RBNmedia: Daura Damm's ON THE MENU dinner at La Carnita..

Happy Tuesday friends!  For my followers that are gluten free or looking for a new gluten friendly beer... this is for you!

 Last week I was fortunate to have an invite to a wonderful dinner at La Carnita paired with Daura Damm.  What a great evening of peers, food and conversation with some wonderful friends...

Daura Damm is a beer that has been crafted to remove gluten and tailor to those with a gluten friendly lifestyle.  I've not had a beer in approximately 10 years and man was it perfectly paired with Executive Chef, Jon Hamilton's tasting menu - 100% gluten free (Mexican delights tend to be naturally gf, for those of you who just love great food) for us crazy gluten free eaters.

Our tastebuds were delightfully sparked with the first round of appetizers: 

Trio of Dips: Spicy bean dip (dreamy), guacamole & corn salsa!

Mexican Street Corn: Crema, queso anejo, arbol & Ancho chili powder = THE CORN KING.

 

Scorpion wings – Confit chicken, scorpion chili BBQ sauce, seeds of paradise & coconut crema! They certainly had a little "bite"!

"Daura Damm made it easy for me, pilsners are a great beer to pair with most of the food at La Carnita- they have a lot of diversity. It has a great drinkability with a light and refreshing taste that goes well with our food, the beer has touches of spiciness, but nothing extreme and I don’t have to be concerned about clashing flavour profiles with the beer and food. It also paired well with the meal overall because it’s the kind of beer you can have a couple of without it weighing you down, feeling like it’s a meal itself. La Carnita’s food can sometimes also pack some heat, so being able to have a couple of beers is a good thing." Jon Hamilton

People that know me or those of you who follow the blog - you understand how much of a taco aficionado I am (think I am?).. so when given a night to eat at one of my favorites haunt  La Carnita - John Street I obviously jumped at the chance.  

First up was their beef cheek taco:  Ancho braised beef, lime avocado, green cabbage, pickled jalapeno, queso anejo & Charred pepper hot sauce.  Perfectly paired with the Daura to ease the spice of the sauce...

Followed by copious rounds of insanely yummy things:

Tostada de Ceviche:  Albacore tuna, guacamole, coconut milk, habanero & tomato.   Not so surprisingly the beer paired super nicely even though ceviche is classically a more delicate dish.

Butter Chicken Mole: Lime cabbage, jalapenos relish (stealing this), Mexican crema & scallions. 

Cotija Taco: Lime avocado, cauliflower beans, pickled carrots, chipotle and queso anejo...proving vegetarian options can be just as exciting!

West Coast Rockfish Taco: Wild BC snapper, corn batter, tamarind balsamic & chipotle mayo.  Possibly the best fish taco I've ever had.  Ever.

 

"Often chefs look to pair bold flavors with bold beers, but when I’m pairing food that’s got some spicy kick and big bold flavors, I’m often looking for something clean, crisp and approachable. This isn’t only because it’s what I like to drink, it’s because I want a beer that’s not overwhelming. It has to taste great and have good flavor, but also clears the palate and make each bite of food just like the first one. For La Carnita, it is important that the beer and the food work together to enhance the overall dining experience. "  Executive Chef, Jon Hamilton

Tostada de Ceviche – Albacore tuna, perfect guacamole, coconut milk, habanero.  And of course beer.  

Vegetarian option that you can recreate at home: Cauliflower beans, lime and pickled carrots makes an amazing simple and perfect taco.

The best fish taco ever: Corn batter is the key to keeping this gluten free!

Krusty the Clown.  Literally the silliest and most fun ice cream happening in Toronto.

This was my absolute favourite - I'm a beef cheek fan and the balance was insane and perfect.  

I'm not always a sweet tooth kind of lady, but when your dessert consists of soft serve and palates (popsicles) by the only and only Sweet Jesus you try all of the stuff.  Another amazing brain child of Andrew Richmond - you actually utter "Sweeeeeet Jesus" whilst biting into a manic creation...

 *My images are not loading or formatting properly - hence inaccurate order..

A truly great night with friends and food, as a lady who lives gluten free this was a treat.  Thanks to Branding and Buzzing for the invite and the team at La Carnita..

**Daura Damm is available at select LCBO stores across Ontario.  Starting in April, Daura Damm will also be available at The Beer Store in select locations.
All photography in this post is by the amazing Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Daura Damm.



