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oliveratlanta · 5 years

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Homage to 9 great, historic Atlanta buildings reborn as restaurants

The seductive interiors of Southern Belle at the 1930s Briarcliff Plaza in Poncey-Highland. | Southern Belle/Georgia Boy

Both old and new, these eatery spaces shine in remarkable settings from Decatur to downtown

News recently broke of the closing of fine dining restaurant Rose & Rye inside the “Castle” building on 15th Street in Midtown. The ambitious eatery made media waves when opening in 2017 for its team of women holding top positions, from management to chef staff, but with the building’s current owners filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November and putting it on the market, there are fair questions to be asked about whether or not building out an eatery inside a historic space is something Atlantans will support as the city changes.

Let’s hope so.

The fact is, restaurants and bars dotted all around Atlanta are not only surviving but thriving in architecturally significant buildings that have stood long enough to claim “historic” status. Here are some of the standouts.

Ponce City Market

Jonathan Phillips/Curbed Atlanta

Walking in from street level to Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall feels like stepping into updated history—only more fun, especially when you’re hungry.

As one of Atlanta’s most iconic and important renovated landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former Sears & Roebuck Co. distribution center is full of corporate offices, retail shops, and random experiences. But it’s the food and drink that keeps folks coming back.

Chief among PCM attractions for those arriving with appetites are the Italian restaurant and market Bellina Alimentari, Ton Ton ramen bar, Biltong Bar for cocktails you’d hardly expect to be fantastic since they’re served alongside dried cutlets of South African beef jerky, Tasty China Jia (the crispy quail is wildly spicy but worth it), H&F Burger, and casual Mexican restaurant Minero, whose standout chicken wings are shaken in brown bags full of spice before plated in front of you. Also don’t miss the food in other areas of the property, including Root Baking Co. on the second floor, Pancake Social on the outer edge facing North Avenue, and The Roof, where Slater Hospitality runs beer garden 9 Mile Station and the secretive 12 Cocktail Bar, which has its own elevator, security, and boasts the highest public perch in the building, in a space where a historic radio program was once broadcasted.

The Brasserie and Neighborhood Cafe at Parish

Tucked into the side of a sloping hill next to the Beltline, where Inman Park meets Old Fourth Ward, Parish’s presence on Highland Avenue doesn’t just predate the latest round of restaurants and bars to arrive in the past decade. It’s been around since 1890, and the building is (almost) all that’s left of the Atlanta Pipe Factory Terminal Building.

Photo: Lisa C Writes/Eater Atlanta

The two-story restaurant is inspired by New Orleanian cuisine, although the menu has shifted to more tavern-style eats like orange-glazed, pan-seared salmon (but with French lentils). They still serve a good chicken and sausage gumbo, alongside a solid brunch of chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and corned beef hash, but it’d honestly be nice to get some beignets.

Google/Zagat

Parish’s charming exterior on North Highland Avenue.

By George

Photos courtesy of Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels

The Candler Building’s elaborate lobby.

Hugh Acheson isn’t new to opening a restaurant in or near a historic bank. Take for example his first Atlanta restaurant, Empire State South, which sits across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. This time he’s in the Candler Building, completed in 1906 by Coca-Cola co-founder Asa Candler, who also put a financial institution of his own—Central Bank & Trust—on the main lobby floor of the 17-story tower.

By George, which leans into Acheson’s French cuisine aspirations, is the featured restaurant for the building’s new status as the Candler Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection.

The dinner menu offerings (the wonderfully tart steak tartare or the expertly prepared steak diane could both turn a vegan into a vampire) remind you that Acheson is clearly comfortable in his Canadian skin, and intends to set a new dining standard in downtown. Breakfast and lunch are also served, and superstar drinks-master Kellie Thorn is behind ingenious sips that make proper use of cognac, armagnac, and other French spirits.

Beyond the food, the space is surrounded by marble to a level you’re not likely to see duplicated in any new restaurant in or outside Atlanta, unless it’s by someone with Coke money.

Exterior detailing at the Candler Building.

Wonderkid

Sean Keenan/Curbed Atlanta

The former milk production facility’s revised facade.

Now that tenants are arriving in this Reynoldstown adaptive-reuse development, Atlanta Dairies is once again ready to milk the benefits of its funky Art Deco, Memorial-Drive-facing facade and prime Beltline location.

Beginning in the 1940s as a dairy co-op, it now houses Wonderkid, a classic diner from the teams behind such successful F&B brands as King of Pops, The Lawrence, and Bon Ton.

