Warhol-Basquiat Play ‘The Collaboration’ Sets Winter Broadway Opening; with Paul Bettany & Jeremy Pope Starring
The Collaboration, Anthony McCarten’s hit London play about artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, will make its American premiere on Broadway this winter, with Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope as the two painters.
The Manhattan Theatre Club production will begin previews at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Tuesday, November 29, with an opening night set for Tuesday, December 20. Kwame Kwei-Armah directs.
The production will be the second Broadway production of MTC’s 2022-2023 season, following the fall premiere of Martyna Majok’s Cost of Living.
The Collaboration, which made its world premiere in a critically acclaimed production by London’s Young Vic Theatre in January, is set in the summer of 1984, when longtime superstar Warhol and wunderkind Basquiat agreed to work together on what would become one of the most famous exhibitions in the modern art history. As the official synopsis puts it, “But can these two creative giants co-exist, or even thrive?”
Bettany (The Avengers, WandaVision) and Pope (Broadway’s Choir Boy and Ain’t Too Proud) reprise their roles from the London staging.
The announcement was made today by Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director) and Barry Grove (Executive Producer) and the Young Vic Theatre, Kwame Kwei-Armah (Artistic Director) and Lucy Davies (Executive Director) by special arrangement with Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Anthology Theatre, Stanley Buchthal, and Denis O’Sullivan
Additional cast members and the creative team for The Collaboration will be announced at a later date. Two additional productions for MTC’s 2022-2023 season, including one at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway and one at MTC at New York City Center – Stage I, will be announced soon.
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Jérôme Peschard Leads Vietnam Art Renaissance, Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.
On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.
The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.
The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.
Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.
This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.
“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard
“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza
ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:
Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.
ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:
Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.
Join Us MidTown NYC for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Join Us for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Prosecco has gone from a little known mountain fizz to a vinous superhero, overtaking Champagne (and every other sparkling wine out there) and enjoyed by wine drinkers throughout the world, as the base of a cocktail or an everyday quaff.
But despite its huge popularity, most people don’t know much about it.
And there is much more to Prosecco than many people are aware.
”My objective is to
clarify the critical differences
between the original ancient Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco and
the DOC Prosecco that was enacted in 2010.”
Alan Tardi
New York Wine Studio
Prosecco is produced only in Italy, in the Northern regions of Veneto and Friuli, and there are three official Prosecco appellations.
Prosecco DOC
One of them, Prosecco DOC, was created in 2010. It occupies a huge, mostly flat area encompassing almost two entire regions and accounts for most of the 700+ million bottles of Prosecco produced each year.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG is a tiny area in the foothills of the Dolomites consisting of 15 small municipalities in the province of Treviso. This is the ancient winegrowing area where Prosecco was born and made a miraculous comeback in the aftermath of World War II.
Besides its pedigree, there are numerous factors of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene enclave that distinguish it from any other winegrowing area in the world: complex and diverse topography, variety of soils, native grape varieties, distinct sub-areas, ancient history, and varied typology—bubbly, fizzy, and still; secondary fermentation in tank or in bottle, leaving sediment in the bottle (known as Ancestral Method) or removing it (Traditional Method).
In this class—which takes place right in the middle of National Prosecco DOC week—we will discuss the origin and evolution of Prosecco in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. We will also examine the two additional Prosecco appellations created in 2010.
But most of the time will be devoted to exploring and tasting Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco through a lineup of 8 exceptional terroir-driven wines, in a variety of styles, that demonstrate the unique characteristics, complexity, and diversity of the original Prosecco.
Participants will also learn how to say “CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE” like an Italian!
Alan Tardi has arranged a fantastic lineup of unusual and exceptional wines (half of them are coming directly from Italy) which demonstrate the various factors that characterize the complexity and uniqueness of Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Different production methods (“Tranquillo” i.e. still, Martinotti, Classico/Traditional, Ancestral); frizzante, spumante; single vineyards, Rive, native grape varieties; diverse, soils, terroirs and topographies.
