LYRA MAG.

Transparency and a traceable supply chain are big real deals-and in some cases, the law-  for buyers (and purveyors)...in all industries...from baby strollers to wearables, apparel, and especially in the food/drink/pharma businesses-judging by all the FDA recalls we get emailed everyday. (YIKES). Notably-we have seen an uptick in small business- owner-grower images-and their backstory- right on their goods' packaging   (not just Q codes-or on social media)-at the recent Fancy Food Show in NYC... Which makes sense-as a terrific way to stand out on shelves from big consumer packaged food companies. No wonder...the later often now are struggling for Gen Z-Gen X dollars-who are the largest eaters of specialty (really mainstream now) offerings. On The Farm: Betting vegetarians-who vow never to eat anything that has a mother -would be horrified to learn that in this country (at least)...most milked animals have an expiration date on their milking days-and get slaughtered at...

How popular is Jarlsberg cheese-the nutty-sweetish Norwegian export-made from cow's milk is the perfect balance of semi-soft/hard goodness? In the middle of a packed refrigerated cheese section where we shop-a lone hunk of Jarlsberg remained -which of course was snatched up by moi right before another shopper came looking for the exact same cheese... by name. To sum it up=VERY POPULAR (in fact-Jarlsberg is the number one selling specialty cheese in the USA! Versatile and approachable ...Jarlsberg is the palate pleaser for cheese heads, gourmands and picky eaters (kids!!!) alike. Mild in flavor but distinct with large round holes -- serving suggestions -run the gamut-from straight out  small cubes or thinly sliced-for sandwiches, grilled -on burgers (plant based or not), or as part of a protein loaded s'more like bite-put a cube on a skewer -layered with chunks of green pepper and tomato and fresh basil leafs-roast for like a sec or 2 over an open fire...and slide i...

Athlete Essentials:         Refueling  after long endurance exertions-requires hydration, essentials like electrolytes/minerals (depending on the sweat level), and protein to repair muscles . Carbs-sugars-naturally or in the form of 'added sugars' (soon to be labeled as such)...after multi-hours of physical excess-are very helpful too. We definitely feel the need for a reward treat-just to get home after a long workout-or race day. But def want one that has nourishing attributes. A NEW OPTION: German QUARK by Wünder Creamery- is a quirky name for a very popular food widely available in Europe under various names...like in France-it's close cousins are Fromage Blanc----Fromage Frais. Made from fermented sour milk-so naturally loaded with probiotics, calcium and vitamin D-QUARK is a super nourishing ready to eat dairy product that is so delicious-it will placate junk food urge splurges (aka kid friendly). The unflavored whole milk sourced -fl...

Drinking less beer  now-Americans more and more quench thirst with specialty red options like mineral water + functional beverages. Still a party atmosphere with choices - still expected -but the liquid selections lean more 'upscale'-matching the global-sophisticated eats...that go beyond fast food fare. TRY: A multi-tasking red wine: From Spain- Rioja is a well balanced, value priced (imo) red wine made from 100% Tempranillo grapes-that pairs well with everything from pizza, Buffalo chicken wings, tasty Middle Eastern spreads---- to South Asian or South of the border spicier snacks. we loved this Fernández De Pierola -deep bursts of ripe berries-stewed fruits, gorgeous dark cheery color, subtle tannins  and warmth of aged toasted wood-with elegant finish The perfect pairings....Fig Cake, mixed nuts, and an assortment of cheese. These samples are from  Mitica-via forevercheese.com-and available on AMAZON .   via GIPHY

HAIL all things 1990s   revered for 2019...Portuguese Port wines, like Sherry from neighbor Spain...are now newly appreciated by younger inhibiters enjoying their grandparents cherished after dinner libations Graham's 20 Year Tawny Porto =classic brandy worthy pour retails for around $53. Grapes from Portugal's mountainous northern Douro valley. Grapes are fermented with the addition of of a clear grape spirit that preserves a lot of the grapes natural sugars ...comes through in the flavor for sure. Matured in seasoned oak vats-its flavors include orange peel-mature fruits vs Ruby Port's berries. Has a  golden amber color and should be served slightly chilled. There are 10, 20, 30 and 40 Year Tawny Port versions available To sip-as an appetizer-or more appropriately (imo)-to pair with our snack culture's offerings...aged and ready to drink anytime Port-with its deep rich berry flavors or raisons-fig gold amber tones, add a level of liquid comfort to cold days. ...

There are many ways to experience foreign cultures without leaving your hometown... Cheeses from northern Europe that are mild, meltable and appealing in tastes to all ages...continue to gobble up chilled out spaces in grocery stores across America...while online gourmet foods purveyors...deliver overnight. User friendly- gluten free-and made from grass eating-free range cow's milk- Landana Organic Mild Dutch Cheese ...is good semi-hard  option to introduce to those with limited cheese exposure. Mild nuttiness...great to melt for grilled cheese or eatn in small bites, straight up.  The Netherland's Orange Windmill's Cablanca Goat Cheese -a white cheese made from 100% goat cheese is also a terrific grilled or eaten straight up...slices well and has that welcoming tangy taste of goat milk cheeses. WHAT ELSE: Open till October 7th... Proof that pop-up stores haven't played out...consider dropping by tasty Norway's cheese fav   Jarlsberg®   P...

