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Food & Drink

Bring More Flavor and Fun to Your Parties

Boar's Head Hummus - dessert platter

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boar’s Head . All opinions are 100% mine.

Boar's Head Hummus - kids eating

Party Time

My family and I all love a good party. From game day to holidays, there’s nothing quite like having a bunch of friends and family over for some laughs and good times. The parties can be intimate (even just the 5 of us) or larger in scale, it really doesn’t matter. The personal touch, the connection, the laughs, and the good food is all we need!!

We recently went over to my mother-in-law’s house for a little get-together. We hung out, spent some time joking around and watched some football, too. Whenever we go to someone’s house, we always bring something. Be it wine, beer, bread, or dessert, we always love to contribute and say thanks for having  us over. This time, since it was going to be a really informal get-together, I decided to bring the apps!! Chips, pretzels, raw veggies, Boar’s Head Genoa Salami and Sandwich Style Pepperoni were all making the trip. Now, what to pair it with? The best I could think of…Boar’s Head Hummus. Boar’s Head Hummus is perfect for entertaining at home – especially for gathering of friends and family for sports and/or football games!

Boar's Head Hummus - savory platter top

Why I Like Boar’s Head Hummus the Best

While the crave-worthiness and total flavor appeal of having 13 Hummus flavors to discover & enjoy is really at the top of the awesome list, it’s also all about how Boar’s Head Hummus is made. Boar’s Head Hummus is the best option for entertaining and is the most exceptional quality that can be bought!!

Boar’s Head Hummus is special first because of what it’s made with. This is really important for me. I want my food and the food I serve my family and friends to be the best quality around. Unlike other brands, Boar’s Head’s Hummus recipe lists premium steamed chickpeas as their first ingredient! That’s a big deal, it’s what hummus is all about. Also, every flavor is packed with those delicious chickpeas, toppings, and spices (like tahini and sea salt) that are Non-GMO Project Verified, all-natural, and gluten-free. This all makes for a smooth, creamy texture with a well-balanced taste that features the fresh flavor of chickpeas and finishes clean!!

Boar's Head Hummus - close topBoar's Head Hummus - savory platter dippingBoar's Head Hummus - package side view

While what’s in the hummus is important, what’s NOT in the hummus is also really important. I like natural, simple, and delicious food. I don’t want to have 100 ingredients in something I’m eating. It’s weird. Thankfully, Boar’s Head Hummus contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Also, there is no potassium sorbate (an artificial preservative found in some leading Hummus brands) or no MSG added as a flavor enhancer. The best, purest ingredients make for the best tasting hummus.

Boar's Head Hummus - varietiesLoads of Flavor Options

There are 13 flavors of Boar’s Head Hummus so there’s really a taste profile for just about everyone. This time I picked up the Boar’s Head Everything Bagel Hummus and Roasted Red Pepper. Both of these are super flavorful and packed with goodness. Everyone loved both of them and they go great with pretzels, pita chips, raw veggies and really any type of chip you could think of! If you want something a little simpler there’s always Boar’s Head Traditional Hummus or Boar’s Head Traditional Simplicity Organic Hummus.

Boar's Head Hummus - dessert platter

The most amazing surprise had to be the Dessert Hummus we had. Both the Boar’s Head Chocolate Mint Dessert Hummus and Boar’s Head Dark Chocolate Dessert Hummus were fantastic. The main ingredient is still those awesome chickpeas, but the spread is pure chocolate goodness. You would never know this is so good for you. Pair these with your favorite fruit, cookie, or pretzels for an amazing, crowd-pleasing yet good-for-you dessert. This was a major success…definitely a keeper.

Boar's Head Hummus - boy dipping fruit

As you can see, there are near infinite flavor combinations when you think about all the hummus options and everything you can dip into them. It’s an awesome, interactive, and fun appetizer and dessert that will absolutely be a hit at any party. People love options and different flavors, a little control over what they are eating. On top of that, Boar’s Head Hummus is actually good for you. It’s all makes for a pretty dope combination.

