Archive for the ‘Food and Beverage Service Industry’ Category

The Madrona Manor is a nice classy wine-country inn located in Healdsburg, CA moments away from Sonoma’s wineries.  On a Sunday afternoon late in August, I had the pleasure of taking the experience of indulging at their onsite restaurant…

The menu was a host of cocktails & confections.  We started with a cocktail called “Lola”  the balsamic and watermelon flavors comes through very refreshing to the palette with a hint of mint. A nice drink to have on a nice sunny and lazy afternoon; it’s not as sweet as a margarita cocktail.  “Cheese Please”,  a light dessert that mimicked the flavor of a glazed donut as an almond truffle wrapped up in sheep milk which appears as glass.  And was followed in by another light dessert “Milk and Cookies” dehydrated milk crumbled and crushed in small bowl.  The taste was very cold like a milk cookie.  White cookies set aside made of the dehydrated milk very light.  Now that was a fun dessert!

As if all of that wasn’t good enough, then there was “Pearsuasion.”  Pearsuasion had floral flavored estate-grown pears, ginger infused Junipero gin, lemon, Tempus Fugit Violet Liquor and Rose water.  Then, another great play on names came along “Snap, Crackle, Pop!” which had great texture and flavors of jasmine, puffed wild rice, orange blossom and rice ice cream; which might I add was a real winner!

The big hit of the day was the “Chocolate”  that was comprised of basil and almonds on an authentic tree bark platter.  The presentation was simply phenomenal if I do say so myself!   My afternoon ended with a cocktail called “Casagrandes”; a whiskey of house-made Limoncello, ginger, infused simple syrup and ginger beer.  The great thing about this cocktail was that it wasn’t so strong.  It was definitely a cocktail that a non-traditional whiskey drinker would like as it was more smooth than powerful.

The staff at Madrona Manor consisted of newly recruited Pastry Chef: Manny Fimbrez, Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren and Mixologist Pam Bushling.  In addition to the dining and cocktails, the Madrona Manor had stunning grounds and amenities.  A place I would certainly recommend and return to.

The Madrona Manor

1001 Westside Road  Healdsburg, CA 95448
(800) 258-4003

www.madronamanor.com

About The Madrona Manor

Nestled in the hills above the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, Madrona Manor is an exceptionally lovely Victorian estate surrounded by eight acres of wooded and landscaped grounds.   The Mansion, built in 1881, has been a destination for discerning guests seeking a stay in the gracious wine country of northern California since 1981.

Enjoy a romantic meal in their acclaimed restaurant, engage in quiet conversation with drinks on our veranda, or relax by a cozy fire in the winter or at the pool in the summer. At the end of the day, a peaceful night’s stay awaits you in any of their elegant rooms.

Kenneth Reed

“Drink” Editor

Basil MAGAZINE

k.reed@basilmagazine.com

Prima, a premier destination for high-end Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list in Walnut Creek, is celebrating “An Evening in Provence” on Aug. 16.

As one of the most established restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area, Prima is thrilled to announce the Aug. 16 event, “An Evening in Provence.” Guests will be treated to wines from this region of France paired with a Provençal menu.

“Although we are known primarily as an Italian restaurant, we love preparing and enjoying French food and wines. We’re excited to share our passion for this region with our guests,” Jennifer O’Donnell said.

Prima serves contemporary and seasonal Northern Italian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. Its wine list has consistently won awards for its depth and unique selections from all over the world. Prima is conveniently located from all points in the San Francisco Bay Area in the heart of the quaint yet bustling downtown Walnut Creek area.

“Prima looks forward to your visit and the opportunity to exceed your expectations for a special day or evening of Italian tastes and hospitality,” O’Donnell said. “Come see us any day for a bite, a glass, or a visit with friends, family or co-workers.”

For more information about any of Prima’s products or services, call 925-322-2761 or 925-935-7780, keep up with it on the Web at http://www.primawine.com or visit 1552 N. Main St. in Walnut Creek.

Le Truc, known throughout San Francisco for having the best food truck, has announced that it can cater any type of event in the Bay Area.

San Francisco is world-renowned for being a city that gets a lot of its lunch via food cart. Some food trucks do not offer the best food and some negative connotations arise, however, Le Truc has carved a reputation of being one of the best food trucks in the area by taking street food to a whole new level.

After having much success with past catering events, Le Truc is now announcing its expansion into catering for any type of event for any time, whether its morning, afternoon, or evening. Le Truc is one of the first gourmet “kitchens on wheels,” but it stands a step above any other food truck with its indoor seating for 12. Although the school bus adds to a fun and unique atmosphere, events can be catered with or without the “bustaurant.” The food service can cater to an array of events, including corporate breakfast, lunch and dinners, product launches, gallery and store openings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, birthday parties, graduation parties, and many more.

The food service can provide a sit-down, multi-course meal, passed hors d’oeuvres, a buffet or family style dinner, or a delicious meal served directly out of the bus window.

“Enjoy a reimagining of the street food concept with our gourmet on wheels,” Blake Tally, owner of le Truc, said. “As a unique alternative to the enormously popular Off the Grid in San Francisco, Le Truc is helping redefine the idea of food trucks and food carts. Our one of a kind bus has served thousands of satisfied customers.”

