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Event Raises Glass For Vets

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2007

Updated: 12/10/2007 07:33 pm

VALRICO - You could call it a tried-and-true fundraiser with a twist.

Top Shelf Liquors owner Devan Patel and customer Becky Herndon were racking their brains, trying to come up with a fundraiser for Amvets Post 44 of Brandon. Herndon serves as president of the women's auxiliary.

The post operates in a rented building on Pauls Drive, and members are trying to raise money to build a facility.

Patel had been impressed with the success of the annual Nativity Food Pantry Taste of Brandon, an event where area restaurants gather at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon and offer ticket-holders a sampling of their foods to raise money for the nonprofit food pantry.

"At 2,800 square feet, we're the largest independent liquor store in Brandon, and we take a lot of pride in our inventory," Patel said. "I thought it would be a great idea to have liquor vendors come in and allow ticket-holders to sample their products, with the proceeds going to the veterans."

The idea caught on quickly and soon developed into the first Brandon Wine, Spirit and Food Festival, held Dec. 1 at Lithia Square shopping center at 915 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, home of Top Shelf Liquors.

More than 500 adults turned out to sample more than 80 alcoholic beverages, including aged rums, fine wines and rare scotches. Visitors also sampled foods from The Olive Tree, Outback Steakhouse, O'Brien's Irish Pub and Bonefish Grill.

"People loved the food," Patel said. "They enjoyed how Bonefish Grill made fresh Bang Bang Shrimp, The Olive Tree Greek restaurant sampled unique, tasty appetizers, as well as Outback and O'Brien's serving their signature dishes."

The Board Room and Tobacco Depot also were on hand with premium cigars.

Promotional items and prizes were distributed throughout the four-hour event. Premier Beverage, Zyr Vodka, Stirrings, Tobacco Depot, Diageo, Ron Abuelo Rum, Oro Azul Tequila and other companies held drawings.

Members of the post donated their time at the event, which raised $3,500 in ticket sales.

"Many attendees asked me if Top Shelf Liquors and Amvets Post 44 would host another festival next year," Patel said. "I replied, 'Of course, and it will be bigger and better next time.' I was really happy to see the joy and happiness of all the Amvets. They all had a blast singing, dancing eating and drinking."

Patel saw the event as an opportunity to help veterans and introduce the community to the year-old store he opened with his brother Ketan and Ketan's brother-in-law Brij Amin.

"We try to stock unusual brands from around the world," Patel said. "For instance, a customer came in requesting a rum, El Dorado, he'd had in Guyana. I hunted around until I found a vendor who carried it. It's an awesome-tasting rum. Now I keep it in stock."

On Friday and Saturday nights, customers can try some of the more unusual products at Patel's sampling bar, including some of the wines he selected during his latest trip to Napa Valley in California.

Top Shelf Liquors also boasts the largest beer cooler in Brandon, with more than 300 beers - including the hard-to-find Costa Rican Imperial brand beer. It also has a large malt whiskey collection.

True connoisseurs also can find a bottle of Gordon & MacPhail's Private Collection Glenlivet whiskey for $125. For something made closer to home, residents can purchase a bottle of Plant City's own Keel and Curley Wines.

For information, call (813) 661-1800.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampatrib.com.

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