Courtesy of: Go Mazatlán

Visitors to the Mexican coastal city of Mazatlán savor award-winning cuisine amid a scenic backdrop.

Mazátlan has been known as the “The Pearl of The Pacific” and renowned for its fresh seafood straight from the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Now, Mazatlán’s rich culinary tradition spotlights authentic flavors with gourmet flare, and is being served up by acclaimed chefs and world-class restaurants.

Travelers can also explore the region’s diverse culinary landscape with visits to colonial town haciendas and tours of Mazatlán’s brewery and a century-old blue agave distillery.

Culinary Tours Whet Travelers’ Appetites
For hands-on gastronomic adventure, a variety of new tours please the palate while serving up unique glimpses of Mazatlán’s history. One of the most popular is the Vintana de los Osuna, where visitors explore the 130-year-old Los Osuna Blue Agave distillery and plantation. Located in the mountain village of La Noria, the expansive estate was settled by the Osuna family soon after their arrival from Spain in 1864. Daily walking tours take guests through the agave fields, where plantation guides explain the growing process and demonstrate how the blue agave is harvested. Visitors then tour both the ancient and modern distillery, sample agave juice, visit the estate’s wine cellar and enjoy final tastings of blue agave at the Los Osuna Bar.

Mazatlán is also home to the Pacifico Brewery, where visitors are led through the bottling plant, distribution operations and quality control labs of the fully operating beer brewery. The Pacifico museum and tasting room is located at the top of the brewery’s tower. Here, guests learn about the brewery’s origins in the city’s early European influence and enjoy multiple tastings, surrounded by breathaking 360-degree views of Mazatlán’s scenic coastline and vibrant historical center.

Bounty of the Pacific
Set along 16 miles of golden-sand beaches, it’s no wonder Mazatlan enjoys an international seafood reputation. The coastal waters here teem with Pacific sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. The city also boasts the largest shrimp fishing fleet in the Pacific, and fishermen are found every morning selling their catches of the along the oceanfront malecón promenade. Visitors can savor fresh seafood like plump shrimp and ceviches with conch, octopus or crab meat in outdoor markets or beachside palapa huts.

In Old Mazatlán, the city’s lively historic district, charming sidewalk cafés offer al fresco dining and haute gourmet flavors against a colorful backdrop of neoclassical architecture. A favorite among locals and visitors, Restaurant Pedro Y Lola serves a mix of fresh seafood and international specialties as guests enjoy free outdoor jazz concerts from nearby Plaza Machado in the heart of town.

The luxurious, beachfront district known as Zona Dorada (The Golden Zone) offers world-class cuisine and ocean views at premier restaurants like La Cordeliere and Angélos. Award-winning chefs here create signature dishes that range from chargrilled octopus to hearty marlin stews, lobster in garlic sauce or grilled red snapper. Located just north in the area known as Nuevo Mazatlán, The Seafarer restaurant features an international menu and waterfront dining along the cosmopolitan Marina Mazatlán. Nightly music performances feature smooth jazz and soulful blues ensembles. For a more casual atmosphere, travelers head to Gus y Gus, also overlooking the new Marina. The open-air restaurant offers authentic Mexican fare and a lively bar with nightly entertainment.

Taste of Regional Tradition
Located near the foothills of the Sierra Madres, Mazatlán also boasts rich regional cuisine. The fertile valleys here offer plenty of lush pasture for livestock to roam, producing tender cuts of pork, lamb and beef.  Local dishes also spotlight native spices and fresh ingredients harvested from neighboring farms. Among the region’s specialties: tender Mazatlán steak marinated in a spicy red chile broth.

In Old Mazatlán, La Tramoya is a favorite for hearty and authentic Mexican meat dishes. Olas Altas Steak House spotlights a fine dining menu of steaks, seafood, tapas and Asian-fusion cuisine created by Mazatlán Best Chef Award-winner Ken Simon. Diners enjoy a romantic ambiance in the restaurant, housed in a lovingly restored private home that is more than a century old. In Nuevo Mazatlán, the elegant Sr. Pepper is known for its refined atmosphere, succulent steaks and sophisticated wine list.

