![Thanksgiving in Philly: perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Find Recipe Inside]](https://philly.flavrreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/6D4A5499-1024x683.jpg)
Comedy Legend Tom Papa at The Scranton Cultural Center with his 2023 Comedy Tour on March 10
With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Tom Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country finding success in film, TV, radio and podcasts as well as on the live stage.
He is a regular guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and the late night TV shows.
For tix to Tom Papa at The Scranton Cultural Center.
On May 12, Tom released his second book, “You’re Doing Great!: And Other Reasons To Stay Alive,” a collection of essays on how people really live in modern America and what’s truly good and wonderful about our lives.
Tom Papa at The Scranton Cultural Center.
On February 4, Netflix premiered Tom’s fourth hour-long stand-up special, “Tom Papa: You’re Doing Great!” A hilarious rebuttal to the current cultural feeling of dread, Tom wants viewers to remember that they are doing great; life isn’t perfect, it never will be, and that’s okay.
Tom’s new podcast, “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa,” premiered on May 12 and features Tom and his guest for an hour of eating, drinking and enjoying life. Listeners are invited to take a seat at the table as Tom and his guests celebrate the true meaning of breaking bread with insightful, revealing and always funny conversations.
Tom is host of the daily Netflix radio show, “What A Joke With Papa And Fortune,” on SiriusXM’s Netflix Channel, airing Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 AM – Noon ET.
To learn more, visit tompapa.com.
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Drink like a Movie Star: Clarendelle, Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of 97th Oscars
Drink like a Movie Star: Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of 97th Oscars
Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Exclusive Wines Poured at the 97th Oscars Ceremony
Clarendelle and the family company Domaine Clarence Dillon announce the brand’s return as the official wine partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Wine for the Academy
The Academy Awards, renowned for their glamour and celebration of cinematic excellence, also feature a notable emphasis on fine wines during their events. A substantial amount of wine is served to accommodate the numerous attendees. For instance, during the 90th Academy Awards, over 2,400 bottles of wine were provided, equating to approximately 14,000 glasses.
Annually, the Academy hosts several official events where wine is prominently featured. The most notable of these is the Governors Ball, the official post-ceremony celebration, where distinguished wines and champagnes are served to winners, nominees, and guests. In addition to the main ceremony and the Governors Ball, there are various pre-show receptions and ancillary gatherings throughout the awards season, each offering curated wine selections to complement the festivities.
These events underscore the Academy’s commitment to providing a luxurious and celebratory atmosphere, with fine wines playing a central role in the experience.
For the third consecutive year, the prestigious family-owned wine company will exclusively pour exceptional red and white wines at the 97th Oscars® ceremony.
This partnership bridges the world of fine wine and film, elevating the Oscars experience for Hollywood’s biggest stars.
In addition to delighting guests at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon wines will be served at the iconic Governors Ball after the Oscars ceremony and the Official Oscars® Watch Party at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This year, Governors Ball attendees can enjoy a glass of our elegant and contemporary wines while winners have their Oscar® statuettes engraved. The wines will also be perfectly complemented with a legendary gastronomic menu crafted by Wolfgang Puck Catering for an unforgettable evening.
“Before joining the family business, I began my career as a screenwriter, so to have the opportunity to partner with the Oscars for the third consecutive year is truly an honor,” said President and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon, Prince Robert of Luxembourg. “This collaboration is a natural extension of my family’s longstanding commitment and deep connection to film and the arts.”
Domaine Clarence Dillon will introduce two new wines for the star-studded events:
- La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2021: A sought-after white wine of rare delicacy with only 1,000 cases produced annually, La Clarté brings together the qualities of a fine white Bordeaux wine with fresh citrus and white flower aromas, followed by a crisp and refreshing finish of lemony brightness.
- Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015: Château Haut-Brion became the first Bordeaux vineyard to be named after its terroir, making the estate the first luxury brand in the world. The exquisite red Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015 is similar in style and elegance to its elder and encompasses all unique attributes of a fine wine with an attractive profile – smooth yet powerful, tasty and full-bodied, with notes of ripe fruit leaving an impression of freshness and volume, without heaviness.
