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La Fin du Monde by Unibroue inc.

Updated Jan 26, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

Belgian ales are not new but they are tasty. If you love Hoegaarden and Blue Moon, you should expand your horizons. Be aware however, there are not for the faint of heart and pack lots more punch than your typical brew. Lots of alcohol here!

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Teavana Blueberry Bliss Rooibos Tea

Updated Oct 28, 2007

Description

This weekend I stepped into a Teavana store for the first time - what an experience.

Many have speculated that tea will regain its popularity - with stores like Teavana, it might. The staff was incredibly friendly and maybe too educated about tea. No question went unanswered. Its rare to see such enthusiasm.

I sampled a ton of tea but in the end I settled for the Blueberry Bliss Rooibos tea. Its a wonderfully yummy and fun tea that is great hot and even better over ice. What can I say, I am a sucker for blueberries.

My previous experience with tea shops was abroad. When I traveled through Paris, I remember the wonderful variety of tea shops and the exotic scents of tea from all over the world. Then, tea shops were still very uncommon here. Things have changed.

Teavana has lots of great tea accessories to go along with its insanely large assortment of tea. If you have a chance, give them a shot. You'll love it.

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Shin Double Wall Coffee Press

Updated Oct 25, 2007

Description

This coffee press will put all others to shame! It is the premiere press in my kitchen.

Topping Bodum's impressive double wall collection, the Shin press is the logical and beautiful evolution. The double wall construction sparkles as it keeps your perfectly made brew hot.

I was lucky to grab one of the all-glass version where even the handle was made of crystal clear glass. You can still get the plastic handle version.

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Starbucks Espresso Machine

Updated Oct 22, 2007

Description

Bring the barista home (not literally).

Who among us doesn't enjoy a yummy latte or mocha? The trip to Starbucks is always fun but sometimes we want to sit at home, maybe entertain some company and serve up something warm and delicious!

I love knowing that if I want a latte at 3 in the morning, as long as I can find my way to the kitchen I'm set. I love this machine and anyone who is serious about enjoying their coffee should consider one. You dont have to stop going to Starbucks - its just one more way to bring great tasting coffee drinks into your life.

Starbucks just brought this model out - its probably identical to the original Starbucks Barista machine, only it carries the Saeco name.

This is not a toy! Its a serious piece of equipment that will definitely impress your guests and make a great shiny additon to your kitchen! Read the reviews, this is probably one of the best starter machines on the market! I know!

All metal. 2 shots at once. Made in Italy.

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Moscato Allegro

Updated Apr 6, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

When the days become long and the weather is warm I think of the wonderful variety of summer drinks to share with friends on warm evenings. Moscato Allegro is one of my favorites!

This isnt your typical high-brow muscat (moscato). Moscato Allegro is an affordable and accessible everyday dessert wine (if there ever was such a thing). This fragrant and fruit-heavy wine will gracefully dance across your palette leaving a crisp and lingering finish. The rich aroma will remind you of exotic fruit and florals with hints of orange blossoms, apricots and peaches. Its not as syrupy-sweet so it can be enjoyed even more.

Moscato Allegro is great as a dessert wine or as a fantastic aperitif served with light pastries or fruit.

Moscato Allegro is made in California by one of the premier muscat wineries.

Approx $12 for 750ml

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Orangina Citrus Drink

Updated Apr 2, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

As the seasons change and the weather slowly warms up, I find myself craving all the things that just aren't the same if enjoyed in the winter. Orangina is just one of those little spring & summer treats. For the unacquainted, Orangina is a light and gently carbonated citrus drink. 12% orange juice and a touch (2%) orange pulp give it a subtly sweet-tart flavor with a hint of texture. The pulp will naturally settle on the bottom - this beckons that the textured bottle be rocked to help move the pulp around and to 'awaken' the fizz.

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3 people recommended this item

Young's Double Chocolate Stout

Updated Mar 3, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Young's Double Chocolate Stout is the dessert version of a Guinness! Dark and rich in chocolate flavor. A true guilty pleasure for the beer and chocolate lover.

Commonly available in cans.

