Bacon Haikus

Honestly, can there be anything better than Japanese Poetry mixed with Salted, Cured Meat.

A sampling of the genius of the site:

Metallic bacon

That’s a band name with flavor!

Alt-rock meets Salt-rock.

Check out the meat inspired creations at Bacon Haikus.

Grocery Stores Fight Back Against Food Prices

A year ago, when the cost of commodities such as wheat, oil, and corn was soaring, grocers grudgingly accepted price increases from Kellogg (K), General Mills (GIS), H.J. Heinz, (HNZ) and other food manufacturers. The strange thing is, those price tags never came back down, even when commodity prices collapsed in the fourth quarter of 2008. As a result, grocers have little cheer to offer their shoppers at a time of deepening economic gloom. "The prices don't seem to go down as fast as they go up," says Jeffrey Noddle, CEO of Minneapolis-based Supervalu, one of the nation's leading grocers.

Business Week

More Super Bowl Sustenance...

I have to give a blog-shout to the best wing in the city, Wild Mike's. Call your order in early though, those Westsiders love their wing. Here's a link to Cincinnati.com's review. If I were you, I'd go with 12 medium garlic, get your friend (if you have one) to order 12 "Mike's Mix" hot, steal two of his for the ever-important change-of-pace wing mid meal and split a large Cajun french fry. The homemade Blue Cheese is great for "dessert."

Wow, That's A Ton of Pig Wrapped In Pig

It appears that Manos has found the greatest meat concoction ever via the Interweb. Check out the Bacon Explosion via the New York Times, often known for their classy recipes.

This recipe is the Bacon Explosion, modestly called by its inventors “the BBQ Sausage Recipe of all Recipes.” The instructions for constructing this massive torpedo-shaped amalgamation of two pounds of bacon woven through and around two pounds of sausage and slathered in barbecue sauce first appeared last month on the Web site of a team of Kansas City competition barbecuers. They say a diverse collection of well over 16,000 Web sites have linked to the recipe, celebrating, or sometimes scolding, its excessiveness. A fresh audience could be ready to discover it on Super Bowl Sunday.

Pictures via NY Times

Manos, my heart and Lipitor thank you

TED- The Art of Baking Bread

Peter Reinhart's food work began as ministry outreach and later became a full-fledged culinary and teaching career. Both an educator and lay minister, his lessons focus on both secular and spiritual education. One of his books, Bread Upon the Waters: A Pilgrimage Toward Self Discovery and Spiritual Truth is first in a series of books exploring nourishment in terms of food and one's life mission.

Reinhart is founder of the award-winning Brother Juniper's Bakery in Santa Rosa, California. He's now a full-time faculty member in the International Baking and Pastry Institute at Johnson and Wales University. He has also developed a line of frozen gourmet pizzas, calzones, toaster snacks and bagels for Amy's Kitchen.

His latest book is Peter Reinhart’s Whole Grain Breads: New Techniques, Extraordinary Flavor.

From TED

Workin' It

"Use your best judgment regarding personal safety"

Frosted Flakes Super Bowl Ad Promotes Goodwill Program

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes will use a Super Bowl ad to promote a new program in which it will renovate about 50 community playing fields as an extension of its "Earn Your Stripes" kids' program.

MediaPost

Mickie D's Gets the Last Laugh

Remember McDonald's Deluxe? It was gonna bring McDonald's back from the tough times, yet I could hardly remember the name (thankfully Wikipedia Exists). Well, it seems that McD's is now back on top, they just needed a recession.

"Despite commodity cost pressures, price-sensitive consumers and soaring unemployment, McDonald's reported impressive fourth-quarter and full-year earnings this morning. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based burger chain reported same-store sales were up 5% in the U.S. during the fourth quarter, and up 4% for the year. It credited its breakfast, chicken, value and beverage items with continued strong sales. Full-year profit actually fell 23%, because of a tax benefit last year."

via AdAge

Fancy Food Show

Some highlights from the fancy food show that took place last week in San Francisco:

Premium snack crackers — La Panzanella, creators of the award-winning Croccantini, introduced a trio of uniquely seasoned snack crackers under its new Fieri line.

