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How much you know about Jägermeister's history and origins? Let's find out more about this unique spirit...

Shopping for our wives and mothers is tough and if you are like me, it is often super easy to transpose what "you want" with what "she wants". 

Last week I had the privilege of joining Wild Turkey for a "Behind the Barrel" experience touring not just their distillery, but some of their partners including Vendome Copper & Brass Works and Independent Stave Company. During this tour, my eyes were opened wide to how complex the science and art of making great whiskey can be. While I knew that the mash bill and number of years aging in the barrel had a big say in how whiskey tastes, there's a whole lot more than that!

As you probably know by now, one of my absolutely favorite restaurants is Fogo de Chao. There is little out there that's better than the experience of enjoying great cocktails while enjoying an endless parade of meat served by friendly gauchos - well, except doing it in Brazil itself I suppose! Each season the folks at Fogo also update their harvest table with seasonal selections but they've now updated their bar menu too. They are so excited about their new offerings that they invited me back again to try some of their new cocktails and small plates before the full dinner that I already knew would be awesome.

Sizzler is the one that gives you choices... or at least that's what the 1991 training video says. Fortunately it was true back then and it's still true today. Honestly, that format of steak and "food bar" type restaurant has faded a LOT in the past decade or so as people seek out smaller portions and higher quality food served individually - not sitting on a buffet line. It's unfortunate though because something that a lot of us really enjoyed Sizzler back in the day. Luckily it's still here and better than ever!

Planning the ultimate guys' weekend getaway? The Maker's Mark Distillery tour is the perfect destination to kick off an unforgettable adventure on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Nestled in the heart of bourbon country, this iconic distillery offers a blend of rich history, hands-on experiences, and, of course, exceptional bourbon tastings. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or just looking for a unique and memorable trip with friends, Maker's Mark sets the stage for a fantastic weekend.

For many people Iowa is one of those states we've only seen from 39,000 feet as we fly over it and notice all those green fields of corn. Despite having family that had once lived there, that was about all I knew of it until I drove through the state a few years ago on my way to California. At the time I was surprised at all the cool stuff in the state but didn't have a chance to explore it more until last week when I was invited to join Travel Iowa on a quick tour.

For the man who loves whiskey, gift buying should go beyond a new bottle from his favorite distillery or a new decanter to add to his collection. Our extensive search has revealed this list of favorites that are usable, yet unique, and sure to please the whiskey lover on your list.

As a passionate traveler with a taste for the diverse alcoholic beverages crafted by different cultures, I'm no stranger to the rich flavors and intricate craftsmanship that go into each bottle. But have you ever ventured into the world's top whiskey regions, where these precious drinks are born? Consider the Scottish Highlands with their ancient traditions, the American Bourbon Trail steeped in history, Canada's rye whisky tours, Ireland's renowned distilleries, and the emergent stars of Japanese whisky. There's a world of whiskey waiting for you, offering experiences that connect you to the people and places on a deeper level than just capturing images for sharing later.

So you've probably experimented with whiskey before when preparing BBQ but sometimes the occasion just calls for tequila and so that what we tried. This recipe is a fairly simple smoked brisket recipe with light hints of tequila that help pair it well with a nice full glass of high-quality agave spirits such as our favorite, Don Julio 1942.

In the world of steak, sometimes bigger is better and other times it is all about being ridiculous and over-the-top. This $100 steak at Greystone Steakhouse in San Diego's Gaslamp firmly belongs in that second category. The 3oz Japanese Wagyu steak comes topped with 24 karat gold flakes, hand shaved black truffle and is served on a slab of fine marble. 

I'm in love with the seasonal Mike's flavor - Glacier Berry, but I also love the classic Lemonade. It's a tough time to be a fan I guess, but regardless of how your taste buds guide you, one thing is for certain. Mike's are great to share with friends this holiday season. To help celebrate, I created a special cocktail to settle my dilemma and make something extra special for the holiday party I had this weekend [modify based on posting date].

Whether you are looking to impress your neighbors or to turn up your BBQ skills, no summertime soiree should be without cocktails. What’s is perfect about adding cocktails to the scene is you don’t need to be a mixologist in order to add some fun, excitement, and flavor to your drinks. All you need is a little guidance, creativity, liquor, and BBQ and you’ll be well on your way to hosting the perfect BBQ party.

Good wine needs good food and so when we were invited to dine at Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery, I immediately said yes.

I love a classic steakhouse. You know, the ones with dark leather booths, heavy shadows, and classic bourbon cocktails. STK San Diego is is not that kind of place! From the moment you walk in, it is very clear that this is not your dad's steakhouse. Instead, it's hip, light, and lively. There is even a DJ on some nights furthering the lounge atmosphere and the cocktails match this chic and trendy environment. Don't be fooled though - while it feels like a cocktail bar, the menu still offers huge steaks and classic sides. There's a sense of youth and urban energy here compared to the uber masculinity of a traditional steakhouse but it hasn't lost touch with why you ultimately chose to spend hundreds of dollars on an amazing meal. This vibe perfectly matches Andaz San Diego hotel where it is located and it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. 

Years ago when I first tried sushi, it was a rare and elite luxury designed only for those willing to spend a lot of money and savor every bite. There is still that aspect of sushi and the exquisite precision of Japanese food preparation but over the past few decades, sushi has become democratized. Today, you can get sushi in ballparks and gas stations as well as some of the world's finest restaurants. Sushi Deli is somewhere between those with both the ability to bring sushi to the masses while still maintaining very high quality and adapting it to a market seeking fun, excitement and innovative ideas. It's no surprise then that they were also one of the first to adapt to the new realities by making their pickup experience one of the easiest and safest in San Diego.

I'm not a huge fan of casseroles normally. However, the undeniable benefit of being able to stretch a dollar while feeding a bunch of hungry people can't be ignored. We live in a time right now where both of those take precedence over simply "looking great". Today I decided to challenge myself to try something new with what stuff I had available in the kitchen. Lucky for me, the first things I found were cans green chiles and Hatch green chile enchilada sauce. That inspired me to combine it with the potatoes and Niman Ranch ground pork that I had stocked up on recently as part of our quarantine food. The Pork and Potatoes Southwest Green Chile Casserole was born!

When most people think of Mexican food, they imagine basic Tex-Mex dishes like tacos and burritos. While these dishes can be delicious, they don't come close to representing the true diversity of Mexican cuisine. There are many amazing restaurants in Mexico that will make you rethink your perception of Mexican cuisine. In this blog post, we will list nine of the top restaurants in Mexico, each with its own unique take on Mexican cuisine.

Recently Heather and I had the pleasure of attending a special "Pop Up Series" of An Evening with Le Cirque events across the country. Ours was located at the Mid-America Club in Chicago, a SPECTACULAR venue set 80 floors above Chicago with gorgeous views that matched the fabulous flavors and plating that Le Cirque is known for. 

The word "Oktoberfest" likely causes images of a raucous bar scene with giant steins of beer and busty waitresses dressed in dirndls. What if I told you that there was a family-friendly restaurant with authentic German food that was a perfect date location too? That's the quick synopsis of our experience at Edelweiss Dining - located in the Chicago suburb of Norridge.

For more than 30 years, this restaurant has served up some of the best authentic German food in all of the Chicagoland area.