For more information about any of Le Truc’s menu or services, call 415-766-0190 or view on the web at http://www.eatletruc.com. To try Le Truc’s food, stop by the food truck location at 470 Brannan St. in San Francisco, Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

A short distance from the San Francisco Bay Area you will find Napa, CA located north of the two major cities of San Francisco and Oakland.  Today Napa is world-known for wineries. Napa County is also known to a variety of flora and fauna including numerous rare spices. The Napa wieners favor varietals but you are sure to taste and sip Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Oenotri Restaurant is located on First Street in downtown Napa directly across the street from the Avia Hotel.  I had pleasure of having dinner at Oenotri the first night of my stay…more

Fast-Casual Restaurant Franchise Improves Guest Experience With Mobile Ordering Solution

Moe’s Southwest Grill(R) announces the launch of a nationwide mobile and online ordering solution in partnership with app design company Splick–it(R).  Now guests who are accustomed to the freshest, quality ingredients and signature greeting, “Welcome to Moe’s!,” can bypass the line and get the food they crave faster than ever before.

“This is a great way to keep Moe’s up-to-date in the fast-paced, social media world we live in today. Splick–it(R) provides a tremendous opportunity for us to stay technologically current and give the best customers in the world a more efficient and user-friendly way to pre-order and pre-pay for their meal,” said Paul Damico, President of Moe’s Southwest Grill.

The app was designed around speed and efficiency. With customer information securely stored, hungry diners can open the app, customize their order, and pre-pay in an average of 60 seconds. Once on location, it’s as easy as walking through the door, bypassing the line, and getting fresh food to go.

In addition to adding iPhone(R) and Android(R) apps to Moe’s mobile presence, Splick–it(R) created fully revamped online ordering websites for each participating location. Moe’s will also have access to new mobile marketing tools created by Splick–it(R) to send targeted, outbound promotions to their user base.

“As an innovative brand in their space, Moe’s was quick to recognize and harness the opportunity presented by the proliferation of recent technological advances in mobility. Their choice to partner with Splick–it(R) is a testament to their commitment to staying ahead of these advances,” said Splick–it(R) founder, Rob Taylor.

Guests can order from over 440 participating locations from the new Moe’s mobile ordering app which can be downloaded for free at the iTunes(R) store or Android(R) Market.

For more information or to find a Moe’s Southwest Grill(R) near you, please visit www.moes.com.

DuClaw Brewing Company, a Maryland-based craft brewery, announced that the winner of the second Annual H.E.R.O. Homebrew Contest is a spicy and sweet Chocolate Chipotle Stout created by Vincent and Suzanne Powers of Nottingham, Maryland.  The H.E.R.O. Homebrew Contest challenges novice brewers and beer aficionados to submit their own brews for review by an esteemed judging panel of DuClaw brewers and experts.  The Chocolate Chipotle Stout will be brewed and ready for public consumption this fall.

The H.E.R.O. ’12 craft recipe is a silky-bodied stout boasting a spicy chipotle pepper bite perfectly balanced by smooth, sweet chocolate. It was chosen by DuClaw brewmasters over 54 other craft recipes submitted. H.E.R.O. ’12 will make its tap debut at a release event at the Bel Air, Bowie and Arundel Mills DuClaw Brewing restaurants this fall.  Chocolate Chipotle Stout will be distributed in kegs and a limited run of 22 oz. bottles, available everywhere DuClaw beer is sold.

Just like last year, every single penny from the sale of H.E.R.O. ‘12 will be donated to charity, and now DuClaw Brewing Company is asking for help from the public in finding the charity, individual or organization most in need of a H.E.R.O.  From now until June 30, 2012, DuClaw is accepting suggestions.  Email your organization or individual’s story to hero@duclaw.com and tell DuClaw why they are in need of a H.E.R.O.

“We started this competition for the dual purpose of giving aspiring brewmasters a way to earn recognition for their craft, and as a way to give back to our community,” said CEO David Benfield.  “Our mission is accomplished. Now it’s your turn.”

The new Truvia® ’Behind the Bar’ product creates great-tasting, zero-calorie simple syrups to help operators meet the growing demand for reduced-calorie cocktails.

The Truvia® brand announced the nationwide launch of the Truvia® ’Behind the Bar’ product, specially designed for use at bars, restaurants and other foodservice establishments.  Now available through local foodservice distributors, the latest Truvia® brand innovation provides a solution to creating natural, great-tasting, zero-calorie simple syrups for cocktails.

As consumers pay greater attention to the sugar content of beverages, bars and restaurants are looking to provide lighter alternatives to the classic, sugar-based cocktail while maintaining great taste.  Research shows that “skinny” menu item claims have grown significantly over the past year. The Truvia® Behind the Bar product will help the food and beverage service industry meet this growing trend naturally and create great-tasting, reduced-calorie cocktails, teas, and lemonades.

Truvia® Simple Syrup is created by adding one package of Truvia® Behind the Bar product to ½ gallon of water and mixing until it dissolves.  This Truvia® Simple Syrup contains zero calories, compared to an equivalent amount of sugar-sweetened simple syrup with about 6400 calories.

“As the #1 natural sugar substitute in the United States, Truvia® natural sweetener has become a pantry staple for U.S. households,” said Mark Brooks, Truvia® global consumer products director.  “With its ability to deliver new revenue to the food and beverage industry, the Truvia® Behind the Bar product is a foodservice essential, as consumers expect a greater variety of reduced-calorie beverage options.”

Truvia® natural sweetener is a great-tasting, natural, zero-calorie sweetener born from the leaves of the stevia plant.  When used in cocktails, Truvia® natural sweetener enhances the intensity of fruit flavors such as citrus and berry, and smoothes out the overall taste while maintaining its flavor.

“This new product is a perfect tool for bars and restaurants to expand their menu offerings and give customers more of what they want – natural, great-tasting drinks at a fraction of the calories,” said Anthony Caporale, mixologist, host and producer of Art of the Drink.  “The Truvia® Behind the Bar product is the first natural, high-quality product with nationwide availability that is tailor-made for the food and beverage industry to deliver reduced-calorie cocktails.”

Discover reduced-calorie cocktails using Truvia® Simple Syrups and related product tips at www.truviacocktails.com.