Wine country soda — From Berkeley comes Vignette Wine Country Soda, the first carbonated soft drink naturally sweetened with the juice of California varietal wine grapes.

Tasty new purées — Allowing home chefs and budding mixologists the same opportunity to add rich gourmet flavors to a variety of dishes and create classic cocktails, like a white peach bellini, the Perfect Purée of Napa Valley has expanded its fruit and vegetable offerings.

Heavenly puddings — The decadent handmade desserts from the Sticky Toffee Pudding Company reflect the revival of the great tradition of British hot puddings.

Read more here and check out the show page here

Bacon + Bourbon = Proof God Was From Kentucky?

Peanut Butter and Jelly? Tom Cruise and a F-14 Tomcat? Daryl Hall and John Oates? Myth: Could the good Lord produce better combinations than these works of poetry? Well, over a short but productive lunch, I came across a recipe for the new mixologist rage...Bacon Bourbon. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd hear two things carved out of such perfection could be combined in flawless harmony. So I headed to my local Fresh Market, took out a second mortgage on my house and bought a pound of Nueskes Applewood Smoked Bacon...for $7.00 a pound.


I figured to get a good finished product, I'd have to start with quality ingredients...well, at least quality bacon. After frying 9 strips up, I got a yield of 3.5 ounces of bacon fat and added that to 750mL of Jim Beam White Label Bourbon. I let that Concoction of the Gods sit at room temperature overnight, and then tossed it in the freezer for 2 hours to separate the fat from the liquid. You can start to see the science at work here:

The fat coagulated on top of the bourbon and allowed me to simply spoon it out of the pitcher (perhaps I'll make a bacon candle with that?). After a few trips through the cheese cloth...



I had a perfect batch of Bacon Bourbon...



I have to admit, the 4 BLT's I made with the Bacon were a tad better than the bourbon itself...but it did produce a distinctly different taste than the Jim Beam I started with. Specifically, it was much smokier. I think I'll try it with a maple syrup old fashion and see if it gets any better. So long story short, Myth confirmed...you can't get a better combination than Tom Cruise in a DOG fight in a tomCAT. We'll discuss the irony of that later.

The Next Great Food . . . Tongue Tacos

As the demographics of our nation changes, so does the need for new food offerings in the US -- opening the door for Rumba Meats - a Cargill company that offers some cuts of meat that often were chucked (pun intended) or shipped overseas. Some interesting things to note from the article: 1) The branding of a line of meats, 2) The type of name that was utilized, ie. a spanish/cuban influence, and 3) How the packaging reflects the customers demands of inspecting the product.

When Chef Pete Geoghegan cuts open a plastic package of beef tongue and unspools the 3.5-pound monster across his cutting board, it is more than a foot long, pale, and jiggly from a bottom layer of fat. It will be the key ingredient in tonight's main course at the Culinary Innovation Center at Cargill Meat Solutions in Wichita, Kansas: tongue tacos with tomato salsa. Read More

Check out my previous post on Cargill
Photo from FastCompany.com

Kellogg Is Testing Space-Saving Box

Kellogg says that the box--which is shorter and appears to be wider than a traditional one--will be easier for consumers to store. The eco benefit should also be appealing: The new design uses an average 8% less packaging material per box.

The company also said the new box could help retailers make more efficient use of shelf space and provide more varieties of products.

Media Post

Free Coffee . . . From Starubucks . . .Really?

"Starbucks' campaign to promote volunteerism (and store traffic) got a huge bump today from no less than Oprah Winfrey -- and by extension, Barack Obama.

The talk-show host talked up the java giant's "I'm In" campaign, which encourages consumers to pledge five hours of community service before the end of the year. Those who commit to doing so at Starbucks between now and Sunday will be rewarded with a free coffee. "

via AdAge

Jim Beam Invites Fans To Spoof Its Ads

"It's tongue-in-cheek, and we wanted to tap into that humor," says Kelly Doss, senior director of Bourbons and Whiskeys for Beam Global. To that end, "The Girlfriend" has been airing since Jan. 19 on ESPN and TNT. "We did a very focused TV buy with this," she tells Marketing Daily," because we know [our targets] are sports fanatics, focused on the NBA--they're online, creative and they have passion." The spots end Feb. 15.

