• Eco,  food,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Truly Healthy Protein Bars Made For And By Outdoor Enthusiast

    Mushrooms are having much more than a moment… and for good reason. Functional mushrooms have some very real and amazing natural health properties – brain-boosting, stress-reducing, immunity-fueling, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing – so it’s no surprise that these powerful fungi are some of the most vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant-rich foods on the planet.

    Made for and by outdoor enthusiasts, Fringe Bars are naturally high in protein, equipped with the most powerful adaptogenic mushrooms, and taste rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Even if you’re not well clued-up on the world of Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, and Turkey Tail, you can agree that life can get stressful, any balance we can add, the better.

    Mushroom Magic: 

    Why Fringe Bars Support Your Health AND Mother Earth

    Not only will Fringe be your favorite mushroom-centric meal to pack for your next adventure, but they also make being a conscious consumer easier than ever. Fringe is proud to be partnered with 1% For The Planet, pledging to donate 1% of its annual revenue to environmental non-profits. To fulfill their commitment, they are contributing their annual funds to Save The Waves Coalition, a global non-profit working to protect surf ecosystems around the globe. Additionally, on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22nd, Fringe donatied 10% of proceeds to Save The Waves to further support their mission.

    Do what you love, and #FindYourFringe, because the stoke is contagious!

    Fringe Bar Highlights:

    • Comes in 3 mouthwatering flavors:
      • Chocolate Almond Butter
      • Mango Hemp
      • Coconut Cashew
    • Made With Mushrooms:
      • Each bar contains organic functional mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail
      • All are sourced at the highest quality to deliver functional nutrition and help you live in flow
    • Healthy Ingredients:
      • Naturally high in protein, antioxidants, and nutrients
      • Each bar is made with different adaptogenic and superfood ingredients such as ashwagandha, raw cacao, and hemp
      • Gluten-free, plant-based, and supercharged with clean, real food
      • 0 grams of added sugar – naturally sweetened using only dates.
      • Free of artificial sweeteners & flavors, preservatives, added sugar, gluten, soy, dairy, seed oils, and bad vibes 😉

    Behind The Brand: Founder Hunter Schaeffer is a surfer from Rehoboth Beach, DE, whose passion is living to the fullest, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and pursuing what keeps him stoked! While searching for the best and most convenient fuel source for surf sessions, travels, and other endeavors, Hunter was continuously disappointed with the options on the market. This led him to start making his own nutrition bars with clean, wholesome ingredients. And including his favorite adaptogenic mushrooms to conveniently harness their benefits. These “delicious mushroom protein bars” quickly became a hit for those living similar lifestyles, and thus, Fringe was born!

    Pricing:

    • Each flavor comes in a 12-pack ($37.75)
    • Variety Pack includes 12 bars, 4 of each flavor ($37.75)
    • Subscribe and save 10% off on each order ($33.98)

    To learn more, visit: fringefoodco.com

  • food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    Indulge Your Mom’s Sweet Tooth with Z. Cioccolato’s Handmade Fudge

    Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor and appreciate the incredible women who have raised us and supported us throughout our lives. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to celebrate your mother this year, consider giving her a Z. Cioccolato fudge gift box.

    Z. Cioccolato is a San Francisco-based company that handcrafts high-quality fudge and other chocolate confections using only the finest ingredients. Their fudge is rich, creamy, and available in a variety of flavors, including classic chocolate, peanut butter, cookies & cream, and more. With a Z. Cioccolato fudge gift box, you can treat your mother to a sweet and indulgent gift that she is sure to love.

    One of the best things about giving a Z. Cioccolato fudge gift box for Mother’s Day is that it is a unique and thoughtful gift. While flowers and cards are always appreciated, a box of artisanal fudge and other treats is a special and unexpected treat that shows your mother just how much you care. Plus, with a variety of flavors to choose from, you can customize your gift to suit your mother’s tastes and preferences.

    When you give a Z. Cioccolato fudge gift box, you’re not just giving a gift – you’re giving an experience. Each piece of fudge is carefully crafted and hand-wrapped, making every bite a moment of pure indulgence. Your mother will savor each and every flavor, and every time she enjoys a piece of fudge, she’ll think of you and the love you share.

