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5 Food Experiences Perfect for Your Next Family Trip

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:28:45 +0000

Planning a trip usually includes finding the best restaurants, wineries, breweries, and foodie spots. However, it all comes with the caveat that there are little balls of energy to keep busy at the same time. So, are three-hour wine tastings a thing of the past now that you have little ones in tow? While the leisurely wine-tasting or full-day bread-baking class is probably best left to solo or adult-only trips, family travel doesn’t mean food experiences are done for good. In fact, they are a great way for kids to learn about a new place and culture. How to Plan a Food Experience with Kids We’ve got a few of our favorite food experiences listed below, but there are so many options out there; how do you know which ones to pick? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your family adventure. Get the kids involved in choosing the experience. Narrow it down to a few options, and then let them have some say. They will be more engaged and excited if they help decide. Start with a food they already love or a variant of something familiar. This can be especially helpful for younger kids, first-timer, and, of course, those picky eaters. Headed to Paris and have a kid that loves pizza? Try learning how to make pissaladiere. Keep different skill levels in mind and choose an experience with something for everyone to do. Family-friendly experiences are usually good about noting age limits and skill levels. If you are unsure if it will be a good fit, reach out to the provider. Keep it low stress. We aren’t looking for a “Yes, chef” experience – unless your kid is prepping for Le Cordon Bleu. Opt for shorter experiences to get started. Don’t book the 5-hour cooking class for your first go. Ease into it with a shorter hands-on experience or a walking tour so no one gets bored or overwhelmed. Now it is time to start exploring! 5 Kid-Friendly Foodie Experiences for Your Next Trip Pizza and Gelato Making in Florence, Italy What kid doesn’t think of pizza when you mention Italy? Take the pizza experience a step further with a hands-on class. This 2.5-hour tour by Eating Europe is the perfect family experience. Limited to 12 people and led by a professional chef means you are in for an enlightening and hands-on class. Plus, you can take the recipes and skills home to recreate a taste of Italy long after your trip. Afternoon Tea in London, United Kingdom Taking tea might seem outdated, but it remains a quintessential London experience. Hotels and tea rooms throughout the city offer themed teas to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. However, a few designed with kids and families in mind are a steep above the rest: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, Kid’s Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea at Ampersand, and The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield. Pastry Making in Paris, France Where better to learn some new baking skills? This 2.5 hour long baking experience is designed for kids aged 6-12 to work with a parent partner. This collaborative session will have you baking French classics such as creme brulee, sable cookies, and chocolate tea cake. After hanging up your apron, grab you’re finished treats and head out for a picnic in a local park. Plus, you’ll receive the recipes to recreate the goodies at home. Visit a Chocolate Farm in Kauai, Hawaii Did you know Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where cacao can be grown? Several farms on the island chain offer the unique experience of walking through a cacao orchard, but our favorite is at Lydgate Farms. The 3-hour tour comes with a dose of history, education on the cacao, honey, and vanilla produced there, and a taste of the delicious tropical fruits, cacao, and, of course, the decadent finished product. Space on the tour is limited, and they often sell out, so be sure to book your tickets early. Also, note that no children under 7 are allowed on the tour, but their gift shop is worth a visit even if you can’t take the tour. Walk a Classic Neighborhood, New York City, New York New York City is the original melting pot of America. And thankfully, it is still mostly made up of small establishments owned by people passionate about bringing a piece of their homeland to the rest of us. It is also a city made for walking, so what better way to experience the food and culture of the city than to wander a neighborhood and dive deep into the food and people that make it unique? One of our favorites is the Heart & Soul of Greenwich Village tour by Food of NY Tours. A combination of great food, cultural insights, and historical facts, it brings The Village alive for all of your senses. This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for families with older kids. Happy eats & safe travels! Planning a trip usually includes finding the best restaurants, wineries, breweries, and foodie spots. However, it all comes with the caveat that there are little balls of energy to keep busy at the same time. So, are three-hour wine tastings a thing of the past now that you have little ones in tow? While the leisurely wine-tasting or full-day bread-baking class is probably best left to solo or adult-only trips, family travel doesn’t mean food experiences are done for good. In fact, they are a great way for kids to learn about a new place and culture. How to Plan a Food Experience with Kids We’ve got a few of our favorite food experiences listed below, but there are so many options out there; how do you know which ones to pick? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your family adventure. Get the kids involved in choosing the experience. Narrow it down to a few options, and then let them have some say. They will be more engaged and excited if they help decide. Start with a food they already love or a variant of something familiar. This can be especially helpful for younger kids, first-timer, and, of course, those picky eaters. Headed to Paris and have a kid that loves pizza? Try learning how to make pissaladiere. Keep different skill levels in mind and choose an experience with something for everyone to do. Family-friendly experiences are usually good about noting age limits and skill levels. If you are unsure if it will be a good fit, reach out to the provider. Keep it low stress. We aren’t looking for a “Yes, chef” experience – unless your kid is prepping for Le Cordon Bleu. Opt for shorter experiences to get started. Don’t book the 5-hour cooking class for your first go. Ease into it with a shorter hands-on experience or a walking tour so no one gets bored or overwhelmed. Now it is time to start exploring! 5 Kid-Friendly Foodie Experiences for Your Next Trip Pizza and Gelato Making in Florence, Italy What kid doesn’t think of pizza when you mention Italy? Take the pizza experience a step further with a hands-on class. This 2.5-hour tour by Eating Europe is the perfect family experience. Limited to 12 people and led by a professional chef means you are in for an enlightening and hands-on class. Plus, you can take the recipes and skills home to recreate a taste of Italy long after your trip. Afternoon Tea in London, United Kingdom Taking tea might seem outdated, but it remains a quintessential London experience. Hotels and tea rooms throughout the city offer themed teas to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. However, a few designed with kids and families in mind are a steep above the rest: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, Kid’s Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea at Ampersand, and The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield. Pastry Making in Paris, France Where better to learn some new baking skills? This 2.5 hour long baking experience is designed for kids aged 6-12 to work with a parent partner. This collaborative session will have you baking French classics such as creme brulee, sable cookies, and chocolate tea cake. After hanging up your apron, grab you’re finished treats and head out for a picnic in a local park. Plus, you’ll receive the recipes to recreate the goodies at home. Visit a Chocolate Farm in Kauai, Hawaii Did you know Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where cacao can be grown? Several farms on the island chain offer the unique experience of walking through a cacao orchard, but our favorite is at Lydgate Farms. The 3-hour tour comes with a dose of history, education on the cacao, honey, and vanilla produced there, and a taste of the delicious tropical fruits, cacao, and, of course, the decadent finished product. Space on the tour is limited, and they often sell out, so be sure to book your tickets early. Also, note that no children under 7 are allowed on the tour, but their gift shop is worth a visit even if you can’t take the tour. Walk a Classic Neighborhood, New York City, New York New York City is the original melting pot of America. And thankfully, it is still mostly made up of small establishments owned by people passionate about bringing a piece of their homeland to the rest of us. It is also a city made for walking, so what better way to experience the food and culture of the city than to wander a neighborhood and dive deep into the food and people that make it unique? One of our favorites is the Heart & Soul of Greenwich Village tour by Food of NY Tours. A combination of great food, cultural insights, and historical facts, it brings The Village alive for all of your senses. This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for families with older kids. Happy eats & safe travels!

The post 5 Food Experiences Perfect for Your Next Family Trip appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