Media Post

Coffee Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

After controlling for numerous socioeconomic and health factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the scientists found that the subjects who had reported drinking three to five cups of coffee daily were 65 percent less likely to have developed dementia, compared with those who drank two cups or less. People who drank more than five cups a day also were at reduced risk of dementia, the researchers said, but there were not enough people in this group to draw statistically significant conclusions.

New York Times

Adieu, Jean Robert

Jean-Robert at Pigall’s, the fine-dining restaurant downtown, will close on Feb. 28, and the partnership between owners Jean-Robert de Cavel and Martin and Marilyn Wade has been dissolved.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Figuring Out Gen Y's Eclectic Eating Preferences

Other salient F&B drivers include their penchant for customizing foods through adds-ons or mix-ins (the reason they love fajitas and other "build-it-yourself" foods); their dedication to local, organic, fair trade and vegetarian/vegan foods (reflecting their belief that food choices can make a positive difference in the world at large); and their firm belief in the value of health/wellness and functional (including anti-aging) foods and beverages. (Although males under 20, in particular, are also hooked on energy-blast drinks.)

MediaPost

Five Guys gets fresh with burgers

Five Guys is one of the chains that has helped spawn the national trend toward fresh, higher-quality ingredients cooked to order and served in a fast-food setting. The concept is being widely copied all over the country, but this chain has honed it to a science. Its food is, indeed, vastly better than its fast-food setting suggests.

freep.com

Bootsy's

+


=

Funky Tapas

So, a couple of us went to Bootsy's last Friday to check out Cincy's newest, most cosmopolitan restaurant to open in the past month. The marriage of Bootsy Collins, of P-Funk and Paul Brown Stadium Fame, and Jeff Ruby, of steak, steak and steak fame, led to the city's newest tapas bar.

Overall, I'd have to say, while the company was great, the word that echoed in my head was "overrated." No happy hour specials and fine, but not great, Coca's (Spanish Flatbreads) won't have me rushing back for happy hour. The place was packed with politicians, often not a selling point, who proceeded to take up the whole bar area. Luckily, a member of our group hooked us up with the corner, mirrored table room.

I will have to check out a full meal there and write that up, as the Enquirer seemed to love it

One of the highlights of the menu was the fact that you could buy an entire animal with only 3-days notice.

Cochinillo A La - "Caja China" - Whole Suckling Pig
Slow Roasted Cuban style, carved tableside. Chef selected side dishes and dipping sauces.
Serves 6 or more. 72 Hours Advance Order Required.

Dont' worry, it's a cake, not a real pig, but Bootsy's serves the real deal

Many say that 2009 is the year of the Moustache, if so SKI is in a good position for being on trend. While Moustaches don't have a lot to do with food, there are some famous spokespeople with moustaches . . .

Fiber Being Pitched As Tasty, Sexy Even

Fiber, the chewy, gummy, indigestable substance that is said to promote both weight loss and regularity, is not known for its taste, but you wouldn’t know it from the industry’s latest spin.

BrandWeek

Nestle places confidence in probiotics for kids

Food giant Nestle is today launching a probiotics drink for children in the US, which the company claims is the only drink on the market to deliver immune benefits coupled with balanced nutrition.

nutraingredients-usa.com

TonIQ

During my reading of Guy Kawasaki's blog I noticed the below image and became interested.

Surfing over to the Brain Toniqu website I learned a bit about this new energy drink.

Here's their pitch:

You make a living from your brain. You can't afford to feed it junk.

Brain Toniq is the world's first organic, kosher, botanical-based, non-caffeinated think drink specifically designed for those who need more mental focus and clarity. Formulated out of plant extracts and natural compounds, the ingredients in Brain Toniq have a long, proven history for their effects on increasing brain power and cognition. We add no chemical preservatives, no caffeine, no sugar, no fake anything. Just fuel for the cranium.

