelin restaurants have changed a lot from when I started working in them. I think work has changed a lot for the positive. I remember one of my first serious jobs in a scary restaurant. You have your hair pulled back because you don’t want it to get in the food.
I had one small piece of hair hanging down above my face and the chef takes a match from the stove, lights a piece of my hair and says don’t ever have a hair hanging down in your face again.
Some of the wonderful stories are having the opportunity, especially at Mozza, you taste each bottle you open there.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines8-931x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
When I was at Mozza, it was a $5 million dollar all-Italian cellar with 90 pages of the best Barolo, Brunello, Etna Rosso’s, just things that like collector’s dream about tasting.
And I feel so lucky to have tasted things like Conterno Monfortino, which is the type of wine that you want to smell for three hours before you drink it.
When you have a wine like that, it makes you realize why collectors obsessively chase bottles, there’s something so romantic and intangible, and having a wine like that, you realize you’ll never have A wine that tastes the same at any moment in time ever again.
It’s just such a lucky experience.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines12-1024x1016.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
I’m curious about how that experience inspired you to open Nomadica.
Kristin Olszewski:
My entry point into wine was always through farming. I majored in sustainable agriculture.
I was an avid farmer. I ran our community garden in college and was focused on permaculture. I lived in India and farmed for a while there.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines22-896x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
And I always say great wine is made by great farmers, great wines made in the vineyard, not the cellar.
So when I was looking at starting Nomadica, that sustainability ethos, it was always my starting point, but I was really shocked when I found out how bad glass bottles are for the environment.
30% of glass is recycled in the US. The rest just goes into a landfill. It’s highly energy intensive to make, to ship, because it’s so heavy.
The fact is, most wine does not need to be in a glass bottle.
Yes, that Barolo I mentioned absolutely needs to be in a glass bottle. That needs to be aged for years before it even comes into its own.
But for a $20 – 30 bottle of wine that you’re going to pop open and drink it on a weeknight or on a not special weekend does not need to be in glass.
So that’s how we started.
Cans at 70 % reduction in carbon footprint. Our newly launched bag and box wine is almost a 90% reduction in carbon footprint.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines18-877x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
I sampled your sparkling white, your white, your red and your rose, they were dangerously drinkable.
Can we talk about where the fruit is sourced from?
Kristin Olszewski:
Absolutely.
The name Nomadica is really a fun double entendre because you can take it wherever you want to go. Of course, cans and boxes can be found in places that bottles can’t.
We source our fruit from all over.
We’re truly a nomadic winery.
Our head winemaker spent time at some of the best wineries in California, like Eric Kent Cellars, which makes award winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and also Kosta Brown.
Before that he spent 10 years doing vineyard management in California. So through Corey, we’ve really got a handle on some of the best fruit. A lot of our wine comes from Mendocino. A lot of our grapes come from Mendocino or Lodi. I’m such a Sonoma girly. Our winery is located in Sonoma, and so I always find myself drawn back to that region.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines15-1024x1010.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
Are there any vineyards you’d recommend us touring when we come to Northern California?
Kristin Olszewski:
I think the Sonoma Coast is the best wine region in California. They’ve fought very hard to become designated as their own AVA, which is very important in terms of quality.
The oceanic influence, what we call a diurnal shift, the extreme temperature change between night and day, like Hirsch and Littorai.
I think if anyone ever wants to see proof in the pudding of what great farming can do, you need to go see Littorai.
Ted Lemon was one of the first Americans to ever be a winemaker in Burgundy and he brought all of his practices back, was one of the first people to practice biodynamic agriculture in California and really brought that style of farming onto a larger scale.
When you go visit his vineyards, it’s like teeming with life. You look next door at a conventionally farmed plot, which is just like dead and sad looking. And then you taste the wines and you’re just knocked on your butt because they’re so good.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines13-1024x668.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
Nomadica Wines has several varieties. White, Sparkling white, Rose, Red, Orange.
Can you walk us through the taste profiles of any of your favorites – what’s the aromas, what are the profiles?
Kristin Olszewski:
Something really cool about our wines is everything’s practicing organic. No pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers, all of our wines are fermented dry. Naturally zero grams of sugar per serving. They have nice fruit notes, but none of the wines are sweet.