Among the returning wine favorites are:
- Clarendelle Bordeaux White 2023: A refined and elegant wine, offering bright citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, balanced by the smooth sweetness of pear and lychee.
- Clarendelle Bordeaux Red 2016: A wine with fruity aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant alongside floral overtones balanced by great tannic power and delicious velvety texture.
- Clarendelle Amberwine 2021: A complex, well-concentrated and modern sweet wine distinguished by its freshness and harmonious balance of floral fruit and acidity with a smooth finish.
Founded in 1935, Domaine Clarence Dillon is a family-owned group renowned for its prestigious Bordeaux estates, including Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Quintus. Under the leadership of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the company has earned a global reputation for excellence in winemaking, joining Primum Familiae Vini, an international association of some of the world’s finest wine producing families. Domaine Clarence Dillon has long been a supporter of the arts, with Prince Robert’s background and screenwriting playing an essential role in merging the worlds of wine and cinema by bringing Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon to the biggest night in Hollywood.
For more information, follow on Instagram @clarendelle @chateauhautbrion_ @chateaulamissionhautbrion @chateauquintus @leclarenceparis.
Philly Orders The White Lotus Season 3 with Patrick Schwarzenegger Sipping Ketel One Family Made Vodka and Tanqueray Gin
‘Sip into The White Lotus’ with Patrick Schwarzenegger for Season 3 with Ketel One Family Made Vodka and Tanqueray Gin
Ketel One Family Made Vodka, one of the bestselling and top trending vodkas (Drinks International, 2025), and Tanqueray Gin, the seven-time winner of the bartenders’ choice of gin (Drinks International, 2023), have long been at the forefront of cocktail culture, consistently shaping and elevating the craft with their unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.
The Cocktail Culture of The White Lotus: Sipping in Style
HBO’s The White Lotus isn’t just known for its biting satire and stunning backdrops—it’s also quietly shaped the world of cocktail culture. Set against the luxurious resorts of Hawaii and Sicily, the show’s characters are often seen clutching artfully crafted drinks, turning simple sips into statements about wealth, indulgence, and escapism. In Season 1, tropical classics like the Mai Tai and Pineapple Daiquiri make frequent appearances, aligning with the show’s Hawaiian setting and nodding to the tiki cocktail revival. These vibrant, rum-based drinks not only complement the scenery but also subtly underscore themes of paradise lost.
Season 2 shifts to Sicily, and with it comes a more European drinking aesthetic. Think Aperol Spritzes, Negronis, and chilled white wines, evoking la dolce vita while masking the tension simmering beneath the surface. The show’s cocktail choices aren’t just background props—they reflect character dynamics and mood. For example, Tanya’s over-the-top drink orders often mirror her chaotic, lavish lifestyle.
Since its debut, The White Lotus has inspired bartenders and fans alike to recreate its signature drinks, blending TV-inspired nostalgia with real-world cocktail trends. Whether it’s a Mai Tai or a Spritz, every glass tells a story.
In an exciting collaboration with Max and HBO, the two iconic brands invite fans of The White Lotus to experience the timeless elegance and charm that define both the series and their curated cocktail creations.
In anticipation of the series returning on February 16, on Max and HBO, Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin introduce, ‘Sip into The White Lotus,’ a dynamic, multifaceted collaboration which includes series-inspired cocktails, Thailand destination giveaway, immersive events and engaging content.
“Our partnership with Max and HBO’s hit series The White Lotus is a perfect blend of luxury and sophistication. The show’s exploration of timeless hospitality aligns perfectly with the craftsmanship behind Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin, both of which are synonymous with the highest standards of quality,” said Julie Yufe, Senior Vice President of Vodka, Gin and Rum at DIAGEO North America. “The show is a cultural phenomenon, creating its own universe of intrigue and vibrancy. As consumers increasingly value experiences, we’ve been intentional about crafting fan-centric moments where our brands can create memorable occasions with every sip.”
