MOST VALUABLE PARTY: Larry Fitzgerald’s Celebrity Server Event at Morton’s Scottsdale
27 months ago
Larry Fitzgerald, Muhammad Ali and Roger Drake of Morton's
The third annual Larry Fitzgerald Celebrity Server Event was an experience to remember for each guest in attendance. The event drew 179 guests, including Arizona Cardinals players and their families, local celebrities and media, to Morton’s The Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ on Monday, October 3, to support the well-known wide receiver and his two charities. Proceeds from the event benefited the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, which aims to help victims of AIDS, breast cancer, and other diseases Fitzgerald’s mother was involved in supporting, and the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund, which supports youth organizations throughout the country through resources and funding. The event title sponsors included Desert Institute for Spine Care and The Starkey Hearing Foundation.
Cocktail hour kicked off the evening with hors d’oeuvres, as guests were granted exclusive access to mingle with their favorite Cardinals players for photo opportunities and autograph signing. As dinner began, the players impressed guests with skills of masterfully pouring wine, handling stacked salad plates and delivering sizzling steak entrées.
Larry Fitzgerald and his Celebrity Servers. Go Cardinals!
A highlight of the evening was the surprise arrival of legend and Arizona resident, Muhammad Ali. Silence and awe fell over the crowd as he entered, followed by a moving standing ovation! His attendance at the event in support of Fitzgerald and his great cause was reflected throughout the entire evening, as guests made impressive donations to the two charities.
Fitzgerald’s two aunts, one who is a breast cancer survivor, father and brother all spoke to thank the event guests for their generosity, to honor the memory of Carol Fitzgerald, and to continue to spread hope of finding a cure. Between the silent auction items, including staycation retreats and Morton’s gift baskets, and the live auction of Fitzgerald’s game worn attire, the event raised $220,000, a record amount for Fitzgerald’s two charities, resulting in the highest grossing Celebrity Server Event to date!
Sweet Finale
Read all about it! Larry Fitzgerald Celebrity Server Event media coverage included ABC, CBS, FOX,
Desert Living Today, Phoenix Business Journal, Morton’s Blog – The Best Steak Anywhere and Arizona Foothills Magazine.
Reported by Katherine Thornhill, E.B. Lane
Photos by Yeung Photography
Still hungry? Click this link to learn more about Morton’s exciting Celebrity Server series throughout the U.S.
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH JACK NICKLAUS
17 months ago
Barbara and Jack Nicklaus
Strike up a conversation on the history of golf, and sooner or later the name Jack Nicklaus will weave its way into the discussion. Synonymous with the gallant game, Nicklaus has wowed fans and fellow golfers alike with his athletic prowess and is considered “The Most Powerful Person in Golf” with 118 worldwide victories and 18 professional major-championship titles. When he’s not designing championship golf courses or captaining the Ryder Cup, Nicklaus is a guiding light for numerous charities including the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation which provides support for pediatric heath care services. We caught up with the “Golden Bear” who ruminates on baseball, bucket lists and bone-fishing in the South Pacific.
OCCUPATION: Golf legend.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: I would actually say wherever I’m going, because wherever I go, I try to enjoy the opportunity, the experience, and make the best of it. I certainly have special places I have enjoyed visiting, such as Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Iceland, and many others. I enjoy places where I can combine work and pleasure.
POWER SUIT: I prefer a pair of shorts, a golf shirt and sneakers.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Spending most of my time with family. I enjoy spending time with my wife Barbara and we especially like to spend time at our grandkids’ activities. I also enjoy fishing and tennis.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: I feel as if I have tried everything I have ever wanted to try. The most recent on my bucket list was to see the gorillas. So we took some family and friends to Rwanda for a “Mountain Gorilla Trek.” One thing I have wanted to do is bone-fish in the South Pacific.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN GOLF: That’s hard to answer because all my victories, especially my major championship wins, have been memorable for unique and special reasons. But if I had to pick one, it would be the 1986 Masters—the last of my 18 professional majors. It came when I was 46 years old; I was almost six years removed from my last major; and it was at a point in my career when nobody expected me to win. And in many ways, that included me. For most of my career at Augusta National, most people expected me to win, whether it was the media, the fans, other players…or myself. And I don’t think anybody did in ’86. It was very special, probably the most special win that I’ve ever had. And having my son Jack on the bag is something I’ll never forget. Also, for whatever reason, that was the only Masters since my first one in 1959, where my mother and my sister decided to attend. I have no idea why, but they were there. So to have my son on the bag, and close family just outside the ropes, served to underline the moment for me.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: I am actually not much of a drinker, and prefer water with almost every meal. But if I am going to have a drink, I prefer, of course, Jack Nicklaus Wine.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: Football or one of my 22 grandkids.
