ML Interest Tag: culinary

Martha Stewart Wants to Make Your Cruise Better & Here’s How

by Erica Loop

Martha Stewart can pretty much make anything better—whether it’s turning a plain piece of paper into fab party decor or whipping up holiday dessert perfection. Now Stewart is tackling the ocean adventure, and if you’re considering a cruise, here’s what you need to know.

The crafting and culinary genius has launched a partnership with MSC Cruises, a luxe cruise line voted one of the best by Travel + Leisure. If you’ve been considering a cruise in the near future, you’ll want to keep reading.

Stewart’s MSC partnership includes a variety of curated activities and excursions, including cooking classes (obviously), hikes, lessons from local fishermen, craft market day trips, horseback riding (in the ocean!) and so much more. For a full list of Martha Stewart & MSC Cruises Excursions, visit MSC’s website here.

Along with her curated excursions, Stewart is also partnering with the cruise line for special “celebration surprises.” Starting in June 2019 you can surprise your fave family member, friend or other loved one onboard one of MSC’s cruises with a personalized letter from Stewart, a special dessert and a recipe card. The $10 to $30 cruise add-on is available for birthdays, honeymoons and anniversaries. For $89 you can also get wine specially selected by Stewart, a free photo taken by MSC’s photographer, a photo frame and a canvas beach tote.

Foodies can also take advantage of Stewart’s celebration dinners with MSC. These three-course holiday meals are available for Easter, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s. Happy cruising!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Martha Stewart via Instagram

 

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This New Delivery Service Is Bringing Disney Parks Food to the People

by Erica Loop

Instagram stalking your fave Disney foodies finds just won’t do. You want the real deal. But you don’t exactly live near any of the magical theme parks. Now what? Boxney is here to save the day!

If you haven’t heard of Boxney, start by breaking down the name. Box (as in a subscription box) and -ney (as in the last three letters of Disney). This Disney-based delivery service brings the coolest, most creative culinary choices from Disney World straight to your doorstep.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtPvhsenSyE/

The service, which isn’t affiliated with Disney, sends employees out to the parks to scavenge the best of the best in tasty treats. The monthly subscription boxes come in mini (three to four items), original (four to seven items) and premium (10 to 15 items) sizes. Prices start at $30/month for the mini size and go up to $110/month for the premium package (the middle-sized original box is $60/month). Add the cost of shipping to each monthly box. Along with the monthly service, you can also add on special limited edition boxes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsudwq2HvJS/

So what do you get in your Boxney box? The goodies change by the month, depending on what the service’s employees find at the Orlando parks. Look for treats from the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Springs and Hollywood Studios.

Visit the Boxney website here for ordering information.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Rickpilot_2000 via Flickr

 

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The Obamas & Netflix Join Forces to Produce a New Show for Preschoolers

by Erica Loop

Get ready for a new Netflix children’s show—from the Obamas. That’s right, the former POTUS and FLOTUS are bringing your preschooler something new to stream. And that’s not all!

Higher Ground Productions, a production company launched by President and Mrs. Obama last year, recently announced a seven-project deal with Netflix. Along with the upcoming children’s show, the Obama’s company will bring parents plenty of picks, including a film adaptation of David W. Blight’s Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, a scripted anthology based on The New York Times‘ Overlooked column, a non-fiction series about everyday heroes and Crip Camp (a feature-length documentary about a summer camp for disabled teens in the 1970s).

Mrs. Obama said, in a press statement about the new productions, “We love this slate because it spans so many different interests and experiences, yet it’s all woven together with stories that are relevant to our daily lives.” the former first-lady went on to add, “We think there’s something here for everyone—moms and dads, curious kids, and anyone simply looking for an engaging, uplifting watch at the end of a busy day. We can’t wait to see these projects come to life — and the conversations they’ll generate.”

So what do we know about the Obama’s new children’s show? According to Netflix, the program (titled Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your Parents) is a half-hour series for preschoolers that will take your kiddos on a culinary-focused trip around the world.

As of now there is no release date for the new Obama/Netflix projects.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Barack Obama via Instagram 

 

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Fancy Plates: The Best Fine Dining Restaurants That Love Kids

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Itching for a great culinary night out but want to make it more of a family affair (maybe a Mother’s Day adventure? You’re in luck. There are tons of great restaurants around the DMV that offer kid-friendly accommodations. Click through to discover some of our favorites.

