us news today: Food, Wine and Spirits ? The Cocktail Stylist

Monday, November 26, 2012

Food, Wine and Spirits ? The Cocktail Stylist

November 25, 2012

Last month I had the pleasure of attending the Philadelphia Taste Food, Wine and Spirits Festival. ?It was held in Oaks, PA at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.? The festival itself ran from Friday ? Sunday we opt to go on Saturday (we meaning my rode dog, my hubby) giving us an extra day to recoup from the over indulgence of the overabundance of wine, food and spirits.? The doors opened at 11:00 we arrived around 12ish. Parking was plenty however there was a line to get in that to my surprise moved very smooth and swiftly due in part to how well it was all organized. ?There was a booth for those purchases made through just about all the social media discount deal sites. ?I purchased my deal through Living Social ? yes I am addicted to those sites don?t judge. However for only $40 we secured to tickets and were able to take part in this amazing event. ?After we checked in I realize I didn?t have anything on my stomach unless you count the Mexican cuisine from the night before; therefore mission number one find food. ?I was more than ready to throw down on those delicious samples provided by some of the restaurant exhibitors such as, Legal Seafood, Serafina?s, Elegant Dining Delights and of course Michael Seitan just to name a few. ?After I satisfied my tummy it was time to move on to the libations; however en route I came upon?Nori Shinohara of Angelo Pietro Dressings and was sold on his line of All Natural Dressings and Sandwich Spread .? It?s a combination of Japanese flavors with traditional Italian vinaigrettes that you can use for salads, veggie dishes, sandwiches, dipping sauces, and even omelets ? a little goes a long way and the taste is superb.? I paid all of $8 For two bottles of dressings, the Dressing and Sandwich Spread and a package of Miso Soup. ?Let me just tell you this is the best dressing I have ever tasted. ?My son is hooked as well I will definitely be ordering more once I run out.You can check it out at http://www.angelopietro.com.? I am a lover of unique one of a kind trinkets so when I came across Ryan?s Whiskey Stones I just had to have a set. ?The creative mind amazes me this is truly an exceptional product.? These 100% non-porous, odorless, and tasteless Soapstone chilling rocks?can be used to chill whiskey, scotch, vodka, white/red wine, or whatever.? Each set of 12 comes in a muslin cloth drawstring sack that you just throw in the freezer and they are ready for use whenever needed.? A set of twelve is only $10; however, I was really taken by the fact that Ryan the creator/owner of the company is probably all of 28 years old.? You can get more information and purchase these stones at http://www.ryanswhiskeystones.com/main.sc. ?OK so my top favorites were; PR?VU Sparkling Liqueur a delicious organic sparling liqueur produced by Keystone State Wine & Spirits.? I mixed it with their IX? Organic Tequila wow is all I can say http://www.keystonestatespirits.com/importatnt-links/.? After that I had to go get more food, which brings me to my favorite delicacy of the event HAVE YOU TRIED SEITAN????? OMG Michael Savory Seitan is a vegan food made from wheat protein, and proponents ? Ok yes I am a foodie but wow I thought I was eating real meat.? You can purchase his products at Whole Food ? and I am going to run not walk to get it.? If you don?t have a Whole Foods in your area check him out at www.michaelsseitan.com.? Are you a Thirsty Girl or with a Thirsty Girl???? Founded by Leslie Sbrocco TG is a free member driven community of women who have a passion for food, wine, travel, libations and fun. and live by the TG motto ? Life Drink it up!? Love It..? Leslie was there in rare form with stickers on her behind she was hilarious.? She said and I quote? I make a flat ass look good? (yes that?s Leslie?s ass). ?? With her long time business partner Leslie?s aim is to grow the TG?community into one of the largest women?s networks around the country. TG helps inspire women to be their best and remember to?live life to the fullest.

Senor Sangria ? Red.. Yummy

I am definitely a TG if you believe you are one head on over to her website and sign up www.thirstygirl.com.? Last but not least my all time favorite and the hit for me was ?Se?or Sangria.??As a Jersey girl, I was happy to see Jersey in the house and representing well.? I love great Sangria and believe I am somewhat of a Sangria connoisseur.? The thought of Sangria in a bottle is usually repulsive and not authentic in my opinion until I tasted Se?or Sangria it is truly homemade taste in a bottle for sure.? It comes in Red and White and can only be purchased at certain retailers in New Jersey.? Well it was an eventful fun day at TASTE can?t wait for the next festival.? Until then enjoy and drink responsibly.