ML Interest Tag: bourbon

Next-Level Fast Food Joints the Whole Family Will Love

by Kate Loweth

When the burger and chicken sandwich cravings hit, you’ll want this list at the ready. Go beyond the usual drive-through options and get your fast food cravings satisfied with sandwiches that are made to order and include toppings like bacon jam, Japanese sauces, queso and fresh California avocados. These spots cater to foodies and kids alike, and are perfect for that next family picnic.

San Francisco

JUST OPENED: Rocketbird

Rocketbird

This new arrival in the chicken sandwich game is going to blow you away with their larger-than-life crispy chicken sandwiches and sides that are too good to share. Located in Dogpatch, Rocketbird is offering takeout and delivery at the moment and you can pick up your order before heading down to the new Crane Cove Park that's just a block away. 

This new SF chicken sandwich concept focuses on quality ingredients, delivery-proof dishes, eco-friendly practices and out-of-this-world flavors for every eater in your family. Kids will love the Lil' Bird meal that comes with hand-battered Mary's organic chicken breast strips, fries or carrots (get the fries!) and a choice of beverages. Overcome your decision fatigue and opt for the family meal that includes 12, 16 or 20 chicken strips, sides and dipping sauces. The queso is not to be skipped and the pimento mac and cheese is a kid and parent favorite. 

Bonus that you'll love: For every sandwich purchased, Rocketbird donates a meal to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.

1030 Illinois St. 
San Francisco, CA
Online: rocketbirdchx.com

Gott's Roadside

Gott’s Roadside is a Northern California roadside restaurant emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients with a modern take on American classics and California favorites. We love their massive burger menu with fun options like the Kimchi Burger and Texas Avocado Burger. Non-burger options include the Vietnamese Chicken Salad and Baja Fish Tacos. Don't skip out on their cookies and cream milkshake made with handspun organic ice cream. Take home some of their secret sauce! 

Other locations: Palo Alto, St. Helena, Napa, Walnut Creek, Marin and SFO

1 Ferry Building #6
San Francisco, CA
Online: gotts.com

Bourbon Burger Bar

Bourbon Burger Bar

Chef Michael Mina’s new Bourbon Burger Bar, offers takeout and delivery of the most indulgent and beloved burgers from his award-winning Bourbon Steak. Available for pickup and delivery, you'll have a hard time deciding which burger to take home with you. Traditionalist will love the Prime Dry Aged Steak Burger, while the Roasted Veggie Burger stands out for veggie lovers with its maitake mushroom, yuzu kosho aioli, pickled veggies, shredded napa cabbage and togarashi toasted bun. A kids cheeseburger and chicken tenders are available for smaller appetites. 

101 California St. (at PABU)
San Francisco, CA
Online: bbot.menu

Tokyo Hot Chicken

Tokyo Hot Chicken

Tokyo Hot Chicken is a pop-up from the culinary minds of Chef Michael Mina and MINA Group. Hot Chicken meets Japanese Karaage, Tokyo Hot Chicken is the best of two worlds, combining the Nashville Classic with Japanese flavors and ingredients. Go for the 12-piece hot chicken meal if you'll be serving a crowd, or Mutha Cluckin Sando if you don't want to share. Sides like cheddar max and wasabi mashed potatoes will round out your meal. 

101 California St. (at PABU)
San Francisco, CA
Online: bbot.menu

East Bay

Boss Burger

East Bay families swear by this Albany spot that serves up both burgers and organic, free-range chicken (plus hot dogs!). They also have a pretty killer house-made veggie patty that you must get topped with cider slaw and spicy BOSS sauce. 

1187 Solano Ave. 
Albany, CA
Online: weareboss.com

TrueBurger

Families flock to this Oakland spot for their burgers and top-of-the-line milkshakes. Hand-formed burgers are cooked diner style on a flattop grill for that crispy texture we all love. 

4101 Broadway
Oakland, CA

146 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA
Online: trueburgeroakland.com

Peninsula/South Bay

JUST OPENED: Winner Winner Chicken

This spot at Hillsdale Mall just re-opened after originally opening just before COVID lockdowns began. Now they're ready to serve you and if you haven't been there, you definitely need to check it out! Winner offers signature Nashville-style hot fried chicken sandwiches, hot chicken tenders, gourmet inspired salads, and sides like mac and cheese, and broccoli Caesar salad. They also have Little Winner meals available for the kids with two tenders or grilled chicken, plus one side, one sauce and a kids drink. 

