• food,  New York,  San Diego

    Food Tech Company, Armored Fresh, Makes Dairy-Free Cheese Accessible to Those in Need with Donation to City Harvest

    Food Tech Company, Armored Fresh, Makes Dairy-Free Cheese Accessible to Those in Need with Donation to City Harvest

    Food Tech Company Armored Fresh, who recently launched their ‘Tasty, Zero Dairy Cheese,’ have immediately attracted public attention with their delicious and healthy plant-based alternatives that protect people’s health and the environment. The company, which has rapidly grown due to their attendance at several large-scale trade shows, including CES, is proud to give back to the communities that have shown their love for Armored Fresh products and brand vision. To express their support to local communities in New York, the company is donating their plant-based cheese alternatives to local food banks. Most recently Armored Fresh donated eight pallets of its innovative Almond Milk Cheese Cubes in all flavors, Plain, Cheddar, and Blueberry to City Harvest, New York City’s first and largest food rescue organizations, in an effort to bring a healthy cheese alternative to those struggling to put food on the table, and who may suffer from a dairy allergy or sensitivity.

    Armored Fresh is excited to contribute to City Harvest, who will rescue 75 million pounds of food this year and deliver it, free of charge, to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens and other community partners across the five boroughs. The donation effort is a natural step for the fast-expanding food tech company as they continue to spread their mission of protecting the people’s health and the environment throughout the United States.

    Armored Fresh is available in over 100 regional New York City supermarkets including Key Foods, Met Fresh, C Town, City Acres, & Associated stores throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn with plans for national expansion.

    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, we make almond milk cheese that tastes great. Through our products, we are protecting people and the environment with one tasty bite at a time. Better Choice. Greater Impact.

  • food

    Spirits Trailblazer and New York Times Bestselling Author Sammy Hagar Shares His Favorite Cocktail Recipes in “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker,” Available Today

    Co-authored by James Beard Award-winning cookbook author,  James O. Fraioli
    and published by Skyhorse Publishing and Culinary Book Creations, 

    “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker,”
    is 
    available today at top retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target

     

    “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker,” the third book by legendary rocker, spirits trailblazer and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Sammy Hagar, is officially available today, Tuesday, March 29. Published by Skyhorse Publishing and Culinary Book Creations and co-authored with James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, James O. Fraioli, the book is available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and other top retailers.

    Hagar’s debut cocktail book brings his party rock anthem, “Mas Tequila!” to life with a collection of recipes paired with some of the Red Rocker’s greatest memories. “I wrote this book for the Redheads,” said Hagar of his dedicated fans. “I have been working and studying the art of making and drinking cocktails for decades now and have finally pulled together all of my favorites, my knowledge on how to do it, and what you need to throw the best parties with the best cocktails. I guarantee this is the only cocktail book you will ever need.”

    The collection of cocktail recipes are crafted with the Red Rocker’s award-winning spirits portfolio including Santo Tequila Reposado, Santo Tequila Blanco and Santo Mezquila, a partnership with bigger-than-life award-winning chef and TV personality, Guy Fieri; and Beach Bar Rum, a partnership with fellow GRAMMY award winner, Rick Springfield.

    Hagar’s longtime friend, Fieri wrote the forward for the book, in which he notes, “One of the greatest things about Sammy is how he loves to share all of these experiences with his friends, family and fans, and this book is a perfect example of that.” The recipes have earned praise, which are documented in the book, from famed foodies and rockstars alike. They include world-famous chefs Emeril Lagasse and Michael Mina, music legend, Toby Keith, Patrón Spirits founder, John Paul Dejoria and Campari Group Chairman, Luca Garavoglia.

    In addition to bartending basics and cocktail foundations, chapters of the book include: Splash of Aloha!, Hawaii’s coolest cocktails; Mas Tequila, South of the Border cocktails; Sinful Signatures, Vegas-inspired cocktails; Tinseltown Twists with Cleveland Pre-Funk, an original mix of Hollywood and Cleveland’s best cocktails; and Encore, more of Sammy’s personal favorites.

    Signature cocktail recipes include the Coconut Mojito, Maui Mama, Tiki Swizzle, Blanco Gimlet, Coco Loco, Coronarita, Santo Oaxaca, Santo Paloma, Brazilian Kiss, Vojito, Strawberry Surf, Black & Blue Lemonade, and more.