Crushable bright flavor.
Across the gamut, our entire portfolio has a brightness and a freshness to it. All of our wines are like slightly aromatic because I love an aromatic variety, but part of the thought that we put behind the brand is that I wanted to take that sommelier curation and put it in the restaurant, on the retail shelf so that when you’re serving Nomadica at your home, at parties and the beach, 99% percent of people will love it.
I’m doing the work on the back end on blending, sourcing, creating these flavor profiles that’s really taking that wine experience, that decade plus of developing my own palette and giving it back to the consumer.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines4-918x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
Are there any favorite wine and food pairings for you with your wines?
Kristin Olszewski:
I love an aperitif. Our sparkling rosé is definitely my favorite wine in our gamut. In a can you always have the perfect pour because sometimes you don’t want to open up an entire bottle of wine.
When we do that in my house, it usually gets drank. It doesn’t go back in the fridge.
Sometimes you just want a glass of sparkling. And I love that.
I love that with a charcuterie board and cheese. I also love Rose with green salads.
I think one of the best things about living where we live [Los Angeles] is we have the best produce on the planet.
I still run some wine programs in Los Angeles and I’m actually opening up a restaurant in Silver Lake next year, an Italian restaurant. Orange Wine is like the hottest trend.
I was doing the wine list at a restaurant in Hollywood called Gigi’s and I noticed I was selling more orange wine by the glass than all other colors combined, which was just mind blowing to me.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines19-852x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
We made what I think is the best orange wine coming out of California.
There’s a lot of talk about natural wine, orange wine. They’re not all created equal. My winemaker and I tasted through my favorite Italian skin contact wines and decided on a really concrete flavor profile source.
My mother in law in Orange County is drinking her orange wine with her friends. So I really feel like I’ve achieved something. That with sushi is a mind blowing pairing.
Then our red. We found Teroldego growing in Northern California, which is a grape that’s indigenous to Northern Italy from the Alto Adige.
It’s really Alpine, like dark fruit, like a Zinfandel, but really refreshing and bright acidity and a little bit more tannin than a Zin [Zinfandel] has.
There’s a perception that we had to overcome about can and boxed wine. People think that it’s low quality.
Whenever I pour our red for somebody, the response is always, “Wow, oh my god, that’s so good.”
No matter your level of wine knowledge, you can see what I’m trying to do when you taste our red wines.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines11-921x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
What’s next for you and Nomadica?
Kristin Olszewski:
Right now we’re in hardcore expansion mode. We were the first people to do fine wine and can, and I grew really slowly at my own pace.
I wanted to build the brand.
A lot of people just run to retail shelves and they want to be in every grocery store on the planet. I didn’t want that. I wanted to be, at the Four Seasons, at the Ritz Carlton, at music venues.
I wanted to be in places where people don’t typically expect to see wine in cans and boxes.
We are one of the highest velocity items at Whole Foods in our category.
We just launched all of our box wines at Total Wine in California, Texas, Florida, Colorado, and New York and got some really big plans for next year.
So keep your eyes peeled. People are about to see me everywhere.
That’s my goal.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NomadicaWines3-844x1024.jpg)
Source: instagram.com/nomadica
Joe Winger:
Having a canned wine at some of these nicer hotels is a challenge.
What lesson did you learn by accomplishing that rather large challenge?
Kristin Olszewski:
That’s the best thing about how we’re positioned. Not only am I a sommelier, my VP of sales is a sommelier. My winemaker has an incredible reputation. Every person on my team comes from the wine industry and we have the best product.
When we’re sitting down and tasting with these buyers, these people that are in our industry. They recognize it. I always say taste out of a wine glass. Everything tastes better out of a wine glass. The second that they taste it, these are people who taste wine all the time and they taste a lot of bad wine.
So that has been amazing.
We’ve always had the industry behind us. It’s a huge differentiator for us. So I think it was slow build. Everything takes a lot more time than you think it will, which is I think the biggest lesson that I’ve taken away from this business over the last seven years.
But you got to build your brand first.
Joe Winger:
You seem like a deep-souled individual. Whether it’s wine or otherwise, is there an overall message that you want to share to inspire the audience?
