Casa Dragones does away with tequila being served as a shot and has elevated the spirit into something to be savored: no lime, lemon or chaser. This refined approach adds a sophisticated twist to any Cinco de Mayo soiree.

The exceptionally smooth taste of Casa Dragones has established it as the beloved tequila of the culinary industry, receiving praise from respected chefs across the globe including Thomas Keller, Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud. The tequila’s recently launched Select Chef Pairings series features top restaurants and chefs who have created exclusive Casa Dragones pairings, including a range of classic Mexican dishes that are ideal for a Cinco de Mayo gathering.

Casa Dragones comes in a decanter that is handcrafted from pure crystal, signed and individually engraved. The bottle can be repurposed and filled with flowers, candles, or used on its own to create a sophisticated Cinco de Mayo table setting.

Casa Dragones is named after The Dragones, an elite cavalry team that spurned the success of Mexico’s Independence. Though Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, the same foundations of passion for liberty and democracy make Casa Dragones a special commemoration of these stories of freedom. The Dragones stabled their horses in La Casa Dragones, which stands today and serves as the historic home of Casa Dragones.

May has to be one of my favorite times to be in Downtown Greenville. The near-perfect beauty of Downtown’s bright green foliage, & brick red buildings silhouetted against the Carolina blue sky is enough to take my breath away! Add to that, the increasingly pleasant temps and the also-increasing number of great events going on, and you have more fun than should be legal! Too much fun, in fact, for just one blog! This week’s “Part 1” contains tidbits about Moonlight Movies, The Saturday Market, a Men’s High Heel Race, an invitation to paint the town Red…and a whole lot of cute little rubber duckies!

Fans of classic movies anxiously await Moonlight Movies. This free, city-sponsored event allows movies fans to view the classics outdoors in the splendid beauty of Falls Park. Shown each Wednesday (weather permitting) starting at 8-ish in the evening, this family-friendly event takes place every May and September. This year’s theatrical line-up includes the 1953 drama, “From Here to Eternity”, starring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr (May 1), John Ford’s 1956 western, “The Searchers”, starring John Wayne (May 8), the 1938 Cukor comedy, “Holiday”, starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant (May 15) and the delightfully quirky “Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein” (May 22). The movie for May 29 is a Viewer’s Choice, where the movie garnering the most fan votes will be shown. The choices are “To Catch a Thief”, “On The Waterfront” and “Philadelphia Story”. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome, but like most city-sponsored events, pets are not allowed. For more information, visit http://www.greenvillesc.gov.

Let Kentucky keep their thoroughbred racing horses, we’ve got cute ‘lil rubber duckies! This most beloved of Downtown’s annual events, the Reedy River Duck Derby, takes place Saturday, May 4th at Reedy River Falls Park and benefits the many local charities assisted by the Rotary Club of Greenville. An all-day event (10AM – 4PM), the fun includes plenty of kid-friendly activities for families. The highlight, of course, is the race itself, which starts at 2:30PM, with participants battling for an array of fabulous prizes. A mere $10 will purchase a certified racing duck to enter in the race (MUCH less expensive than a high-strung thoroughbred horse), or you can purchase a “Quack Pack” for $30 and receive 4 ducks for the price of 3 (all to better your chances of victory). Prior to the official duck race, the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District will conduct its own race of “Yucky Duckies” to promote clean water. If you would like to purchase a duck for the race or wish to find out more about this event, visit: http://www.reedyriverduckderby.com.

One of the most anticipated openings in Downtown Greenville is the start of The Saturday Market. Visitors and locals alike are invited to take a morning stroll on Main Street (at Court Street) every Saturday from May to October to experience the delectable sights, sounds, scents and flavors of this favorite Downtown tradition. The 2013 market season starts up again this Saturday, May 4, from 8AM until noon. Featuring the finest in fresh local produce, beautiful crafts by area artisans and live music by some of the region’s best talent, The Saturday Market is family friendly fun for all! For more information and a calendar of weekly events, visit http://saturdaymarketlive.com.