It's interesting to see how the path that energy drinks are taking. Initially it was for having a great night out - a little red bull and vodka and you could dance until 4 a.m.. Now, energy drinks are giving your "cranium" fuel in a "botanical-based" way.

For those of you on Twitter

For those of you on Twitter (and those of you that should be) here is a good Foodie follow: Foodimentary

10 Most Bizarre Restaurants

So, looks like it really IS all about the experience!

Click here to see the list!

Coca-Cola to Uncap 'Open Happiness' Campaign

Print ads in the campaign are expected to make their debut next week, and new TV commercials are expected to air in coming weeks, including during the Super Bowl, these people say, though the commercials are still being finalized. One spot, called "Heist," scheduled to run during the big game, will feature cute critters in a park absconding with people's Cokes, they say.

The campaign grew out of a six-month initiative dubbed "Project Next," which was spearheaded by Coke's new chief executive, Muhtar Kent, and Joe Tripodi, the company's global chief marketing officer. Both executives are seeking to make their mark on the 123-year-old brand.

Wall Street Journal

You're Putting What in Coffee?

While I'm not the biggest coffee drinker, I actually think this sound good. I may be crazy, but I could go for a salty, coffee beverage right about now.

Chinese people like to eat things Westerners consider unusual, things like pig-blood cake and chicken-butt kebab to name just a few of the popular snacks here. So the introduction of salty coffee shouldn't be such a shocker. What difference, after all, can a few sprinkles of salt have on your morning cup of joe? The chefs at Taiwan's top coffeehouse, 85C Bakery Cafe, pondered that question for six months before they started serving sea salt coffee, which became their best-selling drink following its December debut. (full Article via Time)

Kellogg warns not to eat its peanut butter crackers

The Kellogg Co. announced Wednesday it is recommending that consumers not eat its peanut butter crackers because they may be tainted with salmonella.


Story Highlights

• Some types of Austin- and Keebler-branded sandwich crackers affected
  
• One of its peanut butter suppliers has been linked to outbreak of salmonella
  
• Kellogg says warning is strictly precautionary; no incidents of illness reported
  
• Outbreak of salmonella poisoning has affected at least 434 people in 43 states

Article via CNN

Honest Kids

"Honest Tea’s new line of organic, low-sugar, fruit-flavored thirst quenchers offers a great-tasting alternative to sugar-laden beverages. Each pouch contains less than half the sugar of most other pouch drinks. Enjoy the healthy, natural refreshment of Honest Kids, even if you’re just a really big kid at heart! "

Dieline.com

Why have one bypass when you can have a double

Last night I worked a bit . . . on clearing off the DVR. Catching up on my Man v. Food (see prior post ), I witnessed perhaps the greatest sandwich known to man - The Double Bypass. Having lived in Atlanta for 7 years, and being a connoisseur of fine foods, I can't believe neither my friends nor myself ever witnessed/tried to eat this beast.


The Double Bypass is one of many burger at the Vortex, an "upscale" biker bar that is like a TGI Fridays that is cooler and has good food (especially awesome Tater Tots), so now that I think about it, it's nothing like a Fridays.

DOUBLE BYPASS BURGER
Topped with two fried eggs, four slices of American
cheese, and 5 slices of bacon, with two grilled cheese
sandwiches replacing the buns.

Over the years The Vortex is consistently voted Top Burger in Atlanta, which is somewhat agree with. It's a good burger, but I've had better in Atlanta - Ted's Montana Grill (Bison), Ann's Snack Bar, and others. Well, regardless, the Double Bypass is a beast, and I'm kind of hankering for breaking that New Year's Resolution.



fyi - here's the full menu

It's Cold In Here

What would you pay to hang out outside today? Probably not a lot. If you were in Vegas, though, you could fork over some cash to chill out in a frickin' cold bar - the Minus 5 .

via Wired Magazine

The

What's Cooking? Bacon, For Dessert

Suddenly menus everywhere have deemed bacon an acceptable crossover. The landmark Brown Hotel in Louisville, Ky., does a bacon baklava. More, a cupcake shop in Chicago, sells three bacon flavors. Animal in Los Angeles serves a deeply satisfying bacon chocolate crunch bar. At New York City's Dovetail, the bread pudding with bacon brittle is so popular it can't be rotated off the menu.