FAVORITE GADGETS: Not a gadget guy but I carry an iPhone for outgoing calls only.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: Home.
PRIZED POSSESSION: My family.
ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE MY MOOD: Even keel.
WHOM I MOST ADMIRE: My wife Barbara. She has not only been my wife of 51 years, but she has been my best friend, my sounding board, and at many times, my conscience. She has been the guiding light of my life and our family. I know I am a better person and better parent because of her.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Family.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I always made sure to have three pennies in my pocket when I played. One was to mark my ball; a second was in case I lost the first; and the third was in case my playing partner needed one. I also preferred to play a golf ball with the No. 5 on it. I just played it for years because no one else played it, and so they made a 5 just for me. Plus, that was a score I didn’t want to have.
IF I WASN’T A GOLFER, I’D BE: If it was in sports, it would be baseball. I was a switch-hitting catcher growing up. If you are asking about a career outside of sports, I have no idea. I can’t imagine life without sports.
FAVORITE CUT OF STEAK: Ribeye.
FAVORITE SPORT, OTHER THAN GOLF: Fishing, especially fly-fishing. I also enjoy playing tennis.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: Each day I feel like I have the ability to make someone’s life better—whether it be mine, my family’s, a child’s, or a client. I’m in a position that allows me to do that, and that’s really nice. At the age of 71, I am still able to remain involved in a game that I have always loved and loved to compete in. Although I can’t compete as I once did on the course, I am very involved in the game of golf, whether it as a course designer, a spokesperson or ambassador for the sport as I travel the world, and hopefully a voice for how we can help protect and grow the game for future generations.
Join Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara on Tuesday, October 25 for a memorable evening of Morton’s signature cuisine paired with exquisite Jack Nicklaus Wines…all in the name of a good cause at Morton’s The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach, FL. Listen to the recent interview with Morton’s Roger Drake and Patty McDonald of Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation who appeared on ESPN760′s Golf Exchange show to chat about our upcoming event with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus!
Raising a Glass to our New Wines!
07 months ago
It’s that time of year again! No…not the time of year when you stock up on Halloween candy three weeks early only to find mere scraps remaining when the actual holiday arrives. It’s the time of year when Morton’s updates its Wines-by-the-Glass selections for most of our domestic locations! Our latest list was carefully and thoughtfully created by our V.P. of Wine and Spirits, Tylor Field, III. He worked closely with our winery partners to secure some of the smaller productions and best wines that the our guests would not be able to access otherwise. When we told the restaurant managers about these fifteen new additions, we got some great feedback and several comments about how excited they were to share these wines with their guests.
For this week’s issue of “Wine Wednesday,” I wanted to share some of the highlights with you:
- Our featured “Rare Red” wine is Sorcerer, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Sorcerer is a project that is shepherded by Sashi Moorman and financed by film producer Mark Tarlov. It is a Morton’s exclusive and a real find for the money.
- Jean Luc Colombo is a fantastic Viognier from the Languedoc that will pair sublimely with our appetizers.
- Guest favorite Ladera Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is back for another run!
- The Catena Malbec, hinting of mocha, vanilla, spice, smoke and a touch of leather will pair perfectly with our steaks.
All wines-by-the-glass are an oversized 6-ounce pour served exclusively in Riedel stemware. Prices vary depending on the market and restaurant location (ranging from approximately $9 – $20).
