Friday, January 29, 2010

Valentine's at Orchids at Palm Court

Let Orchids at Palm Court create the perfect Valentine's Day in Cincinnati's most romantic setting!

Five Course
Prix Fixe Menu Available
Saturday, February 13 & Sunday, February 14
5:30pm-10:00pm
$75 per person

First Course
Choice of

Butter Poached Maine Lobster
with Ricotta Cheese and Organic Egg Ravioli
with Black Truffle "Carbonara"

Seared Scallop
Unagi Terrine, Celery Root, Blood Oranges,
Cracked Almonds and Curry Oil

Seared Tuna
Potato Crusted, House Cured Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad

Second Course
Choice of

Roasted Pepper and "Floating" Mozzarella Salad
Baby Arugula, Saffron Tuile, Marinated Onions and Avocado

Marinated Baby Beets
Blue Cheese Beignets, Pickled Turnips and Clotted Cream

Arugula Salad
Salt Cured Foie Gras, Late Harvest Riesling Vinaigrette and Cranberry Gelee

Third Course
Choice of

Veal Sweetbreads
Buttermilk Celery Salad, Sherry Vinaigrette and Smoked Paprika

Bourbon Barrel Soy Braised Pork Belly
Tart Apple-Caraway Salad and Grain Mustard Jus

Line Caught Loup De Mer
Little Neck Clams, Maitake Mushrooms, and Verjus Sauce

John Dory "En Papillote"
Preserved Tomato Vinaigrette, Chayote Squash
and Mint-Walnut Yogurt

Fourth Course
Choice of

Three Hour New York Strip Loin
Red Wine Braised Oxtails, Semolina Gnocchi,
Curly Spinach and Heirloom Carrots

Roasted Duck Breast
Braised Cabbage Pierogis, Cipollini Onions and Grain Mustard Jus

Black Vinegar Braised Beef Cheeks
Roasted Maitake Mushrooms, Swiss Chard
and Green Onion Gnudis

Fifth Course
Choice of

Artisenal Cheese Course
A Selection of Domestic Cheese's and House Made Crackers

Frozen Passion Fruit Soufflé
Pineapple Confit and Candied Currents

Chocolate Bête Noire
White Chocolate Chantilly, Almond Macaroon and Fresh Berries

Dessert Duet
A Duet of Frozen Passion Fruit Soufflé and Chocolate Bête Noire

Vegetarian Option Available

Spring Cocktail Recipes From PAMA

PAMA Ginger Orange Twist
1 ¼ oz PAMA
1 ¼ oz Super Premium Orange Flavored Vodka
1 oz Orange Juice
1 spoon fresh ginger
1 each orange slice muddled
½ oz simple syrup

Method: muddle, shake and strain
Garnish: Orange wedge, pomegranate seeds, ginger slice

The PAMA Mermaid
1 part PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
1 part Orange Vodka
Splash of Lemon-lime Soda
Dash of Pineapple juice

Straight pour on ice served in a low-ball glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry garnish in
the glass.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Exquisite Mouthwatering Food is The Key to the Ultimate in Romanceand Relationships

A wonderful topic and guest for Valentine's Day and beyond

Review and promotion copies, high resolution photographs of the author, books and recipes, and interviews are all available upon request. Recipes may be excerpted in whole or part. Special feature story or interview inquiries welcome. Eric is available for emergency 911 interviews. He is available in the Denver area locally and nationwide by arrangement.

Contact Eric on 720-335-1069 email eric@dreamsemerge.com or simply hit reply to this email.

Exquisite Mouthwatering Food is The Key to the Ultimate in Romance and Relationships!

It’s so sad. Each year you can see untold millions of men scrambling at the last minute to do something romantic – a bouquet of obligatory roses, a box of heart shaped chocolates or reservations at one of the popular, but invariably, hectic local restaurants. It’s like the lemmings jumping off the cliff into the sea.

Boulder Colorado Chef Eric S. Lee, says he’s discovered exactly how men can jumpstart, even supercharge their romance and relationships and make them last. “The key to sweeping a woman off her feet,” he says, “is with food.”

ee’s brand new cook book Sweeping Her Off Her Feet with Food is packed with delicious mouth-watering , aphrodisiac-laden instructions for preparing, cooking and presenting knock your socks off romantic recipes. Here is a simple, easy to use cookbook for the romantically deprived.

This book has been a labor of love for me for years now. It is a perfect storm blending my fascination with creating great dining experiences and the ecstasy that can only be found in love.

Eric S. Lee

Sweeping Her Off Her Feet with Food
The Ultimate Guide to Romance and Seduction in the Kitchen
Eric S. Lee
Photographs by Julie Cardinal

List $29.95
Trade soft cover 150 pp color throughout
ISBN 978-0970-6701-4-1
Official Date of Publication Feb 14, 2010
Dreamworld Press, Longmont Colorado

About Eric S. Lee
Born and raised from humble beginnings in Detroit, Michigan, Eric spent most of his early adulthood honing his culinary talents in premier hotel restaurants in the city's downtown area.

In 1989, Eric followed a lifelong yearning to live in a place that had more peace and opportunity--and moved to beautiful Boulder, Colorado. He & his partner opened and co-managed five wonderful restaurants, including: The Sweet Tomato, an Italian restaurant, which was voted best in Lafayette/Louisville, Portabello's a 250 seat restaurant in Longmont & Platinum Grill in Lafayette.