Inspired by the show’s luxurious destinations, the partnership with Max and HBO kicks off with an original short film starring actor and entrepreneur Patrick Schwarzenegger, who whisks viewers away to a dreamy Thai escape. As Patrick mixes The White Lotus Vesper Martini—crafted with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin to embody the captivating elegance fans expect from the show—he invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world of The White Lotus, exploring its story, characters, and the lavish setting of the highly anticipated new season.
“Being part of the cast of The White Lotus has been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to partner with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray gin to bring fans closer to the unforgettable moments of season three,” said Schwarzenegger. “Just like these iconic spirits, The White Lotus is all about storytelling and savoring every experience. I can’t wait to watch the new season unfold while toasting The White Lotus Vesper Martini with friends and family.”
To toast to season three of HBO’s The White Lotus, Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin have crafted exclusive cocktails inspired by the season’s stunning Thailand setting: The White Lotus Vesper Martini and The White Lotus Punch.
The White Lotus Vesper Martini is an elegant twist on the traditional cocktail, featuring Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray London Dry Gin as its smooth, classic base. It delivers a refined, refreshing tasting sip with a sophisticated balance of dry and fruity notes. A French white wine aperitif adds crispness, while lychee liqueur imparts a delicate floral sweetness. The White Lotus Punch strikes a perfect balance between tart and tropical, making it the ideal cocktail for any getaway. With a vibrant blend of Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray London Dry Gin, it showcases tropical flavors of pineapple, mango, and lime. The gin lends a hint of herbal complexity, while the tropical fruits provide sweet, juicy depth.
The unique creations tap into a feeling of luxury familiar to a White Lotus guest while reimagining how fans can enjoy cocktails with a modern twist. Featured in The White Lotus limited-edition cocktail kits, these perfect accessories for viewing parties include everything needed to craft season three-inspired drinks at home. Fans 21+ can purchase the kits at https://www.cocktailcourier.com/pages/the-white-lotus-cocktails.
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The White Lotus Punch ¾ oz. Ketel One Vodka ½ oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin 1 oz. lime juice ¾ oz. mango syrup 2 oz. pineapple juice
Combine all ingredients into a highball glass filled with crushed ice and stir. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve. |
The White Lotus Vesper Martini ¾ oz. Ketel One Vodka ½ oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin ¼ oz. French white wine aperitif 1 bar spoon or teaspoon lychee liqueur 1 bar spoon or teaspoon butterfly pea tea
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lychee. |
Thanksgiving in Philly: perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Find Recipe Inside]
This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
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Harry Styles Returns to East Coast for ‘Love On Tour’ Aug 28 – Sept 21
Harry Styles Returns to East Coast for ‘Love On Tour’ Aug 28 – Sept 21
international superstar Harry Styles has announced Love On Tour 2022 in support of his new album Harry’s House.
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Coming off of a sold out 42-date arena tour in 2021 and two special One Night Only shows in New York and London, the highly anticipated 2022 tour will allow fans to have access to multiple nights in each major city turning iconic venues into Harry’s House for the run of shows.
Produced by Live Nation, the tour will include a massive 32 nights at many of North America’s most notable venues, kicking off on Monday, August 15th and Tuesday, August 16th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
Related: Imagine Dragons, Macklemore, Kings Elliot Heads to SoCal in September for Mercury World Tour
Styles will continue his residencies in New York City for ten nights at Madison Square Garden, Austin for five nights at Moody Center, and Chicago for five nights at United Center, before wrapping up at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum for 10 night run concluding on Tuesday, November 15th.
PRESALES: To ensure tickets get into the hands of fans, the tour has partnered with Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform. Fans can register now HERE through Thursday, May 19th at 10pm ET for the Verified Fan presale. Registered fans who receive a code will have access to purchase tickets before the general public Wednesday, May 25th starting at 12pm local time. Only fans that have received a unique code will have the chance to purchase tickets for performances on a first come, first served basis.
American Express® Card Members can get first access to Harry Styles tickets for his North American tour by registering for American Express® Early Access powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan*.
US registration begins Thursday, May 5th at 3pm ET/ 12pm PT through Thursday, May 19th at 10pm ET. Verified Card Members who are selected for the presale, can purchase tickets starting Tuesday, May 24th.
