For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                             2-11-13

Contact:
Natalie Walston 614-315-4697
natalie@walstongroupllc.com

                        Shanes Gourmet embarks on a new entertainment venue
                     The catering company has added a lineup of entertainment beyond dinner theatre

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shanes Gourmet near German Village is known for its quality catering in Central Ohio since 1974. Shanes added entertainment to the menu when it partnered with the Cloak & Dagger Dinner Theatre (the longest running Central Ohio dinner theater Group) in 2011 to its facility off Livingston Avenue. This year, Shanes is moving beyond mystery dinner theatre in opening up the facility as a full-time entertainment venue. The lineup of acts includes improv comedy, stand-up comedy emceed by Johnny DiLoretto, bingo, salsa dancing nights and more.

“We are building on what everyone loved about Cloak & Dagger,” said Steve Emerson, writer and director for Cloak & Dagger. “Only now we will perform new material that goes beyond murder mysteries. We’re looking at adding fresh new forms of entertainment to Shanes.”

On nights that Cloak & Dagger shows aren’t scheduled, Shanes is inviting performers for “something beyond dinner theatre,” said General Manager Scott Morit. “With traditional dinner theatre the ticket price covers dinner and a show. While that is here to stay, other nights you can stop in and catch a variety of shows, enjoy some drinks and a light bar menu.”

Shanes stresses that the new venue will focus on seven-day-a-week entertainment schedule. Renovations at 447 E. Livingston Ave. include a permanent stage, theater lighting, and a new sound system.

“We had a gourmet market/catering company,” Morit said. “We will still offer the same excellent food and catering service, we’re evolving into an entertainment venue to offer more options to the great customer base we have enjoyed.”

One of our current shows is “Mayhem at the 5 Aces Casino,” a mystery set in the Kansas Territory in 1858. The show is interactive with a fake gambling parlor that opens prior to the show.

For more information or for tickets, visit: http://www.cloakdagger.com/ or call 614-842-CLUE (2583).

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Press Release                                                                                                                                               For Immediate Release 10-22-12

Contacts:

Brady Konya
614.299.2460 brady.konya@middlewestspirits.com

Natalie Walston
614.315.4697 natalie@walstongroupllc.com

Middle West Spirits’ new OYO Bourbon Whiskey product launch is Oct. 29
The special OYO Bourbon Whiskey, Michelone Reserve is a tribute to family traditions

COLUMBUS, OH –OYO Bourbon Whiskey, Michelone Reserve is the latest spirit in a line of products from the Columbus, Ohio based Middle West Spirits (MWS).

Borrowing from the great traditions of century old European production, the Michelone Reserve is Middle West’s first Masters Blend, a recipe derived from combining whiskey traditions originating in both Ohio and Kentucky.  The release of the OYO Bourbon Whiskey artfully blends MIddle West’s flagship OYO (wheat) Whiskey with a classic Kentucky straight bourbon, resulting in a wheated bourbon whiskey that balances the unique character and heritage of two distinctive spirits. The 90-proof Bourbon Whiskey contains a mashbill of corn, wheat, rye, and barley.

Named after Ronald Julius Michelone, the reserve bourbon was designed as a tribute to MWS’s Co-Owner Ryan Lang’s grandfather “Pap” for his influence and inspiration in both the building of the distillery, and the traditions MWS uses today in the production of their whiskeys.

“As a memory to my grandfather, we’ve created a bourbon in his honor, but added our own signature twist — the distinctive and recognizable flavor profile of Ohio’s soft red winter wheat,” Lang said.  “It’s the best blending of two worlds, and I know it made him proud.”

Prior to the official statewide launch of the Bourbon Whiskey, MWS is unveiling a limited edition Distiller’s Release of the product on Monday, Oct. 29, the night of the full Hunter’s Moon at their Short North distillery. Details of the launch, and the chance to enter to attend the event, will be announced on MWS’s Facebook page the week before the celebration. The OYO Bourbon Whiskey launch event will play a dual role as Middle West’s second annual kickoff to the Movember campaign, an international month-long campaign designed to raise awareness of men’s health issues (particularly prostate cancer).

OYO Bourbon Whiskey will be available for purchase in Ohio on November 15th, at both the distillery and approximately 50 state liquor agencies in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

About Middle West Spirits

Middle West Spirits (MWS) is Central Ohio’s first micro-distillery since Prohibition.  Located in the Short North Arts District of Ohio’s capital city, the 3,200-sq.-ft. boutique distillery produces world-class, artisanal spirits from scratch using only the best ingredients sourced from farms across Ohio and the mid-west.

OYO, MWS’s line of premium artisan spirits, are named after the original word for the Ohio River Valley (“O-Why- O”) and are smooth, full-bodied spirits with immense character, distinctively reflective of their Ohio origins. Made from local, soft red winter wheat, OYO spirits demonstrate a perfect balance of cutting-edge technology, old-world traditions, and the finest, farm- fresh Ohio ingredients. The result is a line of vodkas and whiskeys that comfortably sit shoulder to shoulder with the finest spirits in the world.