Eric now lives just outside Boulder in Longmont, Colorado.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

New On-the-Go Varieties from Leading Organic BabyFood Brand

Plum Organics™, the leading premium organic baby food brand in the nation, announces the introduction of its “JUST” line: six single-fruit purees of USDA organic baby food made with 100 percent fruits with no added sugar, juice, colors or flavors.

The new “JUST” fruit options include JUST Apples, JUST Peaches, JUST Pears, JUST Bananas, JUST Prunes and JUST Mangos. Each organic fruit is gently cooked and pureed until smooth, then packaged in a BPA-free, light-weight pouch that pours easily onto a spoon for a mess-free eating experience – a method that reduces food waste and eliminates the need for double dipping.

Building on the popularity of the brand’s innovative Baby Food Pouch packaging introduced in 2009 – a portable pouch that allows for the natural preservation of flavors and freshness – the “JUST” line is now available nationwide exclusively at Babies R Us/Toys R Us for a suggested retail price of $1.19 - $1.29 for a 3.17oz. single pouch and $7.19 - $7.29 for a single variety 6-count box.

In addition to this new launch, Plum Organics’ current baby food pouch line consisting of six fruit and veggie blends (currently available at Babies R Us/Toys R Us) will soon be found on shelves at Buy Buy Baby, HEB, Food Lion, and online at Target.com, Diapers.com, and Drugstore.com.

”We had an unbelievable response to our launch of the first six baby food pouch varieties this past summer,” said Gigi Lee Chang, mom and founder of Plum Organics. “Parents were excited to find a convenient baby food format that still provides superior nutrition, taste and the organic ingredients they want for their child. We wanted to expand the line to offer the individual fruit varieties that many parents provide in the first stages of food introduction. Additionally, the fruit-only blends and fruit/veggie blends can be mixed together for even more flavors that are still great-tasting to little palates.”

The six new, delicious “JUST” fruit varieties are packaged in Plum Organics Baby Food Pouches which feature:

Non-GMO, USDA- certified organic ingredients
Child-safe, recyclable cap that reseals for flexible portions and less food waste
Portability & durability for easy and safe travel
BPA-free, light-weight pouch for reduced energy and supply chain impact
Smooth purees suitable for Stage 1 and older

Monday, January 25, 2010

Blade Runner Knife Bags

Let’s give credit where it’s partially due. Enter Kent Rathburn: world renowned Dallas-based chef most notably associated with the defeat of Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.”

A fan of the Yak Pak Deluxe Knife Bags, the illustrious Chef Rathburn actively sports the stylish and kitchen-savvy packs in the kitchens of his Texas dining establishments, Abacus and Jasper’s. They are, in fact, the only knife bags on the market with both an element of fashion and state-of-the-art design—and have thus caused quite a stir in the culinary world.

In two styles and 16 prints, Yak Pak has successfully crafted the ultimate accessory in kitchen apparel. The original 8 Pocket Knife Case measures in at 19.5” x 18.5” (open) and comes complete with interior elastic bands for a tight blade grip. The Yak Pak 12 Pocket Deluxe Knife Bag, equipped with four more pockets, is slightly larger at 29” x 20”. Each knife bag has been lined with webbing band reinforcement to minimize knife punctures and houses additional flaps for cooking accessories.

Rocking prints like houndstooth, pinstripe and mega mod dot, both of these chic culinary cases are ideal for the professional or aspiring chef, and come with adjustable shoulder straps, sturdy water resistant nylon and a lifetime warranty.

NOTE: We were lucky enough to sample the Blade Runner bag and it is way cool! Great for chefs and aspiring chefs alike. Check out the "Specialty" link in the upper right navigation at www.yakpak.com for more details!

Friday, January 22, 2010

PBS Debuts New DVD From Chef Lidia Bastianich

angiamo! Audiences will travel the city streets and country back roads of Italy with renowned television chef Lidia Bastianich this January to learn the tricks to some of her most simple and savory Italian dishes — from homemade pastas to mouthwatering desserts. The Best of Lidia will hit retail shelves on January 26, 2010.

The Best of Lidia
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich has been a Public Television favorite since her first cooking series premiered in 1998. Over the past eight years, she has become one of America’s most beloved television chefs through her three previous series, Lidia’s Italian Table, Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen and Lidia’s Family Table, which was recently nominated as “Best Television Food Show - National” by the James Beard Foundation.

Join Lidia as she shares some of her simplest and most delicious recipes from her travels to all of the regions of Italy. The Best of Lidia features family friendly starters, quick pastas and main courses, and, of course, some of Lidia’s favorite desserts!

To order a copy of The Best of Lidia, please visit ShopPBS.org or call (800) PLAY-PBS.

ABOUT PBS DISTRIBUTION

PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally. Jointly owned by PBS (Arlington, VA) and WGBH (Boston, MA), PBS Distribution extends the reach of public television programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system and our production partners. PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films (The National Parks, The War, Baseball, Jazz, The Civil War), documentaries from award-winning series NOVA (The Elegant Universe, Origins, The Miracle of Life), FRONTLINE (Bush’s War, Growing Up Online), and American Experience (We Shall Remain, Jonestown, New York), dramas from Masterpiece (Jane Eyre, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries), films from independent producers (Latin Music USA, The Botany of Desire, The Story of India, Journey into Buddhism, I.O.U.S.A.), and popular children’s programming from Super Why!, Wordgirl, Cyberchase, Martha Speaks, and Arthur.

