SONY MASTERWORKS RELEASES THE DEFINITIVE VERSION OF CLASSICAL BARBRA AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 5, 2013

NEWLY REMASTERED EDITION OF MUSIC ICON BARBRA STREISAND’S GROUNDBREAKING CLASSICAL CROSSOVER ALBUM FROM 1976

INCLUDES TWO PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED BONUS TRACKS TAKEN FROM THE ORIGINAL RECORDING SESSIONS

Though best known as one of the preeminent pop singers of our time, BARBRA STREISAND made a powerful statement in the classical music realm when she recorded CLASSICAL BARBRA in 1973.  Originally released in 1976, the album gained Streisand a raft of admirers in the classical music world. Glenn Gould called her voice “one of the natural wonders of the age, an instrument of infinite diversity and timbral resource.”  CLASSICAL BARBRA was one of the first and is still one of the greatest records in the category we know today as “classical crossover” and is available February 5th, 2013 from SONY MASTERWORKS.

BARBRA STREISAND – Classical Barbra LP

Of the reissue, Ms. Streisand says, “I have always had a special affection for Classical Barbra. I loved the process of developing and making the recording, and I was gratified by the success it had when it was originally released and, what a thrill it was to receive a Grammy nomination in the Classical division…Now it is back in a new expanded edition, beautifully remastered and sounding better than it has since the LP release. I’m also pleased that we could include two bonus tracks that have never before been available. They remind me again how rewarding this whole project was.”

BAUME & MERCIER ANNOUNCES PREMIERE OF MEN’S WATCH COLLECTION AND CELEBRITY DESIGN COLLABORATION TO BE UNVEILED AT SIHH 2013

This month marks an important moment for Swiss watch brand, BAUME & MERCIER, as they plan to premiere a new men’s collection, CLIFTON, at the highly anticipated SALON INTERNATIONAL DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE (SIHH) show in Geneva, January 21-25, 2013.

The Clifton 10055 by Baume and Mercier. An urban timepiece from the 1950’s, revisited. Complete calendar display and moon phases; black alligator strap; powered by a Swiss-made automatic mechanical movement. (PRNewsFoto/Baume & Mercier)

Since 1830, the Swiss MAISON D’HORLOGERIE BAUME & MERCIER has made it a point to create watches that are appreciated for their balanced design, the quality of their movements and representing a glimpse of luxury that is both beautiful and accessible. Never has this been more apparent than with the introduction of the Clifton collection.  Powered by Swiss-made mechanical movements, this predominantly automatic collection is inspired by a museum timepiece from the 1950’s. This decade is widely considered the golden age for wristwatches and is marked by the creation of elegantly designed timepieces. 

MONTBLANC NICOLAS RIEUSSEC RISING HOURS: A CHRONOGRAPH FOR DAY AND NIGHT

On Monday, 21st January 2013, at the SALON INTERNATIONAL DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE (SIHH) in Geneva, the MONTBLANC NICOLAS RIEUSSEC RISING HOURS Timepiece was unveiled to the public and the international press.

With its launch of the NICOLAS RIEUSSEC CHRONOGRAPHS, MONTBLANC enriched the world of watches with an entirely new design inspired by watches for measuring brief intervals that were first created by NICOLAS RIEUSSEC (1781 – 1866), an ingenious watchmaker and the inventor of the chronograph. Rieussec’s chronographe encreur (i.e. ink chronograph) passed its test in 1821 and received patent protection in 1822. This innovative “ink chronograph” measured elapsed seconds and minutes by means of rotating white enamel dials under motionless pointers culminating in inkfilled reservoirs below moveable nibs. When the user pressed a button, these nibs quickly passed through the reservoir and pecked at the dials to leave little ink markings. In this way, several short intervals could be measured one after the other. The elapsed times were literally written in ink on white enamel, so Rieussec’s coinage of the neologism “chronograph” was perfectly appropriate because in Ancient Greek, chronos means “time” and graphein means “to write”. After the user had read the individual times, he wiped the dials clean and was ready to measure the next intervals. To commemorate the creative watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec and his trailblazing invention, which numbers among the most popular horological complications nowadays, Montblanc in 2008 launched the Nicolas Rieussec chronographs, which have rotating discs rather than chronograph’s hands. These discs on which time was literally written build the bridge that connects the Montblanc watch manufacture with the Montblanc writing implement manufacture.

