As the spring season comes in and you may be thinking about redecorating your home or have to go purchase a house warming gift for a friend and want to be the one to get the most out-of-the-norm gift; get your hands on a set of Moneral’s Elicia Plates. Moneral produces unique table accessories by combining a natural material with modern technology. It all began when Finnish craftsman Eero Remes cut wooden disks with his saw which his son, Panu suggested to use as a dinner plate. The ‘Elicia’ collection of plates are made from Aspen wood transformed through meticulous technical processes into cocktail and dinner plates, durable even in frequent use and is dishwasher safe. (more…)

Previously associated with clumsy juice drinks and milk packaging, Tetra Pak cartons have come a long way, making a big impact in the packaging industry and beyond. Founded on the idea that a package should save more money than it costs, Tetra Pak cartons help companies save money on shipping while also reducing landfill waste. Their eco-friendly packaging and ease of portability have made Tetra Pak cartons a big hit with the trendsetting crowd, appearing this year at New York Fashion Week, the Wine Bloggers Conference, the Food Network and more. (more…)

If you’ve seen a rap video or attended a celebrity birthday celebration at a club over the last six months, or you probably are Recession-free and have several bottles stocked in your refrigerator, none the less you’ve heard of Armand de Brignac or better known as Ace of Spades. Armand de Brignac beat out 999 other champagnes to be ranked the number one by some of the most respected wine critics in a blind tasting for its Armand de Brignac Brut Gold.

Limité was invited to a tasting so that we can see for ourselves what the hype was all about. The tasting not only had Brut Gold, but Rosé and Blanc de Blancs cuvées with food pairings by chef Matt Hoyle. For a staff of only eight people by a family house established in 1763 in Chigny-les-Roses, France using old-world techniques to produce their fine wine, how could they not be number one?. (more…)

Sure, you may still be drying off from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but good news is that you can get away with recycling your leprechaun costume again this weekend. We won’t judge. So, trash the fisherman poncho and neon galoshes and start makin’ plans.

Boston Restaurant Week — Through March – 19^th & 21-26th

Embrace your inner snob and duel it out for a reservation on Opentable.com for this season’s Boston Restaurant Week. From the South End’s Rocca to Cambridge’s Spanish tapa hot spot, Cuchi Cuchi, you’re bound to make both your stomach and budget happy in unison. Pre-fixed meals are just $33 at participating restaurants.

The Lion King on Stage — Until March 21st

Practice your best rendition of Wing A Way for Disney’s Lion King as it hits Boston’s center stage. This touring play has accomplished no easy task of depicting this classic tale on stage. Grab your tickets now.

Gardner After Hours — Thursday

Class up your usual happy hour at Isabella’s Gardner Museum this Thursday. On every third Thursday of the month, Boston’s young professionals meet up for some tunes, art, convo, and let’s not forget — drinks. Tickets start at just 12 bucks.

The Weekender — The Boston Beat

Your serious lack of vitamin D causing you to get a case of cabin fever? Escape the couch, set the DVR, and whatever you do — get out of your house.

Friday — Phantom of Oprah with a Modern Twist

Get your cultural dose by spending your evening, watching this modern take on Phantom of the Oprah. The Wang Theatre production is a satirical take on popular culture, mixing in burlesque, silent films, mashups of theatrical songs, Broadway musical numbers and more. This ADD packed show will be a safe bet to please your Friday night expectations.  Tickets start at $35.

Saturday — Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Jeff Garlin

Laugh your seasonal depression away as you see Larry David’s sidekick, Jeff Garlin at the Wiltern. The comedian/actor is hitting the road in promotion of his latest book, My Foot Print, where he discusses his battle with overeating. Grab your tickets now.

Sunday — Arena Brit Rockers Muse @  Banknorth Center

Sure, paying for overpriced beer, seeing a mosquito sized version of the band, and dealing with Ya Dudes may not be an ideal night out. But hey, it’s worth it to catch British powerhouse act Muse as they come to Boston for a Queen-like ballad rock concert. And to sweeten the already great show, Indie rockers Silversun Pickups open the show up. Tickets are a bit steep, starting at about $40.

As the Spring approaches slowly but surely, you will begin to start receiving wedding invitations from your friends and family. If you find yourself scatter-brained trying to figure out what to get the newly weds to-be, how about Dom Pérignon’s latest addition to the brand; Dom Pérignon Wedding.

Dom Pérignon Wedding was inspired by the magnums of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961 which were poured at the 1981 wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles – each bottle was inscribed with the Royal’s names and the date of the most viewed wedding in history. Motivated by this celebrated day, Dom Pérignon will, for the first time in 3 centuries, allow their iconic shield to bear a similar inscription for weddings everywhere. (more…)

Ann Arbor: a Michigan college town with a degree in great food.

