Discover Fresh Flavors: Oakland’s New Bottle Shop Offers Craft Beer, Wine, and Charcuterie Delights
A new bottle shop named Good Times Oakland has opened its doors in the former Tannery Bend Beerworks location at 6369-6371 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. It allows customers to browse a wide selection of bottled beverages while also enjoying drinks at an onsite bar.
Opened for retail sales in August, Good Times will begin offering a limited food menu on September 18, featuring European-inspired small bites like charcuterie and cheese plates. Managing partner Bryan Brick emphasizes the diverse beverage options available, which include natural wines, innovative beers, and plenty of craft selections. Customers will also have access to a significant inventory, thanks to a warehouse in Concord that allows for quick transfer of additional items to the Oakland location.
Good Times Oakland features a bar with 12 draft handles focusing on beer and cider, along with around 15 rotating wine options available by the glass. Food offerings will be simple initially, including sandwiches of the week, a selection of hot dogs, charcuterie, and various snacks, all meant to complement the drinks on tap.
The bottle shop is open Thursday to Monday from noon to 10 PM. For more details, visit Good Times Oakland.
Justin Herbert Sparks Madison Beer Romance Rumors Just Hours Before Chargers Game
Justin Herbert has sparked dating rumors with Madison Beer just before the Los Angeles Chargers’ Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 16. The hints came after Beer posted a teaser on Instagram for her new single “Yes Baby,” set to release on September 19. The pop star’s post included a playful video of her walking on a treadmill in high heels, and Herbert showed his support by liking the post, which caught the attention of their fans.
This isn’t the first time the two have been linked. They were spotted together on the set of Beer’s music video in August, sharing smiles and conversation between takes. During the shoot, Beer even introduced Herbert to her crew before they left in his car, fueling speculation about their relationship.
Adding to the intrigue, they were seen enjoying a group dinner in West Hollywood, appearing affectionate as they held hands, shortly after the Chargers celebrated a strong victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite this public display, neither Herbert nor Beer has formally commented on their relationship, maintaining an air of privacy.
Herbert, who’s been known to keep his personal life out of the public eye since being drafted by the Chargers in 2020, has previously been linked to sports commentator Taylor Bisciotti, although they never publicly confirmed their relationship.
Madison Beer, known for her candidness about love, has been linked to various personalities, including musician Jack Gilinsky and TikTok star Nick Austin. In a recent interview, she expressed her deep commitment to love, stating that when she decides someone is her boyfriend, it signifies a serious commitment to her.
As Herbert continues making headlines with his stellar performances, fans are just as excited about the potential romance brewing off the field.
Six Delightful Fall Cocktails to Savor This Season
As fall arrives, the air cools, days shorten, and excitement builds for favorite seasonal activities like returning to school, sporting fall fashion, and decorating with pumpkins. While many anxiously await pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, there are other delightful ways to embrace fall flavors beyond coffee.
This year, why not celebrate the season with a selection of delicious cocktails that capture classic autumn tastes? Here are eight scrumptious drink recipes to enjoy, whether you prefer to craft them yourself or opt for pre-made cocktail kits.
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Sparkle Maple Old Fashioned
Reimagine the Old Fashioned with a fall twist by using WhistlePig rye whiskey and their special sparkle maple syrup. Combine 1½ ounces of rye whiskey, ¼ ounce of sparkle maple syrup, and three dashes of bitters. Stir, ice, and garnish with orange peel for a cocktail that glimmers. -
Maple Sour Two Ways
Create a seasonal rendition of the whiskey sour by substituting simple syrup with maple syrup. Shake 1½ ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ½ ounce of maple syrup with ice. Pour into a glass with ice and sprinkle with cinnamon for added flavor. For a New York sour variation, float red wine on top for a beautiful finish. -
The Fall Collins
This refreshing drink transforms the classic Tom Collins. Mix 1½ ounces of gin, ¾ ounce of spiced apple syrup, and ½ ounce of lemon juice. Shake well, serve over ice, and garnish with dried apple slices. A cocktail kit for The Fall Collins is also available from The Griffo Distillery. -
Apple Cider Sangria
Perfect for gatherings, this easy recipe combines sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with lemon, orange, ginger beer, and white wine in a pitcher for a delightful autumn punch. -
Apple Cider Mimosa
Refresh your brunch with this fall-inspired twist by swapping out orange juice for apple cider in your traditional mimosa. Enhance presentation with edible sprinkles on the rims of your champagne flutes. -
Cranberry Apple Margarita
Blend together 1½ cups each of tequila, apple cider, and cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail) along with ¾ cup of orange juice. For a fancier touch, garnish with apple slices and rim the glasses with a mix of granulated and brown sugar. -
An Apple A Day
For a more sophisticated drink reminiscent of apple pie, prepare a spiced syrup with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and sugar. Shake this syrup with bourbon, apple brandy, vanilla liqueur, apple cider, lemon juice, and serve garnished with a slice of Granny Smith apple.
