Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Dr Michael Widlanski NHRWF: An Evening to Honor Israel


Dr Michael Widlanski is a specialist in Arab politics and communications whose doctorate dealt with the Palestinian broadcast media and holds five academic degrees on three continents—America, Africa and Asia. His new book is The Battle For Our Minds, Western Elites and the Terror Threat which Roger Aranoff calls the most timely and important book of the year. “Widlanski lays out the current predicament that confronts America and the West and the potential consequences if we don’t recognize, acknowledge and combat it.” Special invitation for this marvelous event by the NHRWF and rising tide at Flor D'Italia!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

"Somm" Premiere: Rock Stars of the Wine Industry!


"Somm" at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas with the Guild of Sommeliers sponsored by Beringer Winery with the fabulous Master Sommelier Gillian Ballance!
 
  "Somm" today in San Francisco at the Sundance Kabuki Cinema hosted by the Guild of Sommeliers and sponsored by Beringer Winery! Immediately following is the Dr. Michael Widlanski, acclaimed Author with 5 doctorates in "An Evening to Honor Israel" at Fior D'Italia. Celebrity days continues! Support our industry and see "Somm!"
 
“As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.” ~ Ernest Hemingway The quest for that "Aha! moment," a journey of the senses and well-deserved achievement.
Thank you Beringer! — at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas.
 
Gillian Balance. 

 
 



 

Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson and me at the "Somm" premiere. Dustin was my proctor for my Certified Sommelier Exam. Dustin spent 15/20 minutes answering my questions & giving valuable advice. Brilliant & inspiring! — at Napa Valley Opera House.
Master Sommelier Michael Jordan and me at the movie premiere of "Somm."
DuckHorn Winery had a beautiful showing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The RockWall Winery Girls, screams and hugs when we saw each other!!
Brian Carmody produced the soundtrack for the movie "Somm." Brian specializes in Jazz. He wants me to pickup my saxophone again. :)
The Somm Sountrack.

Look at the handsome Sommeliers! Picture taken by Ron's beautiful better half! — Ronald Plunkett and Marlon Obando.

Master Sommelier Brian McClintic and me at the "Somm" premiere in Napa. Brian comes from a sports background and harnessed the drive and determination in attaining his MS in 2.5 years. That's pure talent!

World premiere of "Somm" with Ian Cauble, a legend in the Somm world. There wasn't an event that I attended that his name wasn't mentioned as the Somm to watch. Finally met the legend . . . I see why.
Thomas Tiburzi at the World premiere of "Somm!" It doesn't get any better than being friends with the Winemaker for Chandon, My first inspirational winery tour, validation that I made the right career choice, & the confidence to never give up my pursuit as a Sommelier. Remarkable person to know!

Marlon and I are close Sommelier colleagues and push each other when we need it. It's an honor to taste with him as we shared high marks in tasting on the Certified Sommelier exam. Garrett is sharp and it's no wonder the French Laundry scooped him up! It's been so long since Santana Row/LB Steak that I got a running start on my hug & almost knocked him over! Good to see the guys! - with Marlon Obando and Garrett Smith.

“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” ~Ernest Hemingway The "Rock Stars" of the movie "Somm." - with Dustin Scott Wilson and Ian Cauble.


Monday, June 17, 2013

Club Sportiva 10th Year Anniversary celebrating with Lido Bay Wines!

Pairing up the fast & furious Club Sportiva with the swashbuckling wine of celebrities, Lido Bay Wines! Club Sportiva has several reasons to celebrate, a grand opening, a new cigar and wine lounge, and a spectacular 10 year anniversary!



Pairing up the fast & furious Club Sportiva with the swashbuckling wine of celebrities, Lido Bay Wines!
 



Only 2 2013 SRT Vipers in Cali and you're looking at both! I joke SRT = Sheila R Taylor. :)


YES that is Chef Peter McGuire & Chef David of Crush catering. In hand & pocket bottles of Lido Bay Revelers!  

Sheen Shin and Razvan Raicu

Club Auto Sport 10th Anniversary would not be complete without the handsome Ralph Kauffman.

Linda Tran, David Armstrong and Razvan Raicu

My guy crew! If it weren't for Razvan the wine would've never made the event, & Pierre's done several "Taylor rescues"!

The Tran sisters where beauty runs in the family!

"The Beast" the man that made this all possible!

A Club Sportiva member has his own label. Nice to see the Stockwells proudly serving their wine. Another signed bottle for my wine library.

Raz fell in love with this girl! Linda would only let him touch her insignia LOL! 

Ranjan Dey had the group laughing on our break close to closing. We made it just in time to sample his cuisine from New Dehli Restaurant. Razvan insisted he try the Lido Bay Revelers. They both agreed it pairs well with his unique flavors! Look at this pic! How can you resist . . .

  Shawn Ooi Director of sales, Club Sportiva wrapped up the wonderful evening with club cigars.