Charcoal Storage Bag

America’s Test Kitchen recently reviewed the Charcoal Storage Bag by The Companion Group and were impressed with the bags ability to not only store charcoal…but store it well! They tested it by leaving it outside for several MONTHS through a horrific New England winter and the bag did the job!

Splash-Proof Super-Fast Thermapen

Don’t let the color throw you off, it comes in 10 different colors and with 5 stars and 550 reviews it’s no wonder it’s so popular!

The American Craft Beer Cookbook: 155 Recipes from Your Favorite Brewpubs and Breweries

Perfect for the All-American dad that loves a good beer and pub food! Whether he’s cooking in the kitchen or making requests, pre-order this book for Dad!

Corkcicle Chillsner Beer Chiller

Speaking of Pop and beer check out these one of a kind in-bottle beer chillers! They’ll keep dear old dad’s beer cold from the first sip to the last, simply freeze, insert into any bottled beer and drink right through the Chillsner.

The Godfather Classic Quotes

Who’s dad doesn’t quote the Godfather? “Leave the gun, take the cannolis!” And this book!

Kebo One-Handed Bottle Opener

A great gift, especially for new dads who have their hands full, give them this beer opener that only requires one hand! Whether your dad is a multi-tasker, or he just likes to open his Mexican Coke with ease, this is a fun gift for Pop!

Logitech Harmony Touch Universal Remote with Color Touchscreen

Who doesn’t get frustrated with having a different remote for the TV, cable, Roku, Apple TV, PS3, Xbox 360, and everything else?! Syncs with 15 devices at a time, set 50 channel favorites, and it comes with its own charging station so you no longer have to find batteries when the remote stops working!

Mercedes Benz Wine Stoppers

If dad is into cars (and wine…or olive oils), get him a Mercedes Benz Wine Stoppers! (Or the car of his choice…or a gear shift stopper)!

Handcrafted Soapstone Whisky Chilling Rocks

Set of 9 stones and storage pouch, made of natural soapstone. Dad can chill whisky and spirits without diluting, all he has to do is freeze for 4-hour before using.

Coleman Road Trip Grill LXE

On Amazon this puppy has four and a half stars after 462 reviews! Coleman has made a 36-inch collapsible propane grill for use at home or on the road. Easy to pull out onto the porch or tailgating before the big game.

What else are you getting dad this year? Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, especially mine! I love you Dad! (These gifts are more for the masses…my dad is happy when I bring home a clean bill of health – literally! Showing him my health assessments is all he really wants or needs.) J

It also always means more to me when I get to know the chefs of local restaurants more personally, which if you’ve met Chef John Russ, is very easy to do!  I actually first met him at the beginning of this year during the San Antonio Cocktail Conference, when Luke was one of three stops on the Riverboat cruise (another fabulous cause!).  Having not seen a picture of him, and apparently not eating at Luke since Chef Steve McHugh left in September 2012 to focus on his own restaurant…I started chatting up the guy shucking oysters, shooting the breeze about how fabulous the oysters were and to keep them coming.  At some point I asked him what it was like with the new executive chef…if he missed McHugh or was the new guy as good as I heard?  Well, thank goodness I had heard only good things!  Turns out the chef is a man of the people, happy to talk to the restaurant’s guests shucking oysters!  I thought, “Wow what a humble guy!”

I learned that he was from NOLA, where he had met Chef John Besh and worked with him at August (’nuff said!)  He’s got lots planned for the restaurant this year, will continue cooking up great meals and supporting not only great nonprofit, local causes but especially our local farmers.  Having met a lot of the local farmers myself at the Pearl Farmers Market, I knew exactly who he was talking about when he would mention where the pork (South Texas Heritage Pork) and strawberries (Oak Hills Farms in Poteet, TX) came from.  He actually went as far as to change the planned five course dinner because Fredericksburg, TX peaches came into season, just in time.

My sister who in recent years is a MILLION times more adventurous than the shell of a foodie she once was, enjoyed all the courses too (a test for the reformed picky eater…)  We loved each perfectly paired course with the refreshing Texas wine from the Duchman family (more about them later.)

