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MILLIONAIRES
ON A BUDGET, WELCOME TO FRESH AND EASY
By Christina
Cha
Luxury living has become a necessity.
A quality and expectation of living that we as a society had become
well accustom to. But during tough economical times how does one or many
of us get acclimate to the new lifestyle and change? From the era of
“high class society” to “Wow, I really need to downgrade my living
situation?” It’s reality that most of us face today and it is becoming
more of a humbling experience. But does that mean we really need to
sacrifice and give up our palates from where we have finally achieved such
stature on fine culinary gourmet cuisine to where we need to revert back
to the top ramen noodles, TV dinners, and spam.
Well, what if I was to tell you that you don’t have
to pitch your piggy bank anymore to buy high quality fresh organic foods
that come with that high-end steep price tag?
The solution is simply “fresh” and really “easy” to get
that my well versed society readers could actually respect and enjoy.
The British Invasion in the 60’s consisted of the Beatles and the
Stones, today Fresh & Easy has traveled
the Atlantic from the UK and entered the US Market as your neighborhood
market; known for offering high quality fresh foods to its well-prepared
meals (with no preservatives or trans fat).
The offering consisting of well known household name brands that we
all grew to love are all found at a reasonably well budget price, has
finally debuted their beer and wine selections nationwide. The stocking
will be dispersed in every 120 locations offering close to 180 wines,
retailing for less than $12 a bottle. About 70 of the 180 wines are
excusive to only Fresh & Easy, where the majority of the top selling
wines price range close $3 a bottles! But don’t let that price tag
deceive you on the caliber of taste and authenticity.
I took the liberty and sacrifice to be you’re so
called, “guinea pig” to sample these items for you at the Fresh &
Easy Beer and Wine debuts party at the Historic yet lavish and still
luxurious landmark in Hollywood, the Hotel Roosevelt (I know, my job is
tough). The F&E Hilltown
Vineyard Chardonnay sold for $6.99, was surprising refreshing crisp and
clean smooth flavor. I am
normally not a Chardonnay fan, but I found this wine to be fully balanced
and lightly buttery. The F&E Les Cepages Pinot Noir retailed for
$6.99, is really great wine for the money that your friends would not have
clue how much you spent on it. The flavor is light, like most pinot noir,
with an elegant warm vanilla spicy finish. And how can you go wrong with
the F&E Napa Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $11.99.
The name
Napa
Valley
should stand clear in one’s mind that this will go perfectly with any
flank skirt steak or rib eye that you plan to make at your next dinner
party. Napa Family Vineyards has been recently awarded a silver medal at
the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Although the wines were all excellent choices at this
event, I can definitely vouch that the quality of the foods at Fresh &
Easy are right up there. One
would not be ashamed or know any difference between the freshness, the
quality of the meats, or selections and verity of food provided at this
neighborhood store in comparison to gourmet grocery store. Welcome to
Fresh & Easy, the perfect neighborhood market for the millionaires on
a budget.
Fact
Sheet
Fresh
& Easy Neighborhood Market
El Segundo,
California
press@freshandeasy.com
www.freshandeasy.com
THE WORLD OF
SPECIALTY MUSHROOMS
By Michael
Hepworth
Mushrooms are one of the most versatile of foods that
can used as an appetizer, main course or an accompaniment to virtually any
kind of meal. There is even a restaurant somewhere in
Italy
that serves nothing else but mushrooms, and the more research you do on
the subject the choice of mushrooms available is staggering. One source
that I had the good fortune to try is Hokto Kinoko Mushroom Company, which
grows 100% wild cultivated mushrooms and ships to retail outlets all
across the
USA
including Whole Foods. Open
for business in February 2009, Hokto Kinoko is the
USA
subsidiary of the largest mushroom company in
Japan
, and an estimated $50 million investment is proof that they believe there
is a growing niche market for high quality mushrooms. Using the site where
a company called Golden Gourmet Mushrooms was located, the old plant was
razed to the ground and the new facility built.
Commonly known as a “Star Wars” facility by the
local San Diego
media who have toured the plant, there are two miles of conveyors, and all
the mushrooms are grown and harvested by robots. Three out of the 4 are
untouched by human hand. Only the king trumpet has a human touch when it
is hand trimmed. The company is based in
San Marcos
near San Diego, and produces four types of mushrooms at their massive 250,000 square
foot farm. They are maitake (“hen of the woods”), king trumpet, brown
beech and white beech. At full capacity the farm can cultivate six
million pounds of mushrooms a year.