    In conclusion, if you want to give your mother a gift that is both delicious and meaningful, consider a Z. Cioccolato fudge gift box this Mother’s Day. With its high-quality ingredients, unique flavors, and handmade craftsmanship, this gift is sure to delight and impress the special woman in your life.

    Z. Cioccolato’s S’more Fudge is my favorite! It is a delicious twist on the classic campfire treat. This handmade fudge combines the rich and creamy texture of Z. Cioccolato’s signature fudge with the sweet and gooey flavors of marshmallow and graham cracker, making for a delightful and indulgent dessert.

    The S’more Fudge is made with high-quality ingredients, including premium chocolate, butter, and cream, which are carefully blended together to create a smooth and velvety texture. The fudge is then layered with marshmallow fluff and crumbled graham crackers, giving it a sweet and crunchy texture that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

    With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures, as the creamy fudge melts in your mouth and blends with the sweet and crunchy toppings. Whether you’re a fan of traditional s’mores or simply love the taste of chocolate, Z.Cioccolato’s S’more Fudge is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

    Z. Cioccolato’s S’more Fudge is a unique and delicious treat that is perfect for sharing with friends and family, or indulging in all by yourself. So if you’re looking for a fun and flavorful dessert that captures the essence of summertime, be sure to try Z.Cioccolato’s S’more Fudge today.

    What else do I have in the gift box?

    Z. Cioccolato’s gift box includes a variety of delicious treats, including their caramel popcorn. This gourmet snack is the perfect addition to the box, offering a sweet and salty taste to complement the other handmade fudge flavors. The caramel popcorn is carefully crafted with premium ingredients, ensuring a delightful combination of crunch and chewiness. It’s a perfect snack to enjoy while indulging in the rich and creamy flavors of the fudge, making the Z. Cioccolato gift box a perfect treat for any occasion.

    Z. Cioccolato’s chocolate covered Oreos are a decadent and delicious addition to their gift box. These classic cookies are coated in a layer of rich and velvety chocolate, making for a satisfying and indulgent treat. The combination of the crunchy cookie and smooth chocolate creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it hard to resist just one. The chocolate covered Oreos are handmade with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that each bite is a heavenly experience. They make a perfect addition to the Z. Cioccolato gift box and a great treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

    Z. Cioccolato’s Salt Water Taffy is a delightful treat that adds a touch of nostalgia to their gift box. This taffy is soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Each piece is individually wrapped, making them perfect for snacking or sharing. The gift box includes an assortment of flavors, from classic fruit to more unique and whimsical options. With its bright colors and sweet taste, Z. Cioccolato’s Salt Water Taffy is a fun and delicious addition to any occasion.

    Z. Cioccolato’s Chocolate Truffles are an indulgent addition to their gift box that are sure to impress. Made with the finest quality chocolate and expert craftsmanship, the truffles are a rich and velvety treat that melt in your mouth. Each truffle makes it a beautiful presentation and a luxurious texture. The gift box includes an two flavors, they are creamy, French-inspired granache wrapped with milk, dark and white Belgian chocolates and topped with a signature design from the chef!

    Z. Cioccolato – from San Francisco’s beloved sweet shop featured on the Cooking Channel’s “Unique Sweets” and ranked by MSN as one of the top 25 of all shops in the U.S., Z. Cioccolato brings multi-layered gourmet fudge to the rest of the world. Made only 6-pounds at a time, Z. Cioccolato fudge showcases up to seven layers with candy legends such as Reese’s, Heath English Toffee, liquors, and beer such as Irish Coffee and Guiness, epicurean classics like Boston Cream Pie and time-proven favorites such as mint chocolate, salted caramel, peanut butter and more.

  • food

    2023’s Best Cities to Eat Local Food

    Where in America can you easily find farm-fresh food?

    To mark National Small Business Week starting April 30, LawnStarter ranked 2023’s Best Cities to Eat Local Food, compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on three categories.

    LawnStarter looked for cities with great access to community-supported agriculture (CSAs), u-pick farms, local dairy farms, and on-farm markets. LawnStarter also considered the number of local food movement groups, among 17 metrics. Dig into our ranking below. To learn how LawnStarter ranked the cities, see our methodology.