TITLE: The Best of Lidia
FORMAT: DVD
RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes
SRP: $24.99
PREBOOK: 12/29/09
STREET DATE: 1/26/10

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle

What better, more imaginative, gift could children receive than a ‘dead’ shiner fish from the underwater kingdom of High Voltage who takes them on the adventure of their life?

This gift comes in the form of an exceptional children’s book, written to inspire treasured memories, magical enough to be stored forever in a child’s imagination. That book is Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle (Health Communications, Inc.).

Just the name itself encourages a child’s mind to work overtime – and isn’t that what children ’s books are all about - piquing the imagination? Frank McKinney is the man behind the book. A man who has proven time and time again he has the ability to create wonder – not just in the eyes of a child – but in everything he touches. No small feat in this day of too much realism.

His magical tale was inspired by stories shared with his daughter, passing through an eerie tropical forest and over a rickety drawbridge, on 1,200+ daily one-mile walks to school! These stories became a rich tradition for all who have taken part in the “Dead Fred” adventure - they will also undoubtedly become yours!

Ppeekk (pronounced ‘Peekie’) Rose Berry is the thirteen year-old heroine in McKinney’s epic odyssey. Forced to walk to her first day of school after moving from rural Indiana to sunny Florida, she has a chance encounter with a mysterious little man who leads her to find King Frederick the 9th, a flattened, 3-inch, dead shiner fish who comes to life in her hands. Aptly naming him “Dead Fred,” she is soon introduced to his brilliant underwater kingdom of High Voltage – a place where manatees talk and practical-joking clownfish encourage children to launch their lunchboxes off the bridge!

Ppeekk learns that Dead Fred has been dethroned by Megalodon, a fiendish 50-foot prehistoric shark that uses his entourage of vicious crabs and blood-red remora fish to threaten and extract the imagination and joy of children everywhere – and bring the kingdom of High Voltage to an abrupt end.
Ppeekk and her friends combine their resources to lure Megalodon and his rogue army into the fight of their lives in a heart-pounding adventure that takes place in the middle of a fierce and deadly Category 5 hurricane.

Frank McKinney has been profiled on Oprah, 20/20, CBS Evening News, USA Today and the Travel Channel. He is a five-time international best-selling author, philanthropist and visionary. Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle is charged with fairy-tale wonder and enthralling magic.

See more at: http://www.dead-fred.com/

Go green at the mall & grocery store in style! Shine and sparkle with eco-friendly hot metallic shopping bags

You want to "do your part," to help the environment this coming year, but you can't bear the thought of carrying one of those recyclable grocery bags that look like they’re made from straw?

Ditch the plastic and even the paper shopping bags this year once and for all.

its-laS-tik by what’Surbag offers an awe-inspiring selection of stretchy, bouncing, eco-friendly, multi-purpose bags that every fashion conscious maven would be proud to carry on her shoulder – even at the mall.

Metallic bags

its-laS-tik metallic grocery bags, $14.99-$24.99 ea.,
www.whatsurbag-usa.com/shopping

Patent leather, floral, polka dot, peace signs, animal prints, graffiti and metallic styles are all available.

Various colors and patterns

The ‘its-laS-tik’ line utilize a special flexible nylon and lycra fabric blend, that stretches and bounces, in a wild array of colors and patterns and four sizes.

The stylish, durable, versatile reusable bags are made in the USA, manufactured in a factory rebuilt after being devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Percentage of sales is donated to Hope House in New Orleans.

Hope Nola bag

its-laS-tik bags can be used for groceries, travel carry-on, gym, yoga or beach bag, handbags, makeup/toiletry bags, evening clutch or backpack. its-laS-tik is the everything bag.

Medium, Pouches, Backpack

Unlike any other reusable bag big, small, heavy, light… they stretch, bounce and move with you while you walk, allowing you to hold more yet feel like you are carrying less.

They take the shape of their contents and hold everything securely while simultaneously taking the stress off your hands, back, shoulders and knees with their elasticity and flexibility

The bags are washable, reusable, economical and fashionable. The bags spring back into shape when emptied and roll up into a very compact little configuration.

Specs:

Pouches are 5"x 9" with zipper & wristlet cost $11.99

Medium Bags are 12" x 13" cost $14.99

Large Bags are 15” x 16” cost $24.99

Backpacks are

For more information visit www.whatsurbag-usa.com

Go green at the mall & grocery store in style! Shine and sparkle witheco-friendly hot metallic shopping bags

You want to "do your part," to help the environment this coming year, but you can't bear the thought of carrying one of those recyclable grocery bags that look like they’re made from straw?

Ditch the plastic and even the paper shopping bags this year once and for all.

its-laS-tik by what’Surbag offers an awe-inspiring selection of stretchy, bouncing, eco-friendly, multi-purpose bags that every fashion conscious maven would be proud to carry on her shoulder – even at the mall.