Rather
than grow the mushrooms in dirt or manure, these little babies are
cultivated indoors in well lighted hygienic rooms, and visitors to the
area are required to go through a disinfection process and change shoes.
The ancient Egyptians called mushrooms “the plant of immortality” and
the early Romans called them the “food of the gods.”
The medical benefits of eating mushrooms have been well documented
but basically they provide a large dose of anti-oxidants which is great
for the immune system. They also produce bundles of Vitamin D, a
deficiency which can lead to cancer. They are also rich in potassium,
niacin and selenium as well as vitamins B1 and B2.
As
a reference source to learn more about mushrooms, I can recommend a book
called Chasing the Rain, a new venture by mushroom chaser Taylor Lockwood,
describing his life long search for the world’s most beautiful
mushrooms. Also known as the “Jacques Cousteau of mycology”, Lockwood
is one of the leading lights of a group of people who spend all their
spare time chasing these rare mushrooms.
His travels have taken him to the forests of
Borneo
,
China
and
Tibet
,
Russia
,
South Africa
and more, and many of these rare mushrooms are photographed in their
splendor for this book. He has been to places that most of us will never
see in our lifetimes, and almost deadly encounters with snakes, wasps and
spiders are commonplace for this
Florida
based mycologist.
Website:
www.hokto-kinoko.com, www.taylorlockwood.com
Recipe
-Mushroom Grill Sides
1
package each maitake, brown beech, white beech mushrooms
2
onions
2
red or yellow bell peppers
Mix
vegetables and mushrooms in sauté pan on grill side burner with a little
oil.
Season
with leftover marinade from the meat, chicken or fish. Sautee over medium
heat until desired
consistency. Serves 4.
LA CENSE BEEF
FROM
MONTANA
-THE REAL DEAL
Having visited the La Cense Ranch in
Montana
a couple of years ago, I was delighted to find out recently that they have
started to market their marvelous meat products. I tried some of their New
York Steaks along with the prime-rib, and can tell you that grass fed
cattle are really the way to go for the best steaks, and La Cense meats
are a cut above the rest. Of course they are not inexpensive, but these
days it seems nothing of quality is. La Cense Ranch has been around
since 1869, and is located on the outskirts of Dillon, a small college
town that is famous for its Labor Day Rodeo. When I was there I saw how
the cattle get the chance to graze 100% on tall grass on the rotational
method. This is entirely different to the method that involves herding the
cattle into feedlots, or finishing their feeding on grain to fatten them
up. This expensive method of grazing results in beef that is
nutrient-rich, higher in Omega-3’s, and lower in fat and calories.
Driving around a ranch of 88,000 acres is quite an eye opener, and
considering that the ranch extends across 122 square miles, it must be
quite an ordeal in winter for the ranch hands.
Owner William Kriegel bought the ranch from Japanese
interests in 2000, and the
New York
based businessman flies from the big city to the big sky every month to
oversee operations. The highest point on the ranch is
Gallagher
Peak
at 8,477 feet, and the closest airport to the ranch is
Bozeman
, about 110 miles to the north, and a most enjoyable drive down through
pristine countryside. I say this, because the ranch also raises top
quality quarter horses, many of them gelded 7 days after birth. For the
next three years they raise these horses to be perfect companions, and
then sell them on to buyers. There are a handful of guest cabins on the
ranch if you want to check these animals out for possible purchase.
There are seven different cuts of steaks including
the top sirloin (7oz), the Ribeye Steak with the most marbling (9.5oz),
and my favorite, the New York Strip (7.5oz), the perfect balance of flavor
and tenderness. When it comes to burgers, La Cense offers steak burgers
that are 85% lean, and are a combination of sirloin steak, round roast,
chuck roast and flank steak (6oz). They even have beef for stew, and
also beef for kabobs, brisket, beef liver and short ribs. The seasonal
gift pack offers four different packages in one for each season, and the
entertainment pack is perfect for the host or hostess who is throwing a
party, and includes prime rib (3lb), pot roast (3lbs) and twelve six ounce
steak burgers. It is worth getting in touch with them just to check
out their catalogue, where the photographer has done a superb job in
capturing these roasts and steaks just as they are the perfect shade of
pink. They will also throw in a few recipes as well, and if you concerned
about the shipping, then all packages are sent overnight, and packed with
enough dry ice to ensure freshness on arrival.
