From the Editor
December 19th, 2018
Our cover story for this winter issue is an interview with Brittany DeLoach, Director of Beverage Operations, Hard Rock International. What an enjoyable time it was, doing the interview and cover photos at the Louisville Hard Rock Café. Brittany and the staff at the Hard Rock were fun and very hospitable.
Also in this issue, we recap the B4 Summit at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, an event presented by in the Mix and IMI. Operators and suppliers attended seminars, tastings, group activities and some great social fun times.
Kathy Casey gives us a Winter Sweet Decadence recipe and Tony Abou-Ganim chases the Green Fairy down in New Orleans. Also, don’t miss Don and Helen’s visit to The Ritz-Carlton in Naples Florida, one of my favorite properties in the country, showcased in “Making the Rounds.”
I had the pleasure of attending and now writing about Treasury Wine Estates’ gala launch of Cavaliere D’Oro at Castello Di Gabbiano in Tuscany, Italy. Treasury brings us a new brand lineup of Italian wines that are extraordinary and shouldn’t be missed. I want to thank Scott Nava for the invitation and Alexis Walsh for a week of unprecedented hospitality.
Mike Raven
Managing Editor, in the Mix Media
Cover shot and interview photos by dna hospitality, Louisville, Kentucky
IMI Spotlight: Advertising Manager, Rebecca Wilkie
Say “hello” to our new Advertising Manager, Rebecca Wilkie. Rebecca will be helping me with our new and existing clients to make working with in the Mix an exceptional experience.
Rebecca has been in the beverage industry for almost two decades. She worked with Robert Mondavi Winery for five years in the Southern Division Team and National Accounts; she then joined IMI in January 2005 as an Account Manager for DIAGEO. Life tends to take you back home eventually, so she moved back to Northern California and started her own company, Cuvée Marketing, which specializes in social media implementation, strategic planning, media buying, event management and now adding the role of advertising manager for in the Mix.
Rebecca says she is happy to be back in the national accounts arena with familiar faces and people who truly make a difference in the beverage world, nationally and internationally.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Writing, beer judging, reading a good book (won’t finish a bad one), photography, hiking, and being a hometown tourist.
What is your favorite travel destination?
The beach, any beach. Something about the sound of waves, the sun going down or rising, and the peacefulness of the patterns in the sand that I can’t stay away from for too long.
What is your favorite food?
I’m going to have to say cheese on this one. I even have a cheese app from @cheesesofeurope that I reference often.
What is your favorite adult beverage?
Wine was my first love and this still holds true, especially the non-traditional varietals. And Port and Sherry!
One thing you can’t live without?
Hands down, it is quality time with family and friends.