Pairing the right wines and foods is a matter of opinion, but some people’s opinions are better than others. If you’re not so sure about yours, get some help from the Natalie MacLean Wine Picks & Pairings app. Use your phone to get a snapshot of a bottle at a store or restaurant and instantly get tasting notes, ratings and good food matches. You an also track purchases and keep your own wine journal; NatalieMacLean.com.
Liquid Courage
Looking to elevate your margarita to the next level? Try making it with Milagro Silver Select Barrel Reserve, a limited edition tequila from the multiple award-winning producer. Crafted from 100% estate-brown blue agave hand-picked in the highlands of Jalisco, Milagro Silver SBR is aged for 59 days in French oak and comes in a gorgeous hand-blown crystal bottle; $69.99, MilagroTequila.com.
Farmer’s Magic
When we think of fashion trends, our minds fill with images of runway models, designer handbags and strappy stilettoes, but one of the most significant and understated fashions of the past decade has less to do with Prada and more to do with produce. Buying directly from farmers used to be run-of-the-mill, but as technology has advanced toward large chain grocery stores and more efficient shipping technologies, our food has started being produced farther and farther away. Now, it’s more likely that the grapefruit you had for breakfast came from Mexico or Israel instead of Florida, even though The Sunshine State and Texas are still the largest grapefruit producers. As a sort of grassroots response, Farmers’ Markets reemerged and instantly started gaining momentum and popularity. Since 1994, when the USDA first started tracking these types of markets, the numbers have grown exponentially from 1,755 nationwide to more than 6,000 in 2010, without signs of slowing down anytime soon. The configuration and clientele have also changed significantly over the past decade. Now, in addition to farmers and neighbors, you’re likely to see celebrities and world-class chefs perusing the stalls for the newest varieties of heirloom vegetables. Even the fashion of farmers’ markets has evolved from overalls and flannel to designer totes and dresses that rival the produce in color and vivaciousness. So next time, instead of heading to the supermarket, try out your local farmers’ market and make your shopping an experience in community, food and fashion.
› Christine Benson has more than 10 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. She is devoted to creating healthier versions of her favorite recipes, drawing upon her background in Nutrition and the exciting new field of Ecogastronomy.
“An Englishman teaching an American about food is like the blind leading
the one-eyed.” — J. Liebling
Dead Meat
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has vowed to spend the year eating meat only from animals he kills himself. We suspect that means his dinners will only involve things that weren’t particularly cute.
Huge Apple
New York City is home to roughly 25,000 restaurants, which means you could eat at a different one every night for almost 70 years without repeating. Pizza and fried rice, anyone?
Egg Spin
Ever wonder if that egg in your fridge has already been hard-boiled or not? We haven’t, either. But if for some reason you did, you could find out by spinning it. A hard-boiled egg will spin smoothly.