List of Wines
- Prosecco Tranquillo DOCG “Il Canto Antico” — BORTOLOMIOL*
- Colli Trevigiani IGT Verdiso Frizzante Sui Lieviti — GREGOLETTO
- Progetto 5 Varietà Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut — MARCHIORI*
- Conegliano Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Ogliano Extra-Brut — BIANCAVIGNA
- Superiore di Cartizze Brut DOCG — RUGGERI*
- Superiore di Cartizze DOCG “Private” Rifermentato in Bottiglia 2014 — BISOL
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Carpesica “S.C. 1931” Metodo Classico — BELLENDA*
- Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Asciutto, Rive di Colbertarldo, Vigneto Giardino — ADAMI
- Torchiato di Fregona Colli di Conegliano DOCG “Ciàcoe” 2016 — CA’ DI RAJO*
*Shipped directly from the winery in Italy
Find more information and buy tickets at New York Wine Studio or at the link below.
https://www.newyorkwinestudio.com/original-prosecco
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
MC Petey Majik hosted the 2-day Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 June 14-15 celebrating with flavor, masterclasses, magic, competition. Tracie May captured it all.
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
A spectacular 2-day summer celebration, welcomed over 1000 cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to the iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
The vibrant cocktail carnival featured a dazzling array of over 130 cocktails from 36 premium global spirits, liqueurs and mixer brands.
A gathering of Vietnam’s top mixologists, innovative concoctions were expertly mixed by a combination of the country’s most respected bartenders and up-and-coming talents.
Cocktail Carnival part of Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
At the heart of the festival was a showcase of Vietnam’s craftsmanship and creativity, where seasoned mixologists flexed their skills to craft tantalizing libations.
From classic cocktails with a Vietnamese twist to avant-garde creations pushing the boundaries of flavor, each drink was a testament to the artistry and innovation within Vietnam’s ever-growing cocktail scene.
For guests inspired to continue the cocktail adventure at home, Mercantile Vietnam provided the option for attendees to purchase a bottle of their favorite brand from the event and have it shipped directly to their door.
Entertainment Extravaganza
The event’s charismatic MC Petey Majik led the carnival atmosphere and captivated the audience with a spellbinding magic show accompanied by igniting cocktail flaring performances from the talented Chương and Phước.
On Friday, the stage was taken over with a charismatic live performance from Vietnam’s premier DJ and saxophone duo Omar and Pierre. The party continued Saturday with the contagious energy of DJ PIA.
Interactive Masterclasses and Exclusive Tasting Room
For spirits connoisseurs the festival also offered a wealth of knowledge with 4 optional interactive masterclasses hosted per day, where industry experts from Lady Triệu, Bruichladdich, Jose Cuervo, Highland Park and Lý Gia Viên shared their craft and insights with eager participants.
Luxury spirits aficionados could enhance their experience further and purchase tickets to enter the event’s Exclusive Room, featuring personalized tastings from 8 of the world’s super and ultra-premium brands, with a combined retail price of over 600 Million VND.
Competitive Spirit
One of the highlights of the festival was the highly anticipated Best Cocktail, Best Bartender and Best Brand Competitions with guests encouraged to vote for their favorites.
Bartenders from across the country battled it out for top honors.
With precision, flair, and a dash of showmanship, contestants dazzled spectators with their signature creations, showcasing the ingenuity and talent within Vietnam’s cocktail community.
On Saturday 15th June, the 2024 winners were announced: Mai Thanh Phong’s “Banh Mi Saigon” cocktail, made with Matusalem Rum, won Best Cocktail.
Nguyen Tuan Cuong, who works at Yugen Bar and is sponsored by Shanky’s Whip, was named Best Bartender. Also, Jägermeister was awarded Best Brand of the event.
Cultural Fusion
Beyond the cocktails themselves, the festival served as a social celebration of cultural fusion, from modern Vietnamese influences to global trends, the event highlighted the diverse tapestry of brands and the pioneering people shaping the country’s dynamic cocktail scene.
Vietnam’s Cocktail Revolution
As the final glasses were raised and the last drops were savored, the Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 left an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of all those who attended. With its vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and unwavering passion for mixology, the festival has undoubtedly cemented its place as a must-attend event on the global cocktail calendar, promising even more excitement and inspiration in the years to come.
Cheers to the next chapter of Vietnam’s cultural cocktail revolution!
