Chicago, Ill. (August 20, 2015) – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine, has hired Jessica “Jesse” Williams as Chef of Appellation, the company’s new wine bar and restaurant, which will be located within Pastoral Andersonville at 5212 North Clark Street, a space scheduled to open early this fall.

Williams will lead menu development for and oversee the kitchen of the new, full-service restaurant. A former Pastoral cheesemonger, she joins Appellation from Birchwood Kitchen in Wicker Park, where she served as Head Chef for nearly four years. Her previous culinary experience includes Lula Café, where she trained under Jason Hammel; Floriole Bakery; and Uncommon Ground. She also attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

Pastoral’s newest culinary adventure, Appellation, is inspired by the many locations from which its ingredients and products are sourced. A common term used to identify where wine, cheese and other kinds of food are produced, the word “appellation” also reflects a “sense of place.” Pastoral finds the finest cheeses, wines, olive oils and other products from around the world and around the block. Like Pastoral’s retail stores and first restaurant location, Bar Pastoral, which opened in 2012, Appellation draws together those places where food and wine come together naturally, and brings to Chicagoans that sense of place for the palate.

The new hybrid retail and 75-seat wine bar and restaurant created by Chicago’s hometown cheese shop since 2004, is Pastoral’s largest project to-date. The 3,800 square foot space will feature a full-service kitchen and offer an exciting extension of the European-inspired neighborhood concept. The larger space will be arranged into sections to allow for an intimate environment with attentive and thoughtful service, and afford Appellation the ability to broaden Pastoral’s offerings. Diners can expect a consistent culinary vision and inspiration across both of the company’s concepts, bringing together wine, craft beer, and craft cocktails designed to pair perfectly with the cheese, charcuterie and dinner cuisine. Mark Wrobel, who heads up Pastoral’s beverage program, will work closely with Chef Williams to create a well-paired synergy. The venue will also continue to do what Pastoral does best – educate and make shopping for and enjoying artisan food and wine enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious.

“Jesse’s style of cooking perfectly aligns with Pastoral’s culinary vision,” said Greg O’Neill, Pastoral co-owner/co-founder, along with Ken Miller. “She believes in celebrating the origins of the food we serve and the families and farmers who produce them. Her approach is our approach; highest quality seasonal ingredients prepared simply yet wonderfully to highlight their flavors. As with Bar Pastoral, Appellation will serve as an extension of the Pastoral retail store, presenting dinner cuisine that highlights artisan cheese, charcuterie, bread, and pairs them with wine, craft beer and cocktails.”

“I’m excited to return to work with the passionate team at Pastoral in this new role as Chef of Appellation,” said Williams. “My approach to the menu is simple and straight-forward, focusing on rustic, seasonally driven and delicious dishes where I let the ingredients – and, of course, the cheese – do the talking.”

Additional details about Appellation and the new Pastoral Andersonville location will be announced in the coming months. Pastoral’s current retail locations allow patrons to purchase high quality, handcrafted products, including cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads, small production wines, gourmet sandwiches, custom gift baskets and artisan catering. They include: 2945 North Broadway; 53 East Lake Street; and Chicago French Market, 131 North Clinton Street. In 2012, the Company also opened Bar Pastoral, an award winning, Michelin Guide recommended cheese & wine bistro located at 2947 North Broadway.

For more information about Pastoral, visit pastoralartisan.com

“Like” Pastoral on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PastoralArtisan and follow the Company on Twitter and Instagram @pastoralchicago.

About Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Founded in 2004, Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is a trio of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty food and wine shops offering the highest quality, cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads, perfectly chosen accompaniments and small production wines, along with hand-crafted, cheese-loving beers and spirits. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral is committed to providing the highest level of service and education for customers, striving to make shopping for and consuming artisan goods enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious. Pastoral welcomes customers at three Chicago store locations, and ships nationwide at www.pastoralartisan.com. Pastoral was named “Outstanding Retailer of the Year” in 2007 and 2012 by the Specialty Food Association. In 2012, the Company opened Bar Pastoral, an award-winning, Michelin Guide recommended cheese & wine bistro serving shareable fare, in a cozy, inviting neighborhood setting. Early this fall, Pastoral will open its newest restaurant and wine bar, named Appellation, and retail location, in Chicago’s vibrant Andersonville neighborhood.