Chef Justin Dixon (previously at The Shed at Glenwood) turns out delicious interpretations of classics, such as the falafel waffle and roasted chicken pot pie, served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. After that, the late night menu goes back to breakfast, and lets anyone that’s always rapped along with OutKast on the chorus of Rosa Parks but never actually tried fish and grits to get their fill. The cocktail program is also a standout, the beers range from wonderfully cheap (but still great), to Atlanta-based crafts, and it also has the distinction of being the first place in the world dishing KoP’s soft-serve, which is obviously apropos for the concept.

Livingston Restaurant + Bar and Edgar’s Proof & Provision

Proof & Provision

A social space with early 1900s origins.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel dates back to 1911, famous for a screening of Gone with the Wind that attracted major stars of the day, including Vivian Leigh, Clark Gable, and Lawrence Olivier.

Today, Livingston, an elegant two-story dining hall named after Atlanta’s 37th mayor Livingston Mims, attracts folks hungry for a Southern meal, from breakfast through dinner and on to brunch, with special pre-show dinner options for Fox Theatre ticketholders. For later-night bites and cocktails, there’s Edgar’s down below Peachtree Street, where bourbon and more is poured until midnight on weekdays, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, for guests on black leather banquettes between brick columns.

Kimball House

Square Feet Studio

As the former depot was being transitioned from what used to be Depeaux.

While the controversial white paint might make it hard to envision Golden Eagle and Muchacho as a former train station built in 1891 (more on that in a minute), you can immediately tell that’s what Kimball House used to be, as you approach the formerly forest-green Decatur Square restaurant and bar at 303 East Howard Avenue.

Known for serving some of the best and freshest oysters in the city (apparently KH’s partners, who are also behind Krog Street Market’s Watchman’s, are soon to begin farming their own oysters in Alabama), it’s also notable because the details of the interior and exterior retain some of the energy of motion you feel in any transit station. The tiled floors, high ceilings and tall windows give the feeling that you’re passing through a place where people who make moves have been coming for years, and will continue to do the same.

Matthew Wong/Eater Atlanta

Kimball House’s throwback interiors.

Southern Belle and Georgia Boy

Southern Belle/Georgia Boy

There was a bit of a scare when The Plaza on Ponce (or Briarcliff Plaza, depending on whom you ask), was sold in 2017 to Charlotte-based Asana Partners, particularly among Atlantans who’re big fans of watching indie/campy films at The Plaza Theatre, preceded or followed by a sturdy meal at the beloved Majestic Diner, which itself has been serving customers 24 hours a day since the start of the Great Depression. Late last year, two new restaurants opened on the property: Southern Belle and Georgia Boy.

The former is a restaurant homage to the wife of Chef Joey Ward (a talented protégé of chef Kevin Gillespie), while the latter is a hidden entry chef’s kitchen with a mind-blowing tasting menu, which changes at Ward’s whim but has included such inventive items as a fully edible snow globe. And while GB’s aesthetic leans much more steely, Southern Belle’s lofty interior, including a tall, deep-blue-painted archway, exposed brick and original tin ceiling, make it feel like a dining hall that’s been ringing dinner bells much longer.

Krog Street Market

Asana Partners

The pioneering food hall’s main entrance.

It’s only right that Krog Street Market has high-quality restaurants, since the Beltline-adjacent building opened in 1889 as the factory for Atlanta Stove Works, where cast iron was used to make sturdy cooking ranges.

After a few years of operating as an early iteration of Tyler Perry Studios, the factory was purchased and turned into a market food hall, where today you can take almost anyone that’s hungry and be pretty sure they’ll leave satisfied.

From the impressive pizza pies at Varuni Napoli, to the seafood entrees, oysters and fabulous cocktails at Watchman’s (try the pineapple pancakes from their great new Sunday brunch), the top-tier burgers at Fred’s Meat & Bread, the always reliable dumplings at Gu’s, or the burns-so-good hot chicken at Richards’ Southern Fried, the only things that probably don’t taste good are the flowers, dog treats, and soaps from the retail stands.

Golden Eagle/Muchacho

Ansley Atlanta Real Estate

Back more than 80 years ago, when the Beltline was a two-word phrase, this Reynoldstown building was constructed as a train depot. After being abandoned in the mid-20th century, it sat vacant for decades until restaurateur Jerry Slater took it over and opened popular cocktail bar H. Harper Station in 2010.