Time Magazine

Spotted: Bergman breaking his new years resolution

Today we enjoyed a delicious lunch at First Watch The Daytime Cafe. What we didn't realize it that we ate enough cholesterol for the next 3 days.

Bergman: Chickinchanga- Whipped eggs with spicy chicken, homemade chorizo sausage, green chilies, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, onion and avocado rolled in a crispy flour tortilla and topped with Vera Cruz sauce and sour cream.
Nutritional Information:
Calories 1047 Calories from fat 666
Total Fat 74 g 114%
Saturated Fat 34 g 170%
Cholesterol 601 mg 200%

Wintrob: Killer Cajun- Spicy Cajun chicken breast, mushrooms, Monterey Jack cheese and onions. Served with our special Santa Fe dressing

Calories 767 Calories from fat 569
Total Fat 63 g 97%
Saturated Fat 24 g 120%
Cholesterol 760 mg 253%





Emily: Joaquin Yahoo™- An open-faced Mexican-style frittata with mushrooms, broccoli, celery, zucchini and onions. Topped with our homemade freshly made salsa, melted cheeses and sour cream. Served with an English muffin

Calories 472 Calories from fat 332
Total Fat 37 g 57%
Saturated Fat 19 g 95%
Cholesterol 697 mg 232%

New Years Resolution: Raverty

To be less wasteful: Less wasteful of my time, talent, mind, and the environment.

Hellow Tesco, Goodbye Wal-Mart?

Even with their new snazzy logo, is Wal- Mart gonna be second place in the U.S.?

"British retailer Tesco entered the U.S. market only last year but already it has managed to put Wal-Mart (WMT), the world's No. 1 retailer, on the defensive. Tesco (TSCO.L) fired the first salvo, in a battle that retailing analysts expect will intensify, by launching Fresh & Easy, a chain of 10,000-square-foot convenience stores, in cities across California, Nevada, and Arizona in November 2007. "

via businessweek

Man v. Food . . .mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I think I may have missed my calling, well maybe half my calling. The new Travel Channel show (yes, I've now begun watching the Travel Channel - so long are the days of sticking below 50 on the cable box) Man v. Food pits Adam Richman against mighty portions. While I could maybe come close to eating half of what he eats, it wouldn't be a bad job to have - eat unhealthy crap while traveling around the country.

I stumbled upon this show and have watched several episodes: 1)The Sasquatch Burger, essentially a burger the size of a tire and 2) Gino's Deep Dish in Chicago. In each episode Adam checks out the local eats then tries to dominate an enormous amount of food - he's batted .500 since I began watching. Def a must watch for people who enjoy eating food, television, and saying "Sasquatch."

Various locations include Pittsburgh, Columbus, Austin, and Atlanta.

Check it out on Wednesdays at 10 PM

As Consumers Try to Cut Back, Tropicana Promotes Quality and Value

A multimedia campaign, getting under way this week, is the first for the Tropicana juice brand from its new agency, the Arnell Group in New York, part of the Omnicom Group. The campaign carries the typographically challenging theme “squeeze it’s a natural,” which is intended to evoke the way oranges are turned into Tropicana along with the warm way in which the company wants consumers to embrace the brand.

New York Times

I'm the person who clicks on banner ads

I'm not usually one for clicking on banner advertisements, but today while searching for the latest Reds signings I noticed a Cargill advertisement on the side.

I've really never thought about Cargill as a company, but I know on my various road trips Cargill is a name that I see on trucks, in fields, and gas stations. This past week I had the chance to try out some of Cargill's newest offering, Truvia, so I clicked. I was taken to a Cargill's case studies and navigated to Cargill's website and learned that, "Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 160,000 employees in 67countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed." I never realized how big and far reaching of a company they were - they have their hands in Agriculture & Animal Nutrition, Financial & Risk Management, Food, Health & Pharmaceutical, and Industrial
Definitely check them out.

