where to buy online: mini 'on the go' hot sauce containers

Few ideas I found available to buy online, click on the titles and it will take link you to the web page...

mini pigs & boxes

(photo unavailable)

mini fish containers 

 

 mini multiple animal containers

 this next one i love but i cant find where to buy it, just photos :?

fruit, flower and star containers

 

apple and bear container

z i v i o, SF

Hot Sauce 'on the go'

If you are one of those people who puts hot sauce on everything and finds it boring to continuously only find options like Tapatio, Valentina and Siracha (which for the record i do love but they are not quite enough all the time.) Anyway, as I was saying... if you are one of those who wants to venture out when eating out or at work but you don't want to throw the whole bottle from home in your purse or backpack or suitcase...I have found something brilliant...(please excuse poor photo quality.)

I love love love Japantown in San Francisco. Why? I find all sorts of things that are ingenious that i DO actual need and use AND they are dirt cheap. This find in particular is a very important day to day item, I believe it was actually intended for soy sauce. Of course, hot sauce makes much more sense in my opinion. : D The pictures below show one of my little ummmm 'hot sauce creature holder thingys' I think this one is supposed to be a bunny, but i also have a panda bear and another one that i haven't decided it's species.


z i v i o, SF

"you never forget your first taste of KRUG"

http://vimeo.com/13676356





z i v i o ,

SF

Naga Viper - NEW hottttest pepper in the world!

ZARB - is it Champagne? or is it Art?

 "For Zarb, Champagne is an everyday tradition, like brushing your teeth or losing your house keys." -Zarb web page under 'Reasons to Drink'

 

'Lips' modeled.

 

'Belly Button', 'Lips' & 'Hope' by ZARB

 

 'Hope' by Zarb

I highly recommend stocking the web page posted below. ; ) Specifically at the rest of ART bottles as they truly are amazing works of ART... not to mention the page's aesthetics and humor value are worth your time.

http://www.zarbchampagne.com/

As for a mini bio- it is not your typical heart and soul from a winery that has been in existence for generations upon generations. it is a smart business tactic to be honest....here is brief article on it. http://www.amsterdamadblog.com/2011/01/03/zarb-turns-champagne-market-upside-down/

As for taste- I've yet to find legit tasting notes on the bubbly itself. SO it looks like I will have to find a bottle myself! : ) For now I will leave it at being pleasing to the eye...

z i v i o, SF

Opposites Attract: Spicy meets Sweet

I recently found these 3 Jolokia sweets that left my mouth watering so I have to pass them on...All are available to order online/through email. (links posted ; )

z i v i o, SF

Spicy Sour Watermelon Candy

http://bhut-pepper.com/products.html 

Sweet Ghost Pepper Candied (Caramel) Popcorn

http://www.allspicecafe.com/pages/sweetjolokia.html

Pittsburgh Ghost Pepper Marshmallow

http://www.pittsburghmarshmallowfactory.com/ordering.html 

Capsaicin nerd alert!

California's Iron Horse Sparkling Wine

Got Capsaicin? Health benefits for those who brave spicy...

This is for all of those who shall remain unnamed who tell me my capsaicin addiction is "dangerous." 

 My obsessive behavior of researching chile everything has continuously brought me back to this list of 7 health benefits of capsaicin by Six Wise. It is pretty straight forward and very useful, please pass it on...and eat more chilies!!! : D
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/03/29/capsaicin-7-powerful-health-benefits-of-the-stuff-that-makes-peppers-hot-004.htm

1. Fight Cancer

A study published in Cancer Research found that capsaicin caused cancer cells to commit suicide. The substance caused almost 80 percent of prostate cancer cells to die in mice, and prostate tumors treated with capsaicin were about one-fifth the size of those in untreated mice.

"Capsaicin inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells in petri dishes and mice," says lead researcher Dr. H. Phillip Koeffler, director of hematology and oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Further, researchers say capsaicin pills may one day be used to prevent the return of prostate cancer.

2. Provide Pain Relief

A topical form of capsaicin is a recognized treatment for osteoarthritis pain, and may also help alleviate pain from diabetic neuropathy.

Capsaicin is also known to inhibit Substance P, a neuropeptide that is the key transmitter of pain to the brain. Substance P can cause swelling of nerve fibers, which may result in headaches and sinus symptoms. Studies have found that capsaicin both relieves and prevents cluster headaches, migraine headaches and sinus headaches.