The (new) modern/conceptual art destination PRADA Fondazione -designed by star architect Rem Koolhaas Open seven days a week ...former distillery plus new buildings...featuring site specific and collected conceptual/modern art, sculpture, videos...  The wine-Italian grape-100% Nebbiolo DAMILANO Barolo   Riserva Cannubi "1752"intense ruby garnet, dry robust -red fruits cherry-licorice-cocoa-leather-tobacco intense flavors The eats-hunks of Parmigiana and fresh fruit or...Nutrella Grilled Cheese -at Bar Luc e (Prada Foundation designed by film director Wes Anderson, seriously ) The footwear...high glamor sneakers by luxe wedding dress designer  Antonio Riva Milano ...comfortable enough for all day walking...  or limited edition drops-Adidas Falcon (if/when)

Spreadably familiar- fresh creamy smooth Montrachet style  rolls-soft ripened or aged- in harder rinds' slice worthy formats-or headlining spreads/yogurts/dips/gelato ...goat milk's distinct tangy mildness highlighted  exhibitor offerings at the most recent Fancy Food Show. just get right to the point-no fancy consultants needed to conjure up this distributor's name... World's Best Cheeses What caught our eyeballs... BELLE CHEVRE (an Alabama creamery)=goat cheese nirvana-log rolls, flavored in light+creamy spreadable textures...and an amazingly delicious sweet vanilla lemon zest fresh goat cheese cheesecake  $34.95-in a graham crust-airy- like NY cream cheesecake version versus the more heavier Italian ricotta style. Zingerman's Detroit ST Brick Cheese ...goat cheese with Tellicherry Peppercorns in velvety mold...aged 2-5 weeks-crumbly and sliceable for grilled cheese potential-yummy-slight sweet- earthy flavor. An Ann Harbor, Michigan Cr...

Sit-down 3 meals daily-gives way to more bite times of smaller eats. Life on the go doesn't mean less nutritious though...whether fresh or frozen, meal worthy snacks are substantial and healthy clean now. Convenient too. via GIPHY THE easiest substantial snack for a sit-down moment=a pairing of locally sourced- fresh baked bread+cheese-typical of our daily meal enjoyed while traveling abroad on a budget. Cheese loving nations in Europe---started it all...but now terrific options worldwide, just about-either with dairy based cheese or tasty regional dips like hummus (both protein loaded). Sweet nutty Norwegian Jarlsberg  + chewy fresh dough bread or flavored crisps-like crackers or savory flatbreads-easy does it crowd pleasers. Just add a beverage-and some fresh fruit=insta meal. Indoors? A practical posh set-up courtesy of beautiful and inexpensive  Royal Doulton housewares-china-as seen at their showroom...breadsticks, fresh figs and olives  look even more inv...

(it's almost- or already there. ..) New Products That Help Celebrate Snowmelts, Uncovered Grills,  Aromatic BBQ Al Fresco, and Backyard Fun... Part 1: The Eats via GIPHY Upgraded Condiments: FYI -fair warning-one tablespoon of ANY Traina ketchup -rich savory offerings -courtesy of 3lbs of tomatoes-in each bottle (!!!!)-will have you ditch those mass market-  really red  bottles-straight into recycling. It's almost like a re-invented condiment staple.

Dressed Up Burgers, Scrumptious Crunchy Salads, Sophisticated Salty+Spicy Seasonings=Tempting  Takes on Ballpark Staples to eat at home. via GIPHY California based,  Cypress Grove 's soft-ripened -Humboldt Fog jettisoned American gourmet cheeses from insular cult fav to mass adoration, as THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN® imo . Cheese burgers-or grilled cheese PLEASE...ditch the processed bleh for melted nirvana via TRUFFLE TREMOR- a creamy luscious soft-ripened goat cheese enhanced with the aromatic earthiness of black truffles. A fav of ours (outta, like 3000+ selections)- from most recent Fancy Food Show-sold in wheel and mini sizes & widely available-including  company website w/ flat rate shipping $. Corn on the cob companion, Kaiser roll/bread enhancer, or a rich full flavored BBQ enabler to grilled meats-fish-vegetables ...real deal Smoked Maplewood Amish Roll Butter by family owned Minerva Dairy may just steal THAT finger lickin' good ad slogan from...

Specialty Fancy Foods Show 2017 Trends  Italian purveyor Selektia Tartufi maybe had the most expensive gourmet food item on display...pictured above their truffle products  When we think of truffles-thoughts leans towards the deeply aromatic kind that can sell at auction for thousands of dollars. For consumers-oils and butters with hints of the black or white  (there's also whitish + burgundy)- still find favor (flavor)...but we also noticed new product categories for the fungi fans.  Also note worthy-the lucious sweet chocolate kind-now available in cookie/candy bar flavors as well as truffle truffle kind.  Prediction-cannabis edibles -truffles-probably coming soon to a store near you. Highlights: From Barça... Torres Select Black Truffle potato chips A SOFI award winner Kilchurn Estate Black Truffle Cheddar-full flavor sweetish cheddar with a bold truffle addition..produced by hand in southern England using locally sourced past...

via GIPHY source mylittleparis.com French Cheese Board 41 Spring Street, NYC  T he French Cheese Board-is a destination for cheese lovers...and a delicious boutique with the mission of making everyone who crosses the threshold-lovers of the delectable cheeses of France.  French cheeses are of the  'terroir' as wines are-with distinct tastings Events and classes...feature French wines that pair well with the specialties of the house. cheese boards...include mix of hard, soft-cow-goat milk cheeses fig jam-works well atop camembert cheese  Chateau Des Bormettes-is a family owned vineyard, located 50 meters from the Mediterranean Sea, near Nice, France. Selections from this vineyard-paired with three cheeses...