The Daily Dish Archive
October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween!
October 30, 2006
Chocolate News: Hershey buys out Dagoba, enters organic segment. Following its buyouts of Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker and Joseph Schmidt Confections, Hershey Company acquired Dagoba Organic Chocolate LLC, of Ashland, Oregon on October 19th as part of its strategic focus on the high-growth premium chocolate segment. Dagoba is known for its natural and organic chocolate bars, hot chocolate and chocolate-covered coffee beans sold in natural foods stores and gourmet shops. With 13,000 employees and $4 billion in sales, Hershey is one of the largest chocolate and confectionary manufacturers in the world.
October 29, 2006
Los Angeles, California Travel News: If you're on your way out of Los Angeles via LAX on a domestic flight, you can check in your bags before you get there at a handful of spots around town: the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal, Los Angeles Convention Center, Union Station FlyAway, and the Port of Los Angeles Cruise Ship Terminal. It's called remote airline and baggage check-in. Your baggage will go through normal inspection, receive tags and you'll receive your boarding pass. The service is courtesy of a collaboration between LAX, certain airlines at LAX, the Transportation Security Administration, and Baggage Airline Guest Services, Inc. It's one less thing to worry about and one less airport line to stand in. www.lawa.org
October 28, 2006
2007 International Home & Housewares Show: Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell will make a repeat appearance as the featured speaker at the Industry Breakfast/International Housewares Association Annual Meeting during the 2007 International Home & Housewares Show March 13 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Powell will speak on "Leadership: Taking Charge." Tickets, available online at www.housewares.org, are $50 per person or $500 for a table of 10 with preferred seating.
October 27, 2006
New BBQ Article: Tips for Cooking Texas Style Brisket Chris McCarthy, an avid cook of 20 years, loves to pass on experiences to others about cooking and proper barbecuing techniques.
October 26, 2006
Food Writer's Group: The Symposium for Professional Food Writers will be held May 20-24 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The intimate group is limited to 90 attendees. For more information, register here or phone Symposium Coordinator Lynn Swann at 800-624-6070, extension 7857. Writer, Coach, and Speaker
Toni Allegra is the Symposium Founder and Director.
October 25, 2006
New Kids Travel Article: Elaine Sosa Labalme, in her Traveling with Kids series, shares her experiences as she travels with her son Steven. Enjoy Southern California Adventures with Kids, including some GREAT Steven photos.
October 24, 2006
Houston, Texas Private Cooking Classes: HoustonCooking.com was founded by Janice Rudd who offers cooking classes and dinners in private homes in Houston. She recruited some of Houston's most popular cooking teachers to join her. Think holiday dinners, team building classes, birthdays and anniversary, to name only a few of the reasons to party.
October 23, 2006
Halloween Recipes: In case you need recipes for Halloween trick or treaters or to take to your child's school, here are a host of possibilities, from Easy Halloween Cupcakes to Witches Brooms to Chocolate Dipped Caramel Apples, to name a few. Each one of the 35 recipe includes a wonderful color photo.
October 22, 2006
2006 Jewish Holidays: If you are thinking ahead to the Jewish holidays and need to shop for menorahs, dreidels & candles, stop by Judaica Mall. They sell these items and other Hanukkah Gifts plus gifts for all your Jewish needs.
October 21, 2006
Happy Diwali, or Deepavali as it's known in Sanskrit, the Indian Festival of Lights. This is one of the most important holidays of the year for Hindus. It marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Candles are lit inside homes and fireworks are set off to celebrate. New clothes are a must for the holiday and gifts are exchanged. It is a very festive time in Hindu temples and homes.
