Pay close attention, folks. This starts out like a boring little news brief but gets REALLY interesting a ways in.
The Nevada Restaurant Association has announced entering a "strategic partnership" with Deluca Liquor & Wine Ltd. , which has given the Association $30,000 to carry out its goals on behalf of Nevada restaurants and allied members. The contribution makes Deluca the association's largest 2008 corporate sponsor to date.
Deluca is a leader in the wholesale distribution of beverages, with a mission to continually improve sales and service to meet suppliers' and customers' needs. Deluca sells only premium and regional brands through a highly trained and specialized organization. About 60 to 70 percent of the companies' business is with hotels, casinos and restaurants.
"Our job is to promote, protect, and educate restaurant properties throughout the state, building a stronger restaurant industry, and safeguarding Nevada's quality of life," says association Chairman John Gerarde, Maggiano's Little Italy. "Deluca is supporting the growth of an industry whose success is vital to the communities, economy, and well-being of our state."
The partnership began through talks of contributing to the education scholarships and jumping on board as the title sponsor of the of The Annual Epicurean Affair held at The Flamingo Hotel. DeLuca’s commitment to education went much further than involvement in one event. Yes, the same event that homunculi Rino Armeni thought so bold to ask for a name change after he named his own organization 10 years later with the same name.
But Wait.. there’s more!
Here’s where it gets good. The Epicurean Affair was a lovely event that filled the pool decks and the grounds of The Flamingo with World class chefs, libations and savory dishes for everyone. All under the watchful eyes of The Big Flamingo himself Don Marrandino. Bravo to the Don and to Aleksandra, Izabella, and Monika Okapiec the beautiful Alizma Triplets that accompanied him throughout the evening.
Turns out that all wasn’t perfect in paradise after all. Seems that another liquor distributor in town put a few banners around the Epicurean Affair stating that they were sponsors of the event and listing the brands that were represented by them. However, the company NEVER paid the sponsorship fee.
Come on guys! You're only cheating the kids here. Do the right thing. The check can be made payable to the Nevada Restaurant Association.