Metallic bags

its-laS-tik metallic grocery bags, $14.99-$24.99 ea.,
www.whatsurbag-usa.com/shopping

Patent leather, floral, polka dot, peace signs, animal prints, graffiti and metallic styles are all available.

Various colors and patterns

The ‘its-laS-tik’ line utilize a special flexible nylon and lycra fabric blend, that stretches and bounces, in a wild array of colors and patterns and four sizes.

The stylish, durable, versatile reusable bags are made in the USA, manufactured in a factory rebuilt after being devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Percentage of sales is donated to Hope House in New Orleans.

Hope Nola bag

its-laS-tik bags can be used for groceries, travel carry-on, gym, yoga or beach bag, handbags, makeup/toiletry bags, evening clutch or backpack. its-laS-tik is the everything bag.

Medium, Pouches, Backpack

Unlike any other reusable bag big, small, heavy, light… they stretch, bounce and move with you while you walk, allowing you to hold more yet feel like you are carrying less.

They take the shape of their contents and hold everything securely while simultaneously taking the stress off your hands, back, shoulders and knees with their elasticity and flexibility

The bags are washable, reusable, economical and fashionable. The bags spring back into shape when emptied and roll up into a very compact little configuration.

Specs:

Pouches are 5"x 9" with zipper & wristlet cost $11.99

Medium Bags are 12" x 13" cost $14.99

Large Bags are 15” x 16” cost $24.99

Backpacks are

For more information visit www.whatsurbag-usa.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Super OTR Bowl Party

Venue 222, the urban event space on 14th street, and the Over-the-Rhine Foundation are co-hosting the first annual Super OTR Bowl Party from 5 pm. to 10 p.m. on February 7, 2010.

Cover charge is $20. Admission includes your fill of Moerlein Lager & Ales, Little Kings, Hudy Delight, Hudy 14-K, Burger Classic as well as wine, soda and water. All proceeds support the Over-the-Rhine Foundation’s work to make OTR the centerpiece of a revitalized Cincinnati. Even though you can’t watch a Cincinnati team, come enjoy the game with your OTR neighbors and friends, and show your civic pride with a great Cincinnati beer in hand. The game can be seen on multiple large and projection screens.

The neighborhood game day party will feature mainstay football eats available for purchase from Café de Wheels.

This is a private party hosted by Venue 222.

Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made via Paypal by visiting http://www.otrfoundation.org

Monday, January 18, 2010

Breaking business story from Applebee's

Great taste or lower calories? At Applebee’s, guests can have their ‘steak’ and eat it too. The world’s largest casual dining chain announces the launch of its groundbreaking menu featuring five unbelievably tasty entrees, all under 550 calories.

The “Unbelievably Great Tasting and Under 550 Calories” menu marks a first for casual dining chains, offering guests unexpected lower-calorie options like steak and potatoes or grilled shrimp and pasta with the same powerful flavors and generous portions guests count on at Applebee’s.

“We know our guests want choices, including lower-calorie entrees, but they still want meals full of flavor,” said Mike Archer, president of Applebee’s Services, Inc. “We’ve created a menu that doesn’t compromise. It has all of the taste with none of the trade-offs.”

In fact, a recent survey of casual dining users posed the question: What would you do if you were president of Applebee’s? One in four said they’d put lower-calorie options on the menu.

“We’re listening,” said Archer.

In restaurants now, the Under 550 menu along with the company’s Weight Watchers selections demonstrates Applebee’s ongoing commitment to provide guests a variety of great-tasting choices when dining out. According to NPD Crest, the nation’s leading provider of retail market data, more Americans than ever before – 60 percent – are watching calories when they eat out. NPD also reports that one in four Americans say restaurants don’t meet their needs for better-for-you food options.

“We are the neighborhood grill and bar, so it’s important we have satisfying choices for everyone,” said Archer. “Whether you want a real burger or a steak without the extra calories, you’ll find it at Applebee’s.”

The new Under 550 menu is the brainchild of Applebee’s executive chefs Shannon Johnson and Jason C. Amell, who spent more than a year developing the menu line up. Working with professional nutritionists, they carefully crafted the lower-calorie recipes to be as satisfying to the palate as the rest of Applebee’s menu.

“We’ve set a new standard with this menu,” said Chef Johnson. “We use great ingredients, rich spices and innovative cooking techniques to create meals that, frankly, are surprising our guests. This is a menu that people will order on taste alone. The lower-calories? That’s a bonus.”

Unbelievably Great Tasting and Under 550 Calories items include:

Grilled Shrimp and Island Rice
Seasoned, grilled shrimp skewers on citrus island rice served with seasonal vegetables.

Asian Crunch Salad
Grilled chicken breast served over crunchy salad greens, roasted red peppers, sugar snap peas and refreshing cucumbers, finished with Applebee’s tangy Asian vinaigrette and sliced almonds.

Grilled Dijon Chicken and Portobellos
Marinated chicken breast grilled and topped with roasted red peppers, Portobello mushrooms, Dijon sauce and aged cheddar cheese. Served with steamed herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Asiago Peppercorn Steak
Applebee’s classic 7-ounce sirloin grilled and topped with cracked peppercorn and melted Asiago cheese. Served with steamed herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Spicy Shrimp Diavolo
A spicy tomato-basil Diavolo sauce with chili-seasoned shrimp tossed with diced vegetables. Served over a warm bed of whole wheat penne pasta and topped with shredded Parmesan.


