Nutrition Archives | My Life on and off the Guest List

#NowPouring, A Traveling Tea Experience with Good Company Tea

December 23, 2019/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

When the temperature gets really low, or it’s a day ending in Y, there’s nothing more we love than a good cuppa. For non-tea drinkers, we’re talking about a cup of tea. A nice cuppa is not only good for you, but it can also change your mood. We had the pleasure of getting to know a new premium, organic CBD tea brand, Good Company Tea, made with the highest quality, full-spectrum CBD extracts. We love enjoying a relaxing cup of tea to reacquaint ourselves with the benefits of our own well-being and so should you.

Good Company Tea was built with the intention of creating moments of respite in fast-paced, hyper-productive work environments, and reminding us to slow down and reserve time for insightful connection with ourselves and others. Their fair-trade teas are cultivated in the most revered regions across the globe. They only use organic ingredients, with gluten-free blends that are infused with premium CBD. They are non-GMO, and triple lab-tested to ensure each batch is free of pesticides, microbial impurities, and foreign materials. You’re left with a matchless experience in every cup.

Good Company Tea launched with three tea blends: Organic Japanese Sencha, Organic Oolong, and Organic Jasmine. Each tea bag contains 15mg CBD per Sachet, with 5 Sachets per box, all THC Free (Non‑Psychoactive). The CBD wellness company was co-founded by former Google marketing executive Thanh Nguyen (pictured below), and former pharmaceutical regulatory executive Khanh Nguyen.

The Organic Japanese Sencha (No 1 ̊ CBD Blend) is bright, earthy, and uplifting. Perfect for enjoying during the daytime, this light-bodied blend features tropical aromas and a warm, buttery finish. It is both stimulating and stress-relieving and is produced in the revered region of Shizuoka Prefecture; their organic Japanese sencha is cultivated in nutrient-rich volcanic soil. It’s combined with pineapple, papaya, and osmanthus flower for an uplifting blend.

Fans of oolong will love Good Company Tea’s Organic Oolong (No 2 ̊ CBD Blend), a warm, fragrant, and soothing blend. This full-bodied blend boasts honeyed overtones and a round, savory finish. This is the perfect tea for those who need to feel relaxed and revitalized during the daytime. The oolong is cultivated in the Wuyi Mountains in the northern Fujian province of China; known as the premier site of oolong production, and its place of origin, this organic oolong is developed through a considered process that honors the legacy of its source.

Last, but not least, is the Organic Jasmine (No 3 ̊ CBD Blend), a luminous, floral, and calming blend. This medium-bodied blend features balancing heady floral aromas and a serene feel. The ultimate relaxation tea, this tranquil and transcendent blend is ideal for bedtime. The main ingredient is harvested in Vietnam’s Central Highlands in the perpetually cool climate of Dalat; renowned for its jasmine tea production, this organic jasmine tea features a subtly complex profile and transcendent aroma that celebrate its origin.

Are you ready to relearn how to unwind, pay more attention to your well-being? A cuppa or two of Good Company Tea is a great place to start.

National Taco Day w/ Taco Dumbo Midtown West Grand Opening

October 4, 2019/0 Comments/in Events, Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Restaurant Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

Today is National Taco Day, what better day than that day to celebrate the grand opening of the new Taco Dumbo Midtown West. Granted, the grand opening was late last month but as we said, what better day than the day to celebrate all things tacos than to celebrate this taco heaven.

Taco Dumbo is no ordinary taco spot; this market fresh taqueria and cold-pressed juice margarita bar are inspired by the healthy lifestyle where the beach, surf, and sun are synonymous with fresh local food. The goal of Taco Dumbo is to not only provide delicious, healthy food but they also strive to cultivate positives vibes. They’ve created a space where you can relax and escape from the outside world while enjoying a curated selection of eats and drinks. It’s almost like escaping for a quick tropical beach trip (the “flight attendant, and airport body and baggage scanners that greeted you at the door were a great addition).

Walking into Taco Dumbo felt like no other. The vibe was an incredible party atmosphere; the music was pumping and you instantly felt transported from the hustle and bustle of NYC to the beaches of Southern California.

When it came to the food, rest assured, all-time classics are recreated. Using responsibly sourced ingredients. Taco Dumbo has curated a delicious menu that compliments all eating lifestyles. Inclusive food is woven into Taco Dumbo’s DNA, providing options for the meat-lover, vegan, vegetarian, kosher, dairy-free, or gluten-free eater.

