The Culinary Scoop

 QuirkyCruise.com co-founders Heidi Sarna and Ted Scull have 50 years combined experience as travel writers. Their journeys have taken them to the far corners of the globe in the pursuit of adventure, enlightenment, and good old-fashioned fun. It’s no surprise that fans, friends, and family have been just a wee bit envious of their gig.

“I’m grateful to enjoy a career that allows me to do what I love so much — writing, traveling and meeting new people,” Heidi says.

Yes, it’s true, travel writing can be glamorous, thrilling, and a great way to see the world. And it’s also true there are pesky deadlines, persnickety editors and writers’ block to contend with, but alas, travel writers persevere in the name of “research!”

If you are into health and wellness, it is really hard not to hear the word kombucha.  Within the last five years or so, I would say the fermented tea drink has really gained mainstream attention with various brands now sold at most retailers and coffee shops.  For some, the taste may take a minute to get used to as you tell yourself how good it is for you. After all, with each sip, you’re consuming a rich dose of probiotics and antioxidants. Other benefits noted but not medically proven include the possibiity that it “may” help with the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

From what history tells us, kombucha has been consumed for thousands of years and thought to originate in either China or Japan. Today, there are more than 10 brands on the shelves with more waiting to introduce themselves in the future.  I have personally tried at least five of them with Revive Kombucha being one of my favorites for the smoothness and flavor. I am especially hooked on the Hibiscus Refresher.

The Low Carb Lifestyle Show brings Toronto’s low carb community together celebrating the popular low carb lifestyle. Low carb, paleo, diabetic and keto enthusiasts can sample foods, drinks and products that will satisfy their cravings.

The quest for creative ways to reduce carbs and sugar continues in 2019.  The Low Carb Lifestyle Show gives consumers a chance to see, sip and sample what’s new in the low carb marketplace.  Local vendors showcase delicious eats and treats, everything from snacks, cookies, chocolate, donuts, drinks, non-alcoholic beer, pizza, buns, pies, food delivery to name a few.

“This event will help connect people, get questions answered and provide education so their specific issues can be tackled and health goals achieved.” Eoin Carroll, Founder Phat Nutrition.

Tourists planning to visit the new Museum of Black Civilization in Dakar, Senegal should also take a moment to check out Chez Alpha Books, an English bookstore committed to writers from The Diaspora, fiction /non–Wfiction stories related to the history, and experiences of people from The Diaspora along with other world literature.

Chez Alpha Books is an African-American/Senegalese venture led by Angela Franklin-Faye, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio living in Dakar. Historically Senegal is a Francophone country, yet several years ago Franklin started selling books in English. She comments, “It was never about one language having priority over another. At that time, there was a growing interest in English, and we wanted to be able to provide a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction books to that audience as all the bookstores in Dakar were selling books in French. Also, the diverse and empowering stories we wanted to share were more easily accessible in English. At present, Chez Alpha Books is adding more titles in Wolof, French, Arabic and other languages that reflect the stories and images we want to share with our reading community.”

Slush Naturals® kicks off its 6th anniversary at Whole Foods with a new part owner

The Slush Naturals Company, Inc., a purveyor of vegan certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, all-natural beverages infused with fruit/vegetable juices and plant essence, is happy to announce that GRAMMY^® Award-winning producer, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, recording artist, TV star and So So Def’s founder, Jermaine Dupri has become a minority shareholder.

“Slush Naturals^® proudly creates healthy beverages, said Slush Naturals^® founder Avis Prince.  “Jermaine is committed to a clean vegan lifestyle and was eager to learn more about the natural beverage industry after falling in love with our products.  We connected.” 

“After watching Food, Inc., I cleansed for 25 days and never felt better,” said Dupri.  “As a result, I became vegan and have continued the lifestyle for 14 years.  I realized the incredible opportunity with Slush Naturals^® to put a deliciously wholesome, vegan certified drink in every person’s hands. I want the world to have the mental clarity and energy to live their best life, and Slush Naturals^® can be a tasty component.” said the living legend.

Enjoy a Weekend of Culinary and Craft Cocktail Experiences at HarborWalk Village

One of the most popular events on the Destin Harbor, Tequila & Taco Fest, kicks off the Spring event season—March 8-10, 2019. Visitors from across the Southeast enjoy a flavorful weekend of unique culinary delights.

New to this year’s festival, an evening of Tapas and Tequila with Garden & Gun Magazine. Mixologist demonstrations, signature cocktails featuring Corralejo Tequila, creative small plates and live music by Nashville band, Humming House kick off the festival weekend on Friday, March 8^th from 7:00-10:00pm. Menu items include fresh seafood features including a Shrimp Cocktail Bar complete with Bloody Mary poached camarones and Ancho-Orange Mahi Mahi with an Avocado-Lime Salsa.

The signature tasting event on Saturday, March 9^th offers a flavorful afternoon on the Destin Harbor. More than fifteen local restaurants will compete for the title of ‘Best Taco on the Emerald Coast’ as they put their creative twists on fish, chicken, beef and authentic Latin tacos. With over twenty different tequilas and margaritas available for sampling, guests will have the opportunity to try smoky and sweet agave flavors as well as different varieties of tequila including Reposado, Blanco and Anejo. High-end tequilas, including Don Julio and Patron, will be available in the VIP areas. Featured cocktails include the Grapefruit Paloma and Harbor Breeze as well as the Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita, a 2017 festival favorite.

Dunkin’s tenth annual regional scholarship program is accepting applications through April 15

Dunkin’ and its greater Philadelphia-area franchisees today announced the launch of its tenth annual Dunkin’ Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program, which will award $50,000 in scholarships to area high school and college students.

In partnership with Scholarship America, Dunkin’ will award 25 students throughout the greater Philadelphia region with a $2,000 academic scholarship to an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school of their choice in Fall 2019. New for 2019, Dunkin’s Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program will be open to current part-time and full-time undergraduate students and high school seniors. Recipients will be selected based on their academic record, demonstrated leadership skills, and overall commitment to their school and local community.