Evolution of bees: Their role in making Plant-based Honey
Traditionally bees have a massive role in producing honey. So, removing their support seems unrealistic, or does it? And sure, scientists can try to explain it. But can someone explain it in simple terms, in a way that a curious foodie could understand it?
Let’s find out in an exclusive interview with Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich.
Darko Mandich is a food entrepreneur in San Francisco. After spending almost a decade in the European honey industry as a business executive, Darko committed to reimagining the honey industry to become sustainable. Darko immigrated from Europe to California to launch Mellody, the world’s first plant-based honey brand. Darko is an advocate of saving the bees and wild pollinators.
Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Darko.
From a science point of view, how are you creating plant-based honey products?
The process has to start with philosophy. When people think about science, engineering and process, what comes to their mind is what’s the science? What’s the engineering behind that? What’s the process of making something?
But I would argue that every process, every science starts with a philosophy in the first place. So for us, our philosophy was there’s honey made by the bees in the market, the real ones, that product quality-wise is amazing, but has negative baggage in terms of how it’s made. Next to that, there’s fake honey. There’s basically adulterated honey that’s made by people taking fraudulent activities and blending a little bit of real honey and a lot of rice syrup.
That’s done outside of the US by people trying not to get caught. The third group are vegan honey alternatives, made out of tapioca, dates, maple, pure sugar. These products are just not honey. Trying to impersonate honey, but it’s not honey. It’s a legit product. It’s in the market. People can buy it.
What was missing is the fourth group, which is the category that we pioneered.
Honey, the product that has the composition of real honey but that doesn’t have any rice syrups, nothing that doesn’t belong to honey. But, it’s not made by the bees and therefore by default is vegan and plant-based. So that was the category that we started, and we didn’t start it only for vegans. Obviously vegans are our early adopters. They love what we’re doing. I’m vegan myself. But I want this to be an inclusive company and brand, and therefore we launched this for everybody. For everybody who likes delicious and nutritious foods. By choosing this you’re basically voting for those little creatures to survive on this planet.
You asked me about the process.
You wanna make honey only from something that in nature that touches bees and honey, it’s very strict. Our team studied a lot of different honeys, the different anatomy of the bees, the science behind honey production. Bees land on a flower, they suck up nectar. And there’s a couple of things in a bee’s anatomy. We came up with this proprietary process where we interact with the plants, we take different parts of the plants.
What’s really exciting and cool is we can take the whole plant, break it into different ingredients, and take parts of the plant that maybe bees don’t have access to, like its roots. So we take different ingredients from different plants. We have more than 30 different plants in our product that we launched and we created this process that is basically mixing all those ingredients in a food facility in a regular culinary approach, and basically create a product that looks, tastes, and behaves like honey.
Is your honey currently available at Eleven Madison Home?
This is the product from a direct to consumer collaboration. We just launched with three Michelin star, Eleven Madison Park in New York City.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Yeah, the honey is currently available. The Specialty Tea and Honey Box launched for the Mother’s Day collection and Earth Month.
It’s a specially curated box of artisanal teas coming from different parts of the world with honey and also amazing, shortbread cookies. All plant-based, also made with our honey. That’s available right now
Sometime very soon a standalone jar [of honey] will also be available to Eleven Madison Home.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Tell us again what’s available, how to find it; and how to follow you and support you.
Yeah, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at MellodyFoods
In terms of purchasing, head to ElevenMadisonHome.com and you can purchase it there.
Saving the bees is learning more about them. Learning more about pollinators and you can do that on our social media.
And finally, if you’re equally passionate about bees and plants as we are, ask your favorite restaurant to reach out to us to offer Mellody in your favorite restaurant. It can be a vegan restaurant on non-vegan.
We are gonna work with all the restaurants that reach out to us where people ask to see our product offered, either on the menu, either within a meal, or just if you order a cup of tea and you want a side of Mellody.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
DC’s Apéro, Napa’s Be Bubbly, NYC’s Coqodaq: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
Napa’s Be Bubbly, NYC’s Coqodaq, DC’s Apéro: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
From Napa to DC to Manhattan and just 7 other sparkling stops!
Bureau du Champagne, USA today announced its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants where Champagne plays a starring role. The list, now in its third year, recognizes establishments that elevate and celebrate the uniqueness of the sparkling wine that comes only from Champagne, France.
Released in advance of Champagne Day 2024, the list showcases Champagne standouts in every U.S. region. It recognizes restaurants and bars that take special care to offer Champagnes from a wide variety of producers, list them properly on their menus, and serve them with élan.
