Napa Wine Country’s Heitz Cellar congratulates Erik Elliott, MS
Heitz Cellar is excited to announce that Estate Director Erik Elliott has passed the Masters Exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.
Erik is one of 10 individuals who successfully met the qualifications to be awarded the title of Master Sommelier. The results were announced at the Krug Reception on August 31, 2022, at the Royal Sonesta in Portland, Oregon.
The Master Sommelier Diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in the beverage service industry.
The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination consists of three sections:
a verbal theory examination,
a wine assessment exercise using the Deductive Tasting Method,
and a practical component that focuses on hospitality, beverage service, salesmanship, and overall business acumen.
Candidates must receive passing scores in each section to earn the highly coveted Master Sommelier title.
“I AM SO PROUD OF ERIK FOR PUTTING IN THE HARD WORK AND ACHIEVING THIS SPECIAL HONOR.
IT’S A JOY TO SEE MY CLOSE FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE JOIN THE COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS.
I HAVE WATCHED HIM GROW FROM A BARTENDER TO A SOMMELIER, A
ND EVENTUALLY A HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR TO ESTATE DIRECTOR,
ALL WHILE DEMONSTRATING HIS TIRELESS WORK ETHIC AND DEEPENING HIS KNOWLEDGE OF FINE WINE AND HOSPITALITY.”
Carlton McCoy, MS.
(Lawrence Wine Estates, CEO)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
NYC’s Newest Margarita: Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording artist, and producer Hailee Steinfeld, in partnership with Premium Beers Group, a leader within the alcohol industry in Mexico, proudly announces the launch of Angel Margarita.
Hailee Steinfeld falls in love with flavor
Hailee Steinfeld has openly expressed her love for margaritas, often sharing glimpses of her favorite citrusy cocktail on social media. Whether enjoying a classic lime margarita or experimenting with fun flavors like spicy or strawberry, she appreciates the drink’s refreshing and vibrant appeal. Her enthusiasm for margaritas perfectly complements her fun-loving personality, making it a go-to choice for celebrations and casual outings alike.
This premium ready-to-drink margarita cocktail is made with 100% Agave Tequila from the rich soil of Jalisco, Mexico.

Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail
To ensure that each can offers an authentic and refreshing taste experience, Angel Margarita is then fully crafted just moments from the Agave fields.
Blending Hailee’s West Coast style with the deep Mexican roots of her co-founders Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, Angel Margarita will lead the category with its commitment to quality. Angel Margarita will launch with four vibrant and refreshing flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry.
“Margaritas have always been my go-to cocktail,
so making a ready-to-drink version with high-quality ingredients that didn’t compromise on taste was important to me,”
Hailee Steinfeld
co-founder
“After visiting the Blue Agave fields in Jalisco with my partners Jordi and Rodrigo, I was inspired by the region. I am so proud of what we have created together and cannot wait for the world to try Angel Margarita.”
In 2023, premixed cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits category in the US, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, marking a 26.8% increase year over year. Tequila was the second fastest-growing category, valued at $6.5 billion, up 7.9% yearly.
To underscore the excitement and potential of this fast-growing category, Angel Margarita has partnered with Philip Button, Founder and CEO of Seven XV Ventures and Geloso Beverage Group, one of the leading alcohol beverage manufacturers and distributors in North America. With their support, Angel Margarita will begin its launch in Southern California.
“Hailee is the perfect partner to help us share an authentic piece of our culture and redefine the ready-to-drink market through Angel Margarita with a more global audience,” said Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, co-founders at Angel Margarita. “We invite consumers to taste our 100% Agave Tequila premium cocktails and to experience an authentic piece of Mexico in every sip.
Stay up to date on Angel Margarita: www.angelmargarita.com / @angelmargarita
100% Tequila, 100% Angel Margarita.
Angel Margarita stands out with its high standards of craftsmanship and tradition:
- Protected Denomination of Origin sourced and manufactured in Jalisco, Mexico
- Expertly crafted high-quality ingredient list featuring 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, a blend of sparkling water, agave syrup, and natural flavors
- Each 12 oz can is 6% ABV and is gluten-free
- Available in four flavors to start: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry
- Retail = $14.99 / 4-pack, $28.99 / 8-pack variety
About Hailee Steinfeld:
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording musician, and producer Hailee Steinfeld remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her leading performance in the 2016 critically acclaimed film THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN garnered her two Critics’ Choice Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Her big-screen debut was in 2010 with the Coen Brothers’ film TRUE GRIT, for which she earned an Oscar nomination at only 14 years old. Up next, she will star alongside Michael B. Jordan in Warner Brothers and Ryan Coogler’s latest film, SINNERS. The supernatural action horror-thriller is set to release globally on April 18, 2025.