MONTBLANC NICOLAS RIEUSSEC RISING HOURS

After observing the evolution of MONTBLANC’s NICOLAS RIEUSSEC CHRONOGRAPHS, one might be tempted to conclude that time is a disc. Montblanc first used rotating discs to replace the hands on the chronograph’s counters for sixty elapsed seconds and thirty elapsed minutes. A rotating disc was afterwards installed to indicate the hour in a second time zone. And now the Montblanc manufacture debuts its NICOLAS RIEUSSEC RISING HOURS, which relies on two discs, one atop the other, to show not only the twelve hours, but to also indicate whether each of the dozen is a daytime or night-time hour.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE LAUNCHES FOREVER STAMP CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF ROSA PARKS

The new U.S. POSTAL SERVICE 2013 ROSA PARKS FOREVER® STAMP honors the life of this extraordinary American activist who became an iconic figure in the civil rights movement. In 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, ROSA PARKS courageously refused to give up her seat on a municipal bus to a white man, defying the discriminatory laws of the time.

Rosa Parks Forever StampThe stamp honoring ROSA PARKS is one of three stamps in the civil rights set celebrating freedom, courage, and equality being issued in 2013. It is being issued as a Forever® stamp. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. 

TIMELESS BEAUTY: STELLA ARTOIS UNVEILS NEW CAMPAIGN SHOT BY LEGENDARY PHOTOGRAPHER ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

STELLA ARTOIS announced that photographer ANNIE LEIBOVITZ has shot a new campaign for Stella Artois which was formally unveiled at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The campaign is set to run across the Belgian beer brand’s digital channels in the UK, and around the world in both digital and print.

Stella Artois “Timeless Beauty” Campaign Shot by ANNIE LEIBOVITZ (Courtesy: Stella Artois)

Stella Artois “Timeless Beauty” Campaign Shot by ANNIE LEIBOVITZ (Courtesy: Stella Artois)

STELLA ARTOIS® is part of a Belgian brewing tradition dating back to 1366, the number one Belgian beer in the world and present in over 80 countries. It is a bottom filtered, blonde pilsner with a malty middle and crisp finish delivering a full flavor and a hint of bitterness. (Stella Artois® is best enjoyed served between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius and should be served in the unique Stella Artois® Chalice according to the 9-Step Pouring Ritual to guarantee a perfect experience of this gold standard lager.) 

TOD’S SPRING-SUMMER 2013 STYLES ARRIVES IN STORES

Italian label TOD’S once again fuses its signature luxury with contemporary design for its SPRING-SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION. The new season introduces a new design of the “Milky Bag” featuring an elegant buckle and soft material in shades of blue, white and yellow leather. For shoes, the Ballerina is a key style of the upcoming season, re-imagined as a modern wedge. A new suede trench available in red, beige and blue for spring. Tod’s spring-summer collection is presently available online and in stores.

TOD’S SPRING-SUMMER 2013 STYLES (www.fashiongonerogue)

TOD’S SPRING-SUMMER 2013 STYLES (www.fashiongonerogue.com)

TOD’S SPRING-SUMMER 2013 STYLES (www.fashiongonerogue.com)

CASADEI OFFERS CLASSIC STYLE FOR ITS PRE-FALL 2013 COLLECTION

For its pre-fall 2013 collection, Italian shoe label Casadei finds inspiration in “timeless muses, icons of allure and elegance”. Made of steel, the “Blade” heel has become the main influence for the transitional season. Dreamed up by Cesare Casadei, who joined the luxury shoe trade his father started in 1958, the label’s stilettos are handmade in Italy from top-notch materials. The collection of colorful selection of styles offers a balance between femininity and sensuality with exclusive shades of “Giada” green, “Klio” beige and “Rodio” grey made of suede and leather materials.

Casadei Pre-Fall 2013 Collection

Casadei Pre-Fall 2013 Collection

Casadei Pre-Fall 2013 Collection

MIAMI FASHION WEEK® IS SET TO KICK OFF ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE 4TH ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

CO-HOSTED BY TIFFANY & CO. AND THE PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS OF THE MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BENEFITING THE MIAMI FASHION WEEK FOUNDATION

The 15TH ANNUAL MIAMI FASHION WEEK, the largest Latin American and International fashion event in the US will host the 4TH ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN AWARDS on February 7, 2013, 7:00pm – 10:00pm poolside at the MONDRIAN SOUTH BEACH HOTEL in Miami Beach.

