Green Options » Gennefer Snowfield http://greenoptions.com/tag/gennefer-snowfield Posts tagged 'Gennefer Snowfield' Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:44:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Chef Jim Botsacos Delivers a Taste of Greece Without Leaving the Country http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/19/chef-jim-botsacos-delivers-a-taste-of-greece-without-leaving-the-country/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/19/chef-jim-botsacos-delivers-a-taste-of-greece-without-leaving-the-country/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:44:16 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/19/chef-jim-botsacos-delivers-a-taste-of-greece-without-leaving-the-country/ Regarded as the premier purveyor of authentic Greek cuisine, Jim Botsacos, Executive Chef and Partner of New York City’s noted Molyvos Restaurant, creates the freshest, most inventive dishes this side of the Mediterranean Sea.

Recipient of one of the coveted 3-star reviews from the New York times shortly after the restaurant opened and named “Best in America,” by Esquire Magazine, Jim calls upon his rich cultural history and love of bold flavors to create unique dishes that pay homage to his Greek-Italian roots.

Always experimenting, Jim blends his classically trained expertise from Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island with his passion for good food to produce innovative combinations without diminishing centuries’ old Greek authenticity.  One of today’s hottest chefs with a background that’s as impressive as it is ecelectic, Jim Botsaco’s handiwork offers fork-fulls of paradise straight from the Greek Isles.

In the spirit of family and sharing, Jim bestows some of his best cooking secrets as a chef expert with with Behind the Burner, your source for tips and tricks from culinary masters, and I was fortunate enough to chat with him about everything from healthy eating to vegetarian specialties.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/19/chef-jim-botsacos-delivers-a-taste-of-greece-without-leaving-the-country/feed/ ClassWish.org Solves School Problems with a Click http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/classwishorg-solves-school-problems-with-a-click/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/classwishorg-solves-school-problems-with-a-click/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:36:45 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/classwishorg-solves-school-problems-with-a-click/

Raising a child is difficult enough without having to shoulder the load of school budget cuts or administration downsizing in equipping classrooms with the supplies they need.  Yet a staggering number of schools rely on donations from parents, contributors or out of their own teachers’ pockets to ensure that even the most basic items are in supply.

In an effort to bring this issue to the forefront and create a vehicle for parents, teachers and schools to work together in identifying and securing the contributions they need, WellGood LLC created ClassWish.org, a place where wishes come true everyday in the form of books to art supplies.  So, I reached out to Robert Tolmach, President, whom I’d also had the pleasure of interviewing over the holidays about their ChangingthePresent.org initiative, to learn more about ClassWish and how people can get involved to help advance this important cause.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/classwishorg-solves-school-problems-with-a-click/feed/ Kenneth Cole’s Awearness Initiative Reveals the Philanthropy Behind the Fashion http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/22/kenneth-coles-awearness-initiative-reveals-the-philanthropy-behind-the-fashion/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/22/kenneth-coles-awearness-initiative-reveals-the-philanthropy-behind-the-fashion/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:23:09 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/22/kenneth-coles-awearness-initiative-reveals-the-philanthropy-behind-the-fashion/

When you think of Kenneth Cole, timeless fashion, trendsetting shoes and stylish accessories likely leap to mind.  Their commitment to the environment and their eco-tote likely do not top your list.  But behind the well designed exterior lies a philanthropic soul, intent on sparking social change — and helping others do it, too.

Their recent launch of Awearness supports that mission, showcasing 25 years worth of philanthropy, and creating a place for consumers and businesses to get involved in championing the causes that are important to them.  From a blog to a book to a volunteer link up program, Kenneth Cole shows us it’s possible to look as good as you feel. 

Right down to its name, Awearness is the embodiment of Feelgood Style.

Being the slightly bold journalist that I am, I sought out an interview with this fashion icon to learn more about Awearness and uncover any other hidden gems lurking behind the finely stitched fabric of Kenneth Cole.  It started with some light stalking of their Twitter account, a couple of emails and a few [dozen] phone calls before I finally connected with Robert Genovese, Vice President of Marketing & Media at the West 50th Street headquarters in New York City.  Robert was gracious, responsive, and genuinely eager to share the details of the Awearness program, and happily indulged me in the laundry list of questions that I am thrilled to share with you now.

