Wednesday, May 27, 2009
My First Bite
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By Eliza Whipple
Most people who know me well know the fact that I’ve never eaten a cheeseburger. It has become a part of my identity, like the fact that I’m a twin, or my obsession with Van Morrison. It’s one of those strange phenomena, like crop circles or Stonehenge, that doesn’t seem to have an easy explanation. Although there are several factors that could have played into my decision to never, ever, try a cheeseburger, the pure novelty of never eating a cheeseburger became my greatest reason. I could usually get a reaction from those around me by announcing this unusual fact about myself.
My childhood was fairly conventional in many ways, but junk food was relatively scarce in our house and fast food take-out just didn’t happen. My parents were more likely to look to their own garden as a food source. While my home environment included mostly organic, home-prepared meals and snacks, I was also exposed to the other side of suburban life, and had plenty of opportunities to join my peers in their dietary habits. But for some reason I developed a sort of phobia around ground meat. So my journey as a cheeseburger virgin began and continued until very recently. Since I am not a vegetarian, my cheeseburger avoidance started to feel inauthentic. Perhaps I was just trying to be different. So I was determined I would break my no cheeseburger record some day, but I did want to wait until the perfect moment for my ‘first time.’
For the past several months cheeseburgers have been at the forefront of my brain. Having the pleasure of working with Chef Bobby Flay, I’ve been involved in launching his ninth cookbook, Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries & Shakes (Clarkson Potter/Publishers) and now anticipating the opening of his fourth Bobby’s Burger Palace at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut this July. One could understand why cheeseburgers have been on my mind. As a cheeseburger virgin, this has all been very challenging. I’ve felt inexperienced and silly – very rarely being able to contribute to conversations regarding cheeseburgers. While my colleagues basked in burger banter, I was typically cast to the side to save my virgin ears from being tainted by cheeseburger talk. I was at the point where I knew something had to change, so I began to prepare myself for my first bite!
As Memorial Day weekend approached, a time when millions of Americans breakout their grills in anticipation of summer, I thought what better time than now to have this first, highly anticipated, first-time experience. Having thought long and hard about where my first experience would be, I settled on Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP) in Paramus, New Jersey. It would be perfect!
So, after work, on the Thursday before Memorial Day, on a warm, sunny evening, I piled into the back of my friend Talia’s Honda Element and headed to New Jersey along with my sister and a few other select friends. As we approached BBP I began to get butterflies in my stomach. What if get sick? What if I don’t put the right amount of condiments on? Questions and feelings were rushing through my head – maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I had no idea what kind of cheeseburger to even get. At BBP you can choose from 10 different kinds of burgers so I had to be strategic. I wanted something classic but one I would never forget. After careful consideration and numerous polling around the office prior to my adventure, I selected the Crunchburger™ – a burger with double American cheese and potato chips – classic yet unforgettable. For the perfect pairing, I went with Beer Battered Onion Rings and the familiar comfort of a Vanilla Bean Milkshake.
It was now time to eat! As five pairs of eyes looked on, I sank my teeth into my very first cheeseburger. It was everything I hoped it would be, soft, moist, savory, with loads of pleasant textures. I loved how the entire cheeseburger sort of welded together – a feeling I have never experienced before. This made me very excited – resulting in me finishing my cheeseburger long before the rest of my friends. It all happened so fast! I felt slightly embarrassed for eating it so quickly but I just couldn’t help myself.
As I waddled out of BBP, I felt very satisfied thinking about my first cheeseburger. I wouldn’t have changed a thing! I have no regrets about losing my cheeseburger virginity and honestly can say I’m looking forward to trying more.
What I’m:
Eating Crunchburgers™
Drinking Vanilla Bean Milkshakes
Reading Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Watching The Yankees
Listening to Van Morrison Astral Weeks: Live At The Hollywood Bowl
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Summer Skin
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By Pamela Spiegel
For those of you who have seen me in person will agree that I am fair skinned - quite simply, downright pale. If I spend 10 extra minutes in the sun between June and September, I become a shade of red that most people wear on their fingernails. Thanks to my affliction (some would say luck), I have learned a few tricks for protecting my skin during the summer. Below is my summer skin strategy:
SPF 50. Was that a laugh I heard? No seriously, I know it seems a little extreme, but I wear SPF 50. Recently, I read an interview with supermodel Iman and she stated that dermatologist Patricia Wexler had recommended she wear SPF 50 on her face daily; Iman goes on to credit this advice for her skin’s good condition at the age of 53. I believe her!
