Naturally Electrolyte-Rich Deep Ocean Mineral Water Also More Effective in Promoting Muscle Performance Recovery

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (July 5, 2016) – A recent human hydration study conducted at the University of Arizona revealed that Kona Deep^TM – the newly introduced deep ocean bottled drinking water – “shows promise as an optimal rehydrating source over a carbohydrate-based sports drink and a mountain spring water.” It also found subjects demonstrated significantly improved recovery of lower body muscle performance following rehydration with Kona Deep, compared to the sports drink and mountain spring water. The study, which was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition[1], evaluated the impact of post-exercise hydration with desalinated deep ocean mineral water on exercise performance and rehydration.

Kona Deep Chief Executive Officer Patrick Turpin believes the new study will give people a reason to rethink their water.

“Kona Deep is a great option for those who want their water to work harder, naturally,” said Turpin. “We already knew that Kona Deep delivers an extraordinary taste and hydration experience, but it’s very exciting that a new study quantified deep ocean water’s impressive rehydration benefits.”

Premium bottle water sales in the U.S. have skyrocketed more than 300% over the past five years.[2] But, the introduction of Kona Deep signals the creation of a new category: deep ocean drinking water. Until now, consumers had to choose between spring waters and highly processed, functional purified waters with artificially added electrolytes. With Kona Deep, bottled water drinkers no longer have to choose between purity and performance. The new brand offers both – the purity of a trusted, natural source with nothing artificial, nothing added, and the hydration benefits of electrolytes.

Kona Deep comes from melted glacial water, which sunk to the ocean floor more than 1,000 years ago, creating a deep ocean current that still flows today. This infinitely renewable source absorbs naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals, which are crucial for hydration and body balance, along its journey across the ocean floor and along volcanic fissures.

While deep ocean water is difficult to access, the coast of Kona, Hawaii, provides an ideal location to source and bottle the water because the ocean floor falls sharply to more than 3,000 feet below the surface. At this depth, near-freezing cold and prolonged darkness creates a pure water that is protected from light and surface ocean water. Once brought to the surface, the water is desalinated and bottled at the source with a total dissolved solids (TDS) content of 250, the perfect balance of performance and taste. During the process, nothing is added.

Kona Deep is now available in select retailers in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah, as well as Sprouts Farmers Market locations nationwide, in 500mL and 1L bottles. Consumers can purchase Kona Deep in-store or online at www.amazon.com. The brand is focusing its initial distribution efforts throughout the natural, grocery and specialty retail channels in the Western United States, and will expand distribution throughout the rest of the country later this year.
For more information, and a full list of retail locations, please visit www.konadeep.com and follow the brand on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

About Kona Deep^TM

Kona Deep is a deeply refreshing and restoring water with a unique balance of naturally occurring deep ocean electrolytes essential to life and health. Kona Deep comes from the ocean waters of Hawaii, over 3,000 feet below the surface where cold, pressure and darkness combine to create an exceptionally high quality water. We utilize a unique method to bring the water to the surface to offer you an extraordinary taste and hydration experience. In the process, we add nothing.

About the University of Arizona Hydration Study

The University of Arizona hydration study evaluated the impact of post-exercise hydration with deep-ocean mineral water on rehydration and exercise performance. The authors hypothesized that deep-ocean mineral water drawn from a depth of 915 m off the Kona, HI coast enhances recovery of hydration and exercise performance following a dehydrating exercise protocol compared to mountain spring water and a carbohydrate-based sports drink. They concluded that deep-ocean mineral water shows promise as an optimal rehydrating source over spring water and/or sports drink. To view the complete study, visit: http://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-016-0129-8

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[1] Keen D.A., Constantopoulos, E., Konhilas, J.P., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2016, 13:17.

[2] MULO Top 3^rd products based on highest price ounce. Beverage Digest 2015 Fact Book.

2,300 cases Now Available in Select U.S. Markets

Key West, Florida – (June 6, 2016) – Papa’s Pilar®, the award-winning, premium sipping rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway, will release 2,300 cases of custom barrel aged dark rum in time for Papa’s Day (aka Father’s Day) in select markets. The team of Master Blenders created two special edition expressions of custom barreled Papa’s Pilar Dark, which, after solera aging in American oak bourbon barrels, port wine casks, and Spanish Sherry Casks, were further aged in bourbon barrels for an additional 90 or 120 days, respectively. Upon introducing the barrel program, the “Account Distiller” can select to custom barrel age Papa’s Pilar Rum for an appointed set of days, while receiving notoriety in the account for their craftsmanship. A custom side label with account logo and barrel number will adorn every bottle.

