Get your seat, before they are gone!
The folks at White Water Warehouse are reporting that they have signed up several guests for the August 29 - 31, 2010 Rogue River rafting, kayaking & ONS Martini Madness trip. There is limited space so call Joy or Renee (the friendly office staff at outfitter White Water Warehouse) today at 1-800-214-0579. Or, check out the 2010 schedule on-line, here.
Comments
Pair it up at The Original
Organic Nation Spirits will be the featured spirit in on menu packed with culinary delights and cocktails to pair. The Original is located on the corner of 6th and Oak in Downtown Bend. They feature classic american food with an evolved gourmet flair.
See you December 17 from 5-8pm!
300 SW 6TH Ave Portland, OR 97204 503.546.2666
Truly Vintage
This summer, a classic cocktail bar snuck into the Montavilla neighborhood. Veteran mixologist Justin Akins opened the doors of Vintage in July, and patrons and press have welcomed his vision and taste.
Akins cut his teeth at Trebol, the Oaxacan-inspired North Albina eatery. Taking cues from Trebol’s quality and sustainable business practices, he’s distilled a former SE Stark wine bar into an intimate lounge. Pre-prohibition cocktail recipes mingle with the requisite two dollar Pabst, catering to both the refined palette, and the budget-conscious. The cuisine is modest and delectable, with a menu featuring panini and pizettas made from local organic ingredients.
Vintage is located conveniently in the heart of the Montavilla neighborhood, a block from the Academy Theater and Ya Halla. So the next time you’re on a date, out with friends, or just looking for an expertly-mixed drink, step into Vintage and make yourself at home.
Cocktail time! Join us for a tasting and cocktail extravaganza at Vintage Bar this Tuesday December 2nd from 6-8pm.
You can find Vintage at:
7907 SE Stark Street
Portland, OR 97215
You can look forward to:
Chipotle, bacon Bloody Mary:
Organic Nation vodka, chipotle, house made bacon tincture and tomato juice
Cherry Derby:
Organic Nation vodka, kirschwasser, lemon juice, sugar,egg white, and cherry heering
Tabor reservoir:
Organic Nation gin, Lemon juice, house made lavender tincture, sugar, mint and seltzer water
Vintage Cabaret:
Organic Nation gin, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, house made star anise tincture and Angostura bitters
See you Wednesday!
Melodie
Drink Local Project at Urban Farmer
Drink Local Project features
Organic Nation Spirits
Tuesday, December 1st
Happy Hour 3-7pm
Urban Farmer continues the Drink Local Project next week featuring Organic Nation Spirits. Come enjoy cocktails crafted by mixologist Dan Stern, shown to the left, highlighting Organic Nation Vodka and Gin. Join us for an extended Happy Hour as we debut the week's Drink Local Project cocktails for $5.
If you can't make it to the Farm on Tuesday, come experience these hand crafted cocktails throughout the upcoming week!
We look forward to seeing you there!
525 SW Morrison, 15th Floor• Portland, Oregon 97204
Office: 503.802.4642| Fax: 503.802.5388
Urban Farmer: 503.802.4630
French 350
Ring in the spirit and the cheer:
French 350
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
¼ oz Fresh Lemon juice
¼ oz Simple syrup
¾ oz Elderflower liqueur
Top with Champagne
Garnish with Amaretto soaked Dark Cherries or a Lemon twist (shown)
Shake the first 4 ingredients pour into a champagne flute top with Champagne and add garnish.
This, four season, cocktail was one of the most loved and featured drinks at the Anjou spa event this past Thursday in Bend. Anjou Spa raised money for Oregon Tilth Educational programs at the event as well as featured it's green business practices.
I am sure you can already see the reference in the cocktail name!
Cheers!
Nunan Estates Lights up the Palette.
A fabulous fun filled evening of spirits and fine food. Join us as we challenge your palette and mind with unexpected and exciting flavors set at an incredible venue.
Cheers to warm holidays!
An All Green Event!
12 November 2009 12:58
| Friends, Events, Sustainability
| Permalink
Join us November 19, Thursday, at 5pm at Anjou Spa in Bend for Green Drinks, but plan to stay after for a fabulous and fun filled event including shopping, silent auction, a DJ, Organic Nation Cocktails and more, all to benefit Oregon Tilth Education Programs! Wait! The excitement doesn't stop there, Anjou Spa is Green. They use alternative choices and conserve resources in every way possible.
