Open since September, Severance is a new venue in Los Angeles that its owners describe as an “interactive wine bar.” Owned by former Patina beverage director Evan Charest, the venue, which holds as many as 100 people for receptions, features a wine cart with 80 wines listed by terroir rather than varietal, allowing guests to see, touch, and learn about various soils from different regions. Other highlights include champagne served in large crystal punch bowls.
Photo: Courtesy of Severance
Miami-based Ronen Rental recently released its Stella Gloss Bar ($395) with a gloss finish and clean, simple lines. It features an open back with a five-and-a-half-foot shelf. Plus, the unadorned surface can easily be branded with a company logo. It also comes in black and is available for rent in Florida.
Photo: Courtesy of Ronen Rental
Matchbook Distilling Co., a bespoke craft distillery and incubator, debuted last summer in Greenport, New York. Founded by Leslie Merinoff, the Long Island distillery specializes in small-batch spirits and single botanical distillates, working with clients such as chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders, retailers, and cocktail enthusiasts to create the custom concoctions. Pricing varies depending on the order and can range from $8,000 to $20,000 per case of 20 bottles.
Photo: David Benthal
At the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, guests can gather to watch magician Dennis Watkins perform classic sleight-of-hand, close-up magic and mentalism for an intimate crowd of about 40. Known as the Magic Parlour, the magic show takes place Friday nights at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:30, 7:30, and 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $79 and $89 and include wine, beer, and soft drink selections. The show is recommended for adults and kids 12 and older.
Photo: the Magic Parlour
Madame Tussauds San Francisco recently launched a new tech-forward teambuilding experience. Through the use of virtual reality, groups can save Earth from a dystopian future, working together on puzzles and challenges. A partnership with Virtual Room USA, the experience accommodates groups of two to four people at a time; pricing starts at $10.
Photo: Courtesy of Madame Tussauds San Francisco
Newport, Rhode Island-based stationery company E. Frances Paper’s Little Notes allow planners and hosts to add a whimsical, watercolor-like touch to a seasonal party as place cards, gift tags, or simply as a word of thanks. The note cards are currently available in 41 styles, including seasonal themes; a box of 85 cards costs $14.
Photo: Courtesy of E. Frances Paper
In December, Lady Gaga debuted a Las Vegas residency at the 5,200-seat Park Theater at the new Park MGM resort. The Citi-sponsored residency consists of two unique shows: one focused on her high-energy pop hits and another featuring stripped-down piano versions. Twenty-seven performances are currently scheduled.
Photo: Alex Dolan
Scott Harrison, a BizBash Event Innovator from 2017, recently released his memoir, Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World (Currency), recounting his journey from nightclub promoter to founder and C.E.O. of New York-based Charity: Water, a nonprofit that provides clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. All net author proceeds will go to Charity: Water projects.
Photo: Courtesy of the Crown Publishing Group