While H. Harper sadly didn’t last long enough to see the arrival of the renewed, single-word Beltline (it closed on April Fool’s Day 2016), the space was quickly purchased by one of the owners of Ladybird, another Beltline restaurant and bar, and opened as two separate restaurants—Golden Eagle and Muchacho—in 2017.

There was a bit of controversy when the new owner decided to paint the brick building, but things have since calmed down, thanks to favorable opinions of GE/M’s ambiance. What also doesn’t hurt: breakfast tacos and coffee worth eating and drinking at Muchacho, plus Golden Eagle’s respectably delicious tavern food (prime rib specials on Mondays, whole cast-iron-roasted chicken) and very fancy cocktails. Spirits enthusiasts seem to agree that, while Slater’s drinks were stellar, Eagle’s beverages are similarly brag-worthy.

Andrew Thomas Lee/Eater Atlanta

The bar at Golden Eagle.

source https://atlanta.curbed.com/2020/1/29/21113875/atlanta-buildings-restaurants-architecture-history

#OliverAtlanta

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ladystylestores · 4 years

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Top Cultural Festivals to Attend in Kenya

Do you enjoy experiencing diverse cultures? Festivals are a great place to start and this article will sample four festivals that should be in your bucket list.

Top four cultural Festivals to attend in Kenya after the Coronavirus pandemic

Kenya is well known for its breathtaking sandy beaches and wildlife.

Little is known about its cultural diversity.

The Maasai people are worldwide known, nonetheless, we have 41 other tribes in Kenya. These tribes have cultural festivals that they celebrate annually. Attending festivals is a great

way to connect with the local communities, contribute to the preservation of culture and get to experience a different way of life.

However, today I will highlight the top four cultural festivals that you must attend in your lifetime.

Rusinga Island Festival

Rusinga Island is one of the gems of the Great Lake Victoria. It lies on the Eastern side of the lake and it has the most stunning views of the sunsets.

Rusinga Island Festival is among the famous events in the Western region of Kenya. It is usually held annually on the last Thursday and Friday before Christmas.

If you want to experience the authentic culture and traditions of the Suba community, this is a perfect place to start.

Here you get to experience two days of:

● traditional music and dance

The traditional dancers usually exhibit their passion and skills by dancing their waists and hearts out. You will get to feel the thundering beatings of the drums, echoed by voices that seem to appease the gods.

● Art and Fashion

Unique art and fashion pieces are visible on their traditional attire, the jewellery that adores their bodies, the pottery and not forgetting the carvings. You can’t miss a beautiful and valuable souvenir for friends and families back home.

● food delicacies

The staple food of the suba community is “kuon anang’ a”(traditional ugali prepared using ghee) with fish I.e Nile perch or Tilapia(omena & Mbuta). This is a delicacy.

A visit to the lakeside is not complete without devouring the fresh savoury fish.

● sports

There are different sports activities to participate in during this festival. We have a tag of wars, whereby different groups test their strength and resilience.

The Luo and Suba community had a significant cultural sport of wrestling. It allowed the young, we’ll build and able fishermen to earn bragging rights in the community.

The match is not violent. It’s purely meant for entertainment purposes and a great chance for the young men to attract suitors.

● Boat races and Fishing

The people in the Island are super friendly. Occasionally you will find them fishing, drying their fish(dagaa, omena) and going about their business.

Fishing is the primary source of livelihood for the community. The festival also organises boat races among the local people. They get to compete on which team will win the race

Most hotels and lodges along the Island arrange for boat rides and fishing on request.

I found this interesting enough to try, I hope you will too

Literature

You will get to hear interesting stories, folklores and conversations that take you back in time into the wealth of the Abasuba culture.

The festival is run by different themes each year. In 2019 the theme was “The Island Remembers”. This made us remember, reminiscent and connect with the Island through culture, art and

celebrating heritage. The festival unites people from different worlds to appreciate and enjoy the heritage of the Suba people.

Maralal International Camel Derby

Kenya’s Northern Frontier is a wild and untamed region.

The locals have retained their traditions.

Most of them are pastoralists, with Camels being an important element of their wealth. Maralal Camel Derby is one of the most celebrated events in Kenya. It takes place in the Yare Camel Club In Maralal Town, Samburu County.

The derby involves cycling, Camel racing and cultural performance from the Samburu people. Both the communities and visitors join in the festivities and races.

● Sports

The Camel Derby is graced by both amateurs and professional Camel racers. Most amateurs are usually first-time foreigners who have never taken part in the Camel races.