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]]> http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/22/kenneth-coles-awearness-initiative-reveals-the-philanthropy-behind-the-fashion/feed/ Liquid Gold from the Land Down Under: Yellingbo Ships Recyclable Cask-Fulls of Goodness Right to Your Door http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/15/liquid-gold-from-the-land-down-under-yellingbo-ships-recyclable-cask-fulls-of-goodness-right-to-your-door/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/15/liquid-gold-from-the-land-down-under-yellingbo-ships-recyclable-cask-fulls-of-goodness-right-to-your-door/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:06:43 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/15/liquid-gold-from-the-land-down-under-yellingbo-ships-recyclable-cask-fulls-of-goodness-right-to-your-door/ Question: What does organic olive oil, the environment, love songs, Tsunami relief and adventures on the high seas all have in common?

Answer: One extraordinary man.

And his name is Jeremy Meltzer, philanthropist-adventurer-musician turned entrepreneur-olive farmer who found passion, purpose and prosperity in a 100% recyclable cask of extra virgin olive oil.

So, when Divya Gugnani of Behind the Burner told me about Jeremy — and that I would have the amazing opportunity to follow media divas like Martha Stewart in interviewing him – I was beyond thrilled.  Before I even connected with him, I was already moved by his unique story and the countless ways in which his endeavors are helping women, orphans and the environment.  But I had no idea how far-reaching his efforts actually go and the life-changing experiences that have led him here.  For Jeremy, it’s not just about eating and drinking better — it’s about living better and his main goal is to help others do just that.  From small gestures to grand scale initiatives, Jeremy is a beacon of hope, bottled and direct shipped to you from Australia.

He also happens to be very easy on the eyes with a voice that has the smooth enchantment of Michael Buble mixed with the depth of Andrea Bocelli.  Needless to say, I’m kicking myself for conducting a phone interview instead of meeting him in person while he was in New York City meeting with The Food Network.  I am, however, listening to him croon love songs as I write this for added infatuation inspiration.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/15/liquid-gold-from-the-land-down-under-yellingbo-ships-recyclable-cask-fulls-of-goodness-right-to-your-door/feed/ Have Your Health and Eat Your Cake, Too: Nutritionist Jodi Greebel Teaches You How to Splurge Responsibly http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/07/have-your-health-and-eat-your-cake-too-nutritionist-jodi-greebel-teaches-you-how-to-splurge-responsibly/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/07/have-your-health-and-eat-your-cake-too-nutritionist-jodi-greebel-teaches-you-how-to-splurge-responsibly/#comments Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:08:03 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/07/have-your-health-and-eat-your-cake-too-nutritionist-jodi-greebel-teaches-you-how-to-splurge-responsibly/ For me, eating ‘healthy’ used to mean one stick of butter instead of two.  But for the sake of my arteries (and wardrobe!), I decided to ditch fatty foods in favor of an all-natural diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and any other low calorie, high protein substance that typically had a distinct flavor, resembling cardboard.

Needless to say, it wasn’t long before I returned to the comforts of creamy comestibles, luxuriously languishing in lardaceous liquids, where I’ve been happily indulging ever since.  That is, until Behind the Burner nutrition expert and author of The Little Black Apron, Jodi Greebel, came along to open my eyes to a lifestyle of healthy — yet satisfying — morsels that don’t require me to go cold turkey on tempting treats.

So, when I had Jodi captive, I picked her brain about nutrition, dining out, being a vegetarian, and how to eat healthy and delicious. 

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/07/have-your-health-and-eat-your-cake-too-nutritionist-jodi-greebel-teaches-you-how-to-splurge-responsibly/feed/ Eco-Organizing: Domestic Diva, Krista Colvin, Shows You How to Be Green and Gorgeous in 2009 http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/04/eco-organizing-domestic-diva-krista-colvin-shows-you-how-to-be-green-and-gorgeous-in-2009/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/04/eco-organizing-domestic-diva-krista-colvin-shows-you-how-to-be-green-and-gorgeous-in-2009/#comments Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:07:45 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/04/eco-organizing-domestic-diva-krista-colvin-shows-you-how-to-be-green-and-gorgeous-in-2009/

One of the biggest challenges most people face is staying organized.  It’s also one of the biggest new year’s resolutions for those who resolve to start their new year off clutter-free.  But, for many, it’s an elusive process that either starts off strong and fizzles out, or seems so daunting a task that they don’t know where to begin.