The after party starts at 7pm.
Anjou Spa is located at
225 NW Franklin Avenue, Ste. 3
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-1138
See you there!
Melodie
P.S. At the event you can even taste a variation of the cocktail" L'Anjou"!
Gin L'Anjou
Gin L' Anjou
Rim a 10 oz rocks Glass with a refined Sugar, Cinnamon and Ginger Powder blend (moisten the glass with Lemon first)
In a shaker with ice:
½ oz Roasted Spiced Pear Puree
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
Shake
Double Strain into rocks glass filled with ice
Top with Ginger Brew
Garnish: Pear Slice and Cinnamon stick
To make the Roasted Spiced Pear Puree:
Take 2 Pears cored and sliced place on a baking pan, top with a spice blend of, cayenne (very small amount), clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake on high for 15 minutes or until browned and very soft, time will vary depending on how ripe your pears are to begin with.
Puree the pears in the blender with 2 Table spoons of lemon juice
Happy Holidays!
Melodie
Comments (1)
Tis' the season
11 November 2009 11:41
| Friends, Sustainability
| Permalink
Extreme Chocolates could be a title easily misunderstood by the wrong consumer. Carrie Wong of Salem, has tackled a niche that most wouldn't even consider, hand crafting an organic vanilla extract, to be used for cooking and baking. That's extreme! She starts with Organic Nation Vodka, made in Ashland Oregon (and fulfilling the highest regiment of Organic Certification) and adds Madagascar Vanilla Beans and her own touch, 12 months later the delicate blend is bottled in 4oz frosted bottles and prepped for sale. Carrie is the only brewer on the west coast, you can find more information and where to buy here. Carrie also crafts some of the finest chocolates around. A lovely Holiday treat! P.S. If you are itching for some crafty holiday gift ideas contact me (Melodie@OrganicNationSpirits.com ) or go onto Carries homepage for a collection of different dessert ideas.
Going all the way for the Environmental Spirit
30 October 2009 12:52
| Sustainability
| Permalink
At first, Diane Paulson’s request for a recycled label seemed like no big deal to her distributor, Dave Tally. After all, says the Grants Pass, Ore.-based distributor, many labels available are already 25 percent to 30 percent recycled.
But Paulson, the CEO of an Ashland, Ore., micro distillery, is very serious about eco-friendliness. She meant a 100-percent recycled label. Oh boy! Tally thought to himself. Read more here.
Mixologist Spotlight: Justin Akins
20 October 2009 11:30
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Tabor Reservoir
2 oz Organic Nation gin
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 dashes lavender tincture (very potent pure grain alcohol infusion)
3 mint leaves
*stir with ice*
*then fill with soda*
Mixologist and Bar Owner Justin Akins brings a comfortable airy bar to the Montavilla area in Portland, Oregon. His bar is loaded with homemade tinctures, and bitters as he features an enticing list of reasonably priced craft cocktails to his savvy yet down to earth patrons.
The Oregonian welcomed Justin and his establishment September 3, 2009:
...Akins' slew of house cocktails ($4 to $9), inventive and high caliber, hit the mark as precisely as did his sole dessert: powerful Stumptown coffee ice cream and peanut butter and chocolate cookies. Each drink has a little something special -- agave nectar in a margarita, an Old Fashioned with cherry bitters. Even nonalcoholic potions like cranberry-mint soda stand out.... to read the whole article, go here.
Cocktails and Fine Food?
The Nunan Estate is teaming up with Organic Nation Spirits to put on this years fall dinner.
Join the Festivities 6pm Friday, Nov 13, 2009.
1st course:
Classic Tom Collins
Paired with
Phyllo Wrapped French Brie
2nd course:
Sushi Roll Martini
Paired with
Spicy Crab Roll
3rd course:
Goose’s Pear’d Up
Paired with
Roasted Pumpkin Soup
4th course:
Classic Bees Knees
Paired with
Sous-vide Rib Eye Steak
5th course:
Rogue Valley Nuts
Paired with
Maple Pecan Tartlet
Tickets are $60 per person
For more information please contact Dana 541-899-1890
If you would like to view the full menu, join our Facebook fan page
Evicting Claus
Ignite Bend went off like fire last night. TWIST cocktail catering feature a full menu using only Organic Nation Vodka and Gin. The owner, Stephanie Stroup and I concocted an imaginative list of crafty cocktails, ranging from a simple spin on a Gin and Tonic, to the crowd favorite and your weekend/ holiday recipe, Evicting Claus. Roll- up your sleeves, cause while this recipe may take a bit of prep, its an easy go that wont keep you behind the bar during your festive holiday party.
