ICONIC DINING at the HYATT REGENCY

ICONIC

By J.B. Blocker

On Monday October 20^th this illustrious group of very special people gathered at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion to share a classic European menu, recall the development of the Dallas culinary culture, and to be memorialized in photos and on film.

 Representing:

D-Magazine, Ms. Nancy Nichols

Rosiggnol Production, Ms. Isabell Rosiggnol

EWMCS, Chef David Sokol

 Dallas Chefs Assoc., Chef Pat Mitchell

Hosted by Hyatt Regency
 Executive Chef Hermann Hiemeyer

Co-Host Caffeine Cowboy, J.B. Blocker

EMCEE, Honorary Chef Dotty Griffith

Chef John Blaze, Chef Karl Haas, Chef Ernst Gruch
 Chef Klaus Mittlehauser, Chef Bernard Muller, 
 Chef Josef Bucher, Chef Rene Weibel, Chef Andre Bedouret
  Chef Klaus Baumbach, Chef Karl Kuby, Chef Ewald Scholtz

   Chef Peter Curley, Chef Randy Gehman, Chef Robert Bilfulco

       Gus Katsigris, El Centro, Lucian LaBarba, Ben E. Keith 

Chef James Deibel (For Chef Jean LaFont)

  Honorary Chef (JD) Werle, Honorary Chef Gay Prewitt
  
On the personal invitations, the following was included.

You have been responsible for great Dallas venues.

You have mentored many current and future great chefs.

You have been instrumental in apprenticeship and education.

You have promoted and supported the dining industry.

You have elevated the dining industry with your talent and skill.

You are highly regarded by your peers.

This list would not be complete without you!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

  On behalf of the staff of the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion it is my honor to welcome each of you to a memorable afternoon to share and create memories. You will honor us with your presence.

  Please accept our invitation to join us for a historic gathering of exceptional professional. Our guest list of 21 very special people includes senior Chef John Blaze (age 93) and remembers the late great Chefs John LaFont and Werner Vogeli.

Executive Chef Hermann Hiemeyer

Honorary Chef Ms. Dotty Griffith will begin with a nostalgic view of this illustrious group.
Ms. Nancy Nichols of D-Magazine will record this event for posterity.

Ms. Isabell Rossignol will video record for the Dallas Historic Society.

The Caffeine Cowboy, J.B. Blocker will provide the World’s Rarest Coffee (Kopi Luwak).

 Wild Mountain Kopi Luwak

the 'Bucket List' coffee
 roasted by Caffeine Cowboy

       I receive my Kopi Luwak directly from Mystical Coffee Holding Company. They represent Coffindo the premium Indonesian coffee supplier. As of now, Mystical is the exclusive source for their limited allotment to the United States. It is flown directly from western Sumatra. 

     I personally roast every bean and hand manicure each batch before packaging to insure that no 'bad beans' reach the consumer.  It is a time consuming and pain-staking procedure! The coffee is roasted, ground, measured and delivered weekly to insure freshness in 14 gram/ 4 cup personal packets for $18. Discounts available for 10 packs, 30 day supply, and commercial purchases.
     This coffee is without a doubt distinctive, exquisite, exotic, and memorable. For coffee lovers, it is an experience you will want to check off of that list!

     Expect to see it served wherever fine foods, exceptional desserts, and choice wines are offered. Or you can buy on-line at Caffeine Cowboy.us beginning in December 2014.

     Enjoy the following video!
  Visit the source of Lone Star wild Kopi Luwak

  

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 [JB1]

- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.

From the 4th of July to the Bench - The Barnett Walker Story

Barnett Walker was born on the 4th of July, raised in North Texas, and has served his country, community, and career choices at the highest levels. Now, he is fulfilling a quest that began during the summer of his 13th year.

In the course of a conversation with my friend Ret. Admiral Robert Smith, I mentioned Barnett Walker, when he was a candidate for Collin County Court #2 Judge as having been recognized as the Air Force Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year.

I wanted to know the significance of such an honor.

“That says volumes about the man.” responded the Admiral. “First it means that he was promoted to a rank that the United States Congress limits to the top 3% of all enlisted personnel. Secondly, even among that elite group he had to have been a stellar performer. That award encompasses many aspects such as leadership, dedication, and accomplishment. Anyone who is bestowed with that level of recognition is someone who is an unquestionable leader with a track record that sets the standards for Air Force personnel at all levels.”

  This certainly explains why the 22-year military veteran completed his career as one of the most decorated enlisted men in the Air Force. Barnett’s decorations include

Friends in Very High Places at SCAA

the Seattle Coffee Convention day 2

By the Caffeine Cowboy

  It is always great to attend the annual SCAA convention. That’s the Specialty Coffee Association of America. For those who don’t know, this is where all the new innovations for the specialty beverage industry show up. This includes snacks, drink mixes, and of course coffees, chocolates, and teas. I chose the name Caffeine Cowboy because there is much more to coffee than just coffee!

  Mixed in the over 400 booths are trusted equipment manufacturers, various espresso machines, roasters, brewers, glass ware, packaging, disposable ware, creative odd devices, and items that will never see the light of day.