Pop Up Dinners!

Be sure to become a fan of Luke San Antonio on Facebook here!  They have a fantastic private dining area that has a clear view into their main kitchen.  When the space isn’t booked for events on Fridays and Saturdays, the chef will prepare a unique tasting menu and post it, pop up style, the day of on their social media accounts!  (You can subscribe to alerts from a specific Facebook page by hovering over the Like button and then selecting “receive notifications”.)  Thanks Justin Solomon, the incredible front house man, for the tip!

Check him out his tweets, @johnny_russ and his drool worthy pictures on Instagram.

Reception
Flammenkucken
Viognier

1st Course
‘Sweet Heat’, Marinated Gulf Coast Shrimp,
Pickled Grape Tomatoes, Fried Garlic, Spanish Olive Oil, Ms. Julies’ Pea Greens
Vermentino

2nd Course
Charred Bandera Quail, Fredericksburg Peaches
Spiced Pecans, Goat Milk Ricotta, Local Lettuces
Aglianico

3rd Course
Roasted Cabrito, Eggplant Confit
Heirloom Tomato and Sweet Pea Ragout, Sea Island Peas
Dolcetto

4th Course
Ms. Cora’s Strawberries
Crumbled Amoretti, Mascarpone
Canto Felice

Safe and Well is owned by the Red Cross and allows victims to list themselves as safe and their families to search for them.  Those who have received texts from survivors who don’t have internet  access are encouraged to complete the registry for them.

Shelter has been opened by the Red Cross at the St. Andrews Church, SW 119 Street & S May Avenue.

Visit the disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance.  FEMA provides detailed information about Federal Aid programs for the state of Oklahoma Disaster Recovery includes:

• Home repair grants
• Rental payments for temporary housing
• Small business and farmers/ranchers repair loans
• Counties include Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie

Details on @FEMA and on Facebook

Help Tornado Victims

A lot of people are asking how can they help?

People who wish to make a donation can support American Red Cross Disaster Relief:

• redcross.org
• 1-800-REDCROSS
• Texting “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• Red Cross OK Facebook page

The Red Cross also lists ways you can support long term by donating blood, money, ways to organize fundraisers, and more!

Salvation Army OKC

With so many people left in the wake of devastation, please consider donating either financially or things that people might need in the event of a disaster.

• Updates from @Salvationarmyok on Twitter
• Facebook page
• Text “STORM” to 80888 for $10 donations
• Donate online here and designate “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” on any check

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is also looking for donations online or by texting “FOOD” to 32333 (for a $10 donation)

• @rfbo on Twitter
  
• Facebook page

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief has additional details here.

Social Media Updates

Keep track of the latest news with updates from the social media accounts of the City of Moore, OK, the City of Oklahoma, and the Red Cross Oklahoma City…all of which are actively posting responses and help.

Tweets by @cityofmoore

Tweets by @cityofokc

Tweets by @redcrossokc

Google Crisis Map of Moore, OK

TED is a non-profit devoted to “ideas worth spreading” and you can find literally thousands of free–inspiring and awesome–talks from experts and innovators around the world. Food Tank has highlighted 24 TED talks specifically around food issues.

• TED Talk Themes:  Food Matters (25 videos)
• TED Talk Tag:  Food (39 videos)

1. Roger Thurow: The Hungry Farmer – My Moment of Great Disruption
Roger Thurow, author of The Last Hunger Season: A Year in an African Farm Community on the Brink of Change, talks about the smallholder farmers of Africa and the potential for good news in agricultural development.

2. Mark Bittman: What’s Wrong with What We Eat
In this fiery and funny talk, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman weighs in on what’s wrong with the way we eat now (too much meat, too few plants; too much fast food, too little home cooking), and why it’s putting the entire planet at risk.

3. Anna Lappé: Marketing Food to Children
Author and activist Anna Lappe takes on the billion-dollar business of marketing junk food, soda, and fast food to children and teens. With diet-related related illnesses alarmingly on the rise, pervasive marketing of junk food to kids is downright dangerous.