Evicting Claus
Gather these ingredients:
Bottle Organic Nation Vodka
Organic or All Natural Vanilla Syrup
Organic White Cranberry Juice
Ginger Powder
Vanilla Wafer cookies
Whole fresh frozen cranberries (I like Stahlbush Island Farms)
Pre-Party-Prep (for 6-8)
Use a sealable bag to crush 3-4 wafer cookies and dump them onto a plate that has high edges, a smaller plate is best add about a 1/4 teaspoon of Ginger Powder to the dry mixture and mix around a bit.
Add 2 teaspoons of Ginger Powder to 4 cups of White Cranberry Juice and shake it up.
Drink Preperation-
Now that its party time and your work is mostly over.
Take a Rocks glass (or a Martini style cocktail glass) and use a lemon to rim the glass, moistening it, the farther down the glass you go the more cookie will stick and the more aesthetic your drink will look, I like to get a good 1/2 inch down on the glass rim.
Turn the glass upside down and spin it in the dry cookie crumbles.
In a shaker combine:
2 oz of Organic Nation Vodka
1/2 oz of Organic Vanilla Syrup
2.5 oz of Organic White Cranberry Juice
Shake
(If you are serving it 'up', then strain it, other wise just pour the entirety of the cocktail into the rocks glass. )
Pour into your rimmed glass and finish with a garnish of a Whole Cranberry.
Cheers and Enjoy your holidays!
Melodie
CoHo Productions Lights up the Night
CoHo Production's Hamlet Fundraising Party produced by Chris Murray
CoHo's winter slot show, Hamlet, directed by Kristan Seemel and adapted by and starring Chris Murray is having a party!
We are in the preliminary stages of preparing to conquer the season, including this new adaptation of Shakespeare's most famous work.
The event will include appetizers and cocktails sponsored by Organic Nation Spirits.
This performance of Hamlet is something we want Portland to feel proud of, a show that will make an impact on our fair city. I want us all to feel a sense of ownership.
Our Designers: Kollodi and Chris Rousseau, our fabulous designers are looking forward to the contributions from this years event attendees to help them truly be able to expand their imaginations and bring the stage to life.
Our Minimum Fundraising Goal is : $3,200
Featuring a silent auction-
Example auctions:
A tailored season of Portland shows (tickets to 8 shows at 8 different Portland theatres, from Third Rail and PCS, to OCT and Vertigo)
A collection of Arrow Golf Clubs
A dream package of pampering from London Influence Salon
A slot in Tim True's 8-week acting class
A package of delights from the Portland Rose Garden
A private walking tour lead by Chris Murray from Portland Walking Tours
A year long package of computer IT troubleshooting with "to your door" service
A family portrait package from Natural Light Photography
A one-on-one directing session with Slayden Scott Yarborough Artistic Director of Third Rail Rep
Handmade Jewelry from Portland artist Lindsay Matteson
...and much more.
It will be fantastic to enjoy an evening of fun, food and spirits with all of you!
$10 Ticket to entry -
If you have any questions about the event, please email me personally :thechrismurray@gmail.com
If you would like to learn more about this version of Hamlet, please visit CoHo's website.
Thank you all!
Cocktails Served Earth Friendly
Paul Abercrombie invites all to attend his debut party of his new cocktail book, he mentioned Organic Nation Spirits in the book: "Spunky Oregon micro-distillery. . ." and ". . . O-N brand gin has a gentle herbaceous quality for a versatile mixer."
Please join me in celebrating the publication of Organic, Shaken and Stirred, my new book about organic cocktails.
Oh, and enjoy some drinks from the book!
When: Thursday, October 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Restaurant BT (in Tampa’s Old Hyde Park Village), 1633 West Snow Ave., Tampa, FL 33606 US
For advance reservations ($30 includes a copy of the book, two cocktails and appetizers), call Inkwood Books (www.InkwoodBooks.com) at 813-253-2638 or Restaurant BT (www.RestaurantBT.com) at 813-258-1916. Or drop by Restaurant BT the night of the party.
