Ladies & Gentlemen, No More Banging Jars On Your Counters. Introducing The Strongboy2

Everyone has suffered from a moment of weakness in the kitchen. No I am not talking about waking up in the middle of the night and devouring the a few brownies or tub of ice cream just because it felt good. I am talking about having that moment in life, where someone hands you a jar after making numerous unsuccessful attempts at trying to open it, with failure written all over their face, only to not be able to open it yourself. Then both of you are forced to beat the jar on the counter, find something to dry your supposedly wet hands that cant grip the jar tight enough and eventually give up.

 I laugh when that happens because some people really get their feelings hurt that they can't open a jar with their own physical strength. I don't even feel bad when I can't open a jar on the first few attempts anymore because I look at it like this, a machine put the lid on, so it should be incredibly tight.

You know how we do things around here, our thought is with the right tools anything is possible and in this case with the Strongboy 2, built by Zyliss the innovative people known for making quality products for just about every use in the home, opening a jar of anything from pickles to whoop ass isn't out of the realm of possibility anymore. 

Bacardi, Changing The Libation Game One Flavor At A Time

Just in time to cap off your summer entertaining, BACARDI® – the world’s favorite and best-selling premium rum and the world’s most awarded rum– introduces its latest flavor innovation, BACARDI® TORCHED CHERRY™.  Combining the rich, bold taste of Barbados cherries with the light, smooth infusion of Torch Plant aloe, BACARDI TORCHED CHERRY flavored rum is a refreshing spirit with a distinguished taste. Furthering the brand’s long-term commitment to providing the best offerings of premium rums, BACARDI TORCHED CHERRY follows the successful introduction in 2009 of BACARDI® DRAGON BERRY™. 

An innovator in the spirits industry for more than a century, BACARDI is the first brand to introduce this flavor profile to its rums. Torch Plant aloe is a succulent, nectar-rich ingredient indigenous to South Africa.  It pairs ideally with Barbados cherries, also known as Acerola, a fruit that has recently received considerable attention for its versatility and sweet, robust flavor.  

BACARDI® TORCHED CHERRY Burnt Berry

1 part BACARDI TORCHED CHERRY Flavored Rum               

1-1/2 parts SPRITE                

1-1/2 parts pomegranate juice

Pour ingredients over ice and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

“In the fast-changing world of flavors our goal is to meet consumers’ needs for popular flavors that deliver an exotic twist at an accessible price,” said Gordon Chisholm, Brand Director, BACARDI Flavored Rums. “Building on the enormous success of last year’s BACARDI DRAGON BERRY introduction, BACARDI TORCHED CHERRY delivers infusion-based and industry-first flavor combinations and is a fresh, dynamic spirit that can be enjoyed alone or in a variety of cocktails.”

One Good Tool Can Provide A Lifetime Of Great Memories. Le Creuset's Oval French Oven

If there is one thing we cannot stress enough, it is the fact that quality products combined with a bit of know how will provide you with memorable experiences, every time. Going into any task with poorly made tools will require a lot more thought and skill, therefore requiring constant attention and proper planning before and during the job.

Something notable, can be said for the tool that alleviates stress and worry, allowing your attention to be focused on other elements of a project, without the shadow of a doubt as to what is going on elsewhere in your kitchen.

Synonymous with quality, the Le Creuset brand continues to release products that triumphantly withstand the tests of time, in updated color ways to constantly spark their millions of loyal customers interest, year after year. 

A great Dutch Oven is something that every household should own. Dutch ovens serve many purposes from sauteeing vegetables, searing meats prior to roasting or braising them, braising and roasting dishes and just about anything else you could think of that requires a pot that evenly disperses heat time and 

time again. 

We picked up a "French Oven" as Le Creuset calls their stylish line of Dutch Ovens and put it to use. After giving it a thorough wash (by the way this line of Enameled Cast Iron is dishwasher safe, oven safe and stove top safe) we decided on making some great Caldo De Siete Mares (Soup of the 7 Seas / recipe attached.)

