Pineapple Express: Van Gogh Vodka

Warning: You can paint yourself into a corner with this premium vodka!

Made in small batches in Schiedam, Holland, Van Gogh Vodka captures the crisp, juicy flavor of a ripe pineapple without the mess. (Have you ever tried to cut up a pineapple? Don't.)

And while some choose to sip this vodka neat, I think it tastes best chilled with a dash of club soda.

If pineapple isn't your thing, Van Gogh makes some other interesting flavors, like blueberry and espresso. Maybe if no one's watching, you can give your morning coffee a bit of a kick.

You can learn more about Van Gogh Vodka here.

hotellx.com review of Duo at the Four Seasons, Maui

Going to Maui anytime soon? Check out my review of Duo, the poolside steakhouse, at the Four Season's Hotel in HI here.

Thursday Night Magazine Story: Craig Hopson (Le Cirque) Interview

Wondering what Craig Hopson is up to in Le Cirque's esteemed kitchen? Thursday Night Magazine had me get the skinny.

Thursday Night Magazine Story: Scotch

Click on the image for my interview with David Robertson, the trailblazer behind revamped Scotch brand, The Dalmore, or on Thursday Night Magazine's website, here.

Cheers!

Nicole Richie Craves In-N-Out Burger

Guess whose pregnancy cravings include juicy cheeseburgers from In-N-Out at 2am? None other than the still skinny, but pregnant, Nicole Richie, according to gossip site I'm Not Obsessed.
On a recent trip to San Diego, we fell in love with California's best burger (again). We also adore the not so secret names (i.e. Animal Style) that insiders have given to various versions of the iconic burger.

We think it would be genius for someone to open an In-N-Out in NYC! What do you think?

Much Ado about Tu Do Restaurant

Put this on your To Do list: Tu Do restaurant, located at 102 Bowery, New York, NY 10013; (212) 966-2666.

This is the kind of Vietnamese restaurant where the menu features pictures and you order by number, and perhaps you may not receive what you originally ordered.

No matter--the delicious and fresh grilled meats and noodle dishes will satisfy your cravings, regardless of what they are.

And delightfully, most entrees cost $10 or less.

Recomended dishes:

Pho soups

Ga Nuong Xa: BBQ Chicken & Lemon Grass On Salad (pictured)

Suon Nuong: BBQ Pork Chop On Salad

Marshmallow Day is August 10

There seems to be an official day for almost every food item--including the oft-neglected but beloved marshmallow.

This August 10th, take a moment to think of the chewy childhood favorite, since it's National Marshmallow Day (or so we've heard!).

Hmm..let's ponder this occasion for a moment. Perhaps we love marshmallows enough to give them an official day because they connect us to our collective primordial past, in which we stood around a fire, attempting to burn our food on twigs.

There's no fire necessary to enjoy marshmallows, though. Personally, I think they taste best slightly stale.

And unsurprisingly, a brand of artisanal marshmallows has hit the market, Plush Puffs. These designer marshmallows come in a variety of flavors including vanilla bean, cinnamon, and simply s'mores--ensuring you'll never have to attempt to make the tasty snack over a campfire again (unless you really want to).

Visit http://www.plushpuffs.com/ for more information and ordering.

Seafood Showdown: Coney Island

We heart food competitions.

So what could be better than eating seafood on Coney Island's "Beer Island" (with beer specials, 'natch), especially when the proceeds go to charity?

Here are the details:

8/15/09: You show up to Beer Island between noon and 4pm with $24 in hand (unless you book online, which will save you $4), taste some delicious seafood, and suck down some suds in the sun. Watch as one lucky contestant wins $400 prize for a "people's choice" award (and hopefully donates it to their charity of choice).

In the event of rain, you'll show up on 8/16/09 instead, same time, same place.

Directions: http://www.beerislandconeyisland.com/

Contact: fassfoods@gmail.com

More details: http:/fassfoods.blogspot.com

amNY Story: Bars In Queens

Wondering where to drink in Queens? amNY had me find 5 festive bars near LIC worth checking out, including lounges with gay go-go dancers and Irish bars offering karaoke competitions. Click on the image to get a peek.

Try This Jerk

If you find yourself near Prospect Park one of these sunny days, you owe it to your tastebuds to check out the jerk chicken wings ($7.50) at Cheryl's Global Soul.

These grilled chicken wings are juicy and spicy and very well seasoned. Plus, they pair awfully well with a sorrell-based drink. It's like going to the islands...only cheaper.

Need we say more?

Cheryl's Global Soul

236 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238(347) 529-2855