We’ve also made thirty-five updates to our Wines-by-the-Bottle list. Here are some wines to look for:
It’s baaack! Cherry Pie Pinot Noir was another guest favorite, and people were upset when the winery ran out of its last vintage. We’re thrilled that it’s made a comeback!- Educated Guess was a wine that I found during a “Brown Bag” dinner that stood up against some iconic wines…and totally blew them all away. It’s a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon tasting of blackberry, cherry, cocoa and French vanilla.
Our by-the-glass and by-the-bottle selections were chosen for their unique composition, flavor and potential to pair with our food. And at the end of the day, we want our guests to have the opportunity to experiment with their food pairings…and we’re hopeful that you’ll enjoy exploring these latest additions!
Cheers!
Sara Fasolino
Beverage Manager/Certified Sommelier and Mixologist
Morton’s The Steakhouse
What’s been the most memorable glass or bottle of wine that you’ve enjoyed…at Morton’s or elsewhere? We’d love to hear about it!
For more details on Morton’s wine selections, please visit our website.
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH CHARLES TILLMAN
07 months ago
Known for being one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, Charles “Peanut” Tillman also enjoys giving back to children and families in need through the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation. Sporting a famous nickname, “Peanut” (given to him by an aunt as a baby because he reminded her of a peanut), Tillman’s also been a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award which recognizes NFL players for their charitable work. We caught up with the Bears cornerback to talk about pre-game rituals, matadors, and his passion for movies.
Charles Tillman
OCCUPATION: Sports Administration.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Spontaneous, fun, fun-loving.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Athens, Greece.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: At the movie theater.
ON THAT NOTE, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Star Wars. All six!
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: Running with the bulls in Spain. Actually, just dressing up in the matador suit and watching. Close up, of course.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: A Monday night game against Arizona in 2006 when we came back to win in the 4th quarter.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: My recipe that I call “Homemade Mexican Ginger Ale”. Mix equal parts Coke and Sprite with a shot of tequila and some freshly squeezed lime juice. The fresh lime juice is key!
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: Criminal Minds, True Blood, Entourage, Boardwalk Empire.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: My private theater room.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE BLOCKBUSTER: Anthony Mackie.
PRIZED POSSESSION: My three kids, ages five, three and two.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I wake up at 5am, watch film, go to the stadium, see the chiropractor, get taped, and go through my routine. Then I say my prayers while holding Lach’s (Brian Urlacher) left hand, drink a Spark energy drink, say another prayer, run out onto the field and pick up some of the grass (a little difficult when we play on astro turf), smell it, throw it, and say, “This is my home, let’s go!”
IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALL PLAYER, I’D BE: In law enforcement. My degree was in criminal justice.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: Getting paid to play football!
Join NFL Superstar Charles Tillman and his Chicago Bears teammates for big steaks and a great cause on Monday, October 17 when they trade in their uniforms and helmets for plates and aprons at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Northbrook, IL!
Reported by Lindsay Rafayko, Empower Public Relations and Wayne Pua
Catching Up with Morton’s Social Media Team
37 months ago
It’s definitely been an exciting few weeks in the Social Media world for me. As a member of Morton’s social media team, I thought I’d share a few highlights!
For starters, I was recently able to be a part of Social Media Week. This week-long, global event took place in multiple cities and brought hundreds of thousands of people in the corporate, public and non-profit sectors together through learning experiences that advanced our understanding of social media’s role in society. I was fortunate to be in one of the hosting cities (Chicago) and attended a few seminars.
Adam Bain, President of Global Revenue for Twitter, was the headliner for Social Media Week in Chicago. He shared this example from Burberry on how Twitter can bring people with common interests together to share in an experience, no matter where you are. I liked this example in particular because Burberry tweeted pictures of fall fashions BEFORE anyone in the showroom was able to even see them. Talk about getting the “inside scoop!”
In addition to the Social Media Week festivities, I was able to talk to Shel Holtz of For Immediate Release about Morton’s Social Media strategies. It was fun to speak to someone, outside of our company, who was so interested in what we were doing, and what our goals are. Take a listen, if you’d like!
