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Friday, December 19, 2008
NY DAILY NEWS BARTENDERS BALL KICKOFF


WABC TV- "Neighborhood Eats" Food Segment Host and Reporter Lauren Glassberg, LXTV-WNBC America's Top Bartender Host Pedro Andrade, Elisa DeStefano of News 12


Georgi Vodka CEO Martin Silver And Inside Editions Rita Cosby


Rita Cosby And Bartenders Ball Event Chairman Jeff Cohen


Inside Edition Special Corespondent Rita Cosby, WABC Food and Dining Reporter Lauren Glassberg, America's Top Bartender Host Pedro Andrade, Elisa DeStefano of News 12, and CEO Robert S. Budd of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises.

TV News Veteran Rita Cosby, serving as Master of Ceremonies joined New York City bartenders, waitresses, chefs, food servers, bar managers, promoters and DJ's celebrated at the 75 year anniversary of the end of prohibition gala. The reception was the official NYC Bartender's Ball Kick Off . The event was organized by the staff and employees of Robert S Budd, CEO and Jeff Cohen of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, a non-for profit organization serving over 3,000 individuals with disabilities.. They honored WABC Reporter and Host of the popular Food Segment "Neighborhood Eats".Lauren Glassberg and WNBC-LXTV On the Rocks: The Search for America's Top Bartender Host Pedro Andrade and Elisa DeStefano of News 12 for keeping the nightlife alive in the Big Apple. The party resembled a 1920s Roaring 20's speakeasy, with the foods menu prepared by world re-known chef David Burke. Party-goers were dressed as flappers, zoot-suitors and in other 1920s outfits. Awards were given to local television personalities.This event was kickoff for the first ever NYC Bartender's Ball www.nycbartendersball.com, which is taking place next year to assist local charities and not-for- profit organizations such as Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, (FREE) and City Meals on Wheels. . The event was co-sponsored NY Daily News, The United Restaurant and Tavern Owners Association, The Riese Organization, The Murph Guide, Todd Shapiro Associates Public Relations.
Photos By: James Edstrom

NYC BARTENDERS BALL HOSTS END OF PROHIBITION RECEPTION AT FAMOUS SPEAKEASY IN NEW YORK CITY



Reise Org.VP, Jamie Galler With Assemblyman Andrew Raia, Richard Gottfried, Hon. Alfred E. Smith IV, City of New York Commissioner Brian G. Andersson, NY Assemblyman Micah Z. Kellner And Jeff Cohen of Family Residences and Essential Services (FREE)

Today The NYC Bartenders Ball Committee celebrated the end of prohibition at New York City's famed former speakeasy Frankie and Johnnies in Manhattan. People were dressed in 1920's attire and there was periodic swing dancing and many New York VIP's. Frankie and Johnnies is one of three remaining original Speakeasies in New York City and one of the city's oldest continual dining establishments. Prohibition ended in the United States on December 5, 1933, when Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, repealing the 18th Amendment. Imagine the celebrations that went on across the nation that day. At the news conference, members of the hospitality industry celebrated this historic date, as well as announcing an upcoming "End of Prohibition" gala in Times Square for over 400 people and the NYC Bartenders Ball in May. The party will benefit local charities. The event will be free for any staff that works in restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, pubs, taverns in the City of New York. Prohibition from 1920-1933 banned the use of all alcohol in the United States. Those who wanted a cocktail during those dry years did so in establishments called "speakeasies." The term "speakeasy" comes from a patron's manner of ordering alcohol without raising suspicion -- a bartender would tell a patron to be quiet and "speakeasy." Frankie & Johnnies Steakhouse has been a celebrated New York fixture since 1926, having opened as a speakeasy at the height of Prohibition. To gain access, patrons knocked on an unmarked door and used the password "FRANKIE" when a small peephole was opened. With admittance, a confirmation reply of "JOHNNIE" was heard. The business began operation as a steakhouse when Prohibition was lifted 75 years ago. The gala will benefit Family Residences (FREE) and City Meals on Wheels. The United Resturaunt and Tavern Owners Association and Murph Guide Co-Hosted the Event.