OYO Vodka, OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka, OYO Whiskey, OYO Stone Fruit Vodka and soon OYO Bourbon Whiskey can be found in state liquor agencies and restaurants throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and Maryland, as well as at Middle West Spirits’ retail shop: 1230 Courtland Ave, Columbus OH 43201.

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For Immediate Release July 20, 2012

Contact:

Shelley Mann
SMann@dispatch.com

Crave Magazine’s Farm to Plate Week Touts Farm-Fresh Menus

 Close to 40 Local Restaurants Participating; Special Events Planned

COLUMBUS, OH – More and more diners are paying attention to where their food comes from, and many of the restaurants in Columbus’ vibrant dining scene take pride in sourcing seasonal ingredients from local farms: tomatoes fresh off the vines and sugar snap peas grown close to home.

From August 10-19, Crave, the premiere Columbus dining magazine, is showcasing upwards of forty Columbus-area restaurants that are celebrating farm-fresh dining by offering special price-fixed menus, highlighting fare containing at least 70% locally grown ingredients. The restaurants are working with local farms to use their produce and meat as part of the offerings.

“Lots of restaurants in Columbus are dedicated to the locavore movement, working directly with local farmers to provide diners with the best, freshest ingredients,” said Crave Editor Shelley Mann. “Other chefs and owners have been interested, but haven’t sourced local ingredients before. We’re helping match those restaurants with local farms, and they’re very excited to be buying local spices, beef, chicken and fruits and veggies.”

The Worthington Inn is no stranger to working with local farms. But, during Farm to Plate Week, Chef Thomas Smith has created a special menu featuring dusted Lake Erie walleye with Blacklick Acre’s swiss chard, lemon-black pepper gnocchi with chef-grown horseradish Amish butter.

Farm to Plate will culminate with cooking demonstrations at 10TV’s Health & Fitness Expo on Sunday, August 19. CORA, Central Ohio Restaurant Association, is the lead sponsor of Farm to Plate and will be providing many of the local chefs who will be cooking that day.

In addition, Crave is collaborating with Local Matters, the non-profit local foods organization, on a number of educational events during Farm to Plate week. Supporting sponsors of Farm to Plate week include Buckeye Vodka, Food Hop, Firelands Winery, Velvet-View Farmstead, A Catered Affair and the Ohio Restaurant Association. It also includes a working partnership with OpenTable.com. The full schedule of sponsors and participating restaurant can be located at cravefarmtoplate.com. A sampling of those restaurants are listed below:

Downtown

De No-Vo

89 Fish and Grill

Latitude 41

Short North

Tasi

Rigsby’s

Hubbard Grille

Deepwood Restaurant

L’Antibes

Basi Italia

Haiku

Mojoe Lounge

OSU Campus-area

El Vaquero

Till Dynamic Fare

Commonwealth Sandwich Bar

Upper Arlington

Cuco’s Mexican Taqueria

Big Fat Greek Kuzina

Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar

Moretti’s of Arlington

Northwest Side

Refectory

AOI Blue Bar

San-Su Korean BBQ
Chile Verde

Nicola Restaurant and Bar

Polaris

Polaris Grill

Fisherman’s Wharf

Blue Agave

Worthington

Worthington Inn

Old Town East

Black Creek Bistro

East – Reynoldsburg

Pies Gourmet Pizza Bistro

Bexley

Barrel 44
The Top Steakhouse

German Village

G. Michael’s

Skillet

Explorers Club

T. Murray’s Bar and Kitchen

Barcelona

Dublin

Tucci’s

Mary Kelley’s

Delaware

1808 American Bistro

Powell

Local Roots

Grandview

Z Cucina
Clintonville

Giorgio Italian Restaurant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2012

For more information, contact:
Natalie Walston, 614-315-4697

The Franklin County Fair:
“Celebrating 95 Years of Fun” from July 14-21

(HILLIARD, OH) –The Franklin County Fair kicks off July 14^th with new attractions and familiar family traditions. Be a part of history by “Celebrating 95 Years of Fun” at one of the oldest fairs in the state of Ohio that turns 95 just as Columbus celebrates its bicentennial. The fair is much-loved family event that has all the great traditions of delicious foods, entertianment, and rides.

Highlights of the fair include NTPA Truck and Tractor Pulls, a dog show, circus acts, and Franklin County’s Idol Contest to find the best singers and performers. All week, local musical acts will play country, bluegrass, gospel, and classic oldies in the entertainment tent.

The Fantazia Circus will leave fair goers at the edge of their seats and ready to come back for more.  Their variety of acts include the flying trapeze, the Globe of Death, sword balancing, juggling, hula hoops, and a comedy clown.

Exhibits will offer visitors the opportunity to experience and learn about the county’s best in the agricultural and horticultural worlds. Kids will show off their talents and hard work in 4-H exhibits and livestock shows. Activities and entertainment include Jr. Fair Dutch oven cooking, a veggie/fruit car derby, horse shows and other contests with blue-ribbon winners.