 

xoxo

RBN Interview: David Brooke of Skin Essence Organics (Natural Skincare)

Happy Freakin' New Year Everyone - I hope everyone had a joyful and safe holiday with friends and family.

We haven't done an interview in awhile and really wanted to re-instate that feature - WE love supporting brands and companies that align with our brand values.  My readers know how much I love natural skincare and this company has been one of my favorite's for years:  Skin Essence Organics.

 I was first introduced to SEO by a close friend and IHN Alum Stephanie, we were on a road trip to Ottawa for a week long skin-care co-op (coincidental!) with a group of us 4 – which meant sharing our beauty regimes!  Occular was my first love and slowly went through the line.  One of my favorite (there’s so many) things about Skin Essence is their dedication to pure, organic and beautiful products without the use of marketing schemes or #buzzwords.  Every product is derived solely from organic fruits, plants, flowers, oils and minerals – which if you’ve seen our social media accounts run right in-line with our MO of keeping things organic, natural and as related to its original state as possible. 

 

RBN: Let’s start easy – how long has SEO been around? What was your number one reason for launching it?

DB:

20 years – Long before it was trendy and WE had all the buzzwords; organic, holistic etc – The previous owner studied Naturopathy/Herbalism & was an esthetician: Would only use products on her clients that she felt safe using on her own. Fast track to 10 years and they had produced this amazing line of eco, safe, clean and organic skincare that everyone can use.  David himself bought has used for 14 years –  a firm believer in healthy skincare in conjunction with diet.  Possibly their most loyal client having it shipped all around the world to use – whilst modeling.  Bought company – tested and true and the rest they say is history.  Great message. Eco, GF, no GMO,

RBN: How many products are in your current line & what are the best sellers base women & men?

DB:

Because there are different lines and no filler products – they truly are all popular from anti-aging to acne to moisturizing/hydrating! Cleansers are a go-to and very popular as well as rose hip –adds that nice glow and super hydrating for your skin – an RBN reco.

RBN:  Has being a model and in fashion had an influence on you in regards to natural skincare, wellness & health?

DB:

Absolutely, being overseas and always in the makeup chair – you end up noticing what is going on your skin.  Products started to disagree (listen to your bod people), if it doesn’t  agree change it,  When you can’t read ingredients in food or skincare its time to make a swap! The sad truth is that many larger companies opt for profit margins (translation cheap ingredients + increased profits) and they don’t want to rely on natural products to produce.

RBN: What is your favourite and least favourite thing about owning your company?

Favourite: When I go to bed, knowing that I’m putting my energy into safer, cleaner products and promoting a healthier lifestyle – I just LOVE that. Close second: consumers feedback – respect, love, loyalty for SEO (the thought makes me tear up (real men are sensitive)!

Least Fav – Perfectionist : Micro managing at times is demanding and others – exhausting and worth it, so actually still one of my favourites.  Ha.  Oh and working with great people in the industry (obviously he’s talking about us).

RBN: What advice can you offer any of us getting into entrepreneur life and business?

DB:

Getting to know yourself and what makes you unique will bring successes, in turn use that.  If you use what others aren’t then the competition lessons - making you something unique and of great value (not financially).

Advice: biz – have to truly love it and believe it + success = LIFE gain as opposed to purely financial gain. TIP: You will never know all the answers which brings learning every day.

RBN:What is your fridge? What is your favourite skin food? Favourite comfort food?

Sounds similar to our breakfasts.

DB:

I eat uber healthy focusing on quality: Water purification system, endless fruits and veg, and I’m know for eating 2 soft boiled eggs every day? Red meat is minimal and always grass-fed, ethically raised and sourced properly.

DBtip: Organic lettuce and all things soft skinned; When you peel you’re able to reduce chemicals and such. Lots of fish too – I’m a Vancouver boy at heart so lots of wild salmon and rainbow trout (nom).

RBN:Can you tell us your go-to smoothie recipe – WE love new smoothies!

DB:

Organic raspberries, blueberries, coconut oil, avocado, pineapple, yogurt and some hemp hearts,  lets call it a BERRY GOOD SMOOTHIE!

**Typically breakfast: Oats GF obvi …coconut oil, frozen rasp, blue, bananas, 2-3 soft boiled eggs (we approve – balanced and simple)

RBN: Can you tell our readers your best winter skin survival advice – changing your skincare routine? Extra hydration?