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Prager Port: Sweet Claire

Updated Feb 11, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Sweet Claire is a late harvest riesling... in other words, if you think reising is sweet, just you wait. This pale straw colored wine is rich in sweetness and aromas of apples, apricots and a touch of allspice. The taste is balanced nicely so the subtle flavors dont fight for your attention, they play very well on your palate. Great by itself or with spicy foods.

Each 375ml bottle is joy... and not for too much money!

Prager Port Works is a required stop on any Napa / Sonoma trek! Located in St. Helena, CA, Prager is one of those unexpected gems that draws little attention to itself. Aside from a simple sign, you'd never know that the short gravel path leads to a fantastic find!

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Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Updated Dec 12, 2006

Description

My favorite chocolate and alcohol concoction includes the Dark, Milk and White Chocolate Liqueurs by Godiva. I had this kind of 'chocolate martini' after a great dinner several years back. Fantastic! (via thedelicious)

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Limoncello

Updated Dec 6, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Think of the intense lemon flavor in Lemon Heads candy, in italy, in liquid form with alcohol.

Thats Limoncello

Limoncello (lee-mon-cello) is one of Italy's favorite drinks yet its hardly recognized in the states! Its sweet but also super tart. Some people mix it while others like it super chilled or on the rocks. Its a great aperitif, or whatever you wish to make it into.

Though its hard to find, it is definitely available in the US - you'll just have to ask around.

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6 people recommended this item

Eisch Glas Rapid Cooling Decanter

Updated Nov 26, 2006

Description

This is probably one of the most brilliant and best looking ideas for the modern lush!

The cooling decanter will quickly chill the beverage of your choice in style! (via thedelicious)

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Ting

Updated Nov 13, 2006

Description

We have Jamaica to thank for two important things... Reggae and Ting Grapefruit Soda. I'm serious! Ting is a fantastic grapefruit soda that captures the balance of sweet and tart in a delightful way. Ting remind me of how many European sodas are made... with character and not pumped full of high fructose corn syrup to dumb down the flavor.

Rumor has it that Ting has been acquired by one of the soft drink giants but the recipe remains the same.

Ting may honestly be a lit hard to come by outside of New York City and other areas with high concentrations of islanders. You may have to work for this treat! You'll be rewarded accordingly.

Finally, Ting is fine all on its own but even more fun is to pair it with some alcohol for a cool summer cocktail!

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Tea Egg

Updated Oct 31, 2006

Description

Yet another, though more classic, way to get your caffeine fix. Fill this clever device with your favorite leaves and steep, enjoy and repeat.

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Citrus C Monster

Updated Oct 27, 2006

Description

Odwalla makes a variety of fruit juices; all with their own unique benefits but Citrus C-Monster has a special place in my heart.

First of all, its a smoothie type blend of orange juice, peach, apple, giava, pineapple, cherry, raspberry and passion fruit. Sounds overwhelming doesnt it? Its actually very nicely balanced and the flavor, though distinctively based, is very yummy!

Why rave about it? Besides the great taste, C-Monster is my favorite way to fight back at the first sign of a cold. Each small 8oz serving packs a mightly punch of Vitamin C. 1000% of your Daily Value to be exact!

Next time you want a citrus snack or just want to kick some influenza butt, get some C-Monster.

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Tazo Earl Grey Tea

Updated Oct 25, 2006

Description

If you make a pitstop at Starbucks on your way to whatever got you out of bed, you probably know about Tazo - the seriously playful company thats serious about their tea. Tazo (now officially owned by Starbucks) makes a great variety of teas, one of my favorites is their Earl Grey tea.

For the unfamiliar, let me explain.

Earl Grey is a name for black tea delicately scented / flavored with the delicious essence of Bergamot oil. Bergamot is a citrus, a bitter cousin of the sweet orange. Tazo gets their Bergamot from southern Italy. When you pull each tea sachet out of the bag, you will notice that the bag is a wonderful yellow-orange color. Tazo is the only tea I have seen this happen with. I dont know if the oil comes out of the tea tea or if the bag is intentionally dipped in oil. Either way, Tazo Earl Grey makes a sublime cup of tea.

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Grand Marnier

Updated Sep 18, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Grand Marnier is the quintessential luxury orange liquor made from a blend of real cognacs and the essence of orange. This famous and award winning liquor was created in 1880 and is still produced using the original recipe.