Foodie Gift Guide: Small Brands That Give Back Year-Round

admin — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 20:36:47 +0000

Note: This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a portion of sales made through those links. Thank you for your support! The holiday season finds people in the giving spirit, but what about the rest of the year? These 10 brands give back year-round. If you’ve got a foodie or travel lover on your list who also has a bit of do-gooder spirit, something on this gift list is sure to fit the bill. Ocean Bottle We don’t go far without a water bottle in hand. Whether hopping on a flight, hiking our favorite spot, or wandering a new city, we have our Ocean Bottle in hand. Unlike other bottles, this durable reusable bottle is easy to wash and makes a real difference in reducing plastic. Besides reducing your own use of plastic bottles, Ocean Bottle works with Plastic Bank to fund the removal or divergence of plastic from the worlds’ oceans. And the recycling programs help low-income communities make extra income. BLK & Bold This B Corp helps fuel our adventures and youth organizations across the nation. Any coffee lover will enjoy their varieties of roasts from light to dark, direct trade, and even fun east vs west conference NBA brews. We tend to bring our own coffee when we are road trippin’ and BLK & Bold is our suitcase favorite. Cotopaxi These colorful bags are a favorite among carry-on warriors. Besides eye-catching bags, this do-gooder brand has comfortable clothing designed for active travelers. Every item is made with a focus on ethical manufacturing and sustainability. Plus, 1% of revenue goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation to be distributed to humanitarian organizations throughout the Americas. The organization has also become Climate Neutral Certified and is working to support Afghan refugees through the International Rescue Committee. This is a company that truly believes in exploring the world and making it a better place at the same time. Ethique If you’ve ever done the TSA shuffle – you know, take out all of your liquids and food and etc, etc – you will love Ethique. These concentrated beauty bars make travel a breeze. You no longer have to worry about digging your shampoo and other bathroom essentials out of your bag. Plus, using bars reduces your use of plastics and saves water. And Ethique recently became a climate positive organization, offsetting 120% of their carbon emissions. They have a formula for every hair and skin type. And they’ve added products for pets and household cleaning. Grounds & Hounds Coffee makes a great gift for the morning brew lover in your life. And when it gives back to dogs in need, that’s just the foam on top. This organization lives by the motto “Great coffee should fuel a greater purpose” and each bag of beans makes you a part of that effort. Grounds & Hounds gives 20% of all profits to rescue organizations giving pups a second chance. So you get a small-batch roasted cup of joe and give support to the worthy cause of improving animal welfare. Burlap & Barrel Spices You don’t have to know a lot about the history of the spice trade to know that it isn’t known for being an equitable system. Burlap & Barrel is working to change that. These unique spices are sourced directly from smallholder farmers who are passionate about what they do. You get access to spice blends and varietals that have never been available before and you help give these farmers the ability to provide for their families and continue doing what they love. We pack a few of our favorites whenever we are headed out of town to hunker down somewhere. They make even the most basic dishes exciting and delicious. LifeStraw Clean, safe drinking water might not be something you think about too often, but for many people in the world, it is a top concern. LifeStraw is helping bring safe water to communities throughout the world using a portion of the profits from their straws, bottles, and other products. The original personal water filter straw is great for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The catalog of offerings has expanded over the years to include at-home water filter pitchers, bottles with built-in filters for those on the go, and even gravity filters for camping or emergency situations. Savannah Bee Company Give a little natural sweetness to your favorite foodie with something special from Savannah Bee Co. Their honey is nuanced and full of flavor. We highly recommend the sampler pack to experience just a small taste of the wide world of honey. Besides bringing delicious honey to your kitchen, Savannah Bee Company is dedicated to educating others on the importance of bees to our food system and a healthy world. Their Bee Cause Project installs observation honeybee hives in schools around the world to help others “understand, engage, and learn from honey bees.” They really are helping create the next generation of environmental stewards (and pleasing our tastebuds at the same time). Gray Whale Gin If you have a cocktail lover in your life, this is the gift you need. Reading the ingredient list of Gray Whale Gin is like following the journey of the gray whale along the California Coast. Starting with limes from Baja California (the birthplace of the gray whale) to sea kelp harvested from the Mendocino Coast, this gin is a taste of Cali. Give this beautiful blue bottle and then whip up a batch of French 75 or classic gin and tonics. And you can sip easy knowing your purchase helps support the efforts of ocean conservation through Gray Whale Gin’s partnership with Oceana and their pledge to give 1% of annual sales to environmental causes. Women’s Bean Project Fill a friend’s pantry with goodies this holiday season. From soup mixes to baking mixes, you will leave them well-fed and craving more from the Women’s Bean Project. Every purchase helps the organization’s efforts to equip chronically underemployed women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to change their lives. One of our favorite things is opening up one of their products and seeing the handwritten name of the woman who packaged it. Each cookie, bowl of soup, or slice of cornbread brings you closer to the lives of the women you are helping. Give the perfect gift this year with a side of extra giving when you support one of these brands. The foodie or travel lover in your life will thank you and I’m sure they’ll share their goodies. Note: This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a portion of sales made through those links. Thank you for your support! The holiday season finds people in the giving spirit, but what about the rest of the year? These 10 brands give back year-round. If you’ve got a foodie or travel lover on your list who also has a bit of do-gooder spirit, something on this gift list is sure to fit the bill. Ocean Bottle We don’t go far without a water bottle in hand. Whether hopping on a flight, hiking our favorite spot, or wandering a new city, we have our Ocean Bottle in hand. Unlike other bottles, this durable reusable bottle is easy to wash and makes a real difference in reducing plastic. Besides reducing your own use of plastic bottles, Ocean Bottle works with Plastic Bank to fund the removal or divergence of plastic from the worlds’ oceans. And the recycling programs help low-income communities make extra income. BLK & Bold This B Corp helps fuel our adventures and youth organizations across the nation. Any coffee lover will enjoy their varieties of roasts from light to dark, direct trade, and even fun east vs west conference NBA brews. We tend to bring our own coffee when we are road trippin’ and BLK & Bold is our suitcase favorite. Cotopaxi These colorful bags are a favorite among carry-on warriors. Besides eye-catching bags, this do-gooder brand has comfortable clothing designed for active travelers. Every item is made with a focus on ethical manufacturing and sustainability. Plus, 1% of revenue goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation to be distributed to humanitarian organizations throughout the Americas. The organization has also become Climate Neutral Certified and is working to support Afghan refugees through the International Rescue Committee. This is a company that truly believes in exploring the world and making it a better place at the same time. Ethique If you’ve ever done the TSA shuffle – you know, take out all of your liquids and food and etc, etc – you will love Ethique. These concentrated beauty bars make travel a breeze. You no longer have to worry about digging your shampoo and other bathroom essentials out of your bag. Plus, using bars reduces your use of plastics and saves water. And Ethique recently became a climate positive organization, offsetting 120% of their carbon emissions. They have a formula for every hair and skin type. And they’ve added products for pets and household cleaning. Grounds & Hounds Coffee makes a great gift for the morning brew lover in your life. And when it gives back to dogs in need, that’s just the foam on top. This organization lives by the motto “Great coffee should fuel a greater purpose” and each bag of beans makes you a part of that effort. Grounds & Hounds gives 20% of all profits to rescue organizations giving pups a second chance. So you get a small-batch roasted cup of joe and give support to the worthy cause of improving animal welfare. Burlap & Barrel Spices You don’t have to know a lot about the history of the spice trade to know that it isn’t known for being an equitable system. Burlap & Barrel is working to change that. These unique spices are sourced directly from smallholder farmers who are passionate about what they do. You get access to spice blends and varietals that have never been available before and you help give these farmers the ability to provide for their families and continue doing what they love. We pack a few of our favorites whenever we are headed out of town to hunker down somewhere. They make even the most basic dishes exciting and delicious. LifeStraw Clean, safe drinking water might not be something you think about too often, but for many people in the world, it is a top concern. LifeStraw is helping bring safe water to communities throughout the world using a portion of the profits from their straws, bottles, and other products. The original personal water filter straw is great for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The catalog of offerings has expanded over the years to include at-home water filter pitchers, bottles with built-in filters for those on the go, and even gravity filters for camping or emergency situations. Savannah Bee Company Give a little natural sweetness to your favorite foodie with something special from Savannah Bee Co. Their honey is nuanced and full of flavor. We highly recommend the sampler pack to experience just a small taste of the wide world of honey. Besides bringing delicious honey to your kitchen, Savannah Bee Company is dedicated to educating others on the importance of bees to our food system and a healthy world. Their Bee Cause Project installs observation honeybee hives in schools around the world to help others “understand, engage, and learn from honey bees.” They really are helping create the next generation of environmental stewards (and pleasing our tastebuds at the same time). Gray Whale Gin If you have a cocktail lover in your life, this is the gift you need. Reading the ingredient list of Gray Whale Gin is like following the journey of the gray whale along the California Coast. Starting with limes from Baja California (the birthplace of the gray whale) to sea kelp harvested from the Mendocino Coast, this gin is a taste of Cali. Give this beautiful blue bottle and then whip up a batch of French 75 or classic gin and tonics. And you can sip easy knowing your purchase helps support the efforts of ocean conservation through Gray Whale Gin’s partnership with Oceana and their pledge to give 1% of annual sales to environmental causes. Women’s Bean Project Fill a friend’s pantry with goodies this holiday season. From soup mixes to baking mixes, you will leave them well-fed and craving more from the Women’s Bean Project. Every purchase helps the organization’s efforts to equip chronically underemployed women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to change their lives. One of our favorite things is opening up one of their products and seeing the handwritten name of the woman who packaged it. Each cookie, bowl of soup, or slice of cornbread brings you closer to the lives of the women you are helping. Give the perfect gift this year with a side of extra giving when you support one of these brands. The foodie or travel lover in your life will thank you and I’m sure they’ll share their goodies.

