Posted on Leave a comment

Snacks to keep your workday productive

No one enjoys the dreaded 2 p.m. “crash” of the day. Instead of pouring yourself yet another cup of coffee, try snacking on these foods to keep you alert and at your best all day long:

1. Nuts – from almonds, walnuts and pecans, these nuts help keep your focus in line

2. Carrots and hummus – known to improve memory and your mood

3. Water – hydration is key (especially after those three cups of coffee you’ve already consumed)

4. Green tea – a healthier (yet still caffeinated) alternative to coffee

5. Berries – the darker the berry, the more productivity-boosting ingredients you consume

Carolyn Taylor, The Oklahoma 100

Posted on Leave a comment

Worried about finding a turkey for Thanksgiving? Try these options instead

Whether you’re having a hard time finding a right-sized turkey for your Thanksgiving celebration or having difficulty finding a turkey at all, consider these alternatives for the centerpiece of your holiday meal.

• Cornish hen. Each Cornish hen will serve 1-2 people. It can be prepared similar to roasted turkey, stuffing and all.

• Duck. Stick with the poultry theme! There are many ways to prepare duck and have fun taking Thanksgiving in a whole new direction.

• Beef Wellington. Is there a showstopper more classic than a beef Wellington? Bonus, goes great with favorite Thanksgiving sides like green beans and mashed potatoes.

Kelsey Fiedler, The Alaska 100

Posted on Leave a comment

Char-spookerie boards

You love Halloween, and, being the trend-follower that you are, you have a gift for making beautiful, yet delicious, charcuterie boards. So, why not combine the two and make a char-spookerie board?

You could make a plastic skull a little more lifelike by wrapping it in prosciutto – that is, if you and your friends don’t have a weak stomach. You could cut a wheel of brie into the shape of a coffin and spell out “RIP” using dark-colored jam. Or you could just strategically place few mini pumpkins on the board and call it a day.

The options are endless!

– Aly Coleman, The OJT 100

Posted on Leave a comment

What’s the skinny on diets?

Whether you’re wanting to lose a few pounds for the summer, upcoming reunion, or as you’re heading back to the office, chances are you’ll be turning to a quick fix rather than a long-term solution.

Each year, 45 million Americans embark on diet and weight loss programs which has turned into a $71 billion industry — and according to studies, will have a fail rate of 95 percent. Not very encouraging.

Maybe it’s time to try a different approach. Reporter Sarah DiGiulio shares nine tips from dietitians and health experts in developing a sensible attitude in choosing what’s right for you.

– Christina Johnson, The OJT 100

Posted on Leave a comment

Off-the-menu Starbucks secrets

There’s been chatter about Starbucks’ secret menu, and while there’s no underground lair where top-secret recipes are created, there are off-menu drinks that are frequently requested. Try these to switch up your usual routine:

Cake Batter Frappuccino — Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino, 1 pump hazelnut syrup, 1 Birthday Cake Pop mixed in a blender.

Medicine Ball — Honey Citrus Mint Tea with pumps of peppermint.

Purple Drink — Passion Iced Tea, soy milk, vanilla syrup and blackberries.

Iced Coconut Chai — Iced Chai Latte, 1 pump chai, substitute coconut milk for regular milk.

Grasshopper Frappuccino — Mocha Frappuccino, java chips, 1-2 pumps of peppermint syrup.

Abby Watkins, The Atlanta 100

Posted on Leave a comment

Devour Phoenix Reimagined as Devour at Home

Devour Phoenix Reimagined as Devour at Home

Since 2009, New York Times‘ Best Southwestern Culinary Festival winner Devour Culinary Classic has brought together culinary leaders each year to shine a light on the tasty talent across the state and establish Arizona as a burgeoning foodie destination.

This year, it will continue as Devour at Home Feb. 27-28. Each day will feature a roster of Arizona’s most sought-after restaurants offering a limited quantity, prix fixe menu.

Orders, which can be pre-arranged starting Feb. 1, include food for four, wine glasses, warming instructions, chef bios and merchandise. Participating restaurants will receive 100% of the proceeds from their orders.

The Arizona 100 reports

Posted on 1 Comment

Vivili Hospitality Group Opens Largest Restaurant in Prescott

Vivili Hospitality Group Opens Largest Restaurant in Prescott

On Nov. 27, Vivili Hospitality Group opened The County Seat, a restaurant and mercantile located on the top floor of the historic Burmister Building in downtown Prescott.

The 6,500-square-foot restaurant – which upon opening became the largest eatery in Prescott – offers fast-casual service within a coffeehouse-like setting complete with a wraparound bar, lounge seating, custom communal dining tables and a curated mercantile area of hand-sourced artisanal retail offerings.

Designed to bring the outdoors in, large windows, skylights and bright walls blend harmoniously with trellises overflowing with lush greenery, Mid-Century inspired décor, and oversized pendant lighting to create a relaxing, sophisticated atmosphere.

The Arizona 100 reports

Posted on Leave a comment

The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen Opens in Scottsdale

The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen Opens in Scottsdale

The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen, which specializes in hand-crafted cocktails and creative classic tastes, is now open at Hayden Peak Crossing retail center, located at 2469 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale, Arizona. The new concept aims to serve as the Valley’s go-to neighborhood joint, a place welcome to friends and family looking to indulge in unique takes on traditional dishes, hand-crafted cocktails, wine and craft beers in a comfortable atmosphere.

It was inspired by one of the co-owner’s grandfathers, a hardworking farmer and woodworker. The kitchen is headed by executive chef Christopher Nicosia, an Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame Inductee.

The Arizona 100 reports

Posted on Leave a comment

More than 120 Restaurants Sign on For Arizona Restaurant Week

120 Restaurants Sign on For Arizona Restaurant Week

To date, there are more than 120 restaurants across Arizona signed on for Arizona Restaurant Week.

Among them: Aiello’s, Ajo Al’s, Alter Ego, Arrowhead Grill, Buck & Rider, Chauncey Social, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Christos, Citizen Public House, Dust Cutter, Eddie Merlot’s, El Chorro, Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, Indian Delhi Palace , Liberty Market, Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, Lon’s at the  Hermosa Inn, Los Sombreros, Marcellino Ristorante, Ocotillo Restaurant, Pasta Brioni, Phoenix City Grille, PHX Beer Co., Pitch Pizzeria , Roy’s, Rusconi’s American Kitchen, Salty Sow, Sel, St. Francis, Stock & Stable , Tomaso’s, Tres Kitchen and Bar, Zinc Bistro and ZuZu.

The Arizona Restaurant Association reports

Posted on Leave a comment

The Benefits of Arizona Restaurant Association Membership

Arizona Restaurant Association Membership

Arizona Restaurant Association members have access to an impressive, ever-growing list of exclusive member benefits.

For restaurants, membership is a $295 investment per year – or $150 per location if a multi-unit restaurant – and benefits include National Restaurant Association membership; extensive insurance discounts; a complimentary review of workers’ compensation needs; discounted products, services and consulting programs; discounts on trainings including programs on food protection management, Arizona food handling, allergens and responsible beverage service; and more.

Vendors are also able to become members at an associate level, with dues starting at just $200 per year and based on total number of employees.

The Arizona Restaurant Association reports