Trummer’s on Main

Trummer’s on Main’s Petit Gourmand program is a kids' tasting menu created with the goal of offering families the opportunity to introduce younger guests to fine dining—glass cups, shiny silverware, and all—at a young age. Inspired by experiences dining with their own young sons, owners Stefan and Victoria Trummer say it’s a way for both parents to be able to enjoy a tasting menu with their kid, but also for kids to be able to get involved and eat real food. Move over nuggets; the Petit Gourmand menu has included dishes such as smoked mozzarella Fried Arancini with escabeche mayo for kid-friendly dipping and a Make Your Own Sundae with all of the usual fixins’ like Cap’n Crunch and chocolate syrup.

7134 Main St. (Clifton, Va)
703-266-1623
Online: trummersonmain.com

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Kristina Messner

 

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Disney’s Food & Wine Festival Just Got Even More Awesome

by Karly Wood

The wildly popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is back and is better than ever! From Mar. 1 through Apr. 23, 2019, park-goers can enjoy the tastes, sips and sounds of California-inspired cuisine and wine tastings as they navigate the park––that’s 54 days!

The month-and-a-half-long event offers unique food and beverage options at 14 different Festival Marketplaces and each location’s offerings are inspired by fresh, California-grown ingredients. Did we mention that the festival also offers locally brewed craft beers, wine and spirits? There’s something for everyone!

Park guests will want to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass (around $55) which comes with eight coupons that can be redeemed on food and non-alcoholic purchases. The pass is a great way to save money, share between family members and taste new cuisine you may not otherwise try!

The festival isn’t just about eating delicious food and sipping wine pairings, it’s also educational! On the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you will find culinary demonstrations by famous chefs, and family-friendly seminars on how preparing and sharing a meal can be a family bonding experience.

Also on the Backlot Stage, kids can participate in the Junior Chef experience led by Chef Goofy. Kids 3 to 11 will whip up magical treats with tasty surprises with the help of the goofy pal.

If you’re still on the fence about attending the Food & Wine Festival, then you should know that the Disneyland Resort is offering special, limited-time ticket and hotel offers during the 54-day event! Happy tasting!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney Parks

 

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3 New Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino Flavors Have Arrived & You’ll Want Them All

by Erica Loop

Going grocery shopping just got better. Three new Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino flavors are available now—and you can find them on your local grocer’s shelves! But these bottled beverages aren’t the only Sbucks goodies to hit stores. Check out the new products that the coffee giant recently rolled out in grocery stores across the country.

Frappuccino fans can now get their morning (or any time of the day) jolt with three brand-new flavors: Salted Dark Chocolate, Caramelized Vanilla Honey and Toasted White Chocolate. Along with culinary-inspired ingredients, these sweet selections also come with a splash of Starbucks Cold Brew inside. All three of Starbucks’ new bottled Frappuccino flavors retail for $2.93 (for a 13.7-ounce bottle).

If your busy day requires more than just a little pick-me-up, Starbucks also recently debuted three new Tripleshot Energy drinks. Also available in grocery stores, these canned coffee beverages come in Caramel, Caffè Mocha and French Vanilla flavors.

The canned Tripleshot Energy drinks will run you $2.99 for a 15-ounce can.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Starbucks

 

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Ayesha Curry Shares the Parenting Rule She & Steph Curry Just Can’t Follow

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Even celeb parents, like Ayesha and Steph Curry, have those moments when they just have to let go and accept that parenting isn’t always perfect. In a cover-story for the March issue of Parents magazine, Ayesha Curry shares her experiences as a mom of three.

She revealed that in their house there are definitely rules that the family has to follow, and yet there are times when those rules get broken—especially one in particular.

“The toughest one for us to follow is no phones at the table,” Ayesha explains. “Of course, there are those moments when the kids do something super cute and you just have to record it, but we really try to implement the no-phones rule. Our kids love being at the table together, talking about their day, singing songs and telling jokes. It’s a special time.”

The cookbook author and host of the upcoming ABC series Family Food Fight also revealed that, despite her culinary expertise, not all mealtimes are picture perfect in the Curry household. “I’m not going to sugarcoat it—weekday breakfasts are tough,” Curry admits. “Sometimes it’s a kids’ protein bar or handfuls of fruit served up on paper towels and eaten in the car.”

