Eugene’s Yardy Rum Bar has gained nationwide recognition, being named one of the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in the U.S. The restaurant, which features West Indian and Caribbean cuisine, started as a pop-up in 2020 and later operated as a food cart before settling in its current location at 837 Lincoln St. in downtown Eugene in January 2024.

Chef and owner Isaiah Martinez has expressed pride in his restaurant’s mission to educate patrons about Caribbean culture through food. He views culinary experiences as a way to bridge cultural gaps.

This accolade is not the first time Yardy Rum Bar has garnered attention; earlier in the year, Martinez was recognized as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. The rush of customers following the Beard nomination prepared his staff for the recent uptick in business that comes with this latest honor.

Martinez noted that they experienced a significant surge in customer traffic post-nomination, describing the bustling atmosphere as "everyday was a Saturday for a couple of months." As the restaurant heads into a slower season, this recognition will help attract more customers and maintain the quality service that regular patrons expect.

For more information, visit Yardy Rum Bar and view the New York Times restaurant list.

When Justin D’Olier relocated from Hawaii to California in 2013, he never anticipated becoming an integral part of Kō Hana Distillers, a renowned rum producer based in his native O’ahu. Initially armed with a newly acquired executive MBA from the University of Hawaii, he hoped to pursue a career in banking. However, uncertainty led him to a role at Bourbon & Branch, a prestigious cocktail bar in San Francisco.

By 2020, as the pandemic shuttered many hospitality venues, D’Olier shifted to a California position with Kō Hana Distillers, a move that positioned him to connect with both sugarcane farmers and grape growers in Sonoma County. He discovered a kinship among these agricultural communities, appreciating their shared commitment to farming.

Kō Hana Distillers cultivates 34 heirloom varieties of sugarcane on its expansive plantation in Hawaii, making it a primary conservator of native Hawaiian sugarcane. Each variety of cane is harvested separately, emphasizing the unique flavors and properties akin to winemaking. Unlike the majority of rum that uses molasses, Kō Hana processes freshly pressed sugarcane juice, resulting in a distinctive type of agricole rum commonly found in the French West Indies.

To show solidarity with Sonoma County farmworkers during the harvesting season, Kō Hana Distillers has launched a generous initiative: from September 1 to October 31, bars and restaurants across Sonoma will offer complimentary Kō Hana rum daiquiris to those involved in agriculture. This campaign, dubbed “Daiquiri Crush,” serves to celebrate the profound connection between agriculture workers across regions.

D’Olier and his team aim to deliver goodie bags containing tokens for the complimentary daiquiris, promoting a spirit of community support. Participating locations are encouraged to craft their own unique daiquiri recipes, while ready-to-drink Kō Hana products will be available at various retail outlets. This campaign reflects a desire to foster goodwill and appreciation among all who labor in agriculture, reinforcing the bond within the farming community.

For further details on Kō Hana Distillers and their initiatives, visit kohanarum.com.

Kristin Cabot’s estranged husband, Andrew Cabot, has made a statement following her recent filing for divorce, which occurred shortly after her alleged affair with her boss, Andy Byron, surfaced during a Coldplay concert.

According to Andrew’s spokeswoman, the couple had already been "privately and amicably separated" before the concert incident where Kristin and Andy were caught on the jumbotron getting cozy. The spokeswoman emphasized that their decision to divorce was underway prior to that moment and expressed hope that the public filing would provide closure to speculation surrounding their relationship.

Kristin filed for divorce on August 13 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as documented in court records. The couple shares no children, while Andrew has two children from a previous marriage. Their next hearing is scheduled for November 26 in New Hampshire’s family court system.

Just a week prior to the divorce filing, Kristin resigned from her position as Chief People Officer at Astronomer, the tech company where she and Byron both worked. The company confirmed her resignation, stating that she was no longer with them. Byron also resigned shortly after the concert incident, with Astronomer citing his failure to meet company standards.

The event that triggered these developments occurred on July 15 during a Coldplay performance at Gillette Stadium. Frontman Chris Martin jokingly pointed out a couple on the jumbotron who appeared to react awkwardly to being filmed. His quip about the pair either being "really shy" or “having an affair” quickly went viral, leading to public speculation connecting the faces seen on the screen to the executives at Astronomer.

As a result of this controversy, both Kristin and Andy deleted their LinkedIn accounts, and Andy’s wife took down her social media accounts. The board of directors of Astronomer launched a formal investigation into the situation after the incident received intense media scrutiny.

In light of the scandal, Chris Martin later added humor to the situation during concerts, cautioning fans to be camera ready, highlighting the unexpected consequences of their viral moment.

For further updates, please refer to the relevant court records and news reports pertaining to the situation.

Foursquare Distillery’s Equidem 14-Year-Old rum has achieved remarkable recognition by winning the 2025 IWSC Rum Spirit Trophy, distinguishing it as the best rum in the world. This impressive accolade was awarded by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), which is known for its rigorous evaluation process where numerous spirits from around the globe are subjected to blind tasting by expert panels.

Founded in 1969, the IWSC rigorously judges thousands of entries, ultimately recognizing only the most innovative and technically outstanding spirits. This year, Foursquare Rum Distillery, based in Barbados, showcased its reputation for excellence and craftsmanship with the Equidem 14-Year-Old, which achieved an impressive 98 points.

The Equidem 14-Year-Old is part of Foursquare’s Exceptional Cask Selection series, boasting a unique maturation process that includes five years in ex-bourbon casks followed by another nine in rare ex-Black Muscat wine casks. As a result, the rum exhibits extraordinary complexity and richness.

Foursquare Rum Distillery, established in 1996 by the Seale family, has grown to be a leader in rum production, reflecting the family’s commitment to quality and transparency. The current leader, Richard Seale, emphasizes innovation through various cask experiments, pushing the boundaries of rum expression with each release from their Exceptional Cask Selections.

The tasting notes of the Equidem 14-Year-Old reveal pronounced aromas of dried fruits, such as raisins and prunes, complemented by hints of citrus, marzipan, and seasoned oak. The flavor profile is described as rich and layered, with notes of brown butter, honey, salted caramel, dark chocolate, and a complex finish that showcases a blend of tropical fruit, wood, and spice.

The IWSC judging panel highlighted the rum’s vibrant aromas and smooth palate, noting its long, sweet finish. Recognized not only for its flavor but for its remarkable craftsmanship, Equidem 14-Year-Old exemplifies the potential of meticulously aged rum and is a standout choice for both connoisseurs and collectors looking for an exceptional spirit.

Foursquare, Equidem 14-Year-Old Rum, 61% ABV, 750 ml. – 98 Points, Price: $159.

Investors in the Irish whiskey industry are experiencing significant anxiety as a worldwide downturn in alcohol sales adversely impacts the market. Recently, some of the most promising distilleries have ceased operations, leading many backers to worry about the viability of their investments. Despite the current distress, distillery owners maintain an optimistic outlook, believing that the sector will rebound, especially if it can negotiate a zero-for-zero tariff deal with the United States.

In recent years, this growing sector has attracted millions in investment from both domestic and foreign funds, fueled by the belief that Irish whiskey was a secure asset, largely due to increasing demand in the U.S. Traditionally viewed as "liquid gold," many investors now fear they may have overextended themselves as the bubble seems to be bursting.

However, the optimism among distillers suggests potential opportunities for recovery and growth in the industry, provided they can navigate the challenges posed by the slowing global demand.

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Food, Drink and Hospitality