The next event is also one of Greenville’s favorite May events – The Red Party. Each year, AID Upstate invites others to “Dine With Friends” as part of their annual fundraising and Aids Awareness campaign. After having dinner with your pals, participants are invited to The Red Party to enjoy drinks at the cash bar and free desserts. Everyone is welcome to come and “Dance Your Face Off” at this year’s Silver Jubilee soiree at ZEN Greenville on Saturday, May 4th. The festivities will start up at 9PM and last until midnight! There is no need to purchase advance tickets, but a $25 donation is required (and greatly appreciated) at the door. Funds raised will provide supportive services to those Upstate families affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information on The Red Party, AID Upstate or to participate in “Dining With Friends” visit https://www.facebook.com/TheRedParty.

Women in high heels…fashionably elegant …Men in high heels…side-splitting hilarity! See how the “other half” lives or just come get your chuckles – all for a great cause – at the 2nd Annual Men’s High Heel Race on Sunday, May 5. The stillettoed, testosterone-fueled masses will meet up at Ford’s Oyster House and Cajun Kitchen at 9AM, before making the mad “diva dash” down Main Street, in a riotous competition for some really cool prizes! All proceeds benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research (JDRF) in the Western Carolinas. Want to don your best pair of pumps and take part? Registration is going on now (through Friday, May 3) for a participation fee of $25. Participants will be treated to post-run brunch at Ford’s where they can kick off their heels and rest their tired tootsies! For more information, or to register for the race, visit https://www.facebook.com/MensHighHeelRaceGreenvilleSc.

So there you have it Downtownies…a virtual plethora of May happenings. Check next week’s blog for “Part Two” of this article. Until then, have fun, be safe and see you Downtown! Now, if I could only find a tiny jockey to ride my Duck Derby entry, I’d be set!

Known for great local and regional live Latin music, this year’s performers include Austin High Folklorico Dancers, Vitera, Este Vato, Bombasta, La Guerrilla, Charanga Cakewalk and Celsius. DJs Chorizo Funk and Chicken George will be spinning as well.

Austin High School Ballet Folklorico Dancers

There are family friendly activities including face painting, balloon making, dancing, street foods and more. For more information, visit their event website at cincoaustin.splashthat.com and on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cincoaustin

Liz Lopez

Source: Austin High School Ballet Folkorico, La Condesa

Suisse Bakery terletak di pinggir jalan, gak pernah pindah2 kayanya entah dr taon brp. Ruko-nya pun udah keliatan tuwa, tp tetep menarik utk disambangin

2 Februari 2013. Gw titip nyokap beliin roti coklat Suisse 10 buah. Gara2 waktu Natal di Jambuluwuk gw beli ini roti, jadi skr kepingin lagi. Ceritanya, nostalgila deh hehehehe.. 2 hr kemudian gw ambillah 1 dus besar itu..

Pas dibuka, aseeeeeeeeeeeek.. ada 10 buah roti coklat yg siap disantap. En rapi banget packingnya, diplastikin satu2. Jadi makannya pun gampang, gak kotor2in tangan.

Saatnya nyemil roti coklat deh.. Begitu dibuka, aroma wangi coklatnya langsung menyerbu. Bikin ngiler banget.. Yuk, kita santap nikmat rotinyaaaaaaaa Gumpalan coklatnya itu looooooooh.. yummeeeh..

Suisse Bakery
Jl. Hayam Wuruk 114 Blok A No. 5-6
Jakarta
Telp: (021) 6393409

La Placita’s Food Court will be open for lunch daily starting at 11am this Thursday, May 2nd. One of the mobile food trucks offering lunch is Annie’s Austin Kitchen, the recent winner of the Snappy Snacks contest.