Papa’s Pilar Dark is a bold and complex sipping rum, which is both pot and column distilled and boasts hand-selected rums up to 24 years old, and a long, velvety finish. At 86 proof, it is comprised of rums that are hand-selected from ports-of-call in the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. for their age, character and maturity. The expression was named “Best Rum in America” by the Caribbean Journal in 2014 and won a “Double Gold” Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“In our quest to get rum back to its roots, we further aged Papa’s Pilar Dark rum in bourbon oak, which adds a spicy finish on the back of the palate,” said Ron Call, Head of Rum Production. “The flavor is magnitudes more complex and the longer we age, the more the sweetness drops. Each sip reveals a new discovery.”

In addition to the two new expressions, Papa’s Pilar will host a picture contest on its facebook page for Papa’s Day, with three chances to win, beginning on June 4. Participants are asked to submit a photo of their Papa’s Pilar Custom Barrel bottle. Entries must include the hashtag #PapasDay.

• Begins 6/4; winner announced 6/10
  1. Prize Pack: Yeti Lowball Rambler; Wavespin Reel; DOA Lure Kit; Dr. Dan’s Tackle Box; Smith Guide’s Choice Glasses
• Begins 6/11; winner announced 6/17
  1. Prize Pack: Grunden’s Camo Cap; Creek Company Walton Tool; Yeti Lowball Rambler; Dr. Dan’s Tackle Box; Smith Guide’s Choice Glasses
• Begins 6/18; winner announced 6/24
  1. Prize Pack: Fishtrack subscription; Yeti Lowball Rambler; Dr. Dan’s Tackle Box; Smith Guide’s Choice Glasses; Grunden’s Camo Backpack

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Participation is limited to legal residents of the continental U.S. and must be 21 years of age.

Papa’s Pilar is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all. “Papa” as Ernest Hemingway was known, lived an epic life full of perpetual motion, and Papa’s Pilar was crafted to accompany rum enthusiasts as they sink their teeth into life. Named for his muse and one true constant, Pilar is the vessel that allowed America’s literary giant to reach beyond the shoreline, feast on life and remind us to never be a spectator.

Papa’s Pilar custom aged barrel rums are available in 750ml bottles in both on- and off-premise accounts in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas. The suggested retail price for both the 90 and 120-day product is $39.99. Prices may vary by market.

Tasting Notes – aged for an additional 90 days

• Nose: complex notes of vanilla, coffee beans and honey with hints of crème brulée
• Taste: intricately flavorful, light sweetness mixed with hints of bourbon and oak. Full viscosity lends to a mouth feel full of almond, pecan and dried apricot
• Finish: growing spice coupled with a nice balance of sweet

Tasting Notes – aged for an additional 120 days

• Nose: elaborate layers of Caribbean spices, chocolate and coffee with hints of sherry and port
• Taste: intricately flavorful – sophisticated layer after layer of spice-forward complimented by walnut, vanilla, sherry and port
• Finish: robust dry spice with oak, balanced with a lingering sweetness

Papa’s Pilar was developed in conjunction with Ernest Hemingway’s estate. The Hemingway family donates 100 percent of their royalty profits from Papa’s Pilar Rum to charity. The brand is the “official rum” of the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, partner of the International Game Fish Association, and works with local charitable foundations and causes dear to Hemingway and his heirs.

Every aspect of Papa’s Pilar is thoughtful and purposeful. The distinct bottle evokes Papa’s exploits through a form factor reminiscent of an iconic WWII canteen. The etched compass closure reflects that same sense of adventure on either land or sea. The lion heads represent nobility while the Rooster on the Medallion pays homage to Key West, where Hemingway and his boat Pilar once resided and remain celebrated fixtures within the community.