American Express® Card Members in Canada have access to Harry Styles Front of Line® presale tickets for his Toronto dates starting Tuesday, May 24th at 12pm local time to 10pm local time.
Related: Florence + the Machine Heads to Hollywood Bowl Oct 14 with Dance Fever
TICKETS: General on sale for tickets will begin Thursday, May 26th at 12pm local time at hstyles.co.uk/tour.
HARRY STYLES LOVE ON TOUR 2022 DATES:
Mon Aug 15 –Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena is Harry’s House^
Tue Aug 16 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena is Harry’s House^
Sun Aug 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Thu Sep 01 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Fri Sep 02 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Sat Sep 03 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Wed Sep 07 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Thu Sep 08 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Sat Sep 10 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Wed Sep 14 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Thu Sep 15 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Wed Sep 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House*
Sun Sep 25 – Austin, TX – Moody Center is Harry’s House~
Mon Sep 26 – Austin, TX – Moody Center is Harry’s House~
Wed Sep 28 – Austin, TX – Moody Center is Harry’s House~
Thu Sep 29 – Austin, TX – Moody Center is Harry’s House~
Sun Oct 02 – Austin, TX – Moody Center is Harry’s House~
Thu Oct 06 – Chicago, IL – United Center is Harry’s House#
Sat Oct 08 – Chicago, IL – United Center is Harry’s House#
Sun Oct 09 – Chicago, IL – United Center is Harry’s House#
Thu Oct 13 – Chicago, IL – United Center is Harry’s House#
Fri Oct 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center is Harry’s House#
Mon Oct 31 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Wed Nov 02 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Fri Nov 04 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Sat Nov 05 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Mon Nov 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Wed Nov 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Fri Nov 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Sat Nov 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Mon Nov 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
Tue Nov 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum is Harry’s House+
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Philly’s Mystical Genie’s Secret Bazaar is coming!
Support Key
^Madi Diaz
*Blood Orange~Gabriels
#Jessie Ware
+Ben Harper
*Ticketmaster Verified Fan keeps bots out of the ticket buying process. While Ticketmaster Verified Fan does not guarantee that every fan will have the opportunity to purchase tickets, it does make the ticket buying experience fairer by ensuring only other fans are competing to purchase tickets. A simple registration is all it takes to get verified and have the opportunity to be invited to buy tickets.
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6 Reasons to Fall in Love with Ben Holladay Bourbon
Wanna Fall in Love With a New Bourbon? Here are 6 Reasons to Taste Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Missouri’s oldest distillery underwent a $10 million renovation in 2015 and began distilling bourbon on-site again for the first time in three decades.
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For bourbon-lovers, it’s time to get very excited.
The release of Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the Holladay Distillery is now exactly one month away.
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Here are 6 Reasons to Taste Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey
#1 Ben Holladay Bourbon is the Real Deal
Ben Holladay Bourbon is Bottled-in-Bond, a designation that signals the highest level of authenticity and adherence to rigorous distilling standards.
This is handcrafted small batch bourbon, with each batch being pulled monthly from different barrels spread out on different floors of our two seven-story rickhouses and blended by our master distiller to match our strict criteria for flavor profile.
It was produced at a distillery that has a fascinating true history more compelling than any craft story you’ve been sold, and which has remained American-owned throughout all 166 years of its existence.
Related: Superstar Chef Bobby Flay heads to Las Vegas Strip for his favorite parts of Italian cuisine
#2 Ben Holladay Bourbon is made the Old-Fashioned Way
The Holladay Distillery was founded in 1856, making it Missouri’s oldest distillery.
There is a fine balance between the evolving technology of modern distillation and this long legacy of distilling history.
They have strived to honor the traditions of the past by renovating the original stillhouse, cooking with the original mash bill, distilling our bourbon in a column still with doubler, and using two cookers to heat the corn at a high temperature and the more delicate grains at a lower temperature.
#3 Ben Holladay Bourbon is the 5%
It is a common misconception that bourbon can only be made in Kentucky. While it is true that ninety-five percent of the world’s bourbon supply comes from Kentucky, the spirit is by definition American-made.
