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