Las Vegas hosts International Pizza Expo: Pizza expert Colby Strilaeff Reveals 2024’s Top Pizza Trends
Fresh off yet another showstopping display at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, Hormel Foods, the maker of the best-selling retail pepperoni in the United States and a market leader in foodservice pizza toppings, is again driving the conversation on what’s trending in the pizza-topping industry.
Pizza expert Colby Strilaeff, brand manager of Foodservice at Hormel Foods, helps the company keep its proverbial finger on the pulse of the pizza-topping needs of foodservice operators, and after experiencing the annual Las Vegas trade show, Strilaeff identified the top-five pizza trends to watch out for in 2024:
Ribbon pepperoni: This topping needs no introduction in Canada, where shredded pepperoni is a staple, but Strilaeff expects the same trend to take off in the United States. Inspired by the pizza stylings of Windsor, Ontario, the introduction of HORMEL® Ribbon Pepperoni is already a game-changer for American foodservice operators, allowing for quicker pizza preparation with pepperoni that spreads as easily as shredded mozzarella. Ribbon pepperoni is also a foodservice-friendly option for non-pizza applications like pastas, subs and calzones.
Giardiniera: A condiment with deep Chicago roots, giardiniera is a celebrated tradition in many Italian American households. Giardiniera, which means “from the garden” in English, is a pickled assortment of vegetables like peppers, olives and cauliflower, submerged in a tangy mixture of vinegar and oil. The result? A flavorful medley that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, especially pizza. Italian sausage and giardiniera is a particularly delicious and increasingly popular flavor pairing on pizza.
Global flavors: Culture continues to reveal itself in pizza. “New international flavors are always being introduced in pizzerias across the country,” Strilaeff said. “It’s one of the fastest growing trends in the industry.” Flavor profiles from far and wide are featured on menus across the United States, with familiar profiles like Mexican, Cuban and Indian flavors emerging as commonly sought-after favorites. Global ingredients like chimichurri, gochujang and miso are also adding a flavor twist to popular slices.
Post-bake creativity: Cooking a pizza isn’t the final step of the pizza-making process, especially these days. “We’re seeing a lot more people get creative with what goes on pizza after it is taken out of the oven,” Strilaeff said. Ingredients like chili-infused oils and hot honeys have emerged as popular post-bake pizza toppings. Shaved Parmesan is another commonly applied accompaniment, as are basil and other leafy greens; rocket, arugula, etc.
Sesame seed crust: While not a traditional ingredient in pizza-making, sesame seeds are an increasingly popular addition for those craving an extra crunch in their pizza crust. “It adds a delicious, nutty undertone, which people really enjoy,” Strilaeff said. Whether garnished over a glistening, buttery crust or folded into the entire dough ball, look for the trend of sesame-seed crust to take off.
Hormel Foods has a long-standing reputation for creating innovative and delicious products for foodservice operators, including ROSA GRANDE® Cup & Char Pepperoni and FONTANINI® Cup & Char Sausage, both of which were successfully debuted during last year’s International Pizza Expo.
For more information on HORMEL® Ribbon Pepperoni and all other Hormel Foodservice products, visit hormelfoodservice.com.
The Cocktail That Stole the Show on the Las Vegas Strip—And Dylan Efron’s Pouring It Backstage
Forget the casino bars—On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails brought mixology magic to the AMAs at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and now it’s taking over the Strip.
Las Vegas knows how to party. From the glowing lights of the Bellagio to the edge-of-the-universe spectacle of the Sphere, the Strip is a living, breathing celebration of excess, style, and spectacle. But even in a city famous for flair, one bottled cocktail brand just managed to upstage the biggest night in music.
On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails returned as the official cocktail of the 2025 American Music Awards, which aired live from the dazzling new Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26. And let’s just say—this was not your typical lobby bar experience.
Amid star-studded performances and red carpet drama, On The Rocks™ delivered a show-stopping performance of its own, serving up bold, bartender-crafted drinks that were as camera-ready as the celebs sipping them.
Sin City, Meet Your New Signature Serve
As nominees strutted down the red carpet and fans flooded the BleauLive Theater, On The Rocks™ took over the lobby, turning it into a full-blown cocktail lounge where guests could sip high-end classics like the Old Fashioned or Margarita—straight from the bottle, no shaker required.
