Sam's Blog (20)

Grape Soda Cocktails

We are having the great Grape Soda debate at work and I need your help.
What is your favorite Grape Soda Alcohol Cocktail?

Thank you for your help.

Don't forget to visit the bartending challenge at www.bartendingchallenge.com

Added by Sam on June 12, 2008 at 8:03am — No Comments

Hell's Kitchen 6/10

Another poor choice eliminating Bobby! Bobby may not have been the strongest but he wasn't the worst. Jen should have been booted but its definitely reality t.v. for sure.

Christina is showing some good signs but is she really ready to be an executive chef at a real restaurant where she has to make decisions? I don't think so~

How did they score the Hawaiian tropic models, pretty awesome, but then again all of the promoters now want a piece of the advertisement on the… Continue

Added by Sam on June 11, 2008 at 1:24pm — 2 Comments

Bartending Challenge

Greetings All,
I challenge you to our newest game and training tool the bartending challenge. http://www.bartendingchallenge.com/
The bartending challenge is powered by ServSafe Alcohol.
Play again and again or challenge a friend. Free gifts for those who challenge a friend.

Let me know what you think.

Added by Sam on June 8, 2008 at 5:56pm — 3 Comments

Hell Kitchen 5/28

Should have fired three. I think he is keeping Matt and Jen for entertainment purposes.

How about the sweat soaked pasta Matt cooked~

Since they are not skilled where are the thermometers that would have eliminated Lourosses undercooked meat..

I can't wait till next week and see Rock. Now that was a good season. I am glad to see he has been successful. None of these people are ready to be a 250k executive chef.

Come on Matt I can smell your ending. Sooner… Continue

Added by Sam on May 27, 2008 at 8:34pm — 1 Comment

NRA Show- IWSB

For those who attended I would like your feedback.
Please let me know what you think here or email me at sstanovich@restaurant.org

Thank you for your thoughts and have a great holiday.

After the show I think I am going to sleep till Tuesday.

Sam

Added by Sam on May 22, 2008 at 9:23pm — No Comments

NRA Show Educational Panels- What Would You Like More Of

This is a random question to the community.
What topics and discussions would you like to see more of during the NRA Show?
Let me know your thoughts.

Sam

Added by Sam on May 22, 2008 at 9:20pm — No Comments

SERVSAFE ALCOHOL Summer Promotion

Just announced the National Restaurant Association ServSafe Alcohol Program has extended its 2008 NRA Show Special. What does that mean for you?

Purchase 10 Pack of ServSafe Alcohol Books for $160 thats a 25% savings, order using product code FMX10PACK

Purchase ServSafe Online Courses for $24.95 each. Use coupon code 2495onl

Both products can be purchased on www.servsafe.com

If you have any questions feel free to email me at… Continue

Added by Sam on May 20, 2008 at 7:18pm — No Comments

Hell's Kitchen 5/20 FIRE THEM ALL CAMPAIGN

So What Happened to Matt’s finger?

They cooked it~

What another poor showing but at least I am laughing.

I have the answer for their undercooked food~
A thermometer, time and temperature, basic cooking 101

Has anyone noticed that no one washes their hands and no one has a thermometer?

With such a poor showing the chef should give them ServSafe 101.

What are your thoughts?

Added by Sam on May 20, 2008 at 7:12pm — 3 Comments

IWSB (Alcohol Show) at the NRA Show

Greetings All,

Today was the first day of the first ever International Wine Spirits and Beer Show held in part with the NRA Show in Chicago.

I thought this a GREAT event. A tremendous amount of positive energy filled the room. The NRA did an outstanding job of prequalifing attendee in part to match buyers with sellers.

In addition there were two great sessions. My favorite was moderated by Donna Hood Crecca from Cheers Magazine with a great panel discussing how you… Continue

Added by Sam on May 19, 2008 at 8:36pm — No Comments

Wednesday Meeting 2 P.M. Chicago On-Premise License Holders

The Chicago Hospitality Resource Partnership is hosting a Round Table Meeting on Wednesday from 2-4p.m. at Excalibur. This meeting is open and will discuss issues surrounding licenses and the Department of Business Affairs Chicago.
For more information contact me at sstanovich@restaurant.org

Added by Sam on May 13, 2008 at 8:38pm — No Comments

2008 NRA Show Education Panel- The Dollars & Sense of Responsible Alcohol Service

The Dollars & Sense of Responsible Alcohol Service

Sunday, May 18, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Profitable beverage sales and responsible alcohol service can, and should, go hand-in-hand. This panel of leading operators, moderated by Donna Hood Crecca, editor of Cheers Magazine, will discuss the challenges facing hospitality professionals from guests, staff, and regulators when it comes to alcohol service, in addition to sharing their own unique experiences and programs that ensure… Continue

Added by Sam on May 13, 2008 at 8:28pm — No Comments

Hell's Kitchen 5/13

Fire Them All!!!!!
None of them ready for an Executive Chef Job.

