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2023 National Ice Cream Month: Global Flavors, Plant Based and Frozen Novelties

Posted by | Foods, Ice Cream | No Comments

Bringing you the scoop for National Ice Cream Month! July is the time of year where we celebrate our favorite frozen dessert indulgences.

Brands are listening to consumer requests by creating unique flavors, childhood classics and health conscious options. The selection of sweet treats offering global flavors, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, bars, sandwiches and other frozen novelties has grown extensively. Check out this list of the latest ice cream desserts to hit the market during National Ice Cream Month. What will you try first?

National Ice Cream Month

GoodPopGood pop ice cream

GoodPop, the better-for-you frozen treat brand that cleans up your favorite childhood classics and exists to do good in the world. … Read more

Sofitel Chicago Hotel

Celebrate Wine Days at the Sofitel Chicago Hotel

Posted by | Chicago, Cocktails, Foods, Tourism, Travel, Wine | No Comments

Looking for a Fall getaway that includes delicious food and wine and a location that can’t be beat? Book a stay at the Sofitel Chicago located just off Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile for Sofitel Wine Days.

Sofitel Chicago Hotel Room with Wine

Sofitel Wine Days

If you are a wine lover, French wine in particular, then Sofitel’s Wine Days are for you. I attended the opening of their Faire la FĂȘte wine tasting celebration which was hosted on La Terrace. From whites to rose to deep reds, these wines were delicious and oh so fragrant. Sofitel Wine Days from Terrace

violin girl at sofitel

sofitel la terrace

Sofitel Chicago Wine Days will continue through October 31 with seasonal fall wine dinners, which are part of the larger wine dinner series, and weekly complimentary wine tastings.… Read more

Ice Cream Month Cones

The Scoop on National Ice Cream Month

Posted by | Foods, Ice Cream | 8 Comments

July is National Ice Cream Month, otherwise known as the sweetest month of the year. This means 31 days of creamy goodness offered up in endless flavors of decadently, delicious ice cream.  

With the goal of doing the “hard research” for this article, I dug deep to get the scoop on the latest flavors and brands in the market. After much investigation, I have compiled a list of classic and unique ice creams for you to sample, brand stories to tell, and organizations to support. Oh, and I found a couple surprises to share with you too. 

National Ice Cream Month

 

Adirondack Creamery

Adirondack Ice Cream

When the CFO of a NYC corporation takes his business knowledge and combines it with his passion for ice cream, Adirondack Creamery is born.… Read more

Four Cheese Yellow Pizza

Piccolo Buco & Cooper’s Hawk Introduce Authentic Roman Pizza

Posted by | Beverage, Chicago, Cocktails, Foods, Restaurant Opening, Restaurants, Tourism, Travel | 4 Comments
Have you ever traveled to an international city on vacation and discovered the most amazing food and then tried to figure out how you can bring it home with you?  Well, Tim McEnery of Cooper’s Hawk had that same experience, only he made it happen! Read about how Piccolo Buco and Cooper’s Hawk are bringing Roman Pizza to Chicago.
 

Piccolo Buco by Luca Issa & Cooper’s Hawk

⁣Piccolo Buco Cooper's Hawk Roman Pizza

Introducing Piccolo Buco, by Chef Luca Issa of Piccolo Buco Roma and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants, where you will find the most delicious and unique Roman pizza. 
chef luca issa
⁣The magic of Chef Luca’s pizza comes down to the extraordinary crust that is light and airy inside and yet has a tall crispy edge.
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NRA sign

2022 National Restaurant Show Trends and Innovations

Posted by | Chicago, Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show, Trends | 6 Comments

The National Restaurant Show took over Chicago’s McCormick Place last week showcasing the latest restaurant innovations. This four-day event that brings together over 60,000 food service professionals came back to life after the pandemic as it introduced us to the latest trends in the industry.  What do you think of the 2022 National Restaurant Association trends?

