Archive for the ‘Beverages’ Category
The Fourth Annual HALL Cabernet Cookoff ™
Each Ticket includes:
- Wine Tasting + sampling of gourmet “bites”
- 100% of all ticket sales and a portion of wines sales sold at the event will be divided among the charities of the winning teams.
- More VIP fun such as meet and greet with owner/vintner Kathryn Hall.
- Vote for your favorite dish in the People’s Choice category
How to Purchase Tickets – This event sold out last year. Reserve your tickets through our online store today. A confirmation will be sent by email. Tickets will be charged the week of the event.
Participating Chef Teams - Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Ca Momi, Carpe Diem, Culinary Mercenary, Cuvee, Feast, La Condesa, Market St. Helena, The Grill at Meadowood, Napa Valley Biscuits, Oenotri, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
Professional Judges - Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani – Terra; Chef Ken Frank - La Toque; Chef Brandon Sharp – Solbar
For more information go to: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff
Questions? Contact Diem Doonan at 707.967.2673 or ddoonan@hallwines.com
Killer Buzz® Announces Deal w/QuickTrip
Launches in 4th largest U.S. Market with Top Retailer
The Killer Buzz® line of Energy Drinks and RTD Iced Coffees containing Giant Hornet Amino Acid (GHAA), is expanding distribution into the Dallas/Ft. Worth market and has been authorized in QuikTrip in the Dallas region. QuikTrip’s Dallas division recently celebrated the opening of their 100th store in the region.
“This is a great way to kick off our newest distribution partner, Kimball Distributing Inc., who distributes Killer Buzz® in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area” stated Jeremy Friedman, Marketing Director for Killer Buzz®. “And we are very excited about partnering with QuikTrip in Dallas”, Friedman Continued, “QuikTrip is a top quality retailer and we hope this partnership is one giant step toward national distribution with the QuikTrip family of stores”.
For more information visit www.killerbuzz.com / www.kimballdistributinginc.com
Frightful Freeze Ice Trays – Just in Time for Halloween!
With Halloween just around the corner, why not give your guests something to howl about? We’ve found the perfect thing to spice up your Halloween party and have your guest talking for days after. It’s the Frightful Freeze Ice Trays!
Add a gnash of Transylvanian teeth to your next Bloody Mary with the fangtastic Frightful Freeze Ice Tray or chill your favorite drinks – cold to the bone with the Skull and Crossbones Ice Cube Tray.
Easy to use, just fill with water or fruit juice and put them in the freezer for a bit. Then, pop them out to create an icy array of terrifying refreshment chillers. Flexible and almost indestructible, these food-grade silicone ice trays are simply immortal…in that they can be used over and over again. For extra fun, try Jell-O!
These Frightful Freeze Ice Trays are sure to keep you guests in a ghoulish spirit! They are also great for any kids parties that you may be having… And at only $6.49 each, you can’t go wrong in treating yourself to this great little find, or give it as a gift to someone else as it’s the gift that keeps on giving as you can use it for years to come. For more information, please log onto: www.HomeWetBar.com.
We have two of these for the taking… If you would like to sample one of these neat ice trays, simply fill out this entry form for your chance to win.
Good luck!
Maureen
The Madrona Manor Experience
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
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
Glenfiddich
I am not a whiskey drinker, so I don’t confess to be too knowledgeable of whiskeys. I spent the afternoon with a whiskey expert and Glenfiddich Ambassador who introduced me to a limited edition. Glenfiddich is unique because it is ‘doubled matured’ in two different casks – traditional oak and Sherry. The taste of Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition is of zingy sherbet, which slowly turns to spicy and tempting flavours of plum and cherry with hints of toasted almonds and wedding cake. With that being said the taste experience was lively and vivid. On the nose it’s damp earth and whisky-soaked wood intermingle with deep vanilla and smoky embers.
For you true hearted whiskey drinkers take note the release will be limited to only 18,000 bottles in the United States and will be available nationwide this September 2012. I understand the bottle will be about $80.00 per bottle.
Have fun with it; glasses up!
Kenneth
September is National Better Breakfast Month!
Did you know that September is National Better Breakfast Month? Well, in honor of the most important meal of the day, we are sharing some great products from T-fal to help you start off each day in style. Whether you’re a grab-n-go eater or prefer your breakfast at the morning table, the below products from T-fal will help put an end to the old morning drive-through habit for good!
Scrambled Eggs anyone?