Which one would you hire for an Exec. Job Position in your location.

The show is entertaining, and more importantly what happended to food safety.
If they checked their time and temps they would know if things are done or not.
If I see one more piece of raw meat go out I am going to scream.

Thoughts???????

Added by Sam on May 13, 2008 at 8:20pm — 6 Comments

Alcohol Panel at NRA Show

The Dollars & Sense of Responsible Alcohol Service- open to the General NRA Show Members

Sunday, May 18, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Profitable beverage sales and responsible alcohol service can, and should, go hand-in-hand. This panel of leading operators, moderated by Donna Hood Crecca, editor of Cheers Magazine, will discuss the challenges facing hospitality professionals from guests, staff, and regulators when it comes to alcohol service, in addition to sharing their own unique… Continue

Added by Sam on April 30, 2008 at 9:09am — No Comments

Thoughts on Hell's Kitchen 4/15

I think the show just keeps getting worse and worse. These aren't chef's and there is no cooking going on. What are your thoughts??????

Deadliest Catch new season started today and I am upset I missed it.

Last season Hell's Kitchen was so much better and Kitchen Nightmares was great.

Which do you prefer Hell's Kitchen or Kitchen Nightmares?

Added by Sam on April 15, 2008 at 7:03pm — 6 Comments

Mandatory Alcohol Server Training in Berkeley and Solana Beach California

Berkeley and Solana Beach California have both recently adopted MANDATORY responsible alcohol server training for all front of the house employees who handle alcohol. You must use an approved a California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) program. If you need any help implimenting or training please give me a call at 312-715-5375 or email at sstanovich@restaurant.org

Added by Sam on April 15, 2008 at 7:00pm — No Comments

Celebrate Beer

On this day, April 7, 1933 Prohibition ENDED!

It has been 75 years since the end of that nasty law and have we celebrated.

Check out this great article at:

www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/07/new.beers.eve/index.html

What is your favorite alcohol beverage?

How would you envision life without alcohol?

Added by Sam on April 7, 2008 at 12:12pm — 2 Comments

The debate rages on 21 vs. 18?

Courtesy of ABC News

21's a Bust? Seven States Debate Lowering Drinking Age

Despite Risk to Highway Funds, States Consider Allowing Drinking Under 21

By JANELLE JOLLEY

April 3, 2008—

Is 21 a bust when it comes to drinking?

Lawmakers in seven states are actively considering legislation that would lower the legal drinking age.

Military Rights or Drinking Age Bill?

State pols in Kentucky, Wisconsin and South Carolina have… Continue

Added by Sam on April 3, 2008 at 10:34am — 7 Comments

Educational Panels being held at the International Wine, Spirits and Beer Show May 19-21 during the NRA SHOW

Sharpen Your Competitive Edge with Insights From Beverage Alcohol Industry Experts

at the

International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event, May 19-20

McCormick Place, Chicago

Attend IWSB and increase bar program profits with new ideas from these highly focused FREE education sessions.

Hot New Trends in Beverage Alcohol with panelists Liza Zimmerman, wine educator and writer; Stephen Beaumont, author, writer and beer trends analyst, and Noah Rothbaum, author,… Continue

Added by Sam on March 31, 2008 at 7:06pm — 1 Comment

Tales of the Cocktail

One of the premier alcohol events is right around the corner. If you are planning a new beverage menu or looking for creative ideas this is one of the shows to be at. Tales of the Cocktail is in New Orleans July 16-21. ServSafe Alcohol has just been named the Responsible Alcohol Service Program of Tales of the Cocktail.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me. In addition if you are planning on attending lets gather together and toast this great event.

Added by Sam on March 27, 2008 at 7:43pm — No Comments

From the Alcohol Guy at the National Restaurant Association

Greetings Everyone,
My plan is to use this blog to promote activities and information surrounding Responsible Alcohol Service and Beverage Alcohol Related Issues such as Ignition Interlock, Alcohol Menu Labeling, Alcohol Drink Taxes etc. Please let me know if you have questions or need additional information.

Added by Sam on March 27, 2008 at 7:38pm — 2 Comments