On The Scene

John Berger

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Todd Mitsui, left, wine manager at Diamond Head Grill, talked with Jack Daniel's representatives Brett Bornemann and Stephanie Burrows. CLICK FOR LARGE

Better Brands' 'Holiday Show 2006'

Members of Hawaii's food and beverage industry combined business and pleasure last week as George Szigeti, president of Better Brands, presented the company's "Holiday Show 2006," a fundraiser for the Hawaii Foodbank, at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel on Thursday. More than 900 representatives of restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, supermarkets, cruise ships, and other businesses networked and enjoyed a pupu buffet as they previewed various holiday packages of premium-grade beverages and sampled new products and beverage recipes. The show featured almost 6,000 items representing almost 450 brands.

Jimmy Bedford, Jack Daniel's master distiller, was there signing bottles of "Jack." Other popular attractions included Ocean Vodka from Maui, Stella Artois beer, the new line of Eisch "breathable" glassware (see story, Features), and Ketel One vodka martinis.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
George Szigeti, center, president of Better Brands, welcomed KTA Super Store executives Derek Kurisu, left, and Elvis Kimura to the party. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Swavek Locke talked with Tiffany Pestana at the Ketel One vodka booth. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Better Brands executive Bryan Damon, left, talked story with Jennifer Serrano of the Mask Bar, and Mark Burson of Embassy Suites Hotel. CLICK FOR LARGE

John Berger has covered the local entertainment scene since 1972. Contact him at jberger@starbulletin.com.