    Hagar created his Cabo Wabo Cantinas and Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grills as a place where people could hang out with their friends and families while enjoying cocktails and soaking up the unique cultures of the places he enjoys most; the recipes in Sammy’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker reflect those differences.

    “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker” is priced at $29.99 for hardcover and $19.99 on Kindle. Additional information is available at http://www.redrocker.com/cocktailhits.

    About Sammy Hagar:

    For more than four decades, Sammy Hagar has been recognized as one of the best and most accomplished lead singers and songwriters in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the seminal hard rock band Montrose, to his multi-platinum solo career, to his ride as the frontman of Van Halen, Chickenfoot and his latest best-selling supergroup The Circle, Hagar has amassed 25 Platinum albums on sales surpassing 50 million worldwide. Along his journey, he has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written with songs like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Right Now,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love” and earned the highest respect of the music industry with a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since launching his flagship Cabo Wabo Cantina, he’s turned a lifelong passion for great food, music and spirits into a thriving and iconic lifestyle brand that now encompass top-shelf labels, Cabo Wabo Tequila (sold in 2008), Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and Santo Tequila, as well as several restaurants. Never one to hit the brakes, Sammy’s also expanded his successes into publishing, TV, radio and beyond, including five seasons of his hit TV show “Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar” and as host of “Sammy Hagar’s Top Rock Countdown,” a weekly syndicated radio show broadcast airing on 90+ US stations. He’s also a #1 NYT bestselling author and dedicated philanthropist. Visit RedRocker.com for more information.

    About James O. Fraioli:

    James O. Fraioli is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. He has more than 40 published titles to his credit. His celebrated books have been featured on the Food Network, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and in O, The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, People, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. He is the founder and president of Culinary Book Creations. Visit www.culinarybookcreations.com.

  • food,  Health

    FoodTrients, the award-winning food website, lists the foods to eat for beautiful, healthy skin

    FoodTrients, the award-winning food website, lists the foods to eat for beautiful, healthy skin.
    Many of us spend hundreds of dollars each year on skincare products.  Products that say they will make us look younger, provide hydration and elasticity to our skin.  But what if you could achieve that without spending so much money?
    The age-old adage that you are what you eat is true, especially for your skin. Foods that are good for your skin help to hydrate and guard from environmental damage. Beneficial foods contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being hydrating and supporting wound healing.
    Grace O, cookbook author and founder of FoodTrients®, has compiled the ultimate list of foods that can enhance not only your health but also your skin with a holistic view of the many factors that support our largest organ.  Certain foods like melons, citrus, chile peppers, fish, and whole grains are full of “foodtrients” that promote beautiful skin, shiny hair, and strong nails.  Others include:
    Cabbage – All colors of cabbage contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Researchers have identified nearly 20 different antioxidant flavonoids and 15 different plant phenols in cabbage, all of which have demonstrated antioxidant activity that can support scavenging free radicals in the skin.
     
    Chia seeds – A plant-source of polyunsaturated fatty acids called omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds can support skin health. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the antioxidant defense system of the skin. Additionally, nuts and seeds including chia are rich sources of copper, another precursor to collagen production for skin health.
     
    Garlic – Part of the reason we see skin lose elasticity, resulting in sagging and wrinkles with ageing has to do with a process called glycation which is already well underway by early adulthood. High intake of sugar can speed this process while research has shown that certain herbs and spices including ginger and garlic can slow it.
     
    Spinach – Packed with antioxidant vitamins C and E as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, fresh spinach is a skin-supporting veggie. Another bonus, it is a good source of zinc so it really contains many of the most critical nutrients known to protect your skin.
     
     Green Tea – Packed full of antioxidants, namely epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg) a potent polyphenol, green tea is a friend to healthy aging. Studies indicate potential skin protective effects of consuming green tea, particularly in conjunction with protection against UV damage from the sun and for reducing inflammation.
     
