John Aquino

U.S. Winner Announced to Head to Jerez for the Tio Pepe Challenge 2018

The results are in and Valentino Longo from Four Seasons Surfside in Miami, FL is heading to Jerez, Spain to compete on behalf of the U.S. in the Tío Pepe Challenge International Finals. This was the first time that the Tío Pepe Challenge took place in the U.S.

Final Six Bartenders Announced for the Tío Pepe Challenge 2018

The top six Sherry cocktail recipe entrants have been selected to compete at the 2018 U.S. Tío Pepe Challenge and they are: John Aquino from Coast Bar & Grill in Charleston, SC; Matthew Korzelius from The Roosevelt Room in Austin, TX; Jeremy Lake from Roseliné in Los Angeles, CA; Valentino Longo from Four Seasons Surfside in Miami, FL; Jared Sadoian from The Hawthorne in Boston, MA; and Benjamin Wood from Beatnik in Chicago, IL.

Saks Crime Ring Taken Down

WWD has reported more details about the identity-theft ring involving five Saks Fifth Avenue employees. Monday morning, the Manhattan District Attorny Cyrus Vance Jr. indicted Tamara Williams, 36; Kriss Rockson, 45; Jason Chance, 25; Alaia Harrison, 20, and Michael Knight-Williams, 44. All but Williams were associates at Saks' flagship Fifth Avenue location and used stolen customer information to purchase over $400,000 worth of designer items between April and August of this year.

FROZEN Wins Big at 12th Annual Visual Effects Awards

Disney's mega animated hit Frozen was also among the night's big winners, winning the four awards for an animated feature, including outstanding VFX, animated character, created environment, and FX and simulation animation.

GRAVITY, GAME OF THRONES Among Visual Effects Society Nominations; Full List Announced

Today, the Visual Effects Society, the industry's professional honoray society , announced the nominees for the 12th Annual VES Awards, recognizing outstanding visual effects artistry and innovation in film, animation, television, commercials? and video games.

Photo Flash: Tommy Tune, Eve Plumb, et al. Celebrate Release of Patty Farmer's 'The Persian Room Presents'

The Persian Room at the Plaza Hotel itself featured headliners including Liza Minnelli, Dolores Hope, Eartha Kit, Carol Channing, Diahann Carroll, Andy Williams, Lainie Kazan, Patti Page, and the Chairman of the Board/Ole Blue Eyes - Frank Sinatra, not to mention literary icons such as Eloise (courtesy of Hilary Knight). This week, representatives of Persian Room's history from the 1940's to the 1970's gathered to remember, admire and respect its legacy including Marge Champion, Tommy Tune, Barbara Van Orden, Carol Lawrence, Leslie Uggams, Eve Plumb and more to celebrate the launch of Patty Farmer's new book, 'The Persian Room Presents,' released by Vantage Press. See the photos below!