The post Foodie Gift Guide: Small Brands That Give Back Year-Round appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

5 Food Shops in Paris: Where to Buy Your Food Mementos

admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 23:47:53 +0000

When you live in a culture with a true appreciation for great food you are bound to have fantastic food shops. From food halls built into major department stores to small shops run by generations of family members, you can find a spot serving up local goodies in every neighborhood. These five shops provide the perfect stop for picnic fixings or delicious mementos. Pick one or stop by them all – you won’t be disappointed. La Grande Epicerie Paris These two locations offer both ready-to-eat and pantry items. Carrying over 30,000 gourmet products, you are sure to find what you desire. From classic items to up-and-coming new artisans. If you aren’t sure what the perfect takeaway is ask any of the staff to help you. Address: 38, rue de Sevres 75007 (Left Bank) 80, rue de Passy 75016 (Right Bank) La boutique des Pruneaux This small shop specializes in the foods of southwest France. Think foie gras, chocolates, dried fruits, and, of course, the prunes that the shop is named after. Plan on running into a lot of locals when pursuing the shelves and tables. Address: 30 rue Poncelet 75017 La Fermette This shop may be known for its cheese selection, but there is so much more available. Chat up the cheesemonger to discover new favorites and local specialties. While you are there grab everything else you need for the perfect cheeseboard including pickles, produce, and chutneys. The shop offers vacuum-sealed cheeses for the trip home so you can share a taste of your adventure with family and friends. Explore the rest of the neighborhood for other great food shops. Address: 79 rue Voltaire 92300 Levallois-Perret Marche d’ Aligre You can’t really visit Paris without stopping by a fresh market. Markets are the heart of Parisian life. Local residents don’t typically stock up on weeks of groceries at once, stopping by your neighborhood market for basics and ingredients becomes a part of daily life. Address: Rue d’ Aligre et place d’Aligre 75012 Librairie Gourmande Forget a one-and-done memento, grab a cookbook and you can bring the taste of Paris to your home over and over again. Buy a book in French or ask the staff to help you find the perfect guide to bring your adventure to your home kitchen. Address: 92-96 rue Montmartre 75002 When you live in a culture with a true appreciation for great food you are bound to have fantastic food shops. From food halls built into major department stores to small shops run by generations of family members, you can find a spot serving up local goodies in every neighborhood. These five shops provide the perfect stop for picnic fixings or delicious mementos. Pick one or stop by them all – you won’t be disappointed. La Grande Epicerie Paris These two locations offer both ready-to-eat and pantry items. Carrying over 30,000 gourmet products, you are sure to find what you desire. From classic items to up-and-coming new artisans. If you aren’t sure what the perfect takeaway is ask any of the staff to help you. Address: 38, rue de Sevres 75007 (Left Bank) 80, rue de Passy 75016 (Right Bank) La boutique des Pruneaux This small shop specializes in the foods of southwest France. Think foie gras, chocolates, dried fruits, and, of course, the prunes that the shop is named after. Plan on running into a lot of locals when pursuing the shelves and tables. Address: 30 rue Poncelet 75017 La Fermette This shop may be known for its cheese selection, but there is so much more available. Chat up the cheesemonger to discover new favorites and local specialties. While you are there grab everything else you need for the perfect cheeseboard including pickles, produce, and chutneys. The shop offers vacuum-sealed cheeses for the trip home so you can share a taste of your adventure with family and friends. Explore the rest of the neighborhood for other great food shops. Address: 79 rue Voltaire 92300 Levallois-Perret Marche d’ Aligre You can’t really visit Paris without stopping by a fresh market. Markets are the heart of Parisian life. Local residents don’t typically stock up on weeks of groceries at once, stopping by your neighborhood market for basics and ingredients becomes a part of daily life. Address: Rue d’ Aligre et place d’Aligre 75012 Librairie Gourmande Forget a one-and-done memento, grab a cookbook and you can bring the taste of Paris to your home over and over again. Buy a book in French or ask the staff to help you find the perfect guide to bring your adventure to your home kitchen. Address: 92-96 rue Montmartre 75002

The post 5 Food Shops in Paris: Where to Buy Your Food Mementos appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

10 Must Eat Foods When in Paris

admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 23:29:49 +0000

Paris is a city of delicious eats and unfortunately, not everything could go in the box. Freshly baked bread, restaurant-caliber meals, and perishable items best enjoyed at the source – these are the foods you must try when in the City of Lights. Baguettes Baguettes are now available worldwide, but there is still something special about eating one in France. In fact, the French government maintains very strict standards on what can be called a baguette and how it must be made. So, there truly is a difference. Favorite spot: Du Pain et des Idees Croissants These flaky pastries are THE symbol of France. Whether grabbing one on the go or sitting down to enjoy it with a cup of coffee, you have to appreciate the delicate nature of this perfect culinary creation. Favorite spot: Sain Boulangerie Macarons These delicate treats were supposedly introduced to France by the Italian chef of Queen Catherine de Medici during the Renaissance. Depending on the patisserie, the flavors run the gambit from classic to creative combinations. What is your favorite – pistachio, fig & honey, or cucumber, mind & arugula? Favorite spot: Pierre Herme French cheese Cheese is not just a meal add-on in France. From a young age the French are exposed to a variety of cheeses and learn to love them all, from hard to creamy to stinky. Don’t be afraid to ask for help picking a new cheese to try, but be ready to chat cheese for a while. Favorite spot: Fromagerie Laurent Dubois Steak frites Steak and fries doesn’t do this dish justice. A simple, classic dish is somehow elevated when enjoyed in France. Be careful how you order it though. Typically enjoyed rare or medium-rare, ordering it well-done can get you a leathery steak. Favorite spot: Le Severo Duck confit This classic French dish takes time and care to prepare. The duck is salt cured for up to 36 hours, rinsed, and then cooked at a very low temperature until tender (4-10 hours). Done well, this duck is an unforgettable experience. Favorite spot: Bistrot Victoires Escargots Snails might not be for everyone, but if you are going to give them a try there isn’t any better place than Paris. Favorite spot: L’ Escargot Montorguell Jamon-beurre The perfect grab-n-go meal, this simple butter and ham sandwich is all about the ingredients. Fresh ficelle gets spread with salty French butter and topped with thinly sliced Parisian ham. Favorite spot: Caractere de Cochon Profiteroles These delicious little puffs are sure to fulfill your sweet tooth. Choux pastry is baked into little puffs that are then filled with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream and often topped with chocolate sauce or powdered sugar. Grab one with a cup of coffee for the perfect end to a meal. Favorite spot: Cafe Constant Coq Au Vin A classic, hearty French dish, coq au vin is the perfect dish to warm up a chilly night. Unfortunately, unless you frequent French restaurants, you aren’t likely to find this on menus in the US. So, when in Paris, be sure to dig in. Favorite spot: A La Biche Au Bois Even if you only make a small dent in this list, you are sure to leave Paris well-fed and inspired. And of course, don’t forget the wine. Paris is a city of delicious eats and unfortunately, not everything could go in the box. Freshly baked bread, restaurant-caliber meals, and perishable items best enjoyed at the source – these are the foods you must try when in the City of Lights. Baguettes Baguettes are now available worldwide, but there is still something special about eating one in France. In fact, the French government maintains very strict standards on what can be called a baguette and how it must be made. So, there truly is a difference. Favorite spot: Du Pain et des Idees Croissants These flaky pastries are THE symbol of France. Whether grabbing one on the go or sitting down to enjoy it with a cup of coffee, you have to appreciate the delicate nature of this perfect culinary creation. Favorite spot: Sain Boulangerie Macarons These delicate treats were supposedly introduced to France by the Italian chef of Queen Catherine de Medici during the Renaissance. Depending on the patisserie, the flavors run the gambit from classic to creative combinations. What is your favorite – pistachio, fig & honey, or cucumber, mind & arugula? Favorite spot: Pierre Herme French cheese Cheese is not just a meal add-on in France. From a young age the French are exposed to a variety of cheeses and learn to love them all, from hard to creamy to stinky. Don’t be afraid to ask for help picking a new cheese to try, but be ready to chat cheese for a while. Favorite spot: Fromagerie Laurent Dubois Steak frites Steak and fries doesn’t do this dish justice. A simple, classic dish is somehow elevated when enjoyed in France. Be careful how you order it though. Typically enjoyed rare or medium-rare, ordering it well-done can get you a leathery steak. Favorite spot: Le Severo Duck confit This classic French dish takes time and care to prepare. The duck is salt cured for up to 36 hours, rinsed, and then cooked at a very low temperature until tender (4-10 hours). Done well, this duck is an unforgettable experience. Favorite spot: Bistrot Victoires Escargots Snails might not be for everyone, but if you are going to give them a try there isn’t any better place than Paris. Favorite spot: L’ Escargot Montorguell Jamon-beurre The perfect grab-n-go meal, this simple butter and ham sandwich is all about the ingredients. Fresh ficelle gets spread with salty French butter and topped with thinly sliced Parisian ham. Favorite spot: Caractere de Cochon Profiteroles These delicious little puffs are sure to fulfill your sweet tooth. Choux pastry is baked into little puffs that are then filled with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream and often topped with chocolate sauce or powdered sugar. Grab one with a cup of coffee for the perfect end to a meal. Favorite spot: Cafe Constant Coq Au Vin A classic, hearty French dish, coq au vin is the perfect dish to warm up a chilly night. Unfortunately, unless you frequent French restaurants, you aren’t likely to find this on menus in the US. So, when in Paris, be sure to dig in. Favorite spot: A La Biche Au Bois Even if you only make a small dent in this list, you are sure to leave Paris well-fed and inspired. And of course, don’t forget the wine.