Winner’s signature hot chicken sandwich features their specialty fried chicken: crispy, juicy and tender and offered in four spice levels (WARNING: order extra spicy, only if you dare!). The sandwich is topped with housemade tangy slaw and comeback sauce (liike Thousand Island with a kick), served on quite possibly the best bun we've ever tasted (it's made in house). Get the BBQ chicken eggrolls to share and the lemonade slushie for your beverage. If you're wanting a salad in lieu of a sandwich, go for Barry's Bootcamp with spicy chicken. It's large and in charge. 

Indoor and outdoor dining are available on the mall terrace. Or order your meal to-go. 

84 Hillsdale Shopping Center
San Mateo, CA
Online: winnerchicken.net

Love Burn Chicken

Love Burn serves up Nashville Hot Chicken with a unique spice blend to create the hottest chicken sandwich in the Bay Area. From a basic Level 0 to the “leave-you-on-the-floor” Level 4, they have something for all hot lovers far and wide. They are located inside Hometown Bowl in South San Francisco and are available for pick-up and delivery via UberEats, Doordash, and Grubhub. 

130 Northwood Street
South San Francisco, CA
Online: loveburnchicken.com

Wahlburgers

National burger chain Wahlburgers set up shop in Palo Alto a few years ago and the Burlingame location is coming soon. Choose one of their favorite burgers like The Fiesta that comes with a southwest kick, or do your burger your way with dozens of toppings. Don't forget the fried pickles! 

185 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA

Coming Soon: 1218 Burlingame Ave.
Burlingame, CA
Online: wahlburgers.com

Marin

Amy's Drive Thru

It can't be, can it? Is this THE Amy's from all those vegetarian items in the freezer department of my grocery story? Yes it is! Head up to Rohnert Park, conveniently located basically right around the corner from Scandia Family Fun center miniature golf course. Their menu is complete with veggie burgers, fries and even organic milkshakes. Even if you're not in the area, but looking for a fun Sunday drive, Amy's won't disappoint. Get the full scoop here. 

58 Golf Course Drive West
Rohnert Park, CA

5839 Paradise Dr.
Corte Madera, CA
Online:  amysdrivethru.com

Shake Shack

Nat & Cody Photography

This Marin Country Mart eatery is a favorite for families and has plenty of outdoor seating. Everyone loves Shake Shack's famous burgers, crinkle cut fries, shakes and frozen custard. The 21+ crowd can sip on wine and beer all on the spacious outdoor patio that includes a foosball table.

1401 Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur, CA

Other locations: San Francisco, Palo Alto, Glendale, Oakland and Santa Clara
Online: shakeshack.com

—Kate Loweth

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ALDI Is Selling Boozy Coffee & We’re Grabbing Our Mugs

by Jennifer Swartvagher

If you love flavored coffees then we have good news for you. Starting Jun.10, ALDI will begin selling Barissimo Vanilla Bourbon and Whiskey favored coffee cups. This will be available for a limited time so grab them fast!

Barissimo Vanilla Bourbon Coffee Cups

Vanilla Bourbon Coffee
Barissimo Whiskey Coffee Cups

Whiskey Coffee

Each box of 18 cups retails for $4.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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Häagen-Dazs Adds 2 Flavors to Their Boozy Ice Cream Collection

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Someitmes you want a bowl of ice cream and sometimes you want a boozy treat. Now you can have both at the same time. Starting April 2020, Häagen-Dazs is adding two new flavors to its beloved Spirits Collection.

Häagen-Dazs recently announced that Rosé & Cream and Whiskey Hazelnut Latte will make their debuts in freezer aisles nationwide starting in April 2020. They come in 14 oz. cartons and will be available for $5.49 each.

Rosé & Cream is a wine infused sweet cream ice cream folded together with a refreshingly tart Rosé flavored swirl 

Whiskey Hazelnut Latte is a spiked latte inspired treat with delicious whiskey infused coffee ice cream blended with ribbons of hazelnut fudge and chocolate espresso flakes

The current lineup currently includes: Irish Cream Brownie, Rum Tres Leches, Bourbon Vanilla Bean Truffle, Bourbon Praline Pecan, Non-Dairy Amaretto Black Cherry Almond Toffee, and Irish Cream Cookie Squares. The full collection is 0.5 percent alcohol by volume.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Photos courtesy of Häagen-Dazs

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Häagen-Dazs Announces the Top Ice Cream Flavors of 2019

by Erica Loop

With New Year’s on the horizon, it’s time to look back at the last year’s trends, top picks and ultimate faves. With that in mind, Häagen-Dazs recently announced its top and most searched for flavors of 2019!