October 20, 2006
Hong Kong Hotel Reopens: The Mandarin Oriental's Mandarin Grill & Bar has reopened after a $140 million refurbishment to the complete hotel. The London-based studio of designer Sir Terence Conran has brought the eatery closer to the original look with the sunshine flooding in through windows. Three years after its 1963 opening, the hotel succumbed to the prevailing fashion for darker, more food-focused interiors and blocked up the restaurant's windows. Now, 40 years later, diners can enjoy the fine food and surroundings in broad daylight at 5 Connaught Road in its superb location overlooking Victoria Harbour. (Town & Country)
October 19, 2006
New Wine Law: California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has just signed legislation that requires any wine with "Sonoma" in its name to contain at least 75 percent wine made with grapes grown in Sonoma County. The law follows in the footsteps of a similar ruling last year for Napa (that even went to the Supreme court before it was settled). (Press Democrat)
October 18, 2006
Turkey Information: Ben Franklin made turkey the national bird as it is the only animal domesticated for consumption that's native to the Americas. European settlers roasted the birds whole, a tradition that is still widely practiced in modern times, such as roast turkey at holiday feasts. Concern about fat and cholesterol found in red meats has helped double the consumption of turkey in the past 25 years. To meet the increased demand, advances in animal husbandry have created larger birds that grow more quickly under factorylike conditions. In the last decade, the heritage livestock movement has reintroduced older breeds of turkey, such as American Bronze and Bourbon Red. Raised the old-fashioned way, heritage turkeys have more flavor and a firmer texture than mass-produced varieties, though they are sold at a considerable higher price. (Wine Spectator)
October 17, 2006
New Drink & Eat Book: What to Drink with What You Eat: The Definitive Guide to Pairing Food with Wine, Beer, Spirits, Coffee, Tea - Even Water - Based on Expert Advice from America's Best Sommeliers by the James Beard Award winning author team of Andrew Dornenburg & Karen Page. This book demystify the challenge of food and beverage pairing and is an exhaustive, accessible resource. Believing that the best matches create peak experiences, the authors consult with the world's most discriminating palates, who see food and drink as inseparable. Over 1,500 entries from dozens of America’s best restaurants, including Alinea, Babbo, Bern’s, Blue Hill, Chanterelle, Daniel, Emeril’s, French Laundry, Frontera Grill, Inn at Little Washington, Jean Georges, Masa’s, The Modern, Per Se, Rubicon, Tru, and Valentino.
October 16, 2006
Wine News: One of the biggest wine deals in Napa Valley history--the acquisition this year of cult Cabernet darling Screaming Eagle by investment manager Charles Banks and sports and real-estate mogul Stan Kroenke--has caused Screaming Eagle the highest-priced California wine on release. Each bottle now sells for a cool $500! (Wine Spectator)
October 15, 2006
Heirloom Apples: An heirloom is defined as a valued possession passed down through succeeding generations. Consider planting heirloom apple trees and help preserve a treasure for future generations. Think Roxbury Russett, Ashmead's Kernel, Wickson and Winter Banana. A small orchard in California ships all over the country and is able to advise you. Trees of Antiquity owners Neil and Danielle Collins stock 150 heirloom apple varieties as well as 22 other kinds of fruit trees.
October 14, 2006
Tea Facts: After water, tea is the second most consumed beverage on the planet. It is estimated that the Chinese alone drink 5 billion cups of tea a day--not surprising, since the Chinese discovered tea more than 4,000 years ago when they infused the leaves of the small-leafed plant Camellia sinensis, or China tea, in hot water. High-end tea typically comes from small farms, where much of the work is done by hand. White tea is the least processed and most delicate tea. Dark pu-erh tea is the only fermented tea; it can be aged up to 50 years and can cost up to $1,000 a pound. In between is green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. (Wine Spectator)
October 13, 2006
Happy Anniversary COPIA: COPIA, The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, celebrates its first five years. COPIA is located at 500 First Street in downtown Napa, California. Hours are Wednesday through Monday 10am - 5pm (closed Tuesday). General Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 years and younger (accompanied by an adult). For additional information, please call 707.259.1600, or visit the website at www.copia.org. COPIA is a non-profit discovery center whose mission is to explore, celebrate and share the many pleasures and benefits of wine, its relationship to food and its significance to our culture. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, COPIA is the premier Wine Country destination – offering visitors exceptional wine experiences in education, discovery and appreciation; plus outstanding food programs, organic edible gardens, fine and casual dining, exhibitions, performing/visual arts, shopping and more!
October 12, 2006
New Travel Article: Paris by Train Travel writers and photographers Keith Allan & Lynne Gray know the best way to arrive in any European city is by train. Trains, hotels and restaurants in Paris and London are included.
October 11, 2006
Travel Deals: Save big with 225 BookingWiz Top Travel Deals in the US and Abroad , which are updated every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. Specials include hotels, car rentals and cruises.
