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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 […] -
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 […] -
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 […] -
Sweetwater Spice Makes Brining a Breeze
Brining can sound like a major project that we try to keep to a once a year, Thanksgiving, comedy of errors. Last time we brined a turkey the brine bag leaked all over the fridge and warped the hardwood floors. Nice. So when we got hold of some Sweetwater Spice ready-to-use brine concentrates we were […] -
The Portland Press: The Classic Coffeemaker Reimagined
If you drink your coffee black as night, then you should definitely get yourself a French press. They’re elegant, simple to use and clean, and perfect for brewing that bold, black-tar coffee you love so much. But don’t whip out your wallet and spring for just any old French press – they’re not all created […] -
Turn Up the Heat!
Can you stand the heat? Or do you run from the table when you see a bottle of sauce that can make flames appear in your mouth? For those brave enough, there are many hot sauces across the country that offer blazing satisfaction. While this isn’t a scientific poll by any means, we do want […] -
Thai Summer: Beer and Blowfish at New York’s Uncle Boon’s
While there’s no denying that cold beer and seafood are a fantastic combo all year round, we all know that this pairing is a timeless symbol of summer. Uncle Boon’s, one of New York’s newest restaurants is completely aware of that fact, which is why this summer they are providing a new hot weather treat: […] -
Burkman Bros. Foodie Guide to Manhattan
When brothers Ben and Doug Burkman aren’t designing their calm and cool (and hella comfortable) menswear brand – Burkman Bros. or traveling the world for work inspiration, you might find them in the gym. Be it a CrossFit in London, Rio, Sao Paolo, New Delhi, Bangkok, Tokyo or Hong Kong. As they explained to us, […] -
Dinner to Feed an Army with Meal Kit Supply
We try out a lot of things here at The Manual. So when a box of MRE’s arrived on our door step we pondered how we were going to try all of these bags of food. Result – We hosted a dinner party with six friends and plenty of wine and bourbon! Meal Kit Supply […] -
Highwave’s Innovative Beer/Shot Glass Hybrid
Here at The Manual, we’re big fans of anything with dual function – especially when that dual function involves the consumption of two different kinds of booze. In an elegant marriage of form and function, Highwave’s beer/shot glass lets you use one vessel to either take a shot or (you guessed it) drink a beer. […] -
Justin Noel’s Top Five Rum Cocktails for Summer
You know we love to talk bourbon! But during the hot and humid summer not much can beat a damn good rum drank. Shellback Rum is a new brand on the market and they are coming out of the gate a winner. Working with Barbados-based West Indies Rum Distillery (established in ye olde 1893) they […] -
Celebrate National Doughnut Day With America’s Best
What’s better than the first bite of a fresh, piping hot doughnut? The answer is nothing. Whether glazed, cake, frosted or filled, we love these decadent circular pastries for breakfast, dessert or anytime life calls for a delicious sugar rush. So in honor of National Doughnut Day, we bring you our favorite holey treats from […] -
King + Duke: Atlanta’s Newest Restaurant Cooks From the Hearth
At King + Duke, one of Atlanta’s newest restaurants, Executive Chef Joe Schafer is cooking with a steam engine. Well, not exactly. “What it is, is a hearth. It’s 24 feet wide and the centerpiece is a 72 inch wood burning grill that has a custom box sitting on top of it,” Schafer said. “The […] -
Satiate Your Appetite for Sriracha With These Spicy Snacks
Do you grab a bottle of Sriracha — the Thai hot sauce named after the Eastern Thailand coastal city — when you need a little spice in your life? We certainly do. In the past few years sales of the condiment, which is made from chili peppers and distinguished by its signature rooster bottle, have […] -
American History By Way of Bourbon
Any way you look at it, bourbon is an essential part of American culture. Whether it’s a mint julep at the recently passed Kentucky Derby, splitting a cheap bottle with your college roommate, or sharing a fine aged glass on the rocks with your father, bourbon surfaces everywhere in the American experience. Though we tip […] -
Brew Backcountry Espresso with Handpresso Wild
I’m a huge fan of leaving it all behind, stuffing a few essentials into a bag and heading into the backcountry. I’ll gladly give up running water and sleeping on a mattress for a few days out in the woods, but one thing I won’t give up – no matter where I’m going – is […] -
Serve up Elegance on Brooklyn Slate Company’s Rustic Cheese Boards
Strong, durable and uncomplicated. That’s how Brooklyn Slate Company’s co-founder Sean Tice describes slate, a metamorphic rock that he and Kristey Hadeka use for their sturdy cheese boards ($26-$44). Their black and red slate comes from Hadeka’s family-owned quarries in the Slate Valley, a 13-mile stretch of land running from upstate New York to Vermont. “The slate is formed […] -
Frozen Pints: The Coldest Beer You’ll Ever Eat