“We received nominations for spectacular bars and restaurants across the country, and selected from them a list of destinations that embody the spirit of Champagne,”
Lori Russo
Director,
the Bureau du Champagne, USA.
“While these restaurants and bars differ in style, spanning the spectrum from fine dining to fried chicken, they all have one thing in common: they understand what makes Champagne special. For that, we couldn’t be prouder to raise a glass to them on Champagne Day and the rest of the year.”
The full list of this year’s featured bars and restaurants can be found below in alphabetical order:
- Apéro, Washington, DC: Apéro’s list of more than 700 wines places special emphasis on Champagne. The intimate setting in DC’s popular Georgetown neighborhood is an ideal spot to explore an extensive list of Champagnes smartly organized by style.
- Be Bubbly, Napa, Calif.: In the heart of California wine country, Be Bubbly takes care to showcase Champagne with a menu that includes a map of the region’s five wine-producing districts and a philosophy of Champagne as a celebration of life.
- Boiler Room, Omaha: The wine list at this terroir-focused restaurant, originally conceived by a Master Sommelier, offers a broad range of Champagnes at varying price points so everyone can join in the celebration.
- Charleston, Baltimore: The wine program at Charleston emphasizes the special relationship between wine and food. The Champagne list, which spans three pages of its menu, explains the magic of Champagne along with a diversity of tasting profiles.
- Coqodaq, New York: Proving the versatility of Champagne, Coqodaq pairs the sparkling wine with both caviar and its signature bucket of Korean fried chicken.
- Coupes, Dallas: Coupes bills itself as a bar for Champagne. True to its name, its vast menu of Champagnes explains that “Champagne is a sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne.”
- Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar, Sacramento, Calif.: Fizz believes in celebrating everyday triumphs with Champagne. Its menus and events elevate Champagne from France and distinguish it from other sparkling wines.
- La Vie, Waikiki, Hawaii: La Vie’s emphasizes farm-to-table dining with French flair, so its large selection of vintage and non-vintage Champagnes creates the perfect complement, and the view is special, too.
- Pops for Champagne, Chicago: Known for its special events, tastings, Champagne education and a vast list of Champagnes of every style, Pops has been dazzling Chicago with Champagne since 1982.
- Sexy Fish, Miami: The extraordinary interior of this Brickell restaurant is matched only by its extensive list of Champagnes both accessible and rare.
For more information on Champagne Day or to find an event near you, visit champagneday.champagne.fr. More events will be added in the near future, so check back often.
Bureau du Champagne, USA, is the official U.S. representative of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), a trade association representing the houses and winegrowers of Champagne, France. The Bureau works to advance the CIVC’s mission of defending the interests of the Champagne appellation worldwide through education and advocacy. For more information, visit us online at www.champagne.us.
DC to TX for Gin: Self-made Billionaire John Paul DeJoria acquires Waterloo Gin
Self-made Billionaire John Paul DeJoria acquires Waterloo Gin
Passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria, the self-made billionaire founder of Patrón Tequila and Paul Mitchell hair care, has announced the purchase of Waterloo Gin, the first gin brand distilled in Texas.
Developed by Treaty Oak Distilling in Dripping Springs, Texas, near Austin, Waterloo Gin was launched in 2009, named after Austin’s original name – Waterloo – before the city was rechristened in the 1830s for Texas pioneer Stephen F. Austin.
Waterloo is known for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and unique flavor profile that blends fruits and botanicals that perfectly capture the Texas Hill Country.
The brand’s flagship Waterloo No. 9 Gin (94 proof) is crafted in the New American style, distilled with nine local botanicals including lavender, grapefruit, and pecan. The other expression in the Waterloo portfolio, Waterloo Antique Gin (also 94 proof), spends two years in first-use medium char American white oak barrels, matured under the hot Texas sun to develop rich wood flavors that complement the herbal notes of the base Waterloo No. 9. Both Waterloo Gins are naturally 100% gluten, carb, and additive free.
“Waterloo is an extraordinarily high-quality, innovative and world-class spirit, a gin I’m certain that people will enjoy,” says DeJoria, who founded Patrón Tequila in 1989 and built it into a $5.1 billion business when it was sold to Bacardi in 2018.
“I’m very honored for the opportunity to help grow this incredible brand, and share Waterloo Gin with more bartenders, retailers, and consumers all across the country.”