    Top 5 Close Up

    Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of the top five cities.

    No. 1: Portland, Oregon | Overall Score: 51.30

    Access: 1
    Convenience: 2
    Support: 27

    Local Tips: Laughing Planet Cafe uses local ingredients to craft globally inspired takes on burritos, soups, and salads.

    With 40 locations across the Portland metro, Burgerville makes it easy to chomp down on fast food favorites with local origins.

    For fancier fare, check out the seasonal menu at Arden, or book a table at “reverse steakhouse” G-Love.

    Photo Credit: BXXXTY / Pexels / Pexels License

    No. 2: Baltimore | Overall Score: 47.61

    Access: 10
    Convenience: 1
    Support: 2

    Local Tips: Baltimore supports farmers and locavores through the city’s Homegrown Baltimore initiative.

    Residents can explore local options on the Baltimore Foodshed map.

    Maggie’s Farm is a favorite farm-to-table spot for locals. Another option is Gertrude’s, which serves up a Chesapeake-inspired menu inside the Baltimore Museum of Art.

    Photo Credit: Styves Exantus / Pexels / Pexels License

    No. 3: Alexandria, Virginia | Overall Score: 47.5

    Access: 2
    Convenience: 18
    Support: 4

    Local Tips: Have a Parisian outing in Old Town Alexandria with a locally sourced meal at Bastille Brasserie & Bar.

    Dine in an 1800s granary converted into an American-style tavern with seasonal fare at Virtue Feed & Grain.

    Photo Credit: ALXCHO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    No. 4: Washington | Overall Score: 43.03

    Access: 13
    Convenience: 26
    Support: 1

    Local Tips: Shop at a grocery store filled with local products at Dawson’s Market.

    Find fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients at one of six Clyde’s locations across the DC metro area.

    Discover other restaurants with a “Snail of Approval,” designated by Slow Food D.C.

    Photo Credit: Pixabay / Pexels / Pexels License

    No. 5: Minneapolis | Overall Score: 41.93

    Access: 8
    Convenience: 4
    Support: 50

    Local Tips: The city of Minneapolis encourages local dining through the Homegrown Minneapolis initiative.
    Find local products and farm-to-table restaurants with the help of directories like Minnesota Grown and Minnesota Cooks.
    Top spots for locavores include Wise Acre, The New York Times-approved Petite León, and Spoon and Stable, led by a James Beard Award-winning chef.

    Photo Credit: BpA9543 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Farm-to-Fork: Key Insights

    The Gist

    Eating local is popular and convenient in many large cities along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Locavores also can thrive in Midwestern cities like Minneapolis (No. 5) and Madison, Wisconsin (No. 8), thanks to high access to community-supported agriculture and local farms offering delivery.

    Many Texas cities fall behind in access to locally sourced food. Only six Lone Star cities place in the top half of our ranking: Austin (No. 54), Dallas (No. 63), McKinney (No. 77), Plano (No. 79), Denton (No. 94), and Frisco (No. 97). Meanwhile, seven Texas cities land in the bottom 10 — just behind Anchorage, Alaska, in last place.

    Standout Stats

    • Land of Locavores: It’s no secret that Portlanders love local food. Portland, Oregon, takes first place overall with the best Access to local eats and the highest number of u-pick farms. The City of Roses also offers a high number of farm stands, on-farm markets, and craft breweries per square mile.
    • Atlantic Eats: Mid-Atlantic cities Baltimore (No. 2), Alexandria, Virginia (No. 3), and Washington (No. 4), sprout to the top of our ranking with high Access and Support for eating local. Alexandria and Washington tie with Philadelphia (No. 21) for the most on-farm markets within 50 miles. Baltimore boasts the best Convenience with the second-highest number of both on-farm pickup and delivery options. All three cities have Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters, too.
    • Pick Your Own: Cities in the Northeast and Northwest grow plenty of options for picking your own produce at farms. Portland (No. 1) leads the way, followed by Vancouver, Washington (No. 10), Boston (No. 7), Worcester, Massachusetts (No. 11), and Seattle (No. 6) in u-pick farm access.
    • Fast (Fresh) Food: Eating local doesn’t need to be inconvenient in Madison, Wisconsin (No. 8), where locals devour the most options for food delivery directly from farms. Baltimore (No. 2), Portland, Oregon (No. 1), Louisville, Kentucky (No. 39), and St. Paul, Minnesota (No. 15), all tie for second place in this metric with a handful of other cities.
    • From Seed to Salad: Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are a popular and convenient way to access farm-fresh food — especially in Minneapolis (No. 5), which has the most CSAs per 100,000 residents. Eugene, Oregon (No. 42), produces the second-highest number of CSAs per capita.
  • food,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    The Rise of Etto Pasta: Exploring the Versatility and Flavor of this Italian Classic