The HUMANITARIAN AWARDS honors ten of Miami’s most dedicated and respected philanthropists for their endless giving to the community. The evening will include a special fashion presentation by “MIAMI FASHION ICON AWARD RECIPIENTS” NICOLAS FELIZOLA, JULIAN CHANG and VIVIANA G FOR PETIT POIS, fashion models, celebrity guests, music, food, cocktails, an awards presentation and a luxury silent auction with irresistible items from TIFFANY & CO., Miami’s hottest hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, luxury car dealers, international artists, spa treatments and more. The occasion is a fundraising event for the MIAMI FASHION WEEK FOUNDATION, INC., a non-profit organization supporting education within the creative arts by providing cash scholarships, mentoring programs and internships, among other incentives for students and emerging talent in the creative industries.

Following a successful 20 year career spanning more than 35 countries as an international fashion model, BETH SOBOL, founder of SOBOL FASHION PRODUCTIONS, INC. established MIAMI FASHION WEEK in 1999. In 2010, she was joined by Aaron Perry, business man and entrepreneur as managing partner of the newly rebranded SOBOL-PERRY FASHION PRODUCTIONS, INC. to focus on the development of strategic business partnerships and the global expansion of the MIAMI FASHION WEEK brand.

CHARM HER THIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH THE PERFECT GIFT FROM PANDORA JEWELRY

GIFTS FROM PANDORA FOR EVERY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE

 

As the saying goes, “love don’t cost a thing,” yet every year millions of Americans look forward to spoiling their friends, family and loved ones with gifts on Valentine’s Day. Flowers and chocolates remain popular selections, but for those looking for a gift with more longevity, PANDORA JEWELRY offers the following gift suggestions for women.

Charm Her this Valentine’s Day with the Perfect Gift from PANDORA. (PRNewsFoto/PANDORA Jewelry)

• SIGNIFICANT OTHER: Put your heart on her jewelry this Valentine’s Day. PANDORA’s newest collection includes sterling silver heart-shaped pavé charms, a pendant, stud earrings and a ring, each embellished with sparkling zirconia accents. For the romantic at heart, the STERLING SILVER “LOVE BIRDS” CHARM, which features a small, dangling heart engraved with “Love,” is the perfect addition to a PANDORA bracelet. Choose a necklace with a black polished onyx heart pendant for a less traditional take on the heart motif.
• MOTHER OR SISTER: Start a new family tradition with a PANDORA CHARM BRACELET that can be added to over the years for holidays and birthdays. This Valentine’s Day, PANDORA will offer an exclusive gift set which includes a bracelet, two clips and the limited edition “Language of Love” charm, which is engraved with the word “Love” in six languages. The set will retail for $200 at participating PANDORA retailers.
• FRIEND: A gift between friends is unexpected and thoughtful. Invite girlfriends over for dinner instead of dining out and ask each person to bring a small gift to exchange. PANDORA’s selection of colorful fabric cords, which can be layered as a bracelet with charms or worn as a necklace, retail for $20 and make a stylish gift between friends.
• YOURSELF: Why not show yourself a little love this Valentine’s Day with jewelry that celebrates you? PANDORA allows you to express your personal style with statement pieces, such as stackable rings, available in sterling silver, 14K gold and mixed metals and adorned with colorful enamel or stones. Two or three rings worn together make a beautiful statement for a Valentine’s date night.

Valentine’s Day 2013: GODIVA CHOCOLATIER “SHARES THE LOVE” OF CHOCOLATE ON FACEBOOK

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY SHARE PHOTOS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN GODIVA FOR FACEBOOK FRIENDS

This Valentine’s Day, GODIVA is honoring one of the greatest acts of love: sharing. Through their “Share the Love” sweepstakes, an engaging photo sweepstakes on the brand’s Facebook page and website www.GODIVA.com, GODIVA shares their love by offering consumers a chance to win GODIVA chocolate for them and their Facebook friends.