For more information, please visit www.papaspilar.com “like” us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PapasPilarRum and follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/papaspilar #PapaWouldBeProud, #PapasDay, #PilarPreserves

About Hemingway Rum Company, LLC

Hemingway Rum Company, LLC is a distilled spirits company based in Florida that’s dedicated to producing super-premium multi-sourced solera blended artisanal rums. The Company’s inaugural offerings are Papa’s Pilar® Dark and Blonde rums, incepted and crafted by a seasoned team of best-in-class partners. The Company encourages consumers of legal drinking age to Live Courageously and Drink Responsibly and proudly supports local organizations that serve Ernest Hemingway’s adventurous, literary and conservational legacy. Papa’s Pilar plans to break ground on a new distillery and experience center in 2016 in Key West, Florida, further honoring Hemingway’s contribution to the classic spirit of the city in which he once lived. Papa’s Pilar® is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

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Lake View Destination Will Offer Authentic Neapolitan Pizza and Extensive Beer & Cocktail Options, Feature Retro Music and Antique Handcrafted Wooden Bar

Chicago (June 16, 2016) – LKH Management (LKH), the group behind Andersonville’s recently opened Replay and Elixir, announced that its eighth property, Lark, will officially open to the public Thursday, June 16. The first 50 people through the bar and restaurant’s doors that day, beginning at 5 pm, will receive a voucher for one free pizza, available for redemption by July 31, 2016. Between 5 pm and 2 am, everyone who visits the new venue will be eligible to enter to win free pizza for a year*.

Located at 3441 N. Halsted, in the former Halsted’s Bar + Grill space, Lark will offer an ideal environment for drinks seven nights a week, where guests can listen to music from the 80s and 90s until 2 am Sunday through Friday and 3 am Saturdays, as well as watch music videos from those eras playing on the 13 large screen TVs.

“We’re excited to bring this new addition to the bar scene in Lake View, which features the beautiful original wooden bar from the former Cullen’s Bar & Grill on Southport,” said Mark Liberson, LKH president. “Our weekend guests will enjoy having the chance to select albums from our collection of LPs, play retro board games and dine on our artisanal pizzas with their drinks.”

Lark will also offer authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, as well as pasta, sandwiches, entrées, salads, appetizers and weekend brunch. Lark plans to be among a handful of officially certified Neapolitan pizza establishments in Chicago. In order to obtain certification from The Associazione Verace Pizza Napolitana (VPN), Lark must adhere to strict guidelines, including what ingredients are used, how the dough is made and how long the pizzas are cooked.

Chefs Bernardo Ibarra (Girl and the Goat) and Kaz Medhat (Magnolia Café), recently leading the culinary team at Replay and Elixir in Andersonville, will helm the Lark kitchen. Creating a menu rich in flavors, the chefs will incorporate inspirations from Italy and beyond while Lark’s beverage director, Vlad Novikov, will curate drink offerings consisting of craft cocktails, extensive wine by the glass options and 16 tap beers.

The 2,400 square foot venue will accommodate approximately 90 people, and open onto one of Lake View’s largest existing patios, doubling the venue’s capacity with nearly 100 additional seats. In addition to bar and table seating, guests can choose to sit and watch the chefs prepare and cook the pizzas around the Mugnaini pizza oven, dine and drink at the historic handcrafted wooden bar, or lounge in comfortable seating surrounding Lark’s working fireplace.

“We can’t wait for everyone to join us and enjoy a taste of something they won’t find elsewhere in the neighborhood,” said Chef Bernardo. “We’re thrilled to share all the special features of the new oven, and to create delicious dishes beyond pizza, incorporating wood-fired items throughout the menu.”

Exposed brick and handcrafted wooden details will line the walls of the new venue. DJs will play 80s and 90s records Thursday through Sunday nights from 10 pm to close.

Lark will be open Monday through Friday 5 pm – 2 am, Saturday from 10 am – 3 am, Sunday 10 am – 2 am. Dinner will be served every night from 5-10 pm. Brunch will be available 10 am – 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. Late-night pizza and limited menu options will also be available nightly until close.

Please visit http://www.larkchicago.com/ to sign up for updates and special events, and “like” us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/larkchicago, Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarkChicago, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larkchicago/.

*One winner will receive one free pizza per week for one year (52 total pizzas) starting Monday, June 20, 2016. Limitations will apply.

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New Book Gives Kids, Parents and Educators Needed Resource to Build Preteen Self-Esteem

CHICAGO – To help preteens, ages 9 to 13, prevent social media from deflating self-worth, a new book, titled Love Yourself(ie), Life Lessons for Building Kid Charisma™, is available today on Amazon. With a focus on self-love, the book teaches ‘what we think of ourselves matters most’ and how to use self-acceptance to keep others from influencing bad feelings or behaviors.