    Not all pasta is created equal. Pasta is simple and unpretentious. Yet it is also complex, nutritious, and distinct. It is amazing how something so simple can be incredibly diverse, endlessly creative, and good for you. Craft pasta like the best ones made in Italy are rare and delicious in texture, aroma and flavor. Etto brings the best of pasta to California using the best American ingredients and the best Italian craft pasta equipment, technique and style.

    Etto Pasta is a brand of artisanal pasta that is known for its high-quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and unique shapes. Founded in 2012 by chef and restaurateur Liz Matthews, Etto Pasta is based in the UK and uses only the finest, carefully-sourced ingredients, including Italian semolina flour and free-range eggs.

    Pasta is a daily food of Italy. However, its appearance across the country is far from monotonous. The great variety of pasta shapes accentuate Italy’s regional differences and draw attention to the distinctions that define local identities. Each dish can tell a story of a place, its history, its people, and a way of life. (Not to mention that Italy ranks as the healthiest nation in the world*.) Italians eat pasta by the etto (100 grams or about ¼ pound). An etto represents a sensible portion of pasta for one person, as either a primi or as part of a balanced meal.

    Etto is family-owned, sources quality ingredients, and values our customers and community. Our pasta factory is located in Tin City, an industrial area comprised of small artisanal winemakers, breweries, a creamery, distillery and more. This creative hub is in Paso Robles, California.

    You can also visit the Etto Marketplace located in Tin City. Here you will find fresh Etto pasta, local and imported specialty foods, Italian wines from Giornata  and much more!

    Etto Pasta offers a wide range of pasta shapes, from classic option like Creste di Gallo to more unusual shapes like Casarecce, Conchigliette and Figaro. Each shape is crafted using time-honored methods and the best ingredients, resulting in a pasta that is both flavorful and texturally superior to mass-produced options. Etto Pasta also offers a range of sauces and pestos to complement their pasta, making it easy to create delicious and authentic Italian meals at home.

    Herbed Chicken and Tomato Pasta with Etto Pasta

     Recipe for Rosemary and Thyme Chicken Thighs with Sliced Tomato and Etto Pasta

    Ingredients:

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
    • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
    • 2 large tomatoes, sliced
    • 1/2 pound Etto Pasta (penne, fusilli or spaghetti)
    • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
    3. Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
    4. Add minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    5. Arrange sliced tomatoes around the chicken thighs in the skillet.
    6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are tender.
    7. While the chicken is baking, cook the Etto Pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    8. Serve the Rosemary and Thyme Chicken Thighs with Sliced Tomato and Etto Pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

    Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal featuring Etto Pasta!

  • food,  Health,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    A healthy blend of beet root, tart cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, hibiscus, and magnesium, 120/Life is the first functional beverage designed to help lower blood pressure naturally.

    There’s a naturally occurring mineral that is so important to our good health and is so often overlooked: magnesium. Magnesium serves numerous vital functions in our bodies. It’s also one of the key minerals found in juice at 120/Life. 120/Life, the first functional drink made from six ingredients and proven to help people lower blood pressure. Co-Founded by  Susan Schachter registered nutritionist (MSRDN), she is dedicated to helping people achieve wellness naturally. The drink she co-created is six ingredients that you may can at your grocery store and is intended to be a support to healthy lifestyle choices and not a supplement. 120/Life is also backed by Cardiologist, Dr. Lowell Steen.  
     