The company will be led by CEO Justin Meigs, who was previously an original member of the Empress Gin executive team that launched and grew the brand to over 260,000 annual case sales in 5 years, prior to the company’s exit in 2022.
“I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter for the Waterloo brand, now in the capable hands of John Paul DeJoria and his talented team of spirits industry veterans,” says Daniel Barnes, the founder of Waterloo at Treaty Oak. “Their deep industry experience and passion for cultivating and growing brands gives me great confidence that Waterloo will continue to flourish and reach new consumers everywhere.”
Though the recipe, production process, and brand name for Waterloo Gin will not change, the brand packaging and imagery will undergo a comprehensive refresh, with expanded national distribution, early next year.
Currently, Waterloo is available through Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) in Texas and Breakthru Beverage in Florida.
Additionally, customers in other states can purchase Waterloo online at www.waterloogin.com/shop-gin.
DC Seizes Tonight: Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches “Seize Tonight”
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey released an engaging new commercial to support the recently launched “Seize Tonight” which encourages fans of Larceny to unleash their carefree spirit and get into some “good mischief”.
The brand will also extend its reach with Community Ambassadors who embody this same spirit in the gaming, music and food scenes to create compelling content which highlights the craftsmanship behind Larceny Bourbon and their respective passions.
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches “Seize Tonight” Screenshot
The “Seize Tonight” campaign is centered around the idea that the most memorable moments happen when you let curiosity get the best of you and take a little risk – much like John E. Fitzgerald himself.
On the heels of its successful premium packaging redesign, the brand will debut an engaging new ad on premium streaming platforms directed by award-winning commercial film director André Betz.
The spot shows how Larceny can be the catalyst for turning an ordinary evening into a memorable one.
The hero seizes the opportunity to liven his friends’ night out by playing the piano after seeing a compelling vision of a keyhole ignite on the instrument. The crowd is surprised to hear the piano play, partly because the hero is so good, but also because the piano is clearly off limits. The spot reaches a pivotal moment when the stern bartender walks over to tell off the hero, only to reveal that she’s there to pour him a glass of Larceny in appreciation of his spontaneity.
Both the 30-second video, as well as 15-second version, will be streamed on Connected TV and Online Video.
The “Seize Tonight” campaign’s manifesto will be brought to life by expanding the brand’s reach and appeal beyond the traditional bourbon drinker through influential Community Ambassadors in the gaming, music and food scenes.
LP Giobbi is a celebrated DJ, producer, pianist, and activist, known for her innovative sound and impactful contributions to music and advocacy.
BlackKrystel is a dominant force in in the world of gaming and has made her mark as an efficacious voice for carefree, authentic fun.
Fabrizio Villalpando is a no-holds-barred home cook whose bold attitude towards entertaining through food has left a mark in the culinary scene.
Justin Sajda is a self-described “average guy who makes above average cocktails” whose creative concoctions elevate the spirits he serves behind the bar and on social media where he can be found @thirstywhale_.
Unlike many other bourbons, Larceny is made with wheat instead of the traditional rye, using a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley. The use of 20% wheat as the secondary flavor grain is 25% more than the leading competitor, resulting in exceptional smoothness. Larceny Small Batch is available nationwide at a SRP of $27.99 and the new, premium packaging is now shipping. Individual batches of Larceny Barrel Proof are released nationally on an allocated basis three times annually at a SRP of $64.99 and will be bottled in the new packaging starting this fall.
Fans of Larceny are encouraged to enjoy it straight, on the rocks or in the classic Paper Plane cocktail.
ABOUT LARCENY BOURBON
The story of Larceny begins with John E. Fitzgerald, a bonded U.S. Treasury agent with a penchant for thievery of the best Bourbon.
Using his keys to let himself into rickhouses at night, the “Fitzgerald Barrels”, as they came to be known, became one of America’s most beloved whiskeys after Prohibition with the launch of Old Fitzgerald.
Today, the John E. Fitzgerald story continues through Larceny, an incredibly smooth and exceptional small batch Wheated Bourbon. First brought to market in 2012, Larceny is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade.
Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the brand offers Larceny Small Batch and Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Since its inception, Larceny has been an award-winning, best in class Bourbon receiving accolades such as Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year in 2020. F
or more information, please visit www.larcenybourbon.com.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”
-
Entertaining and Luxurious at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Washington D.C. / National Mall.
Make your visit educational and entertaining when staying at the Hyatt Place hotel in Washington D.C. / National Mall.
