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Revolutionizing Wine Culture: How Black Wine Visionaries in Chicago Are Making Their Mark
The emergence of a wine and charcuterie bar in the historically Black neighborhood of Park Manor, Chicago, highlights a growing movement to redefine wine culture. Opened by Jacare Thomas and Charlette Stanton-Thomas, Park Manor 75 serves as a community hub, intentionally designed to foster connection and conversation among neighbors.
The establishment notably features a menu where every wine—ranging from Champagne to Sierra Foothills grenache—comes from Black producers or is sourced through Black-owned négociants. Thomas describes it as a "much-needed third space" for the community that rejects the traditional Eurocentric wine culture, positioning itself as a corrective space that emphasizes inclusivity and representation.
This endeavor aligns with broader trends in Chicago, where approximately one-third of residents are Black, creating fertile ground for a distinct Black wine culture. Thomas emphasizes the importance of elevating Black brands: “We’re putting Black brands at the forefront because it’s important for us to be a point of reference.”
Park Manor 75 is not alone in its mission. Just a few miles away, the Bronzeville Winery, opened by Cecilia Cuff and Eric Williams, similarly emphasizes a wine program centered around minority, women, and LGBTQ+-owned producers. Cuff aims to create a cultural narrative through wine that resonates with the community’s history and identity. She envisions the winery as both a destination and a sanctuary, where visitors can comfortably explore wines in a setting reflective of their cultural experience.
The challenge of promoting Black wine culture goes beyond creating physical spaces; it involves addressing the biases ingrained in wine education. Kiana Keys, a Chicago-based writer and educator, highlights the need for a language of wine that resonates with Black communities. Her efforts focus on making wine accessible and relatable, moving away from traditional jargon that can alienate newcomers.
Another pivotal figure in this movement is Marsha Wright, a corporate wine director whose purchasing power allows her to influence wine selection at scale. Wright notes the assumptions faced by Black professionals in the industry and relishes the opportunity to challenge stereotypes when she demonstrates her extensive knowledge of wine.
The growing visibility of Black wine culture in Chicago signals a shift in consumer perceptions as well. With Black buying power significantly increasing, the demand for diverse wine experiences and educational resources is on the rise.
As Park Manor 75 and Bronzeville Winery continue to shape this cultural landscape, the question becomes not whether Black wine culture exists, but how Chicago will further cultivate it, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of background, can appreciate and participate in the wine experience.
Park Manor 75 is located at 600 E. 75th St.; more information at parkmanor75.com.
Bronzeville Winery is located at 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.; more information at bronzevillewinery.com.
Global Cocktail Adventures: Exploring the World’s Best Drinks with King 5’s Rich Marriott
Rich Marriott, King 5 Meteorologist, enjoys concocting cocktails inspired by countries participating in the Olympic Games. This segment features three delightful drinks hailing from Peru, Kenya, and Italy.
The first cocktail is the Pisco Sour, which Marriott first encountered during his graduate studies at the University of Washington. The cocktail carries a debated heritage, claimed by both Peru and Chile. Generally agreed to have originated in Lima, Peru, in the early 1900s, the Pisco Sour was crafted by an American bartender who replaced whiskey with Pisco, a local grape brandy. The modern recipe features pisco, lime juice, sugar, and egg white to create a frothy top, enhanced by a few drops of bitters.
Next up is the Dawa, meaning "medicine" in Swahili. Created in Nairobi in the early 1980s, this cocktail is often associated with safari culture, typically prepared fresh by a “Dawa Man.” It resembles the Brazilian Caipirinha, using honey instead of sugar and vodka instead of cachaça. A unique feature is its wooden “Dawa stick,” used to mix the honey and lime within the drink.
Lastly, Marriott presents the Negroni, a classic Italian cocktail believed to have been invented in Florence in 1919. County Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to strengthen his usual Americano, which led to the enduring Negroni made from equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
Cocktail Recipes
Pisco Sour
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 2 oz (60 ml) Pisco (preferably Peruvian)
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- ¾–1 oz (22–30 ml) simple syrup (to taste)
- 1 fresh egg white
- Ice
- 2–3 drops aromatic bitters (such as Angostura)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously without ice for 10–15 seconds to build foam.
- Add ice and shake again for another 10–15 seconds until chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled glass and garnish with bitters.
Kenyan Style Dawa
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
- 1 fresh lime
- 1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
- Crushed or cubed ice
Instructions:
- Cut lime into wedges and place in a rocks glass.
- Add honey and muddle gently to release lime juice and dissolve honey.
