WAIKIKI BEACH, OAHU, HAWAII – Award-winning mixologist Francesco Lafranconi is shaking things up at RumFire, Waikiki’s newest hot spot. With over 101 brands of rum to choose from, including several unique and exclusive rums, Lafranconi will create signature libations for revelers when RumFire debuts on December 29. Set against the alluring backdrop of Diamond Head, the oceanfront oasis offers the largest selection of vintage rum in the United States, an exotic blend of tapas-style cuisine and innovative private fire pits.
“Sheraton Waikiki is thrilled to be working with Francesco Lafranconi, whose expertise and knowledge of the rum will heighten the guest experience when savoring RumFire’s tapas, tastings and libations,” said Kelly Sanders, general manager of Sheraton Waikiki. “RumFire’s exclusive collection is imported from the finest distilleries around the world, many of which are only producing limited amounts of rum per year. Sourcing these rums is becoming increasingly difficult and the demand far exceeds supply.”
Lafranconi will share his expertise in rum, mixology and service with RumFire bartenders, so they too can become rum aficionados. His training will include recognizing RumFire’s unique offerings of rare blends, such as Rhum Clement X.O., a highly regarded vintage of the early 1950’s, to the rum that is being produced in Hawaii’s backyard from local sugar cane.
Lafranconi currently serves as Director of Mixology for Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc., the country’s largest wine and spirits distributor. In his position, Lafranconi works with expert mixologists to develop unique cocktails for world-renowned restaurants, hotels and celebrity chefs. Past clients include Daniel Bolud, Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, and the Wynn Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Lafranconi also has a history of involvement with Starwood Hotels and Resorts and applauds the company’s efforts to raise the bar with its beverage program. He is the winner of numerous awards, including the prestigious Bacardi-Martini Grand Prix World Final competition.
“RumFire’s innovative setting and extensive collection has enabled me to create and develop some of the most unique and sexy cocktails on Waikiki Beach,” says Lafranconi. “In Hawaii, rum is usually associated with tropical cocktails and drinks, such as the Mai Tai and Pina Colada, but RumFire’s exclusive collection will highlight and expand way beyond the typical island cocktail-stereotype.”
RumFire is located on the ground floor of the Sheraton Waikiki on the beachfront and open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; late-night cocktails until
2 a.m.; no reservations taken. For more information please call toll free (866)-952-FIRE (3473) or visit www.rumfirewaikiki.com.