Menu highlights range from a truffle shroom and rotisserie chicken “tinga” to beef short-rib and nori spicy tuna tacos. The chef’s special plant-based “impossible” taco pairs perfectly as a side to the grain bowls and salads. Market fresh ingredients are locally sourced and are an essential element in elevating the drink selection. Taco Dumbo allows you to create your perfect margaritas; with six types of pressed juice options and nine different salts for the rim, you can customize your margarita.

The entire team, kitchen, register and bar staff, are made up of people who genuinely care about putting good energy into the food. They aim to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. We enjoyed several rounds of “guess the song” with one of the servers as the DJ played hit after hit. That personal experience only added to the great service we were already enjoying.

Current Taco Dumbo Locations:

56 Prospect St., Dumbo Heights
2 Pennsylvania Plaza, Penn Station
1385 Broadway, Garment District
111 W 32nd St., Rosé Mansion
56 Spring St., SoHo

Cooking With Ninja Kitchen’s Ninja Foodi Appliances & SHE Media

September 21, 2019/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

Believe it or not, cooking is one of our favorite things to do. It’s hard to believe because we go out so much but we get a lot of joy from preparing a meal in our kitchen. Of course, it’s easier when you don’t have to cook for a big family or group of people; but we love what can be created with great ingredients. This is why we were really excited to enjoy a night of cooking with Ninja Kitchen and their new range of Ninja Foodi appliances.

Led by Kenzie Swanhart, Ninja’s own Director of Culinary Innovation and Marketing, we enjoyed an evening of making extraordinary meals; all of the delicious foods we enjoyed during the event were made with the multi-functional Ninja Foodi appliances. The Foodi range includes Pressure Cookers, Grills, Ovens, and a Blender.

Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven

In the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven, we prepared Roasted Green Beans with Prosciutto and Onions. The Prosciutto was prepared in the air fry basket you see in the above photo and roasted the green beans and onions in the roasting pan. The cooking time for both was 16 minutes. We love the Digital Air Fry Oven because it boasts 8 cooking functions and can be stored upright, saving you space and allowing easy cleaning.

Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-Quart Air Fryer

This is perhaps our favorite out of all the Ninja Foodi kitchen appliances, although they all are amazing. We love grilling and hate the fact that we’re limited to summer grilling. Plus, when you live in an apartment, you can’t exactly roll out the grill indoors during winter. The 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-Quart Air Fryer solves both those problems. We had so much fun grilling two beautiful New York Strip Steaks & Asparagus during this event. We love that the cooking time for the steak was only 8 minutes. Whether you love it rare, medium, or well-done, you’ll fully enjoy your meal. The grill is also perfect for vegetables, chicken, fish, or anything else you can throw on a grill.

Imagine coming home and being able to enjoy a delicious dinner in less time than it takes you to get ready in the morning.

Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker that Crisps and Air Fries

Although we didn’t get to personally play with the Pressure Cooker, we did enjoy several bites of the Grilled Cauliflower Steaks that were prepared in it. This compact pressure cooker cooks up to 70% faster than traditional cooking techniques and boasts a TenderCrisps technology that quickly pressure cooks ingredients to lock in juices, then give them a crispy, golden air fryer finish.

Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender

Ready to whip up your favorite soups, stews, or smoothies? With the Cold & Hot Blender, you can. Combining high-speed total crushing and extraction with a precision-heat cooking blender, you can go beyond making smoothies and frozen drinks; get ready to cook soups and sauces and create concentrates for flavored waters and cocktails. What more can you ask for?

We’re excited to try these in our kitchen, especially since it’s lacking in a lot of counter space. Could the range of Ninja Kitchen Foodi appliances make your life easier?

The Quest for the Perfect Cheeseburger on National Cheeseburger Day

September 10, 2019/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

The quest for the perfect cheeseburger is neverending. Luckily, this delicious search is a foodie’s dream, which is why it is celebrated every year on National Cheeseburger Day. To help settle the question on “what is the most perfect cheeseburger?”, Jarlsberg Cheese has teamed up with Internationally acclaimed chef Elizabeth Haigh for the second annual Global Burger Awareness campaign.