- Fill glass with ice, pour vodka over, and mix with a wooden Dawa stick to blend.
Negroni
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1 oz (30 ml) gin
- 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
- 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
- Ice
- Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir together gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari for 20–25 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel, twisting over the glass to release oils.
Tom Holland’s New Venture: The Non-Alcoholic Beer Brand That’s Making Waves
For "Spider-Man" actor Tom Holland, the transition between his Marvel film roles has been far from dull. In the interim between "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and his next appearances, Holland launched a non-alcoholic beer brand named Bero Brewing, Inc. His journey began after he completed a “dry January” in 2022, marking a personal commitment to sobriety.
Holland felt a strong need to cater to those who enjoy the social aspects of drinking without the alcohol. He collaborated with investors and brewers to create Bero, allowing people to experience a celebratory atmosphere while making healthier choices. In a message on Bero’s website, Holland emphasized his desire for the brand to be more than just a beverage, stating, "With Bero, I felt there was so much opportunity, not just to create a fantastic beer, but to also make a product that makes it simpler to live your best life."
Recent statistics show a significant rise in Americans seeking to lower their alcohol consumption — nearly 49% are trying to reduce drinking habits, with many consumers favoring non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options. Holland’s brand has garnered positive reviews on platforms like Reddit, where it has been praised among the best non-alcoholic beers available.
Bero Brewing offers several varieties, including Kingston Golden Pils, Edge Hill Hazy IPA, Noon Wheat, and Double Tasty West Coast Style IPA. Each beverage contains 70-90 calories and follows traditional fermentation processes, resulting in a low alcohol content (less than 0.5%). This moderate alcohol level is below the legal threshold for non-alcoholic drinks and even lower than that found in common products like soy sauce.
The response from customers sharing their experiences on Reddit indicates that Bero has become a choice product for those navigating sobriety and those simply opting for a low-alcohol alternative. As one Reddit user noted, Bero has been instrumental in helping them abstain from drinking for an entire month, enjoying the flavors and quality it offers.
For more information about Bero and to find retailers carrying it, visit the brand’s official site.
Exciting News: A New Bookstore-Wine Café Set to Open in NuLu as Marketplace Expansion Grows
Residents of Louisville can anticipate an exciting new addition to their local scene: Yer Mom’s Bookstore & Wine Café, set to open this spring in the NuLu Marketplace North development on East Main Street. This innovative establishment will blend the charm of an independent bookstore with the ambiance of a wine café and will also feature a co-working space dubbed Green House Work Space.
Tara Leigh Goode, who co-founded Fleur de Lis Communications and serves as the vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Climavision, is behind the vision for this unique venue. Goode is passionate about her roots in art and communication, with a degree in English and creative writing. She expressed her enthusiasm for the project, acknowledging a lifelong desire to create a bookstore and wine bar. “While I work in these highly technical fields, I’ve always been percolating on this bookstore wine café idea in the back of my mind,” she shared.
The store aims to foster a vibrant literary culture by hosting author talks, readings, and engaging events that will connect with Louisville’s writing and publishing community. Goode noted the resurgence of indie bookstores over recent years and the importance of incorporating diverse sources of revenue, like wine and café offerings, to sustain these venues.
As part of the preparation for the opening, Goode is actively seeking input from the community regarding inventory and services through an online initiative. The bookstore will span approximately 3,000 square feet on the ground floor, while the co-working space will occupy about 4,500 square feet above it.
The NuLu Marketplace North development itself is planned to become a tech hub, catering to local tech firms with a variety of facilities, including incubator spaces, a small event space, and more. For updates on the bookstore and café, interested individuals can visit their website.
For additional information about the upcoming venue, you can check out their official page here.
Cheers to Mardi Gras: 10 Must-Visit Spots for Carnival-Themed Cocktails in New Orleans!
It seems like king cake gets all the attention this time of year, but Carnival-inspired cocktails are an equally delicious delight — for those 21 and older — and nearly as ubiquitous across New Orleans. Carnival is about excess, and our Mardi Gras forefathers encouraged festivity through both feasting and imbibing.
From daiquiris sold by the half-gallon to sophisticated concoctions crafted by expert mixologists, New Orleans offers a vibrant array of purple, green, and gold options. Neal Bodenheimer, founder of the award-winning Cure cocktail bar, reflects on the uniqueness of this season’s offerings: "It’s a short Carnival season this year, and it seems like everyone has a Mardi Gras cocktail, and the fun thing is they are all different."