The buzz wasn’t limited to the bar.
Backstage, Dylan Efron poured up a round of On The Rocks™ Margaritas before clinking glasses with an Old Fashioned. The scene, aired live during the AMAs broadcast, gave audiences a rare behind-the-scenes toast and introduced the brand’s new campaign, “Make it a Cocktail.”
His moment? Casual, stylish, very Vegas—and very much the vibe On The Rocks™ is serving.
Catch the content yourself at @otrcocktails. It’s enough to make you want to swap your casino comp drink for something a little more refined.
Changing the Cocktail Game—Vegas Style
“The American Music Awards are all about celebrating the moments that bring people together—and that’s exactly what On The Rocks™ is created to do,” said Carol Robert, managing director, U.S. ready-to-drink at Suntory Global Spirits.
That quote is more than a soundbite. It’s the heart of the brand’s latest campaign, “Make it a Cocktail,” which premiered during the AMA broadcast.
Instead of saving great cocktails for dinner dates or swanky lounges, the campaign dares you to elevate everyday situations—think: grabbing a Cosmopolitan from your hotel minibar, cracking open a Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita by the pool, or sneaking a Manhattan into your Sphere viewing party.
In a city where everything is larger than life, On The Rocks™ fits right in.
Vegas-Ready Cocktails Without the Wait
Founded in 2015 by a group of restaurateurs and bartenders who wanted to bring premium cocktails to places where mixologists aren’t usually found—airports, festivals, hotel rooms—On The Rocks™ is all about pairing convenience with serious craft.
You’ll find Vegas favorites like:
The Cosmopolitan (hello, Carrie Bradshaw)
The Margarita (classic or jalapeño pineapple twist)
The Espresso Martini (because sleep is optional)
The Blue Hawaiian (poolside perfection)
The Manhattan (for when you’re feeling extra Rat Pack)
There are even limited-edition gems like the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour and the Lemon Drop Martini, plus sparkling canned options ideal for pool days or pre-gaming before a concert at the Sphere: Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito, and Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule.
This isn’t just convenience—it’s cocktail culture on your terms.
Where to Find It on (and Off) the Strip
Whether you’re staying at the Bellagio, pregaming before a show at The Sphere, or lounging at Resorts World, On The Rocks™ is a vibe you can take anywhere. Available at major retailers and hotel outlets across Las Vegas, it’s never been easier to “make it a cocktail” without waiting for table service or paying nightclub prices.
Check out the full lineup and campaign videos at ontherockscocktails.com or follow them on Instagram at @otrcocktails for exclusive content, new drops, and cocktail inspo.
Bottom line: In a city that never stops celebrating, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is the drink that keeps up. Whether you’re walking the Strip, lounging in your suite, or hitting an afterparty in a penthouse, this ready-to-pour cocktail brand brings the mixology—without missing a bea
Las Vegas’s Best-Kept Secret? The Strat with $49 Hotel Rooms With Free Perks Just Minutes from the Bellagio & Sphere
In a city where luxury can come with a jaw-dropping price tag and $25 cocktails are just part of the vibe, one iconic Las Vegas resort is doing something rare—turning back the clock.
Just north of the Bellagio fountains and within sight of the dazzling new Sphere, The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower is pulling a bold move with its just-announced “Summer of Value” promotion. For those nostalgic for the days when Vegas was a playground for savvy deal-hunters, this might be the hottest (and most unexpected) offer on the Strip.
Yes, You Read That Right: $49 Rooms—All In
Starting June 1, The STRAT is offering midweek stays for just $49 per night—and that includes all taxes and resort fees. Weekend stays? Still a jaw-dropping $99. That alone is enough to stop scrolling. But they didn’t stop there.
“We’re bringing that spirit back this summer with unprecedented rates,” said Skylar Dice, senior vice president and general manager of The STRAT. “With all taxes and resort fees included, plus daily dining credits and admission to The STRAT Tower, this package delivers exceptional value for our guests.”
What You Actually Get: A Breakdown of the “Summer of Value” Deal
Book with the promo code SSOV25 and here’s what’s included:
$25 daily dining credit to use at any of The STRAT’s restaurants or bars—yes, including the famous Top of the World Steakhouse, which slowly rotates 360 degrees atop the tower, offering unmatched panoramic views of the Strip. Other options include PT’s Wings & Sports, the stylish CHĪ Asian Kitchen, and multiple grab-and-go eateries and bars across the property.