About Premium Beers Group:
With over 3 decades of experience, Premium Beers Group has innovated and revolutionized the alcohol category in Mexico. PBG was the first company in Mexico to import 100% malt beers from Europe and introduce craft beer and non-alcoholic beer. Premium Beers Group is the benchmark for excellence and a leader within the premium alcohol category.
About Geloso Group:
A leader in the innovation and development of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Geloso Group manufactures and distributes premium malt beverages, wines, ciders, beers, and spirits. Geloso Group is a valued supplier and trusted partner recognized for its professionalism and commitment to quality, service, and marketing.
Thanksgiving in NYC: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe here]
This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
-
Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
-
Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee: A New Era in Health-Conscious Brewing
In today’s health-focused culture, where wellness transcends mere goals to become a lifestyle, mushroom coffee is emerging as a leading trend. This innovative beverage combines the classic energizing effects of coffee with components often linked to the reputed benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Such a blend makes mushroom coffee a more mindful, health-oriented option for daily consumption, resonating especially with those who weave wellness into their daily routines.

Image courtesy of Freepik
The uniqueness of mushroom coffee lies in its ability to enhance the usual coffee experience by potentially offering additional benefits. For those who find regular coffee too acidic, mushroom coffee presents a more stomach-friendly option. Additionally, it incorporates adaptogenic mushrooms, which are believed to help the body better manage stress. This attribute makes mushroom coffee especially enticing to wellness enthusiasts and those seeking a natural way to support their body’s stress response.

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of Freepik
Finding a coffee that delivers on both taste and health promises can be a daunting task. Leading the initiative is More.Longevity & Wellbeing with its Coffee Superfood Blends. These products are meticulously developed, selecting each ingredient for its quality and scientific backing, ensuring they contribute effectively to the blend. Flavors such as Salted Caramel Vanilla and Mocha are designed to mask the natural earthiness of mushroom, making the beverage more enjoyable while enhancing its appeal. The addition of adaptogens and essential vitamins in the blends aims to support overall health by boosting immunity, enhancing energy, and improving mental clarity.

The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of More.Longevity & Wellbeing
The company’s commitment to radical transparency ensures that consumers receive a product free from unnecessary fillers and additives, affirming a respect for consumer health and environmental sustainability. This level of honesty and ecological consideration is becoming increasingly important to consumers who prefer products that are both healthy and environmentally conscious.
As the trend continues to carve a niche within the beverage market, consumers are presented with expanding choices. It’s no longer just about picking a brand; it involves selecting a philosophy and a level of quality that resonates with personal health values and taste preferences. The coffee not only invites coffee lovers to rethink their daily mug but also serves as a gateway to a more mindful and intentional morning routine.

Image Courtesy of Freepik
You Might also like
-
Ice Theatre of New York Feat’d in Opening Day of Wollman Rink’s Second Ice Season on October 23, 2022 in Central Park
Ice Theatre of New York to participate in Opening Day of Wollman Rink’s Second Ice Season on October 23, 2022 in Central Park.
The day will be free for all visitors, including skate rental. ITNY will perform “Of Water and Ice” at 10am, and the rest of the day will feature eight more hours of programming to welcome New Yorkers back to the ice.
For more information, visit https://wollmanrinknyc.com/
Of Water and Ice
Choreography by Jody Sperling
Performed by Sarah France and Valerie Levine
Music: “Of Water and Ice” by DJ Spooky
Ice Theatre of New York to participate in Opening Day of Wollman Rink’s Second Ice Season on October 23, 2022 in Central Park.
The award-winning Cardinal Spellman High School marching band from the Bronx will kick of the day featuring on-ice performances by additional Wollman Rink community partners, including Figure Skating in Harlem; Camden Pulkinen, current member of Team USA; nationally-ranked Skating Club of New York competitor Jake Mao; and the Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team under the leadership of ITNY Alumni Award Winner Josh Babb.
Additional programming for the day includes appearances by the choreographers and skate instructors behind cast of Broadway’s Kimberly Akimbo, who will demonstrate skating elements from the soon-to-open show and one lucky guest will receive free tickets to see this highly anticipated new musical.
In addition, DJ Rob Dinero will play music for the audience all afternoon. A SkateFest hosted by Learn to Skate USA will provide free clinics to attendees interested in getting on the ice for the first time, or learning a new skill. To round out the day, Equinox will bring back its Sound Bath event – a ticketed, meditative ice-skating experience for participants to engage in guided breathwork and moving meditation while bathed in sounds of singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, courtesy of the Creator of Equinox’s HeadStrong Meditation, Michael Gervais, and sound practitioner Franck Raharinosy.
