Root Beer Challenge

The Contenders: Killebrew, Henry Weinhard's, IBC, Boylan, Sprecher, Point, Dorothy's, Natural Brew & Stewart's

Patrick and I really like root beer.  We also like listing stuff and ranking it.  So we decided to stock up on a bunch of different specialty root beers from the area to see which we like the most.  All of these sodas were found at the grocery store.  

Cups set up and ready for the blind test.

We wanted to do this right so we set up a blind test and started drinking.  We had a cracker in-between every drink and wrote down what we thought about them.  Then we continued sampling while we ranked them.  Here is what we found and how we ranked them:

#9 - Natural Brew from Chico, NJ
Amanda's Ranking: 9
Patrick's Ranking: 9
This was the worst root beer hands down.  It was the only one that when I drank it, I cringed.  It is really hard to find a root beer that neither of us like, but we did.  Both of us described it as being sweet to the point where a couple of drinks would make you sick.  I also thought it had an awkward spice to it.  This is the only one I would tell you to not even bother trying it.

#8 - Henry Weinhard's from Hood River, OR
Amanda's Ranking: 6
Patrick's Ranking: 7
Both of us agreed that this was a very sweet drink.  I thought it tasted more like liquid candy than root beer.  It didn't have any flavor that really jumped out at you and with the sweetness you couldn't drink much of it.

#5  - Stewart's from Mansfield, OH
Amanda's Ranking: 5
Patrick's Ranking: 5
Obviously we both were in agreement that this was a good #5 root beer.  Patrick described the flavor as rich and while I agree with him, there is also a lot of caramel flavor going on.  This is a classic American root beer that would taste best with a scoop of ice cream.

#5  - Dorothy's from Ely, MN
Amanda's Ranking: 2
Patrick's Ranking: 8
As you can see, we had different feelings on this one.  I like it because it has just the right amount of sweetness to create a nice smooth flavor.  It was just a little too sweet for Patrick's taste though.

#5  - Point from Steven's Point, WI
Amanda's Ranking: 7
Patrick's Ranking: 3
Again we have differing opinions about the root beer.  Patrick liked it because of its right down the middle taste.  It wasn't bland, but it was awful either.  It was just a little too bland for my tastes.

#3 - Boylan from Moonachie, NJ
Amanda's Ranking: 8
Patrick's Ranking: 1
This is the most we disagree about any of the root beers.  Patrick likes this because of its deep flavor that has a punch to it.  I thought it was too dark and just not quite there.

#3 - Killebrew from Cold Spring, MN
Amanda's Ranking: 3
Patrick's Ranking: 6
This root beer is named after good ol' #3 Harmon Killebrew, which makes it ironic that it landed at #3 on our list.  I liked the mellow, yet rich flavor that this root beer offered while Patrick enjoyed the deep taste that it offers.  This is also the lowest in calories of all the root beers we tried.

#2 - Sprecher's from Milwaukee, WI
Amanda's Ranking: 4
Patrick's Ranking: 2
Both of us had thought for a while that this was out #1 root beer so we were surprised to find out that through a blind test, it wasn't!  We both like the deepness of the root beer that offers both sweet and sour flavors.  You can really taste the honey in the root beer, which also comes from Wisconsin.

#1 - IBC from St. Louis, MO
Amanda's Ranking: 1
Patrick's Ranking: 4
This has been my personal favorite root beer for a long time.  I'll never forget trying my first IBC in high school at Applebees.  Both Patrick and I love the variety of rich floras that blend together so well to create a rich and smooth taste.

Interesting facts:
Amanda's #2 and #3 were both from Minnesota while Patrick's #2 and #3 were from Wisconsin.
The root beer made from corn syrup tended to rank higher on our list and had less calories and sugar than the root beer made of cane sugar.
At the end of this we felt sick.  I would not recommend drinking this much root beer in one sitting.

In case you're wondering, that is glue on the middle one.

La Belle Crepe on Nicollet Mall

View of La Belle Crepe from Nicollet Mall

La Belle Crepe
825Nicollet Mall #100
Minneapolis, MN 55402
http://www.labellecrepe.com
Cuisine: Crepes and coffee
Attire: Casual
Cost of Drinks: $3
Cost of Food: $6

La Belle Crepe is closest I have ever come to seeing an actual hole-in-the-wall restaurant.  It's tough to find because the restaurant is maybe 10 feet wide and 20 feet long.  The eating area is a small bar inside the restaurant and then 5 tables out in the hallway.  It is connected to the skyway which is how I found it.  Once you walk inside though, you don't even notice how small the place is because the atmosphere is so big!