Just outside the city, picturesque colonail villages and mining towns offer a taste of the area’s rich heritage amid panoramic mountain views. In quaint restaurants like El Meson De Los Laureanos in El Quelite, dishes are prepared in the honored custom of generations past. Travelers can savor handmade pork tamales, enchiladas sprinkled with grated queso cotija and pozole, a flavorful pork and hominy stew.

For more information about Mazatlán’s culinary highlights, visit http://www.gomazatlan.com.

Courtesy of: Dom Pérignon

The name Dom Pérignon has become synonymous with luxury, class and social stature.

When you are looking for that perfect gift, only a Dom Perignon champagne product will express that only the best is meant to be.

Take a look at the ultimate Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne Gift Set. This champagne gift will be beautifully presented and gift-wrapped.

The Power Trio is a sleek, black wooden case containing a fine bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2000, one bottle of Dom Perignon Rosé 1998, plus one bottle of Dom Perignon OEnothèque 1995.

Dom Perignon Vintage 2000 Dom Perignon is produced only in the finest vintages from grapes that are grown on 100% rated vineyards.

Grape fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. At blending, Richard Geoffrey, Moet’s Senior Winemaker, has decided to combine 55% Chardonnay for its fresh fruity flavour and structure with 45% Pinot Noir. The combination was chosen to add both weight and richness.

Dom Perignon Rosé 1998 Conditions suitable for making Dom Perignon white vintage but does not guarantee the production of a Rose.

The unique pale salmon colour is achieved by the addition of still red pinot noir wine to a blend of still wines made from pinot noir and chardonnay. The pinot noir wine must be of exceptional quality.

The inclusion of chardonnay is important to the character of Dom Perignon Rose, a vital ingredient in producing a wine of perfect balance.

Dom Perignon OEnothèque 1995 Dom Perignon occasionally releases small quantities of the OEnotheque wines when they reach a peak in their quality.

The original bottles are kept undisturbed in the Hautvillier’s cellars. These wines offer a rare opportunity to experience mature Champagne aged in perfect conditions.

For more information, please visit: Dom Pérignon

The newest online destination – Bergine – has arrived in Los Angeles. Bergine provides access to exclusive offers on regional luxury services and brands at up to 70 percent off standard pricing.

What is nice is Bergine does not charge for membership nor do they require an invitation to sign up. All you need to do to join, is visit their web site at www.bergine.com

Intended for locals with an enthusiasm for the good life, Bergine will offer customized lifestyle services and experiences with quality merchants, including exclusive facials and products from Sonya Dakar, dinners at Chaya Brasserie, manicures and pedicures at Bellacures, sessions at UpDog Yoga and more.

All offers are announced daily through member-only e-newsletters, Bergine’s website (www.bergine.com) and Bergine’s Facebook page (Bergine Los Angeles) and Twitter feed (@BergineLA).

The Bergine team is led by husband and wife duo Ian Picache and Patricia Calfee, who will personally select exclusive offers from top health & beauty, food & beverage and lifestyle brands, providing access to daily offers that are available at a limited quantity for 24 hours, and to ongoing stable offers that are available for up to a one-week period.

“When Ian and I set out to start Bergine, we wanted to create a site that our friends and family would want to be a part of — a place that provides amazing offers and experiences from brands we love,” said Calfee, co-founder of Bergine.

“Los Angeles was a natural fit for Bergine, with its vast selection of chic spa, salon, epicurean and lifestyle experiences. We’ve forged partnerships with the most desirable brands and services offered in the area and are excited to introduce our members to the exclusive opportunities our partners are making available to us.”

With a commitment to providing its members with access to sought-after luxury brands and unique experiences that are relevant to their lives, Bergine carefully selects each partner and offer with its members in mind.

