Entertainment

GEELONG, Australia -  A clever smartphone concept, that turns any wine label into a digital channel, using virtual technology, is set to roll out to the US, with California wineries getting onboard from this week.

The concept, called Winerytale, enables winemakers to "virtually" hide digital content behind their wine labels, which eager consumers unlock by scanning with their phones. The entire experience is then stunningly brought to life with augmented reality.

GEYSERVILLE  - The Family Coppola and its award-winning Great Women Spirits collection of California-crafted, classically styled spirits launch a collaboration to celebrate achievement, creativity, and innovation when the world remembers the British mathematician who developed the first computer program in 1842.

Ada Lovelace Day on October 8 is an international celebration of women's leadership and achievements in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and kicks off the Great Women Spirits "Cocktails for a Cause: Shake it for Ada" initiative. This new campaign rallies bars and restaurants across the U.S. together with gifted bartenders who have developed custom Great Women Spirits Ada Lovelace Gin cocktails in honor of Ada Lovelace's achievements along with other historical women they are inspired by.

FRESNO - Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, known for its award-winning, hand-crafted sandwiches, has announced a newly signed franchise agreement that will bring three new stores to Fresno. The first location located at 5058 N. Palm Avenue is slated to open in early spring 2021.

The three-store agreement is spearheaded by restaurant industry veteran and current multi-unit Checkers and Rally's franchisee, Javier Gomez. With over 32 years of experience in the restaurant business and a proven track record of growing businesses in new markets, Gomez is well-acquainted with the food industry.  He got his start in the restaurant business as a junior in high school, working at a KFC in Los Angeles.

RESTAURANT REVIEW - Well Madera finally has a real sushi restaurant in town. They’ve been open for a few months. We so badly wanted to be able to give a positive review that we waited a while to let them get through all the hiccups of opening a new restaurant. The last place, Litto Sushi, we went to on opening week and it was just horrible.

Litto Sushi, was sushi of the ‘Mexican’ variety, which I have had before and liked. But their version included things such as health department level problems. I can’t say I was too surprised when it folded fairly quickly. I must start by saying that while this new place, Oishii Express, still has problems they are not at the level of the previous owners.  For example, the décor has been spruced up a little and is nicer at first glance than the previous restaurant located here.

FRESNO  -  Lyons Magnus, a global food service and ingredient source, has released predictions for six emerging trends that will influence food and beverage menus in 2020 and beyond.

"We use our proprietary resource and analysis to support our partners with targeted trend insights to help them identify opportunities that will resonate with their customer base," says John Koch, VP of Culinary Sales. "These trends are the cornerstone for innovative products and recipe creation."

NEWPORT BEACH -  Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced that it's introducing a brand-new steak option, Carne Asada, nationally on September 19, 2019. Chipotle Rewards members were the first to learn of the new menu item today. To showcase the importance of its Rewards members and the exclusive access the program provides, Chipotle invited its top steak lovers in New York and Los Angeles to attend early VIP tasting events.

This premium protein is cut into tender slices, seasoned with fresh squeezed lime and finished with hand-chopped cilantro and a blend of signature spices. Chipotle's Carne Asada has been officially approved for the Whole30® program, and is compliant with a Paleo diet.