Annie Pryor (above), is the winner of the contest held April 9th and was judged before a guest panel of judges that included: (R) Tom Ramsey, Snappy Snacks; (center) Chef Eric Silverstein (The Peached Tortilla) and (L) a representative for Chef Jae Kim (Chi’Lantro’s) -(photo below),

alongside (R) 1Stop Financial Services Owner Archie Gall, Pflugerville City Councilmember Victor Gonzalez and Round Rock City Councilmember Carlos Salinas (photo below).

[Photo Credit for all photos: Liz Lopez, Liz's Lenzwork]

Pryor’s Grand Prize was the use of a Snappy Snacks mobile catering truck for two months, plus two months of rental space at Ramsey’s La Placita.  She will also receive one-to-one consulting from Ramsey, one of the leading experts in the food catering business. Ramsey and his company Snappy Snacks have already helped launch the successful food truck careers of some of Austin’s most popular food mobiles: The Peached Tortilla, Chi’Lantro’s, Fresh Off The Truck and Stony’s Pizza.

La Placita is located at 15630 Vision Drive in Pflugerville just behind Cinemark Tinseltown Theater and makes for a quick way to grab lunch or dinner before catching a matinee or evening film. A good blockbuster coming to town on Friday is Iron Man 3. Check your local listings for

Liz Lopez
Source: La Placita/Snappy Snacks
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This video is for all the coffee lovers who would really love to know exactly how to use the espresso machines.

Please watch this amazing video which you might find quite helpful.

Lemonade Day Austin, a program of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas, began in 2009. Since the first year, they have grown from 2,500 registrations to 20,000+ kids in 2012 – over 46,000 kids in 4 years, selling more than $1 million of lemonade and donating over $500k to charity.

The foremost objective of Lemonade Day is to empower youth to take ownership of their lives and become productive members of society – the business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and forward thinking citizens of tomorrow.

There are many rules and regulations by the City of Austin when it comes to setting up the lemonade stand, including City of Austin Health Guidelines / Food Handling at Beverage Stand Operations, so I recommend visiting the following site for details: http://austin.lemonadeday.org/city-story/

Source: http://austin.lemonadeday.org/

Picture by Symic/Flickr

Shugoll Research is hosting a series of  focus groups and in-home interviews with women between the ages of 21 and 55 on the topic of “Eating Habits.” The focus groups will take place DURING THE DAY in our downtown Bethesda office on Thursday, May 9. In-home interviews will take place DURING THE DAY on Friday, May 10. Qualified participants will receive an honorarium for their participation.

If you are interested in either portion of the study, please click on the link below to take a brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KWFLD65

We will contact you directly for further screening, if you pre-qualify.

Tampilan dari samping resto

Barbeque Ranch Chicken Salad 45k

Marinated chicken breast, tossed with avocado, fresh tomato, corn, beans, lettuce, cucumber, topped with crispy onion rings in our own ranch dressing. Sedap banget kan tuh. Isinya banyak juga daging ayamnya. Wow deh..

Porkies 65k

Barbeque sauce, mozzarella, pork bacon and pork sausage. Aaaaaaaaaaaah, pecinta pork, pesen ini deh. Sedaaaaaaaaap. Pizza-nya tipisssssss banget. Tp enak

Torta Mille Foglie 35k

Thousand layers of cake with lush mascarpone cream. Wah, enak nih cake-nya, gw sampe rebutan gitu makannya sama si Patty hahaha kebetulan dia doyan juga tuh hohohoho

Iced Lychee Tea 25k

Seger neh. Rasanya ya sama lah dg iced lychee tea lain2nya

Caprese’s Punch 32k

Our version of fruit punch… Orange, grapefruit, passion fruit, mango, pineapple and lime juice with a dash of kiwi syrup. Ini beneran seger..