The grand finale for me was the Social Media Forum I recently attended in New York City. I was a guest panelist at The Hildebrandt Institute’s “Beyond the Basics: Integrated Social Media Marketing for Law Firms.” The group of panelists with whom I spoke focused on “Integrating Social Media into Your Marketing Strategy” and included: Jasmine Trillos-Decarie, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Foley Hoag LLP; Carrie Kerpen, Chief Operating Officer, Likeable Media, Silvia L. Coulter, M.S.P Law Vision Group LLC and Dion Algeri, Co-Founder of Great Jakes.
I was brought into the panel to share my thoughts about using social media to improve client service. Many of Morton’s Social Media objectives can also be applicable to law firms, since both of our industries rely on people. (Obviously, restaurants cannot operate without guests, just as law firms cannot operate without clients.) The attendees were most interested in hearing about the recent interaction between @Mortons, @PeterShankman and the management team at Morton’s in Hackensack. (If you’re not familiar with the story, you can read Shankman’s blog.) It felt to me like the “tweet heard round the world,” when my only intent was to extend Morton’s standard level of service to a guest, and I was stunned at the volume of responses that it generated.
I’m going to geek out for a second and say that it seems every week is Social Media Week for me. It’s such an exciting, powerful and ever-changing component of our society, and I feel so fortunate that I get to incorporate it into my daily routine at Morton’s. I also feel like there’s always more to learn about Social Media, so I’d like to open up the floor and ask you…What’s been your most memorable, or “Ah-Ha!” moment on social media? And what suggestions do you have for Morton’s social media team? Feel free to comment on this blog, tweet us or post to our Facebook wall.
Jillian Beard
Regional Marketing Manager
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s ♥’s Celebrities!
27 months ago
PGA TOUR golfer Ricky Barnes
As the Fall temps cool down, the A+ list celebrity sightings at Morton’s The Steakhouse are heating up! Morton’s is also “The Official Steakhouse of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour” and our 77 steakhouses have welcomed the world’s greatest golf professionals including Charley Hoffman, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Matt Kuchar, Chris Riley, Bill Lunde, John Mallinger, Dean Wilson, Billy Horschel, Andres Gonzales, Ricky Barnes, D.J. Trahan, Chez Reavie and Troy Matteson…just to name a few!
From Emmy-winning actresses (Kathryn Joosten and Keshia Knight Pulliam) and hunky actors (Dermot Mulroney and Edward Burns), to prime-time comedians (George Lopez and The Wayans brothers) and “Real Housewives” (New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice and Jacqueline Laurita) – you never know who you’ll see – or dine next to - at Morton’s The Steakhouse!
Throughout September, Morton’s welcomed the following celebrities…
Anaheim
Anaheim Angels Hideki Matsui
Atlanta – Buckhead
Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam
Atlanta Braves Martin Prado
Atlanta – Downtown
Actor Christopher Lloyd
Actor Edward James Olmos
Philadelphia Eagles LeSean McCoy
Atlanta Falcons Michael Turner
Burbank
Singer Nick Lachey and MTV’s Vanessa Minnillo
Connecticut Ave.
Chef Jose Andres
Former NBA player and radio broadcaster Cedric Maxwell
Charlotte
Green Bay Packers T.J. Lang
Carolina Panthers Jonathan Stewart and Greg Hardy
Cincinnati
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland
Actor/Director/Producer Edward Burns
Members of the Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians Chris Perez
Actors Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez
Denver Tech
Colorado Rockies Matt Lindstrom
Former NHL player Joe Sakic
Fort Lauderdale
Miami Dolphins Mike Pouncey
Georgetown
Washington Capitals Marcus Johansson, Mattias Sjogren, and Nicklas Backstrom
Hackensack
Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice and Jacqueline Laurita
New Jersey Devils Ilya Kovalchuk
Houston – Downtown
Food Network personality Paula Deen
Las Vegas
Actor/Comedian George Lopez
Naperville
NASCAR legend Richard Petty
New Orleans
Actor Zac Efron
Actress Kathryn Joosten
New Orleans Saints Marques Colston, Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, and Pierre Thomas
New Orleans Saints
Film Producer Randall Emmett
Actor Kevin Alejandro
Rock band Kyuss Lives!