Bourbon can only be made in the United States and it can be made in any state, but the finest bourbon results from an ideal combination of climate and geology that is rare outside of Kentucky but is found in Weston, Missouri.
Ben Holladay Bourbon meets both the federal requirements for bourbon and the additional Missouri state requirements to be classified as Real Missouri Bourbon.
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#4 Location, Location, Location
The Holladay Distillery sits on land with active limestone springs that were first charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804. Limestone provides minerality and promotes fermentation, while also filtering out impurities and iron that can affect the spirit’s color and taste.
The Midwestern climate of dry and cold winters with hot and humid summers result in variations in temperature that are ideal for aging bourbon. The barrels age in two historic rickhouses called ironclads that are not climate controlled, allowing the temperature to vary by as much as thirty degrees between the top and bottom floors.
“Stagecoach King” Ben Holladay, who founded the Holladay Distillery in 1856
#5 Ben Holladay was a Giant of the West
Ben Holladay is one of the greatest unknown figures in American history, an original transportation tycoon who has been called the “Elon Musk of his day.”
He was famed as the “Stagecoach King” for creating the Overland Express stagecoach lines that were ultimately sold to Wells Fargo, just one piece of a transportation portfolio that also included steamships, streetcars, and a railroad.
He even owned the Pony Express for part of its brief history.
With everything from silver mines to saloons also under his domain, he was the largest individual employer in the US in the 1860s and kept close counsel with everyone from President Lincoln to Brigham Young.
He built an empire that spanned the entire country, and this distillery is the only piece left standing.
Related: The world’s most expensive whiskey collectors’ set is here. Find the luxury details
Kyle Merklein, Master Distiller at the Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri
#6 Kyle Merklein is Modern Distilling’s Best
Crafting bourbon is equal parts art and science. Their Master Distiller, Kyle Merklein, earned his biological/agricultural engineering degrees from Kansas State, with a Master’s research focus on the optimization of various fermentation systems.
He’s been in charge of the distillery’s bourbon operation and new product development since 2016 and has spent countless hours comparing the lab work on current barrels to the data found in the company’s old handwritten ledgers and TTB records going back decades, all while working toward his Ph.D. in industrial engineering.
Merklein has a true passion for bourbon and an attentiveness to the most minute details of bourbon-making that keeps him awake at night. He was the exact right person for the formidable task of producing a bourbon that both honors Holladay’s legacy and exceeds modern standards.
Related:
Philly’s Mystical Genie’s Secret Bazaar is coming!
ABOUT HOLLADAY DISTILLERY
Founded in 1856 by “Stagecoach King ” Ben Holladay in Weston, Missouri, Holladay Distillery is the premium spirits division of McCormick Distilling Company. The company’s brand portfolio includes Five Farms Irish Cream, 360 Vodka, Tequila Rose, Broker’s Gin, Whicked Pickle, and more. Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a six-year-old, Bottled-in-Bond, handcrafted small batch bourbon, will launch in May 2022. Learn more at holladaydistillery.com or holladaybourbon.com and follow @holladay1856.
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Philly’s answer for Rose’ Wine: NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker shares his Dinner Party Adventures, French Summer Escapes and the future of the Rose’ Revolution
NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker shares his dinner party secrets, favorite french summer escapes and the future of the Rose’ Revolution.
In his incredible basketball career, Tony Parker earned four NBA Championships with the San Antonio Spurs, was selected for six All-Star teams and named MVP of the 2007 Finals.
But these days, his passion for food and wine is keeping him even more inspired.
Starting as a boy growing up in France, the memorable dinner parties he hosted during his NBA days, his summer escapes to French Vineyards during the off-season.
It’s no surprise that now he diving into the French wine world, buying Château La Mascaronne in Provence with legendary business partner Michel Reybier.
A magnificent adventure for the next vintage of his life’s journey.
Château La Mascaronne Rose’ COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE
Today I sat down with Tony Parker (over audio-only speakerphone) for a conversation about dinner parties, french vacation, getting busy in vineyards, and the future of Rose’ wine.
The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The full conversation can be found on our YouTube channel.