The opening day celebration will feature programming off the ice as well, with demonstrations from a rising New York chef and live ice sculpture carving by Ice Miracles. Extending from commitments by both Wollman Rink and Great Performances to provide a platform for women and minorities in business, promote environmentally-responsible practices and nurture the talents of refugees and immigrants, Cambodian Khmer cuisine demonstrations will be provided by Brooklyn-based Chef Chinchakriya Un, founder of Kreung. Wollman Rink’s popular rinkside Hot Toddy Tent will also return by popular demand, with its signature beverage available for purchase with a valid ID.
Local area students from The Art Students League of New York and the The High School of Art and Design were invited by Wollman Park Partners to contribute to the energy and décor of the venue and will unveil designs that wrap the Wollman Rink Zambonis and add original murals within the clubhouse, to be enjoyed by visitors from New York and all around the world.
This season Wollman Rink will partner with ITNY on its arts education outreach programming, the New Works and Young Artists Series, for underserved NYC public school children. Schools located in the Upper West Side are invited to participate on January 17 and February 14, 2023.
About Wollman Park Partners, LLC
Wollman Park Partners (WPP) is a coalition of New Yorkers representing decades of experience across multiple sectors; including sports and entertainment; finance; health and wellness; diversity, equity, and inclusion; real estate; culinary; non-profit; youth development and sustainability. The companies and organizations that make up WPP include Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies, Equinox, Ice Hockey in Harlem, Figure Skating in Harlem, Great Performances, Melba’s Restaurant, YMCA of Greater New York, The Boys’ Club of New York and Green City Force. With this expertise, and a deep passion for New York City, WPP offers an energized, year-round experience of Wollman Rink NYC to both New Yorkers and visitors alike, with an emphasis on creating a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive space that promotes equitable economic opportunity and recovery in our City. Wollman Rink partners with ITNY for its arts education outreach programming, the New Works and Young Artists Series, for underserved NYC public school children.
About Ice Theatre of New York®
Founded by Moira North, ITNY’s mission is to celebrate and advance dance on ice as a performance art. Through its performances in both traditional and site-specific venues, ITNY presents ice dance that helps to open one’s eyes to seeing skating in new and unexpected ways. ITNY was the very first ice dance company to receive dance program funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. icetheatre.org
ITNY is supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, and NYC Council Member Shaun Abreu and by Dance/NYC’S Coronavirus Dance Relief Fund.
Additionally, ITNY receives funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Lisa McGraw Figure Skating Foundation, the Will Sears Foundation, and its generous private patrons.
MOIRA NORTH (Founder/Artistic Director)—Named one of the 25 Most Influential Names in Figure Skating by International Figure Skating Magazine, Moira has been a driving force in the development of figure skating as a performing art. Since founding ITNY in 1984, she has developed ITNY’s professional ice dance ensemble, has commissioned renowned dance choreographers to make new works for the company, has worked to integrate contemporary dance into ice dance, and has inspired the founding of dance companies on ice in other parts of the world..
Post Views: 196 -
Love, Gilda Director Lisa D’Apolito To Present Keynote At Gilda’s Club NYC Luncheon May 9
Love, Gilda Director Lisa D’Apolito To Present Keynote At Gilda’s Club NYC Luncheon May 9
Lisa D’Apolito, filmmaker, director, and producer of acclaimed Gilda Radner documentary will be the featured speaker for Gilda’s Club NYC 11th Annual Celebrating Women luncheon, at the Metropolitan Club, Wednesday, May 9th .
D’Apolito became interested in Gilda through her work with Gilda’s Club, where she has been helping the nonprofit create short films for their events since 2010. Love, Gilda showcases the hilarious highs and tragic lows in an incredible life of the Saturday Night Live comedian, and one that echoed one of her most famous lines: It’s always something.
“I am honored to be the keynote speaker at Celebrating Women,”
states D’Apolito.
“Gilda Radner’s legacy is truly unique as she has not only inspired today’s comedians but she is an ongoing inspiration for people affected by cancer through the work done at Gilda’s Club.”
Related:
Co-Founder Jane Rosenthal Announces Tribeca Film Festival 2022 Season and key entry dates.
- Gerri Willis, anchor and correspondent of Fox Business Network, presented the 2017 luncheon keynote speaking of her own cancer experience and returns in 2018 as host.
- Celebrating Women honors exemplary women in the fields of healthcare and business.