Jazz musician Jeremy Davenport
New York
Food Network judge Geoffrey Zakarian
NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson
Singer Wayne Newton
Phoenix
Carolina Panthers
San Diego Padres Nick Hundley
Actor Ron Pearlman
Los Angeles Dodgers commentator Vin Scully
Pittsburgh Pirates
Actors/Comedians Shawn and Marlon Wayans
Portland
Film producer Mike Richardson
Reston
Washington Redskins
Seattle
Texas Rangers
Toronto
Actor Dermot Mulroney
PGA TOUR Golfers
Sergio Garcia (Naperville)
Vijay Singh (Atlanta Downtown)
Matt Kuchar (Atlanta Downtown)
A Memorable Day and Night Out with NFL icon Dexter Manley, PGA TOUR’s Charley Hoffman and Houston Texans’ Owen Daniels!
07 months ago
Power Lunching with a Legend: Dexter Manley
Vince Marshall, Hilda Merano, and Dexter Manley
At Morton’s we call the series “Lunch with a Legend,” but Monday’s event in downtown DC was a pep rally of the finest sort. The rivalry between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys started on October 9, 1960 and has since become the greatest rivalry in the sport – maybe even in professional sports altogether.
The excitement for this week’s game was palpable as more than 150 Redskins fans, former players, families and media flooded Morton’s dining room for a live broadcast of ESPN980’s “The Sports Fix,” with hosts Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro. The sold out crowd donned jerseys from over the years, a majority sporting #72, the number worn by the day’s honoree, former Defensive End Dexter Manley .
Raucous applause erupted at mention of Manley’s legendary 66 sacks from 1982-1986 and his two Super Bowl rings. Former teammate Offensive Lineman George Starke arrived a few minutes late, but not without notice. Both men circled the room at commercial breaks taking photos with guests, signing autographs, and strategizing with fans how the Redskins defense could attack the injured Tony Romo.
In the end, the Cowboys prevailed in the final minutes of the game bringing the team’s record to 61-38-2 against the Redskins. The history won’t matter though. Like the classic American steakhouse, this legendary American tradition is here to stay.
Read all about it! Dexter Manley Lunch with a Legend media coverage included Washington Examiner.
Reported by Anthony Hesselius, Linda Roth Associates, Inc.
Morton’s The Steakhouse Scores a Hole-in-One With PGA TOUR Pro Charley Hoffman
It's Charley Hoffman!
The young guns of the golf world took over Morton’s The Steakhouse Las Vegas as UNLV Alumnus Charley Hoffman and 10 of his friends dropped their 7-irons to serve more than 160 guests. The guest servers who kept every wine glass filled and delivered hot entrees to the guests were Chris Riley, Bill Lunde, John Mallinger, Dean Wilson, Billy Horschel, Andres Gonzales, Ricky Barnes, D.J. Trahan, Chez Reavie and Troy Matteson.
The evening benefited the Charley Hoffman Foundation, which donated $18,000 each to five Las Vegas children’s charities – Goodie Two Shoes, Blessings in a Backpack, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Zelzah Shriners Transportation Fund. All-in-all, more than $90,000 was raised over the course of the day!
The Celebrity Server Event was the conclusion of a golf-filled day as Charley Hoffman hosted his annual Pro-Am at TPC Summerlin. Pro-Am participants, golf enthusiasts and Morton’s regulars filled the dining room with a high-energy atmosphere. Comedian George Lopez and baseball great Greg Maddux came to Morton’s as well and each won a live auction item! Maddux even donated an autographed baseball glove and baseball to the evening’s silent auction.
Morton’s first-ever Celebrity Server Event in Las Vegas was a tremendous success. A great deal of money was raised for charity, everyone in attendance enjoyed themselves and, most importantly, no plates were dropped by the guest servers!
Local media coverage included Las Vegas Sun, KVVU-TV and Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Reported by Stephen Miller, Preferred Public Relations
OH, WHAT A NIGHT! 2nd Annual Owen Daniels Celebrity Server Event Scores Big
Owen Daniels with his Celebrity Servers and Team Morton's!