4. Ellen Gustafson: Obesity + Hunger = 1 Global Food Issue
Co-creator of the philanthropic FEED bags, Ellen Gustafson says hunger and obesity are two sides of the same coin. At TEDxEast, she launches The 30 Project — a way to change how we farm and eat in the next 30 years, and solve the global food inequalities behind both epidemics.

5. Tristram Stuart: The Global Food Waste Scandal
Western countries throw out nearly half of their food, not because it’s inedible — but because it doesn’t look appealing. Tristram Stuart delves into the shocking data of wasted food, calling for a more responsible use of global resources.

6. Brian Halweil: From New York to Africa: Why Food Is Saving the World
Long live the Food Movement! Brian Halweil, publisher of “Edible Manhattan,” discusses the problems with the global food system and the solutions he’s found cropping up everywhere.

7. Fred Kaufman: The Measure of All Things
Professor Frederick Kaufman from the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism discusses the major research projects currently underway to develop actual metrics to define what sustainable food is.

8. LaDonna Redman: Food + Justice = Democracy
LaDonna Redmond joined the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in 2011 as the Senior Program Associate in Food and Justice. A long-time community activist, she has successfully worked to get Chicago Public Schools to evaluate junk food, launched urban agriculture projects, started a community grocery store, and worked on federal farm policy to expand access to healthy food in low-income communities.

9. Jose Andres: Creativity in Cooking Can Solve Our Biggest Challenges?
A native of Spain, José Andrés is chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup, and is responsible for Washington’s popular and award-winning dining concepts Jaleo, Zaytinya, Oyamel, America Eats Tavern and the critically-acclaimed minibar by josé andrés.

10. Jamie Oliver’s TED Prize Wish: Teach Every Child About Food?
Sharing powerful stories from his anti-obesity project in Huntington, W. Va., TED Prize winner Jamie Oliver makes the case for an all-out assault on our ignorance of food.

11. Dan Barber: How I Fell in Love with a Fish?
Chef Dan Barber squares off with a dilemma facing many chefs today: how to keep fish on the menu. With impeccable research and deadpan humor, he chronicles his pursuit of a sustainable fish he could love, and the foodie’s honeymoon he’s enjoyed since discovering an outrageously delicious fish raised using a revolutionary farming method in Spain.

12. Carolyn Steel: How Food Shapes Our Cities?
Every day, in a city the size of London, 30 million meals are served. But where does all the food come from? Architect Carolyn Steel discusses the daily miracle of feeding a city, and shows how ancient food routes shaped the modern world.

13. Ann Cooper: Lunch Lessons: Changing the Way We Feed Our Children?
Chef Ann Cooper is a celebrated author, chef, educator, and enduring advocate for better food for all children. Ann is Director of Food Services for the Boulder Valley School District. She is co-founder of Lunch Lessons LLC and the Food Family Farming Foundation(F3)’s Lunch Box Project: Healthy Tools for All schools. F3 is also the managing partner of the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative, working to donate 6,000 salad bars to schools by 2013.

14. Ron Finley: A Guerrilla Gardener in South Central L.A.
Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where “the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys.”

15. Tama Matsuoka Wong: How I Did Less and Ate Better, Thanks to Weeds
Tama Matsuoka Wong is a professional forager and the principal of MeadowsandMore, which she founded to connect people with wild plants and natural landscapes. She won the New Jersey Forest Stewardship Award in 2007 for her work on stewarding her own property in western New Jersey. She collaborated with New Jersey Audubon on producing a booklet Meadows on the Menu about how to work with nature to turn lawns or fallow fields in to meadows.

16. Stephen Ritz: Green Bronx Machine: Growing Our Way Into a New Economy?
Stephen Ritz is a South Bronx teacher/administrator. With the help of extended student and community family they have grown over 25,000 pounds of vegetables in the Bronx while generating extraordinary academic performance. His Bronx classroom features the first indoor edible wall in NYC DOE which routinely generates enough produce to feed 450 students healthy meals and trains the youngest nationally certified workforce in America.