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Find Out More

I love entertaining and giving people good food. It’s just an essential part of any gathering. Good friends, good family, maybe some good music…and good food. That’s what people love, it’s part of our nature as people! It’s part of the way w show people we care. To find out more about how you can offer your guests some of the highest-quality, best tasting goodies from Boar’s Head, be sure to check out Boar’s Head Hummus at:

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Food & Drink Health & Sports

How To Eat Healthier This Winter

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Winter isn’t always the kindest to your health, and anyone who’s experienced the Christmas bloat can agree that the overindulgence at this time of year can leave you feeling sluggish, heavy and generally unhealthy. It’s good to treat yourself once in a while, but it’s also important to look after your health during the winter months to ward off pesky colds and flu. You are what you eat, right? Since 2017 was all about me getting healthier and more fit by changing the way I eat and live, I wanted to share some tips on eating healthier this winter.

Get your vitamin boost with a morning smoothie

Vitamin C is essential for boosting your immune system, especially during the winter months. Dosing up on vitamin C can help protect you from colds and other viruses, while also giving you some much-needed energy. While oranges may be the first fruit that spring to mind, there are plenty of other fruit high in vitamin C such as kiwi fruit, strawberries, mango, and pineapple – which all make excellent smoothie ingredients. Pre-prepare some smoothie packs which you can freeze and use in the morning to give you an essential vitamin dose. You can do so much with smoothies, they are amazing. Think outside of the box, and don’t be afraid to add greens and other veggies in there, too. They taste great and can really offer you a balanced, super healthy drink/meal. Bonus: the milk will also offer you valuable vitamin D, which is in short supply during the winter (the best source is generally all that good sunlight).

Make soups with super ingredients

You can’t beat a batch of homemade soup as a tasty winter warmer, and most soup recipes are easy to whip up. The warmth is so comforting, plus it tastes fantastic, right? Imagine sitting next to a roaring fire, enjoying some gorgeous soup, dipping some delicious fresh bread, listening to some music. What, I ask, is better than that on a cold winter night?? The best thing about soup is that you can add some extra ingredients like calcium or protein to give them that something extra. Try an AlgaeCal recipe for a delicious broccoli and spinach soup which contains some extra calcium to help increase bone strength. Soups are an ideal way to use up leftover vegetables to help you limit your food waste. You can even stock up for future meals to make life easier on you by making extra and freezing the remainder to get you through the winter months.

Thicken up dishes with beans, pulses, and extra vegetables

Instead of filling your plate with carbs this winter, get your nutrition hit from adding extra vegetables, beans, and pulses to your dishes. Meals like curries, stews and pasta dishes can all be made more filling by adding some thickeners of the food variety. Beans and pulses give you that extra dose of protein while adding some spinach leaves can help you boost your iron levels. There are great winter vegetable recipes for you to try that are perfect for warming you up on a cold winter’s evening. Plus, they are really tasty.

Don’t overdo your portions

When you’re seeking warming comfort food in winter, there’s always the temptation to pile your plate high. Fight the temptation, people. Be strong. While it might make you feel good for a short while, the bloating and sluggishness will soon take hold. Eat a regular portion, enjoy it, then give yourself enough time to realize that warm deliciousness in your belly really did fill you up. Foods that are rich in protein will make you feel fuller and give your body more of what it needs, while you can always add some extra vegetables to your plate to fill you up. Take your time and enjoy.

By maintaining a good diet during the winter months, the whole family will feel happier and healthier. Try these simple tips to make weeknight meals fast and healthy and get cooking in the kitchen to enjoy healthier eating this winter.

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Food & Drink

Pork Goodness and Rewards Right At Your Fingertips

Guy and the Blog is pleased to have worked with Quiznos on this review post. All opinions and love of pork and mobile ordering is 100% my own.