“Organic, Shaken and Stirred is a delightful read, chock-full of wonderful recipes. The book is well organized and gives an informative overview of the ‘green’ cocktail trend; it is a valuable resource.”
—Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, founder and editor, The Liquid Muse.com
Read more here or buy the book!
Distillers Tasting at Edgefield
Saturday, October 17
OREGON DISTILLERS GUILD FALL TASTING
Set in Edgefield's second-floor ballroom
1 p.m. 'til 4 p.m. | $20 per person; includes samples | 21 & over
Join us in the beautiful ballroom at Edgefield to sample some of the region's best spirits! We'll also provide light appetizers. Why not book a room at the hotel to make an evening of it?
Along with Edgefield Distillery, guests to the tasting will include:
Bendistillery
Artisan Spirits
Cascade Peak Spirits/Organic Nation
Integrity Spirits
House Spirits
Highball Distillery
Indio Spirits
Rogue Spirits
Sub Rosa Spirits
Hood River Distillery
New Deal Distillery
Liquid Vodka
And many others…
Celebrate Handcrafted Oregon Spirits!
Oregon Distillers Guild Annual Tasting To Kick Off “Oregon Distillery Month”
(Portland, Ore. October 1, 2009 ) – Join thirteen Oregon distilleries in the main ballroom at McMenamins Edgefield for an afternoon of spirits tastings from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Tickets are $20. For tickets, contact McMenamins Edgefield at 503-669-8610. Light appetizers will be provided. There will be tours every half hour of the Edgefield Distillery.
The event is the annual Fall spirits tasting put on by the Oregon Distillers Guild, the nations first guild for craft distillers. Thirteen Oregon distilleries will show over twenty four different Oregon distilled products at this event.
Oregon distillers attending the Oregon Distillers Guild tasting at McMenamins are: Artisan Spirits, Bendistillery, Cascade Peak Distillery, Highball Distillery, Hood River Distillers, House Spirits, Indio Spirits, Integrity Spirits, Liquid Vodka, New Deal Distillery, Rogue Spirits, and Sub Rosa Spirits. Each will feature two or more of the regions best distilled products.
October is unoffically, Oregon Distillery Month. The Guild Tasting at McMenamins Edgfield will be followed by the Great American Distillers Festival the next weekend. It is expected that both will be well attended by the local populace.
About Oregon Distillers Guild:
The Oregon Distillers Guild was the first state based craft distilling group to band together and form a Guild. The Oregon Distillers Guild formed in May of 2007 and has sponsored two bills before the Oregon Legislature; influenced policy within the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and worked with Travel Oregon and Oregon Bounty programs to promote Oregon as a destination for all things liqurious.
Schooled by Ideal Bite
So you want to be a little more green? Let Ideal Bite educate you.
I have long admire the quick witty articles delivered by Ideal Bite about how you can save the world one alternative at a time. They offer shopping alternatives, advice to moms, living choices and always with humor.
Thanks for conserving resources.
Melodie
Spirits will Invade the Bossanova!
Join us and a handful of Micro-distilleries for the 5th Annual Great American Distillers Festival in Portland, Oregon this October 24th and 25th.
This weekend of events celebrates small craft distilleries from across the country and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Similar to the microbrew movement of the 1980's, the microspirits revolution is taking off and craft products are increasingly preferred by consumers, bartenders, and connoisseurs of high-end spirits.
Stop by the Bossanova located at 722 E Burnside, Portland, Oregon 97215.
For more information visit the Great American Distillers Festival Site.
Hope to see you there, sipping a tasty cocktail!
Melodie
Women, Martini's and Madness
This is the gorgeous patio view of Callahan's where the cutting edge event to raise money for women & children~Women & Martini Madnesswill take place from 4-6pm and a special dinner by Chef Brandon will be served from 6-8pm. Organic Nation spirits will be serving up organic signature cocktails, such as a Bees Knees, French Fields and a Leap Frog! Come and meet other zany women, enjoy a fine cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and live music with Sarah Petty and the Baked Boys! Call Callahan's 541.482.1299 for reservations. There are some sliding scale scholarships, call Diane for more info: 541.840.2513
2nd Annual Feast in the Fields
This is the second annual Feast in the Fields which is the brainchild of Gina & Dave Heckley to celebrate family, friends, & the bounty of the season! We were invited back this year and served some very yummy cocktails for the 'Happy Hour' prior to the Feast. We served a French Fields, a lovely concoction created by our very own Melodie! Our gin drink was a classic highball, a Leap Frog. Both were received with rave revues from the 60+ happy Feast goers!