October 10, 2006
Great Recipes: Brennan's of Houston in Your Kitchen by Carl Walker. World-famous Brennan's Restaurant serves over 100 of their great recipes, selected by award-winning executive chef Carl Walker. You'll find Brennan's signature dishes — including Corn-Crusted Red Snapper and Crawfish Etoufée — photographed in elegant, mouth-watering presentations. Each exotic-sounding meal is easy to prepare, seasoned with instructions and tips.
October 9, 2006
Grits Tips: 101 Things to Do with Grits by Harriss Cottingham. Grits: they've been called the "first truly American food." Just what are they? Simply put, grits are stone-ground corn, and they're gaining popularity nationwide in America's most influential kitchens. Any Southern cook worth his salt knows it's what you add to grits that make them remarkable! Here are 101 delicious and inventive recipes for using grits at every meal, with tips and cooking techniques that show just how quick and versatile grits can be.
October 8, 2006
Texas Dining: Spectacular Restaurants of Texas: An Exclusive Showcase Of Texas' Finest Restaurants, by Jolie Carpenter, features restaurants located in Austin, Forth Worth, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. Spectacular photography showcases establishments notable for their fine food and interiors alike. Full-page color photos accompany details of chefs, offerings, hours, and insights on how fine cuisine is developed. A gorgeous presentation goes beyond mere listing to appeal to a wide audience.
October 7, 2006
Southern Cooking: Great Chefs of the South: From the Television Series Great Chefs of the South (Companion to the International Series) by Marlene Osteen covers Southern cooking from Louisiana's Grande Cuisine to South Carolina's Low Country cooking to foods of the South, such as country hams from Kentucky, exotic Caribbean fruits from Florida, barbecue from North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama and much more.
October 6, 2006
Comfort Food: 101 Things to Do with Ground Beef by Stephanie Ashcraft and Janet Eyring starts with appetizers, soups and sandwiches and goes to grilled sensations and family favorites. These simple, tasty comfort food recipes will please everyone. Hawaiian Meatballs, Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup, Baked Hero Sandwiches, French Onion Burger, Blue Cheese Meat Loaf, Barbeque Beef Pizza, Stuffed Taco Pasta Shells and more!
October 5, 2006
Kid's Cookbook: Cooking in a Can by Kate White is the perfect activity book for kids who love to camp and cook! This book introduces dozens of techniques for cooking outside. Author Kate White shows kids the beauty of cooking over a campfire, with dozens of delicious and easy recipes like Hot Rock Chicken and Wilderness Wonder Chocolate Cake.
October 4, 2006
New Cookbook: The Sweet Life: Desserts from Chanterelle by Kate Zuckerman. Chanterelle is a beloved, award-winning New York City restaurant that has been critically acclaimed since its founding 25 years ago. Pastry chef Zuckerman combines aesthetics and science in this appetizing look at the hows and whys of baking. Expect cookie recipes, custards, puddings, cremes, mousses, and souffle-making techniques. Zuckerman also devotes sections to ice creams and frozen desserts, roasted fruits and edible garnishes. Book includes 70 photos.
October 3, 2006
New Meat & Poultry Label: The new Smart Label senses spoilage in fresh meat and poultry products. Inspired by military defense sensor research called freshQ(TM), this new technology is now available to meat packers, distributors and grocers. The new label is applied to the outside of fresh wrapped meat and poultry packages and detects food-borne bacteriological levels through the wrap. When the larger tangerine-orange colored "Q" on the label turns to grey, it indicates spoilage. Look for this in your groceries soon.
October 2, 2006
San Francisco, California Champagne Event: K&L Wine Merchants, one of the Bay Area’s leading wine retailers, will offer Fête du Champagne. This festival of bubbles will be held Saturday, October 21, from
October 1, 2006
New New York Restaurant:With renowned restaurants in Paris, Tokyo and Las Vegas, legendary chef Joël Robuchon brings his breathtaking cuisine to the Four Seasons Hotel New York at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. With just 20 seats at the pearwood counter – considered the most desirable with their view of the kitchen – and only 26 more at individual tables, L’Atelier offers an atmosphere that is both intimate and dynamic. Enjoy the $160 tasting menu or order a la carte--you won't be disappointed.