About Applebee’s Services, Inc.
Applebee's Services, Inc. and its affiliates franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and are a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand. There are more than 2,000 Applebee's restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory. Additional information on Applebee’s can be found at the company’s Web site (www.applebees.com).

Fact Sheet

Applebee’s "Unbelievably Great Tasting and Under 550 Calories" Menu

About Applebee’s Under 550 Calories Menu

• Guests are pleasantly surprised by Applebee’s Under 550 Calories entrees, because they don’t expect lower-calorie meals to provide options like steak, shrimp, potatoes, pasta and cheese – or to taste so good.

• Research shows that consumers increasingly demand lower-calorie meal choices when they dine out:

More Americans than ever – 60 percent – are watching calories when they eat out. (Source: NPD Crest)

1 in 4 Americans say restaurants don’t meet their needs for healthier food options. (Source: NPD Crest)

An increasing number of Americans are monitoring the nutritional value of their food, from calories to fat (Source: NPD Crest)

National Restaurant Association survey shows "nutrition" as one of the hottest restaurant trends for 2010 (Source: National Restaurant Association)

• Applebee’s new Under 550 Calories menu responds to consumer demand, delivering fewer calories with no compromises in flavor.

• To develop the five entrees in the Under 550 menu, Applebee’s executive chefs worked with nutritionists and spent more than a year crafting low-calorie recipes that deliver great taste in generous portion sizes.

• Applebee’s has an ongoing commitment to provide guests a range of great-tasting choices when dining out.

• The new Under 550 Calories entrees join Applebee’s Weight Watchers menu items, introduced in 2004, to give guests a breadth of lower-calorie meal choices unprecedented in the casual dining industry.

About Applebee’s

• Applebee’s became the country’s number one neighborhood grill and bar by listening closely and responding to guests’ dining desires. Adding its new Under 550 Calories menu is an indication of the company’s commitment to better meeting guests’ needs.

• Applebee’s leads the casual dining industry in offering better-for-you meal options.

• Applebee’s was founded nearly three decades ago on the principles of exceptional value and family fun. Its restaurants are open seven days a week.

• Applebee's differentiates itself with innovative attractions, like the popular Carside to Go service available at many of its restaurants.

• More than 2,000 Applebee's restaurants operate system-wide in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory.

• Applebee's Services Inc., and its affiliates franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and are DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brands.

• For more information about Applebee’s, Under 550 Calories meals, restaurant locations and other menu items, visit www.applebees.com.

RAO's Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Launches Lunch Menu, "Pizza in the Park"

Buon appetito! Rao’s Caesars Palace, the East Harlem icon that calls now Las Vegas home, is serving its award-winning Southern Italian-style fare for lunch with “Pizza in the Park.” Available Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can enjoy the new menu while experiencing the Rao’s indoor patio modeled after New York’s Jefferson Park. Chef Carla Pellegrino’s menu showcases the perfect array of dishes including antipasti, pizza and desserts for that enjoyable lunch with friends, family or colleagues. Prices range from $7 to $17, making for an affordable yet delectable meal.

“Pizza in the Park” begins with gli antipasti including Affettati Misti (thinly sliced parma prosciuto, soppressata, cubed provolone cheese, gaeta olives, pickled cornichons, sweet marinated garlic and mache greens); Caesars salad and Insalata della Casa (green leaf lettuce, iceberg, cucumber, endive, fennel, radicchio, red onion and tomatoes with the house vinaigrette).

The signature pizzas created in the Rao’s wood-burning ovens offer guests an assortment of options including Bianca (Focaccia), a White Pizza (no cheese) topped with coarse salt, extra virgin olive oil and rosemary sliced and served in a basket; Margheritta with pomarolla sauce (Neapolitan style strained tomato sauce specially made to top pizza), mozzarella, fresh tomato and fresh basil; Quatro Formaggi with fontina, gruyere, gorgonzola, mozzarella cheese and white truffles extra virgin olive oil; Quatro Stagione with pomarolla sauce, artichokes, parma prosciutto, gaeta olives and champignon mushrooms; Salciccia and Ricotta topped with mild Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, fresh ricotta cheese, rosemary and extra virgin olive oil and Piadiana Romagnola, a thin crust pizza sandwich stuffed with mozzarella, parma prosciutto, arugula let tuce and extra virgin olive oil.

If there is still room, the desserts or dolce include Torta di Ricotta Dolce, Italian-style ricotta cheesecake; Torta di Noccioline, a peanut butter tart with chocolate crust or Chef Pellegrino’s popular Tiramasu.

ABOUT CAESARS PALACE
Caesars Palace is the world’s best known resort-casino, celebrating the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome, in an 85-acre destination location that sets the standard for entertainment, dining and luxury. Reigning at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace ranks among the world’s top luxury resorts known for their originality and beauty and features 3,300 hotel guest rooms and suites, 23 diverse restaurants and cafes, five-acre Garden of the Gods pools and gardens, 50,000 square foot Qua Baths & Spa and 300,000 square feet of premium meeting and convention space. The 4,300-seat Colosseum sits just steps from celebrity chef restaurants and the acclaimed Forum Shops at Caesars and spotlights world class entertainers such as Bette Midler, Jerry Seinfeld and Cher. Journalists may access media materials and request high-resolution images at media.harrahs.com. Find Caesars Palace on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/caesarspalacelv and follow http://www.twitter.com/caesarspalace (@caesarspalace).