You will definitely have a fun laugh at the amateurs who can’t control the camels. Most times the camels move in whichever direction away from the race. A funny scenario it is. Watching the races struggling to steer the camels to the right path.

However, this gives room for the professional racers to get to the finish line first.

There are also bicycle races. For those who prefer this, they get an opportunity of challenging themselves. Some cyclists, who are greenhorn, don’t get to finish the race. It is a demanding task.

The two races usually start in Maralal town, and they take place co-currently.

● Music and Dance

The mood in Maralal town during the early is usually electric and fun. The music and dances from the Samburu people lighten the atmosphere.

● Art and Fashion

If you are a lover of art, fashion and handicrafts, there are curio stalls where these artefacts are displayed. You have a lot of choices to choose a souvenir from.

Maralal Camel Derby is not just a competitive race but brings this desert town to life and showcases its cultural heritage.

Kilifi New Year Festival

Kilifi New year festival is held annually from 30th December to 2nd January.

This festival is perfect for all those who are lovers of contemporary, African and electronic music. It is a melting pot of varied cultures and allows for freedom of expression.

The music festival is held under the shade of thousand-year-old baobab trees. It is set on a 20-acre field, home to wild orange and lemon orchids and bamboo forest in

Takaungu creak of the Indian Ocean.

The aim of this festival is supporting conscious living and sustainability while appreciating different cultures. Blending creativity with nature to show a connection with each other, the environment and the community.

Everyone is free-spirited expressing themselves through fashion, dance, art and music. The die to moment happens when a huge wooden sculpture is set ablaze symbolising new beginnings and shared hope for a promising future.

During the 2019 festival, a huge sculpture was burnt in honour of the last male Northern White Rhino – Sudan. A symbol that species extinction is a reality and it is up to the human race to value and protect its wildlife.

● Camping

Camping buddies, this is a great festival for you.

You are allowed to carry your own camping gear. The 20-acre piece of land has enough spaces for pitching tents.

There is also adequate space for parking vehicles, enough showers, toilets and shade to relax and unwind.

There is ample security for all those in attendance.

Moreover, boutique camping is also available during the four days of stay. You will just have to arrange for the bookings earlier enough.

● Beach Activities

There is a beautiful coastline a few meters away. You can go for an early morning jog, a swim, yoga or participate in beach ball games.

The refreshing breeze, combined with spectacular sunsets and free spirit around, makes this festival a bucket list.

Moreover, you can also plan to go for a boat ride on Watamu beach after the festival. Here you can do for snorkelling, explore the bottom world of the ocean.

You will discover colourful fish species, turtles and seagrass. With the help of trained tour guides, you can sail deeper to get a glimpse of the whales.

This is a fantastic way to end your new year celebration in Kilifi.

Lamu cultural festival

Lamu cultural festival is held in Lamu Island, a world heritage site.

This old town has retained it’s Swahili culture over the years not giving in to pressures of the modern culture. The town is characterised by narrow streets, while its main transport means are donkeys.

The three-day festival is meant to give visitors a taste of the Swahili culture and lifestyle.

During the Lamu Cultural Festival, you get to experience dhow race, donkey races, competitive bao games, Swahili Henna paintings and traditional artefacts.

The bao games have existed for years in the East African region. Archaeological evidence shows that it has been played for thousands of years.

The dhow sailing races are executed by the locals. The racers are usually well prepared ready to showcase their skills in manoeuvring through the tides.

On the other hand, other people prepare to take part in a swimming competition. They will have to face the rough waters steering towards the other Island known as Shela and then swim back. With the scorching sun, Swimming race is ideal and a big relief.

The highlight of the festival is the donkey races. Residents, as well as the visitors, can participate. This sport is fun to watch. Steering a donkey needs natural talent, practice and skill. For

amateurs, some end up going towards the opposite direction from where the race is. Donkeys are the main means of transport owing to the city’s narrow and meandering streets. Donkeys have been used for ages by the residents.

For those who thrill in a shopping spree, there are lots of products to choose from. Toys, jewellery, clothes, toys and artefacts. You will find unique Swahili pieces to add on to your adventure collection.

● Street Food

What a better way of knowing a towns delicacies than sampling the street foods. Lamu has a vibrant, welcoming relaxed old town vibes. Like most Coastal towns, the street food culture is active.

You will find an array of street foods lined up on the streets early in the morning and in the evenings at around 4:00 pm.