Inside La Belle Crepe

The room has tall vaulted ceilings which are decorated like a fancy European restaurant.  There are paintings on the wall and a beautiful chandelier hanging from the ceiling.  French music and the smell of fresh crepes fills the air.  The restaurant is owned by a very kind gentleman from France who you can see working often.  The other people working there are also a great bunch.  The food that is served is intended to be a healthy, but fast meal.  I take a more laid back approach though and spend my full lunch hour eating, drinking and reading.

There are a wide variety of crepes available in three different categories; Sweet, Savory, and Breakfast.  I can't speak for the breakfast crepes myself but I have been told by co-workers that they are quite good.  The savory crepes are served like a wrap and on a salad which makes it a very healthy and quick lunch.  The crepe is made of whole grains and the cheese they use is fabulous.  But in my opinion, the Sweet crepe conquers all others!

"The Elvis"

The sweet crepes feature fruits and nuts and are designed to be a dessert or an entrée - which is how I eat them.  My first one was the Berries & Crème which has a fresh mix of berries tucked inside a nice warm crepe with crème fraiche on top.  I basically melted in my seat it was so amazing!  Next I tried the Mango crepe with almond paste which was absolutely wonderful.  Then I decided I needed to try the Banana crepe which came with your choice of peanut butter or Nutella - I chose the Nutella and I never looked back!  The Nutella melts inside the crepe covering the bananas is chocolaty goodness.  To make matters even better there is a chocolate sauce on top with powdered sugar.  I basically went into a chocolate coma, and it was all good.  I also tried the caramel apple which was good but as I am not a huge fan of caramel apples, I didn't enjoy it as much as the others.  I have not tried the Orange Dream yet which features orange marmalade and crème fraiche.  Also for dessert they feature a selection of sorbet and gelato which is quite flavorful.

There is actually a fourth category and this one is always changing; the Specials.  Last time I went the special was "The Elvis."  It contains banana, bacon, honey, peanut butter, and whipped crème.  It was amazing!  Seriously it was so good I couldn't believe it!  All the flavors came together and balanced out quite well.  It was one of the greatest things I have eaten in my entire life.

"Sipping Cocoa"

La Belle Crepe also features a wonderful list of drinks.  The first is the authentic Italian Soda which they mix right there and that makes all the difference.  They also have a full coffee bar which I love.  They have everything from black coffee to authentic Italian Cappuccinos served with a small spoon so you can really enjoy the froth.  The final drink on their list is a true delicacy - Sipping Cocoa.  Sipping Cocoa is simply a small glass of warm chocolate.  No milk, no sugar, no additives, no powder - just chocolate.  It is so thick, rich, and smooth that you are going to think you have died and gone to heaven.

I hope this was enough to convince you to find La Belle Crepe.  It is a wonderful restaurant that I hope will continue to serve wonderful food.  I have also heard that soon they will be serving Panini's which I'm sure will be consistent with their other great foods.

Football Picks

Saturday Divisional Games

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
This is one of those match ups that you almost get sick of seeing.  These two teams are in the same division and seem to play each other a lot in the playoffs.  The reason you don't get sick of it is because they are two good teams that always seem to produce a great game!  It was tough to pick, but I think I'm going with Pittsburgh today.  A lot of this is going toward home field advantage because Pittsburgh fans play a huge role.  I also think that Pittsburgh is just the better team right now.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
This was a really tough choice not only as a football fan, but a Vikings fan.  I don't even know who to root for in the match up because I can't cheer for our arch nemesis but ever since the 1998/1999 NFC Championship game I just can't like the Falcons.  Sure I'm holding a grudge, who wouldn't?  I think that both teams are equally matched but I think that the Packers want this more and that it is going to show tonight when they play.

Sunday Divisional Games

Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears
I love a good old fashioned come from behind win so naturally I really dig the Seahawks right now - but I jsut don't think they can pull off another win like last weeks.  I really like the fact that they made it this far though because it really shows that a .500 team DOES belong in the playoffs and that the playoff system works in the NFL.  I digress.  I think the Bears are going to win, but not by much and I'm sure it is going to be because of a fluke play or a bad call. 

New York Jets at New England Patriots
I don't think the Jets are any match for the Patriots.  The Patriots are moving along too well and the Jets are having all these legal issues popping up which has to take its toll on the team.  This is the only game that I think is going to be a blow-out.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

This past year my mother and her neighbors invited me to join their book club that they were starting.  I had never been in one and wanted to join one so this was perfect.  In February we will be discussing the book of my choosing.  I thought long and hard about what I wanted to bring to the table.  I knew I wanted some sort of fantasy or science fiction since all the books before this were mysteries and chick-books.  I also wanted a love story, because it is after all in February.  I landed on Stardust by Neil Gaiman.  I had seen the movie, loved it, and usually love the book more so I decided to go for it.  I also figured I should read it before making other people read it.