    A recent study that found heart attacks in people ages 25 to 44 increased by 30%, this is the highest its ever been for this age group. There are many factors that may contribute to this, and that is why I am proposing a conversation around blood pressure and heart health for those who may have never experienced problems in the past, and/or might also be fit, and athletic. With the number of professional athletes experiencing heart issues, there is no better time than now to have this discussion and make it accessible for all. 

     
    Susan Schachter, MSRDN is co-founder of 120/Life, in-house nutrition expert, and author of the Circulatory blog. Susan is a Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, and Adjunct Professor of Nutrition, with over 20 years in the field. Susan stresses the value of synthesizing traditional approaches to health with alternative wisdom and thinking.
    8 ounces of Pow! from 6 natural ingredients. 120/Life blended them together into a super beverage proven to lower blood pressure—now with even more efficient delivery of nitrates and a better taste. The drink is delicious, not too tart and not too sweet, this is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
  • food,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Armored Fresh Enters Food Service Industry with Plant-Based Cheese Debut at Vegan Fast-Food Chain, Slutty Vegan!

    Food Tech Company, Armored Fresh, continues their US expansion with their debut into the food service industry with vegan fast-food chain, Slutty Vegan. The rapidly growing restaurant chain selected Armored Fresh’s Almond Milk American Slices to top their delicious meatless burgers and sandwiches, adding the same delicious taste, aroma, consistency, meltability as dairy cheese, which has long been considered technically difficult to implement in the vegan industry. As culinary disruptors in the vegan food industry, the pairing of Armored fresh and Slutty Vegan is a natural progression for both companies. Slutty Vegan has revolutionized vegan food culture by creating one-of-a-kind dishes adored by plant-based and meat-eaters alike, with celebrity fans including Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, and Queen Latifah. Slutty Vegan is making plant-based eating accessible, and delicious, and is proud to incorporate Armored Fresh’s American Slices in their cheeseburgers, which has proven to be a hit with their customers. According to YouGov’s poll of more than 9,000 Americans, 67% said cheese is the most popular burger topping (Source: YouGovAmerica). Armored Fresh is meeting this demand with a delicious almond-milk based alternative that is better for people and the planet.

    Through Armored Fresh’s research and development, the Almond Milk American Slices are sustainably crafted using an innovative formulation of plant based lactic acid, almond milk, and protein. Armored Fresh’s plant-based cheese has not only gained the attention of Slutty Vegan, but also consumers and investors at several large-scale trade shows, including CES, and funding of $23M to date. Armored Fresh, who is currently in 170 markets, is excited to bring their innovation to Slutty Vegan’s one-of-a-kind menu, which features plant-based patties, bratwurst, chicken, and vegan shrimp, bringing healthy and delicious alternatives to those avoiding meat. From a poll done in 2020 by ‘The Daily Meal’, 74% of Americans want a slice or two of cheese on their burger, and Armored Fresh is thrilled to provide their meltable American Slices at Slutty Vegan. Armored Fresh’s involvement with the popular restaurant chain follows the announcement of their online storefronts on ArmoredFresh.com and Amazon, offering nationwide shipping.

    Rudy Yoo, Founder and CEO of Armored Fresh said, “We are honored that Slutty Vegan selected Armored Fresh to top their carefully curated vegan burgers. With a mission to support our community and dedication to making plant- based alternatives accessible at the forefront of both brands, the partnership was a perfect match.”

    Armored Fresh is excited to enter the food service industry, as now more than ever restaurants in the US seek to apply plant-based alternative diets on their menu. In the last four years, plant-based menu items have increased by more than 60%, and in 2025 plant-based items are anticipated to be found on over 40% of restaurant menus (Source: Datassential).

    In addition to Slutty Vegan, Armored Fresh is available in over 100 regional supermarkets including Kroger, Key Foods, Met Fresh, C Town, City Acres, & Associated stores throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and launching soon on ArmoredFresh.com and Amazon.

    About Armored Fresh:

    Armored Fresh is the #1 Food Tech company in South Korea specializing in alternative dairy products. Armored Fresh’s innovative approach to plant-based cheese prioritizes consumers’ well-being + environmental footprint. At Armored Fresh, they make almond milk cheese that tastes great. Through their products, they are dedicated to protecting people and the environment with one tasty bite at a time. Better Choice. Greater Impact.