Free admission for two to the Observation Deck—the tallest of its kind in the U.S., perched at a dizzying 1,149 feet. It’s the kind of view people come to Vegas to Instagram.
Newly renovated rooms designed with a clean, modern aesthetic—think minimalist comfort meets retro-Vegas flair. These aren’t the tired hotel rooms of yesteryear; many have been refreshed to reflect a more upscale and inviting look.
More Than a Deal: Full-On Vegas Entertainment Without Leaving the Hotel
For thrill-seekers, The STRAT is also home to some of the city’s most extreme adrenaline-pumping rides, dangling right off the side of the tower. SkyJump, Insanity, Big Shot—they’re not for the faint of heart, but they are iconic.
credit Anthony Mair
There’s also Terry Fator live, L.A. Comedy Club, and Atomic Golf, a state-of-the-art golf entertainment venue that blends nightlife with high-tech tee-offs. And let’s not forget the casino itself, which remains a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a less congested gaming experience.
Why This Deal Hits Differently Right Now
As Las Vegas continues to explode with new luxury properties, mega-resorts, and billion-dollar attractions like the Sphere, many travelers are looking for a return to what made Vegas famous in the first place: unbeatable value, unforgettable experiences, and that unmistakable thrill of feeling like you’ve discovered something just before everyone else does.
The STRAT’s “Summer of Value” package checks all those boxes. For couples looking for a spontaneous getaway, families trying to stretch their summer vacation dollars, or even locals wanting a staycation with sky-high perks, it’s the rare offer that sounds too good to be true—and somehow, isn’t.
Fine Print & Fast Facts
Available June 1 through August 28
Book with code SSOV25
Subject to blackout dates (as always, check the site or call 800-998-6937 for availability)
Free self-parking for all Nevada residents
STRAT “True Locals” program offers additional exclusive discounts
The STRAT might not be the newest resort on the Strip, but this summer, it just might be the smartest.
For more details or to book, visit www.TheSTRAT.com. But if you’re thinking about it, don’t wait—at $49 a night, the odds of these rooms disappearing fast are higher than a blackjack dealer hitting 21.
David “Big Papi” Ortiz Hits the Vegas Strip with Ozama Rum—A Dominican Spirit Poised to Take Over Sin City
In a city where big personalities, bold flavors, and luxury experiences are the currency of cool, David Ortiz’s latest project might be one of the most exciting new arrivals of the season. The Hall-of-Fame slugger—known to millions as “Big Papi”—has officially stepped into the world of premium spirits with the launch of Ozama Rum, a 100% Dominican-made brand that’s already generating serious buzz from the Bellagio to the Sphere.
More than just another celebrity-backed bottle, Ozama Rum is an unapologetically Dominican creation from top to cork. It’s bold, joyful, and beautifully made—just like its founder. And for a Las Vegas crowd that appreciates authenticity with a side of glamour, it’s hitting all the right notes.
“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” said Ortiz. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”
Ozama Rum: A Spirit With a Story
Named after the Ozama River in the heart of Santo Domingo—where Ortiz spent his childhood swimming, fishing, and crabbing for jaiba—this rum is as personal as it is premium. Every step of production takes place in the Dominican Republic, from sugarcane harvesting to fermentation, distillation, and aging in oak barrels for at least a year. The result? A rum that proudly carries the Ron Dominicano denominación de origen and a flavor profile designed to stand out on the Strip.
Launching in three expressions, Ozama offers something for every level of rum lover:
Ozama Blanco: A platinum-hued stunner with citrus and white pepper aromas, perfect for mixing at poolside cabanas or sipping over ice on a rooftop bar near the Sphere.
Ozama Añejo: A rich, copper-aged rum that delivers smooth layers of chocolate, vanilla, and toffee—ideal for pairing with an indulgent dessert at Lago or Mayfair Supper Club.
Ozama Gran Añejo: The crown jewel. This silky, amber beauty features notes of dates, raisins, honey, and fine wood. It’s made for cigar lounges and exclusive tastings tucked away behind velvet ropes.