Vintner Select Suggests Love Themed Wines for Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day importer and distributor Vintner Select suggests celebrating wines with heart. Master Sommelier Brett Davis of Vintner Select can recommend numerous wines with love, heart or romantic themes which are available at most local wine shops that carry Vintner Select wines.

Labeled for Love - Some bottles wear their hearts on their sleeves, literally! Kali Hart from Talbot Vineyards Chardonnay ($20) and Il Coure (translated “the heart”) Chardonnay ($13) and Cabernet Sauvignon ($16) not only have romantic titles, hearts are featured right on the label.

Message in a Bottle - Making a romantic suggestion without saying a word is simple with the right bottle. Pick up Monkey Business Chardonnay ($13), Cabernet Sauvignon ($13) or Zinfandel ($13). La Nude from Summers Estate Wines ($20) and Charles Smith’s Velvet Devil Merlot ($13) and Eve Chardonnay ($13) are a fun ways to drop a not so subtle hint for love.

A Sign of Affection - Flowers and sweets are tradition when it comes to February 14. Seghesio’s Bouquet ($25) blooms with love. Dolcetto is just another way to say “little sweet one” to object of your affection (price range $15-20).

All the Single Ladies - Not everyone is toasting with someone special this Valentine’s Day. Solitude Chardonnay ($30) is a great tongue in cheek way to celebrate the single life.

About Vintner Select
Vintner Select was founded in 1989 with the vision of bringing the finest quality wines from around the world to the Midwest. Vintner Select is a major distributor carrying over 2500 wines from around the world to over 300 wine shops in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Vintner Select is headquartered in Mason, Ohio and can be reached for orders or questions by phone at 513-229-3630 or visit, www.vintnerselect.com.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Puckett's Awarded “Where the Locals Eat” for the Third Year in a Row in Nashville

Old-timey grocery store and country kitchen by day, supper club with top singer-songwriter talent by weekend night, Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant in historic downtown Franklin was recently awarded the title “Where the Locals Eat,” an honor given to the top 100 restaurants in each of the largest 50 cities in the United States.

The review of Puckett’s, which brags on the southern menu and hometown atmosphere of the Williamson County landmark, has been featured on WhereTheLocalsEat.com and will be in the newest edition of their traveler’s guide, “The 100 Best Restaurants in Nashville.” The restaurant is also listed on the LocalEats™ dining application on iPhone, which lists exclusive specials, coupons, and events.

Puckett’s Owner, Andy Marshall, sees the award as a great honor as well as a motivating reward. "We are so honored to receive this award again. It's particularly special to us because we never know when they visited the restaurant, all we know is that they liked us enough to include us on their prestigious and widely-read list," says manager Claire Marshall.

In addition to numerous other accolades including the Rand McNally “Must Visit Restaurants While Traveling” and 13 Sizzle Awards from Southern Exposure Magazine, this is the third year in a row Puckett’s has received the “Where the Locals Eat” award. Puckett’s was also named the “Best Restaurant Worth the Drive” in 2008.

The Puckett’s menu is a creative approach to southern-inspired cuisine. A solid country breakfast is offered at both the Franklin and Leiper’s Fork locations each morning. Burgers, pulled pork shoulder and some very respectable pork ribs are worthy companions to the solid meat-and-three offerings during lunch.

The weeknight specials – all-you care- to-eat catfish on Friday nights and barbecue on Thursday nights (both at the Franklin location) – show care and flair from the kitchen. The menu for the live music shows leans toward fresh fish and seafood, as well as a nightly chicken, beef or pork dish.

For more information please visit www.WhereTheLocalsEat.com or www.puckettsgrocery.com

ABOUT PUCKETT'S GROCERY
Founded by the Puckett family in the 1950s, Puckett's has served as a country store to several communities in Williamson County. Andy Marshall bought the Leiper's Fork Puckett's Grocery in 1998. In 2002, Puckett's branched out to start a formal dinner and music program. With all of the talented writers in and around town, the Friday night writers' show grew fast with people coming from all over to hear some of the finest that the industry has to offer in a cool, eclectic environment. Shortly after that, another opportunity opened up to expand Puckett's to Marshall's hometown and first love for community, in Historic Downtown Franklin. The music continues, as well as the fabulous food. For more info, visit www.puckettsgrocery.com

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Edy's Launches Antioxidant Fruit Bars and "Communities Take Root"National Campaign

This spring, the Edy’s Fruit Bars* brand introduces two powerful super fruit flavors to its popular line of all-natural frozen treats. Pomegranate and Açai Blueberry, the newest additions to the Edy’s Fruit Bars family, are not only bursting with tart and tangy flavor, they are packed with a healthy dose of free radical-fighting antioxidants.

New Edy’s Antioxidant Fruit Bars are made with real fruit and are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps fight free radicals linked to aging skin, fatigue and other health issues.

