May 16th: The journey to the UK! PT.2

Here I am sitting on the plane with reality dancing and prancing all over my nerves. The 747 was taking off into the clouds and I felt like I swallowed a generous dose of pride.

As the plane reached it's flying altitude, I began to think about how "the sky's the limit". A sense of delight and self esteem came out of nowhere. That feeling propelled me mentally to a place of pure elation! I couldn't wait to hit the streets of Glasgow!

In a split second, I learned that your soul can tune you into a greater part of your core. Shake those nerves out of you and rise you up to the platform that is needed for your special and important moment in life.

All of a sudden I became very sleepy. I woke up to the last 30 minutes of the flight and raced out of the plane. I couldn't wait to set my feet on the UK land.

It was the next day in the wee hours of the morning.

I dashed through Heathrow airport to catch my connecting flight. I smiled and chatted up everyone in the security line. I made several babies smile and giggle with my tickled joy.

Customs stamped my passport! I said to myself in a low voice with a big fat grin,"Ha-he they don't know what they just let into the Kingdom"!!!

I hopped down the escalator and stood next to the gate.

For the next 30 minutes I gazed over the people, but not concentrating on one particular person. I just stood there entertaining the thoughts and possibilities of what and where I'll be 1 year from that point.

Ding ding! The gates are open and I ran onto the plane like a thorough bred going after 1st place at the Kentucky Derby!

Day 1 complete. Day 2......to be continued

Carmen Operetta

May 16th: The journey to the UK!

Jeezum! I didn't think I was going to get everything accomplished before my flight! I can't believe it took me all the way to the very last day to sort out the majority of everything needed for this big move!

There it was 630 pm and getting ready for my car service arrival. I was filled with so many emotions. My mental reactions of the unknown was in such a state of felicity mixed with massive apprehension!

I couldn't believe that this day was here and I was on my way to Scotland! I have doubted myself and lack the confidence needed for such a striking attempt in the past, but I am proud of myself for over coming this hurdle.

Just to think about how many butterflies was in my stomach as the car grew near the British Airways "Departure" gate. I wanted to tell my driver to take me back home!

Desperately for just a few flashes of seconds I wanted to jump back in that sedan and go back to that Harlem apartment and hide in a big blanket telling myself "That was just a dream Carmen".

Well I am glad I didn't, because I felt such a HUGE accomplishment all of a sudden as I entered the baggage check in line. My sisters and my parents called together on the same line to congratulate me and tell me how proud they was for me.

I held back my tears as they cheered me on through the phone. They told me how much they love and support me.

After I hung up the phone, I told myself "Right...let's go Carmen...your strong and you can do this"!! At that point, I knew it was no turning back!!!!!!!!!

Day 1...to be continued

Carmen Operetta

England's Finest:Colin Appiah+Simon Ford at 1534!!!

Photo credit:
http://bit.ly/hMvYBS

Here we go again ladies and gents. Mr. Colin Appiah and Mr. Simon Ford are coming to the 1534 Lounge tomorrow, April 20th from 8pm-12am!

The gentlemen will be recreating or should I say reconstructing the finest cocktails from the 1990's London era. Are you thirsty yet? Well get yourselves in alignment, while these premier mixologist will show you the way to libational heaven.

It's not to be missed and I can't explain to you how much this evening with the Englishmen in New York City will satisfy all of your savoury senses.

See you there,

Carmen Operetta

1534 Info:

20 Prince St
(between Elizabeth St & Mott St)
New York, NY 10012

Also: The 90's British sound DJ'ing from Nick Van Tiel!

P.S. It's a British themed event. Show your love to our favorite brethren's from across the pond!!


Photo Credits:
Simon Ford: http://www.foodgps.com/qa-with-bartender-simon-ford/

Whisky Live:NYC, April 6, 2011!

RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION MY CODE: CO2011
It's that time of year friends when the winter blues is washed away with the spring time sunshine! I know that smoky Islay peaty whisky kept you warm through these brutal snow drenched months (in some parts), or that Caribbean cask tantalized your senses like the beams of sunshine on your morning awakening face.