Internationally acclaimed chef Elizabeth Haigh, who is considered one of the brightest shining stars on the London culinary scene, has made four burger recipes, each with an essential story: The Northern Temptation, The Nutty Mushroom Melt, The Orient Cheese Express, and The Korean Hot Bite. The Global Burger Awareness campaign will hit social media and stores from July 15 to September 15th. It showcases the excitement and versatility of Jarlsberg Cheese, the mild, nutty and delicious cheese that compliments everything. Check out the four exciting cheeseburgers below and click on their titles for complete recipes from Jarlsberg. These are so perfect to honor National Cheeseburger Day, which falls on September 18th, 2019.

The Northern Temptation Burger

The Nutty Mushroom Melt Burger

The Orient Cheese Express

The Korean Hot Bite

From July 15th until September 15th, cheeseburger fans will get the chance to enter to win exclusive Jarlsberg Cheese aprons and tongs every week. The grand prize winner will receive a Gourmet Grill so that they can re-create their favorite Jarlsberg Cheeseburgers, a great way to say goodbye to summer. Fans can triple their chance of winning by sharing their Jarlsberg cheeseburger at #Jarlsbergburger on Instagram.

Jarlsberg Cheese is wildly popular among foodies around the world for its nutty, mild, mellow and sweet flavor. Created in 1956 from an original Norwegian recipe, Jarlsberg continues to bring its unique flavor to some of your favorite cheese-based foods.

How will you be celebrating National Cheeseburger Day? Will you be trying one or more of these delicious Jarlsberg Cheeseburgers?

Snack Smarter With ShopRite’s Wholesome Pantry Organic Products

August 29, 2019/0 Comments/in Food, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

Do you know how many times you reach for a snack every day? Do you even pay attention? Is what you’re reaching for considered healthy? These are the questions we recently asked ourselves. There are times when we have been guilty of mindlessly snacking on whatever’s around. Let’s face it, snacking is part of our daily lives. It gives us the fuel we need to continue on through our day in between meals. The key is to make sure what you’re snacking on is good for you. Luckily we have wonderfully healthy snack options like ShopRite’s Wholesome Pantry line of award-winning organic snacks.

What makes ShopRite’s Wholesome Pantry products so wonderful? Aside from the absence of 110 artificial ingredients and flavors, Wholesome Pantry products are free from artificial colors, and preservatives. Plus, all the products are USDA Certified Organic. The product range extends to nearly every aisle in the store, with sweet and salty offerings sure to satisfy your snack cravings. Whether you’re looking for organic dinner or snack options, the delicious products from Wholesome Pantry have all you need. Don’t just elevate the snacking experience, enhance it with these best-selling, USDA-certified organic items, and “free-from” products; all made with simple, clean ingredients.

We had the pleasure of getting better acquainted with some snacks from ShopRite’s Wholesome Pantry. We thoroughly enjoyed every bite of their best-selling and award-winning snacks. The Wholesome Pantry organic snacks we enjoyed included:

Organic Granola Squares Maple Pumpkin Seed with Sea Salt
Organic Granola Squares Oats and Honey
Organic Fruit and Nut Bar Cranberry Almond
Organic Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips
Organic Mango Slices
Organic Raw Cashews

There was no worrying about consuming any ingredients we couldn’t pronounce, just healthy, simple ingredients. If you’re looking for delicious, organic snacks that are free from everything unhealthy, these are the snacks for you.

Sparkling Ice #WhatTheFlavorSweeps Mystery Flavor

Sparkling Ice Reveals New #WhatTheFlavorSweeps Mystery Flavor

August 17, 2019/4 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

It was only two months ago that Sparkling Ice once again challenged our taste buds to guess their newest mystery flavor. Well, the mystery flavor reveal is finally here. Do you think you guessed correctly? After months of speculation, Sparkling Ice has finally revealed the limited-edition #WhatTheFlavorSweeps mystery flavor is…….. MANGO GUAVA!

Over 403.2K people submitted guesses for as part of this second Sparkling Ice #WhatTheFlavorSweeps mystery flavor contest. For those who guessed correctly, they’ve entered a spectacular contest where one lucky grand prize winner will receive a 7-day Caribbean Cruise from Holland America. With over 500 additional winners receiving fun tropical prizes perfect for summer.

Sparkling Ice actually recently added the tropical and exotically sweet Guava flavor as a stand-alone flavor and we think making the Mango Guava flavor the second mystery flavor is a great way to introduce this delicious fruit to their vast lineup of zero-calorie, zero sugar beverages made with antioxidants and vitamins.

