SPIRITS OF MEXICO FESTIVAL Invades New York by Philip S. Kampe

Manhattan Borough President, Scott M. Stringer, has declared May 23rd Official 'Spirits of Mexico Day' in Manhattan. The California State Assembly and the City of San Diego has recognized 'Spirits of Mexico' events since 2004. On Wednesday, May 23rd, the Proclamation will be presented during the dinner and live auction event at TOLOACHE 50, 251 West 50th. Tickets for this special event including select tastings, dinner and live auction are $250. A tasting reception of the top rated and rare spirits will start the evening, followed by an Agave-infused dinner cooked by Toloache Celebrity Chef JULIAN MEDINA. Items in the Live Auction include Rare and Collectable bottles that are not offered for sale within the country. On Thursday, May 24th, the main tasting event will take place at AGAVE, 140 7th Avenue South. VIP entrance to this event is at 6:30pm and costs $85. VIP entrance includes an Agave filled gift bag for the first 100 admitted and complimentary admission to all seminars. Regular admission is at 7:30pm and will set you back $65. Seminar admission is $15 per class. The event will feature tastings galore of Agave spirits. Master distillers, ambassadors, mixologists, mezcaleros and tequileros will all be on hand to share their products. Seminars will be given all night with spirit industry professionals focusing on trends, history and culture that exist in the industry. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online by visiting: www.TheSpiritsofMexico.com/purchasetickets . For more information, visit: wwww.thespiritsofmexico.com PHILIP S. KAMPE