So what ice cream awesomeness did consumers dig (or rather, scoop) in 2019? According to Häagen-Dazs’ stats, the number one flavor of the year was Cookies and Cream.

The other top five winners (in Häagen-Dazs Shops) were Vanilla, Dulce de Leche, Belgian Chocolate and Chocolate. Not only did Dulce de Leche land in the top five for 2019, but it’s also part of a growing caramel craze. Along with Caramel cone, the two sweet selections jumped in popularity this past year.

When it comes to most searched for flavors, the top five winners for 2019 were:

  1. Coffee
  2. Chocolate Peanut Butter
  3. Rum Raisin
  4. Green Tea
  5. Strawberry

As if these frozen treats aren’t enough, Häagen-Dazs also introduced a boozy selection of spirits-inspired flavors. From Amaretto Black Cherry Almond to Bourbon Vanilla Bean Truffle, these playful picks may just turn up on next year’s top five lists!

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Häagen-Dazs

 

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The New Candy That May Replace Your Morning Cup of Coffee

by Erica Loop

Known for an eclectic assortment of candy (think Rosé All Day and Champagne gummy bears), Sugarfina is THE luxe sweet shop. Now the confectioner extraordinaire is bringing us sugary, caffeinated goodness!

Infused with Alfred’s classic blends, these bears are the sweet little pick-me-up you’re looking for. But one word of caution—these candies are not for the littles. Along with tasting like your fave fresh brew, the gummies also contain actual caffeine. Good for you, not so good for your already energetic tot. So keep your stash in a mama-only space.

Not only are caffeinated gummies one of the most genius ideas ideas ever—these bears are absolutely aww-dorable. The candy comes in coffee bean-like bags, mini coffee cups and coffee tumblers, featuring flavors such as Iced Vanilla Latte, Cold Brew and Bourbon Cold Brew. And yes, the Bourbon Cold Brew Bears are made with a splash of real bourbon.

The caffeinated bears are available in select retail locations and online at sugarfina.com and alfred.la. You can also enter to win an Alfred and Sugarfina Collection “Coffee Break” of Cold Brew Bears for your office now through Apr. 29! Visit Sugarfina’s website to fill out a “Coffee Break” entry form for your chance to score a slew of these grown-up gummies.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sugarfina

 

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6 Tips for Traveling with a 6-Month-Old

By Susan Betteridge

Traveling with infants is hard. Yes, even for this LGBT family with two hands-on Moms who in their pre-Mom days both flew over 50,000 miles a year.

My wife and I recently flew to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with our 6-month-old daughter. Sure, this could be considered a ludicrous first trip for an infant, but we figured if we could swing it in a land of raucous revelers on Bourbon Street, there’s no place we couldn’t go!

Beyond the obvious suggestions like feeding your little one a bottle or breast during takeoff and landing, here are my tips for traveling with an itty bitty in tow:

1. Use curbside check-in.

Nearly every major airport has curbside check-in which is a lifesaver when you plan to check bags and baby gear. We opted to bring her car seat (free to check on airlines), so we unloaded her and popped it in our travel bag right at the curb along with our other checked luggage.

My wife then parked the car and I waited with or little inside, schlepping only her and her diaper bag. Curbside check in is free for most airlines, but I advise tipping a few bucks a bag, because it’s just the right thing to do.

2. Splurge for a suite.

Bambinos clearly nap a lot and go to bed early. That means that unless you have a little one who can sleep anywhere (we don’t), when they sleep you will be shackled to a room with the lights off, tiptoeing around in silence. Since this gets old after about nap #1, pay the extra money for a suite. Your little one can sleep in peace and you can still feel like you are remotely human, sipping Cabernet and catching up on Netflix in the living room next door.

3. Bring beyond the basics.

Beyond all the things any reasonable parent would pack, here are a few unsung heroes I’d recommend:

  • Ready-to-use formula bottles: Although our daughter was still nursing, if you are stuck on the tarmac or in traffic, pre-mixed formula in mini bottles will get you through a hunger-induced screaming spell.
  • Dish soap: Bottles and breast pump parts won’t wash themselves on the road and you won’t want to opt for the bar soap in the hotel room.
  • Laundry detergent: Bring a little bottle full of laundry soap to wash out your little one’s clothes when she inevitably has a blowout, or four.
  • Snacks for yourself: Don’t forget that whenever your little one is sleeping you won’t have access to a fully-stocked fridge like home, so bring snacks for yourself to get you through some odd times, especially if you are still breastfeeding and consuming calories like a teenager running track.

