Category Archives: Guest Series

and the Tiktoks continue!

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Yeah Yeah, I know.. What is he doing on TikTok? Well, it’s a great pastime, gives me a mental break and in the process, I have met some great folks. For instance the @FoodTokTV collaborative  I posted about earlier. These are all new people making my day brighter.

Other than that it’s business as usual. got to do a second guest spot on the podcast for the HPP Journal which was a lot of fun. That went live this week. Next week, I head back to Ptown for a spell to work on a project and enjoy some fall weather.


Got the house decorated for  Fall and Halloween ( yup.. early I know…. but what the hell)

Food Lover’s Guide to Eating in Manhattan

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Any true foodie will rejoice on a trip to Manhattan. This melting pot of cultures features the country’s most diverse dining landscape, making it easy to find something to satisfy any craving. Here are four types of cuisine to indulge in while in the Big Apple.

Asian Food

A rich history of immigration to the US by people from Asia has resulted in a significant Asian population in New York City. With this large population of Asian immigrants comes a host of opportunities to indulge in authentic cuisine over a wide range of cultural subsets. The best place to start your Asian cuisine exploration in New York City is in Chinatown. Simply take a stroll along Canal Street and you will be met with a host of restaurants to welcome you in for a fabulous meal. If you’re looking for a finer meal, Shanghai 21 is highly rated by customers as a quality restaurant with vegan options. If you’re looking for some cheaper Asian fare, Xi’an Famous Foods and Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles can both get you some quick yummy dumplings or soup for under $5.

Classic Steakhouses

There is no more quintessential New York City dining experience than enjoying a steak dinner in one of the area’s many classic steakhouses. These traditional steakhouses harken back to the old days with their leather furnishings, wood trim, and soft lighting. Popular places to consider for your meal include Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Delmonico’s, Peter Luger’s, and Smith & Wollensky. Any of these upscale joints will provide the best cuts of meat paired with all of the traditional steakhouse sides.

Bar Food

New York’s lively nightlife and bar scene translate to a cornucopia of bar food goodness. With so many options, you are never more than a short distance away from an amazing gastropub. Some of the best choices to consider include The Spotted Pig in the West Village, Ousia in trendy Hell’s Kitchen, Pier A Harbor House in Battery Park City, and Bolton & Watt in the East Village. If taking an Uber home, be advised that ride-share fare may increase during inclement weather, so plan your transportation carefully.

Italian Cuisine

For the most amazing Italian food in the states, be sure to head to New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood. Savvy travelers will check out the welcoming atmosphere and fabulous food at places such as Da Nico, Angelo’s of Mulberry Street, and Il Cortile. After you have noshed on fresh pasta and pizza, you are going to want to leave time to explore this lovely district with a cone of genuine gelato. If you’re looking for some good, cheap pizza on the go, however, you might want to stop by Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village or one of the surrounding locations.

Manhattan is not just a place to sightsee. You should prepare your taste buds to be met with an explosion of flavors with a trip to Manhattan. This bustling city will leave your stomach full and your heart happy.

How to Find Healthy Eating Options in Texas

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Finding healthy food can be a challenge when in Texas. A fondness for deep-fried dishes with lots of butter means you have to know where to look for healthy food when visiting the Lone Star State. Luckily, there are options.

Avoid Southern Fried Foods

Fried food is a staple in the South, and it’s easy to see this when you look at a menu. Fried chicken, chicken fried steak, and even fried vegetables are the norm. Consuming too much-fried food is not good for your body. High in calories and fat and loaded with salt, fried food can contribute to high cholesterol and health problems. You are also more likely to gain weight on a diet full of fried food, and that leaves you open to a variety of other health issues. If possible, avoid any food that says it has been fried. Opt for options that have been prepared in a different way.

Look for Local

Not every local restaurant will offer healthy food, but local places usually know more about what is in the food they serve. They may also be willing to work with you to create a meal that fulfills your hopes since they have more freedom than a chain. Search for local restaurants that focus on healthy eating. Even in the South, places like this exist. The food will also likely taste better due to the freshness of the ingredients.

