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Making a Mark on Austin’s Coffee Scene
Coffee lovers, here’s a travel tip you’ll definitely thank us for—head to Austin, Texas. Tucked into space at the back of Farewell Books (once known as Domy Books) is an amazing espresso bar known as FlatTrack Coffee. It’s a very cozy, small space, but the flavor of the coffee is worth squeezing in for. It’s […] -
Robert Mondavi Winery Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Founder’s Birth
Of all the elder statesmen of the American wine industry, nobody has made as much of an impact on the world of wine as Robert Mondavi. From his humble beginnings at Sunnyhill Winery to his partnership with Baron Philippe de Rothschild at Opus One, Mondavi left an indelible mark. This year marks the centennial of […] -
Feel Good Friday: Ultimat Vodka
We don’t usually equate boozing with reducing world hunger, but that is Ultimat Vodka’s goal this summer with their summer-long fundraising campaign with Action Against Hunger aptly named, Ultimat Lemon-AID. Launched in May and continuing through August 20th (National Lemonade Day), the public is invited to text LEMONAID (50555) to donate $5 to Action Against Hunger. Donations from […] -
Food Porn: Hannibal Serves Exquisite Dishes For the Not So Squeamish
Coquilles. Amuse Bouche. Buffet Froid. French culinary terms that would make any gourmand worth his or her weight in black truffles salivate. But they have a deeper meaning to fans of “Hannibal,” the NBC cult sensation that follows the exploits of Dr. Hannibal Lechter and his nemesis Will Graham. Much has been said about the […] -
A New Twist on Your Backyard Barbecue
A German liqueur, popular as a cold shot, is now heating up the flavor for barbecue enthusiasts. You even have a chance to put your creative juices to the test when you create a grill recipe incorporating Jägermeister liqueur. The “Charred, Earn Your Place at the Pit” BBQ Competition runs through August 25, 2013, and is […] -
This Gin Wheel is Not Your Grandmother’s Lazy Susan
Talk about reinventing the wheel. Bombay Sapphire EAST and design firm AvroKO took the classic Lazy Susan and spun it into something magical. This limited edition Gin Wheel is pretty much the perfect gift for any classic cocktailer in your life, especially if the gin & tonic is his or her poison of choice. In […] -
Drink to This: The Cocktail Chart of Film and Literature
Have you ever wondered what was in a Flaming Moe? Or how to make Don Draper’s Old Fashioned? Or Jay Gatsby’s Gin Rickey? The Cocktail Chart of Film and Literature will take you on a journey through the libations of your favorite movies and books. “Our love of libations is no big secret—we’ve charted the […] -
Rose City Imbibing
Beer is king in Portland. With so many craft breweries and pubs, beer aficionados have a plethora of places at which to enjoy their beverage of choice. But if you’re a cocktail drinker, finding a favorite watering hole can be bit more challenging. Don’t worry. This is a drinking town and while most Portlanders prefer […] -
The Fatback Collective is Changing Barbecue
Chances are you’ve never heard of the Fatback Collective. However, if you love barbecue and appreciate sustainable living, you’re going to want to know everything there is to know about this innovative group. The Fatback Collective formed in 2011 when James Beard Award Winner, Donald Link, was in the process of writing his second cookbook […] -
Gimme 3 Little Figs
In 2010, Katie Rooney, was sure of two things: she needed a career change and she really liked baking. She started slowly, selling her “bacon corn” and “dirty chai” muffins to farmers’ markets and cafés around Boston. Eventually, demand for her products was so high that she needed her own kitchen. And so, 3 Little […] -
The BMX Bike Grows Up
Remember the days when you were young, popping wheelies on your BMX bike? Now you can relive them, thanks to Biomega’s Brooklyn, a grown-up version of the beloved bike of your youth. The bicycle fuses modern Danish design with the durability of the original. Jens Martin Skibsted looked back to the ‘80s original for inspiration, […] -
Feast or Famine: Laurel Hardware, CA
Since opening six months ago, Laurel Hardware has caused quite a commotion that refuses to simmer down. The Manual says believe the hype and book a table sharpish. Located in an ex-hardware store in West Hollywood, this ‘neighbourhood eatery’ specializes in new American cuisine (anything from yellow corn to grilled flatiron steak) with a sprinkling […] -
Meat Harlem Shambles…
Meat is not generally something that shows up on a trend report, but for all you foodies and conscientious eaters out there, here is something to think about – organ meats. Initially I thought the topic was “Oregon” meats, but I had misunderstood. I spoke with Tim Forrester, co-owner of Harlem Shambles, to dissect this […] -
Bite into Dude, Sweet Chocolate’s unusual confections
You won’t find plain praline or conventional caramels in the chocolate treats at Dude, Sweet Chocolate. This Dallas, Texas shop fancies unusual ingredients: dried eucalyptus, sweet potato and tamarind—just to name a few. Crave something exotic? There’s the Soraya, a toffee spiked with the Persian spice sumac. Tempted by salty snacks? Try the Albatross, a fudge made with […] -