Yang lucu di sini, nama menu pizza-nya unik2 banget. Ada Alice in Wonderland, Tom Cruise, Italian Job, Iron Man, bahkan ada yg namanya Black Widow dan Blackie Chan hahahaha.. Yuk mampir yuk

Caprese Restaurant
Mall Kota Kasablanka
Ground Floor Unit F65-02
Jl. Kasablanka Raya kav. 88, Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan
Phone: (021) 2946-5333

Photo credit: Liz Lopez, Liz’s Lenzwork

This Thursday evening, May 2nd, La Placita is host to a special event in support of “Soldiers of America” and “Celebration of Love” as they celebrate Day One of their Grand Opening with Blues, Brews and Bugs On The Plaza.

Show off your Bug ride at La Placita. Food will be available from mobile vendors and great blues/oldies as well as music from The Frank Gomez Band, with showtime at 7pm.

For more information and details on this special event, call 512-605-6001 and visit www.laplacitapflugerville.com #bluesandbugs #thursdays@laplacita #cruiseonin

Source: Photo credit: Liz Lopez, Liz’s Lenzwork, La Placita

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Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox performing during the Mexican American Experience at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in mid March [Photo Credit: Liz Lopez, Liz's Lenzwork]

Grammy winning artist Joel Guzman will be performing with Sarah Fox and their band today at the St. Williams Church and then again at Fiesta Gardens on Sunday, May 5th during the Cinco de Mayo fiestas.

Fiestas Patrias of Austin ”Youth, Culture, Community” Since 1978

                             
Cinco de Mayo 2013 on May 4 – May 5
Fiesta Gardens Park
Fiestas Patrias of Austin 8th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will take place on May 4 – May 5, 2013 at Fiesta Gardens Park located at IH 35 and Lady Bird Lake.

For more information on other artists and activities, visit www.cincodemayoaustin.com/

Liz Lopez

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For more than six years, the Smith Family has worked diligently on bringing Ocean Vodka from Maui to the international marketplace.  The new upgraded facility provides Ocean Vodka control of all supply and production, with farming, distillation, manufacturing, marketing and sales consolidated for the first time since the brand’s inception.  It also solidifies Ocean Vodka’s growing presence in the marketplace, supporting a ten-fold increase in business as well as new opportunities to expand production into rums, whiskies and unique, naturally infused spirits, while providing additional jobs for the local Maui community.

To follow the Maui Made blog, you can sign up to get an email of new posts, or you can follow along on Facebook (click for direct link), if you already get too much email!  There will likely be more shares and quick posts on Facebook anyway. Eventually, there will also be a more formal e-newsletter, directed to Hawaii-based and national media, to get some much needed exposure to all these incredible Maui artists, designers, and Vodka producers (ok, the vodka producers seem to have no problem getting press) and more information on how to receive that e-newsletter will be posted here on this blog.

Interview on Food & Wine Talk
to Marina Nedic, managing director of IEEM and the Simply Italian — Great Wines, Americas Tour (January, 2012)

I had no idea if I was ready, but I was up to the challenge:

Ardbeg 10, 46% ABV, non chill-filtered, Islay Single Malt, $50 USD 

Color: Pale, light tan-yellow. Looks thin and when swirled creates fast-moving legs and sprites above the swirl mark showing its non chill-filtered ABV off nicely.

Nose: Like Laphroaig QC, this Islay packs a wallop. Smoke, tobacco, anise, acrid burnt wood freshly snuffed out, background of sickly sweet dense honeysuckle. A neighbor having a barbecue. Your kitchen a couple of hours after you have fried up some bacon for breakfast.

Palate: Like the sight of it suggests, thin. This whiskey sneaks right in there. When held in the mouth the thick summer honeyed floral arrives and as you move the whisky to the back of the palate sharp anise arrives. Then, nothing. For about a second, then PEAT AND SMOKE kick you in the molars. It’s like a strobe light of wood smoke, tobacco, barbecue notes, and a playful sweetness raving inside your gullet. Truly delightful and can really catch you off guard if you’re not expecting it. Beware.

Finish: Ardbeg has finish for what seems like an eternity. I’m surprised to not be exhaling smoke. The higher ABV does not add to burn so much as it adds to intensity of lingering peat, delicate honeyed floral sweetness, and bright anise. The finish, while heavy in notes, is light compared to what you may be expecting.