17. Angela Morelli: The Global Water Footprint of Humanity
Angela Morelli is an Italian information designer based in London. Her love of mathematics led to an engineering degree from the Politecnico of Milan. Her love of design led to a long journey through industrial, communication and information design. Her love for the planet led to a strong passion for global water issues. Her love for science led to dialogues and collaborations with research and commercial organisations in Europe.

18. Birke Baehr: What’s Wrong With Our Food System
Baehr, at just 11 years old at the time of this talk, presents the most glaring problems in our food system with the directness that, truly, only a child could do. He gives hope that future generations will really lead the charge in changing the food system: “Now a while back, I wanted to be an NFL football player. I decided that I’d rather be an organic farmer instead.”??

19. Graham Hill: Why I’m a Weekday Vegetarian
We all know the arguments that being vegetarian is better for the environment and for the animals — but in a carnivorous culture, it can be hard to make the change. Graham Hill has a powerful, pragmatic suggestion: Be a weekday veg.

20. Joel Salatin: Thinking About Soil?
Organic farmer and author Joel Salatin delivers a passionate talk about treating farmland with care to ensure the most optimal food production and nutrition.

21. Roger Doiron: A Subversive Plot?
Roger Doiron is founding director of Kitchen Gardeners International, a network of people taking a hands-on approach to re-localizing the global food supply. Doiron is an advocate for new policies, technologies, investments, and fresh thinking about the role of gardens.

22. Britta Riley: A Garden in My Apartment
Britta Riley wanted to grow her own food (in her tiny apartment). So she and her friends developed a system for growing plants in discarded plastic bottles — researching, testing and tweaking the system using social media, trying many variations at once and quickly arriving at the optimal system.

23. Arthur Potts Dawson: A Vision for Sustainable Restaurants
If you’ve been in a restaurant kitchen, you’ve seen how much food, water and energy can be wasted there. Chef Arthur Potts-Dawson shares his very personal vision for the waste-free restaurant — recycling, composting, sustainable engines for good (and good food).

24. Ken Cook: Turning the Farm Bill into the Food Bill?
President of the Environmental Working Group, Ken Cook, discusses the Farm Bill, the massive subsides paid to industrial farmers and how we can all act to help advocate and improve this important legislation.

With Mother’s Day rapidly approaching, I wanted to come up with a recommended list of Foodie Mother’s Day gift ideas that are all available on Amazon Prime for immediate shipping! I tried to think outside the normal Mother’s Day box with things I have purchased for myself and loved, or received great recommendations for.

Prepara Herb Savor

I really like the following two items because they really extend the life of your herbs!  It says it also works with asparagus but I have not tried that yet…very easy to clean!

Prepara Herb Savor Pods, Set of 3

Growbottle – Basil

This is a special gift for anyone that is saving an empty bottle of wine from a special occasion.  Sometimes the bottle itself is too cute to recycle.  This is an awesome way to upcycle it and made it into a perfect herb garden.

Gourmet Korean Barbeque Insert

You don’t have to be Korean to appreciate this grill enhancer!  Bulgogi is thinly sliced marinated beef, charred on the grill.  This device sits on top of the grill to perfectly cook the meet and catch drippings from the marinade!

Lodge Logic Cast-iron Skillet

Everyone needs a good cast-iron skillet (fried chicken anyone?!) and this one comes very highly recommended!  For under $20 this is a steal.

Hand – Harvested Pinot Noir Flake Sea Salt

Sea salt can finish any savory or sweet dish with the perfect taste.  Harvested in Oregon, this natural ingredient is a crowd pleaser!

3-Pack of Organic Seed Bombs (Edible Flowers, Salad Greens, and Herbs)
For the chef that love to use fresh herbs, encourage them to grow their own with these “throw and grow” balls that require no digging.

My Life in France by Julia Child

The next two foodie gift recommendations are books.  Read this one over my honeymoon and devoured it before landing in the Dominican Republic!  An enjoyable read by Julia Child about the events leading up to whom she was meant to be!

