Where has all the drinking gone?

I must confess — I’m disappointed in myself for not keeping up the “drink” part of the Doc&aDrink name.  It’s not because I haven’t been drinking anything.  In fact – since I’m in a new country (New Zealand) – I’ve been drinking all sorts of new beers, wines and spirit combinations.  Katy isn’t here to review the drinks with me and drink reviews are more fun together.  BUT – the show must go on!

This review goes with my last doc review – American Teen.  Truth be told – I actually watched the movie all snuggled up in bed – on a sunday morning.  So – technically – the movie was paired with coffee. BUT, for the sake of bringing the DRINK back in Doc&aDrink – I paired the doc with a Kiwi Paradise Cocktail.

KIWI PARADISE

It’s healthy (2 whole kiwis were used).

It’s easy to drink and looks pretty.

Perfect for the high-school girls.

Correction: High-school girls shouldn’t be old enough to drink at all.

They Should substitute the alcohol for juice.

5 out of 5 Cheers.

—becky beamer

Doc review: Why are you eating what you are eating?

FILM: Food Inc.

DIRECTOR: Robert Kenner

REVIEWER: B. Beamer

SUMMARY :  “In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won’t go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.”

More Movie …..

My reaction to this documentary was similar to how many are affected by a placebo.  It hit “home”  right away and then fell away from my thoughts just as fast as it had entered.  Immediately following the film viewing,  I made a personal pact to buy from local farmers and visit a local farmer’s market.  But,  I was quick to find myself eating at McDonald’s during a road trip over the holidays and I still  haven’t bought anything from a local farmer – yet.  My excuse for now is the winter months.

On the other hand – I did buy organic milk this morning.  Maybe the movie did make me think twice about what I’m putting in my body and who I am supporting with my purchase.  Over all – I found this movie extremely easy to watch.  It was just well done – creative, interesting and fast paced.  I didn’t fall asleep once.  I also didn’t find it “preachy” which could have easily been an issue for this type of program.

This film is currently available “on demand” from Netflicks.

4 out of 5 Cheers.

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Drink Review : Mystery Wine

DRINK: The “blush” or “red” wine offered at your local Chuck E. Cheese
REVIEWER: b.beamer

Let me set the scene. It is my birthday but, not just any birthday, I am turning 30. And as I enter the dirty thirties I am nostalgic about birthdays of past. I immediately thought about the fun of Chuck E. Cheese. Yes!!!! Tokens !!! I always loved a good game of skeetball and who doesn’t remember the fun of counting tickets, pizza, and hitting defenseless groundhogs. The deal was sealed when I found out that this great establishment also served alcohol (beer + wine).

Drink of the Week : Hot Yummy Warm Spiked Apple Cider

What a perfect fall treat!

Drink of the Week: Apple Cider with Rum

Reviewer: becky beamer

I can’t think of another fall drink that will warm up your insides and make you feel all snuggly inside better than Spiked Apple Cider.

It’s easy to make .  Check out these two recipes:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/hot-apple-cider-with-rum-recipe/index.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2086903_rumspiced-cider.html

Tip #01 : I do recommend sticking the cloves into a piece of fruit because otherwise you’ll end up with hard tiny pieces to fish out while you are drinking.

Bonus: Makes your house smell good.

Tip #02 : Test your drink by tasting and be ready to add a little more rum than the recipe calls for!

I have to give a special thanks to my neighbor – Caroline.  She made this drink of yumminess and turned a dull day into sunshine.

Happy Fall —–  b.b

5 out of 5 Cheers

Drink of the Week > It’s All GOLD!!

DRINK : Johnny Walker – Gold  (* On the rocks )

REVIEWER: becky b

I love Johnny Walker.

Mostly, I drink Johnny Walker -Red with Ginger Ale.  It’s a great drink.  Just a little bit of Ginger Ale smooths out the whiskey while adding a sweet “twang” to the drink.  Easy and complicated all at the same time.  What more do you want?  I was quite satisfied with this drink …..

Until this weekend.

Now – I must invest in some Johnny Walker – Gold.  I’ll sip it with a few ice cubes weekly – to calm the chaos of the rest of my day.  Nice and smooth – smokey – it could practically double as a perfume to attract the male persuasion.

5 out of 5 Cheers

Splurge for the Gold!

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Drink of the week >> “The Becks”

Drink of the Week : The Becks

Reviewer: becky b

Imagine mixing the beautiful Vodka Sweet Tea with the refreshing Raspberry Lemonade – doesn’t that sound fantastic?

Indeed it does.

I tried over the weekend and it quickly got dubbed “The Becks”.  It’s really not hard to make ….. 1 part vodka to 1 part ice tea, throw in some ice and Walllll-la!

Beware – before you know it – you’ll be loving the floor.

If you want to check out Vodka Sweet Tea try either :

http://www.fireflyvodka.com/

http://www.jeremiahweed.com/

4 out of 5 Cheers.

oops : I meant to do that! > Drink Review

DRINK OF THE WEEK: oops – Cabernet Franc Carmenere

ORIGIN: Chile

Reviewer: Becks

The wine was a steal at less than 10.00 at Target.  I am most definately going to grab a few bottles to have as my “beamer table wine”.  It’s a nice simple taste that goes with everything.  I’m not a wine specialist but I do know what wine I can drink on a regular basis – this wine makes the list.  I would bring it to a dinner party or drink a glass alone on my roof.with dinner any night of the week.  Tasty!

The “oops” website suggest that we pair this wine with ” full-bodied meat and game dishes, and other hearty fare such as gratins, baked pasta, ragouts, vegetable strews, and soups”.  BUT, Katy and I paired this wine with dark chocolate and strawberries – fantastic.  I thouroughly enjoyed the wine and the food.

On a side note – the packaging is brilliant and fresh.

5 out of 5 Cheers

Drink of the Week: Pour it All Over Me!

Drink of the Week: Blueberry Mojitos
Reviewer: Becky B

It was the perfect drink for a blistering DC summer afternoon. It one of the drinks that are soooooo tasty you can’t help but have seconds!

This recipe was prepared by a great entertainer in my Condo Building – Grace. I have to give her major props for this delicious beverage.

5 out a 5 Cheers

Drink of the Week : Yuengling Traditional Lager _bb

From “America’s Oldest Brewery” comes a seriously solid lager.  It is my “go to” beer of choice for kegs and 6 – packs for parties.  It’s light in color and a little light on  taste bud satisfaction.  But, I can throw a few of these bad boys down the hatch with out feeling bloated or full.  As if that wasn’t the best compliment I can give this beer I must say that Yuengling Lager is the best cheap beer around.  I was psyched when the brewery expanded its distribution beyond Pennsylvania.

A solid first beer and solid first review.

3 / 5  Cheers

Want to learn more ? http://www.yuengling.com/

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