Overall: Yes, this one is palate puncher for sure. Bare knuckled. I thought the Laphroaig QC was hardcore, but Ardbeg 10 takes the cake. These are all good things. I really enjoy the fact that so much flavor, nuance, passion, and craftsmanship can be conveyed in a single sip. Truly a treasure to enjoy occasionally, but this is not an expression that I need to keep around. While it is exceptional at taking the Islay taste and turning it up to “11″, it’s a piano that only plays the one note.

Mango Green Tea (M) 18k (L) 21k

Gw suka sih MGT-nya rasanya ya mirip2 lah sama MGT di bubble tea laen, tp kayanya di sini lebih light ya, jadi gak terlalu kentel banget tea-nya

Next time kalo ke sini lagi, gw mo cobain milk tea-nya ah, kali2 nemu yg cocok ya sama selera gw hehehe

ShareTea Indonesia
Plaza Semanggi
Ground Floor
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav – 50
Jakarta

Plaza Festival
2nd Floor
Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Kav C-22
Jakarta Selatan
FB Fan Page: Share Tea Indonesia
twitter: @sharetea_indo

On Friday night, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, along with Los Desperadoz will be performing.

DLG y Los Musicales performing at the Poteet Strawberry Festival earlier this month in front of a packed venue. [Photo by Liz Lopez, Liz's Lenzwork]

Saturday, the State Menudo Cook-Off takes place all day and at night, another dance/concert is offered with music by Jimmy Edward and  Joe Bravo [$10 Cover if no wristband].

Bowling enthusiasts can join in on the tournament on Sunday at  Sunset Bowling Lanes. For complete information on the Cinco de mayo events, visit www.vivacincosmtx.com

The film stars Pablo Abitia, Angélica Aragón, Kuno Becker, Liz Gallardo, Ginés García Millán and Noé Hernández. The war drama is under the direction of writer Rafa Lara, who also produces with Paco Gallástegui.

Paco Gallástegui photo courtesy of Mexic-Arte Museum, as the producer is scheduled to be in town soon for a Special Appearance at the museum’s Gala del Museo fundraising event at the Four Seasons.

About the film:

On May 5th, 1862, a few thousand Mexican soldiers put their lives on the line against the world’s largest and most powerful army in one legendary battle for freedom and for Mexico. Cinco de Mayo, La Batalla chronicles the story of Mexico’s Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico’s history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza played by Kuno Becker (Goal!, From Prada to Nada), must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men. Meanwhile, two young Mexican lovers manage to find love amidst the chaos of war.

About the Gala fundraiser:

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013, 6pm–9pm at the Four Seasons Ballroom. It is a Black Tie event and tickets are $250. For details on the gala event, visit www.mexic-artemuseum.org/events

Liz Lopez

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Source: Pantelion, www.upcoming-movies.com, Mexic-Arte Museum

Join the Hindu and Jewish communities for a night of multi-cultural entertainment, food and fun on Sunday, May 19^th, 2013, 5pm to 8pm at the Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731.

Enjoy a veggie/dairy Indian food dinner sponsored by area Indian restaurants, followed by Jewish dessert, along with traditional Hindu music and Jewish folk dancing. Indian attendees are encouraged to wear colorful festive attire! Indian Jewelry by Praveen Kale will also be featured, as well as clothing, Hena and face painting artists.

Tickets can be purchased online at: www.shalomaustin.org/namaste or www.Sulekha.com

List of Performers: Mayur Dance Co. (Monsoon Dance), Preya Patel, Yesh Rikud – Austin Israeli Folk Dancing, Naga Valli, Anuradha Naimpally, Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour and Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Srishti, Bollywood Shake

Food Sponsors: Bombay Bistro, Chole Indian Restaurant, Curry In Hurry, Inchins Bamboo Garden, Madras Pavilion (Kosher), Persis Indian Grill, Sarovar Indian Cuisine, Shirdi Sai BabaTemple, Star of India, Teji’s Food, Whip In Convenience Store, and others.

