Blue Bamboo

It feels like Summer outside. Time for popsicles!

Those who are close to me know that I like things that are well made. That applies to living goods, clothing, kitchenware, and of course, FOOD! I recently made one of the better discoveries that I have made in a very long time. Walking along the brick-paved streets of St. Augustine, I came across a sign that said, “Fresh, Local, and Natural.” I was so intrigued that I just had to stop in to this little shop that specialized in popsicles. Yes, popsicles. I walked in, and I saw tempting flavor combinations such as Datil Strawberry, Key Lime, Riesling Pear, and Champagne Mango. I asked the attendant what his favorite was, and without hesitation, he said “Strawberry-Basil.” So that’s what I tried. What I experienced was the most delicious flavor I have ever tasted in a popsicle, and by far, the absolute best texture too. As I got ready to pay, I looked down and saw that the shop takes payment with square. Way cool. This place won mega kudos for not only being cool, but also delivering a quality product. Check them out if you are in St. Augustine. Here’s their website: www.thehyppo.com.

Top Chef Just Desserts: Erika Davis’ Cookies

One year ago, I met Erika Davis from Season 1 of Top Chef, “Just Desserts”. We were co-judges at a recipe contest at the San Marco Theater in Jacksonville, Florida. She is one of the most talented and nicest people that I know in the culinary industry. We chatted about the whole Top Chef experience. Since then, we’ve become great friends. A couple of months ago, Erika started a company called The Ultimate Cookie Dough Company. All of her proceeds benefit Culinary Wonders, which provides scholarships and cultural experiences for culinary school students. The cookie dough company consists of three people: Erika, her sister Cydney, and her Mother.

Her cookies won major praise on the show. So much that they called them the Ultimate Cookie. I wanted to help, so we brainstormed about how Blue Bamboo could partner up with The Ultimate Cookie Dough Company. During the month of May, Blue Bamboo will buy cookie dough from the Ultimate Cookie Dough Company, and offer each one of our guests an “Ultimate Cookie” at the end of their meal. Hopefully, people will love the cookies enough to buy some dough from Erika, and help out some deserving culinary students.