Restaurant Research

Doing your homework beforehand can help you locate healthy eating options. You can use the internet to research local restaurants near the airport in your destination city. This will keep you from choosing a restaurant without any healthy options on the menu. Online reviews are a great way to find out what a restaurant has to offer. Customers often mention diets that restaurants cater to, whether you are looking for Paleo, gluten-free, or vegan options. You can also check a restaurant’s website and peruse the menu. Call before you arrive if you still have questions.

Stick to What You Know

Retailers like Whole Foods offer healthy food that is already prepared. You can enjoy choices from the salad area or purchase an already cooked chicken to consume. The ingredients are listed, and healthy grocers are known for having options that other stores or restaurants may not. If you want to put together a delicious meal on your own, simply head to a healthy grocer and buy what fits in with your diet.

When traveling, it may seem like an impossible task to eat healthy, but there are options out there that can help you to stick to your diet. Eating healthy doesn’t have to take a vacation just because you are visiting another state. Even a place like Texas has eating choices for anyone concerned about wellness.

If you’re traveling to Texas, check out these destinations!

Can I Drive a Car After Nibbling on CBD Edibles?

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CBD oil has become wildly popular of late, with nearly 1 in 7 Americans trying the compound. However, since it is so new, there is a wide degree of misinformation about its impacts. For example, many are confused about if CBD has any intoxicating effects, and whether or not you can even drive while using CBD oil, a question which could have a major impact on your travel plans.

Nature of CBD

As long as it is made legally, CBD will contain, at the most, .3 percent THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the chemical in marijuana responsible for intoxication). As such, it is impossible to get high while using CBD, and you should not feel anything close to intoxication. Indeed, CBD is not a drug like marijuana. Instead, it alters the functioning of your body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoid system. This can have an impact on a variety of bodily functions, including pain, appetite, fatigue, and more.

Sensitivity of Drug Testing

If you are pulled over and suspected of being under the influence of marijuana, you’ll be given a drug test. It is extremely unlike that CBD will result in you testing positive, but it is possible. This depends on a variety of factors, including how recently you consumed the CBD, your previous history with cannabis, your metabolism, height, weight and the sensitivity of the drug test.

Local Laws

Keep in mind that some states have specific laws regarding CBD and whether or not it is legal to consume or possess. While it is legal in most states in America, and at the federal level, you should always check local laws before consuming or purchasing CBD. Just imagine during your commute getting arrested for DUI, it is something you don’t want on your record—getting a DUI ruins lives. This is very important and particularly if you travel abroad, as many countries have not yet legalized CBD.

Other Medications

One of the key aspects about CBD to keep in mind is that it can cause your liver to absorb more of a medication that may be designed by the medication’s creators, or even than is healthy for your body. This tends to cause the effects of medication on your body to be exaggerated. As such, if you take medications that have sedative effects, taking CBD may enhance those effects and make you an unsafe driver.

You should always use caution when consuming any new substance, including CBD. Check with your doctor or other medical professionals to make sure that your CBD consumption is safe while you travel on the road.

Planning a road trip soon? Check out these tips for eating healthily while you travel.

3 Southern Cities That Are Making It Big on the Craft Beer Scene

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Move over, San Francisco, Fort Worth and Boston. There are some new craft brewery cities on the block, and they’re making a huge difference in how and what you drink.

Asheville, NC

Asheville is relatively new to the craft beer scene, but it has quickly become a mecca for beer lovers. According to SMBYO, the craft beer industry in Asheville is booming and has more craft beer breweries than any other city in the country with some serving almost every style of beer. Many consider Asheville’s Wicked Weed Brewing Company to be the best of the best. They opened their doors in 2012 with 25 unique beers and have expanded to four brewing locations and three taprooms. In 2014, the company opened the Funkatorium, which is a taproom dedicated to serving their infamous sour beers. Some of the top-rated beers in the state include Wicked Weed’s Golden Angel, Red Angel and Angel of Darkness American ales. Other popular breweries in Asheville include Burial Beer Company, Pisgah Brewing Company, and Highland Brewery.