Beer ice cream. Need we say more? That’s like, the two best things in the world just mashed together into one – and you can eat it with a spoon. Until the day comes that somebody invents “sexbacon,” I’m pretty certain that this stuff will hold the title for most awesome hybrid in existence. And […] -
Phoenix Coffee Roasts the West
Phoenix not only roasts its citizens with triple digit temperatures, it roasts fantastic java. In recent years the city has become a place of coffee connoisseurs adding to the West Coast explosion of coffee culture. One thing you should know about coffee houses in Phoenix is that they are never just coffee houses. Some are […] -
Chef Kevin Gillespie Takes You To The Gunshow
Gunshow is one of the newest restaurants in Atlanta. How new? Well, it’s Grand Opening is this evening, so you can probably figure the rest out for yourself. The restaurant is the latest undertaking for chef Kevin Gillespie. Kevin is known by culinary connoisseurs all over the country; but if you are not familiar with […] -
Cocktail basics with Barmini’s Juan Coronado
Avant-garde chef Jose Andres opened barmini, his “cocktail lab” in Washington D.C., with a clear vision in mind. “He wanted to pay tribute to the golden era of cocktails by stressing great service and hospitality,” says Juan Coronado, Think Food Group’s cocktail innovator and barmini’s principal bartender. “At barmini, the bartenders have a conversation with you. Tell us what you like and […] -
Vice + Food Trucks + The Sussman Brother’s = Awesome Foodie Mayhem
We love food trucks, we love the Sussman Brothers (that pear tart from their new cookbook had our boozy dinner crew begging for more) and we love the antics of the Vice crew. So when we started watching Truckers in the Wild on their site we had to share. The series premiered in April and […] -
Getting Sour at Cascade Brewing Barrel House
If beer is the blood coursing through Portland’s veins, then you can think of the brews coming out of Cascade Brewing Barrel House as that super-rare AB negative blood that only 1% of the population has. The beer they make here is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, so if you ever find yourself feeling adventurous […] -
Memphis’ Secret Weapon: Acre’s Chef Wally Joe
[nggallery id = 136] Tonight, the sporting world’s attention will turn to the city of Memphis as the hometown Grizzlies take on the Los Angeles Clippers in what promises to be the next thrilling entry in their physical NBA Playoff match up. However exciting the game will be, this afternoon, our attention is turned to […] -
Feel Good Fridays: Wine to Water Charity
While Americans are sighing over sequesters and delayed flights, many forget the crisis that effects millions of needy people around the world on a daily basis due to the lack of water and sanitation. Fortunately a gentleman named Doc Hendley (a CNN Hero) has created Wine to Water, a non-profit (501 (c) 3) charity aid […] -
Perfect Your Mint Julep With 3 Recipes from Woodford Reserve
With the Kentucky Derby coming up this weekend, we are busy getting ready for the festivities. After you’ve placed your bets and pulled together the perfect outfit, there’s only one thing left to do: drink. And when it comes to Derby booze, there is no cocktail more classically perfect for the occasion than a mint […] -
Try a Little Buchi
You might mistake it for a beer on the shelves, but Asheville Buchi Kombucha is a whole different breed of beverage. It starts out as black tea and sugar, but then living kombucha culture is added. The brew ferments for up to 10 weeks and then small, handcrafted batches are produced. The process transforms the ingredients […] -
Jack Rudy Small Batch Grenadine
I can’t speak for all guys out there, but I generally steer clear of grenadine when I’m at the bar, and I don’t think I’m alone. The last thing I want in my liquor is a shot of high fructose corn syrup, sodium glutamate, and red 40 dye – and I’m sure a lot of […] -
Fireside cooking with Chef Tim Byres
After leaving the fine-dining industry, longtime chef Tim Byres spent the summer of 2009 traveling through the Mississippi Delta. “I wanted to trace the roots of American food,” Byres recalls. The trip rekindled his love for family-style eateries and old-school home cooking. When he returned to Dallas, Texas, Byres opened Smoke with a clear goal in mind. “I said […] -
Cooking Smart: Learn the Answers at Cooking for Solutions
Though Monterey, California is an idyllic travel destination throughout the year, for one weekend this May it will become a hot spot of the culinary industry. From Friday, May 17 through Sunday May 19, the waterside city plays host to Cooking for Solutions, an event that is described as no less than a “grand culinary […] -
Make Your Own Booze With the HomeMade Gin Kit
Back in the 1920s, people had to revert to bathtub gin — the result of the practice of distilling gin at home — to get a drink. Prohibition may have ended back in 1933, but the interest in homemade spirits still lives on. The HomeMade Gin Kit makes it possible for you to make your […] -
Feel Good Friday: Helping Hands at The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
