Earlier this year, Los Angeles-based photographer Eric J. Smith was able to capture the incredibly rare moment of a surfacing humpback whale just a foot or so away from a sailboat. The photograph, covered by global publications like The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and ABC News, went viral, it's popularity based on its message rather than the endangered species itself. Sitting on the nearby boat is a man so engaged by what's happening on his cell phone screen that he's entirely oblivious to the whale. Smith posted the image on Instagram with the caption, "A sign of the times." The photograph was able to start a worldwide dialogue about our dependency on technology.

Smith, an award-winning director, designer, and photographer, is able to tell a story through a single photograph. Over the past 20 years, he's traveled the world and worked with everyone from Oprah Winfrey to James Cameron and created a signature style in his documentary images. Recognized by National Geographic, Smith was invited to participate in their "View From Above" Exhibition at O'Hare Airport. Presently, Smith serves as the Vice President/Creative Director of EcoMedia. 

We asked Smith to explore the idea of putting a new spin on a traditional way of life and apply it to the culture he experiences in Los Angeles, and were thrilled when he agreed. To Smith, these atypical black and white surf shots taken from the Pier in Manhattan Beach, California, truly reimagine tradition.

A few weeks ago, KOVAL was able to participate in The Tokyo Bar Show for the first time. One of the first to bring bars, mixologists, and spirit makers together, the Tokyo Bar Show is truly in a category of its own. This year, we teamed up with award-winning bartender Hirohito Arai of Nekomataya in Ashikaga, Japan, who introduced KOVAL Dry Gin in a unique cocktail to the Tokyo Bar Show. Before the show floor opened, we were able to talk to Hirohito and learn a bit about his experience as a bartender, as well as his take on the craft spirits scene in Japan.

Code & Cupcakes workshop. Photo credit: Brent Knepper 

Note: This article is part of KOVAL’s “Innovation Month.” While KOVAL continues to change the way people think about whiskey, we're highlighting thinkers, technologists, entrepreneurs, designers, organizations, and brands that we believe are streamlining the future of how the world works.

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You may have heard of 1871—a bustling co-working space in Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart fostering some of the newest and most innovative technologies and digital companies. From coding classes to lectures from international industry leaders, 1871 is an ideal environment for budding CEOs and tech leaders.

Fewer people know about a similar entrepreneurial paradise—Pilsen’s Blue1647. Walking into this dynamic co-working space, it’s almost impossible not to feel its overpowering sense of community. The walls are decorated with murals by local Chicago street artist, Roho Garcia, who also happens to be the resident DJ. 

On Thursday, March 26th, KOVAL is excited to join the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network for their annual fundraiser: The Spring Into Action Benefit. While we're looking forward to helping support such a great organization, we're also looking forward to getting to meet some of the other attendees - an exceptional group of Chicago-area mixologists and chefs from top bars and restaurants.

Earlier this week we shared an interview with Amanda Rockman and Kim Leali of Nico and learned a bit about their kitchen inspirations (as well as their guilty pleasure foods). Now we're happy to share an interview with another of the fundraiser's participating chefs - Mark Sparacino, Executive Chef and Managing Partner of Prosecco.

After discovering his passion for the hospitality industry within a bustling home filled with two parents from different parts of the world, Mark began his career at Lettuce Entertain You's Avanzare. For the next twenty years, Mark Sparacino has worked in Italian kitchens such as Topo Gigio in Chicago's Old Town to his own place, Sparacino Restaurante, to his current venture, Prosecco. We were able to catch up with Mark and learn a bit more about him and his love of classic Italian cuisine.

After discovering his passion for the hospitality industry within a bustling home filled with two parents from different parts of the world, Mark began his career at Lettuce Entertain You's Avanzare. For the next twenty years, Mark Sparacino has worked in Italian kitchens such as Topo Gigio in Chicago's Old Town to his own place, Sparacino Restaurante, to his current venture, Prosecco. We were able to catch up with Mark and learn a bit more about him and his love of classic Italian cuisine.

This Thursday night, we're excited to literally "shake things up" for a great cause at the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network's 18th Annual Spring Into Action Benefit. In addition to mixing up cocktails for attendees, we're thrilled to be joined by dozens of incredible mixologists and chefs from the Chicago area.

Since we already know a bit about the mixology portion of the evening, we thought we'd learn more about some of the participating chefs (including their guilty pleasure foods) in anticipation for the event. First up are Amanda Rockman (Pastry Chef) and Kim Leali (Executive Sous Chef) of Nico Osteria, one of Chicago's most authentic Italian seafood restaurants.