Kristin Olszewski:
We are in a time where sustainability is more important than it ever has been. You can’t base your entire brand about it, but I think it’s an absolutely necessary component to any consumer product that’s coming out today.
One of my missions in life is to have that conversation about sustainability and have it with other brands because it needs to be convenient.
Otherwise, consumers will not buy it, care or participate or choose a sustainable option. That’s my big thing.
Joe Winger:
What are the best ways to follow your journey and to learn more about you?
Kristin Olszewski:
You can buy Nomadica online and our new rosé yuzu spritz, which is delicious at ExploreNomadica.com. And then our socials are at Nomadica on Instagram.
And if you want to follow me. I’m at Kristin__O.
The Hamptons: Culinary Sensation Tieghan Gerard Delivers on Delicious at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner July 24
The Hamptons: Culinary Sensation Tieghan Gerard Delivers on Delicious and Delight In The Hamptons at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner July 24
Culinary Sensation Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest delivers on delicious and delight at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner July 25
Tieghan Gerard was welcomed by a crowd of excited, curious and hungry fans looking forward to a memorable dinner at a beautiful setting.
![Happy crowd at Half Baked Harvest Announce Summer Harvest](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-30-at-3.35.19 PM-300x244.png)
Getting a selfie with culinary star Tieghan Gerard
![Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner team](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-30-at-3.34.56 PM-300x217.png)
The Team with Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner
![Beautiful crowd at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-30-at-3.33.35 PM.png)
Beautiful crowd at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner
![Time to eat, Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-30-at-3.36.13 PM-1024x499.png)
Time to eat, Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner
Tieghan Gerard selected the perfect dinner menu to pair with exceptional wines
It was an enchanting evening of culinary artistry and exceptional wines at the summer’s most anticipated Hamptons event, Summer Harvest: Grilling with Roman Meets Half Baked Harvest.
Wölffer’s esteemed winemaker and partner, Roman Roth collaborated with Tieghan to create an unexpected pairing menu and special installment of his highly sought after series “Grilling With Roman.”
![Summer in a Bottle Sauvignon Blanc](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-30-at-3.35.10 PM.png)
Summer in a Bottle Sauvignon Blanc
Summer in a Bottle Sauvignon Blanc
Featuring the newly released Summer in a Bottle Sauvignon Blanc, among other exquisite selections, this sophisticated yet whimsical event promises an unforgettable farm-to-table menu.
![Late Harvest Chardonnay](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240725-DSC06826-576x1024.jpg)
Late Harvest Chardonnay
![Salad at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-30-at-3.36.43 PM.png)
Salad at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner
![Proscuitto at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-30-at-3.37.44 PM.png)
Proscuitto at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner
![Scallops at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240725-DSC06775-1024x576.jpg)
Scallops at Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Dinner
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the iconic Summer in a Bottle series, the menu showcases the freshest local produce, expertly prepared and perfectly paired.
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Wölffer Estate Vineyard is located at 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, NY 11937.
The Hamptons: Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Culinary Sensation Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest Announce Summer Harvest July 24
Hamptons: Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Culinary Sensation Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest Announce Summer Harvest July 24
Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Culinary Sensation Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest Announce Summer Harvest July 24
Prepare for an enchanting evening of culinary artistry and exceptional wines at the summer’s most anticipated Hamptons event, Summer Harvest: Grilling with Roman Meets Half Baked Harvest.
On Wednesday, July 24th at 6:30 pm, the picturesque Wölffer Estate Vineyard and NY Times #1 Bestselling cookbook author and Instagram sensation, Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest, are presenting a bountiful summer harvest experience. Wölffer’s esteemed winemaker and partner, Roman Roth collaborated with Tieghan to create an unexpected pairing menu and special installment of his highly sought after series “Grilling With Roman.”
Featuring the newly released Summer in a Bottle Sauvignon Blanc, among other exquisite selections, this sophisticated yet whimsical event promises an unforgettable farm-to-table menu. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the iconic Summer in a Bottle series, the menu showcases the freshest local produce, expertly prepared and perfectly paired.
“I am absolutely thrilled to collaborate with Wölffer Estate Vineyard for this beautiful and inspiring event.”
