Move Over Burger McDonald's Is Thirsty

Over the years fast food giant, McDonald's has been making a shift to more beverage choices. In July McDonald's will roll out smoothies to compete with Planet Smoothie, Smoothie King and Jamba Juice.

But will customers think of McDonald's as a beverage destination? It might depend on the price of theirs versus the competitors.

Even so, I'm not sure I will. Over the last couple years McDonald's has added premium coffee options to their menu and I still find myself going to Starbucks, Caribou or Crimson Cup for my java. I just don't even think about McDonald's as a coffee stop. I guess I just relate the brand to burgers and fries and not coffees and smoothies.

For more info on this story read the Advertising Age article here.

The Restaurant and Food Industry

It's been awhile. Probably because over the last few months I have been extremely busy working for my clients in the food and restaurant business. I have come to find this industry very exciting and tiring giving me a new found respect for all professionals involved in making delicious food and creating a relaxing atmosphere so we can enjoy a meal.

This week Landon's Corners in New Albany officially opened! This week Bellisari's Catering and The Culinary Table finalized their new summer menu, which I helped create. Before you know it the summer season and all its celebrations will be here. This catering menu is a tasty option to include in your graduation, milestone celebration, corporate or family event.

Work Is Taking Me To New Albany

Over the last few months I have been busy with a client in New Albany. It's kind of a new client and kind of not. Last year I worked with The Culinary Table in Grandview owned by Annette Bellisari Johnson.

This spring Annette is expanding her business to New Albany creating a banquet facility and cooking classroom in the heart of New Albany at 29 S. High Street. I've been creating new marketing materials, updating the blog and using social media for awareness. The Culinary Table has a Facebook page. Become a fan to get up-to-the minute info on cooking classes, wine tastings, and special events.

Along with The Culinary Table New Albany I am also working with Annette's husband, EJ on a connecting restaurant he is opening, called Landon's Corners. Landon's Corners has quite a bit a history since it is the location where, back in the 1800's, New Albany founder, Mr. Noble Landon had a tavern of his own in that location called Landon's Corners. The restaurant will open in April and will feature a delicious, unique menu offerings like "juicy lucy" and bison bites. Landon's Corners will also offer happy hour, special nights for families and evenings with live music starting with The Conspiracy Band celebrating their 20th anniversary on April 16th. Reservations are now being taken for the 20th anniversary celebration with Conspiracy. Call 614.855.1901 to make a reservation.

"Where the roads connect and the neighbors meet."

Opening a restaurant is exciting, time consuming, and never dull. For now, my part in the restaurant has been some marketing. I created the logo, tag, free appetizer coupons, gift card and loyalty card and soon will start a Facebook page.

As things continue to progress I'll keep you updated!

Dinner and a Wine Tasting at Verde Was Definitely Worth The Drive To Urbana!

This past weekend I enjoyed my first Weekend ReTweat which started at Verde in Urbana,Ohio.

I knew I would like this place when walking in a realized they were having a wine tasting that evening. I grabbed my seat and purchased my tickets for the tasting!

The wine tasting included five different types of wine from 55 degrees.

1. I started out with some french wines - Mas de la dame Rose' du Mas an '08 Rose' from Provence. I automatically thought White Zinfandel when I looked at it because of its color and almost passed on it but was pleasantly surprised when I tasted it. Very light, and flavorful. It's something I would enjoy in the summer.
2. My second taste was Chateau Lamothe de Haux an '08 Bordeaux. Because I am a red wine drinker and this is a white I was shocked that this was one of my favorites. It has a grapefruit flavor which I enjoyed. I'll definitely be purchasing this one sometime soon to enjoy over the warm months to come!
3. The third taste was a French Vouvray '07 Chanin Blanc. This was probably the sweetest of the wines but by no means was it too sweet. Not my favorite out of the five but I had no problem finishing it!
4. Next came the red! The fourth tasting was a California wine, Six Clones '07 Merlot from Perano Estates. This was a very good wine and was not as heavy as a typical Merlot. One of my girlfriends who does not like reds really enjoyed this glass.
5. The last taste was a wine from Argentina. A 2009 Malbec from Ave Premium. Over the winter Malbec's have become one of my favorite wines and this one did not disappoint!