Prices range from $25–$40 per 700ml bottle, making Ozama an accessible luxury—whether you’re a Vegas local or visiting for the weekend.
Why Ozama Rum Belongs in Las Vegas
With Vegas emerging as one of the nation’s premier markets for experiential dining and high-end mixology, Ozama Rum arrives at a perfect moment. According to GVR, the global rum market was valued at $11.77 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow by 5.6% annually through 2030. Consumers are looking for authenticity, story, and flavor—and Ozama delivers on all three.
This isn’t just a product—it’s a platform. Ortiz and his team, including Drink2Success CEO Abbott Wolfe, have big plans. “From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” said Wolfe.
That “give back” piece isn’t just PR. Two percent of Ozama’s profits will fund cleanup efforts along the Ozama River and support local Dominican communities. For Vegas consumers—who are increasingly values-driven—this social impact component is another compelling reason to raise a glass.
Available Now: Where to Find Ozama Rum in Las Vegas
Ozama is currently available online at drinkozama.com and is rolling out across the Northeast and Dominican Republic, with expansion to select cities including Las Vegas expected by late summer. Expect to see it on cocktail menus at top Strip lounges, boutique hotel bars, and exclusive VIP events as early as this fall.
Want to be ahead of the curve? Keep an eye out for curated tasting events in partnership with Latin American restaurants, luxury liquor stores, and Vegas nightlife hotspots. Follow @drinkozama on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay updated.
Final Sip: Vegas-Ready and Rooted in Culture
In a city built on spectacle and storytelling, Ozama Rum is more than a new spirit—it’s a cultural moment. Whether you’re unwinding in a Bellagio suite, mixing up cocktails for a private Sphere afterparty, or simply enjoying a quiet pour at home, this Dominican original brings joy, depth, and a taste of Big Papi’s pride.
And if you ask Ortiz, that’s the whole point.
“They say that perfection doesn’t exist,” he said. “But you can get close to it.”
Dough Ball‘s newest launch, Birthday Cake Whiskey, is a snackable reminder that you can have your cake and drink it, too!
The fastest-growing, top 12 flavored whiskey brand in the U.S.* first crashed the flavored whiskey category in August 2021, with an award-winning Cookie Dough Whiskey that national media publications have crowned “the best of class flavored whiskey.”
Due to the continued consumer demand for flavored whiskey and rapid success in its first year, Dough Ball is expanding its decadent flavor portfolio with a new and innovative Birthday Cake Whiskey. Blending the mouthwatering nostalgia of sprinkled vanilla cake with a smooth, medium-bodied, 70-proof whiskey, Birthday Cake is perfectly crafted for indulgent cocktails, creamy birthday cake shots and celebrations.
“At Dough Ball,
we’re all about creating fun and innovative whiskeys
that push the boundaries on flavor.
We think we have accomplished that with Birthday Cake,”
Joey Parris, Chief Marketing Officer at Patco Brands.
“It’s delicious, nostalgic and makes you feel like every day is your birthday.”
Within a year of launch, Dough Ball Whiskey expanded into over 30 states, becoming the fastest-growing flavored whiskey brand and winner of over a dozen awards, including the Bartender Spirits Awards, SIP Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and more.
“It’s delicious, nostalgic and makes you feel like every day is your birthday.”
Dough Ball’s new Birthday Cake Whiskey is available at select Total Wine and BevMo! locations, with additional retailers to come throughout 2024, including Ralph’s, Albertsons and Walgreens. The suggested retail price of Birthday Cake Whiskey is $26.99.
Dough Ball’s new Birthday Cake Whiskey is available at select Total Wine and BevMo! locations, with additional retailers to come throughout 2024, including Ralph’s, Albertsons and Walgreens. The suggested retail price of Birthday Cake Whiskey is $26.99.
*Nielsen, Total US x AOC + Liquor Plus + Conv, Whiskey Latest 52wks thru 12/30/2023
Dough Ball is a flavored whiskey from Patco Brands
Dough Ball is a flavored whiskey from Patco Brands, one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in the United States. Featuring notes of buttery vanilla, chocolate and caramel, smoothed out with hints of butterscotch, Dough Ball exudes flavors of warm cookie dough goodness in a delicious, 70-proof whiskey. Birthday Cake is a new flavor profile to the whiskey category, with notes of nostalgic birthday cake and vanilla buttercream frosting. Unapologetically unique, versatile and approachable, this Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake Whiskey can be enjoyed as a shot, sipped, or mixed in a cocktail. For more info, visit www.doughballwhiskey.com and follow along on social at @doughball_whiskey.
