Sara Waxman, OOnt, is an award-winning restaurant critic, best-selling cookbook…
These companies have stepped up to win our love, and they’ve succeeded!
Haagen Dazs
News from Haagen Dazs has me jumping up and down. I’ve bought a big box of sugar cones and a fancy new ice cream scooper to celebrate. We all grew up with ice cream as a summer treat. Time was, there was Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry, all made with rich dairy milk and cream. We were happy. A 15-cent cone was one scoop and a 25-cent cone was two scoops.
Fast forward a few decades, and suddenly, the spectre of lactose intolerance took people hostage, including me. “No ice-cream for you, young lady,” I was sternly told. Today I am throwing kisses at the cartons of plant-based Haagen Dazs frozen desserts stacked in my freezer. I had to negotiate with the hearty eater in my household for the Chocolate Peanut Butter. He found it too delicious to share. They’ve blended the world’s favourite flavours into one carton. My favourite is the Vanilla Raspberry Truffle, a luscious trio of big hunks of chocolate truffle nested in rich Vanilla oat-based frozen dessert, punctuated with real raspberry swirls. (And just because I can, I put a scoop on my morning oatmeal today.) Caramel Fudge Chip satisfies on three levels with salty caramel and chunky chocolate chips in creamy Vanilla frozen dessert.
Ciroc Honey Melon Limited Edition
The CIROC Elevated French 75 has raised the bar, and created a new Revolution. I am just one of millions who enjoy Vodka brands from all parts of the world, made from grains, potatoes and other products. To my knowledge, CIROC is the only Vodka crafted from French grapes. Grapes! Imagine the elegant taste. This limited edition, infused with melon, honey and other natural flavours, feels like summer, fresh air and sunshine, and relaxing after sports. Elevated French 75 became my favourite summer cocktail right from the first sip.
Elevated French 75
1.5 oz. CIROC Honey Melon
.75 oz. Simple syrup
Top off with Champagne (or Prosecco)
Garnish: a few drops of Peychaud bitters
Add CIROC and Simple syrup into a shaker. Add ice and shake for about 8 seconds. Strain into flute glass, add Champagne or Prosecco and garnish.
Origin Organic
Origin Organic has taken water and turned it into a rock concert! In fact, Juno Award winner Savannah Ré, renowned dancer Siphe November and PAI founder Chef Nuit Regular partnered with Origin Organic to share their unique, captivating origin stories.
As for me, I follow the dictates of a renowned Hollywood doctor who says, “on arising, the first thing is to drink a bottle of cool water.” Now, that is an automatic habit. But a glass of Origin Organic Peach, Triple Berry or Lime just makes my eyes light up and erases all the sleepy cobwebs. This sparkling water is made with non-GMO and organic flavours, and it is total tingly refreshment. Calories? 0.
Sara Waxman, OOnt, is an award-winning restaurant critic, best-selling cookbook author, food and travel journalist and has eaten her way through much of the free world for four decades, while writing about it in books, newspapers and magazines. She is the Editor in Chief of DINE magazine.