Meal after meal in this classic midwestern college town surprised me, rising far above the expected student mainstays of chicken wings, nachos and burgers. Sustainable, seasonal, organic and artisan were seen over and over on irresistible and affordable menus. Who would expect delicate small plates at a wine bar close to campus? Brewpubs with not only incredible beer, but excellent farm-to-table food? And fine Mediterranean fare in a strip mall? In Ann Arbor, there’s all that and more.

Vinology

Vinology is a downtown wine bar where the décor is as stylish as the food. Lighting fixtures at the cozy booths give patrons a little wine lesson that’s pretty and fun. 50 wines are available by the glass and 100 by the bottle from the beautiful bar they refer to as the Wine Library. And if you like a bottle or a glass you have at the restaurant, you can buy a bottle to take home for less than the menu price. Vinology offers a whole lot of artful small plates, cheeses, entrees and desserts – so there’s something for all tastes. My favorite was the delicate chicken wings (an homage to the students, but at an entirely other level) served with strawberry barbecue sauce paired with a glass of pink champagne. (more…)

Remember when you were a child and your mom gave you medicine or some sort of beverage that you didn’t enjoy taking but she said “it’s good for you”. Prometheus Springs is exactly that but it taste pretty damn good and you know it works because it immediately flows through your digestive system and then you look at your bottle and begin nodding your head wanting to find our more.

Founded by Rahul Panchal and Alexis Mincolla, comes the “Original Capasicin Spiced Elixir”. Many of you are saying “what the hell is that?”

Capsaicin is a powerhouse cold and flu kicker. It’s is recommended for congestion, stuffy nose, muscle aches and sore throat.

Acting as an expectorant, capsaicin can break-up and relieve mucus in the lungs and nose. Enjoying the spice of capsaicin causes mouth, throat and lungs to release aqueous fluids. This spice induced secretion helps thin airway mucus, and relieve throat pain, making it easier to cough. This effect is not only driven by symptomatic relief, but also because of the antiseptic properties of capsaicin.

That’s perfect, just in time for this cold and flu season, try Prometheus Springs three flavors: Pomegranate Black Pepper, Lemon Ginger and Lychee Wasabi. The combination of spice and sweetness gives off this sensation that you’ll remember and love. Check out the effects you can from drinking Prometheus Springs: Boosting metabolism, Moderates appetites, Protects your heart, Fights cancer, Anti- inflammatory, Relieves congestion, Detoxifies your body and Enhances Mood.

The mood enhancement is by virtue of capsaicin’s unique ability to stimulate the body’s endorphin response thus giving its drinkers a healthy natural high that can be compared to a runner’s high or even a post coital contentment. But for all the impressive health benefits that capsaicin boasts, it is important to remember that Prometheus Springs above all, is simply a delicious and surprisingly versatile beverage.

Prelude by Barton G.

By Tyler Durden

With Art Basel is just around the corner, I’m sure all the creative types will flock to Prelude By Barton G. even if it’s just to check out the interior.

You may or may not be familiar with Barton G.’s over-the-top food presentations—the lobster pop tarts served in toasters and the nitrogen cocktails. Located on the second floor of the Ziff Opera House, Barton toned down the look and feel a bit and went for a sexy supper club feel. From the hand-blown glass plates and oversized desserts to a massive onyx bar where you can work your way through 90 wines by the glass, it’s where you’ll go before catching a performance at the center and spend time with the miss’s and listen to her talk about her day in the office or when you’re in the mood for a quick dinner downtown (they guarantee to have you in and out in 60 minutes).

Adding another twist to the new establishment, offering a $39 three-course menu that lets you pick and choose from dishes like Butter Poached Shrimp Salad, Short Ribs en Croute (pictured above), Duck Leg Confit and desserts like grape jelly gelato with peanut butter mousse. My goodness!

Prelude by Barton G.
at The Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd
Performing Arts District
Miami, FL 33132
305-357-7900
www.preludebybartong.com

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One of Ost’s bestseller — their hot chocolate made specially with film festival-signature laurels for me by Alex

Whoever said, “Look to the East for ______” probably did not realize at the time that his or her aphorism would resonate to which direction to go to for the most treasured coffee shop in Manhattan.  When it comes to searching for the best coffee in the city, all roads lead eastbound to Ost Cafe.

The cafe’s name pays homage to its part-owners’ lineage (“Ost” is German for “East”), as well as owing to the fact that this quaint, laid-back coffee shop lies at the heart of the bustling, gastronomical district of the East Village. Within a ten-block radius, this neighborhood hosts several of the high quality, locally-established coffee houses one can find in New York City, namely, Ninth Street Espresso, Mud, Porto Rico Importing Co., and Abraço, but with Ost, it brings about a feeling of warmth that goes way beyond just the cup of coffee itself. (more…)