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Chicago, Ill. – (August 12, 2015) – Argo Tea®, one of the fastest-growing premium tea brands in the CPG space, will begin rolling out new, category-defining Teappuccino® tea-based dairy beverages in select leading retailers this fall across the country.

Decadent in taste, but balanced in nutrition, these unique bottled loose leaf tea infusions feature protein-packed milk and real fruits, flowers, spices and herbs, which deliver robust flavors. The three new shelf-stable Teappuccino varieties offer consumers an all-natural beverage, with real ingredients and smart calories:

• Chai – fresh-brewed Assam black tea blended with spicy ginger, cinnamon and sweet vanilla (90 calories per serving)
• Earl Grey Vanilla Crème – classic black tea infused with bergamot and sweet vanilla (80 calories per serving)
• Green Tea Strawberry Crème – antioxidant-rich Japanese green tea and sweet strawberries with a hint of vanilla (100 calories per serving)

Teappuccino is the latest innovation from Argo Tea’s creative mixologists and intelligent nutritionists who recognize consumer demand for healthy drinks with real ingredients. Argo Tea proudly sources the best ingredients from around the world, including handpicked, loose-leaf teas, to create a variety of innovative signature beverages that taste great – and are good for you. The new Teappuccino flavors, which are convenient and perfect for on–the-go, will be available in 12 fl oz. bottles for a suggested retail price of $2.99.

In 2010, Argo Tea launched a line of ready to drink Signature Teas, which are now sold in more than 20,000 retail outlets, making it one of the largest independent bottled tea brands. Available in great retail chains such as Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, Walgreens and Kroger, the line includes 10 delicious flavors in both sweetened and unsweetened varieties, the latter which contain zero calories and no sugar. Two flavors from the line – Green Tea Ginger Twist and Mojitea – received first place recognition as the best ready to drink iced teas in the 2014 North American Tea Championship.

“Argo Tea is committed to delivering innovative new products like Teappuccino that meet consumer demand for great tasting healthy beverages,” said Arsen Avakian, founder and CEO of Argo Tea. “With a growing presence in retail stores and in new Argo Tea cafés, we’ve quickly become a one-stop shop – offering tea connoisseurs ready to drink options, loose leaf and sachets – that’s poised for continued success, both domestically and abroad.”

About Argo Tea

Since brewing its first cup of tea in 2003, Argo Tea has quickly become a household name and leading multi-channel, branded beverage company. Its ready-to-drink teas in Argo Tea’s iconic bottles are now available in over 20,000 outlets nationwide through partnerships with premier retailers that value its brand-defining commitment to quality, sustainability and healthy living. With nearly 50 Argo Tea cafés globally, it has established a brand building marketing platform that serves over 10 million cups of tea annually fueling its innovation. Argo Tea’s menu includes all natural-tea based signature drinks, over thirty varieties of loose-leaf teas, organic coffee, fresh-baked pastries, specialty foods, and a selection of tea ware and accessories.

For more information, please visit www.argotea.com and follow the brand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/argotea as well as Twitter and Instagram @argotea

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Chicago, Ill. – (July 24, 2015) – LKH Management (LKH), the group behind Lake View’s Hydrate, Elixir, Replay and Halsted’s Bar & Grill, announced today that Paul Dobroski will join the company as Executive Chef for both its new Replay and Elixir locations in Andersonville, scheduled to open in August. He will be supported by Sous Chef Bernardo Ibarra, who was recruited by LKH last December, after serving for four years as Sous Chef at Girl & the Goat.

A Chicago industry veteran and graduate of Kendall College’s Culinary Program, Chef Paul comes to LKH from NoMI Kitchen at Park Hyatt Chicago. As Chef de Cuisine, he was responsible for designing the restaurant’s menu and executing large-scale banquets. Paul joined NoMI Kitchen in 2008 as a line cook, and quickly rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine of Meetings and Events, and Interim Executive Chef of the hotel’s culinary division. Paul began his career in fine dining as a line cook for the iconic Everest restaurant, where he studied classic French-style, and Roy’s, known best for its Pacific Rim cuisine.

Prior to joining LKH, Chef Bernardo served as Sous Chef of Girl & the Goat, the James Beard-nominated restaurant in Chicago’s “culinary mecca” West Loop neighborhood. During his tenure, he helped to build the restaurant into one of Chicago’s most popular dining destinations.

Unlike the Lake View locations, Replay and Elixir in Andersonville will each serve an innovative and distinctive food menu. Replay Andersonville will offer a wide selection of breakfast and brunch items, in addition to lunch, dinner and late-night menus.