Patco Brands is for innovative premium alcohol beverages
MPL Brands NV, Inc. dba Patco Brands is a privately held import, manufacturing, marketing and sales company for innovative premium alcohol beverages. Dedicated to making award-winning, ready-to-drink wine-based products, tequilas, whiskeys, hard seltzers and other offerings, the Patco Brands mission is innovation, quality and consistency. Patco Brands is also now one of the largest importers of tequila in the U.S.
Chilli No. 5 Introduces Spicy Advent Calendar with 24 World Hot Sauce & Spice Flavors!
Chilli No. 5, the world-renowned supplier of premium spicy condiments, is excited to announce the launch of its very first Spicy Advent Calendar. Launching in a limited edition, get your hand on it to spice up your holiday season like never before as you countdown to the most magical time of the year with Chilli No. 5’s Spicy Advent Calendar.
Chilli No. 5 Introduces Spicy Advent Calendar with 24 World Hot Sauce & Spice Flavors!
Get ready to experience an epic journey through the world of heat and flavor with our handpicked selection of 24 delectable hot sauces, fiery flakes, chilli oils, and exclusive spices that will leave your taste buds stimulated. Chilli No. 5’s Spicy Advent Calendar is the ultimate gift for those who appreciate bold flavors and are eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival.
“Chilli No. 5 has always been about redefining the way you experience spice, and our Advent Calendar is no exception,” says Rumble Romagnoli, founder of Chilli No. 5. “We’ve selected a thrilling assortment of our finest creations, as well as some exclusive surprises to make your holiday season unforgettable.”
Key Features of Chilli No. 5’s Advent Calendar:
A Flavor Journey: Discover 24 unique and handcrafted hot sauces and condiments, each designed to awaken your taste buds in a different way.
High-Quality Craftsmanship: Chilli No. 5 is known for its commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and creating exceptional flavor profiles.
The Perfect Gift: Whether for yourself or a loved one, Chilli No. 5’s Advent Calendar makes for an unforgettable gift for spice enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
The Chilli No. 5 Advent Calendar is available for purchase starting today on the Chilli No. 5 website. You will put your hands on our most famous products and limited-edition :
Mexican Fury
Wicked Wasabi
Jamaican Jerk
Devilish Dijon
Chinese Hot and Sour
Perfect Piri Piri
Fiery Gazpacho
Hot Spicy Ketchup
Louisiana BBQ
Forever Phall
Heavenly Harissa
Totally Thai
Sriracha Cha Cha Cha
Ever so English
White Truffle
Spicy Sweet Chilli
Pure No. 5
Cheeky Chimichurri
Smooth Chipotle
Champagne Gold
Pizza Pizzazz
Chilli No. 5 Reaper Flakes
Chilli No. 5 Burger Spices
Chilli No. 5 Tandoori Spices
Quantities are limited, so don’t miss your chance to add some extra spice to your holiday season.
Spice up your holiday season with Chilli No. 5’s Spicy Advent Calendar and embark on a flavorful journey like no other. This December, unwrap the heat, unwrap the flavor, and unwrap the joy of Christmas with Chilli No. 5.
To explore the rich flavors of Chilli No. 5’s and elevate your culinary Christmas dinner, visit our Website.
Chilli No. 5 is a gourmet hot sauce company that was launched by British entrepreneur Rumble Romagnoli in October 2020 during Lockdown because of a lack of healthy spicy sauce options to pair with take-outs and eat-ins. Chilli No. 5’s portfolio of 18 artisan hot sauces is inspired by global cuisines and is designed to add pizzazz to a wide range of culinary creations. Designed for gourmands who wish to live a healthy active lifestyle, each hot sauce is made with only the finest ingredients and infused with superfoods, antioxidants, and supplements, as well as Chill No. 5’ exclusive five chilli blend. These powerful ingredients may help with sleep deprivation, libido, concentration, weight loss, and depression. Sauces are available in 200 ml sustainable glass bottles, 100 ml land-fill friendly pouches, 25 ml glass tasting vials and most recently 15 ml mini glass bottles. Chilli No. 5 sauces bring your food to life. Discover The Sauce of Life!