Although navigating friendships, belonging, self-image and bullying has long been part of growing up, social media today makes the experience public – which is fueling record levels of preteen insecurity and acceptance-seeking behaviors that range from obsessing over appearance to taking down unpopular posts in tears. Love Yourself(ie) is a fictional story of a young girl, named Harper, who learns to use self-acceptance to filter social media and manage peer pressure and competition. Endorsed by leading child development experts, educators, parents and preteens, the book is a highly relatable story kids see themselves in, with a practical perspective and advice they can use to understand what they are feeling and become more confident and true to themselves – on social media and in life.

“Kids thrive when they don’t give others power over them,” said Dr. Julie Carbray, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “Social-emotional challenges in middle school can leave preteens questioning who they are and how to act – at an age when character development is being shaped and, now, social media is publicly testing the strength of that character. Love Yourself(ie) is a wonderful resource for kids, parents and educators, offering much needed perspective not only on what preteens are ‘really’ facing but also the importance of building self-acceptance and character strength as a solution.”

Written by Chicago business executive Andrea A. Lewis in collaboration with renown beauty expert Nicole Pearl, both of whom are moms, Love Yourself(ie) fills a gap the two saw in resources to make social media a more positive experience. The story is derived from life lessons that shape Andrea’s character strength, infused with Nicole’s expertise on the relationship between self-esteem and beauty, and dedicated to all preteens – and the parents, educators and youth advocates who care about their well-being – growing up in the digital age.

“This book is for everyone who wants the best for kids,” said Andrea A. Lewis, author, Love Yourself(ie), Life Lessons for Building Kid Charisma™. “How we handle life experiences begins with what we believe about ourselves, and my spunky daughters at ages 8 and 5 are examples of the good that comes from developing self-love, determination and resilience early-on. All kids deserve that emotional advantage and Love Yourself(ie) is a platform to inspire it.”

Added Nicole Pearl, book contributor and beauty expert known as The Beauty Girl:

“For many preteens, social media is a popularity contest that leaves them feeling left out and bad about themselves. Love Yourself(ie) instills self-love as our best accessory, and shows kids how to build it within themselves. In fact, to quote 10- and 13-year-old girls who read the story for us: ‘The pressure and insecurities Harper feels are so much like what we experience, so the advice in the story and seeing how she used it made us feel better and more confident.’”

Love Yourself(ie) is available in print and Kindle versions for $9.99, on Amazon.

For more information about Andrea and the book, search LifeLessons4KidCharisma on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.lifelessons4kids.org. For information about Nicole, visit www.nicolepearl.com.

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“Living” beverage with real health benefits now available at Argo Tea Cafés in endless flavor combinations

Chicago, Ill. – (June 1, 2016) – Argo Tea®, the Chicago-based premium tea brand known for all-natural tea-based signature drinks and premium loose-leaf teas, has collaborated with Kefiplant, to offer tea and wellness enthusiasts freshly-made, custom Kombucha concoctions they can’t find elsewhere.

Quebec-based Kefiplant, the expert manufacturer of certified organic fermented herbs, uses a patented fermentation process that packs the “live” culture with probiotics, enzymes, organic acids, antioxidants, and other metabolites to create their signature Kombucha.

“Kombucha by Kefiplant is processed by scientists with the highest quality standards, which allows us to create a living culture packed with nutrients that provide healthy digestive benefits and assist in overall body detoxification,” said Chantale Houle, President, Kefiplant.

Kefiplant’s Kombucha inspired Argo Tea’s imaginative mixologists and intelligent nutritionists to create an effervescent living drink that’s made-to-order. Argo Tea café customers will choose from the company’s Classic Black Tea or Green Tea Ginger, which is then blended with Kombucha by Kefiplant, soda water, and their choice of flavor shot and then served over ice. Kombucha is the latest signature beverage to be featured on Argo Tea’s new rotating Mixology Special, a permanent addition to the company’s café menu board.

“Argo Tea proudly sources the best ingredients from around the world to create innovative signature beverages that consumers demand for healthy drinks with real ingredients,” said Arsen Avakian, Founder and CEO, Argo Tea. “We’re proud to partner with Kefiplant, the leading manufacturer of high-quality Kombucha.”

