S2 Episode 23 - The Cocktail Guru Podcast Finale Part 1

Born in 1960, Dickie Brennan grew up in a restaurant family and lived a block away from Commander’s Palace, when his father Dick Sr., his aunts Adelaide, Ella, and Dottie, and his uncle John bought Commander’s Palace. As a teenager, he started working in the kitchen with Commander’s chef, Paul Prudhomme, who used to admonish him “don’t take shortcuts!”

Dickie went to LSU (because all his friends went there) to study business administration. He graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a degree in finance. He worked at Commander’s Palace from 1975 to 1983, helped open Mr. B’s Bistro in the French Quarter in 1979, and was a chef apprentice in the summer of 1980 at Delmonico’s in Mexico City. In 1983, he apprenticed under Great Chef Larry Forgione at his American Place restaurant in New York City. He then went to France as a chef apprentice at Au Quay d’Orsay, Gérard Besson, Le Chiberta, La Marée, Tour d’ Argent, and, with Chef Michel del Burgo, at Taillevent. His ego survived the sometimes harsh French culinary tutelage with ease.

By 1986, he became general manager of the family’s “Brennan’s of Houston.” In 1990, he moved back to New Orleans to open Palace Café on Canal Street. In 1992, Great Chefs began producing the Louisiana New Garde television series, featuring the next generation of New Orleans chefs. His cooking philosophy is “we’ll take an idea—and we’ll make it us.”

Following Palace Café, Dickie went on to open three additional restaurants in the New Orleans French Quarter: Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Bourbon House on Bourbon S… Read More

Anna Mains, the Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder blended malt Scotch whisky, covers the U.S., inspiring bartenders, consumers and spirits enthusiasts alike. Anna encourages all she meets to #playwithyourwhisky and #makeitmonkey by thinking outside of the box when it comes to crafting Scotch cocktails. In the same way that Monkey Shoulder is full of personality, so is Anna – She loves disco balls, bed jumping, pina coladas, cowboy hats, and flipping off things she shouldn’t...in no particular order.

Born and raised in Dallas, Anna represents a new generation of Scotch whisky fans; a generation that takes an unconventional and refreshing approach to the storied liquid and enjoys mixing it up with playful experiences and cocktails. In her 18 plus years in the hospitality industry, Anna has travelled throughout the country, establishing herself as a leader in all things cocktail.

Anna first fell in love with the art of crafting cocktails tending bar at a restaurant in Oklahoma City. This experience inspired Anna to open her own restaurant and bar shortly thereafter. Anna’s two properties pioneered new and exciting flavors, trends, and experiences in Oklahoma City, encouraging guests to expand their gastronomic and cocktail horizons. Like Monkey Shoulder, Anna isn’t afraid to shake up tradition and introduce people to a new and unconventional ways of thinking.

After selling her two establishments, Anna began working for Maker’s Mark Bourbon. At Maker’s Mark, Anna continued her evolution in the spirits industry, engaging with top industry professionals … Read More

Acclaimed author, seasoned public speaker, and serial entrepreneur, Jackie Summers is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur. In 2012, Summers became the first known licensed Black Distiller in the United States. His flagship product, Sorel Liqueur, is based on a 500 year old Caribbean recipe, and is an inaugural recipient of the recently established $50M Uncle Nearest Fund. Jackie Summers is a James Beard Finalist, seasoned public speaker, and serial entrepreneur. Ranked among the world’s “100 Most Influential Bar Industry Figures” by Drinks International Magazine (2019, 2020, 2021), The 50 Most Influential People In Brooklyn Food (Brooklyn Magazine, 2015), named to the Imbibe 75 (2021), and named the 2019 Award winner for “Best Food Essay” by the Association of Food Journalists, Jackie has written for everyone from the James Beard Foundation to Plate, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, Epicurious, Delish, and Edible Brooklyn. Formerly a co-chair of the Education Committee for Tales of the Cocktail and Bar Convent Brooklyn, Jackie was recently named among the inaugural “Drink Innovators of the Year” by Food & Wine Magazine.

Starting her career as a restaurant worker over 20 years ago , Aleka’s passion is and always has been hospitality. After working her way through restaurant roles in both the front and back of the house, brand work came a calling. Honoring her event and brand management skills with Bacardi for 5 years she then worked for a local DC distillery where she learned the ins and out of production and bringing products from the still to the shelf. In 2018 she became the Mid-Atlantic Brand Development Manager for Hotaling & Co. concentrating on sales and then moved to their SF headquarters and within 15 months became their first Cocktail Culture Manager. Aleka now focuses on connecting the Hotaling brands to consumer and trade through the H&Co. Cocktail Council , trade events and industry partnerships. You most likely will find her behind the scenes of an event always willing to lend a hand or an ear.

Matthew Argenti is a true trailblazer in the industry, proudly carrying on the legacy of four generations before him. Born into the world of brewing and spirits, Matthew's passion for the business was ignited at a young age, as he learned from the best - his great grandfather, the visionary founder of the esteemed Trenton Old Stock Brewery. Witnessing the transformation of the brewery into the renowned Trenton Beverage, and its eventual acquisition by Fedway Associates in 1977, Matthew's family history is intertwined with the evolution of the industry itself.

Inspired by the dedication and ambition of his predecessors, Matthew's determination to elevate the products he represents knows no bounds. His journey began as an intern at Fedway, and through hard work and tenacity, he ascended to the esteemed position of Key Account Manager for Bacardi USA, overseeing the North & Central part of New Jersey. Undeterred by the challenges of balancing a full-time career with academic pursuits, Matthew earned his MBA in Marketing in 2010, further equipping himself with the skills needed to make an indelible mark on the industry.

With his sights set high, Matthew embarked on a new adventure with Brockmans Gin, where he embraced the role of Market Manager. From the outset, his dedication and expertise shone through, as he tirelessly built new distribution channels, collaborated with key sales representatives, and left an unforgettable impression at tasting events across the state. As the years progressed, so did Matthew's responsibilities, event… Read More