Well here is your chance to reserve your tickets to the WHISKY LIVE 2011 NYC!!!

This year Whisky Live is focusing on the education of what whisky is and the understanding of how bourbon and scotch correlates.

So come prepared to taste, get educated, and entertained on Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers this spring in beautiful NYC with all the Master Classes, exhibits, tasting halls, the LIVE stage, and this year's featured OBAN WHISKY EXPERIENCE. You would NOT want to miss this!

Slaandjivaa,

Carmen

Photo Credits: WhiskyLive.com

For more details, check out Whisky Live's web page:

http://www.whiskylive.com/usa/21/new-york-2011

DONT FORGET TO USE MY CODE:CO2011 for a 10% discount!!!

The Cocktail Twins at FATTY JOHNSON'S!

Please join the distinct Colin Asare-Appiah and Philip Pepperdine as they create some of the most tantalizing libations at Fatty Johnson's on 1.14.11 from 7pm to 2am for your drinking pleasure.

Come share the love with friends and satisfy your senses!

Sponsored by U'Luvka vodka and St. Germain

Location: 50 Carmine Street,NYC

Web Page: http://www.fattyjohnsons.com/

See you there!

Carmen Operetta

Photot Credits:

U'Luvka and

St. Germain: google.com

EXCLUSIVE 1890 VINTAGE BOTTLE OF CHERRY HEERING TO BE AUCTION AT SOTHEBY'S NYC!

Exclusive 1890 Vintage Bottle of Scandinavian Brand CHERRY HEERING® Revealed

To Be Auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York



Cherry Heering, considered the original cherry liqueur, has plans to release a rare vintage from 1890 for the first time in history. The original bottle can be found and bid on online at Charitybuzz.com lot # 253504 from now until December 6th at 12 pm EST. The bottle will also be made available to the public via a live auction at the New York branch of the international auction house, Sotheby’s, on the evening of December 6th. The exact value of the rare blend is currently unknown, but estimated to be worth over $100,000.



The 1890 vintage was discovered in the Heering cellars in Denmark where it had been perfectly aged since production more than 120 years ago. Only a few bottles were found, all perfectly preserved in original casks, hand packed in wooden casings, and exquisitely marked with the original Royal Arms as purveyors to The Royal Danish and Imperial Russian courts as well as his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.



To explore the vintage’s quality, a tasting was organized in May at The Campbell Apartment in New York with some of the industry’s top experts. The panel included Jörgen Tilander, owner of the Cherry Heering brand; Jackson Cannon, famed New England mixologist; Akiko Katayama; former Iron Chef Judge and renowned international author; and Tony Abu Ganim, a pioneer in the spirit world. The vintage rating was based on five factors including: mouth feel, stretch on the palette, degree of sweetness, post resonance, and overall balance.



“This vintage is really well kept, providing notes of chocolate and cigar - as if they really rolled everything into the whole spirit,” noted panelist Ganim. “I was eager to see how long it can be aged and still maintain a refined taste. It is deep, more rounded, more impactful – this is my favorite.”



To everyone’s delight the blend was in immaculate condition, prompting the Sotheby’s auction. All proceeds will benefit the charity organization DIFFA, Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids. Fashion has been the communication platform for the Cherry Heering brand for quite some time, and this is an opportunity for them to give back.




About CHERRY HEERING®
Cherry Heering lays claim to being one of the best all-time classic and quality tasting brands. The liqueur, purveyor to H.M. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of the U.K., is the original cherry brandy found in classic cocktails including the Singapore Sling and the Blood & Sand. Cherry Heering, a product of Denmark, is one of the world's first brands to reach a global market. It has traveled the globe on a victorious course, gaining a foothold even in the most remote areas. Today, you will find Cherry Heering in more than 100 markets worldwide. Since its launch in 1818, Cherry Heering’s original recipe has been upheld without any artificial ingredients, colors, or flavors.