Enter Krista Colvin, lifestyle expert, Founder of Organize in Style LLC and creator of The Shebang, The Smart Woman’s Guide to Doing It All, who sees your clutter as a canvas for crafting a well organized masterpiece that’s as eco-friendly as it is stylish.  Best of all, she offers practical solutions that are easy to implement — and maintain — and will save you precious hours to boot.  With Krista’s help, the only thing you’ll need to think about is what to do with all that extra time!

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]]> http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/04/eco-organizing-domestic-diva-krista-colvin-shows-you-how-to-be-green-and-gorgeous-in-2009/feed/ World Peace and Chocolate: sweetriot creates morsels of goodness http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/01/world-peace-and-chocolate-sweetriot-creates-morsels-of-goodness/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/01/world-peace-and-chocolate-sweetriot-creates-morsels-of-goodness/#comments Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:37:43 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/01/world-peace-and-chocolate-sweetriot-creates-morsels-of-goodness/ What if you could promote peace, foster a multicultural world, support local artists, help underdeveloped countries thrive and save the planet just by eating deliciously rich and organic chocolate candies? 

Well, thanks to Sarah Endline, the creative genius and cacao bean extraordinaire behind sweetriot, you can.  Oh, and did I mention that the chocolate candies are actually good for you, and rich in health benefits?  I know it seems to good to be true, but Behind the Burner gave me the amazing chance to speak with Sarah who shows us how a sweet tooth and a passion for change can make anything possible.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/01/world-peace-and-chocolate-sweetriot-creates-morsels-of-goodness/feed/ Bringing Back Butterscotch in a Healthy, Organic, Low Calorie Pudding (that’s vegetarian and gluten-free, too!) http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/29/bringing-back-butterscotch-in-a-healthy-organic-low-calorie-pudding-thats-vegetarian-and-gluten-free-too/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/29/bringing-back-butterscotch-in-a-healthy-organic-low-calorie-pudding-thats-vegetarian-and-gluten-free-too/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:33:23 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/29/bringing-back-butterscotch-in-a-healthy-organic-low-calorie-pudding-thats-vegetarian-and-gluten-free-too/ One of the toughest parts of the holidays is indulging in rich, high calorie desserts.  And you’ll be hard pressed to find a bakery with organic goodies on display.  But the most difficult, for me, is baking at home where the temptation to voraciously consume an entire bowl of gooey batter is too much to resist — but far too gluttonous a proposition to consider.

So, to satisfy my need for sinful sweets sans the fat and calories, I embarked on a journey to create a healthy yet decadent delight that is as easy to make as it is on the waistline.  It’s also no accident that it has a striking similarity in texture and taste to buttery cake batter.  You’re welcome.

I also managed to resuscitate the vastly under used flavor of butterscotch in the process, which interestingly, contains neither butter nor scotch. Does anyone else find that puzzling?

You can ponder quandries like that while shoveling heaping spoonfuls of butterscotch goodness into your mouth but given the endorphin overload that will likely result from this delectable dietary dessert, you may only be able to muster mono-syllabic “Mmmm”s.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/29/bringing-back-butterscotch-in-a-healthy-organic-low-calorie-pudding-thats-vegetarian-and-gluten-free-too/feed/ Your Food and Festivities Survival Guide for Making it through New Year’s Eve and Beyond http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/27/your-food-and-festivities-survival-guide-for-making-it-through-new-years-eve-and-beyond/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/27/your-food-and-festivities-survival-guide-for-making-it-through-new-years-eve-and-beyond/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 00:12:32 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/27/your-food-and-festivities-survival-guide-for-making-it-through-new-years-eve-and-beyond/

The holidays are starting to wind down, but there’s still that mad dash to New Year’s Eve, the lavishly fun and festive foray into the next chapter of your life.  If you’re a diehard foodie like me, your new year’s resolution probably consists of things like wanting to learn how to cook gourmet meals or master the art of entertaining — all while saving money and being as eco-conscious as possible in the process.  It wouldn’t hurt to look fabulous while doing it, either! 