Faux tan only. I used to sit and bake in the sun for hours on end - the goal, feel the burn. With so many new faux tan options available, how do you choose the right shade of bronze? I prefer Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Sunless Tanner and Faux Tan Body Moisturizer.
Exfoliate. Ah the sun, the sand, the salt water, the dry skin. Summer, much like winter, can suck the moisture right out of perfectly balanced skin. I turn to a weekly exfoliation routine to ensure my summer glow is not washed out by dry, rough skin. Try the Terralina Gentle Facial Exfoliator.
As we head in to Memorial Day weekend, remember to pack SPF and a wide brimmed hat in your beach bag! Enjoy the sun!
What I’m:
Reading My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Watching Season Finale’s of all the shows I watch
Eating Egg white wrap
Listening to India.Arie
Drinking Iced Coffee
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
BULLFROG & BAUM HONORED FOR CAMPAIGN EXECUTED ON BEHALF OF FOOD NETWORK
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Agency Wins 2009 Bulldog Award for “Best Arts and Entertainment Campaign”
NEW YORK, NY (May 19, 2009) – Bullfrog & Baum’s work to increase awareness of the Food Network’s Next Iron Chef has earned it a bronze Bulldog Award in the category of “Best Arts & Entertainment Campaign.” The program was executed late in late 2007 into 2008 as the network introduced the new show. An extremely popular and successful program for the network, Next Iron Chef pitted master chefs from across the country in a competition to select a new personality to join the ranks of Iron Chefs Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Masaharu Morimoto and Cat Cora.
Paramount in the program’s success and ultimately last night’s honor was B&B’s ability to clearly meet a set of unique program objectives. Beyond press within the sector of culinary media and newspaper food pages, B&B succeeded in catalyzing interest for the program with lifestyle and entertainment press. Creative tactics such as a partnership with Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas that established odds for each week’s castoff and the ultimate winner fueled media interest and helped diversify coverage.
“We are extremely proud of our work on behalf of the Food Network,” said Jennifer Baum, president and founder of Bullfrog & Baum. “It means a great deal to now receive a commendation from our industry and the journalists that we work with everyday.”
The Bulldog Awards are given annually for excellence in media relations and publicity. It is the only competition judged exclusively by working journalists.
For more information on Bullfrog & Baum, visit www.bullfrogandbaum.com.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Favorite Melting Pot
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By Brooke Vecchio
I had always heard nothing but rave reviews about Astoria from family, friends, and fellow Bullfroggers Katherine, Jacque, and Shayna but little did I know just how much praise I would be giving the charming neighborhood six months after moving there!
With roughly 300,000 inhabitants hailing from around the world and residing within a five-mile-wide, square-shaped neighborhood, Astoria is a true example of a melting pot; a diverse community that constantly provides adventures in food, culture and entertainment.
I have enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of this culturally rich neighborhood community (often with my favorite sidekick) and love everything it has to offer. I love checking out the local establishments – whether venturing out and about and discovering on my own or reading about them on my favorite local blogs (kudos to “The Q Note,” “The Foodista” and “Joey in Astoria”).
As most Astorians should, I have dined at a plethora of Greek restaurants (S’Agapo, Philoxenia, Elias Corner to name a few) but they have not been able to top the meals I've had at Taverna Kyclades. My benchmark for these establishments? Their grilled octopus, of course. Served with sliced cucumbers and dressed in freshly pressed Greek olive oil, the grilled octopus at Taverna Kyclades is simply sublime. Not to mention the fact that the dish costs $10.95 and feeds three to four people, it is the one dish every table in the joint orders, whether their Yia Yia’s made it at home in the Greek isles or not.
Naturally, where there is a neighborhood with wonderful food establishments, there are usually equally wonderful drinking establishments nearby. Astoria has a vast selection of lounges, bars, and wine bars but the hottest drinking spots in the area at the moment are now located in Long Island City!
Opening tomorrow is Studio Square, a modern 30,000-square-foot beer garden that will bridge the spirit and culinary traditions of an open-air German beer garden with one of the most diverse urban landscapes in the world (AKA my backyard!). With over 15 imported, domestic, and craft beers, as well as sangria on tap, Studio Square is sure to be this summer’s hot spot.