The post 10 Must Eat Foods When in Paris appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

Meet the Maker: Amani Coffee

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 19:50:53 +0000

Amani coffee is rethinking the traditional relationship between farmer and roaster and making a delicious cup of coffee in the process. Meet the makers

The post Meet the Maker: Amani Coffee appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

Meet the Maker: Chicago Johnny’s

admin — Thu, 06 May 2021 01:04:54 +0000

Chicago has a strong food tradition built on the many cultures that have congregated around this crossroads of agriculture, industry, and transportation. The food doesn’t always get the respect it deserves, but when you find people who truly get it they can’t wait to share it with you. Josh Downey of Chicago Johnny’s is one of those evangelists. We recently had the chance to chat with Josh about food, business, and the city he calls home. It seems like Chicago Johnny’s was a family affair at the beginning. Is that still the case? In the beginning, we spent about a weekend a month making small (well I consider them small now, but it was 100s of pounds of vegetables) batches with family. It grew out of control pretty quick and that’s when I found a co-packer in the city. Now it’s just my fiance and I packing and shipping, but we still make recipes with family. From your origin story, it seems food has been a part of your family and in your blood from a young age. Is that true? How has it shaped your experiences around food and what you think of the food of Chicago? I think most people growing up in the Chicago area can relate, that yes, food was an integral part of family. Sundays we all spent at my grandparents’ eating pasta. Making Italian sausage was a family affair a few times each year at my grandparents’ and we also used to gather each year for Labor Day to have a barbeque and see each other. But certainly, food is the backdrop (whether it’s coffee and cookies or mostaccioli, beef, and sausages) or more accurately the ‘excuse’, to gather together as a family. We still have Sundays at my parents’ house, I’m actually going over there shortly. As for the food of Chicago, it’s hands down the best food city. Even historically we are in the center of agriculture, farming, and travel. So it makes sense that we incorporated such great foods over time into our lives. I remember when we’d travel out of state when I was younger and just being devastatingly disappointed at the food. We are spoiled here with great culinary history and options. Chicago Johnny’s got its start with giardiniera. Why that specific item? I ‘rediscovered’ giardiniera after graduating college from a small town in western Illinois where the food was lackluster. As soon as I got back home I dove into Italian Beef and Italian Sausage sandwiches and grabbing every giardiniera I could find off the shelves. I was ‘all in’ on giardiniera and shortly after started making it for myself. Then family and friends wanted in, and soon after went into production. You seem to have a real love for the varied cuisine of Chicago. Where do you think it shines the brightest? Are there any favorite neighborhoods when it comes to getting artisan or locally made products? I think when it comes down to it, the brass tacks, what you were surrounded with growing up is what you gravitate towards for the food you love. We grew up mostly eating what was prepared by family and friends. I don’t have a lot of memories of eating out, but we did have our local favorites or ‘comforts’ I guess you could call it for me. Most of what I love seems to come from my dad’s side that grew up in Cicero and on the South Side (this goes back to the 30s to the 50s really) and I was fortunate enough to benefit from the residuals of their lives and was introduced to Chicago classics through them. More recently it seems like the Logan Square area had their boom of restaurants that are ‘advancing’ the Chicago food scene and sadly the old school classics are becoming more scarce as properties go up in value and populations migrate and the older generation is moving out (but with shows like Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and YouTube videos they are becoming ‘destination’ sites, which is awesome in its own right). With the West Loop and now the south shore developments in planning it will be interesting to see where things go from here. For artisan products, it seems like online boxes and collaboration sites are the future. It’s a total change in consumer and retail mindsets. Of course, as a local and true lover of food, we have to know what your top five spots to eat in Chicago? Chicken – Fry The Coop and Honey Butter Fried Chicken Italian Beef – Johnnie’s Deep Dish – Lou Malnati’s (still my favorite, but I grew up on this so probably a bit bias) Thin Crust – Pizano’s BBQ – Wrigley BBQ definitely has fun with his menu and execution is great But I would encourage people to try everything that they can. I mostly cook in house, almost exclusively these days. Places that are generally ‘overrated’ are generally categorized that way for a reason. Don’t go online to find a ‘list’ or a ‘best of’ for restaurants, the two things that you can do are support the restaurants you love (local or not) and to try everything at least twice (because sh*t happens, and you can’t make a definitive decision on one visit). And if it sucks, it sucks. Move on. The market will generally correct itself and if a place is no good, then it’s no good. Chicago has a strong food tradition built on the many cultures that have congregated around this crossroads of agriculture, industry, and transportation. The food doesn’t always get the respect it deserves, but when you find people who truly get it they can’t wait to share it with you. Josh Downey of Chicago Johnny’s is one of those evangelists. We recently had the chance to chat with Josh about food, business, and the city he calls home. It seems like Chicago Johnny’s was a family affair at the beginning. Is that still the case? In the beginning, we spent about a weekend a month making small (well I consider them small now, but it was 100s of pounds of vegetables) batches with family. It grew out of control pretty quick and that’s when I found a co-packer in the city. Now it’s just my fiance and I packing and shipping, but we still make recipes with family. From your origin story, it seems food has been a part of your family and in your blood from a young age. Is that true? How has it shaped your experiences around food and what you think of the food of Chicago? I think most people growing up in the Chicago area can relate, that yes, food was an integral part of family. Sundays we all spent at my grandparents’ eating pasta. Making Italian sausage was a family affair a few times each year at my grandparents’ and we also used to gather each year for Labor Day to have a barbeque and see each other. But certainly, food is the backdrop (whether it’s coffee and cookies or mostaccioli, beef, and sausages) or more accurately the ‘excuse’, to gather together as a family. We still have Sundays at my parents’ house, I’m actually going over there shortly. As for the food of Chicago, it’s hands down the best food city. Even historically we are in the center of agriculture, farming, and travel. So it makes sense that we incorporated such great foods over time into our lives. I remember when we’d travel out of state when I was younger and just being devastatingly disappointed at the food. We are spoiled here with great culinary history and options. Chicago Johnny’s got its start with giardiniera. Why that specific item? I ‘rediscovered’ giardiniera after graduating college from a small town in western Illinois where the food was lackluster. As soon as I got back home I dove into Italian Beef and Italian Sausage sandwiches and grabbing every giardiniera I could find off the shelves. I was ‘all in’ on giardiniera and shortly after started making it for myself. Then family and friends wanted in, and soon after went into production. You seem to have a real love for the varied cuisine of Chicago. Where do you think it shines the brightest? Are there any favorite neighborhoods when it comes to getting artisan or locally made products? I think when it comes down to it, the brass tacks, what you were surrounded with growing up is what you gravitate towards for the food you love. We grew up mostly eating what was prepared by family and friends. I don’t have a lot of memories of eating out, but we did have our local favorites or ‘comforts’ I guess you could call it for me. Most of what I love seems to come from my dad’s side that grew up in Cicero and on the South Side (this goes back to the 30s to the 50s really) and I was fortunate enough to benefit from the residuals of their lives and was introduced to Chicago classics through them. More recently it seems like the Logan Square area had their boom of restaurants that are ‘advancing’ the Chicago food scene and sadly the old school classics are becoming more scarce as properties go up in value and populations migrate and the older generation is moving out (but with shows like Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and YouTube videos they are becoming ‘destination’ sites, which is awesome in its own right). With the West Loop and now the south shore developments in planning it will be interesting to see where things go from here. For artisan products, it seems like online boxes and collaboration sites are the future. It’s a total change in consumer and retail mindsets. Of course, as a local and true lover of food, we have to know what your top five spots to eat in Chicago? Chicken – Fry The Coop and Honey Butter Fried Chicken Italian Beef – Johnnie’s Deep Dish – Lou Malnati’s (still my favorite, but I grew up on this so probably a bit bias) Thin Crust – Pizano’s BBQ – Wrigley BBQ definitely has fun with his menu and execution is great But I would encourage people to try everything that they can. I mostly cook in house, almost exclusively these days. Places that are generally ‘overrated’ are generally categorized that way for a reason. Don’t go online to find a ‘list’ or a ‘best of’ for restaurants, the two things that you can do are support the restaurants you love (local or not) and to try everything at least twice (because sh*t happens, and you can’t make a definitive decision on one visit). And if it sucks, it sucks. Move on. The market will generally correct itself and if a place is no good, then it’s no good.