Guests are steps away from the Museum of the Bible, Smithsonian museums, and historical landmarks in the heart of the city.
Catch a concert at The Anthem, indulge in waterfront dining, or simply take a stroll along the nearby District Wharf.
Hyatt Place Hotel Dining
Wake up to breakfast served daily at Hyatt Place Washington DC/ National Mall.Grab a snack from our 24/7 Gallery Market—and go!Enjoy the incredible Washington D.C. views with delicious cocktails at our rooftop bar.Breakfast Barcurrently featuring a selection of individually wrapped, pre-packaged breakfast items such as fresh fruit, yogurt, and more.The PlaceryWhen cravings strike, head to The Placery located at the lobby bar.Here, you’ll find a thoughtfully sourced, cleverly curated menu that has something for everyone. Try the popular burger, Chicken Caesar Salad, or Turkey Pesto Sandwich. And don’t forget to pair it with one of their premium alcoholic beverages.With comfortable spaces to lounge and seating at the bar, you’re welcome to post up for the afternoon or grab something to go if you’re just passing through.The MarketVisit The Market for a selection of perfectly packaged grab-and-go items.CityBar Rooftop BarEnjoy a cocktail and take in the stunning views of the Washington DC Skyline from our seasonal rooftop bar.
CityBar DC is expected to open for the 2021 season on September 1st.
Your Spacious Hyatt Place Hotel Room
All of Hyatt’s spacious hotel rooms in Washington, D.C. feature Hyatt Luxury Pillowtop Mattress, modern media and work centers, 42″ TV, Cozy Corner with sofa or sofa-sleeper, and bathroom with granite countertops and free amenities. Forget something? Hyatt Necessities have you covered with must-have items you can buy, borrow, or enjoy for free while you stay in the Washington, D.C. accommodations.
Enjoy this 770 to 880-square-foot suite featuring a separate bedroom and living area with floor-to-ceiling windows, including one king bed with a Hyatt Luxury Pillowtop Mattress.Amenities
- Kitchenette with microwave
- Dining area with seating for 4
- Bathroom with dual vanity
- Swiveling 42″ flat-screen HDTV
- Oversized Cozy Corner with sofa sleeper
- Coffeemaker
- AM/FM alarm clock radio
- Separate workspace
- Cordless speakerphone with voicemail
- Minifridge with freezer
- Wet/dry bar
- Iron, ironing board, and hair dryer
-
Shania Twain ‘Queen Of Me’ tour adds Washington DC June 27 date at Columbia’s Merriweather Post Pavilion
Shania Twain ‘Queen Of Me’ tours adds Washington DC June 27 date at Columbia’s Merriweather Post Pavilion
Gearing up for another monumental chapter, five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain will release her new album, Queen of Me, on February 3, 2023.
It notably stands out as her sixth original full-length offering, first record since 2017, and official debut for her new label partner Republic Nashville, a division of Republic Records.
Shania Twain ‘Queen Of Me’ tours adds Washington DC June 27 date at Columbia’s Merriweather Post Pavilion
On November 14th at 3pm PT/6pm ET, Shania will join celebrated TV personality Nancy O’Dell for TalkShopLive where fans can hear stories around the making of Queen of Me and pre-order special autographed editions of the album and special box sets. Link HERE.
To celebrate this next era in style, she will also embark on a global 49-date Queen of Me Tour, produced by Live Nation.
The tour marks the first time fans around the world will get to see the queen in all of her glory in nearly five years, following a highly successful Vegas residency run.
Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Breland, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block, and Mickey Guyton will be joining Shania on select dates throughout the tour.
The Queen of Me Tour kicks off on Friday, April 28th at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA and makes stops across North America and Europe in Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Dublin and more before wrapping up on September 26th at Utilita Arena in Birmingham, UK.
“Let’s go girls..”, the Queen has returned.
TICKETS: Tickets go on sale starting Friday, November 4th at 10am local at LiveNation.com.
PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the North American leg of the Queen of Me Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, November 1st at 10am local time until Thursday, November 3rd at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
Additionally, Shania and Live Nation have announced that $1 of every ticket purchased to Shania’s “Queen Of Me” Tour will be donated to SKC. Established in 2010 by Shania Twain, SKC provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crises and economic hardship. SKC provides children with one-on-one consultations, academic support and group activities, as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, all while in the safe, confidence-building environment that is the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse. These children are learning the skills to cope with and overcome family hardships which, in turn improves their ability to succeed in school. For more information about Shania Kids Can, please visit: www.shaniakidscan.com
ALBUM: Pre-order/Pre-save Queen of Me—HERE.