4. Skip the stroller.

We gate checked our convertible travel stroller (each adult can gate check one stroller or car seat free of charge), but didn’t use it once the entire trip. Since our little nugget only weighs around 15 pounds, our can’t-live-without-carrier was much more convenient and felt safer when we wove through crowds on Bourbon Street. Because she’s at the age where she can face in or out, it also let her be a part of the party, or snuggle in.

5. Most hotels have cribs. 

Call ahead to make sure your hotel has cribs and then happily leave your pack-n-play behind. Bring a crib sheet from home to make it feel cozy.

6. Don’t book a balcony room on Bourbon Street. 

When booking our hotel room in New Orleans, these two cool chicks clutched to our pre-Mom getaways and thought, “How loud could a balcony room on Bourbon Street really be?” The answer is ridiculously loud. Resist the urge to opt for a room near the action, albeit the pool or the party street below, otherwise neither you or your little one will be able to sleep until the mayhem dies down. After one night we switched to an interior room and thankfully, our dream of vacationing regularly wasn’t ruined forever!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask for a credit if you downgrade rooms, most hotels will at least give you a resort credit you can use for parking or room service.

As a final thought for all the wanderlust-loving parents who are hesitant to take your little one on a plane or be away from the modern conveniences of our over-accessorized nurseries, just go for it. Yes, she will inevitably cry on the plane and you will be overwhelmed by both guilt and panic, but trust me, many of the people on the plane are parents themselves and will smile at you with a knowing look you will never forget. And if anyone has the audacity to throw you some shade, who cares—because you are out there showing your little one how amazing this great big world is!

Featured Photo Courtesy: Author

I am one mom of an amazing two-mom duo, raising a little girl to experience adventure, kindness and all things lovely! My blog is full of heart-warming advice and anecdotes about motherhood, travel and girl power. Stop by for a read at SheShe Life.

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Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week

by Jacqui Boland

It’s that time of year, time to overindulge in eggnog and vent about our Holiday parenting frustrations on Twitter! Here are some of our favorite funny parenting tweets of the week. Enjoy!

  1. Just sayin’….

 

2. Spreading joy this holiday season.

https://twitter.com/2questionable/status/942212466485923840

 

3. Your secret’s safe with us.

https://twitter.com/CelebrityChez/status/941787052751941632

 

4. As long as you can afford the therapy they’ll need as teens.

 

5. Every. Year. 

 

6. Tomato, to-mah-to.

 

7. Nothing like tradition. 

 

8. If only it worked.

 

9. The horror!

https://twitter.com/ValeeGrrl/status/940737463101874178

10. We call it a conspiracy.

 

 

 

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Grab a Date! It’s Sitter Time!

by Maria Chambers

Uninterrupted conversation? Who knew that existed? Family time is swell, but sometimes it’s nice to line up a sitter to spend time in a kid-free zone. Whether you swap stories over a meal or bond while touring some of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings, we’ve rounded up low-key, sitter-worthy ideas for adult fun. Enjoy the sound of silence!

Dine with a view at River Roast

There's so much to love about River Roast . . . where to start? The concept, if you can't guess by the name, is roasts. Not the type smothered in gravy . . . not that we'd turn our shoulder to that. Think more like a roasted chicken. There are six different meat, fish and veggie roasts that live on the menu everyday and one rotating roast a month. For the month of October, that's a Pork Shoulder served with sauerkraut and root veggies. The coolest part? They carve your dinner right at the table.

Some non-roast notables on the menu: Fried Olives stuffed with chorizo (sounds weird, but trust us on this one), charred Curried Cauliflower and the Golden Gobbets, which are seasoned fried chicken strips served with an adorable Smurf-sized jar of honey that would make Pooh weep tears of joy. The incredibly friendly staff managed by Jay Schuster, brunches on Saturday and Sunday with a live jazz backdrop and the sweet view with outdoor seating overlooking the hustle and bustle of the Chicago River round out the reasons why we heart River Roast.

Side notes: For brunch, go with Chilaquiles. But, bring a bus load of people with you as they are uber generous with their portions on this one. And, River Roast just sweetened the deal by adding a S'mores Ice Cream Sandwich that tastes just like the bonfire classic and an Adult Sundae Fundae with Guinness ice cream, whisky cherries, rum pineapple, bourbon butterscotch and potato chips.

Have we convinced you to go yet?

River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle St., River North. Online: riverroastchicago.com

photo: River Roast courtesy of Maria Chambers

Give us some other date night ideas in the Comments below!