Bergine is designed to serve as the go-to online destination for Angelenos who appreciate a luxury lifestyle, from one-of-a-kind experiences to useful services.

Courtesy of: WP24

This is a winning combination. The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and celebrated Chef Wolfgang Puck collaborated to offer the ultimate in fine dining to L.A.

WP24 restaurant by Wolfgang Puck brings fine dining to the burgeoning culinary scene of downtown Los Angeles.

Wolfgang Puck is one of our country’s most esteemed chefs, and WP24 will feature refined Asian fare, against a backdrop of the stunning Los Angeles skyline.

Wp24 is located on the twenty-fourth floor of the newly opened and luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

“I am thrilled to be partnering with The Ritz-Carlton again and to be a part of the first luxury hotel to open downtown,” said Wolfgang Puck. “Given my longstanding relationship with the city of Los Angeles, it is an honor to continue my involvement with the renaissance of downtown, especially L.A. LIVE.”

WP24 will showcase panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding area. In addition to a spacious dining room and lounge, the restaurant will feature a wine cave and two private dining rooms.

Courtesy of: WP24

“We know that WP24 by Wolfgang Puck will provide an extraordinary experience for both our hotel guests, residents and the local Los Angeles dining community,” said Javier Cano, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. “Wolfgang Puck is a culinary pioneer who continues to innovate and captivate diners worldwide.”

The luxury Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles features 123 well-appointed guestrooms, including 14 suites with contemporary décor, as well as downtown Los Angeles’ only full-service hotel spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, providing a luxurious, 8,000-square-foot sanctuary.

WP24 by Wolfgang Puck
900 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90015
(213) 743-8824

Near the Aland Islands (between Finland and Sweden) in the Baltic Sea, divers made an amazing discovery. It’s possible they have found the world’s oldest drinkable champagne!

The divers came across the vintage champagne while diving near a shipwreck at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

The centuries-old bottles of champagne is an incredible find, particularly since the bottles are still preserved and more importantly … drinkable.

After tasting the vintage champagne, Christian Ekstrom who was the dive instructor states, it “tasted fantastic.”

The discovered champagne is believed to be from the 1780′s.

Ekstrom was quoted on Saturday that he’s “98 percent sure” of the champagne’s age. He has conferred that with experts.

The total find included about 30 bottles of champagne.

If genuine, Swedish wine expert Carl-Jan Granqvist believes each bottle to bring in as much as Euro 50,000. Further testing is being done in France.

Courtesy of: Royal Salute

Royal Salute has introduced a very special whisky named Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, possibly the world’s ultimate luxury whisky!

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute is a luxurious whisky blend that was developed with the input of four generations of master blenders. Each whisky used is at least 40 years old.

Due to its extraordinary rarity, the new blend will be released in limited supply.

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute will also be presented in an exquisite hand crafted crystal decanter, that is decorated in 24 carat gold and crowned with a cut crystal stopper (the result of 40 hours of artisanal craftsmanship).

Dartington Crystal handcrafted and hand painted the luxurious decanter.

62 Gun Salute goes on sale towards the end of 2010 and will be priced at $2,200.

This special limited edition rare whisky was created especially to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. It would make a terrific gift for that whisky lover in your life.

Courtesy of : Sage Room Steak House

Harveys Lake Tahoe, was the first hotel-casino to be built in South Lake Tahoe. If you are looking for the best steak dinner in the Lake Tahoe area, then you should put Sage Room Steak House at the top of your list.

The Sage Room Steak House opened in 1947 and the restaurant has been a long time favorite to both Lake Tahoe locals and area visitors.

Customers can enjoy a fine dining experience in an authentic western atmosphere. The restaurant is traditional but also contemporary is located in  Lake Tower of Harveys.

The restaurant includes fine Western art works by both Remington and Russell.

The Sage Room offers exquisite dining, classic steakhouse dishes, along with unforgettable panoramic views of scenic Lake Tahoe.