All fans who guessed the flavor correctly were entered for a chance to win the grand prize. Sadly we only got half the answer correctly, so we’re not in the running to win anything. What about you dear readers, did any of you guess the mystery flavor correctly and the possibility to win the 7-day Caribbean Cruise from Holland America? For those looking to turn their favorite flavors into a great cocktail or mocktail, Sparkling Ice offers delicious recipes. Check out a great mystery flavor cocktail below:

Sparkling Ice Mystery Colada

1 bottle Sparkling Ice Mystery Flavor
1 can coconut milk
Grenadine
Coconut flavored rum (optional)
Blender
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Place ice in a blender with coconut milk. Blend until smooth. Fill a glass halfway with blended coconut milk mixture. Add 1-2 ounces coconut rum (if using). Top with Sparkling Ice Mystery Flavor, add a splash of grenadine and stir. Garnish with a cherry.

The Sparkling Ice Mango Guava flavor will be available for a limited time at local grocery stores while supplies last.

The Original Colonel Popper Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper

What’s Poppin’!: Colonel Popper Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper

August 8, 2019/0 Comments/in Food, Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

If you’ve ever purchased microwave popcorn then you’ve one or all of the following: lots of unpopped kernels, burnt popcorn, heat burns from trying to open the bag, and very oily hands. What if you can enjoy a great bowl of popcorn without the typical hassles microwave popcorn? Thanks to the original Colonel Popper Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper, you absolutely can.

Whether you’re making popcorn at home or work or dorm room, the portable Colonel Popper Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper is ideal for mess-free popcorn enjoyment. It is super durable, safe, and eco-friendly. After using it once, you’ll never want to make popcorn without a Colonel Popper again. Made from durable food-grade silicone, the 100% BPA Free, Colonel Popper passes the silicone pinch test. Say goodbye to those unhealthy microwave popcorn bags with harmful chemicals that burn easily. Enjoy popcorn your way for a fraction of the cost. That’s right, this budget-friendly, microwaveable bowl is easy on your wallet and your waist.

There are so many flavor possibilities with using this silicone microwave popcorn bowl. You can prepare popcorn with or without oil (choose olive, peanut, sunflower, or coconut oil); enjoy it plain or seasoned (did you know plain popcorn is only 31 calories?), sweet or savory, or recreate the good old movie theater popcorn taste. In fact, you can use any popcorn kernels you want! The Colonel Popper Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper makes up to 14 cups of popcorn. Make enough for yourself or for large family or friend gatherings. Because it’s made from the highest grade silicone, you can reuse the dishwasher safe bowls over and over for years.

The silicone popcorn maker comes in eight colors; four classics (blue, gray, green, and red) and four transparent (Colonel Red, Fresh Mint, Glacier Blue, and Neon Green). We love that the transparent bowls allow you to see your popcorn popping. All the bowls boast convenient grab handles, so you won’t burn your fingertips removing your popcorn from your microwave oven. The collapsible popcorn popper stores away at merely 2″ so it frees up your counter and cupboard space. Treat yourself or a fellow popcorn lover to years of delicious, healthy popcorn for $14.97 on www.shopcolonelpopper.com.

Restaurant Review: Chef Terrance Brennan’s Côte Médi at Chefs Club NY

August 5, 2019/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Restaurant Reviews /by Glasgow Skinner

A little less than a year ago, we had the wonderful pleasure of experiencing an exquisite culinary journey when Fat Rice’s Chef Abraham Conlon participated in Chefs Club New York’s Chef-in-Residence series. We recently returned to Chefs Club New York to experience the amazing Mediterranean fare of Chef Terrance Brennan. This highly-accomplished chef, restaurateur, consultant, and entrepreneur has enjoyed a renowned 40-yr culinary career. During his Chef-in-Residence at Chefs Club New York, he brought a bit of his amazing menu comprising of new dishes and a few favorites from Picholine. Keep reading for our superb culinary experience of Chef Terrance Brennan’s Côte Médi at Chefs Club NY.

We didn’t know it yet, but we were in for a night of culinary divinity to remember. His three-month residency at Chefs Club NY will serve as a preview of his forthcoming seafood-forward concept celebrating the “Cuisine of the Sun,” inspired by his time spent in coastal France, Italy, and Spain.