- Honoree Michelle Freyre, President of U.S. Beauty, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. is responsible for the company’s high-profile portfolio of Beauty brands including AVEENO®, CLEAN & CLEAR®, LUBRIDERM®, LE PETIT MARSELLAIS™, RoC®, ROGAINE® and NEUTROGENA®, the largest brand within Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Freyre was recently named on the 2018 Fortune 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business, as well as honored as a 2018 Working Mother of the Year by the She Runs It Organization.
- Honoree Alise Reicin, MD is the Senior Vice President and Head of Global Clinical Development for the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and oversees Clinical Therapeutic Areas, Statistics, Evidence and Value Development, and Clinical Operations. Dr. Reicin has extensive early and late clinical development experience in a broad range of therapeutic areas including oncology and immunology.
Related:
Broadway’s Tony Nominated ‘For Colored Girls…’ Announces Extension to June 5
Post Views: 89 -
Comedian Brian Regan Performs Jan 13, 2023 at Syracuse, NY’s The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater
Comedian Brian Regan Performs Jan 13, 2023 at Syracuse, NY’s The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater
Considered one of the best stand-ups in the country by critics, fans and fellow comedians,
Brian Regan announces new theater tour dates through the spring of 2023.
Since 2005, Brian’s non-stop theater tour has visited the most beautiful venues in North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 30-city tour kicks off on Saturday, December 31st at Will Rogers Auditorium in Fort Worth making stops across the U.S. in Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Washington and more before wrapping up in Jacksonville at the Florida Theater on May 14th. For full tour dates and links to purchase tickets visit Brian’s website.
Tickets go on sale starting Friday, September 16th at 10am local time on BrianRegan.com
BRIAN REGAN NYE & SPRING 2023 TOUR DATES:
Saturday, December 31, 2022 – Fort Worth, TX – Will Rogers Auditorium
Thursday, January 12, 2023 – Burlington, VT – The Flynn
Friday, January 13, 2023 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater
Saturday, January 14, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Miller Theater- PA
Sunday, January 15, 2023 – Charlottesville, VA – Paramount Theatre- Charlottesville
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 – Edmonton, AB – Winspear Centre
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 – Calgary, AB – Jack Singer Concert Hall
Thursday, February 2, 2023 – Surrey, BC – Bell PAC
Friday, February 3, 2023 – Tacoma, WA – Pantages Theater
Saturday, February 4, 2023 – Salem, OR – Elsinore Theatre
Thursday, February 23, 2023 – Grand Junction, CO – Avalon Theatre
Saturday, February 25, 2023 – Billings, MT – Alberta Bair Theater
Thursday, March 2, 2023 – El Cajon, CA – The Magnolia
Friday, March 3, 2023 – Thousand Oaks, CA – Bank of America PAC
Saturday, March 4, 2023 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live
Sunday, March 5, 2023 – Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Hall at The Eccles
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 – Sioux Falls, SD – Washington Pavilion
Thursday, March 30, 2023 – Dubuque, IA – Five Flags Arena*
Friday, March 31, 2023 – Omaha, NE – Holland PAC
Saturday, April 1, 2023 – Rapid City, SD – Rushmore Theatre*
Thursday, April 6, 2023 – Norfolk, VA – Harrison Opera House
Friday-Saturday, April 7-8, 2023 – Washington DC – The Kennedy Center^
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 – Morgantown, WV – The Metropolitan Theatre
Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate PAC*
Friday, April 28, 2023 – St Charles, IL – The Arcada Theatre*
Saturday, April 29, 2023 – Saint Joseph, MO – Missouri Theatre
Sunday, April 30, 2023 – Manhattan, KS – McCain Auditorium (KSU)*
Thursday, May 11, 2023 – Coral Springs, FL – Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Friday, May 12, 2023 – St Petersburg, FL – Mahaffey Theater
Saturday, May 13, 2023 – Fort Pierce, FL – Sunrise Theatre ^
Sunday, May 14, 2023 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre Jacksonville
^Already on sale
*Not a Live Nation date
Brian premiered his second Netflix stand-up special, Brian Regan: On The Rocks, on February 23, 2021. Brian’s first Netflix special, Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers, premiered to rave reviews on November 21, 2017, and is also available as a vinyl album.
In 2021, Brian returned for his third season in Peter Farrelly’s TV series, Loudermilk, which is streaming on Amazon Prime. Farrelly personally cast Brian in the series alongside Ron Livingston, Anja Savcic, Will Sasso and Mat Fraser. Brian received praise for his portrayal of “Mugsy,” a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.
Brian stars in his own Netflix series, Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan, which premiered on Christmas Eve 2018. Brian and Jerry Seinfeld Executive Produce the four-episode original half-hour series that combines sketch comedy and stand-up.
Post Views: 408