Editor: For further information regarding this press release, please contact Marika Rose at 916.601-9737, amcr@comcast.net.

NEWS RELEASE

October 25, 2007

California Restaurant Association Honors Firehouse General Manager Mario Ortiz

SACRAMENTO – Mario Ortiz has been awarded the Career of Excellence Award from the California Restaurant Association. The award is given annually to a restaurant industry professional with extraordinary talent for providing impeccable service. Recipients of the award have also made an undeniable impression on their peers.

Ortiz has built a reputation for excellence, attention to detail and gracious hospitality. He has shepherded The Firehouse’s nationally-recognized wine program to continuously greater heights – earning the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for six consecutive years.

Ortiz began his career at The Firehouse 36 years ago. He learned every facet of the business until ultimately becoming General Manager and Sommelier. He is widely recognized as a master coordinator of elegant, high-profile events and he is known throughout the region and in California’s wine regions as a wine expert.

The Firehouse Restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind ambiance steeped with tradition and elegance. It is recognized for excellence in food, wine and hospitality with awards including Wine Spectator’s “Best Award of Excellence” and “Most Romantic, Best Wine List, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Business Lunch and Best Special Occasion Dining” by the Subscribers of Sacramento Magazine - 2007.