Chicago, Ill. (June 4, 2015) – Whether you’re attending a concert at Millennium Park, dining on the Ravinia Festival lawn, or relaxing right in your very own back yard, Pastoral, the trio of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty foods and wine shops, has you covered during picnic season.

This summer, Pastoral presents six perfectly packaged picnics, which offer the highest quality, cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads and perfectly chosen accompaniments. Guests can also add wine and a number of new gourmet accompaniments, including Dick Taylor Craft Chocolates and Brooklyn Brine Co. Pickles, to their picnic selections. Each basket is made to order and ready for same day pickup or delivery by calling 800.721.4781 or ordering online at http://shop.pastoralartisan.com/index.php/picnics.html

New this year is the Picnic Royale ($99.99), a luxurious and bountiful basket for four, which includes a broad spectrum of fresh, aged and classic cheeses that are paired with prosciutto from heritage breed pigs, savory mixed olives, and crisp bread, complemented by single varietal honey and a few chocolates for a sweet treat. Contents include: Earthy, nutty Pleasant Ridge Reserve (WI – raw cow), cakey and decadent Manchester (MI – cow), creamy Morbier-style Jeune Autize (FR – goat), smooth and lemony Driftless (WI – sheep), sweet Tamworth prosciutto (IA – pork), single varietal Ames Honey, light and crisp Rustic Bakery Panforte, country olives, and individual Chocopods in surprising flavors (CA).

Additional picnic baskets for purchase include:

The Grand Picnic for Two ($69.99)

• Enjoy a deluxe artisan picnic spread for two – an abundance of artisan cheese, traditionally crafted charcuterie, sweet and salty almonds, nutty oatcakes, and local confections to round it out with subtly sweet notes.
• Contents: Smooth and earthy Prosciutto San Daniele (IT – pork), Dodge City Salame from Smoking Goose Meatery (IN – pork), buttery St. Malachi (PA – cow), rich and fluffy Miette (MO – goat), classic Alpine-style Spring Brook Raclette (VT – raw cow), sweet and salty Effie’s Mini Oatcakes (MA), house-made Spiced Almonds and a duo of handmade truffles from Katherine Anne Confections (IL).

Decadent Picnic for Two ($39.99)

• The perfect blend of sweet and savory, this palate-balanced picnic for two will leave you wanting to incorporate dessert into every meal; featuring silky, nutty and indulgent cheeses and a bounty of sweet treats from near and far.
• Contents: Fluffy and decadent Manchester (MI – cow), rich and grassy Brabander gouda (NL – goat), savory and complex Hittisau (AT – cow), cocoa dusted Piedras (ES), small batch raspberry and rose preserves (WI), handmade caramels from Katherine Anne Confections (IL) and soft and delicious Pastoral house made cookies.

Francophile Picnic for Two ($39.99)

• This classic French picnic for two features a classic saucisson, creamy, sweet and savory cheeses and a delightful variety of accoutrements to complement these treasures.
• Contents: Creamy Cantal ‘Entre Doux’ (FR – raw cow), fluffy and fresh Driftless (WI – sheep), decadent Brillat Savarin triple crème brie (FR – cow), sweet, rich Rosette de Lyon saucisson (NY – pork), small batch fig and black tea preserves (WI), Niçoise and Picholine olives, cornichons and grainy mustard.

Taste of the Midwest Picnic for Two ($39.99)

• The Midwest region is flush with talented artisan producers represented in this hometown spread for two – featuring carefully crafted artisan charcuterie, old school cheeses with new school flavor, lightly salted butter and sweet and savory accouterments that burst with local flavor.
• Contents: Creamy and slightly funky Aged Widmer’s Brick (WI – cow), fruity and mild Chandoka (WI – cow/goat), lightly salted Amish butter (OH – cow), Borsellino salami (IA – pork), hearty summer sausage from Underground Meats (WI – beef/pork), shallot confit and dried Michigan cherries, house made spiced almonds and grainy mustard.