Louisville, KY

Louisville is not just known for its whiskeys. It features a growing craft beer industry that offers consistently great tasting brews. The area boasts an impressive 21 breweries. Many of the beers have flavors crafted from local ingredients, giving them a uniqueness that can only be found in Louisville. The oldest and largest brewery is the Bluegrass Brewing Company. Their main location is in a historic downtown building that offers tours and tastings. Their most popular beers include an American Pale Ale, Dark Star Porter and German Altbier. They also pour bourbon barrel-aged brews. Falls City Beer is the official beer of the Kentucky Derby and serves its Extra Special English Pale Ale, Hipster Repellent and Wheat Ale in a newly opened location. Apocalypse Brewery brews its beers in a facility with solar-powered water and recycled equipment. Its 10 beers include the popular Irish Red Rapture, R.I.P. Rye and Dystopian Dunkle.

Nashville, TN

According to Maple Ridge Events, craft breweries are popping up all over the Music City and provide unique options to locals and tourists alike. Bearded Iris Brewing serves some of the best beers in the state. Its variety and use of hops and other ingredients are evident in its Attention Please, Homestyle and Double Scatterbrain IPAs. Wiseacre Brewing has the top-rated Astronaut Status Imperial Stout. Yazoo Brewing Company’s Hefeweizen won a gold medal at the 2003 Great American Beer Festival.

Next time you’re in the southern part of the U.S., make an effort to stop in one of these cities to enjoy a beer. You’ll be glad you did.

Here’s another article you might like: The Best Cities in Colorado for Food Lovers

The Best Cities in Colorado for Food Lovers

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The state of Colorado is more than just an outdoor lover’s paradise. This diverse state offers a host of exciting dining options that are just waiting to be explored. Before you set off on your Rocky Mountain adventure, be sure to consider where you want to stop for meals. Here three of the best cities in Colorado for food lovers.

Denver

As the capital of the state of Colorado, Denver boasts a vibrant art and cultural scene that perfectly complements its wide array of distinctive restaurants. Denver’s oldest restaurant is the Buckhorn Exchange, making it a must-see destination when visiting the Mile High City. This restaurant is a National Historic Landmark and Western Museum, and it’s been dishing up steaks and seafood since 1893. For a variety of choices, One Day Itinerary recommends heading to the renovated Denver Union Station, where visitors enjoy a wide selection of restaurants with communal seating. Denver Biscuit Company is a great place to fuel up on breakfast before you head up to the mountains for a day of adventure. Located in a converted gas station, Root Down is a trendy farm-to-table experience, serving up myriad sustainable dishes that cater to nearly any dietary restriction.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a mecca for outdoor recreational enthusiasts. According to Avis, there are lots of things to do near Colorado Springs, including mountain biking, hiking, and camping. All of this activity certainly works up an appetite, and Colorado Springs delivers. This city loves its microbrews, and the Phantom Canyon is the perfect place to indulge yourself with a variety of beers brewed on-premise and paired with delicious pub food. Paravicini’s Italian Bistro is an ideal place to carb-load before heading out on a long bike ride or hike. This rustic trattoria specializes in classic Italian fare served with homemade sauces.

Boulder

Located in the shadow of the Flatiron Mountains, Boulder is the quintessential college town. The heart and soul of Boulder is the popular Pearl Street Mall. This pedestrian mall is lined with many of the city’s best restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to go when hunger strikes. Oak offers locally sourced cuisine in one of the trendiest spots in Boulder. Or, try local favorite Pasta Jay’s and its many handmade pasta and sauces for a superior comfort meal. 

With so many varied options to choose from, it is easy to find something to satiate your hunger in Colorado. Don’t be afraid to travel off of the beaten path to explore all that this state has to offer.

Headed to Alabama next? Take this guide with you.

How to Create a Paleo Food Storage

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Although most diet trends come and go, it is clear that the paleo diet is here to stay. Focusing on foods that are not processed, this diet delivers a nutritious dose of everything that your body needs for optimal health. Because of its reliance on whole foods, it can be challenging to keep your paleo-approved foods fresh. Here are three ways that you can solve your paleo food storage needs:

Stock Up on Non-Perishables

Although people generally think of highly processed foods as being the only non-perishable foods available, there are actually a host of healthy foods that you can keep on hand for months. Examples of paleo-friendly foods that are good to have around for your last-minute meal and snacking needs include nuts, trail mix, seeds, and dried jerky meats. Freeze-dried fruit also makes a healthy snack while delivering a nutritional punch. Having a host of non-perishable foods available that are approved for the paleo diet will help you to avoid temptation as you stick to your meal plans.