Right away I knew this book was unique.  Whenever I pick up a sci-fi I expect it to be like reading Shadows of the Empire.  I don’t know why, but I do.  This novel however was written in a style that reminded me of Lord of the Rings.  It was written in old English and was filled with romantic undertones.  This somehow made the story seem real and like there really was some far off kingdom.  I was immediately drawn into the book and picked it up whenever I had the chance.   It is a great balance between an easy read and having-to-look-at-the-dictionary-every-5-pages read.

One of the most real parts of the story is the love story between Tristran, Yvaine, and Victoria.  It is the sort of love triangle that we all have seen or been a part of.  I found myself relating to all three at some point or another.  I’ve been in Tristran’s shoes before where I was so convinced I loved someone that I couldn’t see the person I truly loved.  I’ve been in Yvaine’s situation where deep loathing turns to love and Victoria’s position where you don’t realize how much power you have over someone until it all goes wrong.

After I was done reading I looked up what people thought about the movie compared to the book and there were quite the array of answers.  The most interesting reaction to me was that someone thought the book was exactly like the movie.  I am here to tell you that that person did not read the book.  The two could not be more different from one another!  What was a couple pages in the book was half an hour in the movie, what was a sentence in the movie was a chapter in the book!  I like both the movie and the book, but don’t expect them to be in the least bit similar.  Part of the reason I expected the book to read like a sci-fi is because that is how the movie comes off, whereas the book comes off as a classic fantasy. 

All around I felt this was a wonderful and romantic fairytale that I would recommend everyone read.

Peace Coffee: Snowshoe Brew

Snowshoe Brew

Peace Coffee
$10.95 per pound
http://www.peacecoffee.com

Peace Coffee is a coffee roaster based in Minneapolis that believes in 100% Fair Trade and organic coffee.  They are a great company that does what they can to be eco friendly while also supporting coffee growers around the world.  They even make local bean deliveries by bike instead of by vehicle.  Peace Coffee also allows you to see exactly what farm your coffee beans came from: http://www.mapmybeans.com/ 

I had heard a lot of great things about Peace Coffee and decided it was about time I tried it myself.  You can buy the coffee online, at their store, or at most Twin Cities grocery stores.  I decided to try the Snowshoe Brew because I like winter.  This is a seasonal blend which is only around for a limited time.

Here is what the packaging reads:
A sweet, smooth blend with a robust spicy flavor.  Warming for blustery days.
Roast Level: Medium
Acidity: Low-Medium
Body: Medium
Aroma: almond, white grapefruit, spice, and malt.
Flavor notes: caramelized sugar, toasted walnut, and mulling spices.

This coffee has a great smooth flavor that is a perfect addition to curling up with a book.  Even the taste reminds me of sitting next to a fire because it has a note of walnut with a little bit of spice.

It has become common for people to think that a coffee only have flavor and kick if it is a dark roast that is as black as the night - I used to be one of them.  The truth though is that you can actually taste more flavor in a medium roast because the flavors are able to show themselves more.  These are also the blends that taste just as good when they're cold!  I am definitely a coffee sipper, not a chugger, so my coffee tends to get cold before I finish it.  This coffee was great because I didn't have to reheat it, instead I got to enjoy another side to the brew.

I can't wait to try more of their coffee knowing that not only am I getting high quality beans, I'm getting beans that actually help people.

Be Healthy and Awake in 2011

When most people ring in the New Year they do it with resolutions, many of which will be to live healthier. If you are one of those people who want to be healthier this year, here are some tips on staying healthy without giving up your daily jolt.

White Tea
There are a wide variety of teas, many of which have caffeine and other herbal helpers. White tea is the best all around because it has one of the highest levels of antioxidants with enough caffeine to keep you going. The best part is that it is non addictive caffeine, which means if you miss a day you’re not going to get a massive headache from a lack of caffeine.

Black Coffee
Coffee is actually very healthy when used in moderation. There is also little difference between the amount of caffeine in 8 ounces of coffee and an 8 ounce latte. It is important though to make sure that you are not having a lot of coffee every day. Try to keep it down to one or two cups of caffeinated coffee a day.