Discover Aphrodise Sparkling Wine, You should taste Before Your next Party, Frank Schilling Reveals
Whether it’s a wedding, party, or just drinks with dinner. We want taste. Maybe we want a few drinks. We also want to protect ourselves from tomorrow’s hangover.
It’s hard to find a drink that can take day to night quite like a Greek rosé and Aphrodise wants to prove it to you.
Frank Schilling, Co-Founder of Aphrodise
Today’s conversation with Frank Schilling from Aphrodise has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, un-edited conversation, visit our YouTube channel here.
Joe Winger:
Our audience is foodies. We’re wine lovers. What’s the most important message today you want to share with an audience of foodies and wine lovers?
Frank Schilling:
I’m an Epicurean myself. I don’t have a lot of pretense around my love of food and wine, I just love great food and wine and I’ve tasted so many great things.
I’m a character who hasn’t had a meal at home in 22 years. As an internet entrepreneur, I used to work, literally seven days a week for many years and eating out was my escape from my work because it’s the one place my laptop and phone couldn’t rule the day, or the moment.
For me, eating out was that escape and that vacation of the moment.
I created a life around dining out probably like many of your listeners or viewers. And I have a deep well of respect for great food and wine and also for the people who admire it and chase it, it’s a, it’s one of the great things in life.
I’m always stunned by people who don’t truly love food. I feel like they’re missing something and leaving part of life on the table.
Discovering Aphrodise sparkling wine
Joe Winger:
You have this new discovery. Let’s talk a little bit about Aphrodise. Tell me about how you discovered the grape varietal?
Frank Schilling:
I’m a wine lover. I tasted my way through Bordeaux and Burgundy.
All the way through, I could never really tell a Merlot from a Cab. I’d be lying to you if I said I knew what a Nebbiolo or a Valpolicella was and how all those grapes differed from each other.
I do enjoy great brands of wine. I do understand the difference between years and what impacts a year.
But when I was building [my restaurant] it was COVID. I was doing some fingertip math and I realized we’re gonna have to start bringing over a lot of sparkling [wine] for mimosas and for brunch. It was 300 seat restaurant, two seatings, 600 seats on a brunch [shift].
FlavRReport.com on YouTube
You start to do the math and you realize, “Wow, 52 weekends a year, bottomless mimosas. I’m going to need about 3,000 bottles of wine per quarter of champagne. So let’s go out and get some. We live on an island and supply chain management wasn’t really an option.
So we started to taste through different varieties of champagne.
I came to discover what Tom Cruise did in [the movie] “Cocktail”, which is, champagne is like perfume going down, but like sewage on the way back.
It comes from a well meant place, not mean spirited towards the great region of Champagne.
Joining the Aphrodise sparkling wine party
It’s just the nature of Champenois produced wine and that Chardonnay grape that makes a beautiful champagne is such that you just can’t consume a lot of it in the heat or humidity in the sun.
Traditional Champagne vs Aphrodise Sparkling Wine
It just isn’t the type of forgiving libation that lets you function afterwards and you don’t feel good.
The yeast isn’t good for a lot of people. Not everybody’s impacted the same way but, a large portion of the population doesn’t do well with champagne and heat in sunlight as a day drink.
The recovery profile isn’t something that people look forward to.
Aphrodise from the grape varietal called Xenomavro
I discovered that I’d had that problem myself for years. The yeast wasn’t working for me.
So when I discovered Aphrodise, it was a grape varietal called Xenomavro.
A high altitude grape, Greece’s most noble grape.
It’s a very forgiving drink. In a sparkling format, it’s something you can drink in the heat, it’s something you can drink in larger quantities, I can tell you that the recovery profile, for me and for many others, is exceptionally good.
Meaning you can drink a lot of it and bounce back and go again.
As a wine producer, that’s music to your ears. But it’s also nice knowing I’m making people feel better. I’m not putting something in the market that’s going to make you feel sick after overconsumption.
At a party enjoying Aphrodise Sparkling Wine
Joe Winger:
Just to give a little backstory. Frank, I hope you’ll talk to us a little bit about one of your first adventures. You mentioned you’re an internet entrepreneur, you had some success with website domains.
