Brad Japhe

Sip & Guzzle, the acclaimed West Village bar, has rapidly achieved continental recognition, earning top awards and James Beard honors for its exceptional drinks and food. Co-owner Justin Weitz, a New York lawyer and art collector, is revealed as the visionary behind its meteoric rise. Inspired by extensive Japanese travels, Weitz conceived the bar as a "love letter" bridging New York and Tokyo's distinct culinary and cocktail cultures. He meticulously assembled an all-star team, including bar legends Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider, and top chefs. Weitz emphasizes creating immersive experiences and storytelling, drawing lessons from Eleven Madison Park's thoughtful service and Japan's "shokunin" philosophy. His role extended from securing capital and design to developing the acclaimed food program, ensuring every detail reinforces the unique New York-Tokyo narrative.

Securing reservations at elite restaurants and bars has become a competitive, multi-billion dollar market, often hampered by bots and fragmented systems. Serial entrepreneur Alex Zhardanovsky launched PRIMA to revolutionize this. PRIMA is a dedicated marketplace connecting restaurants, hotels, concierges, and guests, aiming to streamline the hospitality experience. It monetizes premium demand, offering restaurants guaranteed high-intent diners and a share of access fees, while concierges earn commissions. Guests gain access to exclusive, prime-time availability, with bookings integrated directly into restaurant systems to ensure authenticity. Zhardanovsky envisions an interconnected hospitality ecosystem where technology enhances the human element, making extraordinary experiences easier to discover and share, and redefining VIP status by value created. PRIMA is expanding globally, disrupting the industry by building trust and efficient "highways" between venues.

Securing reservations at elite restaurants and bars has become a competitive, multi-billion dollar market, often hampered by bots and fragmented systems. A new app hopes to change it for good.

Australia boasts 65 diverse wine regions, but McLaren Vale, just south of Adelaide, offers a unique blend of wine, art, and culture. This coastal community caters to oenophiles, gourmands, and art-lovers with its exceptional Shiraz and Grenache, grown in ancient soils.

OMNIA Nightclub, a decade-old Las Vegas staple, has significantly expanded its offerings with the new OMNIA Dayclub & Skybar. This 46,000 square-foot outdoor addition creates an unparalleled entertainment complex, blending indoor and alfresco experiences. The Dayclub has already drawn A-list celebrities like Lebron James and top DJs such as Zedd and Armin Van Buuren. Beyond its scale, OMNIA focuses on sophisticated cocktail programs, featuring premium spirits in drinks like the Four Berry Buck and Watermelon Margarita. Designed by Tao Group Hospitality, the venue combines European beach club aesthetics with modern technology, including an 8K LED screen, to deliver a unique "festival meets beach" vibe. This innovative approach has garnered instant success, with many guests now favoring the daytime party, solidifying OMNIA's position as a leader in Vegas entertainment.

Whiskey expert Aaron Goldfarb, author of "Hacking Whiskey," names Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon as the best yearly release. He commends its consistent quality, avoiding the overhyped and overpriced issues of many allocated whiskeys. The new 2026 iteration honors master distiller Eddie Russell's 45th anniversary with Wild Turkey. This "brown sugar bomb," bottled at 121.2 proof, features deep flavors of toffee, oak, and a spicy finish, compiled from barrels aged 14-18 years. Goldfarb notes its $200 ultra-premium price point, yet it's often found near retail, unlike many counterparts. He asserts that while some perceive Wild Turkey as a budget brand, connoisseurs appreciate the Russell family's sophisticated, multi-generational craftsmanship.

The Negroni and boulevardier are classics for a reason. But maybe it’s time to mix up another one of our favorite recipes.

The ASCOT Awards recently unveiled its 2026 Best In Class winners. The top scotch this year went to a highly revered non-age-stated single malt.

George T. Stagg bourbon has been named "Best In Show" at the 2026 ASCOT Awards, securing the top honor across all whiskey categories, including Scotch, Irish, and Japanese. This highly sought-after, cask-strength offering from Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection, specifically the 2025 expression, impressed judges with its complex profile, featuring notes of sarsaparilla, dried fruits, chocolate, and a leathery finish, despite its potent 71.4% ABV. ASCOT organizer Fred Minnick praised the BTAC series as defining. While the allocated bourbon often fetches around $1000 on secondary markets due to its legendary status and consistent accolades, a more accessible, year-round "Stagg" option is available for under $200, offering a similar barrel-strength experience.

While the gin market sees a surge in "New World Gins" that often de-emphasize juniper, Northern Ireland's Boatyard Distillery is making waves by doubling down on the classic botanical. Their acclaimed Double Gin, a wheat-based spirit, features eight botanicals, including local farm-sourced ingredients, and undergoes a unique double juniper vapor infusion process. This results in a 92-proof gin with a pungent, piney nose, earthy zest, and creamy finish, perfect for classic cocktails. Beyond its distinctive flavor, Boatyard is the Emerald Isle's first carbon-neutral, B Corp certified distillery, prioritizing environmental and social impact. Following international success, the brand is now expanding into the US market, led by industry veteran Tim Herlihy, aiming to bring its juniper-forward gin to American shelves and drink menus.