Teighan Gerard
Founder of Half Baked Harvest
“I’m a huge fan of Wölffer Wines and I can’t wait to visit the Hamptons for the first time,” said Teighan Gerard, Founder of Half Baked Harvest.
“It’s going to be a magical evening of great food, fantastic wine, and wonderful company, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!”
Do not miss this unique opportunity to indulge in an evening of great food, fine wine, and stunning surroundings.
Tickets are currently available HERE, while supplies last for $310 and include entrance, full menu and wine pairings.
This event is rain or shine.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard is located at 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, NY 11937.
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Kosher Expert Reveals 2024’s Top Passover Wines
Wine Expert Jay Buchsbaum Reveals 2024’s Top Passover Wines for Passover 2024
Passover starts Monday April 22 at sundown and ends April 30th. But today’s conversation is about the flavors of Seder dinner.
Jay Buchsbaum
Royal Wine and Kosher.com’s Jay Buchsbaum visits to talk about flavor, tradition, tastes for every family member and what’s exciting in the wine world for 2024.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, unedited conversation, visit our FlavRReport YouTube channel.
Joe Winger: Jay, welcome back. I appreciate that you’re returning. Last time was great and we learned alot.
Jay Buchsbaum: Thank you for having me. Wow. This is great. So getting invited back for a second date, that’s really cool.
Joe Winger: Passover is just around the corner and we want to talk about different over wines to enjoy during the celebration and some great wine pairings.
I wanted to start off with what might be one of the popular new bottles – Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jay Buchsbaum: It’s very hot and the reason it’s very hot is because people want something that’s rich and flavorful, especially the American palate, what we call the New World style.
Opulence, fruit forward, but they don’t want to spend a fortune like you’d have to from some fancy vineyard in Napa or from Judean Hills. When it comes to Israel or the Golan Heights, and this is one of those wines where they’ve put together this at the beginning of opulence, lots of fruit forwardness, 14 months in oak and about $25.
So it’s really one of those really wonderful wines. What I noticed, and they say they forgot to do it, but I noticed that it does not have an appellation specific, except for Israel. The reason I believe the winemaker did that – I don’t know for sure – he talks about it on the back [of the bottle] that they brought the grapes from some of the finest vineyards. He chose small amounts [of grapes] from the best vineyards from different places and put them all together, carefully crafting it so that it’s big and rich and flavorful and still under $30 bucks.
Joe Winger: That sounds amazing. What are some good food pairings that you’d recommend with it?
Jay Buchsbaum: A roast would be great. On the first and second night of Passover, we don’t officially roast anything because we don’t want people to think that it was a sacrificial lamb that was done in Egypt because we don’t have it today yet.
Until the reestablishment of the temple on the Temple Mount at some future time.
So people cook a roast in the oven, it’s not barbecued. That’s what they’re talking about from a historical, spiritual sense – but a delicious roast, maybe chicken marsala, where you have mushrooms and caramelized onions, you have a really rich flavor to go with that.
A lot of the Sephardic foods are like that too. We talked about traditional foods. Traditional foods from where? Sometimes it’s Eastern Europe, sometimes it’s Middle Eastern, and sometimes it’s Sephardic.
Lots of seders have a mix of all [cuisines] because you have melded families.
Joe Winger: Royal Wine currently has a wide roster of wine suggestions for Passover Something for every adult at the table, from Grandpa to 25 year old Grand-daughter and her boyfriend.
Jay Buchsbaum: That’s a great point. I’m going to give you the last one first only because I thought this was so much fun when I thought about it and I actually might do it.
Let’s say the boyfriend is coming over. He wants to bring you something and he doesn’t know what to get you because, he’s not that observant..
So I thought, why don’t you end the meal with something Sparkling. The Momentous Rosé. That might be fun. You go out with a pop, so to speak. There’s Vera Wang’s Prosecco Rose that’s also wonderful. Both around $20.
But if you want to go really high end, why not go with the Rothschild Brut Rosé from Champagne, which is magnificent. It’s 100% Pinot Noir, and about $100 a bottle.
So you have great diversity and accessible and quite delicious sparkling wines.