Awards were announced on Saturday, June 15th, at 8 PM
Best Cocktail of the Event 2024
- Cocktail Name: Bánh Mì Sài Gòn
- Bartender Name: Mai Thanh Phong
- Brand Name: Matusalem Rum
- Bar Name: Madam Kew Bar
Best Bartender of the Event 2024
- Bartender’s Name: Nguyen Tuan Cuong
- Brand Name: Shanky’s Whip
- Bar Name: Yugen Bar
Best Brand of the Event 2024
- Brand Name: Jägermeister
Participating Brands:
- Large Exhibitors: Lady Triệu, Jose Cuervo, Cointreau
- Medium Exhibitors: Bushmills, Naked Malt, Kaibutsu, 1800, Campari, RCR Crystalleria Italiana.
- Small Exhibitors: Kurayoshi Matsui, Duncan taylor, Lark Distillery, Hangar 1 Vodka, Maestro Dobel, Bruichladdich Distillery Company, Passoa, The Botanist, No3 London Dry Gin, Dictador The Arthouse Spirit Brand, Colombian Gin, Stranger & Sons Gin, Fernet Branca, Espolon Tequila, Michter’s, Shanky’s Whip, Gran Centenario Tequila, Jägermeister, The Kyoto, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Matusalem, Brookies Byron Gin, Ly Gia Vien, Torani, Fentimans, Mercantile.
Participating Bars (in collaboration with brands):
- Kraken x The Dot Bar
- Sexton x Dram Bar
- Wild Turkey x Lost Birds Bar
- Glenrothes x Firkin Bar
Master Classes: Lady Trieu, Bruichladich, Jose Cuervo, Ly Gia Vien, Highland Park
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
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Taste History and Enjoy Finger Lakes Most Delicious Wineries
Most Delicious Finger Laker Wineries
If you enjoy wine – especially white wine – a visit to the Finger Lakes should be your next trip.
The region, which includes 11 lakes in New York, makes a great escape from New York City and other Mid-Atlantic and New England areas for a weekend or more – the Finger Lakes is also a great cross-country flight.
The Finger Lakes is also an especially popular destination for romantic getaways and girls trips like bachelorette parties.
The best Finger Lakes for wineries
Look for wineries on Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga lakes.
The heart of Finger Lakes wine country, these lakes each have a designated wine trail – though new growth and wine tasting rooms are popping up elsewhere in the region too.
Boundary Breaks
Grapes will grow almost anywhere. But to make the finest wines, you need to choose the grape varieties that are suited to the climate of the region and to your vineyard location.
In the cool climate of the Finger Lakes, the best place to grow grapes is close to the lake. And the deeper the lake, the better.
Seneca Lake is the deepest of the eleven Finger Lakes in Central New York. Even though winter temperatures can fall below zero, Seneca Lake rarely freezes over.
Cool-climate varieties include Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Cabernet Franc.
At Boundary Breaks, they grow each of these varieties and produce wines that express the full range styles that are possible from such classic grapes.
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Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Dr. Konstantin Frank ignited the “Vinifera Revolution” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the Finger Lakes and the United States.
Dr. Frank’s vision, knowledge and determination are credited with elevating the New York wine industry from a state of happy mediocrity to a level that today commands world attention.
Their philosophy is to maintain the legacy built by our founder by continuously producing the highest quality wines from our vinifera vines.
Varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and most recently, Gruner Veltliner are prized and beloved at our winery.
Our pioneering spirit pushes us to build upon our traditional foundation constantly innovating our methods.
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O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest Vineyards
Hemlock Lake is home to O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest Vineyards.
Nature inspires their wine making today.
They honor each unique cool-climate harvest, producing unadulterated local wines at a fair price. Amidst 6,684 acres of State Forest Land, come find their vineyard and winery, home to New York State’s oldest Bald Eagle nests.
A spirit of good stewardship informs their vineyard practices and packaging choices today. Eagle Crest wines are perfectly preserved and packaged in recycled glass, with soy-based inks and resealable Stelvin® closures.
They hope their wines bring Joy to your daily life and increasing discernment and appreciation for Balance and Beauty.
Varietals include chardonnay, riesling, red blends and more!
Element Winery at F.L.X. Provisions
Made by Christopher Bates—Winemaker, Master Sommelier & Executive Chef
Element Winery is a small production winery founded in 2009 with a mission to create high quality wines that are distinctively Finger Lakes.
With over 25 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industry, Master Sommelier and restauranteur, Christopher Bates is pushing the limits of expectations and expanding the definition of what is possible in the Finger Lakes.