Also new to the Long Island City/Astoria area is Dutch Kills, Sasha Petraske’s crafty cocktail den where Milk & Honey-esque creations are only $9 – a steal similar to that of Taverna Kyclades’ octopus appetizer!
I look forward to exploring and frolicking in my favorite melting pot some more; especially to continue my “Pepsi Challenge” of finding an octopus dish that comes anywhere close to my all-time favorite.
What I’m:
Reading A Day at El Bulli by Ferran Adrià
Watching Real Housewives of New Jersey (my guilty pleasure)
Listening to Rodrigo y Gabriela
Eating You guessed it… grilled octopus
Drinking Sangria (on tap!) at Studio Square
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Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Fun in the Sun = Feelin’ the Burn
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By Lindsay Sargent
Due to the unpredictable New York City weather as of late, I was thrilled to be boarding a plane to Puerto Rico a couple of weeks ago. As pasty as I can be, I was dreaming of lying in the sun and getting my base tan to show off when I returned. After all, looking ahead, I could see that the weather in NY upon my return was going to be about 40 degrees. I felt a sense of empowerment in knowing I would come back with a tan without having to pay for the fake and bake.
It was barely 2pm in Puerto Rico when we arrived at the El Conquistador Resort. This is truly a beautiful place, with stellar service, and incredible restaurants. I was anxious to get my Juicy Couture bathing suit on and pick a spot on the beach. I settled by the pool overlooking the various islands in the distance, including St. Thomas, as the resort is actually located on a cliff that overlooks the entire ocean. Of course, I grabbed my 30 SPF spray lotion and felt well-prepared to take my long-awaited nap in the sun. By 5pm, I felt a nudge on my shoulder, and an uncomfortable nudge at that. It felt like a bee was stinging me incessantly, but in fact it was my father’s hand on my crisp skin. Yes, that’s right - three hours in the Puerto Rican sun with a 30 SPF had proven to be a complete disaster. My shoulders, chest and clavicle were burned, as well as my scalp, which feels quite awful. Try brushing your hair! Even better, due to my clever use of the spray lotion (less goopy and much less work) I had missed spots and not blended in completely, leaving for some interesting “burn” lines.
The fam and I were off to dinner at Strip House, the famous New York steakhouse that recently opened in this resort. I had chosen a strapless number to help ease my pain, though the air conditioning was somewhat brutal on my skin. Goosebumps on a burn does not feel very refreshing at all. As one could have guessed, I wrapped myself in towels, stood under umbrellas, and used a lot of aloe vera for the rest of the trip. This is not to say I didn’t have some more fun in the sun…just careful fun in the sun.
I had been to Puerto Rico once before, and stayed on the other side, which is considered Old San Juan. I did enjoy myself, but not nearly as much as this time around. The El Conquistador Resort is by far one of the most incredible experiences I have had on a vacation. Between the numerous amounts of activities offered, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing on their private island, to the restaurants and nightlife, it was a blast, even with a self-induced burn! Perhaps, the most beautiful aspect of this resort is the views from every area. As mentioned, this resort is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean, providing the perfect oasis for a vacation getaway.
Even though I was certainly feelin’ the burn, I still feel the love for Puerto Rico!
Reading Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life, by Julie Morgenstern
Watching Real Housewives of New York City
Eating Chicken Noodle Soup
Drinking Water…lots of water
Listening To Lift Me Up, Angel - Kate Voegele
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Six New Clients Join Bullfrog & Baum's Roster
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May 4, 2009 (New York, NY) – Bullfrog & Baum, a nationally recognized agency specializing in hospitality, lifestyle and consumer public relations and marketing, is pleased to announce six new additions to its client roster.
“While Bullfrog & Baum is widely acknowledged for creative and strategic work with chefs and restaurants, in recent years, we have successfully solidified our influence in consumer and lifestyle categories,” said Jennifer Baum, founder and president of Bullfrog & Baum. “Today we are thrilled to announce six new client partnerships; we look forward to providing strategic and effective communications, strong value and meaningful results for these renowned brands.”
Edwards Virginia Ham
http://www.edwardsvaham.com/
Edwards, a third generation family-owned company located in Surry, VA, creates the finest Virginia hams, bacon and sausage products. A catalogue and wholesale service, Edwards’ products are regarded to be among the best and are served in renowned restaurants by top chefs throughout the country. Edwards’ newest product, a partnership with Heritage Foods, is called Surryano, a Serrano/Prosciutto style ham made with Heritage breed American hogs, cured in the traditional Virginia style.