Carnivore’s Feast Picnic for Two: ($39.99)

• Conscious carnivores rejoice – this charcuterie-filled picnic for two is for you! Artisan charcuterie producers focus on the sustainability and heritage of their herd and the products they make, crafting intensely rich and flavorful, salami and whole muscle cures to please your palate. Salty, spicy and crunchy pickled vegetables and mustard complement the spread perfectly.
• Contents: Country style Pig and Fig Terrine (IN – pork), spicy Calabrese salami (UT – pork), intense and rich Jamon Serrano, savory Mortadella (IN – pork), zesty house-made pimento cheese featuring two sharp cheddars (cow), cornichons, pickled vegetables and grainy mustard.

About Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is a trio of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty foods and wine shop 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. The company 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. Pastoral will open its newest location in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood in late summer 2015.

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Chicago, IL (April 21, 2015) – Grab your boa and beads and head to Boystown for the second annual Pride lakefront party and Pride5K run/walk on Thursday, June 25. The outdoor bash, which benefits Center on Halsted, will feature DJs, drinks and go-go dancers, following a 5K “fun run” along the lakefront path.

Produced by Star Events, the race kicks off at 7:30pm near the Lakefront at Fullerton and Lake Shore Drive. When the run is done, DJs Matthew Harvat and Adam LeBlanc of Sixteen Candles, will take to the stage and pump up the volume at the Pride Weekend Kick-Off Party at Diversey Harbor, from 6:00pm until 10:00pm. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Racers are encouraged to come in costume and show their pride in every stride. The $50 individual race registration fee includes: a limited edition t-shirt, valuable coupons, gifts from local area businesses and a $10 beverage voucher for use during the party. Take advantage of early-bird registration through May 15, 2015, for $45. Awards will be given for the top individual finishers. Teams of 10 or more will earn perks such as private cabanas and additional drink vouchers. Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, June 19 (6-10pm) and Saturday, June 20 (9am-5pm) at Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted Street, in the lobby.

“The Pride Lakefront Party and 5K run/walk is about having fun and showing your PRIDE,” said John Barry, president of Star Events. “We’re excited to celebrate the incredible strides made by the LGBTQ community toward full equality.”

Event sponsors include: 101.9 The MIX, Boi Magazine, Bud Light, Chicago’s WSHE 100.3, and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR. To become an event sponsor, contact Michelle Krage at StarEvents, michelle@starevents.com

For more information and to register, visit the race website. Please follow Pride 5K on facebook and twitter @pride5Kchicago for race updates.

About StarEvents

StarEvents is Chicago’s award-winning event company that specializes in producing world-class community celebrations, races and festivals. The organization is dedicated to raising money and awareness for community groups and local nonprofit organizations. Founded in 1996, StarEvents in one of the largest Chicago festival, race and event production companies in the Midwest. They offer a wide range of creative services that include event production, event management, logistical support, public relations, marketing and conceptual processes for all types of special events. For more information, please visit www.starevents.com

About Center on Halsted

Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.

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Bardstown, KY (May 18, 2015) – The Mahalo Spirits Group – the branding, sales and marketing powerhouse behind the success of Angel’s Envy Bourbon and Papa’s Pilar Rum – and The Bardstown Bourbon Company announced today they have joined forces to develop and launch innovative whiskey brands using a new, state-of-the-art distillery. The partnership promises to further the already explosive growth of the craft distilling industry by developing innovative and authentic brands and collaborating with passionate, small distillers to create custom whiskey brands and/or scale their production and distribution.

The new partnership will be led by a team of experienced industry professionals and artisans, including Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller and Bardstown native, Steve Nally, a 40-year veteran of the spirits industry and formerly the Master Distiller of Maker’s Mark, and Alex Bogusky, an expert in brand strategy and consumer insights that was named the creative mind of the decade by Adweek Magazine, along with a national sales and marketing group specifically trained to sell premium craft spirits.

“We believe this partnership with The Bardstown Bourbon Company raises the bar for innovation and creativity in the craft whiskey sector,” said Stephen Groth, President & CEO, The Mahalo Spirits Group. “Together, we have all of the resources necessary to take brands from creation to consumption.”

“We are changing the model for how innovative whiskey and bourbon products will be produced and brought to market,“ echoed David Mandell, President & CEO, The Bardstown Bourbon Company. “And, we’re building an experience in Bardstown unlike anything whiskey enthusiasts have ever experienced.”