Contests are open to all Franklin County residents include the truck pull, tractor pulls, demolition derby, Franklin Coutny Idol and the Runway on the Midway Fashion Show.  Details on those events and how to enter can be found at www.fcfair.org.

Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 14, with ribbon cutting opening ceremony at noon, and last into the night with gates closing at 11 p.m.  The rest of the week’s hours will be:

• Sunday July 15 – Thursday July 19:  9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday July 20 & Saturday July 21:  9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

More activities at the 2012 Franklin County Fair will be*:

• A Fair Chance dog show: This dog show is a chance for rescue and animal shelter groups to showcase dogs that are up for adoption. The audience can chose the cutest dog and meet with agencies to learn more about adopting a dog and possibly begin the adoption process!
• No Joe’s Clown Circus: Come one, come all and see three full rings of fun for the entire family! Amazing acts such as the 35′ Wheel of Adventure, Wire Walking, Juggling, and Balancing.
• Dr. Insecta Bug: Here for a few days only – experience real “entomology magic” as Dr. Insecta introduces you to some of the largest live insects on the planet.
• NTPA Truck and Tractor Pulls: The oldest and most respected sanctioning body of truck and tractor pulling, featuring the top drivers & primer events from across the US.
• Franklin County Idol Contest: The fifth year for this singing competition where youth and teens compete to be the best singer at the fair.
• Franklin County Fair’s Runway on the Midway Fashion/Model Contest presented by KidsLinked.com: New to the fair this year, a fashion and modeling contest for kids 18 years of age and younger. Multiple audition sites will be held around Columbus in advance of the fair, leading up to the finals during the Fair. Exciting awards including a $500 savings bond for first place.
• Only Takes a Minute to Win-It: This family-friendly event will feature “Minute to Win It” style events for the whole family to test. Based on your level of success at the tasks, participants can earn prizes. Open to fairgoers of all ages and is guaranteed to feature fun, laughs, and family friendly entertainment.

 *Check the Franklin County Fair Schedule online at www.fcfair.org  for dates and times for various activities.

About the Franklin County Fair

Averaging more than 45,000 people in attendance annually, the Franklin County Fair will take place at the Franklin County Fairgrounds from July 14 to 21. General admission is $5 ($6 on July 22 and 23) and rides range from $10 to $15 for a day pass or $1/ticket (number of tickets required per ride varies; typically three tickets for adults and two for children). Tickets can be purchased at the gate. For more information, visit www.fcfair.org. At 95 years running, the Franklin County Fair is one of the oldest county fair traditions in Ohio. Today the event continues to present old-fashioned fun in traditional county fair surroundings.

For Immediate Release

Contacts:
Natalie Walston
614.315-4697
natalie@walstongroupllc.com

Canola continues to dominate Canadian oilseed export crops
Commodity analysts still see chances for growth in the crop in the U.S.

BOSTON,  May 30, 2012 –  The market for canola is still growing as Canada is shipping the oil and high-protein animal meal in record-high volumes. Canada continues to be the world’s leading producer and exporter of canola, which is the number one oilseed commodity crop produced in Canada.

According to the Canadian Grains Commission, the first few months of shipments in 2011/2012 have been very brisk. Statistics show that Canada exported 7.3 million tonnes of canola in 2010/2011, one of the highest volumes on record.

“At the heart of it is strong global demand for vegetable oil,” said Philippe de Lapérouse, Director of HighQuest Partners’ Global Food and Agribusiness Practice in St. Louis.

Canadian scientists developed canola from rapeseed, an oilseed plant. Canola, which has less eruric acid — is highly sought after for cooking oil.

“Exports for canola meal are increasing as population and wealth grows in areas such as India and China – and populations are improving their diets,” Lapérouse said.

However, the United States is the biggest export market for Canadian canola as demand grows for non- transfat cooking oils and soybean-based biodiesel production in the United States increases.

“The 2011 canola crop was of a fairly high quality. Of the 1749 samples we analyzed, 87.8% were graded as No. 1,” explains Véronique Barthet, Program Manager of Oilseeds for the Canadian Grain Commission’s Grain Research Laboratory.

 As demand for canola grows, this could be a good time for investment in growing the plant in the United States. With strong demand and extensive imports from Canada, this creates  opportunities for U.S. farmers to grow the crop.

HighQuest Partners/Soyatech is holding its seventh annual oilseed/grain/veg oil trade conference in New Orleans this Sept 17-19, 2012, for those engaged in commodity purchasing or risk management. This conference includes an exhibition floor with 140 booths of suppliers, and industry tours for those interested in seeing U.S. grain processing and transportation infrastructure in action.  Attendees will learn about the complete value chain through terrific content focused on supply/demand, harvest quality, commodity risk management and transport, and an “End User” panel of food/food service/feed buyers.  See more at www.soyandgraintrade.com *To register, use promo code VIP-NW.

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