Working with grapes from different soils, sites, and growers, Element aims to create world-class wines that are wholly representative of the extreme climate and terroir.
In addition to producing white wines, Element is focused on producing red wines that have the potential to redefine the Finger Lakes region.
Fox Run Vineyards
Long before the hundreds of travelers, wine-tasters, and oenophiles graced the tables and tasting bars of Fox Run, it was cows that explored the property.
Fox Run was a dairy farm for more than a century.
It wasn’t until 1984 that the first grapes were planted. Fox Run founders, Larry and Adele Wildrick, transformed the Civil War-era dairy barn into a winemaking facility in 1990.
In 1994, Scott Osborn and his first business partner, Andy Hale, purchased the winery from the Wildricks. Now with 50 acres of east-facing vineyards on glacial soils, the winery produces a remarkable range of limited-production, estate wines.
Since those early days, Scott has been working closely with winemaker Peter Bell.
Peter brings a science-based, rationalist approach to winemaking. His team aims to achieve full creative expression within each variety of grape, giving Fox Run an abundance of delicious and refreshing wines.
This wouldn’t be possible without the prowess of Vineyard Manager, John Kaiser, who has worked the land at Fox Run since the first grapes were planted in 1984.
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St Patricks Day NYC-style: Cocktail Collab as “A Taste of Green’ as Bailey’s Partners with Ian Charms
St Patricks Day NYC-style: Cocktail Collab as “A Taste of Green’ as Bailey’s Partners with Ian Charms
St. Patrick’s Day is now only a short leap away as we gear up to celebrate the Emerald Isle.
With the turn of the season comes an invitation to swap out your drab winter wardrobe for brighter spring hues because this just in – green is the new black.
St Patricks Day Cocktail Collab Brings Combines Flavor and Jewelry
This St. Patrick’s Day, Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur is partnering with celebrity-loved jewelry brand Ian Charms to release an exclusive charm collaboration that will make the ultimate fashion statement for the holiday.
The two iconic brands are celebrating their Irish roots with a limited-edition Baileys x Ian Charms Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set to make sure both you and your cocktail have the perfect touch of green for your celebrations.
“Baileys has been a beloved treat in my family for generations
and it’s exciting to finally be partnering with a brand that lets me celebrate my Irish heritage,”
Lisa Sahakian
Founder and CEO of Ian Charms
“Designing this charm set was incredibly fun and we’re thrilled to be offering our customers something truly unique to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with.”
St Patricks Day Cocktail Collab is Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set
The Baileys x Ian Charms Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set includes two distinct pieces – a necklace to complement any outfit and a cocktail charm to adorn onto the stem or rim of your cocktail glass.
The design features an eccentric combination of handmade charms, beads and pearls inspired by Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur’s unapologetically delicious ingredients and cocktails.
The one-of-a-kind charm set also pulls elements from the limited-time-offering Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Irish Cream Liqueur as well as quintessential Irish emblems, making this set the perfect accessory for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“We are delighted to be releasing this limited-edition collaboration
with a beloved brand like Ian Charms
to give adults a new way to indulge in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations,”
Camille Hemming
Senior Brand Manager of Baileys & Liqueurs, DIAGEO North America
“Between the classic Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur or the green-themed Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake that’s making a return for the holiday, we hope to offer more ways than one to toast to our brands’ Irish roots.”
“This exclusive drop marks Baileys’ second piece of Treat Couture, fashion-forward collaborations that inspire adults to indulge in unique wearable creations.
To celebrate the indulgence of fashion in the lead up to St. Patrick’s Day, treat yourself to a signature cocktail featuring beloved Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur and minty green limited-time-offering Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Irish Cream Liqueur.”
BAILEYS ESPRESSO MARTINI
Ingredients:- 1.5 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 0.75 oz espresso
- 0.75oz Ketel One Vodka
- Coffee Beans, to garnish
Method:
- Fill shaker with ice
- Add all ingredients and shake
- Strain into a cocktail glass
- Garnish with coffee beans
VANILLA MINT MARTINI
Ingredients:- 2 oz Vanilla Mint Shake
- 0.5 oz Fernet Branca Menta
- 3-4 dashes Absinthe
Method:
- Shake with 1 ice cube for dilution
- Strain into cocktail glass
- Garnish with grated chocolate + mint sprig
The limited-edition Baileys x Ian Charms Necklace & Cocktail Charms Set is available exclusively on IanCharms.com while supplies last. Ian Charms is a female-owned, handmade jewelry company based in LA that has amassed a loyal fan base of celebrities and consumers alike. Ian Charms will donate all proceeds from the charm set sales to CurePSP, and Baileys will match the amount with a donation to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), a non-profit educational foundation supporting emerging and established women entrepreneurs.