Set on 100 acres of active farmland and adjacent to the Bluegrass Parkway, The Bardstown Bourbon Company and its 37,000 square foot distillery forms the gateway to Bardstown, Kentucky, the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Under construction since October 2014, this first-of-its-kind Napa Valley style campus will feature a custom built Vendome still and include a unique and transparent educational experience, high-end tours and tastings, integrated visitors center, event space, and eventually a restaurant and boutique hotel.

“During my career, I’ve worked with and learned from the best in the business,” said Steve Nally, Master Distiller, The Bardstown Bourbon Company. “I look forward to creating exciting new brands and making great bourbon. Building this distillery is a dream come true for the bourbon enthusiast. The local area provides us with excellent resources and we are paying attention to every aspect of production from farm to table.”

“Perhaps more so than any other category, authentic, distinctive and unique branding is critical to success in the spirits category,” said Alex Bogusky. “I’m wildly enthusiastic to pair that branding up with world class spirits.”

The partners look forward to announcing details of their first brand later this year.

About The Mahalo Spirits Group

Mahalo Spirits Group is a full-service brand innovation company headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida. Mahalo specializes in incubating and/or accelerating handcrafted brands with deep and authentic stories. Mahalo has a broad array of targeted resources, ranging from a national sales and marketing force to world-class creative and creation talent, supported by a finance and compliance team. Existing partnerships include Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Papa’s Pilar Rum and Sorel Artisanal Liqueur.

About The Bardstown Bourbon Company

Formed in 2014, The Bardstown Bourbon Company is “the Modern Distiller of the American Spirit”. The company is developing a $25 million destination experience, including a state-of-the art distillery, integrated visitors center, and event space. Construction on the project began in October 2014 and is expected to be completed by summer 2016.

Key West, Florida (June 21, 2015) – In honor of Father’s Day (aka Papa’s Day), Papa’s Pilar® premium sipping rum will introduce a unique cigar co-pack to select tobacco-licensed retail stores throughout Florida.

The premium gift features a reusable cigar humidification package that stores and humidifies a custom-paired Sosa Cigar with a Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum-soaked cork in an airtight pressurized tube. The branded Cigar Cork top has a moisture core that can be used to humidify the tube as well as subtly flavor the outer wrapper of the cigar. The cork slowly releases the subtle essence of Papa’s Pilar Rum into the outer wrapper of the cigar for Papa-worthy flavors, including complex earthy notes & decadent hints of vanilla spice and port with a long finish.

The Sosa Classic Natural blend is made in the Dominican Republic, using an Habano wrapper, Dominican and Nicaraguan binder and fillers. It exhibits some of the same characteristics as Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum, including flavors of sweet spices, like cinnamon, a hint of leather and some woodiness. At the same time, it doesn’t overpower the rum.

The pack also includes a 750ml bottle of Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum, which at 86-proof, is both pot and column distilled and boasts hand-selected rums up to 24 years old. The Expression, which features a long, velvety finish, 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.

“Flavoring a premium Sosa cigar with Papa’s Pilar Dark rum using The Cigar Cork System has produced one of the most unique and impressive cigar smoking experiences in the world,” said John Brier, Managing Partner, The Cigar Cork. “This unique and flavorful pairing has surpassed our expectations.”

Papa’s Pilar Rums are hand-selected from ports-of-call in the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. for their age, character and maturity, and then solera aged and blended in a unique process using American Oak Bourbon barrels, Port Wine casks, and finishing in Spanish Sherry casks. In addition to the Dark expression, the brand also offers Papa’s Pilar Blonde, the first categorized ‘blonde’ rum, which is crisp and nuanced and includes column stilled aged rums 3-7 years old. At 84-proof, it’s a premium sipping rum with a layered and exceptionally smooth finish and makes for an indulgent cocktail.

Papa’s Pilar is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all. The bold and complex sipping rum was inspired by Ernest Hemingway, a man who crafted captivating stories, tackled epic feats and is quite possibly the world’s greatest adventurer. “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 was developed in conjunction with Ernest Hemingway’s estate. The Hemingway family will donate 100 percent of their royalty profits to organizations that embody the likes of adventure, literacy, and conservation. 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.