Can you explain a little bit about that and maybe a lesson you learned from that journey?
Frank Schilling:
It’s a lesson that some of your listeners and viewers probably have some experience with.
I registered a domain name back in the dot com era. Then I registered 2 [dot com names], then 10 and I got some generic names like wine.com , cars.com. Names like those.
I started to realize, wow, these names have value.
I wound up registering a lot of generic names and then I had difficulty managing them because in those early days of the Internet, it was all very unwieldy. The infrastructure for managing those names.
So I created a lot of that management infrastructure. Then in the process, grew that business over a 20 year horizon and wound up selling the 3 companies that comprised that enterprise to a company called GoDaddy, which we’ve probably all heard of.
So some of their infrastructure was my infrastructure and is now their infrastructure.
To the extent you like the new GoDaddy offering for managing domain names, you’re welcome, for the small part I played in helping that become a reality.
In the old days, I was traveling a lot. I had an office in Manchester in the United Kingdom, one in Newport beach in California and my main office here in the Cayman Islands. I would travel between the offices, New York, Miami and many other cities, just for work all around the world.
Enjoying Aphrodise Sparkling Wine
At the beginning of COVID that all came to a grinding halt. I sold those businesses and decided that with my love of food, if I was going to stay in the Cayman Islands, I realized I’m gonna have to eat at home more and I realized, the offerings of restaurants wasn’t the depth was hoping for.
So I built the restaurant, as a result of that that then led to Aphrodise.
Joe Winger:
I love the full circle of it.
Since we’ve mentioned the restaurant once or twice. Can we hear more about your restaurant Mykonos Cayman?
Frank Schilling:
Sure. During COVID lockdowns, there was a new plaza going in on the beach and I had mentally designed a restaurant years ago, but sold the real estate for it.
So when I saw the plaza going up, I was crestfallen. These guys built my dream on their land. My fantasy of what a place would look like. But then I was happy to learn that the plaza was a strata titled affair. It wasn’t owned by one conglomerate.
So I bought into that plaza so I could control the real estate. Then once I had the real estate I did a sort of “money no object” fit out that left a very residential-looking restaurant really quite beautiful.
I love the culture of Greece and I love the idea of the long lunch and the lack of pretense in the party and [being] all welcoming, with children, grownups will dance on the table and get really carried away.
The kids are running around. It’s all very loving and family oriented.
Whereas, Ibiza is a little more drug fueled and party, ragey and a little more intense.
I loved the soulful day party of Greece. We’re on an island and the Greeks are on islands. So I thought how nice it would be to bring some of that to my reserved island here in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman is more of a place you quietly go to escape and enjoy the beach and family.
It’s not really a St. Bart’s where you go to seek out a great party. I always hoped that there’d be room for at least one place like they have in St. Bart’s here.
So I built a really big place, 320 seats, super residential, relaxed, welcoming, But completely devoid of pretense. You can come in, flip flops and shorts, or you can come in a beautiful gown as we’d hope in the evening.
But we don’t have a lot of structure and posture around it. We want you to feel free when you come. So that, I built that venue here, and you can see it online.
It’s called Mykonos Cayman. We have an Instagram where people can learn about the restaurant.
When you come, please come for a glass of Aphrodise on me. Mention Frank said I could have a glass of Aphrodise
Joe Winger:
You introduced Aphrodise at the Las Vegas Wedding Show. How did it go? Why do you think Aphrodise is the best drink to have at a wedding?
Frank Schilling:
It’s the color of love. It’s a beautiful color of red.
We took it to the wedding show because I thought that wedding planners would share the same pain point that I discovered as a restaurateur. Which is, if you want to buy a bottle of great champagne, easy, you go to the liquor store.
But when you start getting up there and you need 100 cases for an event or a series of events, getting that quantity consistently and getting a good product is actually quite difficult. And expensive.
So we thought we’d introduce Aphrodise.
Knowing that we could go directly to the wedding planners and help their fulfillment and execution and deliver a better product.
Something that people could really lavish in the heat or at an after party where you’re really enjoying the bubbly and then feel better in the morning. That was really the goal.
My first champagne experience was at a wedding and I drank a little too much. For the next day or two, I was laid up.
