Recap #SOBEWFF @Sws_Of_America #SouthernWineandSpirits #TradeDay @WineSpectator – Photos by #SobeSavvy .com!

February 21, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Friday, February 20, 2015 , SobeSavvy.com joined Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida’s most valued customers for Wine Spectator Trade Day presented by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida at the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village. Insiders were offered the opportunity to learn about new trends and products in the beverage industry. This invitation-only event offered a sneak peek of the grandest of tastings set on the gleaming sands of South Beach. Invited guests sampled rare vintages, unique spirits and select pours while networking with fellow industry leaders.
Here are some of my fave pics of the day and photo slideshow from the Trade Day Event!

http://instagram.com/p/zWbMIDiXLL/

#Miami #NowOpen @TheRumline #TheRumLine @LoewsHotel #LoewsMiami Libations Sensations by @RjFerrara3

November 6, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses, or directly from sugarcane juice, by a process of fermentation and distillation. The distillate, a clear liquid, is then usually aged in oak barrels. Rum can be referred to in Spanish by descriptors such as ron viejo (“old rum”) and ron añejo (“aged rum”).

I have lived in Miami for over 18 years and can count on one hand the number of authentic Rum bars I have come across. For a region with such an incredibly rich carribean influence it escapes me why such a lack of authentic watering holes to try different rums does not exist here. No Mas. That is about to change with the opening of The Rum Line bar. It’s located on the patio behind the St Moritz tower of the Loews Hotel. This is the brainchild of the team behind the hugely popular Lure Fishbar restaurant at the same hotel. Renowned mixologist Robert Ferrara has created a unique cocktail menu with rum being the main star. In the land of Vodka with cranberry, this concept is exciting and new. They offer over 100 different kinds of rum. That’s right. Over 100 ! They recently held a media only event that highlighted the cocktail and food choices. We started with their signature cocktail called the Rumline Punch. Their Port Of Call creation is served in a Polynesian style ceramic mug with a whimsical sailor hanging on the edge. It went great with their crispy oysters and salmon tacos. We ended the event with their Green eyed Bandit. A unique concoction made with Cachaca, Kale and cucumber juice. Got Rum ? We do now. Head over to the Rum Line and try something new and something good. It is open Thur-Sun at 6pm starting tonight. Have rum. I mean have fun.

@Elitbystoli #elitbystoli @elitMiami Pairing Dinner @LureFishbar @LoewsMiami Cocktails by @RJFerrara3 ~ Photo Recap by #SobeSavvy

October 9, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On October 8, 2014, Miami New Times Best “Seafood Restaurant” , Lure Fishbar, partnered with Russian vodka brand, Stolichnaya, to host a six-course pairing dinner. Guests enjoyed dishes crafted by Lure’s Executive Chef John Iatrellis expertly paired with cocktails made with Elit by Stoli vodka by Lure’s mixologist, Rob Ferrara.

The evening was curated by Stoli Brand Ambassador, Meagan Sacher, who guided eager imbibers through each pairing and the vodka’s flavor notes. The enticing menu included fresh seafood from Lure’s extensive raw bar as well as a number of savory dishes.

Elit by Stoli Pairing Menu at Lure Fishbar

ESTATE CAVIAR

Tsar Nicoulai from San Francisco

AMUSE

Crispy Rice Cake

Cocktail Pairing

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

Chilled Elit by Stoli with Gold Flakes

RAW BAR PLATTER

Wianno & Blue Point (East Coast), Kushi & Kumamoto (West Coast), Shrimp and Clams

Cocktail Pairing

50/50

Elit by Stoli, Dolin Dry, Orange Bitters

SUSHI PLATTER

Tuna and Salmon Nigiri, Hamachi Rolls, Lure Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeño

Cocktail Pairing

NIKOLAI VOLKOFF

Elit by Stoli, Ginger, Lemon, Orgeat, Apple Juice

FISH ENTREE

Whole Daurade, Watercress, Agrodolce, Steamed Jasmine Rice & Charred Lemon

Cocktail Pairing

KORNIKOVA

Elit by Stoli, House-Made Lavender Cordial, Lemon, Orange Bitters, Sparkling Wine

MEAT ENTREE

Tenderloin, Mushroom & Pear Onion Demi Herb with Mashed Potatoes

Cocktail Pairing

DRAGO

Elit by Stoli, East India Sherry, Angostura Bitters

DESSERT

Pot of Gold & Ice Cream Sandwiches

Cocktail Pairing

THE BIG LEBOWSKI

Elit by Stoli, Almond Milk, Vanilla, Panther Coffee Reduction, Nutmeg

Lure Fishbar is located in the historic St. Moritz Tower at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel – 1601 Collins Avenue. Valet parking is available. Website: www.lurefishbar.com

For more information about Elit by Stoli , go to elitbystoli.com

Enjoy my photo recap of this ultimate pairing experience! *Additional photo credit: Rebecca Darling

Cheers,
‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Freelance Photojournalist ~ Bon Vivant Blogger ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis

My @byejoespirits Experience! #BYEJOE Tasting @HakkasanMiami Recap by #SobeSavvy

December 14, 2013SobeSavvy Leave a comment

The most consumed white spirit on Earth isn’t vodka – it’s Baijiu (pronounced “bye-joe”). It’s the most popular drink on the planet and I’ve never even heard of it! Well, not until Wednesday, December 11, 2013 when a friend asked me to be their plus one to a tasting event for ‘byejoe’ .

20 guests were invited to a private intimate pairing dinner at Hakkasan, located inside the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort . We arrived to celebrate and become educated about byejoe – the spirit of china, a modern revolution in asian-fusion mixology. Our introduction to Baiju included four different selections served neat: BAOJING….JIAN NAN CHUN CHIEW… Byejoe red…Byejoe Dragon Fire. Each had a distinct and acquired taste that had all of us wanting more.

Due to the high content of alcohol, Baiju is best consumed with food and Hakkasan did not disappoint. We were served three courses family style. Each paired with a Byejoe fusion cocktail. Invitees received a gift bag with two bottles of Byejoe along with customized shot glasses. Needless to say I will be enjoying the good stuff this holiday season!

Learn more about byejoe here, http://byejoe.com/byejoe/ and Follow @byejoespirits

Here is a photo recap of my first baiju experience, courtesy of Byejoe. Enjoy!

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @Ijust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy
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