Ad Hoc at Home

Arguably the best chef in America, Thomas Keller’s “Ad Hoc at Home” is a beautiful cookbook accessible to the masses.  He goes into great, patient details about how to prepare the best fried chicken, enhancing dishes with gingerly tended ingredients.  Bright, delicious pictures, recipes that are easy to follow (also some are involved) that take homemade family style dishes to the next level!

Deluxe Rolling Utility Cart

Finally, for the foodie that always goes to the farmers market each week, help them carry this produce around by getting this fantastic utility cart.  I use mine every week and it can be spray painted any desired fun color!  Instead of struggling under the weight of many fabulous produce purchases, let them easily maneuver during their weekly shopping adventures.

Even if you don’t have time to load the pictures before Mother’s Day, I think an “IOU” is a nice touch to make sure she knows you’re going to work on it later. (Remember, mothers always remember when you say you’re going to do something!)  This is also a great gift idea for grandmothers, teachers, and other loved ones!

Save 25% off these photo frames at Best Buy with the following coupon code: MEMORYMAKER

*Offer valid 5/5/2013 through 6/22/13

For those that are already thinking about buying their mother or a mother in the life a digital or SLR camera, check out these deals from the Best Buy that include a lot of freebies and discounts!

Did you know?

• With Best Buy’s low price guarantee, you’ll get the latest DSLR cameras, action camcorders, and compact cameras at the best price
• FREE shipping on all cameras (and everything else) on bestbuy.com
• Looking to upgrade to a new camera? Trade your old camera for a gift card! Offer ends May 18, 2013…find a local store here (other trade in values here)
• FREE camera bag on select cameras, view here
• FREE camera bag AND FREE 4GB memory card here
• FREE camera bag AND FREE 8GB memory card here

FREE Shutterfly 8×8 Photo Book with select purchases of Best Buy cameras as well, details here

Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

During the preview we got to sample one of everything and I didn’t find anything that I didn’t like. I thought the appetizers were very reasonably priced at $6-$9 with plenty to share with a group. The roasted cauliflower was highlighted with fennel and capers that were so delicious! Everything was served in little cast iron skillets that sizzled as they approached the table. My daughter ate most of the lamb meatballs which were also a big hit. The burratta, which is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, is housemade with local organic curd and is served with freshly toasted bread.

The pizza is equally impressive. I went with my husband and nine year old daughter and we all left with different favorites. I was torn between the “wild mushroom” with local cremini and portabella mushrooms (drizzled with truffle oil!) and the meatball that included the house made lamb meatballs, caramelized onions, and Gouda cheese. My daughter liked to the spicy house made Italian sausage and my husband could not stop talking about the Quattro which was a quadruple threat of gorgonzola, Parmigiano-Reggiano, ricotta, and house mozzarella topped with watercress and a drizzle of fig-balsamic reduction. I would say with appetizers, one pizza is definitely enough for two although if you wanted to try a couple we can attest that they’re still delicious reheated.

Dessert was a rich tiramisu and salted caramel panna cotta – both a little heavy when you’re eating one of everything. Still it finished the evening perfectly.

Executive Chef Roland mentioned 85-95% of the food and menu is locally sourced, San Antonio and Texas based, meaning the menu is going to change as the seasons do. The chef has a lot of family in San Antonio which is reason enough for coming back to the Alamo City, really down to earth guy, stop by and say hi while you’re eating, he’ll love it if you do.

Open from 4pm to midnight, it’s a chill place with plenty of parking (unless you go on First Friday) with reasonable prices and locally sourced tasty bites. We’ll definitely go back, my husband, an ex-Austinite is already excited.  It’s between Halcyon and the galleries, so close it in fact shares the restroom with its sister (which offers a completely different experience.)