Hero Time

When I’m hungry, I’m pretty flexible in what I like to eat, but there some things I like more than others. At the top of my list has to be a nice, fresh hero. Some people call it a sub, some a hoagie, some a grinder, some a sandwich. I just call it delicious and awesome. Think about it, it’s literally a full meal in one easy to dominate package. You have your carbs, your protein, your dairy, your veggies. It’s an amazing work of art. While I like pretty much any and all heroes, I do like some things more than others. At the very top of my list, typically, is a tasty little treat called pork. Pork is awesome, I really just is. There’s so many great things you can make, and pulled pork is one of them. If you’re like me, then you are about to get a little bit more excited than you thought you would be today.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Quiznos, the pioneer of the toasted sandwich, is excited to offer two new ultra tasty and ultra dope BBQ pulled pork sandwiches featuring slow-roasted pork and tasty recipes developed with chefs from the National Pork Board. Yes, you read that correctly, the outstanding sandwich mavens of Quiznos are rocking out with some chef-driven, truly tasty new pork creations…and BBQ no less. Who doesn’t love BBQ?? I don’t know anyone, and maybe you shouldn’t either. But I digress.

The Quiznos BBQ pork lineup starts with a lean cut of pork shoulder that is roasted low and slow for six hours, and then hand-pulled before serving. These limited time sandwiches offer guests two distinctive flavor profiles, but you better get them while the gettin’ is good. Sometimes amazing BBQ pork creations don’t want to stick around to feed you forever. This is one of those cases.

Two Types of Wonderful

I mentioned BBQ you say? Well, yes I did. In case your mouth is watering right now, here’s some more details on the great new Quiznos sammies (yes, some people do call them that):

  • Southern Style BBQ Pulled Pork: Inspired by traditional, southern backyard BBQ pits, Quiznos is bringing back this classic with slow-roasted pulled pork topped with Quiznos’ signature BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles.
  • Spicy Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork: For those who like more heat and meat, this new sandwich is a fusion of slow-roasted pulled pork, ham, smoky bacon, melted, aged cheddar cheese, jalapeños, sautéed onions, lettuce, tomatoes, Quiznos’ signature Batch 83 four-pepper chili sauce, and chipotle mayo on jalapeño cheddar bread.

Both varieties of the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches taste as delicious as they sound. But, pulled pork fans who are focused on staying swimsuit ready through the summer will be glad to know that these and all 4-inch Quiznos subs are less than 500 calories, so this really fits in perfectly with my new healthy and fit lifestyle. More bonus points indeed. Pork – check. BBQ – check. Under 500 calories – double check. Am I in for this on a regular basis – indeed I am.

Quiznos Toasty Points App

As much as I love my BBQ pork, pulled succulently and placed on my choice of fresh bread, I also like being able to acquire my pork fast and with much ease. While I love ordering from Quiznos.com, Quiznos’ new mobile ordering feature on its loyalty app is super easy to use and ultra convenient. The Quiznos Toasty Points App Mobile Order FAQ gives you all you need to know. In a nutshell, download this awesome app, quickly order up all your favorites, decide just how fast you want it and how (pick-up or delivery), the quickly pay and get to eating. It’s just that simple, and simple is awesome. Especially when I’m hungry and craving some pork grinders (no, I don’t really call them that, but someone does).

If being able to order all of your food on your mobile device isn’t quite awesome enough for you (it should be), Quiznos launched a new app-based loyalty program called Toasty Points that allows guests to earn and redeem points for free Quiznos menu items at locations across the country. Quiznos fans like myself who download Toasty Points will receive a free four-inch sub with any purchase. Free is for me, especially when it involves tasty treats.

Toasty Points users earn points through Quiznos purchases, linking the app with Facebook accounts and referring a friend who downloads the app. Users will also receive additional points for special occasions, such as birthday rewards. Here’s a quick breakdown of the freebies:

  • You get a free 4” sub for downloading Toasty Points
  • You will receive 10 bonus Toasty Points for signing up with Facebook
  • Use the app to earn rewards, order online, & find locations near you
  • Program is simple, Spend $1 – Earn 1 Toasty Point

You can redeem Toasty Points for rewards:

  • 20 Points = Free Regular Fountain Drink
  • 35 Points = Free Chips & Fountain Drink
  • 50 Points = Free Small Sub
  • 70 Points = Free Regular Sub

As a special bonus for being the smart person that you are, meaning you read Guy and the Blog multiple times a day, you get a special bonus. Just for being you. And for being smart. Enter my special promo code, “GUYBLOG”, in the app for 5 bonus Toasty Points! That’s a home-run if you ask me. You’re welcome.