— Maria Chambers

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Utensils Optional: Best Places to Eat with Your Hands

by rtjamybond

There’s a part of us that never grows up and, for some, that part is the kid who loves to play with her food. We don’t know why, but food just tastes better when you get to touch it before you chew it. So let’s face it: forks and spoons are overrated. We’ve compiled a list of exceptionally tasty restaurants where eating with your hands is not just condoned, but expected. These restaurants make for a very fun, finger-licking good family night out.

Photo: y i v a via Flickr

Brazilian Style Tapas at The Grill from IpanemaThe “Petiscos” at The Grill from Ipanema are bite-sized bits of yumminess that you and the kids will love to pop in your mouth. No utensils needed. Choose from a variety of small plates: fried cod fish croquettes, cubes of sautéed sirloin, spicy sausage slices, crispy fried chicken pieces, herb-basted shrimp, and many more. Order a few plates of small bites and you’ve got one delicious meal.

1858 Columbia Rd., NW (Adams Morgan)
202-986-0757
Online: www.thegrillfromipanema.com

Marrakesh
The first thing you do when you enter Marrakesh is wash your hands, so you’re fully prepared to use them as your main utensil. Then relax and get ready for a seven-course meal that you’ll eat entirely with your hands, while your eyes feast on talented belly dancers. Highlights of the meal include b’stella, a layered pie with chicken, parsley, eggs, nuts and onions topped with cinnamon and sugar. There’s also lamb with almonds and honey, fresh fruit and Moroccan pastries.

2147 P St., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-775-1882
Online: http://www.marrakechrestaurantdc.com

Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats
In addition to catering local events with very beautiful specialty cakes, Sticky Fingers features some of the tastiest treats in town at its downtown café, and none of them require utensils. Take the kids on a sugar binge with some decadent fingers foods, such as red velvet whoopee pies, cinnamon and walnut sticky buns, and pecan bourbon sandwich cookies. There’s also a full menu of finger-friendly breakfast and lunch plates, including burgers, sandwiches and wraps. The only menu items you might need a fork for are the salads. You decide.

1370 Park Rd., NW (Columbia Heights)
202-299-9700
Online: www.stickyfingersbakery.com

GBD Fried Chicken and Doughnuts
You know that any place specializing in fried chicken and doughnuts is going to be finger-friendly, and GBD (Golden, Brown and Delicious) is definitely that. The chicken comes by the piece or the bucket, or on top of waffles with maple-chicken jus and buttered pecans (yum). You can choose between nine delectable dipping sauces for your chicken tenders – buttermilk ranch, jerk, chipotle bbq, and sweet and sour mumbo, to name a few. And don’t forget the doughnuts. They are baked fresh throughout the day and topped with classic and seasonal glazes.

1323 Connecticut Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-524-5210
Online: www.gbdchickendoughnuts.com

Do you have a favorite restaurant where the kids can (acceptably) eat with their hands? Dish in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

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Holiday Helper: Spots & Services To Make Thanksgiving A Breeze

by Mimi O'Connor

Ah, Thanksgiving. Some years you want to do the whole thing yourself, from the shopping to the peeling to the brining…and some years you just. don’t. Whether you want a little help getting the best ingredients and recipes guaranteed to work, or you really want to phone it in (i.e. let someone else do all the cooking and the clean up) this is a judgement free-zone, and we’ve got suggestions! Click through to see our ideas on how to make this turkey day a little easier — and enjoyable! — for the whole family.

For Locally-sourced Produce, Birds and Artisan Pie: Farmigo

Can't make it to the farmer's market and feel gouged by upscale grocery spots? Farmigo wants to be your go-to source for produce, meat and more from area farmers. (It's currently the largest online farmer's market, serving 15,000 families in the U.S.) They let you know where your birds are coming from, if they're free-range, and what they're fed. Produce is from small farms focused on sustainability, and pies such as Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Pecan are from the Brooklyn artisanal pastry chefs Pie Corp (you can also just get frozen crust). In addition, Farmigo is offering recipe bundles for stuffing starters, butternut squash soup, as well as prepared cranberry sauce from Beth's Farm Kitchen in Columbia County.

Farmigo is not membership or subscription-based, so you can try it out just for Thanksgiving, and there is no minimum order requirement. You do need to pick up your order, which is generally priced by weight (see site for specific costs); pickup locations both private and public are located all over the city, as well as in Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester.

Order by the first week of November to reserve your bird! (You'll put down a $30 deposit, which will be subtracted from the price of your bird, determined by weight, when it arrives.)

Farmigo: farmigo.com

photo: Farmigo

How are you getting help with Thanksgiving this year? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

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