Another way to be healthy is to cut down on all the extras. If you’re drinking regular coffee don’t add the sugar and cream. Try instead adding skim milk or getting a café au lait which is half coffee, half steamed milk (ask for skim of course) and half the cost of a latte. If you need a latte then don’t add flavors because even if you are asking for sugar-free flavors, there are still a lot of calories in the syrup. Also be sure to ask for skim milk because most chain coffee shops will just use 2% if you don’t specify and many independent shops will use whole milk. This of course is delicious, but can really pack on the fat. The healthiest thing to do is just drink plain black coffee.

Energy Drinks
If you find yourself in need of a quick pick-me-up, I would suggest 5-hour Energy. It is low on sugar, high in vitamins, and leaves you without a crash. I use this most often when taking the 5-hour drive to visit the in-laws and it works great! One of the side effects is called a Niacin Flush. This happens when your body is exposed to high levels of vitamin B3. As B3 moves through your blood it makes your skin hot and gives it a tingling sensation. Although this sounds bad, it is actually your body flushing itself of harmful toxins. I only experienced this the first time I used it and I was just fine. You should also be aware that drinking these multiple times a day or even multiple days in a row may be very harmful to your body because of all the energy supplements.

Soda
If you want to be healthy, you should just stop drinking it, even diet. The worst part for me is the acidity found in soda. Whether you are drinking regular, diet or sugar free, there is acidity in the pop that will attack your teeth. I have very weak teeth so this is the biggest problem for me. Pop also has a lot of empty calories that just go straight to your stomach. And don’t be fooled into thinking that if it has cane sugar it is better for you. Sugar is sugar whether it’s coming from cane or corn. Don’t believe me?

12oz. can of Coca-Cola
Corn Syrup
140 calories
39 grams sugar

12 oz bottle of Boylan Cola
Sugar Cane
160 calories
40 grams sugar

Basically, no difference.

Well there you have it. I hope this helps to kick start a healthy new year that you can stay awake for!

Last Minute Gift

We've all waited until the last minute at least once in our lives to get someone a gift.  Well here is a great gift idea for the coffee lover in your life.  The best part about this gift is that all the pieces can be found at Target!  (I swear I'm not just pushing Target because they gave me a job, I really do love the place!)

Step #1 - The Mug
Find one or two fun and festive mugs that match the person's personality.  You should mix them up too, because matching gets boring.  My favorite mug is one with a moose face! 

 



Step #2 - The Drink
This is where you get to have fun picking out coffee!  At Target they have a variety of sample size packages of coffee which are perfect for this!  And if for some reason your friend doesn't like coffee, adding hot cocoa in its place is always a nice touch.

 

Step #3 - Flavors or Cream
This time of year I love to stir my coffee with a candy cane to add some peppermint flavor.  It works great and it’s a cute addition to your gift.  You can also add small packets of powdered cream.  I would warn against getting liquid creamer though - it tends to spoil.

 

Step #4 - Cookies
Usually a biscotti is the 'cookie' of choice with coffee but any cookie will do.  My favorite are the Peperidge Farms Milano cookies.  I think I like them so much because my mom never let me have hers when I was a kid - the 'forbidden cookie' so to speak.

 
Step #5 - Chocolate
Fact - nothing goes better with coffee than a truffle.  Target has these great Choxie truffles that are fun and inexpensive.  I made the truffles that are shown here (which is easier than expected and all the ingredients can be found at, you guessed it, Target!)

 

Step #6 - The Wrapping
This step I got from my friend Steph.  Wrap the gift in a small Tupperware container!  It's easy and who doesn't need a container!?






Now you've spent 10 minutes at Target and have a great gift for family and friends.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year!

Afternoon Tea: St. Paul Hotel

Afternoon Tea
The Saint Paul Hotel
350 Market St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
http://www.saintpaulhotel.com
Cuisine: Tea and hors d'oeuvres
Attire: Daytime formal or business casual
Cost: $30.00
Champagne (additional): $3.95

Afternoon Tea at The Saint Paul Hotel is an exquisite experience that everyone should enjoy at least once a year.  It was more relaxing than a day at the spa and the food tasted exponentially better.

A couple months ago I saw a tweet come through about the Afternoon Tea schedule at The Saint Paul Hotel and I immediately knew I had to attend.  I asked my friend Kris to join me because she is also a foodie and great for conversation.  As the day drew near we were both excited and nervous.  Having never been to something like this we didn't know what to expect or what was expected of us.  I even went as far to go to my Mom for help picking out an outfit!

