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Unlocking Irresistibly Tender and Flavorful Seafood: The Art of Beer Steaming
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Steaming seafood has always been a popular cooking method, known for producing tender and flavorful dishes. While water is typically used as the steaming liquid, chef Franklin Becker from Manhattan’s Point Seven suggests a flavorful twist: using beer instead.
According to Becker, beer steaming involves substituting water with beer, which enhances the flavor of the seafood. He recommends using lighter-style beers, as they won’t overpower the delicate taste of the fish but rather complement it. For instance, you could modify a steamed crab legs recipe by replacing chicken stock with beer to bring a new level of flavor to the dish.
Becker mentions that beverages like wheat beer pair well with steaming clams, mussels, crabs, and shrimp. He emphasizes the importance of using a beer you enjoy drinking, as it impacts the overall taste of the dish. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices and seasonings that complement the seafood without overwhelming it, like Old Bay seasoning or finely chopped fresh herbs.
To present your beer-steamed seafood, serve it with a glass of the same beer used in the steaming process, along with lemon or lime wedges for a fresh twist. A side of rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables can complete the meal, ensuring that the seafood remains the highlight. With these tips, your beer-steamed seafood is sure to impress at any table.
For more culinary insights, you can read the original article on Tasting Table.
Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer Super Bowl Ad: When a Miniature Horse Steals the Show
Jason Kelce and Beau Allen star in a new Super Bowl ad for Garage Beer that humorously nods to Budweiser’s iconic Clydesdale commercials. The twist? They feature a miniature horse named Doug instead. The ad playfully suggests that only Budweiser can use full-sized Clydesdales, while Garage Beer embraces a smaller but equally charming equine star.
Doug quickly gained fame, especially after a teaser video titled "The Brotherly Shovel" went viral. Garage Beer capitalized on this by selling out Doug stickers in minutes and launching a dedicated merchandise line. They even created an Instagram account for Doug, showcasing his newfound popularity.
In an exciting promotion, Garage Beer is offering fans a chance to spend a day with Doug. The winner and a friend will receive round-trip airfare and accommodations to Willow Grove Farm in Long Valley, New Jersey, where they can enjoy lunch and craft beers by the river, go trail riding, and participate in a professional photo shoot with Doug.
The announcement for the contest winner is set for February 13th.
Whiskey Yard: A Global Culinary Experience with a Piano Bar and 200-Bottle Whiskey Library
A new dining experience is launching at Liberty Center, titled Whiskey Yard, located at 7524 Bales St., Liberty Township. Scheduled to open on Sunday, February 8, this bistro-style restaurant will offer a global menu crafted by chefs with Michelin-star experience, promising a unique culinary adventure complemented by an extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon.
Whiskey Yard will feature between 200 and 250 options of whiskies, including bourbons, scotches, and other spirits, which are perfectly paired with dishes inspired by flavors from around the world, including South and Central America, Asia, and Europe. According to Lincoln Workman, the director of operations for Epic Brands, the menu design focuses on crafting meals that enhance the whiskey drinking experience while also introducing various international flavors.
Beyond the culinary offerings, Whiskey Yard will provide nightly live music performed by a vocalist and pianist, adding a sophisticated ambiance to the dining experience. This environment is further emphasized by its décor, which features elements intended to create a moody, luxurious vibe.
Executive Chef Roberto Castañeda, alongside Chef de Cuisine Jonathan Sauer, leads the kitchen at Whiskey Yard. Both chefs bring over 30 years of culinary expertise, much of which was gained in prestigious Michelin-star establishments.
Whiskey Yard replaces the Rusty Bucket, which closed its doors in October. It will complement other Epic Brands establishments in Liberty Center, such as Agave & Rye and S.O.B. Steakhouse, while aiming to provide an upscale dining experience that stands apart from the existing restaurants in the area.
With a seating capacity of 190, Whiskey Yard aims to deliver not just dining but an immersive experience, celebrating flavors, music, and the rich tradition of whiskey.
Tequila Takes the Crown: Vodka Dethroned as the Top-Selling Alcohol in the US
In a surprising shift within the American alcohol market, ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) have overtaken vodka as the top-selling spirit by volume. Data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. reveals that Americans purchased 85.6 million 9-liter cases of RTDs in 2025, a jump of 17.1% compared to the previous year. In contrast, vodka sales fell to 72.5 million cases, down 2.2%.
RTDs, often found in cans and made from a blend of spirits, wines, or malt, have risen in popularity; they account for a diverse market share that includes malt-based beverages such as White Claw and Smirnoff Ice, which dominate sales. Notably, wine-based RTDs have also secured 4% of the total market, while spirits-based options now comprise 19%.