Toasty Points is available for download on iOS and Android devices at  quiznos.com/toastypoints. To learn more, click here.

More Info

Well, I think that about sums it up. Pork + Chef-inspired BBQ + Mobile ordering ease + Rewards = a no-brainer, doesn’t it? I’m just loving this whole thing right now. In fact, I think it’s time for another order. Don’t you?

Live Toasty, Eat Toasty my friends.

Quiznos has locations across the United States and 34 countries where it offers creative, chef-inspired sandwiches and salads using premium ingredients. For more information, please visit quiznos.com/toastypoints or quiznos.com. Also, be sure to connect with Quiznos on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram.

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Food & Drink

Help For A Hectic Life: Meals Hot, Fresh, and Custom Made For Me

Life is fast and can get hectic these days. Everyone seems to be so busy. There’s always work to do, places to go, kids to shuttle around. Most people like myself today have more than enough things to do. It can almost be too much. As a result of this controlled chaos, most people value comfort, speed, and convenience. Time is money, for lack of a better term. Any and everything that makes my life a little easier is a big bonus. There is no place that this could be truer than with meal time and one of my favorite spots for good food that fits into my schedule is Moe’s Southwest Grill. It’s the best, plus my entire family loves it…how could that be a bad thing?

When I’m thinking about meal time, I want a few things. In fact, I demand them. I am all about fresh food that tastes awesome at a great price. Is that too much to ask? Let’s take Moe’s Southwest Grill as an example. By the way, fun fact time, Moe’s is not named after a guy names Moe but really stands for M.O.E as in Musicians, Outlaws, and Entertainers. This is part of the reason why the place is so quirky with a lot of fun little details. Good vibe, but I digress. I love Moe’s, first and foremost, because it tastes great. From those delicious chicken burritos to steak tacos to pork salad bowls, I’ve never eaten anything that wasn’t tasty.

Perhaps one of the main reasons everything is so tasty is that Moe’s takes pride in preparing fresh key ingredients in-house daily to provide quality you can count on. You may have eaten a delicious chicken burrito from Moe’s before, but did you know that their chicken is grilled each hour? Seriously good stuff. In fact, all of their proteins are grilled on a consistent production stream so they’re hot and ready as you order! There’s no sitting around waiting. It shows. This fresh approach also shows in their delicious chips and dips (perhaps the favorite of the entire family). The chips are flash-fried daily and the guacamole and salsa are made fresh from scratch each and every morning. That’s lots of chopping, dicing, and mixing daily!

Ok, so the food is tasty and super fresh and prepared with thoughtfulness and care. This is all key, but I think there’s another big factor in why Moe’s Southwest Grill is a family fave. All of the Sweeney’s love that Moe’s allows you to customize your entire meal –whether you want to indulge in a bowl of creamy queso or celebrate that you can stick to your no-carb diet while accommodating your picky-eater kid and gluten-free wife. Everything is there, right in front of you. Let me tell you how stress-free the whole experience is!

After the staff screams out gleefully “Welcome to Moe’s!!!!,” it’s time to get to business. You begin by picking your base – be it a taco, burrito, or bowl/salad. Then, you add your desired protein and any rice or beans before moving onto the huge selection of fresh veggies, spices, and sauces. Dude…Moe’s offers 20+ fresh and flavorful ingredients to customize any meal!!! How can you beat that? It’s almost limitless! Top it all off with unlimited FREE chips and salsa from the fresh salsa bar (6 rotating and seasonal selections) and you have a real crowd pleaser on your hands.

I’m all about the salads these days, with carnitas being my top protein choice…and lots of cilantro. Natalie and Vera are chicken burrito girls while the boys are steak taco guys. We are all chips and guac lovers. Everyone is happy! Check out the menu right here and tell me that it’s not loaded with awesomeosity for anyone and everyone. Impossible! You can even order online to make things even faster and easier still!!! It’s like heaven, or something like that.

At the end of the day, it’s a good meal that tastes good and is prepared fresh all day by people that care. Each location is locally owned and operated, so they are all about the community. From local news to community boards, Moe’s is all about being a part of it. It’s a great spot that my family and I love. We keep going back to it as it’s a little bit of a respite in the midst of our busy days and nights.