     Oats – Another rich form of beta-glucans, oats are an important part of the diet for your skin. Studies have shown that beta-glucans support the skin in many ways including the reduction of wrinkles, wound healing, antioxidant activity, anti-UV and moisturizing effects.
    To view the complete list of FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods go to: https://www.foodtrients.com/beauty/top-50-foods-beautiful-skin/.  Watch this video to learn more, and read about the compounds that promote beauty in this story: Beauty Foods Help You Look Younger.
    As we head into spring, try this light and easy salad from Grace’s current cookbook Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World, that is not only healthy and delicious but contains many of the foods on our list that contribute to beautiful skin.
    Aztec Berry Salad with Chia Dressing
    SERVES 4
     
    The Aztecs recorded using chia seeds as far back as 1540. This colorful and refreshing salad is perfect for summer afternoons and evenings. Serve this salad as a starter, side dish, or light summer meal.
    Benefits
    Chia seeds provide energy in the form of healthy fats (including anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids) and plant-based protein. Fresh, seasonal berries provide a concentrated source of beneficial antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which improve capillary function in the brain, eyes, and skin.
    Gluten-Free
    Vegan if using maple syrup
    Vegetarian
    Ingredients
    For the salad
    2 cups (packed) roughly chopped baby spinach
    1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
    1 cup fresh blueberries
    1 cucumber, diced
    ½ cup sunflower kernels
    ¼ cup (loosely packed) chopped fresh basil leaves
    For the dressing
    2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
    Juice and zest of 1 lemon
    1 tsp. minced garlic
    1 Tbs. chia seeds
    1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
    1 Tbs. water
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    Procedure
    1. Combine salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
    3. Toss the salad with the dressing immediately before serving.
    Recipe and Photo may be reprinted with the following credit:
    ANTI-AGING DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
    By Grace O
    Skyhorse/August 2022
    Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. In 2011, Grace combined her entrepreneurial skills, her passion for the culinary arts, and her commitment to health by launching a new culinary brand, FoodTrients®, a non-profit website and cookbooks dedicated to the nutrients in foods that help prevent the diseases of aging. She is also the author of two award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life and The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World.  In 2022 she released her third cookbook, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.  For more information visit www.FoodTrients.com.
  • food,  San Diego

    Rubio’s to Host First-Ever Battle for the Best Fish Taco

    Does your recipe have what it takes to go head-to-head with the Original Fish Taco?

    Calling all fish taco lovers! Rubio’s Coastal Grill is holding their first-ever battle for the best fish taco. Taco fans, age 18 and over, from California, Arizona and Nevada, are encouraged to submit their best, original and most delicious fish taco recipes. Finalists will come to San Diego for the chance to win $1,000 and have their taco featured on Rubio’s menu.

    The window to submit online recipes, along with mouth-watering photos, is now —February 27. Next, the public will vote for the top three crave-worthy recipes. The three finalists will be invited to Rubio’s San Diego Test Kitchen during the week of April 17. While in San Diego, they will cook their fish tacos live for a panel of judges, including the man behind Rubio’s fish taco phenomenon, Ralph Rubio.

    “It’s Rubio’s 40th anniversary, and we’re looking forward to tasting some delicious and innovative fish taco recipes from our very own fans,” said Rubio’s Co-Founder, Ralph Rubio. “To this day, I remember that incredible bite of my first fish taco in San Felipe. It’s that same craveable ‘wow factor’ that we are looking for in our grand prize winner. Good luck!”

    Fish taco recipe submissions should fit in with the Rubio’s menu, and can include one protein of shrimp, mahi mahi or pollock. They should feature either corn, flour or keto tortillas, and can include any of Rubio’s ingredients plus up to three new ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.rubios.com/fish-taco-battle.

  • food,  San Diego

    Rubio’s Rebrands Restaurants with A Taste of Baja and New Dishes

    The home of The Original Fish Taco®, Rubio’s Coastal Grill, is celebrating their 40th anniversary by rebranding. The eatery’s new A Taste of Baja brand positioning captures Rubio’s craveworthy, Baja-inspired Mexican food, as well as the laid back, beachy Baja lifestyle.

    The new brand look combines creative inspiration from Rubio’s Baja roots with modern design influences, for an elevated take on the legacy of Rubio’s original taco stand. New restaurant signage features Mexican patterns, custom illustrations, quality ingredients and beachy coastal lifestyle cues. This month, all Rubio’s Coastal Grill locations will be debuting the refreshed store décor and packaging, plus offering new dishes that highlight the company’s commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood and the flavors of Baja. The limited-time menu will be available from February 15–May 31, and includes delicious shrimp dishes for Lent. The new dishes are:

    Baja Chimichurri Red Shrimp Bowl
    Wild-caught red shrimp, handmade guacamole, roasted corn, cotija, crisp shredded cabbage and garlic butter topped with the new chimichurri sauce made with cilantro, onion, garlic and jalapeno. Served on warm flour tortillas with “no-fried” pinto beans™ and tortilla chips.