Grandpa, or if you have a real fine wine guy. You have beautiful wines from the Rothschild vineyards, the Haute Medoc. which is in the upper $30s, and then you even have Grand Cru’s LesCombes, Grand Cru Margaux as an example, and some amazing wines from the Herzog Winery in California like the Alexander Valley Herzog Reserve, or the Napa Valley Herzog Reserve.
We have a beautiful Lake County Reserve Cabernet from California. Big, opulent, delicious, mouth filling.
I start my Seder usually with a rosé. The reason for that is because you’re starting your Seder, having eaten nothing pretty much since the morning. So you’re on an empty stomach and the tradition is to finish at least the first glass. So I try to start with a rosé. It’s a little lighter, a little lower in alcohol, a little lighter in texture and, and I like to start with an Israeli wine first.
Joe Winger: Iis there a hidden gem as far as just high quality with amazing value?
Jay Buchsbaum: There’s a really wonderful wine from New Zealand.
It’s a white wine, not a red wine. It’s made by the Rothschild family, but it’s made in New Zealand, called Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc. Less than $30 for sure. Fresh, sweet lemons, but with enough acidity and structure, almost like a palette cleanser.
Joe Winger: Anything that you’re looking forward to in the next few months that wine lovers should be getting excited for?
Jay Buchsbaum: We were missing rosés from Israel for a whole year because of the sabbatical year. We skipped that vintage of roses, and so they’re back for the first time in 24 months for this Passover.
I love some of the new Italian wines. One of them to take a look at is Cantina Giuliano. it’s a boutique winery. They make 3,000 – 4,000 cases maximum. It’s run by a young couple and I just had them over at my house for Sabbath Shabbat. His wines blew people away.
I think the most exciting thing is our new winemaker and what our new winemakers is doing with our grapes. His selection and his final product over at the Herzog Wine Cellars. And that could be
Our new winemaker, his name is David Galzignato. He’s with us about three years and he has a background that is with some of the finest and smallest, medium sized boutiques.
He was going to be moving to France, going to go for his MW [masters of wine] and they asked him if he’d come and consider working with us and he did. He has been making literally blow your brains out wonderful wines so our Napa Cabernet, our Alexander Valley Cabernet are just up and down the line, the wines, especially the reds are just rich and opulent.
He got Joseph Herzog to buy a visual sorter, they range in cost between a $100,000 – 1 million dollar machine.
What they do is when the grapes come in [during harvest] and there’s something called sorting tables.
Done by hand [vineyard workers literally sorting through the harvested grape bunches, looking for] damaged or a little beat up or whatever, and they only allow the perfect grapes to go through.
This visual sorter does this electronically by computer, so nothing is missed, zero. As a result, the grape quality is much higher
Famously said in The New Yorker Years ago, “There’s only three things that matter in good winemaking. Good grapes. Good grapes. Good grapes.”
So, the fruit that we get and the fruit that we end up making wine out of is literally the most important thing.
By using these kinds of methods, which are not inexpensive. But the quality is through the roof. We’re looking to make a 100 point wine one of these days and I think it might we might get close this year.
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Financial Guru Michael Dodo is Living His American Dream
Financial Guru Michael Dodo is Living His American Dream
Los Angeles based financier Michael Dodo is fast becoming one of the most sought-after venture capitalists for a range of businesses in need of private equity investment and acute corporate leadership. The Founder and CEO of both The Dodo Group, and beauty brand conglomerate Luxury Brands LLC., he successfully identifies, restructures, nurtures, and drives formerly struggling businesses into financially stable, sustainable, and successful global companies.
Born and raised in Johannesburg South Africa, Michael Dodo earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa before launching his career in finance at the Mercantile National Bank of South Africa. With his eye sharply affixed on immigrating to America, and with a mere $300 in his pocket, he arrived in Los Angeles and was soon recruited by Tag-It Pacific, a garment hang tag and label production company, first as their Controller and then quickly promoted to VP of Finance and Operations. He was not only instrumental in taking the company public, but also ran both their Hong Kong and Mexican divisions before parting ways in 2001.