Here’s a list of some standout Mardi Gras cocktails for the season:
Cure
Cure continues its tradition of crafting classic cocktails with an innovative seasonal menu. The standout is the Ojen Cocktail, featuring the sweet Spanish liqueur with Peychaud’s bitters, a favorite among Rex parade-goers — known for its supposed good luck.
Four Seasons
Downtown at the Four Seasons Hotel, guests can indulge in a special Krewe of Cocktails menu. Notable options include the purple Mardi Gras Mambo at Chemin à la Mer, the Ojen at the Chandelier Bar, and the refreshing Masquerade at Miss River. Patrons who sample all three are rewarded with a miniature king cake.
Gris-Gris
At Gris-Gris, the bar’s King Cake Daiquiri channels Carnival spirit into a vibrant drink, boasting flavors of brioche-infused spiced rum and a blend of cream liqueurs. Guests can even order larger half-gallon versions for gatherings.
Cane & Table
A tiki-inspired bar, Cane & Table offers a playful Parade Tracker cocktail menu, including creative options like horchata-infused whiskey jello shots and a turmeric gin drink dubbed Ash Wednesday, aimed at preventing hangovers.
Avegno
This elegant spot presents two visually appealing cocktails: Madame X Mambo, blending king cake flavors with vodka and lime, and the Sidewalk Side Espresso Martini with rum and espresso, perfect for late-night festivities.
The Bower
With a robust Mardi Gras menu, The Bower features drinks like Dancing in the Street, a combination of vodka, tequila, apple, and lemon, as well as the Knife in the Box, a frozen concoction with spiced rum and vegan soft-serve.
Elysian Bar/Hotel Peter and Paul
In the Marigny, Elysian Bar’s Fais Do Do pays tribute to Mardi Gras with a mix of green chili vodka, chamomile grappa, and colorfully sugared edges.
Morrow Steak
Featuring four dedicated Carnival cocktails, highlights include the King Cake Baby topped with a classic king cake figure and the tropical Zulu Coconut combining coconut rum and Midori.
The Eliza Jane
Located on the parade route, the Press Room at The Eliza Jane serves cheeky cocktails like It’s Pronounced “Praw-Leen,” which mixes bourbon, praline liqueur, and orange bitters.
Suzie Q’s Sherry Pop-Up
Local mixologist Alex Utter offers a take on parade cocktails with her portable bar, featuring vibrant drinks like Emerald Queen and Purple Pearl”. Orders can be placed through her Instagram for delivery in easy-to-carry flasks.
This Mardi Gras season, be sure to celebrate with these creative cocktails, bringing additional joy to the vibrant festivities in New Orleans.
The Top Whiskey of 2025: Insights from a Spirits Expert
Every year, whiskey expert Fred Minnick publishes a list of the top 100 whiskeys, evaluated through blind tasting methods. His latest list for 2025 has drawn attention due to the prominence of craft distilleries and independent blenders. This year’s selection reflects consumers’ growing demand for innovation in the bourbon industry.
Minnick’s criteria for selection is rigorous—whiskeys must offer something unique or innovative, and he does not include single barrels due to their inconsistency. High-scoring whiskeys from his ASCOT Awards are automatically included, alongside personal favorites from live tasting events.
The top whiskey for 2025 is the George T. Stagg, a release from Buffalo Trace, with an impressive proof of 142.8. Made from barrels aged for over 15 years, this bourbon is known for its uncut and unfiltered nature, preserving its high proof and complex flavor profile. Tasting notes highlight deep oak, rich vanilla, dark tobacco, and ripe cherry.
The full list, showcasing top whiskeys such as Sazerac 18 Year Rye and Booker’s 2025-3 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, emphasizes the high-quality offerings from the craft whiskey segment. The demand for craftsmanship and authenticity in whiskey continues to be a significant trend among consumers.
For more details, you can view the complete list of the top 100 whiskeys.
Unveiling the Intensity: This Double IPA Beer Offers a Surprising Smoothness
If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, finding the right one can be a challenge. Atlanta beverage manager Kevin Horan recently shared his top recommendation for hop enthusiasts: Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s Ninja vs. Unicorn. This double IPA stands out not only for its striking can art but also for its impressive 8% ABV. Horan describes it as having a golden haze indicative of its unfiltered nature and a balanced character with grapefruit notes and surprisingly low bitterness given its hoppy content.
Each barrel of this beer boasts more than five pounds of hops, delivering a unique flavor profile that avoids the usual heavy bitterness some IPAs might bring, despite its 150 IBU. Fans have praised Ninja vs. Unicorn for its creamy mouthfeel and the sweet, fruity bouquet that possesses a hint of pine.