Rogue Valley Brambles in Talent was the host farm with Copperhill Olive Oil, Meadowlark Farm, Plaisance Ranch, Siskiyou Crest Goat Dairy, Noble Coffee, New Sammy's, Ashland Bistro Cafe, and Ashland Springs Hotel all weighing in with fabulous, locally grown and nurtured cuisine. A fabulous time was had by all and we all are already looking forward to next years Feast!
Sip Responsibly,
Diane
Women and Martini Madness
Come one, come all! This is a call to Women who are mad about Martinis and mad about raising money for Women & Children in need. This FUNdraiser will benefit a Jackson County United Way program, Women in Living Leadership. The event is being held at Callahan's on their beautiful outdoor patio. Callahan's is that wonderful restaurant & lodge that has risen from the ashes of the fire last year, with a completely gorgeous remodel and is located on I-5 at Siskiyou Summit, which is actually only a 9 min. drive from Ashland, yet, you feel like you are far away in the sweet mountain air. For the price of a $30. ticket you get one free Organic Nation Martini, free hors d'ouevres, live music by "Hot Lips & Half-Baked Buns", a jazzy, blues band with Sarah Petty as their lead vocalist, and all the fun you can muster up with a bunch of mad women!! Then stay for Callahan's special Martini Madness dinner menu for only $20/$25 the day of the event. They are also offering a special deal for an overnight stay! Call Callahan's for your reservations: 541.482.1299 or email: marilyn@organicnationspirits.com for more info.
Hope to see you there! In Good Spirits, Diane
Oregon Tilth serves up!
10 September 2009 11:22
| Sustainability
| Permalink
The International Food Trade Show brings people together from all over the world who have a passion for food and its counter parts in our culture. To our fortune, Oregon Tilth (OTCO, our organic certifier and the most stringent in the certification industry) planted themselves there this past June. Luckily, for them, they were able to serve sample tastings of Organic Nation gin and vodka so attendees swarmed their booth to sample some of the finest organic spirits! OTCO, as well, informed many of the food show goers of the importance and process of organic certification, Oregon Tilth's way, of course.
Organic Nation Spirits are proud to be certified by Oregon Tilth and, of course, thankful that they served up some cocktails with our spirits, in our absence, at the International Food Trade Show in Anaheim, CA.For more information about upgrading to an Oregon Tilth Organic Certification contact them via their website.
Mixologist Spotlight: Emily Dixon
08 September 2009 10:24
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
High Desert Drifter
1 ½ oz Organic Nation Gin
Grated Ginger
Fresh Sage
Heavy Cream
Simple Syrup
Fresh Pear
Shake, serve up
Cherry Surprise
1 ½ oz Organic Nation Vodka
Fresh Cherries
Egg White
Juice and Pulp from an Orange
½ tsp Sugar
Shake, serve up
Garnish with one cherry in the bottom of the Cocktail glass
Emily’s artistic eye not only makes her a talented stone carver and jewelry designer, but also a creative mixologist. Emily got her start mixing and shaking when she moved to Alaska in 2002. After spending time traveling and working around the northwest, Emily landed back in her hometown of Bend in 2005, where she concocted for Staccato, Cascade Lakes Lodge and Deep. Most recently, Emily mixes for Twist Cocktail Catering Co., Central Oregon’s premier beverage catering service.
For your next event you make Twist, your first call, for alcohol!
Check out our Organic distillery...
07 September 2009 10:38
| Sustainability
| Permalink
Next time you plan a wine tour in the newly famed Rogue Valley, why not stretch your wings and include a tour of an Organic micro-distillery? Cascade Peak Spirits, dba as Organic Nation, located in Ashland, is Oregon's first organic Micro-Distillery and welcomes spirits enthusiasts to make an appointment to tour the facility. At Organic Nation, we founded an organic distillery to demonstrate how we cherish Oregon's renowned natural resources: her pure water, clean air, and healthy soil. As a local Rogue Valley business, we are committed to the practice of Sustainability. We buy local and 'green' products as much as is possible. Our facility, as well as all of the raw products we use to handcraft our spirits, are certified organic by the most rigorous name in organic certification--OREGON TILTH (OTCO).
Diane and David, CEO and Distiller, respectively, will tour by appointment most days of the week.