Papa’s Pilar plans to break ground on a new distillery and experience center in 2015 in Key West, Florida, further honoring Hemingway’s contribution to the classic spirit of the city in which he once lived. “We’re excited about creating both a destination that will serve as the physical heart and soul of our brand as well as an asset for the city of Key West,” said Carlton Grooms, Director of Operations and Co-founder of the International Rum Council. “Our guests will be truly engaged and amazed with this unique experience.  A trip to Key West will no longer be complete without a visit.”

Papa’s Pilar rums are available in 750ml bottles in both on- and off-premise accounts in California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, DC. The suggested retail price of the Dark and Blonde are $39.99 and $29.99, respectively. Prices may vary by market.

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

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® is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

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Chicago (April 18, 2015) – Equal^®, the great-tasting 0-calorie sweetener, today announced its partnership with Chef Chris Smith, aka The Diabetic Chef, during the American Diabetes Association (Association) Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago.

As a trusted brand and leader among Aspartame 0-calorie sweeteners, Equal^® joined forces with Chef Chris, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and a person with type 1 diabetes. Since being diagnosed, Chef Chris has a newly found passion to teach people living with diabetes how to cook and eat with their health in mind.

As part of the partnership, Equal^® worked with Chef Chris to develop a digital recipe guide, which is now available free to consumers at Equal.com. The guide includes tips that take the guesswork out of meal planning. Additionally, consumers will find a variety of sweet and savory recipes that use Equal^® 0-calorie sweetener as an alternative to sugar, and are suitable for people living with diabetes or those who want to follow a healthy lifestyle:

• Delicious drinks, such as a Green Smoothie, Vanilla Latte, and Cool Peach Iced Tea
• Savory and other side dishes, like Asian Beef Skewers, Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho, Curried Chicken Salad and Garden Fresh Coleslaw
• Desserts such as Lemon & Ginger Pops and Cinnamon Custard

During the Expo on Saturday, April 18, Chef Chris will be available to meet and greet with attendees from 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Equal^® booth (#618). Visitors will enjoy samples of his signature Cool Peach Iced Tea. Chef will also present a cooking demonstration on the main stage from 1:30-2:15pm titled A Balancing Act – Make Your Dishes Sweeter with Equal®. The demo will feature two favorite recipes and samples for tasting that are available in the new guide: Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho and Green Smoothie. The demonstration will be followed by a 15-minute Q&A.

“Equal^® adds just the right amount of sweetness and flavor to my favorite recipes,” said Chef Chris Smith. “As someone who is living with diabetes, I know the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I’m committed to educating others about how to prepare delicious and nutritious meals without sacrificing taste.”

“We’re excited to partner with Chef Chris Smith to offer people living with diabetes practical knowledge and nutritious and delicious recipes made with Equal^® 0-calorie sweetener,” said Lori Schwartz, Senior Brand Manager at Equal^®.

Equal^® products are available at grocery, mass, club and drugstores. Consumers can also look for the brand in the sweetener caddy at coffee shops and restaurants. Equal^® is offered in 115 and 230-count boxes for a suggested retail price of $3.50 and $6.39 respectively. Equal Spoonful 4oz has a suggested retail price of $3.29. Retail prices may vary by market.

For more information and download the free digital recipe guide, visit www.equal.com or find the brand on facebook http://www.facebook.com/EqualSweetener

Consumers can learn more about Chef Chris Smith at http://thediabeticchef.com/

About Equal^®

For more than 30 years, Equal^® has offered its trusted “blue” packets using the ingredient of aspartame. Equal also offers yellow (sucralose) and pink (saccharin) packets that bear the brand name and deliver the quality and taste consumers expect. Equal^® is a registered trademark of Merisant Company.

About Merisant Company

Merisant Company, the manufacturer of Equal^® brand 0-calorie sweetener, is a privately held company headquartered in Chicago.  Merisant is a global leader in the sweetener industry and has a presence in more than 90 countries with 378 employees worldwide.

About the American Diabetes Association Expo

The American Diabetes Association EXPO is a FREE event for everyone! Get free health screenings. Participate in cooking demonstrations. Learn about new products and get the information you need to better manage and prevent diabetes and its complications. Come to the EXPO and be part of the Stop Diabetes® movement.

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