Who are these women who arise looking airbrush perfect, whisk the kids off to school, work a full day and manage a perfectly prepared home cooked meal for dinner anyway?!

With the help of Behind the Burner, I have put together a cheat sheet for navigating the new year in style.

Before we delve into becoming a master chef and entertainer extraordinaire, let’s look like one.  Thanks to Shannon Reed, kitchen couture is as stylish as designer label clothing.  From jackets to aprons, she creates unique chef attire that is anything but uniform, and her selections will shroud you in the confidence you need to take on the task of cooking like a pro.

But what to make?  Recipes in gourmet food magazines are either overly simplified and lacking in the artistry of the craft or too complex, resulting in a dilapidated dish that looks nowhere near as perfect as the glossy photo that accompanies it.  

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/27/your-food-and-festivities-survival-guide-for-making-it-through-new-years-eve-and-beyond/feed/ Chestnuts Simmering on an Open Stove Top. Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nose. http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/21/chestnuts-simmering-on-an-open-stove-top-jack-frost-nipping-at-your-nose/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/21/chestnuts-simmering-on-an-open-stove-top-jack-frost-nipping-at-your-nose/#comments Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:27:40 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/21/chestnuts-simmering-on-an-open-stove-top-jack-frost-nipping-at-your-nose/

When I was growing up, the silky sounds of Nat King Cole crooning, ‘chestnuts roasting on an open fire…’ was the hallmark of the holidays for me.  Every time I would hear it, I’d get that rush of childlike exuberance that encapsulates the magic of the season, and makes you feel like anything is possible.  

Yet, despite the fact that inordinate amounts of food were also synonymous with the holidays in my family (6 courses and 3 hours worth of dishes to be exact, by hand), we never had one dish with a chestnut in it.  Not a one.  For shame.

So, as I got older, and began to nurture my inner chef, I decided to remedy that travesty by starting a new tradition of savory chestnut soup to begin the descent into our annual colossal feast, much to my Grandmother’s chagrin who quite religiously served Italian Escarole soup.  (And by religiously, I mean had served Escarole for 30+ years prior to my first course usurping; or usouping, as it were. OK, bad joke.)

But my soup was a big hit, and each year I’d add or change the ingredients, perfecting my chestnut prowess with new and interesting pairings.  Needless to say, some years were better than others.  The addition of raisins, for example.  Disaster.  Cranberries, however.  Surprisingly delicious.  And those tart little buggers are still the perfect complement to the soup.  The cranberries, that is — not my family!

And now for the first time ever outside the hallowed halls of the Snowfield residence, I am sharing my coveted recipe for you to share, which now includes honey glazed grilled salmon, making it a hearty first — or even second — course for your own foray into holiday gorging and merriment.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/21/chestnuts-simmering-on-an-open-stove-top-jack-frost-nipping-at-your-nose/feed/ Tracy Stern, Green Living and Tea: The Height of Fashion http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/18/tracy-stern-green-tea-fashion/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/18/tracy-stern-green-tea-fashion/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:35:34 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/18/tracy-stern-green-tea-fashion/

Tea is one of those things that unites people.  The experience of sharing a cup with friends, or that momentary feeling of steamy relief with the sip of a chamomile blend when you’re sick or a bedtime ritual that soothingly lulls you into slumber.

It also comes with other healing and beauty benefits that Tracy Stern, founder of Salon Tea, has harnessed in her commitment to making green living fashionable through tea.

As part of our Behind the Burner series, I got the amazing chance to chat with this fabulous lady whose sense of style is instantly captivating from her Vogue-worthy wardrobe to her recyclable tea tins.