Fact Sheet
Website: www.lacensebeef.com
Email: info@lacensebeef.com
Phone: 866-422-2333
WALKER
SHORTBREADS GOING STRONG AFTER 109
YEARS
Imagine my delight when after flying back to
Los Angeles
after a trip to
Scotland
recently, I saw a packet of Walkers shortbreads in a gas station just
outside of LAX. A couple of days before I was having a private
behind the scenes tour visiting Walkers factory in the village of Aberlour
in the Highlands, a delightful place where Joseph Walker started with just
a simple grocery store in 1898. After about a year, business started to
pick up, and eventually he was able to buy a horse and cart to deliver his
shortbread to local customers.
It was not until the early 1970’s until the company started exporting,
and 3 Queen’s Export Awards later they are one of
Europe
’s 500 fastest growing companies. Today they employ over 1,000 people in
peak season, and the product is shipped worldwide, and is widely
considered the best shortbread in the world.
Walker
’s products are easily recognizable by the unique tartan packaging with
the royal seal of approval on the box or tin. They currently have about
250,000 square feet of production space, and 140,000 square feet of
warehouse space, but are expanding so quickly that they are adding an
additional 80,000 square feet of factory space in Elgin. The company
is still family run by the great grandchildren of the founder Joseph
Walker, and many of the employee’s today are the grandchildren of the
people he employed. Just as in Victorian times,
Walker
’s only uses the best ingredients available-flour, pure creamery butter,
sugar and salt. No artificial colorings or flavorings are used, and a
fascinating visit on the factory floor made it clear to this scribe that
the emphasis on consistency and quality are second to none.
The factory workers seemed a real happy bunch, maybe because every week
they rotate duties in the production process, ensuring that boredom is
relatively minor. They have numerous Royal Warrants, and are the official
shortbread suppliers to the Queen. Prince Charles has an organic line of
biscuits called Duchy Originals manufactured at Walkers, and these have a
marvelous unique taste when infused with the Walkers touch. Other hot
items from
Walker
’s are their famous Scottish fruit cakes full of spices and nuts, and a
wonderful selection of oatcakes. Unfortunately, it is not possible
to buy direct yet from the company, so the best way to buy these products
is to visit a British grocer in your local city or via. The internet where
you can punch in British grocer and have numerous choices.
Alternatively, next time you are in the Highlands of Scotland, call the
factory in advance to see if they can arrange a private tour. I am not
sure if they have any official tours, but the folks at Walkers are so
friendly and accommodating, that a visit here will be a highlight of any
trip to
Scotland
.
www.walkersshortbread.com
enquiries@walkers-shortbread.co.uk
GOURMET CAKES DELIVERED TO YOUR DOORSTEP
Now here is a great idea for a gift that come across my desk this week, and that is a gourmet cake, sent through the mail to your favorite person. All you have to do with is to specify the occasion and a delivery date, and if they fail to make that deadline, then you get your money back.
I was lucky enough to receive an unbelievably good rich chocolate mousse cake with fudgy rosettes in the mail from Bake Me a Wish, a New York based bakery that was only formed in 2004. This has to be their most decadent offering, with the cake itself arriving in perfect order in an attractive gift box packed in a dry ice container, and they even put a message on the cake.
If the chocolate cake is a bit rich for your tastes, there are plenty of others to choose from. These include the strawberry shortcake topped with whipped cream and Belgium white chocolate shavings or the vanilla bean layer cake with buttercream mousse..
www.bakemeawish.com
1-888-YUR-WISH
LUXURY CHOCOLATES FROM DE BRAND
Everybody loves chocolate, and I have recently discovered a mail order company with superb quality product based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana called DeBrand Fine Chocolates. The company started in 1987 by Cathy Brand has grown in leaps and bounds, and I had the good fortune to order their Classic Collection, Truffle Collection and their Connoisseur Collection. All arrived in a refrigerated box in perfect shape, and three weeks later, thanks to remarkable self constraint, there are still some chocolates left to enjoy,
The Classic Collection remains their top seller and comes in 1/2lb ($18) up to 3lb boxes ($108). There are several caramel variations in addition to the natural fruit creams such as cherry, apricot and raspberries that are bursting with flavors. The Connoisseur Collection ($36 for 16pc) is geared towards those of us who like diversity in flavors, textures and taste.