To find out more about Moe’s Southwest Grill please check out:

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Food & Drink

Cheese Stuffed & Bacon Wrapped Crescents

Who wants a little snack? How about bacon? Cheese? Cheese stuffed into crescents? Bacon all over that bad boy? Oh yes, you’ve seen the CSBWC and it is good. This is quick, easy, and outstanding. The taste is awesome, no doubt about it. It’s a great little snack for the kids, for you, and for anyone that loves food and life in general.

Enjoy!!! These are straight money. Dope.

What You Will Need:

*Makes 8

  • 1 Can Crescents
  • 8 Strips Bacon
  • 4 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

What You Will Need To Do:

  1. Slice your cheese sticks in half.
  2. Roll out your crescents and place a piece of cheese stick on the end of the widest part of the crescent.
  3. Tuck the ends in and roll the crescent up as you normally would.
  4. Wrap a bacon strip around each crescent. You don’t need anything to hold it in place. The canned crescents are gooey enough that they do the trick.
  5. Place on a greased pan for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.
  6. Remove and try not to scarf them down without chewing.

Well? Oh yes, I know…

You’re welcome. You’re very welcome indeed.

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Food & Drink

Instant Lemon Chicken That’s Simple, Light, and Fresh

It’s getting warm out, so why not make something light and fresh that won’t have you slaving at the stove or oven forever? Make something good and healthy, and then get out and enjoy this dope weather!!! How do you feel about some Instant Lemon Chicken? Oh, you feel good? Well, so do it. So.Do.I.

What You will Need:

  • 4 Chicken Tenders (boneless, skinless)
  • ½ Cup Chicken Broth
  • ¼ Cup of water
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • ½ Tablespoon Seasoned salt
  • ¼ Cup Onion Finely Chopped
  • ½ Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese
  • 1 Cup Fresh Tomatoes

What You will Need To Do:

  1. In Instant Pot sauté chicken tenders on each side 30 seconds.
  2. Change function to steam.
  3. Add broth, water, lemon juice, seasoned salt, onion, and garlic powder.
  4. Steam for 5 minutes.
  5. Vent steam.
  6. Strain chicken broth from chicken.
  7. Garnish with parmesan and fresh tomatoes.

There you go. I love lemon, so this chicken is rocking and packed with flavor. Pretty easy to make, too. Sometimes quick and simple is the best way to go. Enjoy!

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Food & Drink NY

Eataly Downtown NYC At The World Trade Center Is Simply Stunning, True Italian Style

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Do you like food? Do you like Italian culture. If the answer to either of these is no…are you really alive? I mean, really?

Anyway, a new fantasyland of such massive pleasures is ready to rock and roll in downtown NYC right in the heart of the rebirth of the World Trade Center. Eataly is opening up a second location in NYC and it is fantastic. In a lofty, light-filled perch on the third floor of the brand spanking new World Trade Center 4, Eataly Downtown NYC is a 40,000-square-foot place to eat, drink, shop and soak in all the Italian food and culture you could possibly enjoy in one place. It’s dope.

There’s just so much to see and experience. If you’ve been to the original Flatiron location, you are hit right away with the major difference…it’s more spread out and a lot brighter in feel. While the original is amazing, chaotic, very “Italian”, and pretty much started the NY (and nationwide) food hall craze when it opened in 2010, this location just feels good. It feels fresh. It feels different. That’s a good thing in this case, as it still lived up to the very high standards of the original.

Eataly Downtown NYC is set to open on August 11th. Thing everything top-notch wonderful. Super fresh, perfectly prepared, simple, and so Italian. It’s really one of my favorite spots anywhere, seriously. I don’t think you could have anything bad here, literally.

The best part, it opens TODAY!! August 11th!!!

Now, let’s take a look and see where all the magic happens:

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Focacceria

An amazing bread section made fresh daily featuring a special yeast brought from Italy to NYC in 2010 for the Flatiron opening.  In addition to all the Italian breads made in house, Eataly will partner with a New York City bakery each month to showcase breads from all over.