Kombucha is now available in all Argo Tea cafés in Chicago and New York as well as other participating locations through June, in three different sizes: small ($3.95-$4.45), medium ($4.45-$4.95) and large ($4.95-$5.45), which range from 25-113 calories.

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, premium 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

About Kefiplant

Since 2004, Kefiplant has organically fermented Kombucha and botanicals through its one-of-a-kind, patented technology, to help clients overall well being while respecting the ecosystem. Benefiting from the wisdom of ancestral herbal fermentation traditions, the creative team of specialists is committed to creating products intended for the beverage, food and supplement industry. For more information, please visit http://www.kefiplant.com/home

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Chicago (April 19, 2016) – Pastoral’s Appellation, a 75-seat wine bar and restaurant in Andersonville, today officially debuted its first spring menu. To coincide with the launch, Appellation will also unveil a new spring art exhibition from local Chicago artist, Jill Sutton, within the restaurant’s dining area.

Appellation’s lively new spring menu delivers a simple, authentic approach to food and wine with a sense of place, in a warm, inviting space. The restaurant’s name and menu inspires guests to appreciate the place of origin for each ingredient and wine pairing, as well as the farmers and producers with whom Pastoral has built great relationships over time.

Created by Chef Jesse Williams, who attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, the new menu features a range of rustic, approachable and creative cuisine. As the former head chef of Birchwood Kitchen, Chef Jesse has applied her culinary experience to highlight high-quality, seasonal ingredients accented by the cheeses Pastoral has championed for more than 10 years. The menu offers “bites” and “mains,” in addition to cheese and charcuterie plates.

New and noteworthy signature dishes include:

• Ricotta & sweet pea toast with guanciale
• Fried artichokes, egg-lemon sauce, Italian salsa verde, grated Pantaleo
• Sausage and clams, green garlic cream, peas, asparagus, grilled bread
• Mustard and Herbes de Provence rubbed pork loin, wheat berries, roasted carrots
• Steak for two, Cravero Parmigiano-Reggiano and chive butter, peas, cippolini, shaved mushrooms
• Potato, ramp, and fennel pierogi with smoked marisa, shaved asparagus, butter, herbs
• Goat cheese panna cotta with strawberry hibiscus preserves and rhubarb

The menu also features libations from Appellation/Pastoral’s acclaimed wine buyer and educator, Mark Wrobel. The wine bar offers 20 wines by the glass, featuring a rotating selection of small production wines from dynamic producers from around the world, including a French Rose on tap for the warm weather months. In addition to its spring menu, the restaurant recently began serving full service lunch daily from 11am – 3pm, a menu featuring quiche, cheese, and charcuterie.

New Spring Art Exhibit

Pastoral is committed to showcasing unique and inspired works from local artists, which rotate seasonally. To accompany the launch of Appellation’s new spring menu, Pastoral will unveil its third art exhibit on Tuesday, April 19, featuring colorful landscape-inspired paintings from talented Chicago artist, Jill Sutton, that are also available for purchase. Pastoral will host a public art opening of her new collection with a free cheese and wine reception that evening from 6-8 p.m. The current exhibit will be featured through June.

With a bachelor’s in fine art from Washington University and a master’s in fine art from California College of the Arts in San Francisco, Sutton’s work has been exhibited extensively throughout Chicago, including shows at Evanston Art Center, University Club of Chicago and Bridgeport Art Center. Currently, she is on the painting and drawing faculty of Evanston Art Center.

Visit the Facebook event page at to learn more about this event: https://www.facebook.com/events/633562703449046/

About Appellation Wine Bar & Restaurant

Launched in October 2015 and located within the Pastoral retail store at 5212 N. Clark Street in Andersonville, Appellation is a 75-seat bistro serving food and wine with a sense of place. Led by Chef Jesse Williams and featuring a menu of approachable and rustic dishes, Appellation encourages guests to sip and savor appetizers, entrees, and other shareable plates featuring the fine cheese and wine offered in Pastoral’s retail locations. Appellation serves lunch and dinner during the week, as well as brunch and dinner on weekends. For more information, follow Appellation on Twitter @AppellationChi, and like the wine bar and restaurant on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AppellationChicago

For more information about Appellation, please call 773.358.7181. To make an online reservation, visit www.opentable.com

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