DB:

1. Cleanser Fresh (no alcohol), Exfoliate/ facial masks x 2 week, Blend Neroli/Rosehip (beta carotene) which promotes a warm healthy glow.  BONUS: Ecream over top – acts as a sunscreen which we still need in the winter and offset redness!  YOU’RE welcome!

RBN: Any new announcements or products we should keep our eyes open for next year?

DB:

We’re launching a new Sunscreen using cocao butters, zinc and no water. We also recently passed our ECOCERT certification (huge accomplishment!) with flying colours!

RBN: How do you motivate clients to take care of their skin and follow a great skin regime?

DB:

We all have skin (largest organ btw) and we eat well to treat our bods well BUT we also need to use real,ingredients on our skin!  Always spend a little more for quality rather than quantitiy/bulk items.  Truthfully our products sell themselves!

BONUS: Use their online store and our code: RBNholiday for 20% your next order!  Whoa!

xoxrbn

RBN - Holiday Gift Guide for EVERYONE in your Life (Bonus: 20% discount off a fav too)

In line with our RBN 12 Days of Giveaway WE figured that sharing our favourite gift giving items would be an awesome idea!  Don't fret we have you covered for everyone in your life; The Gourmand, The Health Nut, Fitness Fanatic and More...

The Gourmand:

Walter All-Natural Caesar Mix : 
If YOU love #caesars and Canadian made products, this is your jam (juice).  The brain child of Zack & Aaron - who were tired of mixing beautiful spirits and accompaniments into neon and synthetic "tomato" cocktail.  Canada's first all-natural Caesar was born and has so many great characteristics: gluten-free, no high fructose corn syrup, Ocean-wise certified (amazing), small batch and made in glass bottles (no gross plastics).  I suggest bringing to your next party or setting up a Caesar bar at your holiday open house.  Pairs well with all spirits and we also cook with it at home! (and today's giveaway!)

Handsome, local, gluten-free and natural.  What a hunk, bring Walter home this season!

 Three Farmers Camelina Oil: 

We wanna road trip here and try everything!

Colin, Dan and Ron are second and third generation farmers who have grown up on this land and are committed to its preservation, proudly numbering the prairies among the best places in the agricultural world. Farming, they are proud to say, is not simply a job, but a way of life, and one they are all too happy to share.  Their Camelina oil has a super high smoke point and is great for cooking, bbq season, sauteing and all your healthy oil needs!

We like to dip everything in here.

 Neal Brothers:
Okay so WE adore Peter & Neil so technically we love all of their products BUT this one we just discovered & are sort of addicted.  We love it on our sammies, roasted potatoes and sweet potato frites - its all about balance people.  Oh and if you haven't bought their new Goodness book - this also makes a fab gift idea!

Blue Goose Pure Foods:

Another mainstay in our house is Blue Goose - I'm their brand ambassador and absolutely love using all their products for fun, nutritious and inventive meals.  As a believer in local and organic living - BG make its super easy and affordable.  Check their link and give the gift of clean proteins for the home chef!

 

Health Nut:

 

Genuine Health:

As their newest Brand Ambassador & caterer I obviously adore them, they will have your covered for Greens+ (so many options), fermented vegan protein bars, sleeping aids (natural) and whole body needs.  Check out the link (in name) and start adding them into your everyday life!

Nud Fud:  Created by a fellow IHN alumni, these snacks are healthy and delicious.  Great for travel, road trips and for even the pickiest of eaters - make these your stocking stuffers.  Gluten free and vegan!

Fitness Fanatic:

 

 Barre Works:
Prep for the holidays or offset the holiday cheer and indulgences with one of our favourite studio's in the city.  Located Queen West, BW offers great classes to work on your bod, flexibility and is a great group class.  Woot!

Wellness Lover:

Skin Essence Organics: This company is the best.  Offering clean, natural plant based skin products, gluten-free, vegan and stored in dark glass bottles is only some of their upsides. They are also offering a 20% discount code: RBNholiday at your checkout.  Check them out asap and add into your routine to prevent dry and dull winter skin!

Don't waste the discount - order now!

We're also offering a 15% discount on RachelBies Nutrition  services including food deliveries,food line, meal plans, skincare and wellness protocols too!  Follow us as we also have some exciting plans for 2016!

 WE hope this helps you find some peace whilst holiday shopping and as always email us: rachelbiesnutrition@gmail.com  for more options!  Also give the gift of RBN too.

Happy Friday,
xoxo 
rbn