Cameras, lights, football stars and fans packed Morton’s the Steakhouse Houston Galleria the evening of September 26 for the 2nd Annual Owen Daniels Celebrity Server Dinner. The event sold out ten days prior and the 185 guests were ready to party and party they did. Beginning at 7 pm, Bar 12.21 was packed with guests shopping the silent action items, sampling the bar bites and ready for the action to start.
Houston Texans Tight End Owen Daniels called in the big hitters from the team to help with the fun and activities as Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, James Casey, Chris Myers, J.J. Watt, Shaun Cody, DeMeco Ryans, David Anderson, Steve Slaton, Garrett Graham and Brian Cushing demonstrated their waiter skills throughout the evening. Autographs were the number one request but players were busy refilling water glasses, serving wine, offering dressing for salads and being great sports.
The guests enjoyed a four course Morton’s dinner, silent auction, live auction including two trips to Cabo and opened their hearts and their wallets to help The Owen Daniels Catch a Dream Foundation. Highlights of the evening included the Texans players getting their waiter instructions from the Morton’s team and the live auction with Arian Foster, David Anderson and Shaun Cody demonstrating their auctioneer skills to the joy of the crowd. The big auction items were a Texans autographed 3 liter Monte Bello Red Blend bottle of wine being sold for $5,600 and the two trips to Cabo being sold for $15,000 each, all of which will benefit the Owen Daniels Catch a Dream Foundation.
Special news on the Morton’s Celebrity Server Dinners from Roger Drake, Morton’s Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications; “With two celebrity server events last night – one in Houston with Owen Daniels, and one in Las Vegas with Charley Hoffman and his PGA TOUR friends, Morton’s expects to exceed the $2 million dollar mark in proceeds raised over the past two years. Morton’s is proud to partner with stellar athletes and committed humanitarians such as Owen Daniels, who is truly focused on helping kids in Houston with his Catch a Dream Foundation work.”
Oh, what a night in Houston. Everyone went home with stories to tell, memories to cherish and knowing that they helped a great cause with Owen Daniels and the Catch a Dream Foundation.
Media coverage of the Owen Daniels Celebrity Server event included KHOU-TV, The Rod Ryan Show, Chron.com and CultureMap.com.
Reported by Joe Pogge, Strike Marketing
Still hungry? Click these links to learn more about Morton’s exciting Celebrity Server and Lunch with a Legend series throughout the U.S.
Saying ‘Ciao’ to “Morton’s Wine Cruise”
17 months ago
Mark & Jean Wagner at the Chapoutier Winery Luncheon
Last week I wrote to you aboard Azamara’s Journey, the ship for “Morton’s Wine Cruise.” But today, I’m writing to you from my home. Indeed, reality has hit me hard after an incredible journey through the Italian and French Riviera.
For today’s “Wine Wednesday,” I wanted to pick up where I left off with last week’s blog. After our excursions in Italy, we continued on to France where we were, once again, greeted with great wines and great hospitality. Last Wednesday, we spent an amazing (albeit long) day in the Northern Rhône, which started with a three-hour bus ride from Marseille to the town of Tain Hermitage. There, we where treated to a tasting at the famed Chapoutier Winery and had lunch that included a regional specialty…the “throat of the pig,” as explained by the chef. It paired amazingly well with the Chapouitier wines.
We then went to the town of Cornas to meet Mr. Jean Luc Colombo, a Rhône-based winemaker, who had trucks lined up to take us through his vineyards, which reminded me of the wineries in Germany on the Rhine. What was stunning to me was the steepness of the grade…the vineyards are impossible to pick by machine. I also noticed there was never any equipment in the field for watering the vines. As Mr. Colombo eloquently explained, “We never give our vines more or less water than what nature gives us. If you do, then there is no difference in the vintage from one year to the next.” This struck me because most of the new world wines use water if it’s a hot or dry season, and it is true that most new world vintages blend together because of this. One point for the French!