These cocktails highlight the richness of fall flavors, perfect for cozying up on brisk evenings or celebrating seasonal gatherings. Enjoy responsibly, and embrace the essence of autumn in every sip!
10 Must-Try Recipes from Food & Wine’s October Issue
The latest issue of Food & Wine is out now, unveiling a delightful compilation of fall recipes that capture the season’s essence. Offering a mix of convenience and comfort, these dishes feature rich flavors and quick preparation times. This month also marks the annual restaurant issue, showcasing favorites from Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, who have contributed their go-to recipes that can be made in a snap.
Here’s a roundup of ten must-try recipes that are perfect for cozy nights this fall:
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One-Pot Chicken Arroz Caldo: A soothing Filipino chicken and rice porridge, this dish features creamy arborio rice infused with ginger and chicken fat. Get the recipe.
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Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Pepper Sauce: This simple one-pan meal boasts crispy chicken thighs complemented by a creamy tomato and bell pepper sauce, highlighted with sherry vinegar. Get the recipe.
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Bucatini with Shiitake Cream Sauce: Featuring an umami-packed mushroom sauce made with bucatini pasta, this dish also incorporates crumbled Italian sausage and sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meal. Get the recipe.
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Double-Chocolate Brownie Cakes: A captivating dessert that combines the best of brownies and moist chocolate cake, perfect for entertaining or enjoying during the week. Get the recipe.
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Cheese Tarts with Bacon and Fingerling Potatoes: This irresistible dish features a golden puff pastry crust topped with rich French cheese, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions. Get the recipe.
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Roasted Squash with Spicy Nori Butter: Acorn squash is roasted to perfection and tossed with a spicy melted nori butter for a unique side dish bursting with flavor. Get the recipe.
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Steak with Miso-Pistachio Romesco: Enjoy a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak served with a smoky, miso-infused romesco sauce that includes creamy pistachios. Get the recipe.
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Flounder with Lemony Butter Beans: This elegant dish features delicate flounder poached in a zesty white wine sauce, served alongside butter beans. Get the recipe.
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Choripán (Argentinian Chorizo Sandwich): A street food favorite, this sandwich includes juicy chorizo links, paprika, and toppings of chimichurri sauce. Get the recipe.
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Coconut Banana Pudding: A delightful fusion of American banana pudding and Vietnamese chè chuối, this dessert features layers of coconut and pandan for added flavor and color. Get the recipe.
For more inspiration, you can read the original article on Food & Wine.
Savoring Sicily: A Guide to Exceptional Red Wines from the Island’s Vineyards
So many aspects of Sicily evoke a sense of enchantment. Picture winetasting dinners under the stars in a Catania courtyard, the bustling narrow streets of Siracusa by the waterfront, and the stunning limestone architecture in the hilly streets of Noto. Amidst these picturesque settings lies the undeniable quality of Sicilian wines, particularly its exceptional red varieties.
This week highlights some notable red wines from Sicily, including the celebrated Nero D’Avola grape and other prominent red varietals.
Sicilian Wine Statistics
- 242,000 acres of vineyards
- 7,200 wine growers
- 530 wine bottlers
- 30% of organic Italian wine is produced in Sicily
Historical Background
Wine production in Sicily has thrived for over 4,000 years, tracing its roots to the Greeks. Ideal conditions for winemaking abound due to its hot summers, mild rainy winters, diverse soils, and a rich variety of grape species—over 70 types flourish on the island.
Regions of Winemaking
Sicily’s four distinct climatic zones contribute to the richness of its wines:
- Coastal Climate: Milder and beneficial for grape growth.
- Mt. Etna Area: Features humidity and warmth in the east, transitioning to cooler northern slopes.
- Mountainous Areas: Colder regions compared to the island’s other areas.
- Inland Area: Hotter and more humid conditions prevail here.
Notable Sicilian Red Wine Grapes
Sicily showcases more than 70 red grape varieties, with three key players producing some of the island’s finest wines:
- Nero D’Avola: Indigenous to Sicily and recognized for its fruit-forward character. Gaining popularity since the 1600s and 1800s, it set the stage for Sicily’s wine renown.
- Frappato: Often blended with Nero D’Avola, this native grape lends a fresh, floral finish.
- Nerello Mascalese: Grown predominantly on Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes, it produces elegant wines reflecting the unique earthy qualities of the region.
Recommended Tasting Notes
The following wines offer an exciting glimpse into Sicily’s red wine offerings, all sampled by the author:
- 2022 Kaggera Nero D’Avola: A lush, dense wine with floral aromas, hints of dark chocolate and leather.