Greg and Ashley Garrison, owners of The Hop Ice Cream Café in Asheville, N.C., know how to make people smile. Sounds obvious, right? What’s not to smile about with creative flavor combinations featuring locally grown vegetables and fruits and products like Lusty Monk Mustard, Dobra Tea Matcha and Asheville Buchi. There are options for just […] -
Notes from the Summit
Last weekend, we ventured to the summit. No, not Everest (we’ll save that for another article), the Boston Beer Summit at the Park Plaza Castle in Back Bay, Boston. The scene was full of pretzel necklaces, drunken Bostonians, and those adorable tiny tasting mugs. Here’s what we learned from the trenches: Hoppy is still the […] -
The Connoisseur’s Rum: Mount Gay Black Barrel
We’ve been discussing whiskey an awful lot lately, so let’s switch gears for a moment…and talk about rum. Now that the summer is quickly approaching we are thinking about mojitos and pina coladas, and just because you aren’t on a beach right now doesn’t mean you can’t whip up some tropical beverages. But Mount Gay […] -
LA’s Newest Destination Restaurant: Hinoki & the Bird
Hinoki & the Bird is spurring many Angelinos, and visitors alike to the fair city of Los Angeles, to do something they probably never considered before— driving to the isolated neighborhood of Century City for something other than a visit to, you know, their agents. Right across the street from famed offices of CAA (the […] -
Clear Creek Distillery’s Pear-in-Bottle Eau De Vie
With more microbreweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, the drink Portland is known for is definitely beer. But in addition to a booming brew culture, the city is also home to a burgeoning community of distillers, and in recent years has seen the rise of a handful of small artisan distilleries across […] -
Resqwater Makes Hangovers a Thing of the Past
(The above title was just to lure you in. It worked! But we do approve this Boozer’s little helper) It’s rolling up to weekend time and with the first signs of warm weather arriving we have a feeling there may be some booze and beer in the forecast. We love to party too but that […] -
Book of Spirits
By now, you should all know we have a healthy and responsible obsession with whiskey. And it seems we’re not the only one. Michael R. Veach, the only professional bourbon historian in the country has released Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage, a book that chronicles the history of the spirit. The book starts off […] -
SakéOne brews a taste of tradition
First brewed about 2,000 years ago, saké is steeped in history. When the Japanese adopted the practice of wet rice cultivation around 300 B.C., they perfected the brewing of saké and called it the “drink of the gods.” The beverage remains an inseparable staple of Japanese food culture, and is still produced with age-old techniques by breweries around the world. […] -
Wine From a Bottle is So Last Year
When you think of buying an alcoholic beverage on tap, most likely your mind goes to craft beer. But it’s becoming quite the thing for bars and restaurants to add kegs of wine to their offerings and fill customer’s wine glasses from a tap. This results in a lower price because of the lack of […] -
2013 Trend: “Cocktails on Tap” Go West
Cocktails on tap may bring to mind a lazy bartender. But The Manual discovered that’s just not the case. We caught up with Mat Snapp, beverage aficionado for Fox Restaurant Concepts, and Erick Castro, mixology extraordinaire, whose best known for topping Esquire’s top bar and restaurant list in the Bay area. Both mixologists shared the […] -
Beer, Bourbon and Rock at Idle Hands
So three guys walked into a bar…this could be the opening of a lame joke but in this case it’s how Idle Hands bar came to be. Marc Schapiro, a music industry veteran and his two friends, Rob Morton, a bourbon connoisseur and David ‘Rev’ Ciancio, a beer aficionado opened their dream bar in an […] -
Barcelona Brookline: Pass the Paella
Steven Brand is Head Chef at Barcelona, a new tapas restaurant and wine bar in Brookline, Massachusetts. He sat down with us recently to talk house-cured meats and brandy bone marrow shots. Brand talks quickly with one ear perked toward the kitchen in case he is needed. “I think I give off this vibe that […] -
The Spiegelau Glass Is The Perfect IPA Glass
Back when I was in college, I spent part of one summer working in the tasting room of a small vineyard tucked away in the northwestern region of the Wilamette valley. At the time, I wasn’t particularly fond of wine. I was always more of a beer enthusiast than anything else, but this job quickly […] -
Less is more at Dirty & Rowdy Family Winery
When it comes to winemaking, Dirty & Rowdy Family Winery sticks to a simple philosophy: “Nothing added and nothing removed,” says Hardy Wallace, who started the California business in 2010 with best friend Matt Richardson. That means no heavy additives or adjustments, and only in minimal amounts when necessary. The winery currently works with four vineyards […] -
Louisville’s Burger and Bourbon Bonanza
Louisville, Kentucky is known for two things: the Kentucky Derby and the University of Louisville men’s basketball team. And with the Cardinals as the number one seed in this year’s NCAA tournament, and the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Louisville is fast becoming known for a third […]