One of the treats for Sage Room patrons is be personally served a tableside flambé meal. What an experience!

For dessert, a longtime favorite is the Bananas Foster.

Sage Room Steak House
988 Stateline Ave
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(775) 588-2411

Courtesy of: HALL Wines

HALL Wines in Napa Valley California, is a premier 21st century winery. As Father’s Day nears, a perfect gift for dad would be a bottle of their 2007 Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2007 Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon has a heartwarming story for Father’s Day. The tale of Jack’s masterpiece began on Father’s Day of 2006, when Mike Reynolds (President of HALL Wines and former winemaker) was presented with a painted canvas by his 18-month-old son, Jack that he had made himself in the backyard.

Mike proudly hung the painting in his winery office. When the wine was ready to bottle in 2007, Mike Reynolds was also bestowed the task of picking the label, which typically features a select work of art from the winery collection.

However, Mike decided to go a different direction and chose an extra special work of art for his handcrafted bottle, his son’s painting.

2007 Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon offers piqued aromas of marionberry, briary fruit, mocha-laced plum and black licorice bound from the glass. Waves of voluptuous dark chocolate and spiced-fruit compote coat the palate.

This Cabernet Sauvignon wine “masterpiece” will continue to please for 8-10 years.

Since it is a part of the Artisan Collection, Jack’s Masterpiece is normally only available to HALL Wines Club Members.

However, it is being offered online for a limited time in celebration of Father’s Day – http://www.hallwines.com/jacks-masterpiece – available for $70.

As Father’s Day quickly approaches, it’s often difficult to pick out that perfect gift for our beloved father.

People are left asking themselves, “What do you get for the man who has everything?” Another tie or World’s Best Dad coffee mug just isn’t going to cut it these days.

If your dad enjoys the finer things in life and is a whisk(e)y connoisseur, then the Maker’s Mark Gift Shop (www.makersmarkgiftshop.com) is the perfect place to find a gift that will make him say cheers!

Maker’s Mark has personally recommended the following special items. If you really want to surprise dad, then whisk him for an unforgettable trip to the Maker’s Mark distillery in Loretto, KY.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Dipped Glass Decanter
Made in small batches from red winter wheat, Maker’s Mark bourbon has a smooth taste and can be enjoyed straight or in a delicious cocktail, like a classic Maker’s Mark Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Gift dad a bottle with this glass decanter, dipped in Maker’s Mark’s signature red wax, to display on his bar.

Dipped Glass Decanter: $64.95
Maker’s Mark 750 ml. Bottle: Available at liquor retailers nationwide.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Chocolates
These decadent sweets have a dark chocolate outside, rich nougat center laced with Maker’s Mark and are crowned with a single toasted pecan.

Half-Pound Box: $16.95
One-Pound Box: Price: $24.95

Maker’s Mark Gourmet Lovers Basket
You don’t have to wait until after 5:00pm to savor the flavor of Maker’s Mark bourbon. This gift set features several gourmet products infused with the savory taste of Maker’s Mark.

* 16 oz. Bourbon Chocolates
* 15 oz. Gourmet Sauce
* 8.25 fl. oz. Bourbon Soaked Cherries
* 9.5 oz. Whole Bean Coffee
* 10 oz. Bag of Ground Coffee
* (2) Single Serve Coffee Packets

Price: $67.95

Maker’s Mark Golf Bag
With its five zippered pockets, in addition to its fleece-lined valuables pocket, integrated trunk handle, water bottle holster, full length 3-way club dividers, zippered rain hood, and shoulder strap, this light weight stand bag from Ogio is the perfect companion for any golf course.

Price: $169.95

Maker’s Mark Golf Balls
There won”t be anymore confusion on the fairway over whose ball is whose with these Maker”s Mark logo golf balls.

Price: $12.95/ Set of 3

Courtesy of: New York Culinary Experience

Are you looking for a hands-on event, where attendees can cook side-by-side with some of the best chefs in the culinary industry?  Then make plans to attend the 2010 New York Culinary Experience

The third annual New York Culinary Experience will held on Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3 at The French Culinary Institute in New York City.