Oregon has heaps of bounty to offer and the palettes it entertains are some of the most sophisticated, this demands high quality boutique distilleries, breweries and wineries, which have stepped up to the challenge.
To tour the distillery please call or email: marilyn@OrganicNationSpirits.com for an appointment.
Appointments are required and usually need to be made one week in advance.
You can also visit the Travel Oregon website to help plan your trip!
Thanks! Melodie
Taste some Originality
Boldly located on the corner of SW 6th and Oak St. in Portland's classic Downtown area, The Original swoops you in. Its 50's lure, with a chic neuvo vibe, creates a curiosity about what's inside. The Original offers up a unique array of traditional American food that seems like it took a two week vacation to...somewhere. Duck confit on waffles, Lobster Corn Dog, Donut Burger, Poutine ... the Original ingenuity goes on.
Of course, when you are dining at The Original, be original and drink Organic Nation Spirits.
Cheers!
Melodie
Go ahead, Jinx yourself
Jinx, which just opened (last night) in the Pearl District is owned and operated by Casey Hopkin. They will be serving Organic Nation gin along with many other premium Spirits.
Jinx offers a hip atmosphere with a sprightly fresh, lounge feel. Although I didn't experience this late night, this review from yelp makes it sound like Jinx really brought the party. This new hot spot doesnt have a web-site up yet, but in the mean time you can join their Facebook page and check out their other half, Vault-Martini, located next door.
When you stop in and welcome Jinx, be sure to make your libation of choice Organic Nation.
Jinx is located near the corner of 12th and Everett in Portland's Pearl District.
Cheers!
Melodie
Best of Portland brought the heat on.
20 August 2009 06:43
| Events, Melodie on the Streets
| Permalink
I mixed no less than 1000 cocktails that hot Wednesday evening. My fingers were left wrinkled from the citrus that permeated my skin, and the seepage under my nails left me having flash backs of busy bartending nights. The crowd, none-the-less, was appreciative of all the samplings and had a keen appreciation for the Organic Nation gin and Brain Tonic cocktail (I am still hoping for a clever name to pop up, suggestions welcome).
The best of Portland event put on by Willamette Week beamed with success. Local Portlanders cruised in after work to dip into the goodies; Socializing to the live music and good food & spirits. Then there was the 'reporter dunk tank', just in case you have a pent up issue or grudge with a local media person. On site vendors included, the Grilled Cheese Cart, which I will add makes a killer grilled cheese using mascarpone cheese. There were Absinthe slushy’s! handmade donuts and much more. I will confess, I never had a chance to check out the entire event, which was a really good problem to have, being that our booth was highly popular! Everyone couldn’t get enough of the Organic Nation vodka and Lemongrass Dry Soda or the now famed O-N gin and Brain TonIQ’s cocktails.
Best of Portland was fantastic and we hope to see many of you at any and all of our upcoming events in the Portland area. Support the movement to keep it local; Drink local and drink organic.
Cheers!
Melodie
Love affair with Culinary Arts
Maralyn Hill brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Food & Spirits industry. Diane, owner of Organic Nation Spirits, has been in touch with Maralyn since their friendship developed at the Ashland Springs Hotel's Chocolate Festival in March '09. Learning about Maralyn's talents and where they come from has been a gift, so much that I wanted to bring it to light for our fans and followers to enjoy!
'My physical home is Arizona, but I consider the world my true home. I derive my energy from different cultures and love being exposed to all aspects of different cultures. It seems many times the gate or tarmac could be considered home if you count time spent in either place.
Born in Chicago, with my first train ride at 2 weeks, I developed my love of travel early. Having a family who excelled in food preparation of many cultures is somewhat responsible for introducing me to appreciation of all aspects of food.
I pursued careers that allowed me to follow my dream of food and travel worldwide. Now, as a freelance writer and author, I focus on food of all cultures: Attending 2009 Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, France, with a French Master Chef friend and my frequent writing partner; covering the Taste of the Caribbean; and judging the Oregon Chocolate Festival and Taste of Fallbrook.
In addition to freelance writing, I’m President of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association. I enjoy assisting our members in achieving more success with their careers (that goes back to my Masters in Organizational Development). I have a blog called “Where and What in the World,” as well as “Success,” a blog on writing. I’ve co-authored three books with Brenda C. Hill (no relation). The first was “Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel,” “Cooking Secrets…The Why and How,” co-authored with Master French Chef Herve Laurent, and INDIE Finalist, “Success, Your Path to a Successful Book.”