Upon arrival we were greeted by everyone we crossed paths with.  Everyone was either in suits or traditional housecleaning uniforms.  There was even a gentleman outside with a top hat!  We checked our coats and the greeter was there, ready and waiting to bring us to our seats.  The tea took place in the lobby where there were sets of chairs and tables scattered around.  Even though the event was in the lobby, it felt private.  The décor was beautiful and elegant, but not pretentious.

Kris and I at first were very aware of every movement we made.  We didn't want to seem out of place, but I'm sure everyone could tell it was our first time.  At the table there was fine china and real silverware - I'm talking real silver here.  I had read on their website that The Saint Paul Hotel collects tea sets so they may have a variety used at every Afternoon Tea instead of having everyone match.  Immediately there was a waitress there to fill our cups with our first cup of tea.  It was a bold dark tea which tasted like an Earl Grey, but I can't be sure since I was having too much fun to ask.  There were sugar cubes, raw sugar cubes, lemon and cream at the table on an adorable silver petit fours stand.  I went for the raw sugar while Kris tried each - she is more adventurous than I and said all of them were good.

First Course: Ham & Dijon on Parmesan Short Bread, Dill Cream Cheese & Shrimp on Cucumber, and Egg Salad on Rye.
First I tried the Egg Salad on Rye because I'm the kind of eater who saves the best for last and usually I don't like any sort of salad that has the main ingredient of mayonnaise.  This however was amazing!  It had some sort of extra spice to it and the rye bread was the perfect touch.  Then I went for the Ham & Dijon on Parmesan Short Bread which was fantastic!  The ham was perfect with lots of flavor but not a lot of salt and complimented nicely by the Dijon.  The parmesan short bread was an incredible final touch making this little canapé absolutely divine.  I then passed on my shrimp and cucumber to Kris, because I don't do seafood and she said it was fantastic.

Second Course: Turkey Mushroom Spinach Roulade with Risotto & Sage Demi.

The second course was like a mini dinner.  The Turkey was very well cooked in that it was still moist and not dry.  The spinach roulade inside complimented the turkey well along with the mushroom gravy on top.  The risotto was wonderful and different than any risotto I had tasted before.  It seemed to be without the saffron flavor that is usually found in risotto but it was very rich, creamy, and delicious.

Third Course: Almond Poppy Seed Scone with Spiced Honey Butter.
After having tried almond poppy seed I will never again be able to eat lemon poppy seed because the almond was so pleasing.  The next thing you need to know about Kris and I is that we are constantly in a love affair with honey butter.  Seriously.  This honey butter did its part to deepen the love we have - for this butter was whipped!  The whipped honey butter on the scone basically melted in your mouth it was so delectable.  At one point Kris said, "I am so close to licking my plate clean."  Don't worry, she didn't lick her plate clean, but it was difficult since we adhere to the 'no honey butter left behind' act.  The third course was a perfect transition to the second half of our Afternoon Tea - dessert.

Fourth Course: Chocolate Cup with White Chocolate Coffee Cream, Mini Raspberry Cheese Cake, and Orange Mousse Tartlet & Chocolate Ganache.
I started with the mini raspberry cheesecake which was not only darling but delicious.  There was a single raspberry on top which was so bold and fresh that it was able to shine through the richness of the cheesecake.  The Orange Mouse Tartlet topped with Chocolate Ganache was just what I had been looking for.  I have been craving orange chocolate for weeks now and I am so glad I waited for this!  It may have been small, but it packed such a flavor punch that it soothed my cravings.  Again saving the best for last, I finished with the chocolate cup.  This luscious morsel shut us up and we both just sat there, taking in the flavor.  The coffee cream was so rich and smooth all you could do was savor the moment.

Fifth Course: Chocolate Truffle Cake with Red Currant & Raspberry Coulis with Peppermint Bark Garnish.
This cake was a wonderful finishing touch - an harmonious combination of textures and flavors.  Before today I would have told you that there is no way currant, raspberry and peppermint taste good together, but alas, I would have been wrong.  This cake was also the first item on our menu which wasn't hors d'oeuvres size - and there was no way I was finishing it after everything I just had, but I couldn't leave it behind.  Just as I was ready to push through this fullness I was feeling and clean my plate, a woman appears with Styrofoam take home boxes.  I think she had a halo floating above her head too.

As we finished our tea and got up to leave, both of us agreed that we were more relaxed than we had been in ages.  I must admit that I didn't see a single guy sipping tea but I would encourage guys to go.  There is no reason that a social gathering with tea has to be exclusive to women only.  I highly recommend that you attend an afternoon of tea at The Saint Paul Hotel - I promise you will enjoy every moment.