“We’ve taken ‘good for you’ properties of Edy’s Fruit Bars to the next level with the introduction of these delicious antioxidant-rich flavors,” says Jessica Vasisht, Fruit Bars Brand Manager “Not only are the Pomegranate and Açai Blueberry Fruit Bars bursting with real fruit, they are fat free, all have ingredients from natural sources, and contain 70 calories.”

The new Pomegranate and Açai Blueberry flavors will be available in grocery stores nationwide beginning March 1, 2010 with a suggested retail price of $4.19.

In the spirit of renewal, the Edy’s Fruit Bars brand is committed to doing its part to better the environment in addition to refreshing the body. Edy’s already uses 100% recycled paperboard packaging for its products. And, beginning March 1, 2010, the brand, in partnership with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, will launch the Communities Take Root program, which will plant dozens of public orchards in communities across the country.

Check out www.communitiestakerootcom to learn more about the new Fruit Bars and to vote for communities deserving of this fruitful reward of fruit-bearing trees to grace neighborhoods for years to come.

The Edy’s Fruit Bars* brand is dedicated not only to providing delicious, all natural frozen treats but also to doing its part to encourage healthy living. To celebrate the launch of Edy’s Antioxidant Fruit Bars flavors (Pomegranate and Açai Blueberry), the brand will plant dozens of public fruit tree orchards in deserving communities throughout the U.S. as part of the Edy’s Fruit Bars “Communities Take Root” program.
“In partnership with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, we hope to give deserving communities the tools to supply themselves with an ongoing source of fresh fruit, and thereby help make their neighborhoods greener, healthier and, of course, sweeter,” says Jessica Vasisht, Fruit Bars Brand Manager.

A number of orchard locations in various communities, parks and urban areas nationwide have been sourced and will be planted by the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, a nonprofit charity dedicated to planting fruit trees to provide healthy nutrition for communities and help improve the surrounding air, soil, and water. Consumers of all ages will have the opportunity to vote for the most deserving locations. Communities with the most votes will receive a fruit tree orchard sponsored by Edy’s Fruit Bars, as well as a groundbreaking party to celebrate the planting.

“The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation is honored to collaborate with a socially responsible brand like Edy’s Fruit Bars to encourage improvement of environmental conditions across the country by planting fruit tree orchards,” says Cem Akin, FTPF's Executive Director. “As communities take root through our groundbreaking program, our hope is that the air will become cleaner, neighborhoods will strengthen, and nutrition will improve from coast to coast.”
Voting for “Communities Take Root" will begin on or about March 1, 2010. Visit www.CommunitiesTakeRoot.com to see the eligible neighborhoods and cast your vote for the most deserving communities. Five winning neighborhoods will be announced each month from April through August, 2010.

New Edy’s Antioxidant Fruit Bars in Pomegranate and Açai Blueberry are made with real fruit and are an excellent source of antioxidant rich Vitamin C, which helps fight free radicals that are linked to aging skin, fatigue and other health issues. Each bar contains 70 calories and is made with ingredients from natural sources. Look for the new flavors at grocery stores nationwide beginning March 1, 2010. The suggested retail price is $4.19.

To find out more about Edy’s Pomegranate and Açai Blueberry Fruit Bars and the orchard promotion, visit www.CommunitiesTakeRoot.com.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Three-O Vodka Readies To Launch First of its Kind Flavor

Proximo is thrilled to announce that its brand Three Olives Vodka will once again shake up the flavored vodka category with the release of Three-O Rangtang. Joining Three-O’s vibrant spectrum of flavors, Rangtang combines the delicious tastes of orange and tangerine to create a vodka unlike any other on the market.

The launch of Three-O Rangtang will also mark a change in appearance for the brand, with Rangtang taking on a vibrant orange color to reflect the authenticity of the juicy new flavor. Perfect for straight sipping or endless mixing opportunities, Three-O Rangtang hits the mark without overpowering.

“We wanted to reinvent our Three-O Orange by introducing a new flavor combination that adds a tangy profile to the traditional orange vodka flavor adopted by so many brands,” said Elwyn Gladstone, Vice President of Marketing for Proximo Spirits, Inc. “We are constantly reformulating the traditional flavored vodka, and with the introduction of the original and inspired Rangtang flavor, Three-O is quickly establishing itself as the most innovative and exciting vodkas on the market.”

Three-O’s playful spirit is made evident through its colorful variety of flavors including the world’s first-ever Cherry, Grape, Root Beer and Bubble vodkas, as well as Naked, Pomegranate, Chocolate, Orange, Berry, Vanilla, Citrus, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Watermelon, Mango, Tomato and Triple Shot Espresso. Now, with Three-O’s tempting and untapped Rangtang flavor, expert mixologists will move quickly to create signature cocktails and update old classics.

Distilled in England, Three Olives Vodka is one of the fastest growing imported vodka brand in the U.S., with accolades including Impact Magazine’s Hot Brand Award and recommendations from prestigious publications including Wine Enthusiast, Quarterly Review of Wines, Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal and more. Three Olives Vodka was also named the #1 Vodka by Russian Life Magazine, upsetting numerous upscale vodka brands.