Now, back to Truvia, which is a natural sweeter that I found to be better than Splenda, and became a big fan of Splenda. The interesting thing about Truvia is that they haven't locked up a color. If you dine out you know that Splenda = Yellow, Sweet & Low = Pink, Equal= Blue, Sugar in the Raw = Brown, but Truvia is white with green, so I wonder how it will work out in the long run for Truvia's equity - will it get too confused with sugar?

Here some quick things to know about Truvia (from their site)

• Truvia™ natural sweetener is refreshingly uncomplicated. Sprinkle it on your grapefruit. Spoon it in your coffee. It won't end up on your conscience or your thighs.

• One packet of Truvia™ natural sweetener provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar.

• Truvia™ natural sweetener is a great alternative for people with diabetes. It is also kosher certified.

By the way, Odwalla and Sprite will be making beverages with Truvia by the way.

FYI- Here's a recipe for some Truvia Pumpkin Pie

Gatorade Quietly Aims to Revive Brand

The ads are part of a big rebranding effort for the Gatorade brand that includes a redesigned package and, according to a person familiar with the matter, a Super Bowl commercial. PepsiCo is trying to reach consumers beyond sports nuts to help reverse the brand's weak sales performance. The company is expected to spend roughly $150 million on the ad push, according to the person.



Wall Street Journal

Free McDonalds . . . No, Really

From today's Enquirer.com :

Free McDonald's!

Posted 1/6/2009 10:16 AM EST on Cincinnati.com

Who doesn't love free food? In its way of tempting those who are dieting, participating McDonald's locations in Greater Cincinnati will offer free samples every Wednesday from now through April 15. You can get these deals either inside the restaurants or via drive-thru with a limit of one per customer while supplies last.

January

From 7-10 a.m, free sample-size Sausage McGriddle (half sandwich).

February

From 7-10 a.m, free sample-size Southern Style Chicken Biscuit (half sandwich).

March

From 7-10 a.m, free sample-size (7-ounce) of regular flavored iced coffee.

April

From 7-10 a.m. and from 2-5 p.m., free regular size (12-ounce) Mocha McCafe."

Casseroles and Depression-era Dining Trends

It's official ... 2009 is the Year of the Casserole. For those of you like me, we've been sensing this coming for quite some time given the backlash to molecular gastronomy and the overriding need for comfort in these bleak economic times. I've gone casserole crazy, and I'm not the only one. Check out Emily Farris' casserole competition in Brooklyn and her book, Casserole Crazy: Hot Stuff for Your Oven.

One step further, I'm loving the throwback to Depression-era dining in general. Especially in our post-glut, current guilt, resolution-geared mindsets, is there anything more appropos than cheap, healthy and and no-fuss cooking? 92-year old Clara walks you through her stand-by Depression dinner in this YouTube clip.

And while we're jumping headlong into the theme of recession/depression, let's make a bowl of punch to share over our commiserations.

At Long Last . . . Taste Teamers Enjoy Chipotle

After waiting out the initial long lines of burrito loving Cincinnatians, Emily and I had lunch at the new fountain square Chipotle. The line moved quickly and the food was tasty.

Emily enjoys her veggie tacos
Michael's bowl looks deceivingly healthy
The greatest invention known to Chipotle lovers, a pick up window for fax/internet orders.

Flight + Empty Stomach = ?

Do you travel via airplane?

Do you get hungry at airports?

If you answered yes to both of these in-depth questions, then check out this NY Times article on airport restaurants and then check this out for what others suggested

What does a Spice Girl Wife, A Sleeve of Tattoos, The Ability to Bend the Soccer Ball in a Magical Way, and A Movie Title Get you . . . . Canned

+

=

CANNED

Pepsi and their new fangeled logo have decided to split with Mr. Posh Spice, or David Beckham. While he's played about 5 minutes of soccer with the LA Galaxy, he's been endorsing mass checks from sponsors around the world. Looks like his injuries, the economy, and MLS' low exposure will make ol' Beckam look for a new "beverage" sponsor - perhaps Jones Soda - they'll even let you do your own photography.

Pepsi and Beckam End Partnership . . . via AdAge