Financial Guru Michael Dodo
He, and a business partner, then purchased Triple L Distribution, a company which soon became the second largest redistributor of dry grocery and equipment supplies to the food service industry in the West. Under Michael’s direction, TLD successfully maintained a fleet of 70 tractor trailers and 5 fully stocked warehouse locations, and the company grew from $16 million to $128 million in annual revenue. He was then approached to step in as CEO of FHI Heat, a prominent professional grade hair tool company, to restructure and cultivate the brand. Shortly thereafter, he purchased West Central Produce, later known as West Central Foodservice, growing the company into one of the largest premium wholesale food, beverage, and restaurant supply distributors on the West Coast, with sales topping $300M per year.
In 2017, he launched his first of two conglomerates – Luxury Brands LLC., positioned as a parent company for beauty, luxury, and lifestyle consumer brands. FHI Heat, and sibling haircare brands STYLUS, NEO BOND, Hair Veil and Daily Beauty, were strategically placed under the Luxury Brands LLC. corporate umbrella., and last spring, Michael’s latest acquisition Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and Skincare was purchased out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy and added to his growing beauty brand portfolio.
Financial Guru Michael Dodo
Michael’s namesake conglomerate – The Dodo Group, has focus in F&B, a space which Michael has significant career experience. Lodi Canning Company, a 100-year-old plus, farm-to-table vegetable canning company, and Wateria, a 25-year-old, 15-step Drinking Water Purification System both sit under DG and are currently scaling at a tremendous rate.
To say that Michael Dodo has optimized the “American Dream” is an understatement, and we look forward to acutely following his success for many years to come.
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Neal Brennan Announces ‘Brand New Neal’ U.S. Tour stop in NYC July 13
Emmy-nominated writer, director, producer and standup comedian Neal Brennan announced his upcoming BRAND NEW NEAL Limited Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 4-city tour kicks off Saturday, May 20th in San Diego, CA at The Observatory North Park and continues on through Philadelphia and New York before wrapping up on Friday, August 18th at Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN. The tour follows the release of his Netflix comedy special Neal Brennan: Blocks, which hits the streaming platform tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8th.
TICKETS: Tickets for the tour go on sale starting Friday, November 11th at 10am local time at ticketmaster.com
Neal Brennan Announces ‘Brand New Neal’ U.S. Tour stop in NYC July 13
BRAND NEW NEAL TOUR DATES:
Sat May 20 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
Thu Jul 13 – New York, NY – Town Hall Theatre
Fri Jul 14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Fri Aug 18 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
About Neal Brennan
Three-time Emmy nominated writer, director, producer, and standup comedian Neal Brennan has become a force in the comedy world. An across-the-board talent, Neal has found success in almost every creative vein in the comedy community. His latest Netflix comedy special Neal Brennan: Blockspremieres globally on November 8.
Neal Brennan: Blocks was adapted from Neal’s hit one-man show Unacceptable. Beloved Magician/Artist Derek Delgaudio (HULU’s In & Of Itself) directed both the Netflix special and the theatre run. The stage show had a sold-out NYC residency in the Fall of 2021, with Interview Magazine lauding “together, Brennan and DelGaudio have crafted a genre-bending show focused as much on fun and laughter as it is on intimacy and honesty” and Theatermania gushing “The comedians Neal Brennan has written for is insane….Even more insane (in the best way), is the material Brennan writes for himself.”
Neal’s critically acclaimed first off-Broadway one-man show 3 Mics also enjoyed a sold-out NYC run in 2016 with superstar musician John Legend serving as Executive Producer. 3 Mics was taped as a stand-up special, which premiered on Netflix in 2017, with Paste Magazine offering “It will floor you in the best way possible.”
As in-demand behind the camera as he is in front of it, Neal was recently a writer, creative consultant, and on-air correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. He is a longtime collaborator of iconic comedian Dave Chappelle, with whom he has created multiple comedy fan favorites including the legendary Chappelle’s Show and the Emmy-winning Saturday Night Live episode immediately following the 2016 presidential election. Neal served as Executive Producer on Chris Rock’s recent standup special Chris Rock: Tamborine and as Director on fellow Daily Show Correspondent Michelle Wolf’s HBO special Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady. He has helped create and performed in numerous TV series and films, developing what The New York Times calls his “hip-hop and Frontline aesthetic.” He regularly headlines the good standup venues in the good parts of America.
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OMG. This is the best. Love them for dessert