MACWORLD/IWORLD 2013 KICKS OFF IN SAN FRANCISCO WITH STARS IN FILM, MUSIC, ART AND TECHNOLOGY HEADLINING THE ULTIMATE IFAN EVENT

SHOW FEATURES HUNDREDS OF NEW PRODUCTS, EXPERIENTIAL EVENTS, AND DOZENS OF EDUCATION SESSIONS, INCLUDING SURPRISE TECH TALKS WITH WILL.I.AM AND “JOBS” STARS ASHTON KUTCHER AND JOSH GAD

IDG WORLD EXPO today announced that MACWORLD/IWORLD 2013 (Twitter: @MacworldExpo; Event hashtag: #iFan13), the ULTIMATE IFAN EVENT, will host two special Main Stage sessions with Ashton Kutcher and Josh Gad, stars of the yet-to-be-released “JOBS” movie, and will.i.am, entertainer and creative innovator, who will be joined by Brian David Johnson, a futurist at Intel Corporation.

Macworld/iWorld 2013. (PRNewsFoto/IDG World Expo)

These just-announced talks are in addition to a full slate of content including: special events, such as iNDIE iNNOVATION, the iPhone Film Festival and iPhoneography; a full agenda of Tech Talks; and an expo hall boasting hundreds of companies showing off the latest app innovations, hardware and accessories. More than 25,000 people who use, create and love Apple and Apple-related products are expected in San Francisco to celebrate the convergence of technology, art, business and culture when Macworld/iWorld 2013 opens next week.

MACWORLD/IWORLD is the world’s Ultimate iFan Event for those who use, create and love Apple products. Attendees will encounter a unique celebration of Apple technology-infused art, music, and film, as well as learning opportunities, and a shopping mecca in our expo hall filled with products and services for Apple users of all skill levels and interests. Whether a home user, an artistic hobbyist, a professional or a true Technorati, MACWORLD/IWORLD gives attendees the chance to experience all that the amazing world of Apple-related tools can offer. Macworld/iWorld will take place January 31 – February 2, 2013 at the Moscone Center West in San Francisco. For more information, please visit http://www.macworldiworld.com.

SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY STAMPS TAKE FLIGHT TODAY

Beautiful butterfly stamps begin fluttering across the nation’s mail stream today now that the Postal Service has issued the TWO-OUNCE SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY FIRST-CLASS STAMPS with the 66 cent 2 ounce rates.

 

Beautiful butterfly stamps begin fluttering across the nation’s mail stream today now that the Postal Service has issued the two-ounce Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly First-Class stamps with the 66 cent 2 ounce rates. Customers may purchase the stamps at usps.com/stamps, by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide to prepare for the 1-cent price change that goes into effect Jan. 27. (PRNewsFoto/U.S. Postal Service)

The new stamp is designed to be used with cards that have an irregular shape and require additional postage. The Butterfly stamp introduced in 2010, when participating greeting card manufacturers began printing a silhouette image of a butterfly on their envelopes so customers would understand that the new butterfly stamp or equivalent postage is required to mail the card.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT VEGAS UNCORKED.COM FOR THE SEVENTH ANNUAL VEGAS UNCORK’D BY BON APPETIT, PRESENTED BY CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED

PRESTIGIOUS ROSTER OF RESORTS AND CHEFS FROM BELLAGIO, CAESARS PALACE, MGM GRAND AND MANDALAY BAY JOIN TOGETHER MAY 9-12

VEGAS UNCORK’D BY BON APPETIT, PRESENTED BY CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED, announces culinary talents including GORDON RAMSAY, NOBU MATSUHISA, JOEL ROBUCHON, JEAN-GEORGES VONGERICHTEN , FRANCOIS PAYARD, GUY SAVOY, HUBERT KELLER, MICHAEL MINA, MARY SUE MILLIKEN and SUSAN FENIGER for the seventh year of the Las Vegas-based international food festival. Tickets for the majority of events went on sale at VegasUncorked.com.

“Vegas Uncork’d has everything that’s great about Las Vegas – incredible chefs, amazing food, and luxury resorts. It’s four days packed with intimate dinners, luncheons, wine and food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and more. In its seventh year, it is the weekend for food lovers,” said ADAM RAPOPORT, BON APPETIT EDITOR IN CHIEF.

Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods during Vegas Uncork’d in 2012. Photo credit: Ethan Miller. (PRNewsFoto/Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit)

“las vegas has redefined the culinary and wine experience by offering the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs, world-class restaurants and more master sommeliers than any other place in the world,” said CATHY TULL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING FOR THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION AND VISITORS AUTHORITY. “Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit showcases Las Vegas as a top epicurean destination, and allows us to provide an intimate connection with legendary chefs and their delectable creations.”