Proceeds will benefit the education of homeless children in Austin and Manor Schools. One adult ticket helps provide school supplies for one child for one year. A single sponsorship provides support for 6 children, and commitment by May 1 includes name or business listing and 2 event tickets.
The Hindu and Jewish communities will join together in August to pack the backpacks full of school supplies.

For more information, call 512.994-4638 or via email at HinduCharities4America@gmail.com

Source: Hindu Charities 4 America

Liz Lopez

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Jefferson

The Music Schedule for the Main Stage includes the Bowie High School Steel Drum Band at 9am, the Marshall Ford Swing Band at 10:15 am, Del Castillo at 12 noon, followed by the Carolyn Wonderland Band at 1:45 pm.

Del Castillo began as a CD project for family back in the winter of 2000 and has become a symbol of the cross-cultural power of music with their eclectic blend of Flamenco, Rock, Latin, Blues, and World music. This frequently awarded group from Austin, Texas is a feast for your ears and your soul when you listen to this band.

Liz Lopez

Source: Del Castillo, Sunset ValleyFest

Introduced by Senator Mark “you have our vote” Leno, the bill would have allowed bars, clubs, and restaurants in California to stay open—and more importantly, serve alcohol—and additional 2 hours, until 4 in the AM.

But opponents claimed the bill would have led to more car accidents, injuries, fighting, and just plain mayhem. And let’s face it: they’re probably right.

So in the end, we suppose the outcome was a good one. But somehow, it still leaves a bad taste in our mouths. And you know what gets a bad taste out of your mouth? Two extra hours of drinking. Just saying.

- Carlos Delgado, CBS Radio

Highland Park 12 Year, 43%ABV, Highland Single Malt, Orkney Islands $50 USD 

Color: Amber with hues of gold in the sunlight.

Nose: At first is a light smokiness like off clothes worn in an evening next to a campfire. Light and it comes and goes as the nose evolves. Next is an overwhelming honey/nectar/sweet smell that is off-putting at first until the smoke comes back to play. They work well together, but I’m not at all sure I like the sweet by itself. I only get the malt notes with the tail of the honey wave prior to smoke returning.

Palate: This one really coats your tongue and you get a light warmth in your whole mouth before the flavors show up. Sweet honeyed smoke and a waft of grasses blossom as you swallow and then the peppery warmth trails behind the whisky as you swallow.

Finish: It lingers for a long time, pleasantly. I drank it neat and it was almost hot with alcohol at the very split second beginning, but the flavors of sweet smoke caught fire and warmed all the way to my stomach. A good all-round dram.

Overall: A very drinkable, middle-of-the-road scotch. I can see why it polarizes r/scotch so. It is neither an amazing islay, nor an amazing highland, but it is quite drinkable and unoffensive to the palate. As I get into the scotch world, I am finding more and more that I simply prefer big, bold Islay tastes. Highland Park ’12 touches that note, but does not play it very long.

Either it is a microbes or plant or any animal everyone needs food for their development and nourishment. This can be done only if the body is getting complete vitamins and minerals in their diet, which supports their body and fills energy and strength within them. The coffee is one of the most sensitive items, and if it loses its freshness or gets corroded by the atmospheric gases then it would lose its uniqueness completely. The food plastic bags are the one which helps in storing the food nicely and giving it the best environment where they can survive with complete freshness and nutrients. Which are required by the coffee to survive and remain fresh the coffee degassing valve functions in such a way that it removes all the unwanted gases out of the packet and allows only the fresh oxygen that too in a limited amount to enter? However, even the paper materials are used for making such bags but those bags are having a certain limitations and thus plastic material is the best one to go for. The main function or reason behind the intake of food is the development and nourishment of the body structure, it makes the body strong and tough to adjust or face the natural difficulties with great force and resistance.