Here are a couple photos of the Weekend Retweaters enjoying the Chateau Lamothe de Haux an '08 Bordeaux

After the wine tasting the real fun began when we were treated to some incredible culinary samplings from Verde. From the warm pita and hummus and celery root soup with caviar and marscapone, to the turkey reuben, crab cakes and mushroom bruschetta every bite was incredible! And to top it off, before we left we enjoyed a tasting of the chocolate mouse, which was to die for! Below is a brief video of our time at Verde. You'll be able to see and hear how wonderful Verde is (wish you could smell through video too). Definitely worth the trip to Urbana, one I will be making again!

The Naked Chef Starts A Food Revolution

I love to watch the Food Network Channel. Maybe it's because I wish I could cook like those chefs. Or maybe it's really because I wish I could find a way to beam up the delicious concoctions through my TV set and into my house so I can eat what they prepared!

Jamie Oliver is the Naked Chef and after three years of this successful series Jamie is looking to do more. So he started a food revolution! He's mad because so many kids are overweight and even obese because of the foods they are eating. Jamie's Food Revolution is all about replacing junk, snacks and processed food with freshly cooked nutritious meals – in schools and at home.

Jaime won the Ted Prize, an award granting recipients $100,000 and something much bigger - an opportunity to realize a wish to change the world. Jaime will be putting that money to make sure every kid gets good, fresh food at school. See Jaime's Ted speech here. It is very powerful and the statistics are staggering!

You can join Jaime's Food Revolution by signing a petition that he plans to take to the White House for support.

I applaud Jaime for what he is doing and am glad someone is leading the stand to help our kids. Because of my work with 10TV Commit To Be Fit I am more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle for adults and kids. If you know a child who you would like to learn more about a healthy lifestyle in Columbus they can join the 10TV Commit To Be Fit Kids Club for some great tips and information.

New Heinz Ketchup Packet

Forty-two years ago the Heinz ketchup squeeze packet was invented. Now 42 years later, a new and improved packaging breakthrough is introduced.

According to the press release, the Heinz Dip & Squeeze dual-function package will give ketchup lovers two ways to enjoy Heinz Ketchup: either peel back the lid for easy dipping, or tear off the tip to squeeze onto favorite foods.

The new package is said to hold three times as much Heinz Ketchup as the traditional packet and will have 15% less sodium. Be on the lookout for the new ketchup packets by the end of 2010.

I'm sure many ketchup lovers will be happy to be rid of the cumbersome squeeze packets and less sodium is good.

Want to express your love and appreciate? Join their Facebook page and share you feelings.

The Power of Peanut Butter

Did you know that every Wednesday in January is Pack a Peanut Butter Sandwich Day for kids? That's right, all this month Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Feeding America is encouraging kids to help fight child hunger and one of the ways to do so is to pack a peanut butter sandwich on Wednesday (using Peter Pan Peanut Butter of course) and donate your lunch money to Feeding America through the Peanut Butter website. Although, finding the donation link is not easy since it is buried deep into the cartoon slide show. Here is a direct link to the giving page.

The campaign made an imPRession on me because while it is a cause-marketing campaign for adults it is directed to children from the cartoon that let's you personalize it by adding your child's name to the messaging. Some other ways kids are encourage to help fight child hunger are (all with parents help):

• Share food - by donating to a local food bank
• Share time - by volunteering at a local food bank
• Tell friends that hungry kids need their help
• Spread the word - Join a social media group like Facebook or Twitter

Peanut Butter and Feeding America are smart in planting the philanthropy seed early. What's the philanthropy seed? By getting your message to the kids now, and by letting them make a difference now they become personally connected to the cause now which will take root and carry over into their adult lives. It's a great way to grow life-long supporters.

Sign-up For Commit To Be Fit Eblast: Great New Local Content

Over the last few weeks, we have been busy collecting new content for the 10TV Commit To Be Fit eblast and website. Our goal is to localize the program more and work with Ohio and Columbus-based organizations, academies, doctors, nutritionists and fitness experts.

We are proud to announce that currently we have a handful of new contributors on board with many more to be added to this imPRessive list:

• Ohio Academy of Family Physicians


• American Academy of Pediatrics - Ohio Chapter


• Four local fitness and food bloggers


• Dine Originals


• Farmer's Market Association


• Ohio Nutrition Council


• Danny Arguetty, Nutritionist at Kripalu


• Robin Davis, Dispatch Kitchen


• American Dairy Association Mideast

Register to receive the new and improved Commit To Be Fit eblast here. Just check the Commit To Be Fit Newsletter box.*

With all this new content, you'll be glad you did!