3. Prevent Sinusitis and Relieve Congestion

Capsaicin has potent antibacterial properties that fight and prevent chronic sinus infections, or sinusitis. Because it is so hot, it also helps to stimulate secretions that help clear mucus from your nose, thereby relieving nasal congestion. This phytochemical may also help relieve sinus-related allergy symptoms.

4. Fight Inflammation

Capsaicin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It works by inhibiting Substance P, which is associated with inflammatory processes. Capsaicin is being looked at as a potential treatment for arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropathy.

5. Soothe Intestinal Diseases

A Duke University study found that capsaicin may lead to a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The substance can also help to kill bacteria such as H. pylori, which can help prevent stomach ulcers.

6. Burn Fat and Lose Weight

Capsaicin is a thermogenic agent, which means it increases metabolic activity. This, in turn, helps to burn calories and fat. Many popular "fat-burning" supplements on the market contain capsaicin, as the substance may significantly increase metabolic activity for over 20 minutes after it's eaten.

7. Protect Your Heart

Capsaicin may help to protect the heart by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation. It may also help the body dissolve fibrin, which is necessary for blood clots to form. Further, cultures around the world that use hot peppers liberally in their meals have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that do not.

for Mel: pairing the best memories with the best bubbly

Every person you interact with leaves an imprint on you, from the door man to your waiter or even the obvious your best friends and family. They leave something you will always remember whether you're conscious of it or not. A friend of mine had an imprint that you would never forget, a vivacious infectious spirit that would just make you smile and laugh while feeling loved and comfortable instantly. I (we) recently lost this friend Melanie 'Mel' and she will be missed dearly by so many. It is amazing how much one person can affect you, how intense memory can be and what you do to cope to not forget. My way (keep in mind i'm a total food nerd) inspired me to think, what Champagne would be good enough to drink in celebration of her memory? And when I say good enough...it means I more than likely can't pay for it. She deserves it.

TOP 10 Champagnes for 2011 (so says FINE Champagne Magazine) and considering their magazine name is my last name i'm just going to go with it this time. BUT I'm extremely disappointed my KRUG is not on the list...

1. Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002 95p.

2. Dom Perignon Rose 2000 95p.

3. Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 1995 93p.

4. Charles Heidsieck Vintage 2000 93p.

5. Louis Roederer Cristal Rose 2002 93p.

6. Ruinart Dom Ruinart Rose 1996 93p.

7. Dom Perignon 2002 92p.

8. De Saint Gall Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs NV 92p.

9. Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2002 92p.

10. Chartogne-Taillet Fiacre NV 92p.

Mel, I found some amazing bubbly that I would like to enjoy in your name but honestly none would stand up to you. I know you would want us to just smile and grab a drink and remember you with love...easier said than done! We miss you. Love to all of Mel's friends and family and especially our Redwood Room crew- <3 you all. Never forget.

Champagne Cork

Capsaicin Tattoo

People stare at my foot all the time and wait a moment before saying "I heart what? Is that cursive?"  It is especially pleasing when people think I got an "i <3 (some guys name)" tattooed on me when in fact haha people it is a molecule! It is the molecular form of Capsaicin (pronounced kæpˈseɪ.ɨsɪn) which in lament terms is what makes peppers spicy. Pure capsaicin is odorless and colorless, it is pure heat which is actually understood through receptors to the brain. From what I have learned from research and speaking with doctors it is actually a memory thing, by that I mean the receptors tell your brain that it is hot when it is not actually burning you. The more you consume capsaicin or spicy things the more you can tolerate. This is especially important to me because at the tolerance of capsaicin I can handle for instance I really get to enjoy the flavor of the pepper. Basically what I am telling you is just keep eating Jalapenos and you'll get to Habaneros and then eventually Jolokia and then get your hands on this new pepper the Naga Viper!

My friend and I both got this tattoo about a year ago at a place in the Haight in San Francisco called Braindrops. We are both really happy with how they turned out (both mine on my foot and hers on her back) especially considering it was small simple lines. I will be back to Braindrops for my next...probably something travel or effervescence related. : ]

FOUR YEARS. GO.