NRA exhibit floor

Exhibitors and attendees alike were happy to be seeing colleagues once again and talking shop. There was definitely an energy throughout the halls to get back to business as we knew it. This is a very big show which means lots to see and explore.… Read more

Caramel Corn goodie bags

Easy Homemade Caramel Corn

Posted by | Desserts, Foods, Recipes | 16 Comments

This post was sponsored by TruviaÂź Sweet CompleteÂź. All opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

As soon as the weather has a chill in the air, my baking equipment comes out of the cabinet. Pantry shelves become filled with different varieties of flours, chocolates and nuts. And of course, I need a sweetness to make my desserts decadently good. Which is why I am sharing my first recipe of the season for my Homemade Caramel Corn using TruviaÂź Sweet CompleteÂź Brown Sweetener.

Caramel Corn with Truvia

This zero-calorie per serving sweetener adds a warm brown sugar flavor using plant-based stevia. When you use it in your recipes, it measures cup-for-cup making it so easy to replace traditional brown sugar in your creations.… Read more

NATIONAL COFFEE DAY

National Coffee Day 2021: 14 Coffee Beans and Flavored Treats to Try

Posted by | Beverage, Coffee, Foods | 5 Comments

Coffee lovers, our day is fast approaching! National Coffee Day is Wednesday, September 29 (and October 1 for International Coffee Day). Whether you are a fan of coffee from your local shop or brew your own at home, there is a cup waiting for you. Since I drink most of my coffee at home, exploring new brands and ways to enjoy my favorite beverage flavor is a challenge I welcome. So, on this special day designed for coffee fans, I am sharing a selection of 14 coffee flavored drinks, sweets and snacks for you to sample.

Now, some people drink coffee for the energy boost – thanks, caffeine!… Read more

Summer Salad with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette

Summer Salad with Don Victor Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette

Posted by | Foods, Recipes, Salad | 10 Comments

This post was sponsored by Don Victor Raspberry Honey. All opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

 

One of my absolute favorite foodie things about summertime is being able to incorporate fresh fruit into my recipes. Whether we are talking desserts, side dishes, sandwiches, main courses or salads, fruit is a welcome addition to any dish. In this Summer Salad with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette, I have not only included fresh raspberries, but Raspberry Honey from Don Victor Foods to enhance the fruit flavor. 

The beauty of salads is how versatile they are from the salad ingredients to the dressing itself.… Read more

Beach view Puglia Italy

Explore Puglia, Italy: Culinary and Landscape

Posted by | Food, Foods, Tourism, Travel | 6 Comments

My virtual suitcase is packed. Travel agenda is made. Excitement is high as I get ready to explore Puglia, Italy. 

The Puglia Landscape

Exploring the Puglia region, pronounced pool-ya, is one of Italy’s hidden gems. You may also hear it called Apulia, its Italian name.

map of Puglia Italy

Puglia is easily identified on the map, as it runs down the east coast of the country from the Gargano Peninsula all the way into the “heel of the boot”. Puglia borders the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Six provinces make up the Puglia region on the southeast coast of Italy.

    • Gargano and Daunia – the northernmost coast of Apulia where you will find an almost deserted beach.
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spring vegetable tart overhead

A Showstopper Colorful Spring Vegetable Tart

Posted by | Foods, Housewares, Recipes | 10 Comments

When you entertain family and friends, do you have a specific style or dish that you like to include? I am all about creating a beautiful table which includes delicious recipes as well as a tabletop design that reflects the look I want. This colorful Spring Vegetable Tart is served in my new favorite find from Peugeot Saveurs.

close up of spring vegetable tart

Now, you may know Peugeot Saveurs as the iconic, world class French manufacturer of spice mills. Having worked in the housewares industry for so long, I am very familiar with their gorgeous and extremely well-made salt and pepper mills. These are their u’Select Paris Manual Wooden Salt and Pepper Mills in Graphite. … Read more