  I have to admit that there are several all time favorites. Rancillio was my first personal profession Espresso machine. I can take the old machines before super automatics apart and put them back together. That is saying a lot considering I can barely put a box together. In fact, I was the first espresso consultant in North Texas for Whole Foods before they bought a coffee company and also serviced Brinker machines as well as for the Fairmont, Hilton, and Sheraton in Dallas. 

SCAA 2014, Seattle Coffee Convention begins!

SCAA is on its way!

by J.B. Blocker, the Caffeine Cowboy

Washington State Convention Center Seattle, April 25, 2014

  The Caffeine Cowboy arrives to the SCAA press room in the guise of mild mannered reporter from Texas, J.B. Blocker of the NorthTexasReporter.com. He is unusually mild-mannered because he can barely see!

  You see, the Cowboy, through no fault of his own, has lost his glasses from the night before, so he can’t read a sign 30 ft. away! His walk this morning from hotel to the convention center had been anxiously reviewing where he would find those trifocallized binoculars he had steadily learned to rely on.

  It happened the previous night somewhere between a great seafood and beer feast at the Athena, the stroll from the Market to the hotel, a scotch at the hotel bar, and the room. You know I’m talking about myself right?

 The next morning I am close to crazy searching my room and occasionally looking in the mirror to see if I'm wearing them before I realize they are somewhere between yesterday evening and late yesterday evening! 

  The walk to the convention was therefore it's own adventure. I at least asked directions a half dozen times to keep from walking in circles! By the time the lady told me I was standing across the street from the convention center, I was ready for coffee straight up and I head straight to the Press Office. They are bound to have coffee and pastries!

The Magician

Juan Carlos can turn back time or preserve it.

by J.B. Blocker

  Juan Carlos is my friend. He is a very close friend. In terms of a long friendship, we have only known each other since 2009. That would be 5 years. In terms of the time we have spent together, we have years between us. Years of struggles and triumphs. Years of dashed dreams and disappointments. 

  But those were also years of support and faith in each other. They have been years of encouragement from both sides. And especially they have been years when each came to the aid of the other without hesitation. In those terms, our friendship has been a lifetime.

  Juan is a dreamer. I am a dreamer. He is a visionary. So am I. Juan is a photographer ‘for life’!

  But he is more than a photographer as most of us think of such professionals. A good photographer knows their equipment. They know light and height and distance and angles. They can crop and make adjustments on the front end and on the back end. They may even photo shop or digitally enhance with varying levels of skills. But they don’t all have a driving echo to devote any more time than simple due diligence requires.

The Capital Grille in Plano

The League of Extraordinary Reviewers

with JB Blocker

On Top of the Food Chain

  Many top dining concepts have come to the Dallas MetroPlex, spent millions of dollars, and then tucked their tails and run! Among the notable failures are Smith and Wollenski, Flemings, Morton’s of Addison, McCormick & Schmidt's, and BLT.

  I have reviewed many eateries in every price range over the years. No matter if it is fast food or gourmet dining, the first thing I judge is the staff. All of them!  

  Secondly, I look for order and cleanliness no matter what the concept. Each of these is a direct and immediate reflection of the management and the things to come!

  General Manager Greg Cavanagh is recognized by vendors, patrons, and staff for being at the top of his game. As Roger Harris, the president of Metro Linens and McKinney City Councilman reflected, “Greg is as good as it gets”.

  OK, so you can expect impeccable service with the same honest smiles, attention to details, and royal treatment that is a direct reflection of Greg.

  I am tired of the standard reviewing practices. I want to have fun and see what others have to say. So I called Amanda Leese, the Sales Marketing Manager and offered a group review. When she told me to bring it on, I invited a Banker, a Gun Slinger, and a beloved Senator to join me.

 As an upscale brand over the years, The Capital Grille has played host to Celebrities, Athletes, Politicians and many other distinguished guests. Friday was no exception at the newest Capital Grille at the Shops of Legacy in Plano.

  Legacy Bank president and past Plano mayor Phil Dyer, Senator Ken Paxton, Super Attorney James Mosser, and the incomparable J.B. Blocker joined me here for a lively lunch on our beautiful patio overlooking the corner of Lone Star and Legacy Drives.

HATS OFF? The when, where, and why.

Cowboy Hat Etiquette

 by J.B. Blocker

  After a long talk with Sheriff Tom Maddox of Sabine County, Texas and several other Texas Sheriffs we felt that the etiquette concerning the the Cowboy's hat needed to be clarified. Tom's grandpa gave him his first boots and hat at age 3, and he's been wearing them ever since! Thanks for additional input from Sheriffs Bob Holder of Comal County, Dan Law of Caldwell County, Don Sowell of Grimes County, Randy Brown of Medina County, and Keith Gary and the boys of Grayson County.

Grayson County Sheriff Keith Gary and his staff

  The rules aren’t complicated. Heck, I’d just suggest the use of common sense. Of course, there are plenty of folks lacking in that area. They need some guidance. 

  Here are some traditional rules for wearing a cowboy hat.