The post Meet the Maker: Chicago Johnny’s appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

The Basics of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

admin — Tue, 04 May 2021 23:02:31 +0000

Every spot has its pizza. Detroit has the square pie, New Yorkers like it big, thin and folded, and, of course, the heavyweight champ Chicago likes it deep dish. The Basics of Deep Dish Pizza A sturdy crust From looking at the outside of a deep-dish pizza you might expect the crust to be big and overwhelming. Not at all! The perfect deep dish pizza has a thin, sturdy crust. The crust comes up the side of the dish to create a delicious golden carrier for all the other ingredients. 2. Cheese first The cheese plays a very important role in deep dish pizza. Using slices, not shredded, is key to the perfect pie. By overlapping the slices of low-moisture mozzarella you create a barrier between the toppings and sauce and the crust. This ensures the crust doesn’t end up a soggy mess. If you do use shredded cheese be sure to completely cover the crust, this is the first step to ensuring a great pizza. 3. Toppings that aren’t toppings Typically the toppings go atop of the pie or just under the cheese. Of course, Chicago deep dish turns it all on its head and puts the “toppings” over the cheese and under the sauce. And don’t be surprised if you order a sausage pizza and find a pie-sized sausage patty packed in the layers. They don’t skimp on anything in Chicago deep dish. 4. Sauce takes the crown At first, deep-dish might look like a naked pizza with no cheese, but the sauce on top is part of the appeal. Top 5 Chicago Deep Dish spots Before we start any knockout fights, these are not listed in any specific order. Everyone has their favorite slice and we don’t mess with pizza love. But if you have never been for a true slice of deep-dish these are a few of our favorite spots. Lou Malnati’s Usually, we aren’t a big proponent of “chain restaurants”, but Lou Malnati’s has been making pizzas for over 50 years and they still do it well. Plus they are easy to find so if you don’t have a ton of time in the Windy City this is a great option for making sure you get your slice of deep dish before you leave town. Pequod’s This one makes the list for its irresistible caramelized crust. Even non-crust eaters won’t be able to resist the crunchy brown outside of these pan pizzas. With only two locations, you will have to plan for a stop at Pequod’s – but it is well worth it. Gino’s East Gino’s is becoming one of the leading names in deep dish pizza as they spread their gospel across the nation. With two locations in Chicago, they have now brought their pies to several other places including Los Angeles and Nashville. We’ve always found them to be heavier on the cheese than others, but the cheese pulls are picture-worthy. Burt’s Place Considering Anthony Bourdain said Burt’s Place was the only deep dish pizza he loved, how could it not go on the list? Located in Morton Grove this is a true locals place. So sit back and enjoy your drink and pizza along with those that call the neighborhood home. The Art of Pizza Even after being open 30 years, some might consider it one of the newest players in the pizza game. It won’t take you long to see why it is a favorite. We love that you can get deep dish by the slice . . . sometimes the craving hits, but you can’t put away more than one slice. Ready to make your own deep dish pizza? This heavy pie might seem overwhelming to make at home, but it is much easier than you think. Deep dish is perfect for family pizza night. You are going to want to share this with others! So, gather your family, pick one of the recipes below, and get started. Jeff Mauro’s Deep Dish – Food Network The Real Deal Deep Dish – Chew Out Loud Lou Malnati’s Copycat – Del’s Cooking Twist Every spot has its pizza. Detroit has the square pie, New Yorkers like it big, thin and folded, and, of course, the heavyweight champ Chicago likes it deep dish. The Basics of Deep Dish Pizza A sturdy crust From looking at the outside of a deep-dish pizza you might expect the crust to be big and overwhelming. Not at all! The perfect deep dish pizza has a thin, sturdy crust. The crust comes up the side of the dish to create a delicious golden carrier for all the other ingredients. 2. Cheese first The cheese plays a very important role in deep dish pizza. Using slices, not shredded, is key to the perfect pie. By overlapping the slices of low-moisture mozzarella you create a barrier between the toppings and sauce and the crust. This ensures the crust doesn’t end up a soggy mess. If you do use shredded cheese be sure to completely cover the crust, this is the first step to ensuring a great pizza. 3. Toppings that aren’t toppings Typically the toppings go atop of the pie or just under the cheese. Of course, Chicago deep dish turns it all on its head and puts the “toppings” over the cheese and under the sauce. And don’t be surprised if you order a sausage pizza and find a pie-sized sausage patty packed in the layers. They don’t skimp on anything in Chicago deep dish. 4. Sauce takes the crown At first, deep-dish might look like a naked pizza with no cheese, but the sauce on top is part of the appeal. Top 5 Chicago Deep Dish spots Before we start any knockout fights, these are not listed in any specific order. Everyone has their favorite slice and we don’t mess with pizza love. But if you have never been for a true slice of deep-dish these are a few of our favorite spots. Lou Malnati’s Usually, we aren’t a big proponent of “chain restaurants”, but Lou Malnati’s has been making pizzas for over 50 years and they still do it well. Plus they are easy to find so if you don’t have a ton of time in the Windy City this is a great option for making sure you get your slice of deep dish before you leave town. Pequod’s This one makes the list for its irresistible caramelized crust. Even non-crust eaters won’t be able to resist the crunchy brown outside of these pan pizzas. With only two locations, you will have to plan for a stop at Pequod’s – but it is well worth it. Gino’s East Gino’s is becoming one of the leading names in deep dish pizza as they spread their gospel across the nation. With two locations in Chicago, they have now brought their pies to several other places including Los Angeles and Nashville. We’ve always found them to be heavier on the cheese than others, but the cheese pulls are picture-worthy. Burt’s Place Considering Anthony Bourdain said Burt’s Place was the only deep dish pizza he loved, how could it not go on the list? Located in Morton Grove this is a true locals place. So sit back and enjoy your drink and pizza along with those that call the neighborhood home. The Art of Pizza Even after being open 30 years, some might consider it one of the newest players in the pizza game. It won’t take you long to see why it is a favorite. We love that you can get deep dish by the slice . . . sometimes the craving hits, but you can’t put away more than one slice. Ready to make your own deep dish pizza? This heavy pie might seem overwhelming to make at home, but it is much easier than you think. Deep dish is perfect for family pizza night. You are going to want to share this with others! So, gather your family, pick one of the recipes below, and get started. Jeff Mauro’s Deep Dish – Food Network The Real Deal Deep Dish – Chew Out Loud Lou Malnati’s Copycat – Del’s Cooking Twist