There is a variety of finger-licking snacks and drinks to choose from. Most of them are Swahili dishes prepared from coconut milk, flour and with lots of sugar and spice. They include bhajia, vitumbua, jalebi, mitai, kaimati, mkate was Sinia, Mahari and mbaazi ya nazi. I know these are foreign names but when you get there you can surprise the locals a bit.

If you are a foodie this would be paradise.

It is good for one to loosen up once in a while and enjoy the abundance of life

Conclusion

Life is full of abundance. If you don’t travel and experience what other places have to offer then you are missing a lot.

“The World is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” -Saint Augustine.

I hope these four incredible festivals in Kenya have inspired you to travel, explore alien culture, interact with different people and live a free life.

For each time we travel we see the world with a set of new eyes, become more conscious about our relationship with nature and fellow human beings.

Travel tip written and shared by Delinah Mijide

Delinah is a champion for sustainable tourism and conservation practices. She has the passion to highlight businesses and brands that support community empowerment, environmental and

culture preservation. Let’s travel,be responsible and have fun.

Wants to know more about sustainable tourism visit The Eco-traveller.

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zarahoffman · 6 years

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Preserved Lemon Kits - The Curio Spice Co.'s Kit Puts a Modern Spin on an Ancient Tradition (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) In South Asian and North African cuisine, preserved lemons are often used to enhance a range of dishes, including plenty of savory options. To help modern consumers enjoy this unique addition to... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/preserved-lemon

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rasppberri · 6 years

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Preserved Lemon Kits - The Curio Spice Co.'s Kit Puts a Modern Spin on an Ancient Tradition (TrendHunter.com)

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xeniacities-blog · 7 years

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Explore Kolkata’s Local Markets

Before the East India Company ravaged it with its forced famines, Kolkata was the hub of culture, cultivation, intellect, literature and trade. As a city that has retained its old world charm and the graceful ease of a cat stretching on a sunny winter day, Kolkata offers a surveying and shopping experience that possibly has no parallel in India anymore.

So, why is shopping in Kolkata so different from any other city in India? It’s the experience, the mingling of the new merchandise steeped in the old alleys, the age old handicrafts being sold in new age shops, soaking in the wonderful architecture while browsing interesting knick-knacks. Where? We thought you’d never ask!

Sovabazaar

Also known as Shobhabazaar, this was the locality of the wealthiest of Bengali folk in the 18th century. It’s the hub of traditional Bengali shopping, a place where the natives do their purchasing. With buildings in the Baroque, Mughal, British and Bengali architecture and flanked by the Hooghly on one side, this is one pleasurable shopping trip! Walking distance from the much happening New Bazaar (although we will take you from one to the other I an air conditioned car), this market makes available (besides the products of everyday use, pets, pet products etc.) lovely handloom and mechanized loom-woven fabric at Hatibagan.

Chowringhee Market

Remember the stunning visuals in Aparna Sen’s critically acclaimed 36 Chowringhee Lane? Yes, that’s the world famous market in India Chowringhee. With the ‘Maidan’ on one side and its colonial architecture, it’s a page out of history. And you can buy just about anything under the sun here. From curios to terracotta ware, toys to fashion accessories, the best food to souvenirs, handmade bangles and necklaces, carved statues of wood and brassware made by hand, clothes, books, music. The list can probably go on and on. From big shops with branded products to tiny stalls and peddlers, this is where you get all the bustle you could possibly want.

New Market

In one word, iconic. The erstwhile ‘Hogg’s market’, inaugurated by the British in 1874 as an upscale shopping area cannot be missed while you’re in Kolkata. Mind Boggling variety of products and materials at mind boggling prices – that’s New Market for you. It is the quintessential Kolkata experience. Soak in the moment. Bargain like you’ve never bargained before, you’ll be surprised, and glad! Not to be missed - resplendent silk saris and the scrumptious-lings at Nahoum & Sons. And the invigorating spice market. You can also visit the Mallick Flower Market from here, it’s the biggest flower market in all of Asia. A feast for the eyes.

Park Street

Who hasn’t heard of Flurys, the oft-praised and defining bakery of Kolkata? It’s on Park Street. For book lovers, there’s the unmissable Oxford bookstore!

For those who love handcrafted goodies, there is a co-operative which offers breathtaking embroidered clothes and home furnishings, painstakingly made by destitute ladies. Restaurants suiting all pockets are aplenty, as are garment shops.

