Julie Reiner and Simon Ford, two extraordinary minds and close friends in the cocktail world, each bring their unique contributions to the bar scene. With 25 years of elevating New York City's cocktail scene through iconic establishments like Flatiron Lounge and The Pegu Club, Julie has become a trailblazer in the industry. She was recently featured as a judge on the acclaimed Netflix series, Drink Masters.Simon Ford is the co-founder of The 86 Co. and Ford’s Gin. He is a prominent voice in the spirits and cocktail world. Simon is a returning guest of Beyond the Plate (Season 6 and Season 8) and while he’s had a huge impact on gin culture in the US and beyond, he shares the global impact and influence Julie's had on the cocktail scene.Sharing their commitment to community, Simon discusses how Fords Gin is always trying to push their social consciousness forward through their support of the bartending community. Julie explains her work with the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund, a fund that provides immediate assistance to restaurant, bar and hospitality workers displaced by the devastating wildfires in West Maui communities. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Julie Reiner and Simon Ford.This season is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.Check out our #BtPlatepodcast Merch at www.BeyondthePlateMerch.com Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and TwitterFollow Kappy on Instagram and Twitter