- Enjoying the view from Jean Luc Colombo’s vineyards
After walking the vineyards and getting a workout, we arrived at his home on top of the hill…where he not only treated us to dinner but cooked it himself over an open fire. His family and friends from the neighborhood helped with everything, and we even had a visitor from the famous Valrhona Chocolate house (which is in the Rhône) there to pour chocolate over a fresh, locally-baked sweet bread made with orange water. If you couldn’t finish dinner, you had his three Golden Retrievers with their heads on the table looking for a morsel. It was amazing!
During our three-hour drive back to the ship after dinner, we where treated to a French radio station that featured American R&B songs sung by French artists. We danced in the aisles of our bus to “Respect” in French…then most fell asleep.
- Jean Luc Colombo along with his gracious friends and neighbors
The next day, we arrived in Sanary Sur Mer and took a short ride to Aix en Provence. We were greeted at Chateau Calissanne with the “red carpet treatment,” where we were met by the owner, Sophie Kessler-Matiere. She entertained us by putting us in trucks and taking us up the steep hillsides in Aix de Provence. There where old Roman ruins, eagles nests and plentiful herbs in the making among the brush. The white wines where mostly Vermentino (Rolle) and Marsanne. The reds where mostly Mouvedre, Syrah and Grenache. One of the cool things I learned about the area was that it’s where the limestone was cut for our own Statue of Liberty!
We also had a chance to visit Chateau d’Esclans in Provence and were greeted by head winemaker Patrick Leon (some of you may already know that he, along with Tim Mondavi of Continuum Estate, made the first 20 vintages of Opus One. He now owns vineyards in Bordeaux but consults and makes wines for Sacha Lichine.) D’Esclans is a name for the area where the vineyards are located and is simply translated to “Area of Clans.” A lot of clans and tribes settled there throughout the years, and the name d’Eclans is on many wine labels from that area (much like the word Napa).
- The incredible vantage point from Chateau Calissanne
The winemaking we saw was state-of-the-art, and it was the first time I had seen the use of an electronic grape sorter. Instead of having people hand sort grapes all day (and sometimes all night), this machine uses an electric eye. The winemakers input the exact color and size of the grape they want and the machine de-stems them, rolls them like eggs into a tray, and then the eye assesses the grapes. If they are not perfect, a puff of air pushes them out of their slot and into the discard pile. It was absolutely amazing and replaced the work of about 12 people (an approximate savings of $250,000!). The wines of Chateau d’Esclans are all about Roses . They make the best Rose in the world, in this man’s opinion, and are the only ones to offer single vineyard expressions such as “Garrus.” (We carry their estate Rose on our Sommelier Selection list at Morton’s.)
After our tour of their facilities, Patrick Leon was also nice enough to come back to our ship that evening and give us a trip through a Bordeaux Wine Dinner, for which he found some amazing gems!
- The Guests of “Morton’s Wine Cruise”
It was an incredible finish to an incredible journey. While I was sad to leave some of the most beautiful areas in Europe and our group of dynamic guests, I was so appreciative to have had this intimate experience at world-renowned wineries throughout the Italian and French Riviera. And after a few more weeks of having to deal with this harsh reality, I’ll be able to pack my bags to host our next excursion…”Morton’s Wine Flight” to Napa Valley, CA!
Salut!
Tylor Field
V.P. of Wine & Spirits
Morton’s The Steakhouse
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH LINDSEY SHELLHORN
17 months ago
Morton’s The Steakhouse Bartender, Lindsey Shellhorn, is Indianapolis’ newest pioneer of innovative mixology. Lindsey was recently in Las Vegas where she shared the stage with 47 of the country’s top mixologists for a chance at the title of “USBG Nation’s Most Inspired Bartender.” Lindsey’s cocktail, The Tennis Club, is made with Bombay Sapphire, Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice, sugar and Pop Rocks candy. Her masterpiece advanced her to the USBG Bartender Summit in Las Vegas held on September 11 – 12. Even though she didn’t make the Top Ten, Lindsey says, “My trip was so amazing! It was one of the best experiences of my life. I met top mixologists of the world and Chef Tyler Florence hosted the second night. All the Sapphire Brand Ambassadors were there, so it was a great networking event.”
