Free People Walnut Street Opening

Yesterday I left work around 5pm to head to our brand new store on Walnut Street in Philadelphia.  We were having a private celebration for home office employees, family and friends before the doors officially opened this morning. From the moment I walked through the carved wooden door, I felt like I was in a very special place.  If you live in the area, I definitely recommend making the trip to see the store in person – but if not, I hope these photos can do it some justice!

12 Most Interesting New Products for Cocktails

The Twelve most interesting new products for cocktails? Certainly there are more than 12, but for the intent of this assignment, I chose 12 that influenced me in positive ways this past year. Sure there are some recognizable brands and a couple of under the radar finds. I was a Ministry of Rum judge in 2010, so Rum fits the profile as do bitters and of course Bourbon! This year I was named the “On Whiskey” Columnist for OKRA Magazine in New Orleans- and that led me to the discovery of Absinthe- another historic spirit enjoyed in New Orleans, location of Tales of the Cocktail. Twelve? Only Twelve? I’d better get cracking!

Art in the Age ROOT 

While we certainly enjoy cozying up to a good gin and tonic to help take the edge off, the foodie in us often desires something a bit different, more tantalizing to the taste buds. That’s where the uniquely delicious, certified-organic Art in the Age ROOT comes into play. “What’s that?” is probably running through your mind right now.

Well, here’s what the creatively innovative Philadelphia general store has to say about the origins of its delectable decoction:

"ROOT traces its heritage all the way back to the 1700s when colonists were first introduced to the Root Tea that Native Americans would drink as an herbal remedy. Brewed from sassafras, sarsaparilla, wintergreen birch bark, and other roots and herbs, Root Tea was used to cure a variety of ailments. As colonial settlers passed the recipe down from generation to generation, the drink grew in potency and complexity. This was especially true in the Pennsylvania hinterlands where the ingredients naturally grew in abundance. These homemade, extra-strong Root Teas were a favorite in colonial homes and public houses all over the northeastern colonies."

Philly Homegrown Holiday Drink Round-Up

With the holiday shopping season upon us, we thought it might be helpful to give a few suggestions on where you could stop, take a break and actually enjoy some holiday spirit(s). Below is a list of some of our favorite haunts and festive drinks, with a slight locavore bent, of course!

The Best New Spirits of 2011

I don't think wine makes a great gift. Its perceived value is tarnished by the way bottles are casually dealt out at the door by dinner party guests upon arrival. However, I do think fine spirits make splendid gifts. Elegant bottles can be found in whatever price range suits your fancy—from $30 on up—and, even better, a spirit makes a lasting impression, since it's unlikely to be consumed right away. Here are my picks of the year's best new spirits.

RHUBY: Art in the Age’s Organic Spirit

This 80-proof Philadelphia spirit harkens back to Ben Franklin and John Bartram's recipe for rhubarb-flavored tea.