Baileys encourages consumers of legal drinking age to treat themselves responsibly this season.
For more information, please visit www.BAILEYS.com.
Ian Charms is a female owned, handmade jewelry company
Ian Charms is a female owned, handmade jewelry company based in LA. Named “Ian” charms because the creator’s last name (Lisa Sahakian), like many Armenian names, ends in those three letters. For those who like to adorn their necks and wrists with a more personal flair, Ian Charms will work with you to craft a custom piece, just start the process by ordering the type of custom jewelry you’d like.Notable fans of the brand include Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Julia Fox & Doja Cat, among others.
IanCharms.com
@iancharmsNAWBO is the unified voice of America’s more than 14 million women-owned businesses
Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of America’s more than 14 million women-owned businesses representing the fastest growing segment of the economy. NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries.NAWBO develops programs that help navigate women entrepreneurs through the various stages of their business growth. To learn more about NAWBO, please visit www.nawbo.org.
To learn more about NAWBO’s non-profit educational foundation, the NAWBO Institute, please visit www.nawbo.org/university.
BAILEYS Irish Cream Liqueur
BAILEYS launched in Ireland in 1974. It is now available in 180 markets worldwide and is the number one selling liqueur in the world.
Owned by Diageo plc, BAILEYS is currently ranked 7th among all distilled spirits sold worldwide. It’s the signature delicious balance of Irish Cream, whisky and fine spirits that makes BAILEYS Original Irish Cream the perfect little indulgence when you need a break from your daily routine.
The BAILEYS portfolio includes Original Irish Cream, Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Cinnamon, Espresso Crème, Strawberries & Cream and Almande.
For more information on BAILEYS Original Irish Cream, please visit us at www.BAILEYS.com.
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Partnering with NYC 3 Star Michelin Restaurant Eleven Madison Park? How’d This start-up do it?
How’d a Start-up Partnerswith NYC 3 Star Michelin Restaurant Eleven Madison Park?
For most foodies, it’s a dream to even have dinner at a 3 Star Michelin restaurant like Eleven Madison Park. But how do you go a step further? Imagine being a food start-up company who gets to partner with a legendary New York 3 Star Michelin restaurant. How’d they do it?
Let’s find out in an exclusive interview with Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich.
Darko Mandich is a food entrepreneur in San Francisco. After spending almost a decade in the European honey industry as a business executive, Darko committed to reimagining the honey industry to become sustainable. Darko immigrated from Europe to California to launch Mellody, the world’s first plant-based honey brand. Darko is an advocate of saving the bees and wild pollinators.
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Darko.
Eleven Madison Park is a 3 Star Michelin restaurant, one of New York’s most esteemed fine dining venues. How did you start that relationship?
Yeah, thank you for asking that question, because this is an opportunity to tell the story. It started at the beginning of 2022. We were busy with our process of making this honey. Still not having the final product and bringing it to the market, but we’re getting there. I was really excited with what our team was delivering at that time. And I started thinking, okay, at some point sometime soon we’re gonna have a sample, and who should test that sample?
The reason why this sample was important is because it was a one ounce jar, like a very tiny jar, but the cost of that sample was $300,000.
I was thinking who should open this? Who should be the person to taste this? And that week I came across this podcast featuring Chef Daniel Humm, leading one of the most well-known restaurants in the world, Eleven Madison Park.
[On the podcast he explained…] When covid kicked in, it taught him a lesson about the importance of the interaction of foods and the world around us, and how the stories around if the virus came from an animal. That inspired him to think more about the interaction between animals and people. And he took this responsibility as a chef to really think about what he wants to do next. And what he wanted to do was one of the boldest moves in the world. To transform a well-known restaurant that serves all kinds of products, including meat to a fully plant-based restaurant.
