SIP Unlimited to feature food and wines from around the world

The 3rd Annual SIP Unlimited will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. The third installment of this incredible event will honor three of the local hospitality industry’s very own: Mike Bush, Phillip Cuellar and, once again, Kuan Lim.

In 2016, Lim was diagnosed with smallcell bone carcinoma. The cost of treatments and prosthetics for an amputated leg, on top of rehabilitation, left Lim and his family defeated. Margaritaville’s SVP and GM, Barry Regula, is a long-time friend of Lim. In the aftermath of learning about Lim’s cancer diagnosis, SIP Unlimited was born. Margaritaville hosted the first of this now-annual event in 2017. In the past, SIP Unlimited has raised over $100,000 to help honorees and their beneficiaries. The silent auction alone has generated gross revenue of over $30,000.

About the Honorees

The same words are used to describe restauranteur Kuan Lim no matter who is asked: “A local legend.” Lim, the owner of Lucky Palace, is known not only for his cuisine but also for his knowledge of wine and perfect pairings. Lim has several awards under his belt. Most recently, Lucky Palace received a 2019 Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Ask anyone with a great palate and a nose for incredible food, and they will tell you that Lim is leagues ahead when it comes to the wine list he has created for Lucky Palace. They will also tell you to try the duck – and they’re right on both accounts.

Over the years, Lim and Lucky Palace have become a favorite amongst locals. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting Lim will speak on his kindness, infectious personality and his passion. According to food columnist Chris Jay, “Folks associate Lim with food and wine, and rightfully so – but I associate him with hospitality, generosity, openmindedness and friendship. He is a master of hospitality who can make any visitor to his restaurant feel like they’ve made a new best friend.”

Honorees Phillip Cuellar and Mike Bush, like Lim, are also considered to be local legends among restauranteurs and hospitality workers in the area. Cuellar is best known for his work with the Village Grille and the big smile and big heart he carried around with him. Fatty’s owner, Chase Boytim, remembers working with Cuellar for two years at the Village Grille. “He was a great boss and still is an amazing friend. Phillip has a huge heart and kind soul.” Cuellar is currently struggling with complications from liver cancer.

Mike Bush is best known for his work with Republic National Distributing Company. Having attended schools in Napa Valley and Germany to learn about wine, he made a name for himself locally as someone who knew his wine well – and paired it with a sweet, hearty side of laughter and friendship. After battling a serious illness, Bush passed away on July. 23.

This year’s silent auction will be held in the Paradise Theater alongside food and wine from around the world. The auction includes donations from local businesses and unique items such as a signed fiddle by Charlie Daniels, a guitar signed by Alabama and Exile, a guitar signed by Jamey Johnson, and several dining and vacation packages.

General admission tickets are being sold for $75 while the VIP experience is $150. VIP tickets are limited: There are only 100 tickets available to this specialized tasting inside Jimmy’s Seafood and Steak featuring gourmet cuisine paired with Lim’s personal selection of wine and champagne. VIP guests will be able to dine side by side with Lim and learn the true meaning of becoming “Lim-ified,” the slogan that once graced T-shirts in honor of this culinary master as a testament to his overwhelming generosity.

One thing is sure: The 3rd Annual SIP Unlimited will stand not only as a beautiful tribute to Bush, Cuellar and Lim, but to the spirit of hospitality and the lives that are transformed over a passion for great food, wine and friendship. Lim says, “I believe good food and good wine will bring great people together to do great things.”