SQIRL Los Angeles
We first came to know Jessica Koslow, the mastermind behind SQIRL as a producer for American Idol. How she transitioned from the role of producer to genius purveyor of jams and preserves is pretty straight forward: do what you love with integrity, pride, and talent and success will follow. SQIRL (pronounced squirrel) works with organic […] -
Central Bottle: A Taste of Venice in Boston
Hey. Let’s go to Italy and drink a lot of wine, and then come home and open a wine shop. Maybe substitute the wine for pizza, but this is probably every twenty-something, (or thirty or forty-something) American’s fantasy. But for longtime friends Dave and Maureen Rubino, Nick Zappia, and Liz Vilardi, this fantasy became a […] -
The Brussels Sprout Boom
Brussels sprouts have been gaining buzz for the past three years. What was once the stereotypical vegetable for childhood punishment, has now become a go-to side dish for the most gourmet holiday meals. Because it seems that everyone has jumped on the Brussels sprouts bandwagon, The Manual decided to find out firsthand why the once […] -
Every Gentleman Appreciates A Good Cocktail
Some people think that the holidays are all about family, food, and giving gifts, when in fact, between us, it’s really about good alcohol. Let’s be blunt, you’re sitting with your in-laws for three hours – you need a drink. You spent all day shopping – you need a drink. You couldn’t find a parking space […] -
A Wood-Fire Experiment at Area Four
During a recent phone chat, restaurant owner Michael Krupp suddenly stops mid-conversation: “I’m sorry, hold on. There’s something very strange happening in my restaurant.” After a brief moment of muffled voices, Krupp returns to the line. “I just had a bunch of college kids walk in here carrying instruments. They were measuring the air quality.” […] -
Compass Box Whisky’s John Glaser talks Scotch
It may be a well known fact that, when it comes to liquor, bourbon works for any occasion. However, very often a well-made Scotch can be a man’s best friend. In order to get the latest from the world of Scotch, The Manual managed to chat with John Glaser, the founder of specialist Scotch whisky […] -
January Detox Dishes
It’s January. Now all the final remnants of turkey are gone and the last beer has been drunk, its time to fix up and shake off those ‘soft’ bits with some seriously healthy, seriously tasty food. To make this gruelling prospect as easy as possible- and to avoid any potential rabbit food disasters- The Manual […] -
New Year’s Essentials
Sometimes hosting the party can be as much fun as being invited. The Manual has compiled some new ideas to make your evening even more memorable. Drinks: Champagne is obviously a must, however, it can also be a source of confusion. Legally, the only authentic champagne hails from the region of Champagne in France. But […] -
The Asian Persuasion for Charleston Foodies
Charleston, South Carolina is blowin’ up as a must visit foodie destination with Husk, Fig and Hominy Grill winning accolades around the country. But tourists and locals alike can enjoy only so much pork cheek and grits. That’s why Xiao Bao Biscuit is a welcome addition to the scene. Their style of cooking is playfully […] -
Ode to Butter
Julia Child deemed it one of her favorite ingredients. Joël Robuchon couldn’t make his signature mashed potatoes without it. Yes, we are talking about the miracle that is butter. While savoring one of man’s greatest creations, one might wonder, what makes some butter so much better than others? It seems like a fairly simple product, […] -
Feast or Famine: Rosemary’s, NYC
New York is known for its revolving door of hot restaurants, but judging by the relentless hype and endless bookings, Rosemary’s is here to stay. Opened by Bobo owner Carlos Suarez back in June, Rosemary’s has already cemented the kind of reputation that every restaurateur dreams of. Thanks to the rooftop garden, which is tended […] -
The Sussman brothers dish about their cookbook, kitchen essentials and fond food memories
If there’s one recipe in the Sussman brothers’ This is a Cookbook that sums it up, it’s the cauliflower dish that Max Sussman has made for years. “It’s easy to make, incredibly beautiful on the plate and whenever we make it for people, it just blows them away,” says his brother Eli. “It embodies what our […] -
Finding a Michelin-Starred Meal in Bushwick: The Blanca Story
If you haven’t heard of Blanca by now, it’s time to lift up that rock you call home and smell what Brooklyn’s been cooking. Opened by the owners of its big sister restaurant Roberta’s, a seat at Blanca has become one of the most coveted in NYC. Awarded its Michelin star a mere six months […] -
Step Back in Time at Chestnut
A 1920s-era building on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, N.C. has housed a variety of restaurants over the years, but the latest entry into Asheville’s “foodtopia” scene gives nod to the 20s feel. Chestnut, which opened in September 2012, features a stylish often-changing menu amid comfortable seating, tin ceiling, and art nouveau ironwork crafted by a […]