Cheers,
Carmen Operetta

Photo Credit: prnewswire.com

Bacardi Reserva Limitada Release!

BACARDI has released its exclusive BACARDI Reserva Limitada rum in the United States, on sale this fall at select retailers of fine spirits and wines. Until now, this rare reserve was available in scarce quantities in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Aruba. Referred to as the “Founder’s Blend,” BACARDI Reserva Limitada was originally created by the BACARDI Maestro de Ron (Rum Master) as a personal blend for the Bacardí family in honor of BACARDI founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó. It was first released to the public in 2003 to celebrate the inauguration of the BACARDI Visitors Centre at the BACARDI distillery in Cataño, Puerto Rico.

Individually bottled, numbered and sealed by hand with a cork finish, BACARDI Reserva Limitada consists of the finest BACARDI rums rested in lightly-charred American white oak barrels between 10 and 16 years. Each barrel is hand selected for its durability and is periodically inspected to ensure it imparts exceptionally developed flavors to the spirit. The result is a remarkable, deep golden-hued rum with dark reddish undertones and a character symbolized by exquisite aromas of vanilla, oak and dried fruits that possesses a rich, smooth taste and velvety finish.

The conception of BACARDI Reserva Limitada was the result of good fortune when BACARDI Maestro de Ron Luis Planas was drawn to place a few choice barrels of rum aside to age.

“It was almost as if Don Facundo himself was telling me, ‘Luis, keep aside some of those barrels because from there something good will come,’” said Planas. “I began to blend the resulting liquids and the end product was something only a house pioneering in rum could develop. That is what we now proudly bring to the United States.”

According to Joaquin Bacardí III, Bacardí family member and head of the company’s business operations in Puerto Rico where BACARDI Reserva Limitada was conceived and is produced, “BACARDI Reserva Limitada was created to commemorate the patriarch of our family. Until now, to get a bottle, U.S. rum lovers had to travel to our distillery in Puerto Rico or one of just three other Caribbean islands. It’s fulfilling we can now bring this truly exceptional spirit to rum connoisseurs in the United States.”

Initially, just 1,000 cases (six 750ml bottles per case) of BACARDI Reserva Limitada will be available in the United States, with additional quantities expected to be released to the U.S. in the future, based on availability. BACARDI Reserva Limitada will be sold in select bars, restaurants and fine wine and spirits retail outlets throughout the United States with a suggested retail price of $110.00.

BACARDI Reserva Limitada has received global recognition and awards, including:

2010	· International High Quality Trophy: Monde Selection, Belgium
2009	· Excellence Award: Puerto Rico Products Association, Puerto Rico · Gold Medal: Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition, Miami
2008	· Gold Medal: Aged Rum, World Spirits Awards, Austria · Silver Medal: San Francisco World Spirit Competition, San Francisco Grand Gold Award: Monde Selection, Belgium · Gold Award: Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago
2007	· Silver Medal: San Francisco World Spirit Competition, San Francisco · Gold Medal: Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago · Silver Medal – Golden Caribbean Blended 12 Years: International Wine and Spirits Championship, London
2006	· Grand Gold Award: Monde Selection, Belgium · Platinum Award: World Beverage Competition, Geneva
2005	· Silver Award – Gold Rums: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, San Francisco · Silver Award: World Beverage Competition, Geneva

About BACARDI Rums

In 1862, in Santiago de Cuba, BACARDI revolutionized the spirits industry when founder Don Facundo Bacardi began producing his remarkable light-bodied, smooth rum – BACARDI, the world’s favorite premium rum brand and the most awarded premium rum in the world. Today, BACARDI Rum is produced in Puerto Rico following the production legacy set forth by Don Facundo – crafted in a five step distillation process, aged in American white oak barrels, and filtered five times for unparalleled quality and smoothness. For more information visit: www.Bacardi.com

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI® rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands. For more information, visit www.BacardiUSA.com.

Photo Credit: popsop.com

Salud,
Carmen Operetta