Heather D. Dolland
Heather D. Dolland is founder and owner of All The Tastes of New York, a startup firm that organizes and hosts themed “food crawl” dining experiences at some of Manhattan’s top restaurants. Launched in 2012, All the Tastes of New York enables groups of eight to 30 participants to enjoy appetizers, entree and desserts at three restaurants within walking distance of each other. Neighborhoods ranging from Hell’s Kitchen and the East Village, to the Lower East Side, Murray Hill and Upper West Side. In addition, the company also provides brand promotion services to local wine and spirit companies. Today, Heather partners with more than 50 culturally diverse restaurants throughout Manhattan—from trendy neighborhood bistros to fine-dining establishments—to deliver an exciting culinary experience with exceptional service in memorable atmospheres. Heather’s corporate clients include Match.com, Google, VeriFone, MetLife and Tumblr, and so far, 1,000+ guests have participated on the food crawls—an activity that lends itself to singles events, business outings and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
allthetastesofnewyork.com/thebook
Discovering the New York Craft Spirits Boom
By first introducing a unique take on dining, All The Tastes of New York, Heather Dolland now introduces us to the new movement, “Farm to Glass” through new book, Discovering the New York Craft Spirits Boom. It chronicles the lives of 30 Craft Distillers throughout New York State, from Brooklyn to the Finger Lakes, that distill spirits such as Whiskey, Bourbon, Gin, Vodka and much more! Each story is as varied and unique as the brands that they create. It is an intimate look into their struggles and triumphs, and their decisions to be embark upon this spirited journey! A journey that would not have been possible without the changing of laws and regulations that made distilling in New York once again legal since the days of Prohibition.
Author Interview:
How did your book come to life?
In September 2014, I was asked to put together the launch party for Astoria Restaurant Week. I was responsible for compiling the alcohol vendors and made an effort to seek local brands. During that process, I discovered a number of the distillers that I later wrote about in the book. What was especially fascinating to me was all that happed that allowed this new industry to exist.
What other books are similar to yours?
This is the first book written that speaks about the Farm Distillery Act that passed in 2007 and the different individuals who came together to get the laws changed to make distilling legal in New York State. It does not fit neatly into any particular category. It covers information that is of historic significance, while also being a guidebook for anyone interested in visiting the distilleries. Beyond that, it mentions the locations where you can enjoy a cocktail, the liquor stores where they can be purchased and cocktail recipes. I tried to be as encompassing as possible in my appeal.
Why do you think your readers are going to enjoy your book?
I think my readers will enjoy the book because they will likely be able to recognize themselves or someone they know while reading the stories of each distiller. These are all very ordinary people who wanted to do something meaningful in their lives. These are not huge conglomerates. They are men, women, friends or couples who wanted to create something that they could share with the world.
I have also provided opportunities for engagement from the readers, so if they didn’t want to visit the distillery, they can go to their local liquor store or restaurant and really know something about the person who created the drink they are enjoying!
In two sentences or less, can you tell your readers something unique about your book?
This book is unique because it focuses what makes New York an extraordinarily unique place to live and visit. Because I have featured distillers from Brooklyn to the Finger Lakes, I have not only provided a distillery guide, but also a dining guide for those not familiar with places outside of the neighborhood.
List three adjectives that describe your book as a whole?
Informative, Creative and Fun!
Do you like to travel? If so, what is your favorite city?
Yes. Barcelona.
What is your favorite food? Do you have a favorite restaurant you’d recommend if we ever visit your city?
I don’t have a favorite food per se, but anything that is full of flavor and very spicy. I very much enjoy fusion cooking. The Cecil in Harlem is probably one of my favorites for that.
What are you currently reading?
I have quite a lot on my plate right now so not very much time to sit and read. However, there is nothing like a good book to listen to passing the time on a road trip. I am currently listening to Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King.
What is the best book you’ve read?
Anna In-Between by Elizabeth Nunez is a book that I enjoyed tremendously. Written by a fellow West Indian, many times I felt as though she was chronicling parts of my own life story. The irony that the main character is a publisher in New York is not lost on me at all, given that when I read this book in 2010 I had no idea that in 2015 I would author a book.
Tell us something random about yourself…
I am from Grenada. I was an Environmental Consultant for 14 yrs. I love to cook. I’m a big fan of Tequila. Central Park is one of my favorite places to be.
When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
Either cooking or coming up with random cocktail recipes.
Do you expect your book to be a NY Times Bestseller?
It will be nice for my first book to be NY Times Bestseller, since it surely is a huge advocate for New York!