She excitedly heralds the highly anticipated album with a new song entitled “Last Day of Summer.” Listen to “Last Day of Summer”—HERE. The track unfolds as a nostalgic and cinematic anthem set in the final moments of everyone’s favorite season. Delicate guitar melts into a steady beat and big screen-worthy strings as she nostalgically recalls, “The last time we were together the first thing I remember every time September comes.”
Shania will make it feel like summer forever, like only she can…
SHANIA TWAIN ‘QUEEN OF ME’ 2023 TOUR DATES
4/28 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena ^
4/29 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena ^
5/02 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena ^
5/03 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena ^
5/05 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place ^
5/06 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place ^
5/09 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome ^
5/10 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome ^
5/12 Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre ^
5/14 Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre ^
5/16 Madison, WI Kohl Center #
5/17 St Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center #
5/19 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena #
5/21 Denver, CO Ball Arena #
5/24 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre #
5/26 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre #
5/28 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl #
5/30 Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion #
5/31 Greater Palm Springs, CA Acrisure Arena #
6/03 Tulsa, OK BOK Center +
6/04 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL +
6/07 Nashville, TN GEODIS Park +>
6/09 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion +
6/12 Halifax, NS Scotiabank Centre ~
6/14 Moncton, NB Avenir Centre ~
6/17 Quebec City, QC Videotron Centre ~
6/18 Montreal, QC Bell Centre ~
6/20 Hamilton, ON FirstOntario Centre ^
6/21 London, ON Budweiser Gardens ^
6/23 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage ^
6/24 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage ^
6/27 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
6/28 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion &
6/30 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center &
7/01 Tinley Park, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre &
7/06 Ottawa, ON Ottawa Bluesfest *
7/08 Syracuse, NY St Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview +
7/09 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center +
7/11 New York, NY Madison Square Garden +
7/13 Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake +
7/15 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center +
7/19 Kansas City, MO T-Mobile Center =
7/21 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion =
7/22 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion =
9/16 London, UK The O2
9/19 Dublin, IRE 3Arena
9/22 Glasgow, UK OVO Hydro
9/25 Manchester, UK AO Arena
9/26 Birmingham, UK Utilita Arena Birmingham
* Non-Live Nation Date
-
Dave Matthews Headlines Oceans Calling Festival Sept 30 – Oct 2 in Ocean City MD
Dave Matthews, Lumineers, Alanis Morissette headline Oceans Calling Festival Sept 30 – Oct 2 in Ocean City MD
Oceans Calling Festival Lineup
The highly anticipated Oceans Calling Festival launches this coming summer, with headliners Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds performing on Friday; The Lumineers playing Saturday evening and Alanis Morissette closing out Sunday’s proceedings.
Featuring cooking shows from Chefs Andrew Zimmer, Robert Irvine, Amanda Freitag.
“We are thrilled to host Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland and celebrate all our incredible city has to offer,”
commented Mayor Rick Meehan.
“Thank you to C3 Presents and Maryland’s own O.A.R. for bringing an event of this magnitude to the Ocean City Boardwalk. We look forward to seeing everyone!”
Related:Post Malone announces Twelve Carat Tour 33-city including DC’s CapitalOne Arena with special guest Roddy Ricch.
A Wave Of Music
A three day festival in partnership with musicians O.A.R. featuring over 30 performances on 3 stages, all on the classic Ocean City Boardwalk.
Jolly Roger at the Pier
Explore the Ocean City tradition featuring amusement park rides, games and more, all located inside the festival grounds.
Oceans Calling Festival – A Culinary Celebration
Experience delicious east coast bites from local food vendors. Plus, learn tricks of the trade from world-renowned chef cooking demos that celebrate the region.
Explore Ocean City
Take in everything this iconic landmark 3-mile long boardwalk has to offer, lined with hotels, shops, bars, restaurants and more!
Oceans Calling will also bring a culinary experience hosted by world-renowned chefs Andrew Zimmern, Robert Irvine and Amanda Freitag with a stage dedicated to cooking demos that celebrate the eastern shore. In addition, The Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, located inside the festival grounds, will be fully operational during the festival.
For the lineup of bands, or to purchase one-day or three-day tickets visit www.oceanscallingfestival.com.