Booking Details

Please give us 2 days’ notice when you book this tour. It’s available on any day of the week, except Sundays. The entire tour will take 4-5 hours, and we will have you picked and dropped in an air conditioned vehicle with a driver. The earliest the tour may start is 10 AM, and the last tour will leave at 2 PM. An English speaking guide as well as a bottle of complimentary water, both critical for these tours, will be complimentary.

Prices

INR 3,251/- per adult (Prices are based on booking by a minimum of two adults. Even if one adult books, minimum cost will be for two, so we suggest you bring along a loved one.)

INR 1,625/- per child (5-11 years of age)

Cancellation and Refund

10 days prior to the date on which the excursion is booked – 90% fee refund;

Within 5-9 days of the excursion date – 75% fee refund;

Within 2-4 days of the excursion date – 50% fee refund; With less than 2 days or if you don’t show up – No refund

Book your tour now

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ohbabyboston · 8 years

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More scenes from @curiospice - if only I could share the fragrance in there as well. This week I'm thinking about caraway and pickling spices for my homemade #cornedbeef. I may need to pick up more caraway seeds. (at Curio Spice Co.)

#cornedbeef

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cultiver · 8 years

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Claire Cheney’s Cabinet of Curiosities

Curio Spice Co. is a tiny shop owned by Claire Cheney on Mass Ave in Cambridge. Just down the road from Davis & Porter Squares, it has a sanctuary-esque feeling. An avid traveler and collector of curiosities, Cheney has a way with blending both spices and ambiance. Old fashioned looking instruments, animal skulls, and a copy of the Drunken Botanist frame her spice blend and salt offerings. Curated to be an aromatic experience, each shelf has a row of clear jars so you can see and smell the spices. It’s one thing to talk the talk of being a small sustainable business but she really does walk the walk – 99% of the spices on her shelves are fair trade, organic, and/or from small sustainable farms.

Cheney grew up in Massachusetts and spent an impressionable part of her childhood in a shipbuilding town on the coast of Maine. She credits her first solo-abroad trip to Ghana as one event that spurred her interest in botany. She says, “People don’t have access to western style doctors, so there’s a lot of tribal medicine and using the plants in their environment, so I was curious about that.”

Curiouser and curiouser….

She went on to study at Oberlin, a small liberal arts college in Ohio, where she majored in creative writing and environmental studies. As far as her studies contribution to her business acumen, Cheney attributes more the critical thinking and creative skills she acquired at school with bringing her success than her actual degree. She jokes, “I sometimes will mix it up and say I was a creative studies major, cause it sometimes felt like that. Very, very interdisciplinary.”

At Oberlin, she worked as the Local Foods Coordinator at an 800-person food and living co-op. That meant she traveled to Amish farms in Ohio to source vegetables and eggs direct from the farms. Being a woman, the farmers would not make eye contact when she spoke to them, and would only speak to the male she was working with. Also impactful was her senior thesis on wild foods, which started as a project on the wild blueberry industry in Maine, but expanded wildly. She talks about interviewing Alice Waters as part of her project, who is a proponent of the slow food movement, food activist, and all around badass; as I would talk about meeting Beyonce. (but with less hyperventilating) She credits her project as being very beneficial to defining her passion for local, organic, and sustainable food practices. You can tell she’s brought her interests full circle: she informs me of her newest spice blend offering named Herbes de Romance contains wild oregano from her folk’s farm up in Maine.

Cheney’s current business model is fashioned around becoming a certified B Corp, short for benefit corporation. A benefit corporation has a mission statement that goes beyond just profit. Other businesses that have achieved B Corp status include Kickstarter, and Cheney’s friends at the company Susty party, who sell compostable party supplies. To be certified, you need to create a set of achievable goals to fulfill your mission, which vary depending on the business. Curio Spice Co.’s mission is rooted in environmental responsibility and gender equality.

Cheney points out, “it’s a little bit tricky for consumers, because there’s so much language on packaging. Whether it’s organic, now it’s non-GMO, there’s fair trade, then there’s words like sustainable and natural.” As more and more people are becoming aware, “natural” is often used to make a packaged food seem less processed – that doesn’t mean it’s true. While for-profit corporations only have a responsibility to how they can achieve financial success, B Corps also consider environmental and social factors.

