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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Award-Winning, Artisan-Crafted Rum Will Make a Donation for Every Picture Posted with the Hashtag #PilarPreserves from June 8 through July 21

Key West, Florida (June 8, 2015) – Papa’s Pilar®, the premium sipping rum, will honor the literary giant’s adventures on the water by supporting a cause dear to Hemingway and his heirs. In a grassroots effort to make “Papa” proud, the award-winning artisan-crafted rum, will partner with The Ocean Foundation in their efforts to protect and restore oceans and coastal environments around the world.

From World Oceans Day on June 8, through Hemingway’s birthday on July 21, the brand will donate $1 to The Ocean Foundation for every picture rum fans take enjoying Papa’s Pilar near the water, and post to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #PilarPreserves.[1] Additionally, the Hemingway family donates 100 percent of their profits from Papa’s Pilar Rum to charity, a portion of which will benefit The Ocean Foundation. 

A partnership with The Ocean Foundation is a perfect fit for Papa’s Pilar, given its dedication to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments, and Hemingway’s commitment to conservation. The Foundation supports, strengthens and promotes organizations and initiatives (below) in many of the locations where Hemingway once lived, including Key West, the Caribbean and Cuba, or traversed the nearby seas in his beloved boat Pilar:

• Key West – proactively restoring sections of damaged seagrass beds in the Florida Keys
• Caribbean – partnership with JetBlue and The Clinton Global Initiative to protect the long-term health of the Caribbean’s natural resources, the same location where Papa’s Pilar hand-selects some of its premium rum
• Cuba – working with Havana University to eradicate an invasive species of lionfish and control its impact on Cuba & the Caribbean, the very same water Papa sailed and wrote about in The Old Man And the Sea

“We’re excited to recognize Ernest Hemingway’s legacy and his adventures at sea as we partner with Papa’s Pilar Rum,” said Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation. “We share his love of the ocean and her biggest and fastest fish, and we want to make sure that future generations can see them in all their majesty.”

Papa’s Pilar was crafted for water enthusiasts who live by the same creed as Hemingway, and is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all. “Papa” 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.

The inaugural Dark & Blonde varieties 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 (dark only), and finishing in Spanish Sherry casks.

Papa’s Pilar Dark is a bold and complex sipping rum and was named “Best Rum in America” by the Caribbean Journal in 2014. At 86-proof, it is both pot and column distilled and boasts hand-selected rums up to 24 years old, and a long, velvety finish. The Expression also won a “Double Gold” Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Papa’s Pilar Blonde, the first categorized ‘blonde’ rum, 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 Blonde was awarded “Best in Class” White Rum at the 2013 Rum Renaissance Festival.

In addition to supporting The Ocean Foundation, Papa’s Pilar is the “official rum” of the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida and a partner of the International Game Fish Association.

“We’re proud to help raise awareness and funds for the important conservation work of The Ocean Foundation,” said Lindsey Kops, National Brand Director, Papa’s Pilar Rum. “And, we couldn’t be more thrilled that the Hemingway family is also supporting this project.”

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 #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.

About The Ocean Foundation
The Ocean Foundation (“TOF”) is a 501(c)(3) scientific, educational and charitable tax-exempt organization incorporated under the laws of the state of California with headquarters located at 1320 19th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036 USA.  The Ocean Foundation (TOF) is a specialized international community foundation with a mission to support, strengthen, and promote organizations dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world.  

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

[1] Up to $10,000

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.