Yes. I love my capsaicin. I love my bubbles. I love my life. However, without a world for me to explore these things they mean nothing. It has become very clear that we (especially as Americans) are using the world's resources to what could be an end. SO it is time to take a look at how you, we and everyone can make a change to make a better tomorrow. This is something you can start today by turning off a light or using less plastic-wear, using less water, throwing away less..it is a little thing I call a sustainable lifestyle. Put back into what you use. I am lucky enough to live in one city in the U.S. which puts out quite an effort for this lifestyle...but it can only get better and should be passed on to those all over the world. I personally hope to be building a world that my future children, grand children and so on so they can be as lucky as me an enjoy living life on this planet.

I am proud to have an uncle whom is a part of this organization and passed on a short video for your    ( everyone's : ) viewing.

http://www.fouryearsgo.org/

z i v i o, SF

Bubbles on a Budget - N.M. GRUET

After 70k in student loans for culinary school my bubbly budget is not always what I want it to be- ironic because my school taught my taste buds otherwise. With this in mind I am always trying those $12-$29 bottles looking for some redeeming quality...it has been ups and downs. A lot of downs, a lot of bubbles and not much flavor. I did however come across one sparkling wine maker that gave me a little more respect for my budget bracket. When first finding this winemaker I was shocked to find it is in New Mexico, this made me look a little deeper. Of course Gilbert Gruet and his wife Danielle came from France, the French do have an amazing way with effervescence in my book. Anyway, Gilbert and Danielle were traveling through the southwest and ran into an opportunity which turned into something I am quite happy to be enjoying now. Thank you Gilbert and Danielle!

www.gruetwinery.com

GRUET has many different Sparkling wines try, on this specific occasion my cousins and I decided to compare the Rose, Blanc de Noir and Brut. 

*The Rose was ok, the finish didn't linger enough for me, although while it lasted it had a nice grapefruit citrus flavor.

*The Blanc de Noir was my personal favorite with bold full flavors. It had what I explain as a yeasty flavor that I love. 

*And to be honest by the time i got to the Brut my sensory knowledge was shot from the first two bottles! But I have had the Brut before and remember feeling it was a decent daily bubbly to have around.

z i v i o, SF

My *first* KRUG - Brut 1995

I think I'm in love...

My *first* KRUG

 I am a lucky girl, I know. Lucky for the opportunity to taste many exceptional Champagnes. This is one vintage of KRUG I enjoyed with my family back in the summer of 2010 accompanied by a sky rise view of San Francisco. The 1995 Vintage of KRUG BRUT averages around $200 per 750 ml. bottle. I am specifically using this bottle (these photos) as a representation of my *first* KRUG posting because this was my *first* KRUG experience and what an impression it left. This Champagne is by far my favorite. This tasting was delicious but overwhelming as I wasn't entirely sure what nuances to look for. It wasn't until I was able to do a KRUG, Dom Perignon and Cristal side by side tasting when I realized just how delicious this bubbly is! Dom and Cristal were quite delicate in comparison,  my palette's interpretation of bold & yeasty flavor of KRUG has me hooked. Since this bottle I have been able to try multiple vintages and styles to compare flavors, effervescence and style. It has been an amazing experience. The only unfortunate piece now is my palette is so spoiled!  

Special thanks to Jim Beam for continuously sharing his many amazing wines!

From the official KRUG.com

KRUG 1995

Krug Vintage is a statement – Krug’s definitive, one-off interpretation of the character of an outstanding year. The blend contains wines exclusively from that year.

TASTE
Krug 1995 is the consummate expression of the 1995 vintage, tempering the warmth of summer sunshine with the crispness of autumnal nights. Pale gold in the glass, with the first sip it reveals an abundance of flavours, a fullness of texture and a richness of finish that are the perfect foil for its exhilarating freshness.
Gingerbread – White flowers – Melon – Pink grapefruit

COMPOSITION
Krug Vintage is designed to blend vintage character with Krug’s house style. Krug selects young fermented wines which best represent

Z i v i o, Fine

2011 New Years day hangover cure: Jolokia Anna Potatoes

After drinking bottle(S) of Champagne to bring in the New Year...

 The most important ingredient: Jolokia aka Ghost Chili Pepper

Potatoes are sliced very thin, the slices are seasoned with salt, pepper and a generous amount of Jolokia, then layered into a pan. The potatoes are cooked in butter till crisp and flipped and re-layered continuously (continuously adding Jolokia in the layering) until you create a crispy cake sort of a thing.

 

 Crispy. Spicy. Delicious.

 Anna Potatoes in all it's glory...just need hot sauce and a fork : )

*Hangover gone*

Zivio, SFine