 

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/18/tracy-stern-green-tea-fashion/feed/ Benevolence in a Box: ChangingthePresent.org Makes Gift Giving a Life-Changing Experience http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/12/12/benevolence-in-a-box-changingthepresentorg-makes-gift-giving-a-life-changing-experience/ http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/12/12/benevolence-in-a-box-changingthepresentorg-makes-gift-giving-a-life-changing-experience/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:47:14 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/12/12/benevolence-in-a-box-changingthepresentorg-makes-gift-giving-a-life-changing-experience/ This holiday season, you can save a cloud forest, adopt a tiger and remove 1 ton of CO2.  Although none of it will fit in a box or under the tree, Changing the Present makes all these things possible by giving consumers access to a variety of charitable initiatives so that they can give the gift of hope, health and happiness for a world in need.

Some perks include not having to go near a crowded mall, finding something for everyone on your list, and no lines, returns or exchanges.  Best of all, you’ll be making a tangible difference in the world with the cause of your choice, and it’s something that will last long after the latest retail trends fizzle out.

Changing the Present features more than 1,500 meaningful charitable gifts that users can browse by cause or nonprofit to find the perfect gift for friends or their own charitable giving.

Building on a commitment to changing the social norm when it comes to gift giving, and seeking to spark positive change in the world, Robert Tolmach, CEO of WellGood LLC, spearheaded the team that implemented this important effort, and was kind enough to share more details about the program with me in a one-on-one chat about the future of giving.

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]]> http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/12/12/benevolence-in-a-box-changingthepresentorg-makes-gift-giving-a-life-changing-experience/feed/ Behind Bravo’s Season 1 Top Chef Winner: Harold Dieterle Opens the Apron in an Exclusive Interview http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/10/behind-bravos-season-1-top-chef-winner-harold-dieterle-opens-the-apron-in-an-exclusive-interview/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/10/behind-bravos-season-1-top-chef-winner-harold-dieterle-opens-the-apron-in-an-exclusive-interview/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:20:34 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/10/behind-bravos-season-1-top-chef-winner-harold-dieterle-opens-the-apron-in-an-exclusive-interview/

The Bravo TV Series, Top Chef, is one of the highest rated food shows on television right now, and it all started with Season 1 where Harold Dieterle won over the judges and emerged as one of the hottest new chefs in the country world.  But despite the fame and celebrity status that has ensconced him since his big win, Harold remains the picure of humility, reaffirming his commitment to hard work, passion for cooking and his one true love, food.

Although I spent most of season 1 swooning over him his dishes, I put on my journalist’s cap and was the picture pf professionalism in conducting an interview with him (thanks to Divya Gugnani, founder of Behind the Burner) where I learned that it takes more than just skills to create a culinary masterpiece.  It takes heart.  And that’s something Harold has by the measuring cup full.

Favorite indulgent food: Sun Chips & Ben Jerry’s Ice Cream

Favorite healthy food: Ripe Fresh Fruit

One kitchen tool you can’t live without: Vita Prep Blender

One ingredient you can’t live without: Salt

Your cooking philosophy in one sentence: Love it and it will do whatever you want
 
I couldn’t start out the interview without talking about Top Chef. What was it like to win such a fiercely competitive and high profile competition?

It was a great honor to be recognized by influential people in the food industry.  

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/10/behind-bravos-season-1-top-chef-winner-harold-dieterle-opens-the-apron-in-an-exclusive-interview/feed/ Recession-Proofing Your Home is As Close as Your Kitchen http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/07/recession-proofing-your-home-is-as-close-as-your-kitchen/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/07/recession-proofing-your-home-is-as-close-as-your-kitchen/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:35:34 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/07/recession-proofing-your-home-is-as-close-as-your-kitchen/

According to James Poterba, Head of the National Bureau of Economic Research, we are officially in a recession, so it’s more critical than ever to start cutting expenses wherever possible. 

One of the biggest areas in which you can reduce spending — especially in households with children – is right in your own kitchen. Here are some helpful tips for meal planning, food preparation, and grocery shopping that will reduce the strain on your wallet while offering some significant health benefits to boot.

 

Put on your Planning Cap

Planning your meals at least a week ahead will drastically reduce waste, and keep you from the trap of randomly tossing items into your grocery cart.  Figure out what your menu will be and buy only those key items.  And be sure to stock up on non-perishable goods that have longer a shelf life so that you’re armed with the right ingredients for each meal — dry and canned foods (rice, pasta, tomatoes) and powdered milk.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/07/recession-proofing-your-home-is-as-close-as-your-kitchen/feed/ Behind Gavin Kaysen: Award-Winning Chef and Vegetarian Virtuoso http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/03/behind-gavin-kaysen-award-winning-chef-and-vegetarian-virtuoso/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/03/behind-gavin-kaysen-award-winning-chef-and-vegetarian-virtuoso/#comments Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:23:10 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/03/behind-gavin-kaysen-award-winning-chef-and-vegetarian-virtuoso/

Behind the Burner brings us another beacon of culinary mastery, Gavin Kaysen, a renowned chef whose vibrant vegetarian dishes are as notable as he is, and whose unique approach to simplicity brings unexpected boldness to his creations.

Currently the Executive Chef at one of New York City’s premier dining destinations, Café Bouloud, Gavin blends international flair with practical application, and shares his real world tips, tricks and secrets from the celebrated chefs and famed kitchens that he’s had the honor to grace from around the globe.  From Food and Wine’s esteemed best new chefs listing to a stint on Iron Chef and dozens of other accolades in between, this modern day renaissance chef is full of surprises, and I had the chance to sit down with the man himself to learn more about why this promising young chef is one to watch.  And why he can equip you the tools, the confidence, and the kitchen know-how for carving your own culinary visions. (Your own restaurant not required.)

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/03/behind-gavin-kaysen-award-winning-chef-and-vegetarian-virtuoso/feed/ Meet one of the Madras behind M641 Clothing: Vegetarian-inspired fashion with an eco-twist. http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/11/30/meet-one-of-the-madras-behind-m641-clothing-vegetarian-inspired-fashion-with-an-eco-twist/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/11/30/meet-one-of-the-madras-behind-m641-clothing-vegetarian-inspired-fashion-with-an-eco-twist/#comments Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:39:16 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/11/30/meet-one-of-the-madras-behind-m641-clothing-vegetarian-inspired-fashion-with-an-eco-twist/ Going green isn’t as difficult as it used to be with the array of vegetarian delights and eco-friendly products available on the market today, and environmentally-conscious clothing is becoming as popular as the fashions themselves. But M641 takes it one step further with a philosophical approach to designing clothes that are living, breathing representations of the spirit, passion, and friendship that created them.  For Ina and Subu, earth-minded fashion is about a lifestyle — not a trend — and the result is a stunning experience in heart couture. 

I had an opportunity to talk with Ina, one of the founders of M641, and learned more about the designs, the philosophy and the friendship that foster feel good fashions and plaid with a pulse.

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]]> http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/11/30/meet-one-of-the-madras-behind-m641-clothing-vegetarian-inspired-fashion-with-an-eco-twist/feed/ Behind Closed Doors: Secret Tips and Tricks from One of the Hottest Chefs at NYC’s Most Exclusive Restaurant http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/behind-closed-doors-secret-tips-and-tricks-from-one-of-the-hottest-chefs-at-nycs-most-exclusive-restaurant/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/behind-closed-doors-secret-tips-and-tricks-from-one-of-the-hottest-chefs-at-nycs-most-exclusive-restaurant/#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:32:16 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/behind-closed-doors-secret-tips-and-tricks-from-one-of-the-hottest-chefs-at-nycs-most-exclusive-restaurant/

As part of our Behind the Burner food series, I had the unbelievable opportunity to chat with John DeLucie, Executive Chef and Partner of one of New York City’s top celebrity hang outs, The Waverly Inn, a spot so exclusive, the dining is by invitation only.

Needless to say, this gastronomic gem has catered to the highest of high profile crowds, making it a venue to see and be seen while serving up some of the most extraordinary cuisine this side of Eden.  But thanks to the passion of Divya Gugnani, chef, foodie and founder of Behind The Burner, a website that brings the most coveted tips and trends in the culinary scene to the masses, dining like a star is as close as this blog post.

So, read on as we literally go Behind the Burner of the Waverly Inn and inside the creative mastermind that has turned dining into a red carpet event.  