Mandalay Bay chefs Mary Sue Milliken, Mike Minor and Susan Feniger of Border Grill, Charlie Palmer of Aureole, and Rick Moonen of rm Seafood during Vegas Uncork’d in 2012. Photo credit: Dave Becker. (PRNewsFoto/Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit)

THE INTERCONTINENTAL MONTREAL JOINS WITH THE MONTREAL SNOW VILLAGE TO BRING TO LIFE “NEW YORK ON ICE”

THE INTERCONTINENTAL® MONTREAL is proud to be a part of the MONTREAL SNOW VILLAGE AND ICE HOTEL, a Nordic experience set to dazzle and delight visitors looking for a unique adventure. The Village, which is North America’s first and only entire village made of snow and ice, officially opened on Tuesday, January 22^nd in the city’s PARC JEAN DRAPEAU. For 2013, the village’s architects and sculptors are using the Big Apple as inspiration for the village’s setting, sculptures and decor. As the event’s official hotel partner, the INTERCONTINENTAL MONTREAL will promote packages with the Snow Village that include one night stay at each property with breakfast and transportation.

 

Pommery Restaurant at the Snow Village InterContinental Montreal’s Executive Chef Matthieu Saunier will serve as the Snow Village’s head chef and oversee the delectable culinary creations at the Village’s Pommery restaurant. Photo credit: Matthieu Bichat, Snow Village Canada. (PRNewsFoto/InterContinental Hotels & Resorts)

The first and only village in North America made entirely of ice and snow, the SNOW VILLAGE is the place to go for a truly unique Nordic experience. From family outings to outdoor activities to romantic getaways and even adventure tourism, the Snow Village has something for everyone. In addition to its POMMERY ICE RESTAURANT, the Village boasts an ice hotel, heated outdoor Nordic spas, bar, heated igloo conference center and even a chapel should the mood strike. For more information, visit http://www.montreal.intercontinental.com/snowvillage.

The MONTREAL SNOW VILLAGE AND ICE HOTEL features 10 standard rooms and 15 prestige suites, including five igloos. Each room is adorned with a bed that sits on top of a base made entirely of ice. Thermal sleeping bags provide the extra comfort and coziness needed to withstand the chilly room temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit/5 degrees Celsius.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE DEBUTS 2013 COCKTAIL LINEUP: RESTAURANT ADDS SIGNATURE TABLESIDE JULEP SERVICE

Yesterday, RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE unveiled its menu of hand-crafted cocktails for 2013. Topping the list is RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE new signature tableside juleps. Guests can enjoy two styles of ice cold juleps – classic mint using BULLEIT BOURBON, and sparkling pear featuring a blend of ABSOLUT CITRON and HANGAR ONE SPICED PEAR VODKAS – served tableside over crushed ice in a traditional silver julep cup. In addition to the juleps, guests can imbibe vintage inspired selections, including the STRAWBERRY BASIL GIMLET, CUCUMBER COLLINS, MOSCOW MULE and more.

Classic Mint Julep. (PRNewsFoto/Ruth’s Chris Steak House)

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, INC. is the largest upscale steak house company in the world, with over 130 restaurant locations around the globe. Founded in New Orleans by RUTH FERTEL in 1965, Ruth’s Chris specializes in USDA Prime grade steaks served in Ruth’s Chris signature fashion … “sizzling.”  Look for upcoming national wine dinners at www.ruthschris.com.

Port of Manhattan. (PRNewsFoto/Ruth’s Chris Steak House)

PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE ANNOUNCES AN UNPRECEDENTED LINEUP OF CHEFS, WINEMAKERS, CULINARY ICONS, AND MORE AT THIS YEAR’S SIXTH ANNUAL EVENT, APRIL 4-7, 2013

EVENT WILL FEATURE FOUR DAYS OF EPICUREAN EXCELLENCE AT PEBBLE BEACH RESORTS

EVENT LINE-UP AND TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

California’s iconic PEBBLE BEACH RESORTS, home to legendary golf, equestrian, and classic-car events, plays host to the SIXTH ANNUAL PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE, PRESENTED BY FOOD&WINE MAGAZINE, from April 4-7, 2013.