Website:
www.stellapublichouse.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/StellaPublicHouse

Twitter:
@stellasouthtown

 { Check out pictures of local San Antonio farmers from our trip to the Pearl Farmer’s Market! }

Farming Facts:

• On 1 acre a farmer can grow 24,000 heads of lettuce, 45,000 lbs of strawberries, 14,000 lbs of sweet corn or 36,000 lbs of potatoes
• The average US farmer feeds 155 people
• Local farms prevent 325 MILLION TONS of soil erosion every year
• Most farms are family owned enterprises who work hard every day to bring us fresh produce
• Locally produced food won’t contain the 1.2 BILLION pounds of pesticides used each year in the US (which can cause a huge list of health risks)

Sign the Petition

By taking a minute to sign this petition, you are telling Congress that you want your tax dollars to go to programs that help families gain greater access to healthy, affordable food in the new farm bill, as well as supporting the local farmers.

The message to send along with your petition signature will read:

“Instead of giving billions of dollars in subsidies to those who don’t need them, I want my money put to better use.

I want my tax dollars to promote organic farming, support real working farm families, protect land and water and help feed children.

Please invest in smarter food and farm policies.”

Click “Sign Now” to quickly show your support!

This petition will be sent to:

Frank D. Lucas, Chairmain of the House Committee on Agriculture

@RepFrankLucas

Become a Fan on Facebook

Website:  http://lucas.house.gov/

Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

@StabenowPress

Website:  http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/

Supported by TakePart

Tax Day Freebies on April 15, 2013

• 7-Eleven - Medium Slurpee for free when you text “Slurp7″ to “711711″ (ends 4/30)
• AMC – If you got your taxes done early, you can take advantage of this relaxing weekend deal – get a free small popcorn with printable coupon. Valid Apr. 12 – Apr. 15.
• Arby’s – It’s Arby’s 3rd annual tax day deal. FREE curly fries or potato cakes on Tax Day. Submit your email here for a printable coupon.
• Boston Market – Boston Market is getting clever with their Tax deals – IRS stands for “Incredible Rib Specials, and you’ll get two rib meals for $10.40.
• Chick-Fil-A – Get a chicken refund. Make a purchase on Apr. 15, bring your receipt back on May 13 for a full refund. (Limited locations are participating. Call your local store for details)
• Cinnabon – This flash deal only lasts for two hours. Get two FREE Cinnabon Bites on Tax Day from 6-8 p.m.
• Great American Cookie Company – It’s not your birthday, or America’s birthday. Doesn’t matter – get a FREE sprinkle-covered Birthday Cake Cookie on Tax Day at participating Great American Cookie Company locations.
• Marble Slab Creamery – sweet Tax coupons
• Office Depot will give you a black and white copy of your tax return and shred five pounds of your incriminating documents for free.
• Panda Express present this coupon (either printed or via mobile phone) for a freeSamurai Surf & Turf entree
• P.F. Chang’s – 15% all dine-in and take out orders on April 17
• Schlotzky’s – You gotta make a little investment to get a big return. Get a FREE Original sandwich with purchase of chips and a drink.
• Sonic – You got your refund, but don’t spend it all in one place. Save for later with 50% off Sonic drinks and slushies.
• Subway - Buy one 6″ sandwich before 9 am, get a second one for free (ends 4/30)
• White Castle – Buy One Get One Chicken Breast Sandwich (Ends April 28) and 15% Coupon (from April 13 to April 17)

Art Sale and Exhibition which is free to the public. Everyone will have the opportunity to view incredibly beautiful artworks by nationally respected painters and sculptors whose subjects include the great American West with dreamy landscapes, rugged cowboys, vivid longhorns, and Native Americans

Exhibit will be free and open to the public starting Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 12-4pm. You will be able to visit on the remaining Sundays from 10am-4pm through Sunday, April 28, 2013. All pieces will be available for purchase and will remain in the gallery through the exhibit run

One of the artists showcased are the works of Enrique Guerra who traveled to many areas to find his inspiration. One painting depicted a girl working in the field. He was able to convince her to pose long enough for him to capture the colors and essence on a smaller scale sketch before transforming it into a much larger piece of art. The gallery features some of his works in both oil paintings and bronze sculptures.

Briscoe Museum

210 W. Market St

San Antonio, TX 78205

Parking is conveniently located across the street at the Riverbend Parking Garage (210 N. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205).

Become a fan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackGuentherPavilionBriscoe

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BriscoeMuseum