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