Canning

Although it may seem daunting, canning food is actually easier than you think. Once you get the hang of this process, you will love the convenience that it provides when you need a vegetable or fruit and do not have anything fresh on hand. Learning how to can will also allow you to preserve your fresh fruit and vegetables at their maximum ripeness. According to Regenerative, this is a great way to preserve food in season for later use. Building up your canning stockpile will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you always have a paleo-friendly side dish ready to serve.

Sealing for Long-Term Storage

If you are serious about your paleo food storage, freezing sealed meals in bags is the ideal way to solve your needs. According to Vacuum Sealers Unlimited, chamber vacuum sealers allow you to seal anything, including soups and liquids. With this method of food storage, you can set aside a day to make a variety of homemade soups, stews, and other liquids to store in bags. With the right equipment and technique, you can safely store this food for months. There is nothing better than coming home from a long day at work knowing that you have a paleo-approved meal waiting for you in your freezer.

Adopting a healthy diet like the paleo diet is an important part of helping yourself to have a healthful lifestyle. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to store paleo foods that you can have on hand to eat anywhere you go. Once you get the hang of storing your paleo foods, the diet will become much easier to follow. You owe it to your health to make a commitment to this nutritious way of living.

Small-Town Food Festivals in October You Need to Visit

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Autumn is almost here, and there’s nothing better than welcoming the new season by enjoying the cool, crisp fall air while sipping some warm apple cider with your loved ones. Getting to your favorite festival is as important as choosing which one to attend. Make travel reservations ahead of time so that you can soak up every minute of seasonal fun. With a variety of exciting contests, shows, and delicious food selections to choose from, each of the following October food festivals is guaranteed to be a hit.   

Milford Pumpkin Festival

Pumpkins are at the heart of autumn, and the Milford Pumpkin Festival—which takes place in Milford, New Hampshire, from October 11th to 13th—promises to illuminate the night with the Town Hall pumpkin-lighting ceremony and other festive events. If you’re flying, Manchester-Boston airport is the closest to the festival just 18 miles away. 

Apple Scrapple Festival

The Apple Scrapple Festival on October 11th and 12th in Bridgeville, Delaware, is a great event for the whole family, whether you’re local or planning to travel there. For those planning to fly, the closest airport to Bridgeville is the Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport that is only 33 miles away, so get your car rental reservations ready to arrive at the festival in comfort and style. If you’re going to have more than one driver, remember that adding additional drivers to a rental car costs more, with some exceptions. 

Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-Off

Get ready to sample a wide variety of some of the tastiest homemade chili in the country at the Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-Off in Custer, South Dakota. A rip-roaring good time is what you’ll get as seasoned cooks compete for top chili-cook honors. The chili is worth traveling the distance, with the closest airport 49 miles away at the Rapid City Regional Airport. 

Taste of Brunswick Festival

If you’re in the neighborhood or just up for an adventure, the Taste of Brunswick Festival in Alberta, Virginia, on October 12th, is an autumn delight. You’ll thoroughly enjoy your time tasting delectable stews in the annual stew-master cook-off, going on a hayride, and enjoying a variety of fun activities and events. If you’re flying in for the festival, the closest airport to Alberta is the Richmond International Airport, which is 65 miles away.

Festivals are the perfect autumn events for getting you into the cozy vibe of the season, and no matter which festival strikes your fancy, you’ll have a great time.

If you are looking for some seasonal fall food that you can enjoy at home, try this recipe for Sweet & Smoky Butternut Squash, Apple, and Carrot Soup.

Fish: The Benefits and Possible Risks

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Increasing your fish intake is good for your heart and can reduce your risk of cancer. However, some fish can contain high levels of toxins. If the fish that you like to eat enjoys dining on other fish, their flesh will have a higher toxin load by the time it gets to your plate. Fatty fish and predators are the fish that have the highest risk of transferring toxins to you. These are a few tips to make sure that you’re getting the healthiest portion of fish.