“Breakfast is my favorite meal,” said Mark Liberson, President, LKH Management. “As an local resident, I felt the neighborhood needed another great breakfast and brunch option. Andersonville is a vibrant community throughout the course of the day and night.”

The menu will showcase approachable Contemporary American cuisine with a level of refinement, in a comfortable setting. Chef Paul will use his expertise to elevate everyday dishes that start with quality, sustainable ingredients. He’ll make everything in-house from scratch, implementing classic fine dining techniques, while also experimenting with various flavor profiles, textures and colors.

The menu, which will rotate seasonally, will offer diners American classics with a modern twist that feature bold flavors and beautiful presentation, designed to exceed customer expectations. Signature dishes include: Bacon Waffles with Black Pepper Butter, Sea Salt & Black Cherry Bourbon Syrup, a refreshing Watermelon & Lobster Salad and sustainably-raised Skuna Bay Salmon. Chef favorites, including his handmade sausages and charcuterie, will complement the restaurant’s premium bourbon and craft beer selection and social vibe.

Elixir Andersonville will serve small plate dining options and simple, but sophisticated bar snacks to complement its craft cocktail program.

“I’m thrilled to join LKH and for the opportunity to create two new menus from scratch,” said Dobroski. “My goal is to give guests an unforgettable culinary experience that will make them eager to return to the restaurant and feel compelled to encourage their friends to join us, as well.

“We’re fortunate to have Paul leading the culinary charge for our two newest venues,” said Liberson. “They are recruiting a seasoned team with an appreciation for fine dining and a passion for making great food accessible for everyday dining.”

Replay Andersonville, which opens first in August, will be located at 5368 N. Clark, and feature popular pinball games, iconic vintage video games and 26 craft beers on tap. Elixir Lounge Andersonville will be located at 1507 W. Balmoral and will feature the extensive list of creative and classic cocktails for which Elixir Lake View is lauded. Both concepts will feature outdoor dining space.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (June 15, 2015) To mark the beginning of Men’s Health Week, the Movember Foundation is launching its first podcast. Movember Radio: Continuing the Conversation will air stories from men around the world who share personal, empowering and often funny narratives behind the experiences, people and decisions that have shaped their lives. Lifting the lid on society’s often damaging ideals about masculinity, each episode seeks to challenge people across the globe to re-think what it really means to be a man.

Running all year, each week will feature a one-on-one interview, hosted by Australian Mo Bro and TV personality Osher Günsberg. The first episodes feature interviews from a diverse range of inspiring men including: George Parros, former NHL hockey player.

As the world’s leading men’s health organization, the Movember Foundation knows firsthand the key challenges faced by men today, many of which revolve around traditional stereotypes relating to masculinity and what it means to be a ‘man’. This can lead to reluctance to take action on well-being issues and an unwillingness to have conversations about significant life events.

In America, 87 men die by suicide every day.[1] The Foundation is determined to highlight these issues and continue the conversations that began with the growth of a moustache.

Adam Garone, CEO and co-founder of the Movember Foundation, says men often compare themselves against a masculine ideal which values power, strength, control and invincibility.

“From a young age, our society teaches boys they need to act tough and not talk about how they’re feeling. Men are expected to be a provider and protector, in control at all times and never vulnerable. If you break any of these ‘rules’, you supposedly aren’t a real man,” said Garone. “As men, we often don’t like talking about how we’re feeling or discussing the impact of significant life events such as the breakdown of a relationship, loss of a job or becoming a father, but the reality is that we all go through tough times. It’s how men deal or don’t deal with these moments that has an affect on mental health and, unfortunately, suicide rates.”

Research funded by the Movember Foundation found that men aged between 35 and 54 years are at the greatest risk of social isolation and more likely to have mental health problems, which can be an indication of suicide risk.[2] These alarming statistics highlight the need for a continued and united effort to encourage men to have conversations about their health and well-being as well as put the issue on the global news agenda.

“Our aim for the Movember Radio podcast is to share the ‘hairy’ tales that inspire men to have real conversations and make simple changes that can lead to a big difference to their lives and their families,” said Garone.

Episodes will be available at here and through iTunes.

About Movember the Foundation

The Movember Foundation is a global charity raising funds and awareness for men’s health. These funds deliver breakthrough research and support services to allow men to live longer, healthier, happier lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising more than $650 million and funding over 830 programs through impact investments, focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.