*(You don't need to click User Interest rankings if you don't want to).

Soda Brand Extension to Include BBQ and Marinade

In my Sunday coupon flyer I noticed coupons for new sauces and marinades using Dr. Pepper, 7 Up and A&W Rootbeer. I first though, crazy, right? But then I noticed all the recipes on-line that included the soft drinks in sauces and marinades.

For example:

Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce

1-1/2 to 2-1/2 cups Dr. Pepper (not diet)

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup dry minced onion

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (may substitute 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco)

1 teaspoon basil

Blend soda, oil, lemon juice, ketchup, garlic powder, onion, salt, pepper, red pepper, and basiltogether on stir speed of blender for 2 minutes.

Store in tightly sealed container and refrigerate. Shake well before using. Will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

7-up Marinade

¼ c. oil

½ c. soy sauce

1 can 7-up

¼-1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Up to 5 pounds of Chicken or beef

Mix up all ingredients and place in a large Ziploc back with your choice of meat. Marinade over night for best flavor and grill.

Instead of spending the time whipping up these recipes you can now use the new Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce and 7 Up Marinade. I haven't tried these yet but am looking forward to it. Anyone try them yet? If so, let me know what you think?

Choosing Blizzard's 25th Logo

Subscribership has its privileges. Being on the Dairy Queen eblast I received an email where I was invited to help choose the Blizzard's 25th Birthday logo and the January 2010 kick-off Blizzard of the month. I like emails like this. Being part of a logo selection committee is something I really enjoy and to pick my favorite tasty treat is just a cherry on the sundae (or blizzard).

The logo choices are below. Is there one that you like over the other? I definitely have a favorite. I won't tell you which one I chose, but on my birthday I do like to blow out candles on my chocolate cake. That should give you a hint on both of my choices. ;)

Do Break Dancing Babies Make You Want to Drink Evian

Last week Evian Natural Spring Water introduced their break dancing babies and their "Live Young" campaign.

Reviving their brand, Evian decided to go with a playful approach focusing on health, purity and youth, hence the talented, energetic babies. Nothing like a little "Rapper's Delight" to get you moving. Take a look.

Evian is using the Internet and social media marketing for their US campaign. A few of the babies even have their own Facebook pages. Check out the Evian Roller Babies website for more details.

Hilarious, entertaining, but will it make you buy Evian water? I'm not sure about that. But the campaign does work for creating awareness. This is the first time in a long time I paid attention to Evian water. I'm sure this makes Evian happy, but I'm sure they'd be even happier if the campaign moved me to buy their product.

Make Monday Morning A Little Easier

Caribou Coffee's latest email campaign - Happy Monday. Thought I'd share the love!

2009 Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. Valid at participating Caribou Coffee stores only. Offer valid on Mondays only, no exceptions. Offer valid on Caribou Blend coffee only. No coupon necessary. Not valid on bottled beverages. No other offers can be used in conjunction with the Happy Monday prices.

Philanthropy Friday Behind the Scenes with Mid-Ohio Foodbank

This Behind the Scenes Spotlight features non-profit organization Mid-Ohio Foodbank. You can read my feature on this wonderful organization at Columbus Underground.

Mid-Ohio Foodbank helps so many different people, even those who never thought they'd need it.

That leads me to Craig's story. Craig represents the type of new faces being seen at pantries not just in Columbus, but across our state and nation: he’s a middle class individual with two grown daughters who has worked all his life and been hit with a major layoff that has changed his life.

Having worked without interruption for the last 17 years, this is a tough spot for him to be in, and he’s one of many people who are accessing emergency food assistance for the first time. “I was living a good life…I had a budget and it worked, until all of a sudden they give you that paper that says, ‘we don’t need you for awhile,’ and your pay gets cut in half…and it doesn’t work anymore.”

Craig is 54-years-old and acknowledges that in this tight job market, it’s hard to compete with younger workers. The part-time job he recently found was also affected by layoffs, and so twice in one year, he has lost two jobs. He keeps a log of the places he contacts for work, but with few companies hiring, nothing has turned up. Says Craig: “The cold reality rolls in…you’re poor now.” “Like most Americans, I just never thought this would happen.”

Craig is not alone. Forty-nine percent of people served by Mid-Ohio Foodbank's partner agencies have had to choose between food and utilities. Twenty-nine percent have had to choose between food and shelter.