The post The Basics of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

Meet the Maker: Triple “A” Gourmet Treats

admin — Tue, 04 May 2021 21:01:00 +0000

As a major metropolis, Chicago has always had a strong immigrant population. For generations, they have helped build this beautiful city and give it the character that makes the ChiTown so special. That innovative spirit continues to this day. The food in Chicago is where you can see this innovative spirit really shine. One of our favorites is the Chin Chin from Triple “A” Gourmet Treats. We recently had the chance to chat with the founder Abi about her company and the West African snack that you won’t be able to put down. What made you decide to start Triple “A” Gourmet Treats? The journey of our budding snack started when my kids asked the simplest question after multiple failed commitments to a homemade cookie request. I remembered the tiny voice of my 5-year-old son whispering “Mommy, why don’t you ever make cookies you promised” Without thinking twice, I replied, baby: I don’t know how to make cookies but I do know how to make CHIN CHIN. That day, my husband and the kids gathered around the kitchen counter and followed my mother’s recipe. The day brought so much childhood memory, laughter, and joy to my family. I searched the market space for CHIN CHIN and I was disappointed by the limited brands available. I knew I had to do something about it, so I did a little research, shared some samples of my recipe and the rest was history. Where did your love of Chin Chin come from? In Nigeria, Chin Chin is a weekend must-have amongst families. Our family would gather on Saturday mornings and my mom would make the most delicious batch. You have got to love the smell of fresh Chin Chin in the morning. Chin Chin helps me relive so many great memories. How is it traditionally enjoyed in West Africa? Sharing Chin Chin is one of the ways to welcome new people into our life. It signifies celebration, sharing, unity. No party is complete without the inclusion of Chin Chin. Nigeria parties are known to start late, therefore a snack is usually set on the table for guests to indulge in while waiting for the party to start. What has people’s response been to trying it? (We loved it instantly. We were worried the original flavor would be bland, but the subtle nutmeg flavor was perfect. It was a great end of day treat with a cup of tea or even a glass of wine) The unique characteristic of Chin Chin is that it is a snack that connects with everyone. It tastes familiar and most importantly, surprisingly yummy. The original flavor is the classic recipe I grew up eating and it pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Cinnamon is a crowd favorite, perfect for a midday snack/ or when hunger strikes. What do you hope to accomplish with Triple A in the future? My main goal is to share Chin Chin with the world by having people experience Africa through their taste buds. My vision is to see our product at dinner tables, catered celebrations and gift baskets worldwide. What is your favorite flavor and favorite way to enjoy Chin Chin? The Spicy would have to be my favorite, I call it the conversation starter as it gives a surprising burst of chilli spicy you swallow. It was created out of a need for something spicy to enjoy with my glass of wine. As a local, we have to know what is your favorite food spot in Chicago? One of my favorite restaurants would have to be Ja Grill, in Hyde Park – They serve authentic Jamaican Cuisine. As a major metropolis, Chicago has always had a strong immigrant population. For generations, they have helped build this beautiful city and give it the character that makes the ChiTown so special. That innovative spirit continues to this day. The food in Chicago is where you can see this innovative spirit really shine. One of our favorites is the Chin Chin from Triple “A” Gourmet Treats. We recently had the chance to chat with the founder Abi about her company and the West African snack that you won’t be able to put down. What made you decide to start Triple “A” Gourmet Treats? The journey of our budding snack started when my kids asked the simplest question after multiple failed commitments to a homemade cookie request. I remembered the tiny voice of my 5-year-old son whispering “Mommy, why don’t you ever make cookies you promised” Without thinking twice, I replied, baby: I don’t know how to make cookies but I do know how to make CHIN CHIN. That day, my husband and the kids gathered around the kitchen counter and followed my mother’s recipe. The day brought so much childhood memory, laughter, and joy to my family. I searched the market space for CHIN CHIN and I was disappointed by the limited brands available. I knew I had to do something about it, so I did a little research, shared some samples of my recipe and the rest was history. Where did your love of Chin Chin come from? In Nigeria, Chin Chin is a weekend must-have amongst families. Our family would gather on Saturday mornings and my mom would make the most delicious batch. You have got to love the smell of fresh Chin Chin in the morning. Chin Chin helps me relive so many great memories. How is it traditionally enjoyed in West Africa? Sharing Chin Chin is one of the ways to welcome new people into our life. It signifies celebration, sharing, unity. No party is complete without the inclusion of Chin Chin. Nigeria parties are known to start late, therefore a snack is usually set on the table for guests to indulge in while waiting for the party to start. What has people’s response been to trying it? (We loved it instantly. We were worried the original flavor would be bland, but the subtle nutmeg flavor was perfect. It was a great end of day treat with a cup of tea or even a glass of wine) The unique characteristic of Chin Chin is that it is a snack that connects with everyone. It tastes familiar and most importantly, surprisingly yummy. The original flavor is the classic recipe I grew up eating and it pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Cinnamon is a crowd favorite, perfect for a midday snack/ or when hunger strikes. What do you hope to accomplish with Triple A in the future? My main goal is to share Chin Chin with the world by having people experience Africa through their taste buds. My vision is to see our product at dinner tables, catered celebrations and gift baskets worldwide. What is your favorite flavor and favorite way to enjoy Chin Chin? The Spicy would have to be my favorite, I call it the conversation starter as it gives a surprising burst of chilli spicy you swallow. It was created out of a need for something spicy to enjoy with my glass of wine. As a local, we have to know what is your favorite food spot in Chicago? One of my favorite restaurants would have to be Ja Grill, in Hyde Park – They serve authentic Jamaican Cuisine.

The post Meet the Maker: Triple “A” Gourmet Treats appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

Meet the Maker: Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 01:03:11 +0000