Health Benefits

The primary health benefit of eating fish a few times a week, especially in place of red meat or fowl, is that it increases your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. This can reduce your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. A diet that contains regular intake of fish can also lower your risk of cancer and of developing Alzheimer’s. Fish is also an excellent source of low-fat protein and can even help you recover after a hard workout. Many women who suffer from severe cramps or PMS find that increasing their intake of healthy fish lessens their symptoms.

The Risks

While fish are known for mercury contamination, it’s important to consider the food chain when deciding what fish to eat. While fish is the most significant food source of mercury, a diet high in shark meat contains a lot more toxins than a diet high in salmon. Toxins build up in the tissues of predatory fish, which are fish who feast on other fish. Stay low on the food chain, and focus on shrimp, scallops and other mollusks, haddock, and trout.

Good Fish vs. Bad Fish

To limit your exposure to these toxins, carefully monitor what fish you consume. If you keep canned tuna in your cupboard, make sure you eat more canned light than canned albacore tuna. In fact, testing indicates that albacore tuna contains more than twice the amount of this toxin found in light canned tuna. You can safely eat two to three servings a week of salmon. While wild salmon has a slightly lower mercury count than farmed salmon, both types of harvesting show low levels of this toxin. Many diners find that wild-caught salmon simply tastes better. If you don’t like the smell of fish in your house after cooking, try using farm-raised salmon.

A diet high in fish is generally a healthy choice, but your geographic location may make it difficult for you to purchase healthy fresh fish. Flash-frozen fish is often a more cost-effective option if you live in a land-locked region. While nothing that you do to a piece of fish in the preparation stage can reduce the amount of mercury in it, you can improve the flavor and texture of frozen fish by thawing it gently in a bowl of cold water over the course of the day. This will keep the flesh tender as it thaws. Then you can prepare it as you would any fresh piece of fish.

Here’s another article we think you’ll enjoy: Top 3 Seafood Restaurants in Alabama

Supper Time in Dixie: Southern Food You Have to Try in Alabama

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The South is known for comfort food, and Alabama is no exception. The state has many restaurants that focus on cooking classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken, cheese grits, cornbread, and cobblers. There are also plenty of places to visit if you want an innovative take on Southern cuisine. The following information can help you enjoy the culinary offerings while visiting the state of Alabama.

Alabama Culture

Culture and food are closely linked in Alabama. Many recipes for regional classics have been passed down through the generations. Most popular Alabama dishes are made up of simple ingredients, like fresh vegetables, locally caught seafood, and homemade bread. This stems from times in Alabama’s history when funds for buying lots of ingredients were scarce. People had to become creative about making simpler food with fewer ingredients. The unique part about food in this state is the cooking process, which was brought in from the first immigrants to the area. Over the years, techniques and ingredients have changed very little, which leaves Alabama with a strong food-related heritage.

Southern Style Food

You’ll never look far for a delicious meal because Alabama is particularly  known for its Southern cuisine. Some of the revered local dishes include fried chicken, okra, and mashed potatoes with gravy. Many restaurants in Alabama serve classic Southern dishes with their own twist to give diners a unique culinary experience. Comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, fried seafood, and cornbread are also common in many of the state’s restaurants. You can often find different versions from each chef who prepares these well-known foods.

Restaurants to Check Out

The state of Alabama has many wonderful restaurants where you can try traditional Southern food or modern takes on these well-known dishes. If you find yourself in the Birmingham area, you may want to visit Highlands Bar and Grill or Hot and Hot Fish Club, both of which create modern dishes with a Southern flair. The Gulf Coast is full of amazing seafood restaurants, like Fisher’s in Orange Beach. No trip to Northern Alabama would be complete without a visit to Simp McGhee’s in Decatur and Cotton Row in Hunstville.

 

One of the best things about visiting Alabama is sampling some of the dishes the area is known for. Southern cuisine is often known for foods that are cooked low and slow to increase the flavor. But there are also many restaurants in Alabama that take the state’s culture into consideration while putting a modern spin on those classic dishes.