She does also share her tips for getting her kids to be healthy eaters. “I try to make vegetables fun for the kids by getting them involved with cooking,” Curry told Parents. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, the girls are willing to try whatever it is they helped me make, whether it’s salads, curries or a kale smoothie.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Ayesha Curry via Instagram

 

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Universal Studios Is Hiring for 2,500 Jobs (Awesome Perks Included!)

by Erica Loop

So you say you’ve always wanted to work at a theme park? Well your dream job is right around the corner. Universal Orlando recently announced that the Florida vacation destination is hiring 2,500 new full-time, part-time, seasonal and professional team members.

The sun. The fun. And the oh-so-perfect perks. The joys of working at a “sunshine state” theme park are a’ plenty. And bonus, park reps recently announced that the base hourly pay for Universal Orlando team members went up to $12 as of Feb. 3. But wait. The park’s work perks get even better—especially for parents. Team members enjoy free park admission, complimentary guest passes, discounts and more.

So what types of jobs are available? Again, open jobs run the gamut from temporary seasonal gigs to professional-level salaried positions (and just about everything in between). That means there’s pretty much something for everyone. Specific full- and part-time jobs include openings in the theme park’s Attractions, Aquatics, Food Services, Culinary, Custodial, Warehouse, Entrance Operations and Sales departments.

If you’re into all things aquatic, Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park is currently hiring lifeguards, with a starting rate between $12.50 and $13.50 per hour. Yep, you’ll get to spend the day keeping park visitors safe in the warm Florida sun.

For those of you job-seekers who are looking for something that’s a little more indoors, the park is also hiring professional salaried employees for their Tech Services, IT, Finance and Marketing departments.

How can you score one of these theme park jobs? The theme park will hold multiple appointment-only job fairs in the next few weeks. Visit Universal Orlando’s website to apply for a job in your chosen field. If you’re the right fit for one of the 2,500 new positions, a rep will contact you for a job fair interview appointment.

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

 

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Plan a Family Date Night Dining with Little Diner’s Crew

by Maria Chambers

Moms and dads rejoice! We’re here to save you (and your kids!) from the standard kid’s meals and uninspired and unhealthy menu choices. Created by Chicago parents for Chicago parents, Little Diner’s Crew will soon become your go-to for a family date night out grabbing grub. Read on to learn how they got started, their mission and how you can snag a spot at the table. Grab your bibs and read on!

photo: Nicole De Khors

How did Little Diner’s Crew get its start?
Driven by a passion for experiencing restaurants that expose them to new flavors using quality ingredients, husband and wife duo D.C. and Alayna Crenshaw created Little Diner’s Crew. The stimulus for the concept was a desire to share their love of food exploration with their two boys, after a brief stint on the dreaded mac-n-cheese and chicken tender circuit.

What is the goal of Little Diner’s Crew?
The mission of LDC is 3 fold. They want to provide kids the opportunity to try new foods from around the globe, give chefs a forum to educate kids about the food they eat, where it comes from and how it’s prepared and, lastly, they want to bring families together to enjoy a unique dining experience.

photo: Little Diner’s Crew

What are the membership details?
There are several membership options, all of which include a passport that allows members to document their culinary journey and access to free appreciation events and tastings. Passports can also be used to redeem LDC perks at participating restaurants and partners.

Members will receive email alerts about free tastings, discounts and invites to openings from partner restaurants as part of the LDC Perks. You will also enjoy non-food perks such as family events, services and products.

Annual Eat Membership: $95/year per child, does not include cost of meals

Monthly Travel Membership: $9.99/month per child, does not include cost of meals

Explore All Access Membership: $29.95/month per child, includes cost of meals, additional exclusive Explore Member events, 1 complimentary child guest at an event per quarter

Family Membership: $150/month for 2 adults and 2 kids, includes cost of meals and exclusive Family Membership events.

photo: Little Diner’s Crew

Walk me through the event, please!
First of all, it’s important to note that LDC events start promptly. So, be sure to plan ahead so you can arrive on time—no small task for parents, we know! A different restaurant will be featured each gathering and have included such notables as Carnivale, Naoki Sushi, Riva and RPM. When you arrive, you’ll check in with an LDC rep and have your passport stamped. The dining experience will include either the Chef, GM or owner discussing different aspects of the restaurant’s history, menu and cuisine. The menu for kids and adults is exactly the same, but the portions are smaller for the kids. Also important to know, kids dine alone with their peers, while parents enjoy adult time nearby.

How old do my kids have to be to join the Crew?
LDC is best suited for kids ages 4-12 and their hungry chauffeurs (a.k.a. parents).

How do we stay looped in on events?
Good question! Be sure to keep tabs on their website to get the 411.

— Maria Chambers

Photos courtesy of Little Diner’s Crew

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