2009 Grand Marnier® and NAVAN® "On the Fly" Competition

To Showcase Cocktail Shakedown at Tales of the Cocktail
Friday, July 10, 2009, 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the W Hotel, New Orleans

New York, NY (April 2009) - Grand Marnier® and Navan® will once again sponsor the second annual "On the Fly" Competition at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans on Friday, July 10, 2009. Television personality Kevin Brauch of Iron Chef America and Thirsty Traveler will join acclaimed mixologist Jeffrey Morgenthaler as the official Masters of Ceremonies and keepers of the mystery ingredients, unveiling the secret guidelines for competitors in a thrilling cocktail shakedown.

The 2009 Grand Marnier and Navan "On the Fly" Competition will celebrate the creativity and last-minute inventiveness of eight top bar stars, working exclusively with the ingredients found in Jeffrey Morgenthaler's bag of tricks. Confronted with a variety of challenges, the contestants will push their originality and skill "on the fly" in front of an audience of hundreds of their peers and cocktail aficionados. The mixologist who executes the most original cocktail creation will win the "On the Fly" trophy, as judged by a highly discriminating panel of judges including Tony Abou-Ganim, Bridget Albert, Antoine Gervais, Xavier Herit, Francesco Lafranconi and Dale DeGroff. The eight contestants are Eric Alperin of Los Angeles, Paul Clarke of Seattle, Michael Glassberg of New Orleans, Giuseppe Gonzales of New York, Misty Kalkofen of Boston, Todd Thrasher of Washington, Neyah White of San Francisco and David Wondrich of New York.

Last year's winner, John Lermayer from the Florida Room in Miami, received the 2008 Grand Marnier and Navan "On the Fly" trophy with his triumphant on-the-spot creation, The Alana Marie, a blend of Navan and fresh raspberries in a walnut-port reduction.

Building upon the brands' history of excellence in mixology, Grand Marnier and Navan, who also host the annual Mixology Summit in Vail, Colorado, are proud to endorse cocktail creativity and fast-paced, cutting-edge innovation. The 2009 Grand Marnier and Navan "On the Fly" Competition will spotlight the ingenuity of eight accomplished cocktail masters, while demonstrating the incredible versatility and technique of mixology today.

About Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail is an internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community--award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers--for a five-day celebration of the history and artistry of making drinks. Each year offers a spirited series of dinners, demos, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties all perfectly paired with some of the best cocktails ever made.

About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of dining and drinking in New Orleans and the storied bars and restaurants that have contributed to the city's world-wide culinary acclaim. This organization supports members of the hospitality industry through education and the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail and, most recently, Trails of the Cocktail, a scholarship program for emerging talent in the New Orleans cocktail industry.

Every summer spirits from around the world descend on America's most soulful city. This summer will be no different as Tales of the Cocktail returns. Join us for a spirited schedule of cocktails, cuisine and culture that will stir even the most idle of souls.

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit the website at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511. Tickets On Sale NOW.

For further inquiries about the 2009 Grand Marnier and Navan "On the Fly" Competition please contact Helen Gregory of Gregory White PR at (718) 403-0097 or e-mail helen@gregorywhitepr.com or Ann Tuennerman of Tales of the Cocktail at 504-343-4285 or email ann@talesofthecocktail.com.