COCKTAIL PICK: CLASSIC MOJITO

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 23, 2009

How to make the perfect Mojito!

Classic mojito

The minty Mojito is a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for an afternoon party or summer BBQ. In this video, hosted by Bahama Breeze Senior Development Chef Peter Olsacher, you can learn how to make the perfect Mojito.


Ingredients

  • 3 lime wedges
  • 4-6 mint sprigs
  • Simple syrup
  • Rum
  • Crushed iced
  • Splash of soda
  • Sugar cane for garnish

CD PICK OF THE WEEK: SEND ONE YOUR LOVE - BONEY JAMES

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 23, 2009

CLICK PICTURE ABOVE TO SAMPLE AND PURCHASE

Price: $13.99

Send One Your Love, a 10-track album of seductive love songs from sax icon Boney James, is the ultimate “musical valentine.” It includes new James originals as well as covers from Stevie Wonder, Barry White, the Stylistics and more. This sensuous collection includes nine instrumental tracks plus a stunning cover of James Taylor’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”. On this track, Boney introduces the world to the incredible new R&B vocalist Quinn. Having previously done background vocals for the likes of Kelly Price and K-Ci & JoJo, Quinn was working as an Atlanta-based session singer. “I started asking friends if they knew a young singer who should be a star,” Boney says. “I got Quinn’s MP3 in an e-mail. The next day I flew him to L.A. and cut the track in two takes!”

WEEKLY CIGAR TASTE: BOLIVAR COFRADIA SUNTUOSO INMENSO

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 23, 2009

Price: $56.00 for a box of 10

This incredibly well-made masterpiece from Villazon absolutely drips with flavors so rich that they had to seal them in glass tubes! Featuring a rich chocolate brown Sumatra wrapper grown in Ecuador on the world famous farms of the Oliva family, this bold cigar is a delight to the senses. Complex flavors abound as the Suntuoso is smoked through its entire length, and believe me, you will want to smoke every inch of this superb cigar until it burns your fingers.

Purchase here!

Wine pick of the week: GH Mumm Brut Rose

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 15, 2009

Price: $58.79
Pale pink. Subtle, floral aromas of strawberry and raspberry are brisk and fresh. Tight, focused and clean, offering energetic red berry and orange peel flavors and a hint of baking spices. Firm, lively and persistent on the finish. 89 points - ST
An elegant style, evoking cherry, rosemary and mineral flavors matched to an assertive structure. Creamy and luxuriant, with an expansive finish.  90 points - Wine Spectator

Visit The Meridian Club and Pine Cay Beach

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 15, 2009

Pine Cay, a privately owned 800 acre jewel in the Turks and Caicos Islands (just south of the Bahamas), is home to this unique and exclusive resort. Relax in one of our twelve spacious beachfront suites, the romantic Sand Dollar Cottage, or one of the privately owned rental homes scattered unobtrusively about the island. Enjoy fine cuisine, always including fresh seafood, at our restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, an outdoor experience with outstanding snorkeling, diving and fishing, or just relaxation in the sun by the sea, you’ll find it here. And the warm aquamarine waters and vast white sand beach of The Meridian Club on Pine Cay will leave you with indelible memories..

For more info visit  The Meridian Club

Concert Dates: 05/01/09

Ticket Cost: Students Free- others $14

Show Time(s): Opening act at 6:30pm

Event Description: In conjunction with the Mural CIty Art Fest (May 2nd), ANOJ promises to be an ‘uber-hip’ night of jazz. Come early to hear the Northview HS Jazz Band perform at 6:30- food vendors will be on hand to serve New Orleans style food and some will serve Italian food as well. The first 2,000 people in the door also receive a free pre-loaded gift card to Bojangles! Each card guaranteed to have value, up to $100. The night is packed with the biggest and brightest regional jazz stars under one roof. VIP tables available at kerry@themaineventweb.com general admission seats at the Civic Center Box office (334) 615-3175.

Various Artists - A Night Of Jazz Festival Photo Artist / Group Bio: Awesome styes from classic jazz, to swing, blues and contemporary sounds all on one stage.

Musicians: The Chad Fisher Group, Chris Hodges Band, NHS Jazz Band, Bruce Brown and Tom “Tommy Rey” Reynolds are scheduled to appear.

Venue Website: http://www.anojdothan.com

Dothan Civic Center Address: 126 North Saint Andrews Street Dothan AL 36303 U.S.

About the Venue: Dothan’s oldest and most recognized concert setting, with concessions, alcohol beverages and seating for over 3000.

Phone: 334.699-1475

Ticket Hotline: 334.615-3175

** Eco Friendly Travel w/Costa Cruises**

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 8, 2009

This Italian company received the “Green Star” award from RINA (Italian Shipping Register) in 2005 for all 11 cruise ships in its fleet. The award means all Costa ships comply with the highest environmental protection standards for prevention of marine pollution—even stricter than the current international regulations (called MARPOL). Two of the ships received the “Green Star Design” award for their state-of-the-art eco-friendly design. In addition, Costa has teamed with environmental groups and also monitors the impact of climate change in the Mediterranean via equipment on board one of its ships.

To find out more about travel click here for Costa Cruises homepage

Brother Where Are You? (originally recorded 1974)

Mr. Brown is considered by many to be the father of Rap music.  A successful lyricist, poet, songwriter, playwright, actor and vocalist, Oscar Brown, Jr., first gained national attention in 1960 with the release of Sin and Soul, his critically-acclaimed debut album for Columbia Records. Oscar Brown, Jr., died on Sunday 29 May 2005 at the age of 78.  He remains an inspiration for jazz, blues and rap artists worldwide.

French Quarter Wine Festival - Simi Winery - Wine Dinner

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 7, 2009

Maison Dupuy Hotel
1001 Toulouse Street - French Quarter
New Orleans, LA 70115

Thursday, April 9

Simi Winery

Dinner, 7 p.m., $95

One of the oldest Sonoma wineries founded in 1876, Simi has continued to grow as a landmark California house, branching from its beginnings in the Alexander Valley to the Russian River Valley. Simi’s portfolio of wines include cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, pinot noir, and zinfandel. Winemaker Steve Reeder will present these quality wines, as well as their Landslide Vineyard cabernet sauvignon alongside delectable cuisine.

More Info:  french quarter wine festival

RESTAURANT PICK OF THE WEEK: THE GRAND COLONIAL

Author: Rhonda Monique
March 30, 2009

Comprised of four different private dining areas uniquely displaying colonial era touches such as exposed beams and walk-in fireplaces. The cuisine is eclectic contemporary fare.

Originally designed is a large fireplace which has been completely restored and is now the focal point of our Grille Room. This charming intimate colonial style room presents a fantastic atmosphere for your dining experience. The most popular room in the house!!

The state-of-the-art custom built Ice Bar offers a variety of Signature Martinis and an attractive atmosphere making it the county’s finest after work and late night gathering spot. On Sunday’s it features the Raw Bar during our Grand Brunch Service.

Connected to the eclectic “Ice Bar” is the “Library Lounge”. With its classic oak millwork and grand colonial design, the Library Bar serves standard libations along with an ever changing wine by the glass list.

For Artisanal cheese lovers, the Cheese Cave presents a temperature controlled environment which stores fine cheeses from around the world. The Cheese Cave adds a wonderful addition to the ala carte menu, with globally influenced flights paired with appropriate wine selections.