Also, the podcast version is here:
You’ve been diving into the world of winemaking with Michel Reybier and his team. Can you talk a little bit about the adventure, any surprises or lessons?
It’s been amazing. I always wanted to invest in a project like that. The first time I tried wine was when I was 17 years old. I wanted to keep learning about it and get my knowledge better around the wine world. And so when I was 19, I finally made enough money to afford all those great wines.
I was lucky enough to play for a coach who loved wine, had a huge collection, was reading wine magazines every trip. And so that’s how we bonded. As I got better, in my knowledge of wine, I started to invite all the best [people] in San Antonio to come to do a nice dinner at my house with Coach Popovich, and then the next day I would invite them to a Spurs game.
Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE
Then during the summer I started making trips to the vineyard. I started to know them better. Because in the wine world, obviously, you have great families. They’re super passionate. And that’s how I started; working on my allocation and the good bottles, the Reserves.
Tony Parker and Michel Reybier – SEBASTIEN CLAVEL
When I retired I wanted to be more involved. But it’s very hard to invest in the wine business because it’s either in the family for generations and generations. Those big companies buy everything. And so I was very lucky, through mutual friends I met Mr. Reybier and after talking for six or eight months, we decided to become partners. Now I’m a proud Owner / Ambassador / Everything.
You mentioned the wine dinners you had in San Antonio. Just for us massive foodies, can you help us fantasize for a moment?
What kind of food was served? What kind of wines were poured? Can you take us back to those nights?
I had a private chef. My private chef would work with the vineyard. We tell them who’s coming, how many people, which bottles and what year they will send us.
Then they will work with my staff to make sure we make a menu accordingly, to make sure that everything is matched with what we are drinking.
So when the [dinner party] came to my house, we tried [the vintages] 1969, 1982, 2000 and 2009. It was unbelievable. Great bottles, great vintages.
And for me, I’m very lucky too because I’m born in 1982 and it’s one of the best years for wine, especially in Bordeaux. So every time I visit a castle in Bordeaux, the employees are always super happy because it’s a good opportunity for them, as the owner, to open an ‘82 [vintage].
Most of the time, they’ll come and say thank you to me, saying it’s [their] first time trying an ‘82 [vintage]. Because nowadays, they don’t open those 82’s a lot.
You’ve hinted at your sports background, obviously you have become a master. Is there any lesson that you mastered in sports that you’ve brought into the wine world with you?
The passion and the work ethic. Obviously in the wine world I will never try to be and talk like a Sommelier, they studied for that. Even if I have good knowledge and I’ve been working with vineyards. And I’m learning all the time, especially since I’ve been owning vineyards. I did Harvest. I did the assemblage. Which is when you try all the possible [options], and you decide what the wine is going to be.
Tony Parker and Michel Reybier – SEBASTIEN CLAVEL
I’ve been working with great directors. Our director is unbelievable. The director at La Mascaronne, she’s great too. And so for me, it’s been great knowledge, and a great learning process to learn even more about wine.
What inspired you to choose the partner with Chateau La Mascaronne?
When I met him, I knew he was huge in the wine business and obviously it brings a lot of credibility when you work with somebody like Michel Reybier because he’s been at this for so long and he’s the owner of one of the best wines in the world with Château Cos d’Estournel.
That’s how I knew him and that was big time. When he talked about La Mascaronne, he bought it from Tom Bove.
Back in 2006, when I started going on vacation every summer, I started drinking Rose’ with my brothers and my friends. We love rose’ in the summer.
That’s when Miraval took off. Brad Pitt bought it with Angelina [Jolie]. He bought Miraval from Tom Bove.
Tony Parker at Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE
So [I thought] if Tom Bove hit that property perfectly with Miraval, for sure [it can happen] with La Mascaronne, it’s just a matter of time before we can do something amazing.
What’s next for you as far as the wine world goes?
Our premium rosé just came out from La Mascaronne. Only 3,000 bottles.
We’re working on more premium one’s now. I think that’s where things are going with rose’s. All these big companies and all the knowledge that they get from the red wines is coming into the Rosé world, where the Rosé is going to get better and better.
For more information on Tony Parker and La Mascaronne:
