bourbon

• Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard has landed a book deal. — Eat Me Daily
• A recap of what the Internet food world is saying about Top Chef Masters. — Eater
• Francis Mallmann, famed Argentine grill master, shares his tips for grilling. — Serious Eats
• Jim Beam has released a new flavor: cherry bourbon. — The Epi-Log
• Catch up with the newly promoted Leah Cohen from Top Chef 5. — The Feedbag
• Make a big garden salad inspired by the one Elaine orders on almost every episode of Seinfeld. — Chow

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If you didn't get your fill of celebrations and libations over Memorial Day weekend, there's plenty more going on, from craft beer tastings to Champagne parties. What will you be attending this week? Feel free to share any other events you're looking forward to below!

• The Woodlands, TX: Wine & Food Week — May 26-31
• Houston, TX: Tour de Champagne — May 28
• Augusta, NJ: Crawfish Fest — May 29-31
• Vashon Island, WA: Slow Food Seattle Spring With Seabreeze Farm — May 30
• Washington DC: Savor Craft Beer — May 30
• Miami, FL: Slow Food Miami Picnic & Pie Contest — May 30
• Toms River, NJ: New Jersey State Chili & Salsa Cookoff — May 30
• Franklin, AL: Franklin Food & Spirits Festival — May 30-31

To see the rest, read more

On paper — specifically, the menu at San Francisco speakeasy Bourbon and Branch — the combination of bourbon, orange bitters, and coffee liqueur sounds a bit strange. But one sip and it all makes sense. I suggest you broaden your understanding and do the same.

If you're partial to bourbon, as I have been lately, or spiked coffee drinks, or orange-flavored dark chocolate desserts, then you'll love the Revolver. It somehow hints at all three concepts while tasting absolutely novel. To get the recipe, read more

Many of you are gearing up for Mother's Day, but if you've got some time to spare, there are plenty of enjoyable events worth checking out. There are two national events to note: You can celebrate American Craft Beer Week (find out what is happening in your neck of the woods) and on Saturday, help fight hunger at the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Here at Yum, we're all over the specials going on during Sexy Dishes Week and the new cocktails being showcased at SF Cocktail Week. Where will you be?

• Humboldt, TN: West Tennessee Strawberry Festival — May 3-9
• Bay Area, CA: Sexy Dishes Week — May 4-8
• Atlanta, GA: Taste of the Nation Atlanta — May 6
• Manchester, NH: Taste of the Nation Manchester — May 6
• Hartford, CT: Taste of the Nation Hartford — May 7
• Las Vegas, NV: Vegas Uncork'd — May 7-10
• New Orleans, LA: World Cocktail Week in the Big Easy — May 8

To see the rest, read more

Sometime last week, I came to the realization that I've never had a mint julep. I decided immediately to mix up a round of cocktails. To be authentic, I wanted to serve the icy drink in silver mint julep glasses. However, finding the glasses is not easy. I searched ShopStyle. I called Williams-Sonoma, and Sur la Table. I texted my bartender buddies. To no avail. I couldn't find mint julep glasses anywhere!

Since the vessel does not affect the flavor of the drink, I made it anyway. I'm relieved I did because this classic cocktail is fantastic. With its crushed ice, fragrant mint leaves, zesty lemon syrup, and potent Bourbon, it's surprisingly refreshing and fun to drink. I highly recommend you make one to celebrate the Kentucky Derby.

If your heart is set on serving the concoction in the traditional glass, Stephen Liles, bartender at San Francisco's Boulevard restaurant, told me he got his from a local florist. To look at the recipe, read more

At Thanksgiving, impress your foodie friends with a sophisticated cocktail. A blend of sweet and dry vermouths and bourbon, the perfect turkey is a seasonal variation of the classic Manhattan. The potent flavor of the whiskey will pair nicely with the rich appetizers. Prepare a pitcher, shake and serve as guests arrive.

Have champagne on hand. Nicolas Feuillatte has some lovely, affordable options. For the meal pour a pinot noir. To look at the recipe for the perfect turkey, read more

Though I enjoy the occasional Manhattan, I'm not usually a drinker of straight bourbon. Like scotch, the Kentucky libation always seemed more like a sippin' drink for old dudes. But lately, I've been acquainting myself with these potent brown liquors, and I have to say that neither scotch nor bourbon is anything to be afraid of. (That is, as long as you don't drink too much.)

Case in point: Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, distilled in Frankfort, KY, has taught me that truly excellent bourbons go down easy — almost too easy — even without a mixer. I recently picked up a bottle of a batch made especially for a San Francisco spirits shop, but you can buy it online for about $50. From the waxed-sealed racehorse-adorned top to the hand-scrawled date, Blanton's is clearly a special-occasion bottle of hooch.

One sip and you'll understand what separates high-end bourbon from everyday booze like Jim Beam. The rich, caramel liquid has the decadent taste of toffee with a hint of woodsy, almost fiery flavor. It's best served over ice or just "neat" in a glass, but if you simply must dilute it, I recommend a bit of water. Have you gotten into high-end bourbons? If so, tell me your opinions below.

On a recent flight, I found myself flipping through the pages of the recent Gourmet magazine, when a bourbon-based drink called Briar Patch caught my eye. I tried my best to wish myself into the photograph, but that didn't happen, so I ended up just wishing I had one instead. I thought that perhaps it was the three screaming children on the flight that made me wish that, however once I landed I still craved the chile-blackberry bourbon mixture. I haven't satiated it yet, but hope to do so soon. If you'd like to join me, check out the recipe, just read more