Following the much-heralded (and critical) success of last year’s Fifth Anniversary, PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE continues its reign as the premier food and wine event in the country with a four-day celebration that will bring together more than 100 prominent chefs and over 250 acclaimed wineries and distinguished winemakers from around the world to Pebble Beach for a first-class display of epicurean splendor and unrivaled access. In addition to cooking demonstrations led by some of the most talented chefs and vertical tastings from the world’s top wine producers, unique experiences are added each year making this a not-to-miss annual event for anyone serious about food and wine.

Pebble Beach Food & Wine Lexus Culinary Masters. (PRNewsFoto/Pebble Beach Food & Wine)

Living up to its reputation, wine aficionados are recognizing the vintners and wineries’ pouring at PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE as among the very best Old and New World producers the wine industry has to offer. This year, more than 250 jury-selected winemakers will interact with guests in a variety of settings that include over 20 different elite tastings of special vintages and rare wines; two Grand Tasting events offering more than 500 wines; and multiple wine-paired luncheons and intimate dinners.

TUFTED PUFFINS TAKE FLIGHT ON STAMPS: AQUATIC BIRD’S HABITAT RANGES FROM CALIFORNIA TO ALASKA

The TUFTED PUFFIN, an unmistakable foot-and-a-half tall bird that hunts to 200 feet underwater and is found on the U.S. coast from California to Alaska, can now be seen nationwide when it takes flight on a new stamp. The 86-CENT TUFTED PUFFIN STAMP is good for mailing domestic First-Class letters weighing up to 3 ounces. The stamps can be purchased at www.usps.com/stamps or by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide in preparation for the Jan. 27 price change.

 

The Tufted Puffin, an unmistakable foot-and-a-half tall bird that hunts to 200 feet underwater and is found on the U.S. coast from California to Alaska, can now be seen nationwide when it takes flight on a new stamp today. The 86-cent Tufted Puffin stamp is good for mailing domestic First-Class letters weighing up to 3 ounces. The stamps can be purchased at usps.com/stamps or by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide in preparation for the Jan. 27 price change. (PRNewsFoto/U.S. Postal Service)

The stamp artwork features a painting of two tufted puffins by artist ROBERT GIUSTI of Bridgewater, CT, under the art direction of DERRY NOYES of Washington, DC. Both birds sport the striking tufts of long, yellow feathers that give the tufted puffin its name, plumage that only appears during breeding season.

UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD® LEGACY COCKTAIL SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY BACARDI® RUM SELECTS TWO NEW YORK FINALISTS TO COMPETE ON NATIONAL STAGE

NEW YORK COMPETITION FEATURED 12 MIXOLOGISTS, TWO TOP FINALISTS ADVANCE TO NATIONAL SHOWCASE IN MIAMI

Earlier this week, the UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD (USBG) crowned MILOS ZICA and TAKESHI UZUKA as the USBG regional winners of the USBG LEGACY COCKTAIL SHOWCASE in New York City. Zica and Uzuka will now move on to the USBG NATIONAL LEGACY COCKTAIL SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY BACARDI® RUM in Miami February 25^th.

The USBG is a group of Beverage Specialists that enjoy networking and learning more about the industry. They currently have 34 Chapters throughout the U.S. and are growing rapidly. The initiative is to help their members advance in the profession by offering new spirit launches, bartending techniques seminars, networking lunches and cocktail parties. Many of these events give members the opportunity to meet and interact with top industry professionals. The USBG also conduct many exclusive Cocktail Competitions where competitors are judged on both taste and technique. To learn more or become a member, go to www.usbg.org and click Join the USBG.

Winners of New York USBG Legacy Cocktail Showcase sponsored by BACARDI, Milos Zica and Takeshi Uzuka with BACARDI Brand Master, David Cid and BACARDI Brand Apprentice, April Wachtel. (PRNewsFoto/BACARDI)

Zica and Uzuka emerged from a field of 12 New York mixologists, winning with their innovative “Star Superior” and “Room No.202” cocktails. Zica’s “Star Superior” combines BACARDI® SUPERIOR RUM, chamomile syrup, lemon juice, PEYCHAUDS BITTERS, a ginger slice and one egg white, while Uzuka’s “Room No.202” mixes BACARDI SUPERIOR RUM, green tea, velvet FALERNUM LIQUEUR, freshly squeezed lime juice, green Chartreuse and a fresh egg white to earn the chance to create the next BACARDI CLASSIC COCKTAIL.