For real extravagance try the Truffle Collection in either the 6pc ($15) or 12pc ($30) box. These are lovely oversized and individually molded chocolates, and a dessert in their own rite, and a perfect after dinner treat. There are plenty of other packages to choose from the attractive catalogue including the gargantuan large tower of chocolates priced at $170.
There are also plenty of novelty items such as Chocolate Cigars, Pretzel Rods, Hot Chocolate/Fondue and Marshmallows. Chocolate Tasting Bars ($6) feature the best chocolate couvertures from Belgium, Switzerland, France and the United States. DeBrand also arranges tours at the Chocolate Factory if you are in the area, but if you are unable to do that, place an order and you will see what real quality in chocolate means.
Fact Sheet
DeBrand Chocolates-10105 Auburn Park Dr, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825
1.800.482.4373
www.debrand.com
A TALE OF TWO TEAS
Gourmet Tea is fast becoming a hot item, and a couple of new companies have hit the market with quality product from such diverse regions as Boston and Tahiti. Tea Forte from Concord, Massachusetts, was founded by designer Peter Hewitt in 2003, and the hiring of Richard Guzauskus last year as Tea Master has really put them on the map.
The Tea Forte blends are enclosed in hand-packed and patented silken tea infusers, each topped with a designed hand-wrapped wire and “leaf,” acting as a handle. The idea is to take the cup of tea into a ceremony as you entertain guests with a luxurious afternoon tea.
The Ribbon Box ($20-$25) that contains 20 infusers is a perfect way to try these delicious teas at an excellent value, and a typical box will include selections ranging from Earl Gray, Darjeeling, Chamomile Tisane, Bombay Chai to African Solstice. New items include Ginger, Jasmine Green, White Ambrosia and Green Tango. The Ginger is a particularly bold and enticing sweet ginger tea with a touch of lemon verbena, and a dash of black pepper for a spicy afterglow.
Tea Forte has also introduced the world to the Café Cup, a porcelain tea cup with a custom cover that keeps tea hot while brewing. There are other tea accessories that are well displayed in the excellent catalogue issued by the company, and we highly endorse this product.
From another part of the world comes Tahitian Noni teas that by all accounts were one of the more popular gift samples at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. The company was founded in 1995 to promote the Noni plant to the world outside of French Polynesia, and the six new teas are led by the superb Tahitea Spiced Chai. The Noni leaf is an antioxidant rich tropical fruit that protects the body against free radicals. It is also excellent for supporting proper indigestion, and it can be mixed with water or milk, and of course, all the teas are naturally caffeine-free.
The Noni Jasmine Green Tea combines the elements of the flavor of jasmine flower with the well known benefits of the noni leaf and green tea. The delicate harvesting and drying process enhances the full-bodied flavor of the noni leaf, and Jasmine Green is probably the healthiest in the range of the company.
Fans of the classic Earl Gray will probably want to try the Tahitian version that adds the classic Bergamot flavors and essence of citrus to the mix. The idea of this tea is to promote the feelings of peace and tranquility. Noni Lemon Iced Tea adds the flavors of sweetened lemonade to the noni leaf
Fact Sheet
www.teaforte.com
info@teaforte.com
800-721-1149
www.TahitianNoni.com
1.877-4ShopTN
SIMPLY DEVINE BROWNIES-LIVING UP
TO THEIR NAME
From time to time we like to endorse food products
that are exceptional, and Simply Divine Brownies out of the state of
Maine
are some of the best I have ever tasted. The mother and daughter team ship
all over the country, and the Brownies arrive ready to eat or refrigerate.
Their belief is that a rich, fudgy brownie made from the finest
ingredients is one of life’s dearest pleasures.
There are more than thirty varieties on offer, and the business has
exploded in just over three years. What sets these goodies apart are the
toppings and frostings, as well as the first collection of hand cut and
hand decorated shaped brownies in the country.
In 2007 they launched a new line of brownies
truffles, scoops of their brownies enrobed in fine chocolate and packaged
to go. They have been included in the Celebrity Gift bags for the Oscar
Parties in 2006 and 2007, as well as Muhammed Ali’s Charity Fight for
Life in 2006 and 2007. They have also made appearances on The Today Show
and the Rachel Ray Show, and several times on the Food Network, most
recently Food Network Unwrapped. You
can order them by phone, at the company store or over the internet.
Fact Sheet
Phone:
1-207-729-0111
Toll
Free: 1-866-BROWN
Website:
simplydivinebrownies.com
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