So we try to bring something to market that is good for people or at least makes them feel good in the moment and helps them recover.
We had a line all day. I poured a 5,000 servings of Aphrodise that day. People loved it.
Let me tell you, that’s a lot of work, opening bottles. It looks very glamorous. But when you’re really going at velocity, my hands hurt at the end of the day.
We got a lot of upstart business out of that. People were like, “Wow, this stuff is actually quite good.’
Joe Winger:
Let’s talk about flavor profile.
Pouring out 5,000 samples, what’s the most common feedback we get about the flavor, aroma, the mouthfeel, what are we experiencing?
Frank Schilling:
So when you sip a drink and you talk about mouthfeel or we have a glass of wine or champagne and you have a sip and there’s a little bit of a yeasty, gamey after taste.
For some people in red wine, it can be somewhat desirable.
In champagne, unfortunately it stays with it as well.
When you’re having champagne, which is more of a celebratory libation, that’s not a desirable quality. You want to have something that finishes clean in your mouth.
If you have lots of sips, you’re going to get a good buzz. You want to be able to recover quickly and elegantly without that headache that comes from the yeast and all those elements that bring its flavor.
So the taste of Aphrodise is a very clean mouthfeel and it finishes with a light crisp apple or cherry. Some people taste strawberry.
It’s a small bubble. Very light charmat, produced in small vats, a naturally produced bubbly effect. It lives in tanks for 3 months and it gains its bubbly in a natural way.
A little more expensive to produce that way. Prosecco, for example, will carbonate. They’ll add carbonation just like you would to a can of soda.
We don’t carbonate. We allow the bubbly to form naturally through the fermentation process, which is how it should be.
Co-Founders of Aphrodise Sparkling Wine
Joe Winger:
When it comes to food and wine pairing. What would be your favorite dish to pair with a glass of Aphrodise?
Frank Schilling:
Aphrodise is literally the only thing that I drink, and I’m crestfallen when I can’t find it.
It’s a dark rosé so it goes nicely with meat – a burger or a steak. Chicken or fish. It’s also a great dessert drink.
I like Aphrodise as a warmup libation and as an after dinner, like celebratory drink if you’re having a party, there’s an after party.
Joe Winger:
You’ve done a lot in your life. You’ve had a lot of adventures, a lot of successes.
Any inspiration or lessons you can share with the audience?
Frank Schilling:
The answer is love for people and love for living your best life, love for conviviality. I have a lot of love for the people that I encountered that have helped me in my journey. Those who’ve just been a part of my life, there for a season or there for a reason, as the saying goes, I try to embrace everybody.
See the good in everybody. There are people you click with more than other people. I say yes to everything unless it hurts me. I have a real lust for life and a good energy level.
Joe Winger:
If you’re loving Frank’s energy and his positivity, you wrote an amazing book. Would you mind giving us a summary of the book and what it was like writing it?
Frank Schilling:
It’s called Omnia Vincent: the universe wants you to win.
I wrote the book as I’d sold my businesses. It was during COVID lockdowns and everybody was [going through a] “The end of the world” mood type thing at that time.
You write a book like this for your grandchildren. If one day they want to know more about grandpa and did our success come from or where did our financial wealth come from?
It’s nice for them to know a little about the person who tried hard and maybe you can see something in yourself. So I really wrote it for my future ancestors.
I want to be the guy who left something for the grandkids and great grandkids to understand a little about my brain. And it’s really just written in short micro chapters.
Joe Winger:
Because you’re an epicurean, if you’re going to have any plate for dinner tonight, what would it be and why?
Frank Schilling:
Tonight I’m actually feeling a Pittsburgh style steak, seared on the outside. I haven’t had good red meat in about a week, and we just got some A5 Wagyu at the restaurant Our chef is a butcher and he’s also a certified Angus ambassador. So he gets great cuts.
We do a beautiful short rib burger, which is really lean short rib again on the outside with a bit of a char finish. We have a charcoal grill inside the restaurant, which is beautiful.
Joe Winger:
Thank you so much for your time. If someone wants to learn more, what are the best ways to find and follow websites, social media for Aphrodise?
Frank Schilling:
DrinkAphrodise on Instagram and the website DrinkAphrodise.com
