Illy Coffee and Creativity Pair Well at Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE

From Mixology to Meat, Coffee Raises the Bar with Prime Status

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Oct 16, 2014, 05:58 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Coffee shines as a key ingredient at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE, October 16^th – 19^th courtesy of illy, which is offering foodies an opportunity to try unique coffee cocktails in collaboration with Casamigos Tequila and Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata Ale and secret steak rub using illy from Chef Bryan Voltaggio.

Illy, a sponsor of the festival's marquee events, was inspired by select themes including Meatopia X: The Carniovre's Ball presented by Creekstone Farms hosted by Michael Symon, CASAMIGOS Tequila presents Tacos & Tequila sponsored by Mohegan Sun hosted by Bobby Flay, Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray, Jets & Chefs: The Ultimate Tailgate hosted by Joe Namath and Mario Batali, and Ronzoni's La sagra Slices hosted by Bongiovi Brand Pasta Sauces & Adam Richman presented by Time Out New York. Beyond creating illy's espresso and cappuccino coffees, the cocktail creations provide a unique opportunity for food lovers to experience the brand and be creatively inspired through coffee.

"Coffee opens up new possibilities for crafting cocktails because similar to other foods, coffee can take on unique flavor profiles depending on the origin of the bean and preparation method," said Master Barista Giorgio Milos. "A coffee cocktail also has appeal because patrons wanting a caffeinated spirits drink traditionally didn't have ingredient options except for soda or energy drink which mixologists prefer not to use."

As a tool for mixologists experimenting with coffee, illy's Sensory Lab in Trieste, Italy, developed a reference guide for mixing coffee, spirits and seasonal ingredients. Illy encourages coffee enthusiasts to get inspired and celebrate fall's flavors using the mixology chart, found here: http://on.fb.me/1yzqKKH. Coffee cocktails can be submitted via twitter @illyUSA or @giorgio_milos #illyinspires for a chance to be featured on illy's recipe page.

Beyond Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, coffee mixology is finding a fan base with cocktail crafters and the broader culinary world. To follow the conversation and trends surrounding coffee cocktail culture, go to Master Barista Giorgio Milos' blog MasterBarista.Tumblr.com.

For more coffee mixology, visit illy's recipe page: http://bit.ly/1vRUJKi

For tickets to Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival: www.nycwff.org 100% of the net proceeds from the Festival benefit the nation's leading hunger-relief organizations Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign and Food Bank For New York City

About Master Barista Giorgio Milos:
Giorgio Milos is a trainer and Master Barista certified by the SCAE, SCAA and is also an Italian Barista Champion and top World Barista Championship contender, and now illy's North American Barista in Residence. A barista's work starts with understanding how coffee grows, then applying a scientist's curiosity to the complex chain of chemical reactions and variables that create pleasure in the cup. Giorgio can be followed on Twitter (@Giorgio_Milos), Instagram (@MasterBarista), Tumblr (MasterBarista.Tumblr.com).

About illycaffe North America, Inc:
Illycaffe North America imports, distributes and markets illy products throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. With global headquarters in Trieste, Italy, illy is a leader in providing super-premium coffee known for its distinctly balanced and beautiful taste, produced to the industry's highest quality standards. Its full range of roasted coffee (whole bean, ground and single serve), espresso machines, artist-created cups and other accessories can be experienced at leading cafes, hotels, and restaurants, and purchased for the home at higher-end retailers and at www.illyusa.com. Through a global partnership with Coca Cola, illy also offers the illy issimo line of ready to drink coffees available worldwide. Illy pioneered the direct trade model for coffee over 25 years ago and purchases 100 percent (except Ethiopia) of its Arabica coffee directly from growers, who are educated by illy to produce coffee that meets the highest standards for quality and sustainability. Illy is frequently recognized for its industry leadership in sustainability and ethics, its long-held core values.

More information about illy and its products can be found at www.illy.com and https://www.facebook.com/illy
Follow illy on twitter https://twitter.com/illyUSA
Follow illy on Instagram http://instagram.com/illy_coffee
Follow illy's event page: http://www.illy.com/wps/wcm/connect/en/community/events

Media Contacts:

Lindsey Schwartz
[email protected]
(914) 253-4433

Marilyn Lopez
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(917) 209-9514

SOURCE illy