The Foundation runs awareness and fundraising activities year-round, with the annual Movember campaign in November being globally recognized for its fun and innovative approach to raising money and getting men to take action for their health. During Movember, we challenge men to grow a moustache or to make a commitment to get active and MOVE, both of which are about real action for health and are done to spark conversation and raise vital funds and awareness.

The Foundation’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the state of men’s health.

Movember is fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and for the past two years, has been named a Top 100 best NGO by The Global Journal. For more information please visit Movember.com. Movember is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.

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[1] National Vital Statistics Report (2013)

[2] Men’s Social Connectedness Report, Hall & Partners Australia (2014)

Veteran Chef Dean Salerno Offers Unique Culinary & Social Destination Featuring Upscale Comfort Food in a Vibrant Bistro Setting

Wilmette, Ill. (June 11, 2015) – Firefly Kitchen, the Brooklyn-inspired upscale neighborhood bistro, will open its doors this week at 111 Green Bay Road in Wilmette. Renowned New York City chef Dean Salerno, who relocated to Chicago, will offer a seasonal menu made from scratch and inspired by his deep NYC roots.

The restaurant builds upon Chef Salerno’s Bronx upbringing and experience opening five NYC restaurants, including David Burke’s signature restaurant at The James New York, as well as his successful Firefly Events and Catering business located in Chicago. Trained in classic French, creative American, and Pan-Asian cuisine, Chef Salerno’s menu offerings will include comforting dishes like Roasted Organic Chicken with Roasted Shallot Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Romaine Steak Salad, Hibachi Skewers served on a tableside grill, and multiple styles of house cut fries and chips, in addition to flavorful brunch favorites such as Stacked Pancakes with Passion Fruit Purée and Prime Rib & Egg Stuffed Yorkshire Pudding.

The restaurant will also feature an extensive cocktail and wine list, expertly curated by James Pierce, former head of The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago along with Morton’s The Steakhouse in Rosemont and Sofitel Chicago. Pierce will feature unique local and small batch spirits and a selection of signature cocktails including “Got a Guy” and “Firefly Rye.” He has also selected a wine program that compliments the bistro’s upscale but approachable menu.

Firefly Kitchen delivers a welcoming, 60-seat, whimsically-lit and modern vintage setting. In addition to Firefly Kitchen’s innovative food and beverage program and first class service, the restaurant will feature a rooftop herb garden and a 35-seat patio that will serve as the perfect setting for a relaxing brunch or intimate dinner.

“Firefly Kitchen will offer Chicagoland a first-rate culinary experience a la Brooklyn that doesn’t currently exist,” said Chef Dean Salerno. “We’ve worked extensively to bring an eclectic and modern taste to the neighborhood, and look forward to being a destination for city guests as well.

Firefly Kitchen will be open for dinner seven days a week, and serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is located at 111 Green Bay Road, on the border of Wilmette and Evanston and just steps away from Metra’s Central Street Station. The restaurant will also offer valet parking for $5.

Firefly Kitchen’s food and bar menu is available for takeout. 2015 also marks the third year of operation for Firefly Events and Catering, which offers broad scope services ranging from a “Ravinia Basket” (complete with wine and beer selections) to black tie galas.

For more information about Firefly Kitchen and to make a reservation, visit FFKitchen.com and www.OpenTable.com.

Hours of Operation

Mon.-Thurs., Sun. dinner: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Fri., Sat. dinner, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Sat., Sun. brunch: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“Like” Firefly Kitchen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FireflyKitchen and follow the Company on Twitter and Instagram @Firefly_Kitchen

About Firefly Kitchen

Firefly Kitchen is a neighborhood and destination bistro led by NYC-native and veteran chef Dean Salerno, who aims to bring a “Taste of Brooklyn” to Chicago’s North Shore. The bistro offers upscale, comfort food in a glowing and vibrant bistro setting, along with a carefully curated cocktail and wine program led by James Pierce, former head of The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago. Firefly Kitchen brings an unpretentious approach to bistro food for every guest in a modern vintage style.

About Firefly Events and Catering

Firefly Events & Catering specializes in creating elegant, memorable, and illuminating experiences. Whether a wedding, corporate event, or any other special occasion, we are dedicated to providing impeccable service and carefully handcrafted cuisine in beautiful, timeless settings.

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