Mexico City's popular Rayo Cocktail Bar has announced the expansion of their award-winning program with the arrival of two key new leadership team members : Luis Miguel Cardona (Alquimico) as Head Bartender and Audrey Hands (Trailer Happiness, Havana Club) as Head of Strategic Partnerships and Guest Experiences. The announcement reflects Rayo's continued pursuit of excellence by … [Read more...] about #5 Bar in North America Rayo Cocktail Bar Announces New Leadership
Spotlight
Henry Highland Garnet : Cuba and A Narrow Escape from Slavery
The history of slavery in Cuba is a complicated one. Dependent upon free slave labor to run its plantations, slavery in Cuba was part of the larger Atlantic slave trade until it was abolished in 1886. While it took a decree from Spain to officially end slavery, it was an American abolitionist named Henry Highland Garnet who called for the invasion of Cuba to free slaves in 1873. … [Read more...] about Henry Highland Garnet : Cuba and A Narrow Escape from Slavery
Cuba’s Legendary Rum Producers Grapple with Latest Sugar Shortage
Cuba's sugar industry continues to struggle with historically low raw sugar production. As inflation continues to spread across multiple countries throughout the world, Cuba too has been affected by rising costs and supply chain challenges. Specifically, fuel and vehicle shortages have negatively impacted Cuba's sugar industry as both are essential for sugar cane production. Once an … [Read more...] about Cuba’s Legendary Rum Producers Grapple with Latest Sugar Shortage
Margarita Madness ! Wild Agave Shortage. Will Mezcal Vanish ?
As if there isn't enough to worry about. Washington Post correspondent Kevin Seiff recently traveled to Oaxaca Mexico to investigate the diminishing supply of wild agave plants. Popularity, increasing profitability, and high demand in the face of limited supply risks placing certain agave species in a potentially unsustainable crisis. Why is this so concerning? While most consumers are … [Read more...] about Margarita Madness ! Wild Agave Shortage. Will Mezcal Vanish ?
Brazil Struggles with Dengue Outbreak – Over 1 Million Cases Since Beginning of 2024
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitos. Also known as "break-bone fever" it can be asymptomatic or lead to serious complications, including a host of symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, pain, lethargy etc. Dengue's most feared complication (other than death) is bleeding and a series of hemorrhagic manifestations. Infected individuals may experience petechiae, … [Read more...] about Brazil Struggles with Dengue Outbreak – Over 1 Million Cases Since Beginning of 2024