    Baja Chimichurri Red Shrimp Two Taco Plate
    Wild-caught red shrimp, crisp romaine, citrus rice and black beans topped with handmade guacamole, roasted corn, cotija, and garlic butter topped with the new chimichurri sauce.

    Puerto Nuevo Burrito featuring Langostino Lobster
    Sustainably sourced, wild-caught Langostino Lobster, Mexican rice, pinto beans, drawn garlic butter, salsa fresca, chipotle picante and guacamole wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

    Rubio’s has locations across California, Arizona and Nevada. Guests are encouraged to order through the Rubio’s app or Rubios.com. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

  • food,  San Diego

    San Diego is the No. 13 Best City for Pizza Lovers

     

    There’s no better way to celebrate National Pizza Day on Feb. 9 than by chomping down on a big pizza pie.

    Which cities are serving up the best slice?

    LawnStarter compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities to rank 2023’s Best Cities for Pizza Lovers.

    To come up with the ranking, LawnStarter looked for cities with plenty of highly rated pizza vendors and award-winning pizzerias. LawnStarter also considered pizza affordability and popularity.

    New York stands tall in first place as the capital of the Pizza Belt and the nation’s pizza empire. All competition folds in the wake of the Big Pizza, which has more than a 40-point lead over the next-best city, San Francisco.

    New Yorkers might act superior about their slices, but they have good reason to. New York pizza vendors have a high average consumer rating, and they’re recognized internationally. Out of all U.S. cities, NYC had the most pizzerias included in Italy’s international pizza guide in recent years.

    Italian immigrants brought pizza to New York and America at the beginning of the 20th century, but you don’t have to stay in Little Italy to find a cheesy pie. You can’t go far in NYC without encountering one of more than 1,500 pizza vendors feeding the city.

    We all know Chicago (No. 3) serves iconic deep-dish pizza, but what about San Francisco (No. 2), Miami (No. 4), and Las Vegas (No. 5)?

    Each of these four cities baked their way into the top five, thanks to abundant Access and numerous Accolades. San Francisco beat out Chi-town with more affordable slices (when adjusted by income) and more pizzerias recognized by international pizza awards.

    If you prefer to judge pizza by consumers’ tastebuds, check out pizzerias in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Frisco, Texas; and California cities Oxnard and Chula Vista. These smaller cities stood out in Quality, with plenty of highly rated pizza vendors to pick from.

    Golden State cities spread out across our ranking, with two landing in our top 10 and four in our bottom 10. While it’s easy to find a decent pie in big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles (No. 6), and San Diego (No. 13), that’s not the case for smaller cities in California.

    Unfortunately, cities like Moreno Valley, Bakersfield, and Salinas, crisped to the bottom, along with Hayward in last place. These four cities dough not offer many impressive pizzerias, with some of the lowest rankings in Quality, Popularity, and Accolades. They also knead more options: Apart from Bakersfield, these places lack pizza vendors to choose from.

    For each of the 200 biggest U.S. cities, LawnStarter gathered publicly available data on the factors listed in the table below.

    LawnStarter then grouped those factors into five categories: Access, Quality, Accolades, Popularity, and Affordability.

    Next, they calculated weighted scores for each city in each category.

    Finally, they averaged the scores for each city across all categories.

    The city that earned the highest average score was ranked “Best” (No. 1), while the city with the lowest was ranked “Worst” (No. 200). (Note: The “Worst” among individual factors may not be 200 due to ties among cities.)

    How does San Diego stack up?

    San Diego’s Rank in Some Key Metrics (1st = Best)

    • Number of Pizza Vendors – 7th
    • Share of Highly Rated (4.5+ Stars) Pizza Vendors (With 10+ Reviews) – 22nd
    • Total Points for “Top 50 US Pizzas” Ranking (Past 3 Years) – 26th
    • Average Monthly Google Searches for Pizza-Related Keywords Over Past Year – 7th
    • Average Pizza Price (as % of Average Weekly Household Income) – 44th