Since March, Mid-Ohio Foodbank has ramped up their efforts to raise awareness about local hunger through social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. They know these platforms offer unique opportunities to reach a new group of supporters in a place where many people are already spending a majority of their time - online.

You can follow Mid-Ohio Foodbank on Facebook here.

You can follow Mid-Ohio Foodbank on Twitter here.

See their on-line campaign, "Campaign to Sustain" from Resource Interactive here.

What's Up With Retro Oreo & Ritz Boxes at Target?

I have to admit, I am a frequent Target shopper. It's a store that no matter what's on my list I come out with about 5-10 extra things that I never planned on buying. A few weeks ago when I was in the store I couldn't help but notice the new Ritz and Oreo boxes.

At first I thought both brands had a simple, retro redesign until I noticed the boxes were unchanged at other stores. This left me wondering why until one of my favorite new website, The Dieline, a package design website, informed me that the new boxes were a Target exclusive summer promotion.

I'm not too sure I love the design idea. I like the simplicity, but looking at them on the shelf my first reaction was a generic, cheap product.

This Target only promotion prompted a lot of questions:

• Who pays for this promotion - Target or Nabisco?
• What are the benefits of exclusive store packaging? Does having a unique brand for just one store really work?
• What is the goal of this promotion?
• Will it really sell more cookies and crackers and will people know they came from Target, or even care they came from Target.
• Does exclusive store packaging make you want to go to the store because of the special packaging?

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Even though I pick up extra items at Target each time I shop, I did not buy the exclusive Ritz Crackers or Oreo Cookies. Maybe the Target packaging didn't make a strong enough imPRession on me. On the other hand, it made me curious enough to research it and make a post about it. Hmmm.

Give It Your Best Emeril . . . BAM!

Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagassee is celebrating 10 years of his product line.  In order to create a Bang Up Celebration, or should I say BAM Up Celebration, a digital marketing campaign and contest called "Show Us Your Bam" was launched this week.

Up for grabs, a trip to New York City, free food, and various prizes.  How do you win?  Just create an original video of your best Emeril impersonation and then get people to vote for you. Contest ends August 15th.  Let me know if you enter so I can see you video. You just might get my vote.

Emeril also has a foundation that supports non-profit organizations that provide educational programs, life skills development, culinary training, and cultural enrichment to create opportunities in the communities where Emeril has restaurants.  Through his foundation Emeril hopes to inspire, mentor and enable children.   Way cool!

TasteCasting Event At The Olive Tree Mediterranean Cafe

It's seems like quite awhile since I've been to a TasteCasting event. Last night I enjoyed myself, along with a handful of other TasteCaster members, at The Olive Tree Mediterranean Cafe in Hilliard, Ohio.

This new restaurant opened just a few weeks ago and features Mediterranean food with strong Greek and Israeli influences.

We sampled so much food, all incredibly delicious!  I did have a couple favorites.  The spicy feta appetizer was incredible.  Served with warm pita bread the feta cheese blended with olive oil, jalapeno peppers, fresh garlic and herbs had a little kick and a lot of flavor.  This is something I will definitely be ordering when I visit again.   I also really enjoyed the gyro meat and cinnamon rice with the gyro sauce.  

All food is made fresh daily and it shows in quality and taste.  We ended our tasting with coffee and baklava.  I've always loved this Greek pastry but never had one with flaky phyllo dough. Very interesting to look at, very good to eat!

Being a new restaurant I also paid attention to their logo.  I liked the simplicity and style, as well as how the olive color background mixed with the black and white fonts.  It definitely says Mediterranean to me but in a modern way.  The olive branch image is subtle and a nice addition. Maybe as they become more well known it can become their golden arches.

Obviously, another reason for TasteCasting is to help market the establishment through social media channels.  Another way to help grow the business is through promotion. The Olive Tree Mediterranean Cafe did create a TasteCasting promotion . . . .

Mention TasteCasting and use code OTMC

and when you buy 1 Sandwich you get second sandwich at 1/2 off

Hurry the promotion runs through the end of June.

Free Food For A Little Market Research Assistance

Through the suggestion of a blog I follow, I signed up for the O'Charley e-newsletter. O'Charley's is a great family restaurant and having two teenagers it's one of the restaurants that we all like to frequent.

By becoming a member of the O'Charley's e-club I received a welcome email with a free appetizer. Score! We went out to eat that weekend at O'Charley's, and yes, we got our free appetizer. In fact, my daughter treated it as her meal ordering the chicken quesadilla. That saved us over $8.00. 