T-fal’s Mini One Egg Wonder: If cookware could be cute – this would definitely qualify! The T-fal Mini One Egg Wonder makes the perfect single-serving of eggs every time, without having to dirty a full-sized pan. The little pan packs the punch when it comes to quality, as it features T-fal’s signature non-stick interior and exterior, comfort grip handles and an even heat base for fast and even cooking.
Don’t burn the toast!
T-fal Avanté Deluxe Toaster – Make your breakfast favorites like bagels and breads in a flash with the T-fal Avanté Deluxe Toaster. The sleek angled design (no more burnt fingers!) provides safe, easy viewing and removal, so your breakfast is perfectly crisp, plus, it’s 40 % faster than conventional toasters!
Fluffy Pancakes, please!
Make family breakfasts a whole lot easier! The T-fal Giant Pancake Griddle whips up fluffy, golden brown pancakes every time with T-fal’ unique thermo-spot technology that shows when the pan is perfectly preheated and ready for the first batch!
Tea instead of coffee?
T-fal Vitesses Electric Kettle: No more waiting for the kettle to whistle! The T-fal Vitesses Electric Kettle is the perfect way to quickly heat water for tea, oatmeal or instant coffee before you run out the door. With an adjustable temperature control for perfect brewing and 7 cup container, the kettle guarantees safe and quick heated water.
For information on these products, or the rest of the T-fal line, log onto: t-falusa.com.
We’d like to help you obtain a great start to the day by offering you your chance to win a T-fal Giant Pancake Griddle. Simply click here for and fill out an entry form for your chance to win.
Good luck!
Nedrea
Portola Hotel’s Peter B’s Brewpub Wins Bronze Medal at World Beer Championships
Peter B’s Brewpub, located behind Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey’s first and only Silver LEED® EB certified hotel, has won the bronze medal for their Fort Ord Wheat Ale at the World Beer Championships. The Fort Ord Wheat Ale received excellent recognition and a high 84-point rating. This bronze medal is the second award that Peter B’s Brewpub has received from the World Beer Championships.
Tastings.com, Beverage Tasting Institute’s (BTI) website, describes the pub’s Fort Ord Wheat Ale as golden in color, and crisp with hints of orange citrus.
Guests at Peter B’s Brewpub can enjoy the award-winning Fort Ord Wheat Ale paired with delicious sustainable dishes prepared by the Portola Hotel & Spa’s Executive Chef Jason Giles.
Peter B’s Brewpub has also previously won a silver medal for their inclusion Amber Ale and a bronze medal for their Ford Ord Wheat at the 2011 World Beer Championships, as well as a bronze medal for their Fort Ord Wheat Ale at the 2012 World Beer Championships.
Recently, Peter B’s Brewpub harvested their first hops from Rancho Cielo, a restored piece of Salinas Valley natural history.
For more information on Peter B’s Brewpub and Portola Hotel & Spa, please visit http://www.portolahotel.com/
Another Great Lemonade Recipe
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Compliments of Mikhail Jordan, Mikhail’s Plate
Basil MAGAZINE Youth Writer
Yields 6 – 8 servings
Ingredients:
8 lemons
2 cup white sugar
8 cups cold water
Directions:
- Juice the lemons to make approximately 2 cups of juice.
- Tip: Firmly roll the lemons between your hands and cutting board prior to cutting them in half and juicing. This will make them softer and easier to extract the juice.
- In a pitcher combine lemon juice, sugar and cold water; stir ingredients together.
- Chill and serve over ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs.
Notes:
- To make your lemonade more festive, you can add slices of limes and or oranges for color.
- To add more flair, you can also add festive ice cubes by freezing mint leaves with berries.
- To make lemon-limeade, you can use one part lime juice and one part lemon juice.
- To make orange-lemonade, you can use one part orange juice and one part lemon juice. Use ½ cup less sugar.
Today is National Lemonade Day!
Did you know that today is National Lemonade Day? Well let’s celebrate with a lemonade cocktail! Below is a quick and easy recipe perfect for the adult version of this occasion to share and enjoy with friends.
Enjoy!
Viktoria
Avión Lemonada
Ingredients:
2 parts Tequila Avión® Silver
4 parts Fresh Lemon Juice
½ part Agave Nectar
1 Lemon Wheel for Garnish
Directions:
Add 2 parts Avión Silver, 4 parts Fresh Lemon Juice and ½ part Agave Nectar into a shaker with ice. Strain the cocktail over a tall glass of ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and enjoy!