National Whiskey Sour Day

A fine Whiskey is a desirable thing to have in your arsenal of liquors and libations. Traditional drinks that call for Whiskey can easily be ruined if the mixologist of the moment throws in some cheap money saving liquor instead of reaching for the Top Shelf stuff.
Now by Top Shelf, we are talking about brands such as Bushmills 1608, Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, or for those that money is no option, the Macallan Fine Reserve from 1926 is the ultimate purchase you could make.
The Whiskey Sour is a great drink for those who love Whiskey but do not wish to drink it straight up for the moment. We aren't going to get into the great Whiskey / Whisky debate other than to note that Whiskey with an E is Irish and without is typically Scottish.
Enjoy this drink today and often, especially with a great steak or some seafood as it compliments both very nicely.
Cheers, L'Chaim, Salute (and if you really wish to impress someone, heres how to to say Cheers in almost every Nations dialect.)

Recipe Of The Day: Double Crust Apple Pie

We have been getting all kinds of emails and tweets lately for recipes to make homemade breads, pies and desserts. It almost feels like that end of year Winter sweets rush is already upon us. A few people reached out to us via @TheSupremePlate, talking about how they wanted to get their skills up before Thanksgiving in the baking department. 

The most requested recipe was for a delicious Homemade Apple Pie so of course we had to oblige the people.  This recipe is simple, does not call for too many ingredients and bakes up perfect every time.

Hope you enjoy it. 

In Honor of National Hot & Spicy Foods Day, We Present To You "Sriracha Sauce"

Sriracha Sauce, is the name of one of the greatest condiments known to mankind. Srircha is named after the seaside city of Si Racha, in central Thailand where it was first produced for local seafood restaurants. The distinct taste of chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt have dominated the Asian market here in the United States since its inception in 1980. This puree version is primarily produced by Huy Fong Foods this is different from the Thai paste from which it takes its name.

Traditionally a tangy, sweeter sauce with a lot of kick from chiles, it’s thick texture make it perfect for just about any application.

From sushi, pizza and BBQ to soups, pastas and chow mein dishes, Sriracha is truly a unique flavor enhancing condiment that deserves to on every table or fridge in the United States.

Due to its ingredients, Sriracha does not need to be stored in the refrigerator as some people tend to believe. Available in almost every Supermarket in the Asian foods aisle and of course in your local Asian Market or of course online at Huy Fong.com

Pick up some today and put it on whatever your eating tonight. We promise it will taste good.

End Your Summer On A Sweet Note w/ These Exclusive Honey Based Recipes

Celebrity Chef John Rivera Sedlar and Mixologist Pablo Moix, have teamed up with the National Honey Board, to create an exotic and exclusive tapas and cocktails menu for the end of Summer, using 100% Pure Honey.

Enjoy Chef Rivera Sedlar’s unique blend of Spanish influences and the American

Southwest and try your hand at some Skewers of Cumin Chicken with Yoghurt

Lemon Honey Dipping Sauce or a Pintxos Salad with Seville Oranges, Roasted Beets and Idiazabal Cheese with Honey Medjol Date Vinagreta.

The tapas Chef Rivera Sedlar features using 100% Pure Honey can easily be prepared in your own kitchen thanks to his careful selection of ingredients that fuse together, delivering delicious results. Just remember to use only 100% Pure Honey, which adds unique flavor and texture no other ingredient can match.

Once you’ve served the tapas and aroused your guests’ taste buds, allow Mixologist Pablo Moix’s undeniable passion for mixing drinks to guide you as you prepare some of the most refreshing honey-based cocktails, like the stout Jaime Molido or the sultry and spicy Mari Mercedes. There are few better earthly ways to stimulate your gatherings than with these honey-based cocktails.

But why settle for just a few dishes and drinks when you can learn how to make a variety of signature creations using 100% Pure Honey that will leave your family and guests impressed, satisfied, and wanting to know how you do it? All honey-based recipes by John Rivera Sedlar and Pablo Moix can be found exclusively on www.mielpura.org.

Food Truck Grub & Drinks From The Pub... The Preview To The OC Foodie Fest 2010

Foodie-Fest "This Is How We Roll" Anaheim, CA

Denny's Introduces... The Deep Fried Death Sandwich, We Mean Fried Cheese Melt

On August 24th the folks over at Denny's will be adding a few new items to their menus. Amongst them is this lovely bit of deep fried heaven which they call "The Fried Cheese Melt." Literally looking like death warmed over, this sandwich consisting of 4 fried mozzarella sticks housed between a few slices of American cheese, then grilled between two slices of sourdough will hit plates for around $4.00
Now we aren't ones to really bash any brand or company by any means, but after hearing and seeing this thing we were kind of forced to step back and scratch our heads and ask how healthy can this really be? Sure I understand that the public has the option to order a salad if they wish, but this right here, is something that looks to be geared straight for the kids who don't like anything but macaroni and cheese or cheese sticks.
What better way to fill them up quiet them down, than to give em a heart attack?

Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Rum

True love knows no limits and our love for fine Rums and everything Rum related oftentimes finds us on the hunt for rare and vintage bottles to consume while taking part in some great conversation. I was taught about the great joys of Appleton Estate and Appleton Jamaican Rums by a longtime friend of mine whose Trinidadian roots would seem to come alive after a few drinks.

Gentlemen and scholars alike know the benefits of a well blended and fine aged spirit. It takes time to craft something of value as we always say and the value in this 21 year old rum is well worth the wait.
Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Rum can be found at finer liquor stores and spirit distilleries.
Enjoy!!!

Restaurant Style Filet Mignon Made Easy

Everyone loves a good steak, especially a Filet Mignon when it is seasoned and cooked to perfection. The most commonly ordered piece of protein in America today is the great Steak. People around the world have been tearing down steaks since the beginning of time. 

Often you will hear people complain that they cannot get the steaks they have made at home to resemble the steaks they paid $30 or $40 dollars for at their favorite restaurant.

Well with these few simple steps you too can cook Restaurant Style Filet Mignon steaks at home and impress all of your friends and loved ones. 

Second Harvest Food Bank. Making A Difference, By Being Dedicated.

It has been said that empathy for others is what the world lacks. While the before mentioned statement can truthfully be said for a large number of Earth’s inhabitants, there are still hundreds of millions of people, who breathe, eat and sleep strictly to help another individual see the light of the next day.

Our Nation, as mighty and as strong as it may be, is facing one of the worst economic depressions it has ever faced in its existence.

The trend for people to go to sleep hungry, has become commonplace in a world, where the million dollar question is “do I purchase food, pay my rent or buy the medication I need to survive?”

Without any end in sight to the issues of hunger the world is facing, reputable Food Banks and the outlets they help supply have become far more important than ever imaginable.

Jay Z x Nike "All Black Everything" Air Force 1 = Charity Auction on Ebay

I know, I know we are supposed to be covering food only right? Wrong, We started off in this game as style consultants, letting people get a glimpse at the latest and freshest lifestyle products aimed to keep people on their toes, as far as looking fresh was concerned. Looking at the pics you already know what time it is, the God MC, aka Jay Z or Hov as his new collaboration with Nike would have you call him, to drop these "All Black Everything" Air Force 1's on the masses. Oh wait were lying to you, these aren't for the masses, this is for Charity and that our friends is why we are covering them.
5 different styles have been designed with only 2 pair being made of each design.
Jay-Z will get one pair (yeah right) of each design and the other pairs will go up for sale on via an online auction on Ebay.

Step Your Bar Game Up. 1 Fresh Bar Tool (In 3 Fly Styles) That Everyone Should Own

Everyone knows that a good house party will eventually gravitate from the dance floor towards either the kitchen or a well stocked bar area. Having the right tools to assist in making the night flow effortlessly is of high importance, when any event is taking place within the walls of your own home. 

It is truly no fun attending a party where someone is thoughtful enough to bring the host a few bottles of something they delicately selected, only to have the host say, "I do not have anything to open that with." The guy who uses his teeth or the backside of a lighter may be a hit at some functions, but what about when the time calls for a much more refined sense of style? 

These our friends, are the exact moments where having a bit of knowledge, a few good products that will last a lifetime and a bit of savoir faire, will take you much further than you could have ever expected.

Screwpull, a brand synonymous with luxury and class has newly released 1 life style product in 3 classic styles, all aimed to help upgrade the knowledge and style points with these fresh products designed for the expert wine drinker or all around libation specialist in all of us.

National S'MORES Day

Today being National S’mores Day we figured that it is only right to give you a simple to make recipe that can be done in the house, before your guests arrive and then reheated when needed.

Almost everyone likes S’mores and a lot of us grew up eating them so lets not deprive ourselves of a classic treat on this National Holiday.

Tinga... A Taqueria, Bringing Chicken & Waffles To You Like Never Before

Newly opened Tinga, just down the street from American Rag on La Brea is now serving Chicken & Waffles on Sundays and what better way to set off the last day of the weekend than to enjoy either some authentic Mexican food or some delicious Fried Chicken & Waffles? 