The surge in RTD consumption can be attributed to various factors, including convenience and cost-effectiveness, as highlighted by Chris Swonger, the CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council. He remarked that despite a slight decline in overall U.S. spirits sales—down 2.2% in 2025—consumer interest persists, particularly with innovative RTD products leading the way.
Financially, vodka remains the top revenue earner, generating $7 billion in sales in 2025, followed closely by tequila/mezcal at $6.4 billion and American whiskey at $5.1 billion. Although sales for many categories saw downturns, the success of RTDs helped mitigate an even steeper decline.
The growing market for RTDs has caught the attention of premium brands as well, with new entrants including bourbon makers exploring this expanding category. Noteworthy brands such as Surfside and others have doubled their market shares since 2021, showing the increasing inclination of consumers towards these convenient ready-to-drink options.
As consumer preferences evolve, the dynamics of the alcoholic beverage market reflect changing lifestyles, making the ready-to-drink cocktail category a significant trend to watch going forward.
11 Creative Cocktails That Showcase Scotch Beyond the Neat Pour
The U.S. State Department is taking significant steps to remove all posts from its social media accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter) dating from before Donald Trump’s second term. Reports indicate that from now on, the only way to officially access the archived posts will be through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, effectively making those earlier communications less accessible to the public.
This decision aligns with broader efforts to manage the department’s digital footprint and potentially reshape its online presence as a response to evolving political climates. The implications of such a move are considerable, as it raises questions about transparency and the public’s right to access historical government communications.
For more details, refer to the article on Engadget.
Finding Joy at Lush Wine & Spirits Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Co-owner of Lush Wine & Spirits, Mitch Einhorn, thrives on curating exciting wines and creating unique dishes. However, an alarming threat of 200% tariffs has led him to reconsider some of his purchases. Established in 2005, Lush Wine & Spirits operates as a friendly neighborhood wine shop with a cozy bistro in Roscoe Village and West Town, allowing customers to enjoy a bottle on-site or take it home.
Lush’s offerings range from caviar to brunch favorites like avocado toast and brioche French toast. But with ongoing tariff uncertainty and increased taxes on imported European wines, Einhorn feels the pressure on both his purchasing decisions and consumer prices. Tariffs have escalated from 15% to potential announcements of 200%, leading to unpredictable pricing and supply chain concerns.
Last month, President Trump hinted at additional tariffs as leverage in foreign policy, further complicating the situation for businesses reliant on imported products. Einhorn had pending orders from France when the looming tariffs emerged, and the inconsistent nature of these tariffs causes significant anxiety. “It’s just so arbitrary,” he expressed, emphasizing the broader impact of tariffs on jobs connected to the supply chain, including drivers and retail workers.
Einhorn is also grappling with rising food costs that put pressure on him to increase menu prices, a move he hesitates to make. The past year saw him obtain a building permit to expand Lush’s Roscoe Village location, a venture met with new challenges due to rising construction costs.
Despite the challenges, Einhorn remains optimistic. He continues collaborating with Washington vineyards to develop exclusive wines for Lush and diligently creates new recipes for the menu. His ultimate objective is to establish Lush as the premier destination for purchasing wine and enjoying gourmet meals without excessive prices. “If you stop learning and doing new stuff, you cease to exist,” he said, reflecting his commitment to growth amidst challenges.
A Journey Through Time: Opening a 127-Year-Old Bottle of Wine
In a Michelin-starred restaurant in Burgundy, France, a select group of wine experts gathered to witness the opening of a remarkable bottle: a 127-year-old Romanée-Conti from 1899. This exceptional wine, known for its prestigious history, was once reserved for European aristocracy and has since gained notoriety among the hyper-wealthy, with even a 1945 vintage fetching an astounding $558,000 at auction in 2018.
The bottle before them, with its worn label and lead capsule, was described by experts as a “unicorn” of the wine world. Though valuable, its true worth lay not in price but in the experience of sharing it. The owner, Singaporean businessman Soo Hoo Khoon Peng, decided to uncork this rare vintage just a year after purchasing it for his 50th birthday. He emphasized that opening such a remarkable bottle was about connection and learning, not merely status.
Régis Cimmati, a fine wine director, estimated the value of the 1899 bottle at around €100,000 ($118,000). Most bottles from the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti sell for significantly less, making this find even more extraordinary. The bottle had a storied past, initially purchased by a French noble family and forgotten in a cellar for decades. Its remarkable journey included being misidentified at an auction, where it sold for a mere handful of euros.
As the wine was opened, attendees included figures like Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and a vital link to the winery’s long history. The wine itself, made from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines before pest damage changed viticulture forever, was a biological marvel. It had survived two world wars and many other challenges, making its presence felt at the table.