- 2022 Colosi Nero D’Avola: Delicate and fragrant, with lasting cherry and raspberry notes.
- 2021 Fondo Antico ‘Nene’ Nero D’Avola: An outstanding wine with notes of black licorice and raspberry, revealing elegant flavors over time.
- 2020 Eruzione 1614 Planeta (Highly Recommended): A lively red from Nerello Mascalese, it boasts bright, intense flavors reminiscent of Beaujolais.
- 2021 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso DOC: A light, bright red with vivid fruit notes of cherry and raspberry.
Local Wine Events
For those interested in further exploring exceptional wines, a wine tasting class focusing on New Zealand wines is being held at Provisions in Longmeadow on September 23 from 6 to 8 PM. Tickets are available for $25.
Whether you’re indulging in an everyday wine or looking to splurge, Sicilian red wines offer a delightful experience, showcasing the island’s rich viniculture and flavorful grape varieties. Cheers!
American Whiskey Brand Crowned World’s Most Admired for the Third Consecutive Year by Expert Panel
In 2023, Michter’s whiskey, a brand hailing from Kentucky, secured its place in history by being named the first American brand to top the Drinks International list of The World’s Most Admired Whiskies. This accolade marked a significant milestone, showcasing the growing prominence of American whiskey in a market that has traditionally favored Scotch and Japanese spirits.
Fast forward to 2025, Michter’s achievements only continued to grow as it was honored as the World’s Most Admired Whiskey for the third consecutive year. This recognition comes from a panel consisting of 100 independent drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders, and whiskey experts from over 20 countries. Participants were tasked with ranking their ten most admired brands based on criteria such as quality, consistency, price-to-quality ratio, and the strength of branding.
Alongside Michter’s, Maker’s Mark was the only other American brand to feature in the top ten list, which is dominated by global names in the whiskey industry. The top ten for 2025 includes:
- Michter’s
- The Yamazaki
- Hibiki
- Ardbeg
- Compass Box
- Maker’s Mark
- Bruichladdich
- The Macallan
- Hakushu
- Laphroaig
Michter’s legacy traces back to the 18th century in Pennsylvania, initially as Shenk’s Distillery, later rebranded as Bomberger’s. After facing bankruptcy in 1989, the trademark was acquired by Joe Magliocco for about $250 in the late 1990s. In 2015, production shifted to a new facility in Shively, Kentucky, located just south of Louisville.
The brand now offers a diverse lineup that includes Kentucky straight bourbon, rye, sour mash, and American whiskeys, with special releases such as the Michter’s Legacy Series and limited production age-stated whiskeys. Michter’s is also famed for its commitment to a lower barrel entry proof of just 103, enhancing flavor while balancing production costs.
Matt Magliocco, Michter’s Executive Vice President, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the honor of being acknowledged among so many esteemed distilleries and talented individuals in the whiskey industry. Additionally, Michter’s operates the Fort Nelson Distillery in Louisville, featuring a small distillation setup and a popular cocktail bar, and is developing a property in Springfield, Kentucky, for estate-grown grain.
Learn more about Michter’s at their official website.
Ron Del Barrilito: How Puerto Rico’s Oldest Rum Distillery is Capitalizing on its Rich History for Success
Founded in 1880 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Ron del Barrilito is the island’s oldest rum distillery. Although the surrounding landscape has changed significantly, the distillery remains a testament to time-honored craftsmanship. Ron del Barrilito has persistently adhered to its original recipes and processes, solidifying its place in the spirits industry despite lacking the widespread name recognition of larger brands.
Historically, Puerto Rico was a hub for sugar cane plantations, with rum production playing a vital role in its economy. However, the industry underwent challenges, particularly during U.S. Prohibition, when Ron del Barrilito had to cease operations for 13 years. Despite these setbacks, the brand has thrived by staying true to its roots.
Hacienda Santa Ana, the distillery’s home, is steeped in history. Don Pedro Fernández, inspired by European cognac makers, crafted the original formulation, which led to the famous Three Stars expression. The site not only houses the distillery but also preserves relics from the brand’s legacy, including original furnishings and awards.
A visit to Ron del Barrilito offers a glimpse into the seamless blend of history and modern innovation. The distillery, equipped with updated technology, preserves traditional aging methods using oloroso sherry casks. Visitors can participate in mixology classes and tasting sessions, showcasing the rich flavors of the distillery’s offerings, including the limited-edition Five Stars aged up to 35 years.
One noteworthy aspect of the distillery tour is the legendary barrel known as La Doña, casked in 1952 and sealed with a promise to open it upon Puerto Rico’s independence. This narrative encapsulates the distillery’s commitment to its craft and its deep-rooted connection to the culture and history of Puerto Rico. Ron del Barrilito is seen as more than just a product; it’s a symbol of resilience and heritage for the island and its people.