This is one of those tastes of pure indulgence that will stir the senses and awaken your palate. The cognac allures, the orange excites and the sweetness blends it all together into a masterpiece.

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Starbucks DoubleShot

Updated Sep 18, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Yes, everyone LOVES Starbucks, we know! But I think some people have yet to discover what I think is Starbucks' best kept secret: DoubleShot!

I love this cold blend of esperesso and cream. It sounds simple but its absolutely sublime. The two flavors are balanced exquisitely. It is my absolute favorite drink next to the Green Tea Frap!

Of course, its espresso so it packs a hell of a kick. This is Starbucks' version of Red Bull for coffee lovers.

Starbucks DoubleShot is the unofficial fuel behind many of my recommendations.

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Sauternes Wine

Updated Sep 13, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Sauternes wine is another of my favorite overlooked treasures. Like everything French, location is key and this sweet treat comes from the Graves area of the Bordeaux region. This golden colored sweet wine is made from SÃ©millon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes which are partially raisined as a result of a very unique natural process. You end up with sweeter grapes that yield a rich wine. The labor-intensive process and smaller odds of success make the wine very special.

Though it pairs well with some desserts, it is perfectly capable of being dessert for a lover of sweet wines.

Those who enjoy ice wines should give Sauternes a try. Though you will find many very expensive bottles, you can also find some reasonably priced options at your local wine store. Stateside, Sauterne (without the 's') usually refers to a lower quality wine. You want the real thing before you start to venture out and experiment.

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Le Palais des Thes

Updated Nov 28, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

With so many soulless products that are thoughtlessly stuffed onto shelves, its great to see someone producing something real. Le Palais des Thes (The Tea Palace) is just one of these companies. Their people actually know what they are doing and are very passionate about their work. It shows.

Purists at heart, their teas are skillfully picked and blended. Even their more whimsical combinations have to be taken seriously. Not to mention, their retail stores are fabulous! Modern packaging and a great collection of related products bring this product to life.

My favorite: Blue of London (a very fragrant Earl Grey)

Featured in O, The Oprah Magazine.

Available online and in their boutique stores: France, Belgium, Japan, Norway and Beverly Hills. (via Le Palais des Thes)

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Vandermint Mint Chocolate Liqueur

Updated Sep 15, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Few things are as obscure and good as Vandermint: the chocolate and mint liqueur from Holland. You might not take milk glass-like bottle seriously but the contents will surpise and likely amaze. Unlike its lesser mint & chocolate counterparts this elixir is smooth, rich, creamy and alluring - all without being milky, syrupy sweet or heavy in any way. Dont be fooled, this is a serious drink with refined taste. If you want alcohol steeped candy, look elsewhere.

A few sips and you'll be solving the world's problems from your sofa throne in no time at all.

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Mariage Freres Teas

Updated Aug 23, 2006

1st to recommend

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Description

The Fall In Love tea is part of a long line of fine Mariage Freres Teas. This base of black tea is elevated to a whole new level with hints of vanilla and rose and make it simply sublime. The package seen here is only available in Europe (Paris for sure). A red and orange version of the same tea is available in the USA - spotted once at Balduccis in the DC area. (via Extraordinary Gourmet)

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7 people recommended this item

SEI Water

Updated Aug 23, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Not because we really need another high end luxury line of H2O but because of good design that takes a product out of the doldrums of being a commodity.

To me, SEI Water is just that: water. What is unique and absolutely fabulous about it is the bottle: a long overdue redesign of the outdated and not quite so functional bottle we all know and hate. Shaped like a flask, it combines the need to stay hydrated with a bit hobo-chic. No more looking stupid as you try to stuff a bottle of Poland Spring or Evian into your back pocket. (via SEI Water)

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61 people recommended this item

Glaceau Smartwater

Updated Sep 8, 2006

Description

What happens when you take a water bottle and take away all the features needlessly added throughout the years? You get Glaceau Smartwaer. As simple as it is, its a joy to behold. Not to mention, its smarter than most water - its got electrolytes!

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Viognier Wine

Updated Sep 5, 2006