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La Pescheria

Massive fish! It was crazy. Super fresh, featuring sustainably sourced and local fish. They are trying to get to the point of tracking the traceability of each fish so they know where it was from, by who, and when. It’s an impressive goal.

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La Macelleria

The butcher is dope. Plain and simple. Ridiculous cuts of the best meats, all sourced by the legend himself, Pat LaFrieda. Sustainable, super fresh, top cuts from top purveyors.

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Salumi e formaggi

The #1 counter at Eataly, this is the place for 200 pound provolones (no, literally), the best of Italian and American cured meats, and a cheese selection to make any cheese singles product lover take notice. The parmigiano reggiano is the tops, so sweet and nutty, it can’t be beat.

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Rossopomodoro

Of course there’s pizza. Are you kidding? This is literally my favorite food in the world. It would be the thing I request for my last meal. This place does it right. Neapolitan style rocking out fresh pies in 90 seconds in a 900-degree wood burning oven straight from the mother land. It’s a golden oven because this is the gold-standard for pizza excellence. I mean, they let the dough cure for 36 hours to make it right. Sick.

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Fresh Pasta

Where there’s pizza, there should be pasta. While the market has so much dried Italian pasta it will make your head spin, this is a nice thing to see and witness. All made fresh, right in front of your eyes.

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The Prosciutto Truck

No, literally, it’s a tiny Euro-car stacked with prosciutto from three distinct regions, cut right there for you. It’s such a cool addition to the dining area…it just feels right. Plus…it’s awesome. So, you can’t beat that.

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La Pasticceria

These Italian pastries are amazing. The selection is vast and the quality is top notch, from the tiramisu to the

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Lavazza Cafe

What would an Italian experience be without coffee? How about some of Italy’s finest drawn by pro baristas? Great espresso, cappuccino, drip, and even a cacao/whip cream concoction that’s spot on.

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Gelateria

Beautiful gelato complete with a Nutella-like fountain. Look away…

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Produce, Juice Bar, and Vegetable Butcher

There’s a great produce market located right near the front, with all super fresh and local seasonal produce. They use their produce for juices and smoothies, too. They take it so seriously, that there is actually a vegetable butcher in-house to chop, peel, cut, and dice whatever you’d like however you’d like it.

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La Gastronomia

This is a prepared foods section that knocks your socks off. Think olives, caviar, trulles, and other prepared foods based on the recipes of Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali.

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Le Insalate

Eataly is all about simple, light, and healthy. What better way to show that to have a very clean and crisp salad station. NYers love salads, so Eataly is delivering it’s first salad bar, with a distinctive Italian spin on things, of course.

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La Piadina Romagnola

This is a stand worth visiting. It’s a simple yet elegant street food focused on grilled flatbreads. The sandwiches are light and very tasty. This shows Eataly’s focus on regional specialities and showing how the Italian culture is made up of so many small, regional, and even tiny village-based subcultures.

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Foodiversita

Want to learn how to cook like an Italian? This is the place…all with amazing views and wonderful teachers. This is a fantastic addition to the Eataly lineup. I can’t wait to sign up for a class! Ravioli anyone?

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Breakfast

Something new to this Eataly is their new breakfast options, starting at 7AM. Think espresso, of course, tarts, yogurt and granola, and amazing yet simple egg sandwiches. The bread was amazing, and the egg was soft yet not runny. So good, all with just salt on it. Fantastic.

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Rotisseria

Really great roasted rotisserie chickens, but also some amazing prime rib. So good.

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Fresh Mozzarella

Sure, they the imported stuff, which is awesome, but real mozzarella is supposed to be eaten within hours, and be done by days end. Eataly delivers in spades. So fresh, so creamy, some of the best I’ve had…and I’ve had my fair share.

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The Market

While there is a dedicated section here and there, there’s awesome product everywhere. From pastas to sauces to crackers to 120 olive oils and everything else you could imagine (think funny T-shirts and cookbooks), there is literally nothing related to Italian food and culture that you cannot find here. Awesome. By the way, that Pisani pasta is Mario’s favorite.