If you look closely at the label, you can see the silhouette of a bear. That, according to Cheney, is because bears are super sniffers. After a little bit of my own research, I discovered bears have a sense of smell seven times greater than that of a bloodhound. That, together with Cheney’s affinity for perfumes gives an inkling as to how much sourcing spices direct has to with picking up scents. “It’s a similar process to spice blending, using your nose and finding cool combinations. I’ve studied some natural perfume and it’s helped develop my sensory abilities.”

Cheney has put those sensory abilities she’s gained to work, she seems to always be going on spice hunting trips, her latest being a vanilla quest in Madagascar which you can read about in her new blog post, here. Her social media accounts certainly capture her passion for spices and are a wonderful way to feel like you’re on an adventure right alongside her. As she says, “I think it makes people enjoy the food more when you have the story behind it.”

As for her spice blends, they are very exact, “down to the gram.” Her scales also have to be certified by the city because of weights and measures regulations. When I was considering Curio, and wondering out of all the things I could ask Claire Cheney, about her cool products, amazing travels, the phrase “The whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts” by Aristotle came briefly to mind. When I asked Cheney if she agreed with that assessment, she said, “That’s what’s cool about blending – and you could say the same about cooking, when you combine certain things and it creates a balance, it transcends all the individual ingredients.”

Some of Claire Cheney’s favorite flavor combinations:

**Southeast Asian: **lemongrass, kefir lime, and long pepper **Greek & Mediterranean: **Oregano, saffron, lemon, and thyme

Find Curio Spices at American Provisions in the spice section.

All photos and article by Hillary Anderson.

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isaiahrippinus · 4 years

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We Asked 15 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Bourbon?

As bars and restaurants continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic and reopening phases, VinePair asked the bartenders below to provide a virtual tip jar or fund of their choice. More resources for helping hospitality professionals are available here.

As cooler weather beckons, so too does the sultry thrill of dark spirits. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like the Old Fashioned, bourbon’s notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice are the perfect complement for crisp fall evenings.

Thankfully, there is an abundance of bourbon available on the market hailing from across the country — not just Kentucky. For insider tips to help sort through the myriad options, VinePair reached out to drink professionals to find out which bottles of bourbon bartenders are currently crushing on.

“I have a few go-to bourbons. There’s always great value in Evan Williams Black Label — there’s usually a bottle of that at my house. Fighting Cock is a 103 proof bourbon from Heaven Hill that is great for mixing in stirred cocktails, and Weller Special Reserve if you can find it at a reasonable price. It was a well pour for us at Covina.” — David A. Roth, Former Head Bartender, Covina, NYC

“My go-to bourbon is Elijah Craig Small Batch. It’s a beautiful spirit with notes of caramel, oak, and spice. The bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels, which gives it a bit more depth and a slight smokiness. I enjoy making an Old Fashioned or sipping it over some ice.” — Michell Boyd, Beverage Manager, Hampton + Hudson, Atlanta

Donate: Hampton + Hudson Small Business Relief Fund; Relief for Hampton + Hudson STAFF; or Michell Boyd Venmo

“Old Tub: It used to be available only at the Jim Beam distillery, but now is available in select markets. It’s the best bang for [your] buck!” — Alex Negranza, Bar Manager, MARCH, Houston

“Eagle Rare: Hodges Bend (my bar) recently got a barrel of ER and I can’t stop drinking it.” — Noah Bush, Mixologist/Co-Owner, Hodge’s Bend, Tulsa, Okla.

“Been [really] into this sourced bottle lately — the Pinhook Vertical Series #4, ‘Bourbon War.’ Even if they just bought it and bottled it, it’s delish.” — Jeremy Allen, Beverage Director, MiniBar Hollywood, Los Angeles

“In terms of bourbon, I’ve always been a fan of Evan Williams and Four Roses for different reasons. Evan Williams is a workhorse because it plays well with others in terms of cocktails, while maintaining that quintessential oakiness. Four Roses, particularly their single barrel, is a favorite because I think the higher content of rye in it allows more fruit and spice notes to shine.” — Shannon Grant, Bartender, Lost Lake, Chicago

Donate: Lost Lake Relief Fund

“The bourbon world is historically competitive, but I love that the (relatively new) Breckenridge Distillery is pushing the boundaries on innovation in bourbon and beyond. They’ve won plenty of awards, but the Port cask-finished variety adds a lovely layer of mapley richness; or, the PX Sherry cask’s complex — but not overpowering — fruit makes it super approachable.” — Chris Keller, Bartender, Osaka Ramen, Denver

“Willett Distillery makes a $40 bottle of bourbon that tastes like a $60 bottle of bourbon. And if you don’t know that, well, that’s just fine. I’d prefer to continue paying $40 for it.” — Lee Mayfield, Bartender, Brick Store Pub, Decatur, Ga.