Let’s get one thing straight right now, Southern California has the best Mexican food hands down. That is a FACT.

Now with Tinga, (a new but already popular Taqueria known for delivering the freshest and most importantly truly authentic Mexican cuisine around,) bringing our fondness for glorious fried chicken together with the freshest flavors the Pacific Coast have to offer, we just can’t help but stop and enjoy the smells and tastes over and over again. 

Have no fear all of you faithful Roscoes heads, these waffles chicken are something completely different and deserving of their own name in lights. Give em time and you will see, these guys got it down pat and we hope you enjoy what they have to offer.

Check out Tinga at 142 S. La Brea Ave (South of First), Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323)954-9566

National Food Holiday: Lasagna

National Food Holidays, seem to be getting more and more attention on our site, strictly because of what they are bringing to the publics attention; Classic Recipes that often get overlooked because of their complexity.

Well leave it to us to detangle all of the myths and lies that surround both loved and loathed recipes, such as  today's "National Food Holiday" for instance, Lasagna.

Lasagna is a hearty dish that leaves everyone stuffed to the gills, unbuttoning pants and searching for a quiet place to nap after it has been consumed. The problem with Lasagna is that not everyone knows how to whip up a pan worth its weight, and because of that fact people are scared to approach it.

This recipe is a classic in our kitchen, tried and true numerous times and even has been requested to be used at a few local mom and pop Italian spots around town. 

Enjoy this recipe with your family, make it and take it to your Grandparents house and enjoy some stories about their youthful days or impress a crowd of your friends who thought you didn't have it in you to pull off such an old world staple.

This recipe is sure to evoke classic memories of long gone childhoods and times passed as well as to help bring to life some new found great moments with your loved ones.

Recipe Of The Day: Tuna Tataki & Watermelon Salad w/ Lemon Wasabi Dressing

With today being National Watermelon Day and us getting such an amazing response to yesterdays Seared Tuna recipe, we figured why not make one of our most favorite salads? The Tuna Tataki Salad, a staple in our test kitchens (when we feel like eating healthy that is) and is a dish in which each and every bite is loaded with explosively astounding flavors.
The marinated watermelon becomes so moist and juicy, but not overly mushy and soft as you would expect it to become. The crispness of the mesclun greens and freshness of the avocado slices are brought to life with the light and airy Lemon-Wasabi Dressing.

But with all of those beautiful ingredients, comes the masterpiece of finishing touches and that is the Seared Tuna. Beautiful Sashimi Grade Tuna takes center stage in this recipe and shines like the deep blue oceans it once swam freely in.
This is a great recipe for Summertime (or anytime for that matter,) because it is light and full of healthy ingredients, which makes it perfect for aiding in recuperating from a previous night of drinking, dancing or whatever you may have done that has you feeling washed out.
Enjoy!!

Recipe Of The Day: Watermelon & Balsamic Tomatoes W/ Basil Skewers

Summertime has finally officially touched down and the time to enjoy the fruits of the Planets hard labor is now. Everywhere across the country beautifully sweet watermelons and tomatoes are popping up on their vines just waiting to be picked and eaten.
The problem is that not everyone knows a good recipe to combine these too super-foods.
Today's Recipe Of The Day combines the incredible tastes of both the tomato and the watermelon, adds a bit of basil and balsamic glaze and is ready to be skewered and devoured.
Enjoy!

Recipe Of The Day: Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks w/ Jalapeno Mango Salsa

The first week of August is always a brutal but fun time in Southern California. The blistering heat really begins to kick into high gear, causing the roadways and beaches to become way beyond overcrowded with people, looking for some form of release.
BBQs, family reunions, cookouts and fish fries start popping up every other weekend  around town and when all of these things combine, some of the greatest food known to mankind becomes readily available, everywhere.

We got a request for a great Summertime seafood recipe that wasn't fried, and we decided what better than a healthy piece of Tuna seared to perfection, topped off with a Jalapeno & Mango Salsa?
The key to the Tuna coming out right, is to have your pan extremely hot before you put the fish in. Too often people think the pan is hot, they drop in their fish and end up having to overcook it because the pan wasn't at the right temperature before beginning to sear of their beloved Tuna.
Take your time, have everything ready before trying to cook this, because scrambling around the kitchen, last minute looking for items will surely result in a ruined dish.
Enjoy!