Last week I received an email asking me to answer a short survey. I guess O'Charley's was doing a little market research. They asked simple questions like: how many in the family, how often we visited the restaurant and if we came with friends or family.  The survey literally took two minutes.

After I finished the survey, I immediately received an email with a certificate for a free dessert. A thank you just for taking the survey.  Not bad at all.  So, before the end of this month, my family will be taking another trip back to O'Charley's for dinner and a free dessert to share.

Smart on O'Charley's part. By giving us a few free items we'll keep coming back.  Smart on our part.  By signing up for an e-newsletter we get free items.  Win - win!  Yum - yum!

Homestyle Restyle - Bob Evans TasteCasting #BEF

Last night the TasteCasters were invited to an evening at Bob Evans where we got to preview the summer menu before the public (summer menu is introduced to the public on May 14th). Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, (which was noted and linked on the Bob Evans web site), we were acting like a group of guerrilla marketers for Bob Evans.

The Bob Evans brand is strong, and the food is delicious. But in order to keep relevant, Bob Evans is undergoing a homestyle restyle, mixing new and even more delicious foods with a contemporary atmosphere.  The decor is restyled to be fresh and open, and they even have free wi fi.  These positive changes create quite an experience!

And what an experience we all had!  Bob Evans started with a sampling of their new appetizer line. So many delicious appetizers! I really liked the Itsy Bitsy Wildfire Pulled Pork Sandwich, the Loaded Baked Potato Bits and the Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Fries with Carmel Sauce. Oh yeah, they were as good as they sound!  A definite must try.  Some other yummy appetizers included Itsy Bitsy Sausage Sandwich, County Fair Cheese Bites and Wildfire Chicken Quesadilla.  All these appetizers would be great carry out on OSU football game days!

Just when we thought that was enough, Chef Brian came out with Bob-B-Q Baby Back Ribs and Oven Roasted Chicken.  The Meat is slow cooked to achieve maximum juiciness and the flavorings of sage, spices and brown sugar harmonized perfectly giving it the right balance between sweet and spicy.

The evening ended with Red, White & Blueberry Supreme Pie.  I was so full, but couldn't pass up the delectable dessert.  So glad I found some room!  The pie will become available mid-June when the berries are perfectly in season.

We left with a goody bag for participating.  What a night!  Bob Evans may be a chain, but they think beyond the box and provide innovation!  They really care about their customers and it shows with good food and great atmosphere.

Bob Evans Beefs Up Their On-line Presence

This evening, the TasteCasting group will be special guests at Bob Evans Graceland where we will be given a sneak preview of their summer menu about a week before it is introduced to the public.  During our preview, the TasteCasters will Tweet, Blog and create buzz about the food and our experience, acting like a group of social media guerilla marketers for the national chain.

I'm very excited about this one.  Sure I like Bob Evans food, but I'm excited to learn how Bob Evans is changing to keep up with the times.  A few months back, my family wanted to order Bob Evans carry-out.  I got on-line and pulled up their web site.  The site was so dated, was hard to navigate and was not user friendly.  Being disappointed, I decided to send them an email sharing my concerns about their site.  Within days I was sent an email expressing their appreciation and just a few months later I noticed a new, easy to navigate and great web site. Now I'm not saying my email made them change their website, but whatever did, I'm sure glad it worked!

Bob Evans has also been running on on-line promotion to introduce their Big Farm Salads.  The Sweepstakes ends May 13th so you still have a couple days to try and win a $100 gift card. They have also made their social media mark on Twitter and Facebook.

There will be more to come after our TasteCasting, at the home of homestyle.

Benihana Children Helping Children Promo

Saw this promo in the Sunday Dispatch and wanted to be sure to pass it along because it's a yummy restaurant and a great cause!

Bring your family to any participating Benihana (Columbus Polaris location is participating) for the traditional Japanese holiday of Children's Day and all proceeds from the sale of Benihana children's meals on Tuesday, May 5th will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Benihana is also hosting a Children Helping Children art contest.  Bring your artwork to Benihana's before May 31, 2009 and you could win dinner for eight  or dinner for four at Benihana.  For the official art sheet click here.  Contest is open to children grades K-6.

About Children's Day:  Children's Day (Kodomo no hi): 

Part of the Golden Week, Children's Day, also know as The Boy's Festival (Tango no Sekku), is celebrated on May 5th. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp kites and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life. In modern day times, they have incorporated girls into the celebration.