“Buffalo Trace: It’s such a great everyday bourbon for the price. It’s a great candidate for an Old Fashioned or Manhattan or as a co-pilot to a cold beer. It has a complex structure of fruit and [its] sturdy finish blows away its competition in the flagship bourbon range.” — Pete Stanton, Head Bartender, Ai Fiori, The Langham, NYC

“My go-to bourbon would be most anything from Laws [Whiskey House]. The four grain straight bonded is a favorite flavor to drink straight since I prefer my bourbon usually on the rocks. Laws is a local Denver brand that made the first bonded bourbon in Colorado history, which is pretty cool.” — Hanna Stickler, Bartender/Events Manager, ll Posto, Denver

Donate: Il Posto Relief Fund

“I don’t drink bourbon often, but if I were to have a bottle in the house, it would be Weller Special Reserve. It’s part of the Buffalo Trace family, which includes Pappy Van Winkle and Blanton’s, but at a fraction of the cost. Weller uses wheat in their mash instead of rye, giving it a smoother and softer finish.” — Emmanuelle Massicot, Assistant General Manager, Kata Robata, Houston

“Old Grand-Dad bottled-in-bond bourbon is for sure my favorite. It’s another underrated option in this category. For those who don’t know, it uses the same recipe as Basil Hayden, so it’s basically a cheaper version of a great bourbon. A great versatile bourbon to have at home.” — Damian Langarica, Head Bartender, a.bar, Philadelphia

“Go-to bourbon? Whichever one you’re pouring! Jokes aside, there are so many amazing bourbons, it’s hard to pick just one. BUT since I have to, it’ll be Weller 12 Year. It’s extremely hard to find for good reason. Its mash bill is close to Pappy’s, so whenever it’s available, folks buy it up quickly.” — Allen Parker, Bartender, Good Word Brewing, Duluth, Ga.

“Blanton’s would have to be my first love. It is round, warm, and delicate. Although great in mixed drinks, I recommend enjoying this one neat.” — Nick Merrifield, Head Bartender, Portale, NYC

“Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon. Complex flavors that don’t overwhelm. Robust proof that holds up in mixed drinks and tastes just right solo. It was good enough [for] Hunter S. Thompson. I imagine it’s good enough for me, too.” — Justin Koch, Bartender/Manager, Curio/Denver Central Market, Denver

Donate: Justin Koch Venmo

The article We Asked 15 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Bourbon? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/15-best-bourbons-2020-bartenders/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/628161661801512960

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wineanddinosaur · 4 years

Text

We Asked 15 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Bourbon?

Donate: Hampton + Hudson Small Business Relief Fund; Relief for Hampton + Hudson STAFF; or Michell Boyd Venmo

“Old Tub: It used to be available only at the Jim Beam distillery, but now is available in select markets. It’s the best bang for [your] buck!” — Alex Negranza, Bar Manager, MARCH, Houston

“Eagle Rare: Hodges Bend (my bar) recently got a barrel of ER and I can’t stop drinking it.” — Noah Bush, Mixologist/Co-Owner, Hodge’s Bend, Tulsa, Okla.

Donate: Lost Lake Relief Fund

Donate: Il Posto Relief Fund

Donate: Justin Koch Venmo

The article We Asked 15 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Bourbon? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/15-best-bourbons-2020-bartenders/

0 notes

johnboothus · 4 years

Text

We Asked 15 Bartenders: Whats Your Go-To Bourbon?

Donate: Hampton + Hudson Small Business Relief Fund; Relief for Hampton + Hudson STAFF; or Michell Boyd Venmo

“Old Tub: It used to be available only at the Jim Beam distillery, but now is available in select markets. It’s the best bang for [your] buck!” — Alex Negranza, Bar Manager, MARCH, Houston

“Eagle Rare: Hodges Bend (my bar) recently got a barrel of ER and I can’t stop drinking it.” — Noah Bush, Mixologist/Co-Owner, Hodge’s Bend, Tulsa, Okla.

Donate: Lost Lake Relief Fund

Donate: Il Posto Relief Fund

Donate: Justin Koch Venmo

The article We Asked 15 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Bourbon? appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/15-best-bourbons-2020-bartenders/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/we-asked-15-bartenders-whats-your-go-to-bourbon

0 notes