Most people love rum for its fresh flavor and as a base in cocktails. Until recently I never really thought of rum as a sipping drink on par with whiskey or mezcal. One such rum is Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum. With light, carefully blended flavors it is meant to be enjoyed straight, but can also make a killer cocktail. This rum company is an interesting combination of rum’s history. Rum is actually one of the earliest liquors made in New England and the molasses for its production came from the West Indies. Brinley Rum is based in New Jersey but produces its bottles on the island of St. Kitts. This high-quality rum brings beautiful flavors and traditions of the Caribbean to the US. I recently had the chance to talk to the second-generation owner, Zach Brinley, about rum, St. Kitts, and the family business. First, how did the family get into the distilling business? Was it just a trip to the island, a love for rum before heading there, or something else entirely? It’s a great story actually. I grew up in Montclair, NJ, and would never have dreamed we’d find our way into this cool business. My father had started a temperature sensor business in NJ and decided to open up a manufacturing facility on St Kitts in 1986. There was a free trade deal the US gov’t had setup with St Kitts & Nevis to help the island’s economy ~ they had just gained independence from the UK in 1983 and tourism wasn’t a huge industry at that point. So fast forward to the ‘90s and I found myself a very lucky kid – getting to travel to the island every year. Our rum company started in 2002 when he had to close his business down on the island. The idea was hatched as a combination of wanting to stay invested in the beautiful island and also do something to support this place we’d fallen in love with. The cruise pier had just been built – as had the Royal St Kitts Marriott. We then learned that CSR, Cane Spirit Rothschild – the local rum on the island – had a need for either a partner or investment. We immediately fell in love with the idea and opened up a Rum Shoppe on the Port Zante, the new pier. We worked with our master blender, Michel, to formulate the best-tasting flavored rum we could. We were trying to impress cruise travelers getting off their ships at 10 am in the morning! We wanted to do something natural and a lot easier to sip than the other ones on the US market. It can be easy to just produce something in a location and lose the local flavor. So, how does the rum continue to be inspired by St. Kitts? Our rum and rum company are most definitely still inspired by the islands we fell in love with 25 years ago. In the beginning, we were inspired to create a delicious tropical rum that was as natural as the islands themselves. Then as we’ve grown our brand through the years and across the US (we now sell nationally!), we felt like St Kitts ambassadors, spreading the word to salesmen and new customers all over North America. Now during this difficult time, we find ourselves pleased to be able to support the local economy by being able to increase exports from the island — and also to remind everyone to book their trips as soon as Covid 19 is over. We’ve been inspired in creating the rum and now in our love of the island. St Kitts is a beautiful place and a perfect getaway for food and rum lovers. Can people visit the distillery when they are on the island? We partnered up with the Fairview Great House, which runs a daily rum tour & tasting for us on this site dating to 1700. We’ve run some VIP tours at our actual distillery through the years – but we haven’t been able to keep up with both the increasing pace of tourism and sales/production growth. We’re taking steps now to put together a full site tasting tour and hopefully even a sugar cane maze! While on the island I highly recommend tasting some other local producers’ excellent rums – our friends at CSR and Belmont Estate have an excellent lineup to sip or mix as well ~ and there are even a few brand new local rums which are fantastic. As if we aren’t all jealous enough, do you make it back to the Caribbean often? Before the pandemic I was going down 1 to 2 times per year — and we were even bringing 10 to 30 of our best performing US sales team with us! Now it has been over a year since I’ve stepped foot on the island. I miss St. Kitts & Nevis like crazy.. all the amazing beach bars, perfect sunsets, sea breezes, and most of all the wonderful people. But it does sometimes feel like I’m there since I’m on the phone and working with people on the island on a daily basis. We’ve been happy to do our part and produce and export 1 to 2 containers of Rum per month. I guess we have the US self medicating consumption to thank for that too 😉 Rum was my first liquor love, but what would you recommend the best rum flavor to get started with for non-rum drinkers? Shipwreck Coconut Rum Cream is the easiest to sip – since it tastes like Coconut Heaven and is only 15% abv. But the truth is all of our flavored rums are easy sippers. I’d encourage someone new to flavored rums to sip our straight Coconut or Vanilla Rum slightly chilled neat. They are very rich in real flavor. They’ll be pleasantly surprised! Most people only think of rum as a base for cocktails, but what is your favorite way to use it – straight or cocktails? And when you do make a cocktail what is your go-to? I personally love to sip our Rums neat, but cocktails are excellent and easy to make as well. There are literally thousands of amazing rum classics — Pina Coladas, Rum Punches, Daiquiris, you name it! I’d say our most popular cocktail with bars and restaurants through the years has been the easy-to-make Mojito. With the natural sweetness and real flavor, there is no need for simple syrup – all you need is our Shipwreck Mango, Coconut or Lime Rum, and some club soda, mint, and limes. This year fans have gravitated to a simple rum & club mix — or “Club Coconut”, etc. With the popularity of hard seltzers, our bottle offers a natural cocktail that’s easy to make while being light and refreshing. Also with the Coconut Rum Cream, many fans like to blend it with their coffee as an adult coconut creamer! I think it’s especially good with espresso or cold brew. Are there any drinks you feel really bring the flavor of St. Kitts to life for rum drinkers? Yes indeed! The classic St Kitts Rum Punch is outstanding and really does taste like you’re on the island … even if you can’t be physically on the island. The dash of bitters and grating of nutmeg is a must! Check out the recipe below On top of great rum, Brinley also supports the Sea Turtle Monitoring Network. The St Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network helps raise awareness about and protect the local turtles and their habitats. A portion of their annual proceeds goes to this amazing organization. So you can enjoy a little rum and help the sea turtles at the same time – who doesn’t love that! There is a whole world of rum out there to be discovered one glass at a time. Share your favorite recipes and how you like to sip it by tagging us on social @bite_explorer Most people love rum for its fresh flavor and as a base in cocktails. Until recently I never really thought of rum as a sipping drink on par with whiskey or mezcal. One such rum is Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum. With light, carefully blended flavors it is meant to be enjoyed straight, but can also make a killer cocktail. This rum company is an interesting combination of rum’s history. Rum is actually one of the earliest liquors made in New England and the molasses for its production came from the West Indies. Brinley Rum is based in New Jersey but produces its bottles on the island of St. Kitts. This high-quality rum brings beautiful flavors and traditions of the Caribbean to the US. I recently had the chance to talk to the second-generation owner, Zach Brinley, about rum, St. Kitts, and the family business. First, how did the family get into the distilling business? Was it just a trip to the island, a love for rum before heading there, or something else entirely? It’s a great story actually. I grew up in Montclair, NJ, and would never have dreamed we’d find our way into this cool business. My father had started a temperature sensor business in NJ and decided to open up a manufacturing facility on St Kitts in 1986. There was a free trade deal the US gov’t had setup with St Kitts & Nevis to help the island’s economy ~ they had just gained independence from the UK in 1983 and tourism wasn’t a huge industry at that point. So fast forward to the ‘90s and I found myself a very lucky kid – getting to travel to the island every year. Our rum company started in 2002 when he had to close his business down on the island. The idea was hatched as a combination of wanting to stay invested in the beautiful island and also do something to support this place we’d fallen in love with. The cruise pier had just been built – as had the Royal St Kitts Marriott. We then learned that CSR, Cane Spirit Rothschild – the local rum on the island – had a need for either a partner or investment. We immediately fell in love with the idea and opened up a Rum Shoppe on the Port Zante, the new pier. We worked with our master blender, Michel, to formulate the best-tasting flavored rum we could. We were trying to impress cruise travelers getting off their ships at 10 am in the morning! We wanted to do something natural and a lot easier to sip than the other ones on the US market. It can be easy to just produce something in a location and lose the local flavor. So, how does the rum continue to be inspired by St. Kitts? Our rum and rum company are most definitely still inspired by the islands we fell in love with 25 years ago. In the beginning, we were inspired to create a delicious tropical rum that was as natural as the islands themselves. Then as we’ve grown our brand through the years and across the US (we now sell nationally!), we felt like St Kitts ambassadors, spreading the word to salesmen and new customers all over North America. Now during this difficult time, we find ourselves pleased to be able to support the local economy by being able to increase exports from the island — and also to remind everyone to book their trips as soon as Covid 19 is over. We’ve been inspired in creating the rum and now in our love of the island. St Kitts is a beautiful place and a perfect getaway for food and rum lovers. Can people visit the distillery when they are on the island? We partnered up with the Fairview Great House, which runs a daily rum tour & tasting for us on this site dating to 1700. We’ve run some VIP tours at our actual distillery through the years – but we haven’t been able to keep up with both the increasing pace of tourism and sales/production growth. We’re taking steps now to put together a full site tasting tour and hopefully even a sugar cane maze! While on the island I highly recommend tasting some other local producers’ excellent rums – our friends at CSR and Belmont Estate have an excellent lineup to sip or mix as well ~ and there are even a few brand new local rums which are fantastic. As if we aren’t all jealous enough, do you make it back to the Caribbean often? Before the pandemic I was going down 1 to 2 times per year — and we were even bringing 10 to 30 of our best performing US sales team with us! Now it has been over a year since I’ve stepped foot on the island. I miss St. Kitts & Nevis like crazy.. all the amazing beach bars, perfect sunsets, sea breezes, and most of all the wonderful people. But it does sometimes feel like I’m there since I’m on the phone and working with people on the island on a daily basis. We’ve been happy to do our part and produce and export 1 to 2 containers of Rum per month. I guess we have the US self medicating consumption to thank for that too 😉 Rum was my first liquor love, but what would you recommend the best rum flavor to get started with for non-rum drinkers? Shipwreck Coconut Rum Cream is the easiest to sip – since it tastes like Coconut Heaven and is only 15% abv. But the truth is all of our flavored rums are easy sippers. I’d encourage someone new to flavored rums to sip our straight Coconut or Vanilla Rum slightly chilled neat. They are very rich in real flavor. They’ll be pleasantly surprised! Most people only think of rum as a base for cocktails, but what is your favorite way to use it – straight or cocktails? And when you do make a cocktail what is your go-to? I personally love to sip our Rums neat, but cocktails are excellent and easy to make as well. There are literally thousands of amazing rum classics — Pina Coladas, Rum Punches, Daiquiris, you name it! I’d say our most popular cocktail with bars and restaurants through the years has been the easy-to-make Mojito. With the natural sweetness and real flavor, there is no need for simple syrup – all you need is our Shipwreck Mango, Coconut or Lime Rum, and some club soda, mint, and limes. This year fans have gravitated to a simple rum & club mix — or “Club Coconut”, etc. With the popularity of hard seltzers, our bottle offers a natural cocktail that’s easy to make while being light and refreshing. Also with the Coconut Rum Cream, many fans like to blend it with their coffee as an adult coconut creamer! I think it’s especially good with espresso or cold brew. Are there any drinks you feel really bring the flavor of St. Kitts to life for rum drinkers? Yes indeed! The classic St Kitts Rum Punch is outstanding and really does taste like you’re on the island … even if you can’t be physically on the island. The dash of bitters and grating of nutmeg is a must! Check out the recipe below On top of great rum, Brinley also supports the Sea Turtle Monitoring Network. The St Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network helps raise awareness about and protect the local turtles and their habitats. A portion of their annual proceeds goes to this amazing organization. So you can enjoy a little rum and help the sea turtles at the same time – who doesn’t love that! There is a whole world of rum out there to be discovered one glass at a time. Share your favorite recipes and how you like to sip it by tagging us on social @bite_explorer

The post Meet the Maker: Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum appeared first on Be Inspired To Explore.