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/behind-closed-doors-secret-tips-and-tricks-from-one-of-the-hottest-chefs-at-nycs-most-exclusive-restaurant/feed/ Recycling for Change: Epic Change uses a pay-it-forward approach to saving the world http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/11/20/recycling-for-change-epic-change-uses-a-pay-it-forward-approach-to-saving-the-world/ http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/11/20/recycling-for-change-epic-change-uses-a-pay-it-forward-approach-to-saving-the-world/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:59:13 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/11/20/recycling-for-change-epic-change-uses-a-pay-it-forward-approach-to-saving-the-world/

If you’re going to change the world, wouldn’t you like it to be epic?

Stacey Monk, Co-founder and CEO of Epic Change, does, which is why she and Sanjay Patel decided to launch their unique approach to sparking social change by converting people’s “epic” stories into financial resources they can use to improve their communities, their lives – and the world.

Rooted in the best practices of successful businesses and charities, their somewhat novel approach to funding uses donations to provide interest-free loans to finance community improvement efforts, which they repay by generating revenue-driving projects based on each epic story, and then recycle by duplicating those ideas in other communities, effectively spreading hopefulness and change to everyone their program touches.

I had the opportunity to talk with Stacey to dig a little deeper into their change model, and this impassioned former management consultant with a degree in Public Policy from the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University boasts an impressive resume, but her most compelling attribute by far is a genuine desire to promote positive change and a dewey-eyed hopefulness that makes me believe she can.

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]]> http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/11/20/recycling-for-change-epic-change-uses-a-pay-it-forward-approach-to-saving-the-world/feed/ 5-Star Dining at Home: Behind the Burner brings you tips and tricks from today’s top chefs. http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/18/5-star-dining-at-home-behind-the-burner-brings-you-tips-and-tricks-from-todays-top-chefs/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/18/5-star-dining-at-home-behind-the-burner-brings-you-tips-and-tricks-from-todays-top-chefs/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:33:55 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/18/5-star-dining-at-home-behind-the-burner-brings-you-tips-and-tricks-from-todays-top-chefs/

We all know the joys of dining out, feasting on flavorful fare, consuming creative cuisine and devouring decadent desserts, ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ at the tantalizing tastes that whisk us from the doldrums of everyday life to some epicurean plane of existence.

But what if you could create those culinary masterpieces at home?

Thanks to Divya Gugnani, you can.

This Harvard educated Venture Capitalist-Turned-Chef is the prolific powerhouse behind Behind the Burner.com, a cooking wonderland dedicated to bringing savory secrets of fine food preparation from renowned restaurants around the world to your table, one gourmet recipe at a time.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Divya and learning more about the brains, the bites and the business.  And she’s as talented in the board room as she is in the kitchen, with an infectious energy and passion that, like the food she and her chefs prepare, leave you yearning for more.

This will be the first in a series of posts featuring Behind the Burner chefs, organic cooking ideas and special offers for the Eat. Drink. Better. readers, so be sure to check back each week for the latest in edible enjoyment.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/18/5-star-dining-at-home-behind-the-burner-brings-you-tips-and-tricks-from-todays-top-chefs/feed/ Handmade Soaps: Health and Happiness for You and the Environment http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/11/14/handmade-soaps-healthy-environment/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/11/14/handmade-soaps-healthy-environment/#comments Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:46:02 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/11/14/handmade-soaps-healthy-environment/

With green living, homeopathy and natural alternatives growing in popularity, soap makers are springing up around the world, concocting magical creations of coconut and lime in gleaming, glycerin-infused goodness that cleanse the body, mind and soul. 

Oh, and your hands too!

Growing up in my house, ‘handmade’ soap consisted of my mother gathering up all the remaining bits of bar soap from the shower and bathtubs, tossing them into a container with some water and shaking it up.  “Voila, hand soap!” she would state proudly.  But her objectives were to save money, not create a luxurious lather to soothe and soften the skin.  And, trust me, an acrid amalgum of Dial and Irish Spring was anything but soothing! 

But today’s handmade soaps are a beneficial blend of nourishing nutrients, rich with essential oils and alleviating aromatherapy that care for the skin and calm the senses.  And because they’re chemical-free, they’re an eco-friendly alternative to their caustic counterparts, making them a great way to indulge yourself and the earth.

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