Lindsey Shellhorn and The Tennis Club
A bartender at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Indianapolis for more than a year, Lindsey, who is self-taught, was encouraged to enter the contest by a Morton’s hostess who loves Bombay Sapphire. At age 25, Lindsey was one of the youngest competitors in Las Vegas. A student at IUPUI, she is studying convention and event management. “I love being a bartender, and I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to be nationally recognized in my field,” Lindsey says.
OCCUPATION: Bartender.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Energetic, clumsy, loving.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: San Diego, CA. I love the boardwalk in Mission Beach.
FAVORITE DESIGNER(S): TOMS shoes. They’re eco-friendly and every pair you buy TOMS sends a new pair to a child in Africa.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Spending time with my wonderful boyfriend, Jared, family and good friends.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: Zip lining through the Rainforest.
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: The Tennis Club.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: True Blood on HBO.
FAVORITE PLACE TO DE-STRESS: My bath tub.
FAVORITE GETAWAY TO CHILL OUT: Nashville, IN. There are all these lovely little shops and my favorite dinner spot is the Hob Nob Corner Restaurant.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE BLOCKBUSTER: Mila Kunis.
PRIZED POSSESSION: My Blackberry.
ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE MY MOOD: Excited!
WHOM I MOST ADMIRE: My mom, for showing me how to be a confident, compassionate, independent woman.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Making it to the semi-final round of “USBG Nation’s Most Inspired Bartender” Contest.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE…The best part of being me is…: The ability to talk to anyone. This makes bartending more of an activity for me rather than a job.
Las Vegas billboard featuring The Tennis Club!
TELL US ABOUT THE TENNIS CLUB. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THE COCKTAIL? WHAT’S IN IT?
The Tennis Club is a refreshing, summery cocktail with candy as an added bonus! When I was creating my specialty cocktail I thought that since Sapphire already as a fresh nature like taste to it, why not enhance the juniper with St. Germaine to give it an all around floral taste. The Tennis Club has a sugar cube, muddled with juice from half a lemon, St. Germaine, Bombay Sapphire and Soda. Shake all of this together and pour into a cocktail glass and top with pop rocks which gives this drink a little extra fizz.
Here’s the recipe:
“The Tennis Club”
2 oz Bombay Sapphire
1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 sugar cube
1 tablespoon Pop Rocks candy
Put the Bombay Sapphire, sugar, lemon juice and St. Germain in a cocktail shaker and with the back of a long-handled spoon or a cocktail muddler, press on the sugar until it dissolves. Shake. Pour into a cocktail glass. Add Pop Rocks candy just before serving. Enjoy!
Reported by Chris Mercier, Coles Marketing Communications
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH LARRY FITZGERALD
07 months ago
Larry Fitzgerald
Now that the NFL is officially back in session, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals is doing what he loves best: playing football on the field and giving back to kids off the field. So what does the Fitz do to relax? We caught up with the superstar wide receiver during a rare time-out and here he ruminates on Will Smith, fatherhood, and a little quest to win the Super Bowl.
OCCUPATION: Professional Football Player and University of Phoenix student.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Faith, focus, finish.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Seychelles Islands. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever traveled to and I had the opportunity to visit these islands during the off season earlier this year.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Spending time with my three-and-a-half year old son, Devin.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: I would love to WIN a Super Bowl!
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: Playing in the Super Bowl.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: I don’t drink.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: I love HGTV. There are so many great programs on that channel!
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: Chilling out at my house on the lake in Minnesota. During the off season, I enjoy jet skiing and going out on my boat.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER: Without question, Will Smith. He is very funny and seems to be pretty down-to-earth. Not to mention he is an extremely talented actor.
PRIZED POSSESSION: I really love watches. I would say my most prized possession is my extensive watch collection.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I say a prayer before I step out onto the field before every game.
IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALL PLAYER, I’D BE: I would definitely be a school teacher.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: WINNING!
Join NFL Superstar Larry Fitzgerald and his Arizona Cardinals teammates for big steaks and a great cause on Monday, October 3 when they trade in their uniforms and helmets for plates and aprons at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ. Morton’s The Steakhouse would also like to thank our lead corporate sponsors, DISC and The Starkey Foundation, for their generous support!