Passionate food-lovers will enjoy an intimate weekend of hands-on master classes, cooking and conversation with more than 30 of the culinary industry’s most respected talents.

Tickets are currently on sale for the New York Culinary Experience,  giving attendees two days of sensory adventure.

Attendees will cook, learn, taste, laugh and make memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition, attendees will take part in intimate, interactive cooking classes with acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs and industry insiders, including Daniel Boulud, Laurent Tourondel, Morimoto and more.

Courtesy of: New York Culinary Experience

They will prepare, then enjoy, dishes under the direction of these culinary giants, take part in question-and-answer sessions with industry leaders, and at the close of each day, attend a private reception for NYCE students and chefs. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and are welcome to bring home the dishes created during the day.

Also you will have the opportunity to support The Future Chefs Scholarship Fund, created to make it possible for aspiring chefs to attend The French Culinary Institute by offering them much-needed financial aid through donations.

For additional information about the 2010 New York Culinary Experience, please go to:
http://nymag.com/nyce/

Courtesy of: BellaSvago Enterprises

Opening a screw cap bottle can often be frustrating. What if you owned an all-in-one opener that could handle all your bottle opening needs? BellaSvago Enterprises has the answer.

BellaSvago has just introduced the TorkScrew, an opener that addresses today’s diverse bottle closures, in addition to meeting a consumer demand for tasteful presentation.

TorkScrew is an all-in-one bottle opener that includes a foil cutter, corkscrew and screw cap opener with a no-slip rubberized grip and magnetic base to keep it safe and readily at hand.

The TorkScrew is a must for any wine lover or waitstaffer, and is built in the U.S. with from the finest materials.

The stylish TorkScrew was designed for both home and professional use. It’s compact and able to open either cork, screw top, champagne as well as crown cap finished bottles.

Key TorkScrew Features Include:

* Allows for proper opening and presentation of virtually any bottled beverage
* Supports the rapidly growing trend of screw cap wines
* Magnetic base keeps TorkScrew readily available
* No-slip rubberized base and soft grip for ease of use
* The perfect tool for uncorking sparkling wines and Champagnes
* Perfect for those who struggle with arthritis, strength issues or joint pain
* Satisfaction guaranteed – five year warranty

Mark Bates is President of BellaSvago and co-inventor of TorkScrew is quotes, “With the growing and widespread use of screw cap finished wines. We saw the need for an opener that would allow for the process of formal presentation tableside that consumers still expect. We also knew that people with conditions such as arthritis could be challenged with opening screw caps as well as Champagne bottles. That said, we didn’t want to create a separate tool from a classic waiter’s key, so we combined these needs, plus other innovative features, into TorkScrew.”

What may be surprising to most people, is the varying degree of screw cap bottles around the world. In countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, screw cap bottles are almost exclusively used.

The vision of TorkScrew came from Mark and his wife Leisa during a five-week vacation to Italy. Not only viewing firsthand but experiencing the frustrating and often painful process of opening a screw cap bottle, spawned an invention idea.

TorkScrew was born. With a stylish design, the classy wine-bottle opener is now a must for the screw-cap age!

Using it so so simple. Just place TorkScrew on the bottle, give an east twist to the left, and off comes the bottle cap or cork.

TorkScrew is available in retail premium packaging, gift and custom packaging, along with custom imprinting and colors with bulk orders.

Available classic colors include: Carbone Black, Rubino Red, Cielo Blue, Verdicchio Green, Fumo Silver, and Mandarino Orange.

Mike Plunkett, co-owner of Renaissance Wines in Hillsboro, Oregon whose store recently hosted the launch party for TorkScrew, said, “We see the TorkScrew as a valuable tool to start a conversation with our customers and to support our mission of dispelling the misguided perception that wines with a screw cap are somehow inferior.”

To learn more or purchase, please visit www.Torkscrew.com