Horan suggests pairing this flavorful brew with spicier dishes to enhance the tasting experience. Options like chorizo cheese dip or buffalo chicken bacon ranch dip complement its profile well. However, it also pairs nicely with less fiery fare, such as a slice of apple pie with ice cream or traditional holiday meals like turkey and gravy. Whether you’re watching sports or enjoying a quiet evening, Ninja vs. Unicorn promises a delightful and flavorful experience.
For further exploration of this exceptional beverage, you can read more about its unique characteristics here.
Discover the New Rum Legacy Museum in Puerto Plata’s Historic Center!
Puerto Plata has recently unveiled the Rum Legacy Museum & Shop Experience, enhancing its cultural and tourism landscape. Inaugurated on February 10, the museum is dedicated to the historical, production, and cultural significance of Dominican rum, a pivotal aspect of national identity.
The ceremony took place at Beller Street #11A in the Historic Center, attracting local authorities, leaders from the tourism and rum sectors, tour operators, strategic partners, and media representatives. Lisette Fernández Brugal from the marketing team stated that the museum aims to create an immersive experience that links visitors to the traditions and evolution of Dominican rum through a blend of heritage and storytelling.
Visitors can enjoy an audio-guided tour available in both English and Spanish, taking them through the rum production stages, including fermentation, distillation, and the journey of raw materials. Authentic elements, such as an original sugar mill and sensory stations, enhance the educational experience, while a souvenir shop offers exclusive themed items.
The visit culminates in a guided tasting of various Dominican rums. After the ribbon-cutting, guests had the opportunity to explore the facilities and partake in a celebratory toast. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum is set to become a major draw for cruise passengers and tour operators in the northern region, solidifying Puerto Plata’s dedication to promoting diverse and high-quality cultural tourism.
El Presidente: A Look Into Leadership, Legacy, and Influence
El Presidente is a classic rum cocktail from Cuba, thought to have originated in the mid-1910s in Havana. This sophisticated drink is often regarded as Cuba’s answer to the Manhattan and is linked to political glamour, perhaps named in honor of Cuban president Mario García Menocal who served from 1913 to 1921. Some sources also attribute the drink’s association to Gerardo Machado, another key political figure.
By 1915, El Presidente was already included in John B. Escalante’s Manual del Cantinero, marking its significance in cocktail culture. The drink gained popularity among American tourists during Prohibition, who encountered it alongside cocktails like the Daiquiri and Mojito, later introducing it back to the United States. While it faded from popularity in the mid-20th century, it saw a resurgence in the 2000s thanks to bartenders and historians exploring historical recipes.
The cocktail features rum, blanc vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine, making it a distinct departure from the lime-based drinks typically associated with Caribbean cocktails. This absence of lime juice, alongside the use of traditionally light Cuban rum and the floral notes of vermouth, results in a unique and sophisticated beverage. Early recipes emphasize restraint in terms of flavor proportions, ensuring that the resulting drink is well-balanced between sweetness and dryness.
Here’s how to prepare an El Presidente:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces aged, light, Cuban-style rum
- 3/4 ounce blanc (bianco) vermouth
- 1/4 ounce orange curaçao
- 1 teaspoon grenadine
- Orange twist, for garnish
Directions:
- Combine the rum, vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora or coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
The El Presidente cocktail embodies a refined blend of flavors, proving itself to be a timeless favorite and reflecting the lush history of Cuban cocktail culture.
Madison Beer Urges Fortnite Developers: Please Reduce Changes and Consider My Skin!
Grammy-nominated singer Madison Beer recently expressed her concerns over changes made to the popular video game Fortnite during an appearance on the Hot Ones podcast. Despite her fondness for the game, she criticized developer Epic Games for altering elements that fans cherish. "I love Fortnite. They’ve changed it too much now, though. I’m a little bit upset with you, Epic Games," she remarked, urging them to preserve the original elements that made the game special.
Additionally, Beer humorously requested that Epic grant her a character skin for the game. This isn’t the first time a celebrity has made such a request; in 2025, Chappell Roan openly wished for a Fortnite skin, which she eventually received.
Epic Games has been facing public scrutiny, and acknowledging this, they recently formed a strike team to address various issues within the game, including stability complaints that led to the delay of a new season.
In related news, Disney’s new CEO is keenly interested in integrating more of Disney into Fortnite, hinting at exciting future collaborations, including the potential premiere of movies directly within the game.
For more details, you can read the original article on GameSpot.