Female Founded Food Brands We Love

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:52:39 +0000

The artisan food community is a wonderful mix of people of different cultures and backgrounds and in honor of Women’s History Month, I’d like to share a few of our favorite females in the artisan food industry. These female-founded companies are only a small sampling of the ones we fell in love with this past year and only the tip of the iceberg for a larger movement of women in food. We hope you enjoy finding out more about them and get out and support their journeys. You won’t be disappointed! Date Lady Colleen Sundlie’s path to starting Date Lady is definitely unique. After moving to the United Arab Emirates for her husband’s job with a new baby in tow she was able to spend time exploring their new home. Noticing the way dates permeated the culture of their new home she was drawn to it in the markets and shops. After picking up date syrup at a local market and trying it as a substitute for sugar in baking and a topping for lots of dishes such as pancakes and oatmeal. Thankfully for the rest of us, Colleen brought her love of dates and date syrup back to the US with her. Looking for a sugar substitute I came across Date Lady online and it has become our go-to for so many items. The offerings have expanded to both sweet and savory options, but keep the sweet fruit at the center of everything. This is the only BBQ sauce we buy and the chocolate spread is perfect for ice cream sundaes, special pancake breakfasts, and our churro stuffed donuts. Products we love: Pure Date Syrup, Chocolate Spread, BBQ sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce Seed + Mill If you have ever dreamed of starting a fun business with your best friends you are going to love the story of Seed + Mill. Coming from three different countries serendipity brought together Lisa, Rachel, and Monica in New York City in 2015. They instantly bonded over their love of food and nourishing their families and friends with great food. That passion led to the founding of Seed + Mill on the values of connection, global flavors, and joy. You will feel all of those values come to life in each product they make. If you have never tried halva Seed + Mill should be your introduction to this classic sesame confection. The halva is only one of the delicious items they offer. Tahini, seasoning blends, and even tahini ice cream if you get to visit them in person at Chelsea Market in NYC. Products we love: Cocoa Nibs Halva, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Halva, Organic Tahini, Za’tar Spice Blend Coconut Whisk Living in Minnesota for 12 years we were blessed with a great community of food artisans and farmers’ markets. Right about the time we were moving to the east coast in 2018 I started hearing about a vegan and gluten-free baking mix called Coconut Whisk. Before even trying a bite of any of their products, I was in love with this brand. After discovering the founder Bella online how could you not be? She is inspiring and relatable and her passion for being a positive force in the world pulls you in. I had the chance to ask Bella for a few words of wisdom . . . “To all those aspiring entrepreneurs out there… it might seem overwhelming in the beginning but reach out for help and plug yourself into the community. Be proactive and build a quality network full of go-getters, movers, shakers, and doers. It will change everything for you and your business.” How could you not love Bella and Coconut Whisk? And of course, their baking mixes are delicious and making eating a little bit better that much easier. Their mug cakes might say two servings, but I always keep them for my own special treat. And the kids love the chocolate chip cookies. Bella just announced another exciting chapter of their journey. They will be opening a new cafe in Minneapolis focused on vegan food and providing a space for other makers, especially those BIPOC and womxn, to showcase their work. Products we love: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Vegan Pancakes & Waffles Mix Brooklyn Delhi Family recipes and India’s culinary traditions inspired Brooklyn Delhi founder Chitra Agrawal to bring a taste of her culture to NYC. Launched in 2014 with achaar, often referred to as Indian pickle, but that description doesn’t do it justice. With a complex flavor profile that adds a spicy, sour, sweet, and savory kick to anything. We love enjoying it on eggs, stirred into shakshuka, and atop a bowl of noodles. Achaar was only the beginning. You can now get curry ketchup and mustard, simmer sauces for some of your favorite Indian dishes, hot sauce, and mango chutney. And if you need any recipe inspiration look no further than founder Chitra’s cookbook and her extensive background teaching, writing about, and serving Indian home cooking. Products we love: Tomato Achaar, Mango Chutney, Vegan Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce Young Lion’s Brewery Female founders in the food industry make up only a small portion of food entrepreneurs. Females in the beverage industry are even rarer. Jennifer Newman was always passionate about craft beer, but bringing her own brews to life would require collaboration with a larger team. A fully operational brewery is a huge investment of time and money. With that in mind, Jennifer brought on four fellow founders to get Young Lion Brewery going. Then she did a national search to find a brewmaster to bring the vision to life and since then it has been full speed ahead. This business is a true celebration of collaboration and passion. You can enjoy a mix of classics like IPAs and pilsners as well as limited edition brews such as sours all made with the same care. Unfortunately, they only ship in NY state right now so you will need to make a trip to Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes to visit their taproom, but it is well worth the visit. And the area is home to plenty of wineries, breweries, and top-notch food options to create the perfect foodie itinerary. Products we love: Barrel-Aged Blonde Ale, Citrose, Pilsner Being a female founder in the food world is a hard task, but these women are bringing unmatched passion and talent to what they are doing and are thrilled to support their journeys. These are only a few of the phenomenal women in the artisan food and beverage world . . . I can’t wait to keep adding to the list! The artisan food community is a wonderful mix of people of different cultures and backgrounds and in honor of Women’s History Month, I’d like to share a few of our favorite females in the artisan food industry. These female-founded companies are only a small sampling of the ones we fell in love with this past year and only the tip of the iceberg for a larger movement of women in food. We hope you enjoy finding out more about them and get out and support their journeys. You won’t be disappointed! Date Lady Colleen Sundlie’s path to starting Date Lady is definitely unique. After moving to the United Arab Emirates for her husband’s job with a new baby in tow she was able to spend time exploring their new home. Noticing the way dates permeated the culture of their new home she was drawn to it in the markets and shops. After picking up date syrup at a local market and trying it as a substitute for sugar in baking and a topping for lots of dishes such as pancakes and oatmeal. Thankfully for the rest of us, Colleen brought her love of dates and date syrup back to the US with her. Looking for a sugar substitute I came across Date Lady online and it has become our go-to for so many items. The offerings have expanded to both sweet and savory options, but keep the sweet fruit at the center of everything. This is the only BBQ sauce we buy and the chocolate spread is perfect for ice cream sundaes, special pancake breakfasts, and our churro stuffed donuts. Products we love: Pure Date Syrup, Chocolate Spread, BBQ sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce Seed + Mill If you have ever dreamed of starting a fun business with your best friends you are going to love the story of Seed + Mill. Coming from three different countries serendipity brought together Lisa, Rachel, and Monica in New York City in 2015. They instantly bonded over their love of food and nourishing their families and friends with great food. That passion led to the founding of Seed + Mill on the values of connection, global flavors, and joy. You will feel all of those values come to life in each product they make. If you have never tried halva Seed + Mill should be your introduction to this classic sesame confection. The halva is only one of the delicious items they offer. Tahini, seasoning blends, and even tahini ice cream if you get to visit them in person at Chelsea Market in NYC. Products we love: Cocoa Nibs Halva, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Halva, Organic Tahini, Za’tar Spice Blend Coconut Whisk Living in Minnesota for 12 years we were blessed with a great community of food artisans and farmers’ markets. Right about the time we were moving to the east coast in 2018 I started hearing about a vegan and gluten-free baking mix called Coconut Whisk. Before even trying a bite of any of their products, I was in love with this brand. After discovering the founder Bella online how could you not be? She is inspiring and relatable and her passion for being a positive force in the world pulls you in. I had the chance to ask Bella for a few words of wisdom . . . “To all those aspiring entrepreneurs out there… it might seem overwhelming in the beginning but reach out for help and plug yourself into the community. Be proactive and build a quality network full of go-getters, movers, shakers, and doers. It will change everything for you and your business.” How could you not love Bella and Coconut Whisk? And of course, their baking mixes are delicious and making eating a little bit better that much easier. Their mug cakes might say two servings, but I always keep them for my own special treat. And the kids love the chocolate chip cookies. Bella just announced another exciting chapter of their journey. They will be opening a new cafe in Minneapolis focused on vegan food and providing a space for other makers, especially those BIPOC and womxn, to showcase their work. Products we love: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Vegan Pancakes & Waffles Mix Brooklyn Delhi Family recipes and India’s culinary traditions inspired Brooklyn Delhi founder Chitra Agrawal to bring a taste of her culture to NYC. Launched in 2014 with achaar, often referred to as Indian pickle, but that description doesn’t do it justice. With a complex flavor profile that adds a spicy, sour, sweet, and savory kick to anything. We love enjoying it on eggs, stirred into shakshuka, and atop a bowl of noodles. Achaar was only the beginning. You can now get curry ketchup and mustard, simmer sauces for some of your favorite Indian dishes, hot sauce, and mango chutney. And if you need any recipe inspiration look no further than founder Chitra’s cookbook and her extensive background teaching, writing about, and serving Indian home cooking. Products we love: Tomato Achaar, Mango Chutney, Vegan Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce Young Lion’s Brewery Female founders in the food industry make up only a small portion of food entrepreneurs. Females in the beverage industry are even rarer. Jennifer Newman was always passionate about craft beer, but bringing her own brews to life would require collaboration with a larger team. A fully operational brewery is a huge investment of time and money. With that in mind, Jennifer brought on four fellow founders to get Young Lion Brewery going. Then she did a national search to find a brewmaster to bring the vision to life and since then it has been full speed ahead. This business is a true celebration of collaboration and passion. You can enjoy a mix of classics like IPAs and pilsners as well as limited edition brews such as sours all made with the same care. Unfortunately, they only ship in NY state right now so you will need to make a trip to Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes to visit their taproom, but it is well worth the visit. And the area is home to plenty of wineries, breweries, and top-notch food options to create the perfect foodie itinerary. Products we love: Barrel-Aged Blonde Ale, Citrose, Pilsner Being a female founder in the food world is a hard task, but these women are bringing unmatched passion and talent to what they are doing and are thrilled to support their journeys. These are only a few of the phenomenal women in the artisan food and beverage world . . . I can’t wait to keep adding to the list!

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