About Three Olives Vodka
The original, ultra-premium vodka from England, Three Olives Vodka is handcrafted in small batches and made from only the finest English wheat. The unmatched method of quadruple distilling and quadruple filtration removes natural impurities, yielding a vodka of exceptional purity and smoothness. Three Olives’ vibrant spirit is evident in its colorful array of flavors including Naked, Cherry, Grape, Passion Fruit, Pomegranate, Chocolate, Orange, Berry, Vanilla, Citrus, Raspberry, Watermelon, and Mango, with the recent introductions of Rangtang, Root Beer, Tomato, Triple Shot Espresso and Bubble to the Three-O flavor family. At $19.99 and up for a 750 mL bottle, Three Olives award-winning, ultra-premium vodka is now available in 18 flavors, providing connoisseurs with endless mixing possibilities. www.threeolives.com

About Proximo Spirits, Inc.
Proximo is a family owned company based in New York, N.Y. Proximo is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits in the United States and is one of the fastest growing spirits suppliers in the U.S. Formed in 2007, the company has 7 key brands including Three Olives Vodka®, 1800® Tequila, Gran Centenario Tequila®, Maestro® Dobel Diamond™ Tequila, The Kraken™ Black Spiced Rum, and Azul™ Tequila, as well as the exquisite Matusalem® Rum brand.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New York resident takes top prize in 3rd annual Plugrá® European-Style Butter Magnifique Recipe Contest

Jasmin Baron of Livonia, New York, has been named Grand Champion in the 3rd Annual Plugrá European-Style Butter Magnifique Recipe Contest—Le Saucier. For this year’s competition, Plugrá invited food enthusiasts to share the recipe for their favorite butter sauce and complementary culinary creation. Baron impressed the judges, a panel of chefs from the Plugrá Culinary Institute, with Soy-Ginger-Lime Wasabi Butter Sauce served with Crispy Panko Tilapia over Wilted Spinach.

“The Soy-Ginger-Lime Wasabi Butter Sauce immediately caught our attention as an Asian adaptation of a classic Beurre Blanc. What’s beautiful about this sauce is the use of on-trend flavor combinations and the way it works both on its own and to elevate the accompanying dish,” said Plugrá Chef Cari Price. “Overall, we were pleased to observe that the technique and complexity of recipes continue to advance with each year of the recipe contest—demonstrating that food enthusiasts are in sync with the heightened culinary experience that Plugrá brings to market.”

As the Grand Champion, Baron is the recipient of $2,500 and an all-expense-paid culinary tour of New York City. Ten runners-up each received a Williams-Sonoma® saucier collection and Raymond Sokolov’s cookbook “The Saucier’s Apprentice: A Modern Guide to Classic French Sauces for the Home.” All finalist recipes are published on www.plugra.com.

“I am so thrilled that the Plugrá chefs selected my recipe for the top prize in this year’s Magnifique recipe contest,” said Baron. “I hope that people get as much enjoyment from trying my dish as I did from creating it.”

Le Saucier celebrates the resurgence of sauce-making as a refined culinary art. According to the experts at Plugrá, sauces are a perfect opportunity for chefs and food enthusiasts to experiment with new culinary influences and ingredients with minimal risk. Sauces made with Plugrá European-Style Butter are an excellent way to add a burst of flavor or inject a spark of creativity into signature entrées, vegetables or desserts.

Professional chefs have long known that Plugrá European-Style Butter is the secret ingredient for smoother, creamier sauces with a richer flavor profile and full-bodied taste. Slow-churned to create less moisture, Plugrá is also the secret to higher cakes, flakier pastries, and lighter, fluffier soufflés.

Discover for yourself how Soy-Ginger-Lime Wasabi Butter Sauce and the other winning sauces from the 3rd Annual Plugrá Magnifique Recipe Contest can turn your creations into coveted culinary triumphs. To be inspired, visit www.plugra.com .

Monday, January 4, 2010

It's Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs at Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo, a nationally-acclaimed casual dining restaurant group, is pleased to partner with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in support of the January 5th release of the hit animated film “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”™ on Blu-Ray™ and DVD. As part of this promotion, in Buca di Beppo will be launching a limited-time-only Meatball Pizza for the month of January. Beginning January 5th, the first 25 guests at each of Buca’s 86 restaurant locations who order the special Meatball Pizza will receive a Free Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs™ DVD—that is more than 2,000 DVDs that will be given away at Buca di Beppo restaurants.

Renowned for their large, family-style serving portions and energetic, casual atmosphere, as well as a commitment to providing the highest-quality Italian dishes made with the freshest ingredients, Buca di Beppo is the perfect venue for an affordable family feast, or a celebration of any occasion. Buca di Beppo offers an extensive menu of Italian favorites including a towering nine-layer lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, fettuccine alfredo and chicken parmigiana. In addition, Buca di Beppo has introduced 10 new menu items that include innovative creations and traditional favorites. These dishes include, Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken, Chianti Braised Short Ribs, Penne San Remo, Baked Rigatoni and many more delectable dishes.

About Buca di Beppo

Recently acquired by Planet Hollywood International, Inc., with locations from Albany to Honolulu, Buca di Beppo restaurants embody the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire the menu, which features both Northern and Southern Italian favorites. While the food has pleased millions of palates from coast-to-coast, Buca di Beppo is equally famous for its quirky décor and upbeat atmosphere. Most Buca di Beppo locations are open daily for lunch and dinner. Catering is also available at many locations nationwide. Visit www.bucadibeppo.com for locations, hours of operation, menus, reservations or to place an online order for Buca To Go.