Bullfrog & Baum’s work with the brand will include general media relations with a strong emphasis on coverage for the brand at large and its owner Sam Edwards, a true master in the art of traditional curing. Bullfrog & Baum will launch the new Surryano product in summer 2009, creating six installments of a monthly newsletter and a Facebook presence for the brand.
L'Age de Thé
http://www.lagedethe.com/
http://www.lagedethe.com/
Sourced primarily from India, L’Age de Thé is a high-end, artisanal tea line, noted for its visual beauty and its celebration of the traditional tea ceremony. The brand’s website will feature the entire line starting in late May and will also be showcased at a tea salon called Bosie, which will open in late June 2009 on Morton Street in New York’s West Village. At Bosie, resident Tea Master Kiley Holliday will engage and educate customers as well as host regular tea parties.
Bullfrog & Baum will direct all of L’Age de Thé’s media relations and will develop consumer marketing programs in key markets, starting with New York City.
Purista
http://www.puristacocktails.com/
The essence of a Mojito is a harmonious balance between perfectly ripe limes, aromatic fresh mint leaves, sugarcane juice and premium white rum. In the world of a busy bar, restaurant and nightclub, where the Mojito is a star, delivering perfect Mojitos with speed and consistency is a challenge for even the best bartenders. With the introduction of PURISTA Mojito Premium Cocktail Mix on May 1, 2009, veteran bartender Michael Hensel, founder of Synergy Beverages, Los Angeles, presents a 100% natural solution.
Bullfrog & Baum’s work with the brand will include a comprehensive introduction of the product to both trade and consumer media.
Sprinkles
http://www.sprinkles.com/
Since opening in Beverly Hills in 2005, Sprinkles, the Original Cupcake Bakery, has been credited with inspiring a national cupcake craze. Baked fresh in small batches throughout the day, Sprinkles cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients without preservatives or artificial flavors. Over 20 tantalizing flavors - including Red Velvet, Cinnamon Sugar, Strawberry and Chocolate Marshmallow - rotate daily as well as limited edition seasonal flavors. Sprinkles cupcake mixes are also available for retail purchase at Williams-Sonoma stores across the country.
Bullfrog & Baum will work closely with Sprinkles as they enter the next phase of their expansion, directing media relations, implementing marketing programming and launching new flavors and retail locations.
Susie’s Supper Club
http://www.susiessupperclub.com/
Susie’s Supper Club brings the meals you wish you had time to cook straight to your door. The service allows New York City families to dine on skillfully prepared, freshly-cooked nutritious food in the comfort of their own homes. The dishes are sophisticated enough for adults but simple enough to appeal to children’s palates.
In addition to a New York City media launch, Bullfrog & Baum will be counseling the brand on event synergies and key marketing alliances.
Terra Plana
http://www.terraplana.com/
Founded by Galahad Clark, a seventh generation shoemaker and son of the legendary Clarks shoes founder, Terra Plana creates sustainable shoes using locally sourced, recycled materials, and non-toxic dyes. Terra Plana has a full fashion shoe collection that includes the noted program Souls of Africa, a style created by women in South Africa who are trained and paid a fair wage to create hand-stitched shoes. A portion of profits go to help children affected by AIDS. Terra Plana’s unique performance shoe, Vivo Barefoot, is a hero brand in the collection, supporting a “bare foot” style of running to work all muscles in the body and alleviate pain.
Bullfrog & Baum will introduce Terra Plana’s multifaceted history and mission to the media via general media relations and in-store experiential events that bring that brand to life. Bullfrog & Baum will also work with Terra Plana to create key consumer programming that will connect the brand directly to its key demographic through the different elements that define it: fashion, green/environmental, global charitable initiatives and health/fitness.
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Bullfrog & Baum is a nationally recognized agency specializing in hospitality, lifestyle and consumer public relations and marketing. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Bullfrog & Baum was founded in 2000 by Jennifer Baum and today the firm’s international clientele includes top chefs, lifestyle personalities, iconic product lines, cookbooks, specialty stores, beauty and fashion lines, and tomorrow’s next big thing. For more information, visit http://www.bullfrogandbaum.com/.
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