The Ultimate Taste Test: 7 Jarred Vodka Sauces Reviewed—Find Out My Top Pick!
If you’re a fan of vodka sauce, you know that the perfect blend can elevate any pasta dish. In search of the best jarred options, I put several brands to the test, seeking that ideal combination of flavor, texture, and the unmistakable pink hue that characterizes a good vodka sauce.
Testing Method
I chose a variety of well-known and lesser-known brands to see how they stacked up. To remove any bias, my husband and I conducted a blind taste test. We prepared warm rigatoni and topped each serving with one of the sauces before mixing to ensure an even distribution. Each sauce was evaluated based on appearance, consistency, flavor, and overall preference.
Rankings of Vodka Sauces
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Prego
- Prego’s Creamy Vodka Sauce was the standout winner. Its rich and ultra-creamy texture, along with the perfect pink color and a subtle vodka flavor, made it a great choice for busy weeknights.
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Di Bruno Bros.
- This sauce caught my eye with its herb-focused flavor profile while staying true to the classic vodka sauce appearance. Made with fewer ingredients, it offers a refreshing herbaceous twist.
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Carbone
- With a sweet tomato flavor, Carbone’s sauce is delicious but leans more toward marinara than vodka sauce. Some assembly is required since the jar suggests adding cream for the full effect.
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Silver Palate
- Spicy and creamy, this sauce met expectations with its rich consistency and perfect adherence to pasta. However, its peppery flavor might not suit everyone’s palate.
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Bertolli
- While it looked like a vodka sauce, Bertolli’s thin consistency and bland flavor underwhelmed compared to other options, making it a disappointing fifth place.
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Rao’s
- Rao’s boasts a bold flavor that unfortunately doesn’t quite fit the vodka sauce category. Its texture is commendable, being thick enough to cling to pasta, but it lacks the essential vodka notes.
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Trader Joe’s
- Despite high hopes, Trader Joe’s vodka sauce was a letdown. Its more marinara-like flavor and thin, chunky texture landed it at the bottom of the list.
Conclusion
For a busy weeknight dinner, Prego is the best jarred vodka sauce to keep on hand, offering a delicious and creamy experience that rivals homemade options. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, Di Bruno Bros. and Carbone provide unique flavors worth exploring.
Star-Studded Lineup: Celebrity Chefs Headlining the 2025 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
Renowned celebrity chefs Todd English and Michael Mina are set to headline the 2025 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. Both chefs will host their signature tasting experiences and participate in meet-and-greets during the event, which will take place on November 14 and 15, 2025.
About the Chefs
Todd English and Michael Mina are celebrated figures in the culinary world, each having won James Beard Awards. They are also known for their restaurants at the Walt Disney World Dolphin: Todd English’s bluezoo and Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. Guests can expect a strong culinary presence and innovative cuisine from both chefs during the festival.
Signature Tasting Experiences
Guests attending the festival can participate in special tasting events:
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On November 14, Chef English will present “A Culinary Journey Through Asia,” featuring a unique five-course menu with dishes like Bluefin Tuna trio and Koji-cured short rib, paired with wines and sake.
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On November 15, Chef Mina will lead “A Global Inspired Tour With Flair,” a five-course dinner that includes bacon-wrapped scallop and slow-roasted prime rib, accompanied by specially selected wines and a dessert cocktail.
These experiences are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. each day, priced at $185 per person, plus taxes and fees. Tickets are available here.
Event Details
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic celebrates its 16th year with unlimited tastings of over 45 different dishes and more than 170 beverage selections each evening. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., encouraging guests to attend both days for the full experience.
One-day tickets are available for $210.68, and a bundle for both nights is offered at a discounted rate of $403.30. Tickets can be purchased via FoodAndWineClassic.com and guests can call 1-888-828-8850 for exclusive room rates with proof of ticket purchase.
Will you be attending the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic this year?
Costco Issues Urgent Safety Notice: Popular Sparkling Wine Affected by Shattering Risk
Costco has issued a warning regarding its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene (item #1879870) after discovering a defect that poses a risk of the bottle shattering even when unopened. This safety notice applies to bottles sold between April 25 and August 26.
Customers are advised not to open any unopened bottles they may possess. Instead, they should safely dispose of them by wrapping the bottle in paper towels, sealing it in a plastic bag, and placing it in the trash to prevent injury from shattered glass. Costco has requested that customers do not return the bottles to the store.
For those who purchased this sparkling wine, Costco will send letters informing them of the issue and providing details on how to obtain a full refund when they return the letter to their nearest store.
If you have any concerns or need more information, you can reach out to Ethica Wines, the manufacturer, at customercare@ethicawines.com or by phone at 786-810-7132.