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Dining Area

One of the things I really loved about this new Eataly is that there’s an entire wing dedicated to just dining venues. There’s a wine bar, a fish-focused restaurant, a pizzeria, a pasta area, and a high-end sit down restaurant (see below). The layout is awesome and it’s nice to have it seperate from the market section of the venue. It’s a nice change to the Flatiron location where everything is all mixed together. Really enjoyed it.

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Osteria Della Pace

This may be the crown jewel of the entire venue. This is an upscale, full service restaurant focused on Southern Italian cooking. Chef Riccardo Orfino is at the helm and cooking the true Italian way…simple with the best ingredients. His pasta pomodoro was fantastically al dente with a wonderful tomato sauce sourced from two Italian and one local (New Jersey) tomato. Literally, it was perfect. So simple yet so amazingly delicious and satisfying when done as well as this is.

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Mario Batali and Learning About Food And Culture

The place is unreal. I can’t say enough. I can’t wait to go back. You learn about the culture, the food, how it’s made and where it comes from. They even have, essentially, a learning center about cheese, meat, wine, and pasta in a narrow hallway leading to the bathrooms! Dude…I even took a selfie with Mario Batali. He’s a partner and a driving force…and he really knows his stuff.

If you’re in NYC, do yourself and favor and check this place out. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, I bet you won’t want to leave. Ever.

Prego.

To find out more, please check out:

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Tasty Tuesday: Cabot Products And Their Farmers Are Fantastically Fresh #CabotFarmers

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Above is Cabot Private Stock Cheddar on pita chips with cherry preserves. Or I like to call it…ridiculous.

Cabot. Ever heard of it? I hope you have. If not, you better find it because you are missing out. The brand, if you are not aware, is literally one of my favorites on Earth. Their cheeses, from sharp NY cheddar to spicy Buffalo and Everything Bagel Cheddar is off the charts tasty. So is their American Cheese and Butter. I’ve never had a bad…anything…from Cabot. Period. The kids ask for it by name. It is a staple in our house close to 365 days a year.

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Aside from the amazing product, the company is a farmer’s co-op, which basically means that since 1919, Upstate NY and New England family farms run the show and own the company. There are now about 1,200 or so farms. It’s awesome and it’s something I wholeheartedly support. So when I heard about a Cabot event…you know I was down.

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I had the distinct pleasure of attending a Cabot event in NYC a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoyed it. From the cheese and food pairings to the recipes to beer I couldn’t drink because it was still Lent, I had a great time. While that was all great, the best part about it was getting the chance to meet a number of the farmers that make Cabot tick. As you can see, Cabot did not disappoint.

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From the 600 cow farm way upstate in NY near Canada to the farm in Connecticut that is using robots to milk the cows, it was a real eye-opening experience. The work, the sacrifice, the blood-sweat-tears-passion that’s involved, it was impressive to say the least. These people really care. They care about their farms and their way of life. They care about their cows and the final Cabot product. They care about the consumer and putting the best out there. There’s artistry and pride involved, and that’s what makes it great. Some of these farms are tiny, but they make it work. Can you imagine 1,200 businesses partnering up and actually not making a mess of things? It’s hard to believe, but it seems to be true.

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There wasn’t a cheese I didn’t love. From the reserve, rare founder’s series to the seriously sharp to the garlic and herb, it all pretty much rocked. I could have been there all night long, but alas it came closing time and it was time to go. The farmers had been out and about in NYC all day with more to come in the next few days. They visited Times Square and soup kitchens and everything in between. For many, it was their first time in NYC. I gave them some tips, but something tells me they were just fine. I guess we all have something interesting to enjoy and be proud of. For me, it’s my NYC, for them their pastoral splendor. Seems to be a pretty good mix if you ask me.

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Oh yeah…I got a swag bag if you can believe it. Let’s talk about this. It contained cheese…and more than enough of it. This was on top of the cheese they were kind enough to share with me from the event tables themselves. Oh yeah…the Cabot Creamery Cookbook slid in there too. As if the amazing recipes on Cabot’s site wasn’t enough. I think we can all agree…#winning. They had me at cheddar. Sigh.

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To find out more about all the tasty, tasty things going on with Cabot, please check out:

Guy and the Blog was given product at the event and after the event for the purpose of this very tasty review. All opinions and jonesing are my own.

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