Healthy Halloween (Eve): Non-GMO Month PROBAR Giveaway

By: Finance Foodie, in collaboration with ProBar

Although the news this month has been stuck on Government dysfunction, it also happens to be National Non-GMO Month. Non–GMO Month was created by the non-profit consumer advocacy group, Non-GMO Project in 2010 as a platform for raising awareness on the GMO issue. Today, genetically modified crops dominate within our food system with over 90% of national corn and soybean production now GMO (GMO = genetically modified organisms). It's an issue that affects all of us, although most know very little about it.

Taste Testing McDonald's Pumpkin Spice Latte

By: Finance Foodie

This fall, McDonald’s is giving customers a reason to celebrate the season with the introduction of McCafé Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). Available until mid November, this newly introduced beverage is a blend of 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso and steamed milk infused with a combination of spices and flavors of pumpkin pie. As with all of their coffee and espresso based beverages, each latte is customizable - available with whole or nonfat milk.

Quad G: the Guilt Free, Good-for-you, Gooey Grilled Cheese Breakfast Recipe

By: Finance Foodie

Inspired by my findings on two of my recent healthy foodie trips, the 2013 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Houston (the Disneyworld of healthy foods - just replace Mickey Mouse with Mr. Peanut) and the Mom's Meet 2013 WOW Summit in Philadelphia (which featured a lot of natural, organic recipe exchanges), I spent some time in my kitchen this week and created a new breakfast concoction that's high in protein, low in carbs, and quick to prepare!

Team Finance Foodie with Mr. Peanut, FNCE 2013

A Top-Notch Trip To Palm Beach's Brazilian Court Hotel

By: Anne M. Raso

I have always loved Cafe Boulud in New York and always use it to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. About 18 months ago, I discovered that they had a location in one of the top boutique hotels in the world, The Brazilian Court which is smack dab in the center of Palm Beach. I reviewed it here back then and admit that I found both the setting and the food even more alluring than the Upper East Side (Manhattan) location. There is just something wonderful about the quietness of the dining room and the way the huge windows look out onto the lushest and most exotic greenery in Palm Beach, including many large Bird Of Paradise plants.

Brazilian Court Courtyard Fountain

Taste Testing McDonald's Mighty Wings

By: Finance Foodie 

Just in time for the Fall season, McDonald’s brought back the popularity and fun of chicken wings to customers seeking any time and any reason to enjoy them. McD's Mighty Wings are a natural bone-in chicken wing that comes in two varieties, a drummette or a wingette. They are breaded to provide a crispy bite of home-style flavor and seasoned with cayenne and chili pepper for an extra kick of spice. For a customized flavor experience, customers can pair their wings with one of nine sauces (including my personal fave - the Tangy BBQ!).

3 Piece Mighty Wings

Sugar High at the 5th Annual New England Dessert Showcase

By: Jessica Cickay

Shortly after celebrating my wedding in September and my birthday early in October, I continued feeding my sugar high at the fifth annual New England Dessert Showcase at the Westin Waterfront Hotel. There were no shortage of ways for me to continue riding my recent delicious wave of dessert, as bakeries and restaurants from all over the region had their sweetest offerings on display for me taste and, in all honesty, shove in my sugar-loving face.

Whoopie Pies

Putting the "S" in Sexy: New “Super Playboy” Product Line from Playboy Fragrances Debuts at New York Comic Con

By: Finance Foodie

New York Comic Con. Where Halloween comes early in the Big Apple. Where hundreds of thousands of nerds and pseudo nerds in costumes descend upon the Javits Center showing off their love for all things superhero and a villain. Where at every turn, a cluster of Batmans and Robins emerge, followed by a few Poison Ivys, Mary Janes and Lois Lanes.

Comic Con Entrance

Circolo 45: This Hip East Village Italian Draws Circles Around The Others!

By: Anne M. Raso

I love the light and airy front dining room at the mega hip Circolo 45 and the way it contrasts with the dark and moody back room. It's nice that a restaurant has two sides to enjoy. The atmosphere is no pressure and the service is pleasant and attentive. The food never disappoints. Executive Chef Daniele Sicuranza takes Italian and does it both traditionally and with a fusion feel. It just depends what you order.

Interior

It's a Date Kinda Place at Ofrenda West Village

By: Finance Foodie

Last Thursday night, the Mister and I were faced with our usual conundrum: In a city as expansive as the Big Apple, where to go for dinner? We were feeling a little spicy (but wanted something a bit more festive than our usual burrito bowls at Chipotle), so we decided to check out Ofrenda, a cute and casual Mexican spot in the West Village. Having passed by this hard to miss spot on 7th Ave South numerous times, I was drawn in by its patio seating combined with the nice balmy Fall night.

The Man With the Thick Accent Cocktail 

High Rolling: Distinctive Experiences on the Las Vegas Strip

By: Finance Foodie

Las Vegas. A city that epitomizes excess and carefree-dom. Where blowing a few grand in one night is brushed off the shoulder like dirt. For those looking to escape after a stressful week at work or just celebrating life, here are three decadent must do experiences that will have you feeling like you're the boss. After all, as they say, living well is the best revenge.

Ken + Cook: A Comfortable Place That Really “Cooks”!

By: Anne M. Raso

Ken + Cook's Chef Malik Fall should be proud of his simple yet artisanal menu with moderate prices and generous portions. This charming eatery is in a space at 19 Kenmare Street that used to be a wise guy "hang" for 70 years; the space still has all the original character that it had when the place was built, including exposed brick and tin ceilings. It's nice the way the whole front wall is open when the weather is warm enough, and it's got the feel of a neighborhood place.

Photo Courtesy of: Ken + Cook