The tasting proved to be exquisite, with the wine exhibiting a warm amber hue and an invigorating freshness paired with evolved notes of dried flowers and preserved plum. For those present, the moment encapsulated a unique union of history, craftsmanship, and passion for the beverage. Soo Hoo’s approach to sharing this rare vintage was hailed as a generous act, showcasing true appreciation for the art of winemaking.
Cimmati remarked on the significance of the occasion, asserting that the wine’s survival through history rendered its existence almost miraculous. In a world where such treasures are often locked away as trophies, Soo Hoo’s decision to share the experience affirmed his commitment to honor the vineyard and the people behind it.
Absolut Launches Spicy New Tabasco-Infused Vodka – A Perfect Match for Heat Lovers!
Absolut has introduced a new twist to its flavored vodka lineup with the launch of Absolut Tabasco, a collaboration that infuses their premium vodka with the essence made from the fermented red pepper mash used in Tabasco sauce. This unique blend results in a vodka that is both spicy and refined, making it an exciting addition to cocktail recipes.
The new product was highlighted during an invite-only event at Absolut’s distillery in Åhus, Sweden, where journalists and industry professionals sampled it neat, as well as in cocktails like Bloody Marys and spicy lemonades. Distilled to bring forth its natural flavor, Absolut Vodka maintains its characteristic smoothness while providing a warm kick from the Tabasco infusion.
The partnership between Absolut and Tabasco began with discussions last summer and quickly materialized into this collaborative release. Bottles have started reaching retail stores and are also available online, with the product quickly gaining popularity, soaring to the top of sales charts.
The packaging of Absolut Tabasco creatively combines elements from both brands, featuring Absolut’s iconic shape along with Tabasco’s recognizable label. The vodka aims to enhance social gatherings, providing a unique flavor experience that delivers heat without overpowering the palate.
Kate Neuhaus, Director of Global Marketing Communications at Tabasco, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the commitment to quality shared by both brands. As Absolut continues to appeal to a demographic seeking variety in their drinks, this new flavor is positioned to become a favorite, drawing fans of both Absolut and Tabasco alike.
Absolut Vodka Teams Up with Renowned Hot Sauce Brand for Bold New Expression
Absolut Vodka has teamed up with the renowned hot sauce brand Tabasco to launch a new spicy vodka called Absolut Tabasco. This distinct spirit is crafted using Absolut’s winter wheat vodka combined with the fermented, aged red pepper mash that goes into Tabasco sauce, resulting in a flavorful drink with a spicy kick.
According to the U.S. Vice President of Marketing for Absolut, Caroline Begley, this partnership highlights the brand’s commitment to bold flavors and exciting mixes. The Absolut Tabasco vodka is intended to enhance classic cocktails, making it a great addition to drinks like Bloody Marys.
Kate Neuhaus, the Director of Global Marketing Communications at McIlhenny Company, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, indicating that it captures a shared dedication to quality and adventurous flavor experiences.
Absolut Tabasco is now available across the United States at a suggested retail price of $25 for a 750ml bottle, making it an accessible option for those looking to spice up their cocktails.
Eastmoor Residents Launch New Rum Brand Inspired by Queen Esther’s Legacy
Margaret Kerr-Jarrett and Emunah Winer, both residents of Eastmoor and co-founders of Nihilo Creative Agency, have launched a new rum brand called Esther Rum, named after the biblical figure Queen Esther. The duo has spent years working in the spirits industry, having previously helped create Casa Malka Tequila. They recognized a gap in the rum market, with a noticeable boom in other spirit categories, and decided to change that.
The idea for Esther Rum originated just before its public debut on January 31, 2026, at the Wonderball event held at the Columbus Museum of Art. Their goal is to transform people’s perceptions of rum; they want to ensure that when someone tries their product, they associate it with high quality, comparable to tequila. Kerr-Jarrett recounted how her own understanding of rum changed after her marriage into a Jamaican family, which opened her eyes to the spirit’s potential beyond typical college associations.
The brand stands out not only due to its unique name but also its distinct packaging, which features a green cap and easily visible logo. This design choice aims for instant recognition, making Esther Rum a memorable choice at bars and stores. Additionally, a secondary logo featuring a lion reveals a hidden message when the bottle is flipped, inviting consumers to engage with the product on a personal level.
Despite working with a smaller budget than previous projects, the duo remains focused on creativity. They have utilized funding from ECDI, which supports small businesses, to kick-start their venture. Esther Rum can be found at various stores in Ohio, including Arena Wine and Spirits and Giant Eagle’s Grandview Market District, and is available for online purchase at drinkesther.com.
Kerr-Jarrett expressed a passion for building a brand that embraces joy and connection among consumers, encouraging them to enjoy the product in a relaxed, fun atmosphere rather than taking it too seriously.