Dallas' Craft Cocktail Movement To Be Featured At Tales Of The Cocktail

WHAT:
On Wednesday, July 25th, 2012, Dallas' emerging craft cocktail scene will be featured at Tales of the Cocktail, the world's premiere cocktail festival, marking the first time in the festival's 10-year history that a specific region has been highlighted.

Private|Social Beverage Director Rocco Milano along with the Tales committee has rounded up 10 of Dallas' most accomplished barkeeps for a special tasting room dubbed "Come and Get It: Cocktails Texas Style." Each barkeep will create a unique drink that represents why the movement is important to them and discuss what makes cocktails in Texas tick.

"I find Tales to be a great source of inspiration for the up and coming cocktail enthusiast, with new techniques, flavor combinations, and styles showcased year after year," says Milano. "It excites me to see the camaraderie between Dallas bartenders. We have come together to produce this event and showcase what Dallas has to offer."

Ticket prices for the full weekend or specific days of Tales of the Cocktail range from $40 to $100 (plus fees) and can be purchased by visiting www.talesofthecocktails.com.

WHO:
Abraham Bedell, Oak
Brad Hensarling, The Usual
Eddie "Lucky" Campbell, The Chesterfield
Greg Katz, Victor Tangos
Jason Kosmas, Marquee Grill
Kyle Hilla, Bolsa
Michael Martensen, The Cedars Social
Omar Yeefoon, The People's Last Stand
Rocco Milano, Private|Social
Sean Conner, Whiskey Cake

WHEN:
Come and Get It: Cocktails Texas Style
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tales of the Cocktail
July 25 - July 29, 2012

WHERE:
Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.523.3341
Bienville and Iberville Ballrooms

ABOUT:
Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail is the world's premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Held annually in New Orleans, this international event has something for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike with a spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products. Tales of the Cocktail returns in 2012 for a historic milestone-its 10th Anniversary of rocking the cocktail world. Join the celebration July 25-29, 2012 and see how Tales of the Cocktail only gets better with age.

Private|Social
Private|Social is a new concept by Chef Tiffany Derry and local entrepreneurs Patrick Halbert and Andy Austin of the Halstin Group. With two distinct themes, Private|Social creates an ideal setting for elegance with ease. Private features an exclusive dining space with a full-service menu, while Social consists of a classy lounge area with sharable plates. The menu reflects Chef Derry's diverse culinary background, and includes a carefully selected lineup of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include Derry's acclaimed Top Chef Pork Buns made with crispy pork, slaw and herbs; Located in Uptown Dallas, Private|Social is open for dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 214.754.4744. For more information, please visit www.privatesocial.com.

Rocco Milano
With over six years of experience in the restaurant, beverage and hospitality industries, Rocco Milano helped shape the classic cocktail movement in Dallas with the revival of the bar program at The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Currently, Milano champions the craft cocktail effort as Beverage Director at Private|Social in Uptown Dallas. Given complete reign of the bar, Milano has built a program that includes innovative drinks crafted with house-made bitters, infused premium spirits, fresh ingredients