We had the pleasure of seating at the special guests’ tables, right in front of Chef Terrance Brennan. Chef recommended and kept us informed on all the delicious dishes we enjoyed that night. Chef Terrance Brennan’s menu is perfect for a single or more as the menu features small plates that are meant to be shared amongst tables of friends. Our evening consisted of three amazing cocktails which we will highlight in a bit. While all three were delicious, the stars of the evening were the wonderful dishes. Let’s dive right in.

Smoked Salmon Rillettes

What a way to begin! Our palette was thoroughly sated and awakened with this wonderfully salty, multi-textured opener. You could taste the freshness of every bite of the salmon; on its own, it was divine, but when mixed with the Wild American Caviar and scooped with the crisp, olive oil-soaked, bread? Pure perfection. Not a crumb was left in the bowl.

Live Sea Scallop Crudo in Shell

If there ever was a dish to remind you of the fresh seafood you can enjoy in the Mediterranean, this is it. It was amazingly fresh and my Santeria Sour cocktail (more on it below), added a nice peppery layer to the dish. I did stop drinking it to fully experience the natural flavors of the truffle salt (slight throat itch but so worth it). The scallops practically melted in my mouth.

COCKTAILS

The New Wave – I enjoyed this sweet citrusy cocktail with my first dish. The freshness of the Calamansi and sweetness of elderflower was a wonderful and sweet compliment to the saltiness of the Salmon Rillettes.

Santeria Sour – This is a wonderful kick of spice with a peppery finish that lingers a bit. Hence why I enjoyed it so much with the Live Sea Scallop Crudo in Shell. I liked the addition of jalapeno to enhance the tart taste of the tamarind and green chili vodka. These wonderful flavor kicks complimented the natural smokiness of the mezcal.

There’s a Beach in Queens – Our third cocktail tasted a lot more tropical than the other two. It boasts a subtle sweetness with the flavor of banana shining through.

Cucumber Gazpacho

I admit I wasn’t sure what to expect with this dish but my goodness, I left the bowl clean. The small melon balls were a wonderful surprise addition of subtle sweetness to the creaminess of this creamy cucumber dish. The crab added a nice level of salt for a wonderful combination of flavors.

Sea Urchin Fondue

Hope you are ready for this very fresh dish. I thank my Caribbean roots for already being familiar with eating sea urchin. I’m used to enjoying it roasted in its shell but I love Chef Brennan’s take. The contrast of the freshness of the raw sea urchin paired with the creamy, tapioca fondue and seafoam produced by plankton truly highlighted the essence of the Mediterranean diet.

Wild Striped Bass

The Chorizo Emulsion (sauce) and the black rice paella Socarrat (the caramelization of the bottom layer of paella) gave this dish a rustic element. I love anything made with black squid ink; it adds a natural saltiness, oiliness, and savory component to anything it’s added to. It gives the paella rice another layer of distinct flavor. The Striped Bass was perfect. I loved that it wasn’t prepared with too many seasonings, so its naturally mild flavor wasn’t overpowered.

Grilled Langoustines

If you’ve never experienced what it’s like to enjoy freshly-caught seafood that is perfectly seasoned, and roasted right on the beach in an open fire pit, this is the closest you’ll come to doing so. The superb garlic herb butter enhanced the grilled flavors of it, which although grilled, it tasted very much roasted. Amazingly delicious!

Squab Magret

I loved the variety of flavors in this dish. The Japanese turnips added a crisp fresh texture, almost like an unsweetened melon. The foie gras added another layer of savory flavor and creamy texture, the fig jam was the perfect addition with its seedy sweetness, and the tiny grapes added a refreshing crunchy texture.

DESSERT – Olive Oil Ice Cream

Last but certainly never least – dessert. The Olive Oil ice cream immediately jumped out off the dessert menu. It was an unexpected delight. I wasn’t sure what to expect but eating it was like a rollercoaster of various layers and textures. The smooth vanilla ice cream, sweet crunch from the candied fennel brittle, and the rich, nutty flavor of olive oil all came together to create a distinct, multilayered flavor profile I haven’t experienced before. I have had the please of enjoying olive oil in a cocktail but this was my first olive oil ice cream. It’s a great option for those who love savory and sweet.

Thus ends our culinary journey with Chef Terrance Brennan but hopefully the beginning of yours. You have until September 28th to partake in some or all of these sumptuous small plate meals. Chefs Club NY is located at 275 Mulberry Street. Book your reservation by calling 212-941-1100.