So this Chef from Eleven Madison Park, the finest French cuisine. [Food and fine dining] experts were very skeptical about that decision. But what I really cared [about as a person] at that time is that there was someone who took responsibility to reflect on his own role in the food industry. And that immediately connected me with my story of being part of the honey industry before working with bees, and now taking the responsibility to build the future that’s kinder and sustainable.
I said to myself, we have to get to this person. He should be the one to taste [our] $300,000 one ounce of honey made without bees.
So, I reached out to my network to [find ways to] send them a sample.
In that process, I got to learn a lot about high-end, Michelin Star restaurants and how they operate. It wasn’t going to be easy or straight-forward to do.
So my co-founder and I, we decided to book a dinner at the restaurant. They just re-opened and [so even booking a reservation was hard.] We flew from San Francisco to New York, show up as regular guests for dinner. We loved the dinner, we loved the food. And then we asked if someone from their team would talk to us, that was just the beginning of it.
They were very excited. They quickly assembled a panel of people and they wanted to hear what we had to say. For me, that was really amazing. That was a dream come true.
As a kid growing up in Eastern Europe and thinking about the impact I wanna make in my career, I never thought that I’m gonna be having a company in San Francisco and then pitching to the highest culinary authority of the food industry honey without bees.
That was the beginning of the relationship.
They are very careful around the food that they incorporate. [While] they are a plant-based restaurant, they don’t usually work with mainstream plant-based brands that they don’t believe in the level of their quality. So for us it was a big honor.
Seeing our company brand next to the brand of the best plant-based restaurant in the world is really amazing.
From the time you’re at the restaurant Eleven Madison Park that night to getting the deal, what did that journey look like?
What lessons did you learn from going through that process?
From the “cold dinner” to this jar, was hundreds of hours of conversations. And what I learned as a business owner is that conversations are necessary for trust to be built.
If there’s a culinary authority with 3 Michelin stars and so many awards, and [then another company] basically a new company, a startup, there’s a big dis-balance in terms of authority and brand equity and the image and reputation.
When they asked us how it’s made, let’s go beyond the ingredients list. Let’s show them the photos of the plants that we source. Let’s tell them a story of where these plants are found. Let’s tell them the story of the terroir. Because if you think about all these future of food products, all these companies creating the new industries, these companies are led mostly by amazing scientists who know how to make products in a different way.
But what’s very often forgotten, this culinary story, the story of terroir, the story of the plants around us. And I think the Eleven Madison Park team was amazed to see the other side. A bunch of experts who are forward thinking, who understand that we wanna advance towards a better process, a better product, but we also don’t forget the nature around us, and we are actually doing this for the nature that’s around us.
So I think that level of thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and our ability to go the extra mile for them, I think that paid off.
So all of that plus lots of patience because these people take time to move, these are the best culinary minds in the world.
When we would be following up, I would be adding more, “Here’s something more on that plan. Here’s the report on the bees. Here’s the video that we did.”
Last year in May, there was kind of a mid-step [in the process]. We pitched them this idea to partner for World Bee Day, which is May 20th.
So for May 20 2022, we pitched the idea of organizing an event at Eleven Madison Park and invite The Mayor of New York, investors, people from the business community, the United Nations diplomatic core. Invite all these people to taste Michelin star food made with our product, a specialty menu for dinner.
Is your honey currently available at Eleven Madison Home?
This is the product from a direct to consumer collaboration. We just launched with three Michelin star, Eleven Madison Park in New York City.
Yeah, the honey is currently available. The Specialty Tea and Honey Box launched for the Mother’s Day collection and Earth Month.
It’s a specially curated box of artisanal teas coming from different parts of the world with honey and also amazing, shortbread cookies. All plant-based, also made with our honey. That’s available right now
Sometime very soon a standalone jar [of honey] will also be available to Eleven Madison Home.
Tell us again what’s available, how to find it; and how to follow you and support you.
Yeah, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at MellodyFoods
In terms of purchasing, head to ElevenMadisonHome.com and you can purchase it there.
Saving the bees is learning more about them. Learning more about pollinators and you can do that on our social media.
And finally, if you’re equally passionate about bees and plants as we are, ask your favorite restaurant to reach out to us to offer Mellody in your favorite restaurant. It can be a vegan restaurant on non-vegan.
We are gonna work with all the restaurants that reach out to us where people ask to see our product offered, either on the menu, either within a meal, or just if you order a cup of tea and you want a side of Mellody.
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