Maralyn enjoys writing about and supporting the lesser known artisan and delicious businesses. Seeing them grown and gain recognition from producing exceptional products is a wonderful reward. She is delighted to be introduced to new companies, tasting and promoting them through her writing. Her background is marketing and organizational development. She also enjoys being a judge and covering events just about anywhere. The people she meets and stories she hears make it worthwhile.'
You can contact Maralyn at mdhill@noralyn.com or call 480.840.3420. Check out her website:www.noralyn.com.
Cheers!
Melodie
Mixologist Spotlight: Megan Bitz
17 August 2009 06:18
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Greatful Gardener
1 1/2oz Fresh Grapefruit
1 1/2oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2 oz Organic Nation Vodka
Cardamom
Fresh Ginger Root
Tarragon
Sage
Mint
Basil
Simple Syrup
Shake Serve up
Top with Soda Water
In her own words, "I grew up in Scholls, Oregon deep in the woods and have always had an appreciation for nature and natural medicine that grows around us. I started an essential oil business four years ago and currently work as a manager and server at Chow. I love Chow because it represents how I feel about good food, good people, supporting local farms and businesses alike. Crafting cocktails gives you the freedom to use your mind, fresh herbs and your creativity. "
Megan crafted this tasty cocktail, in the spur of the moment, for the Bite of Bend cocktail competition. You can find her at Chow in Bend, most days mixing daytime drinks and holding the fort down.
Cheers!
Melodie
Diane and David Imbibe the Best
Diane and David, owners of Organic Nation, took off to Portland last week to enjoy the Chef's Collaborative dinner. Of course this wasn't their only stop. They stopped into their favorite bars to pay respects and gratitude, with a handful of friends and family including David's son Jason, his wife Lucy, Diane's daughter, Natalie and her fabulous beau, Sean from Andina.
First up: the newly famed Jacob Grier of Carlyle, who took Gold honors at the Oregon Bartenders Guild Mixology competition with his 'Gallagher' cocktail (featuring our Gin) and 'Mandeville' (featuring Dolmen Worker Bee). Both cocktails were crowd pleasers at the event and certainly well appreciated by Diane, David and their company as guests of Jacob's last Saturday! Diane gifted Jacob a bottle of Vodka for his excellent talents and the clan left the joint promising to dine there on their next trip!
Diane (CEO of the Company) and David (V.P./ Distiller) were off to visit their long time friend Jeffery Morgenthaler at Clyde Common, where they had him pull a cocktail featuring Organic Nation Gin from his vast repertoire. Diane's favorite was his Gin and Tonic, made with his homemade tonic. Diane is a little wistful, since they don't carry our Vodka. And fun was had by all indeed!
Everyone enjoyed a little weekend imbibing, but the fun didn't stop there! In Eugene, Diane and David stopped into Sweetwaters, where Lucas Bhur mixes up a handful of fabulous Organic Nation infusions featured on their menu. Diane gifted him with one of our fantastic organic t-shirts.
From the specialty menu at Sweetwaters:
River Breeze
Honey grapefruit infused Vodka served over ice with fresh grapefruit squeezed on top with a splash of POM juice to round things off.
Signing off, Melodie.
Kelly Lamb takes O-N to the top
To celebrate her 40th birthday, Kelly decided to take on a 9,495 ft. peak. On July 23, 2009 she climbed Mount McLoughlin and she did it in style! Here she is showing off her Organic Nation t-shirt smilin' sky high!
Kelly works at Hair City in Ashland, OR.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday!
Climb on, Kelly!
Diane
Jacob Grier takes the hat!
The Oregon Bartender's Guild sponsored a cocktail competition at the Hobnob Grille in Portland on Monday night, July 27th. It was a great success, raising enough money for Schoolhouse Supplies to equip an entire classroom of children for a full school year. The winning concoction using Organic Nation Gin was created by Jacob Grier who is a freelance writer, barista and Bartender at the Carlyle in Portland, OR.
The Gallagher Cocktail:
2 oz. Organic Nation Gin
1 oz. watermelon juice
3/4 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. Swedish Punsch
Soda
Shake first four ingredients over ice, strain into ice-filled Collins glass. Top with soda and stir.
For more details see Jacob's blog at: www.jacobgrier.com/blog/archives/2529.html
In great spirits! Diane