Wednesday, March 23, 2011

'Sing For Your Snack' is Back This National Pretzel Day!

/PRNewswire/ -- Pretzelmaker announced today that it is, once again, hosting its annual National Pretzel Day celebration on April 26th, 2011 at Pretzelmaker stores across the country*. Following tremendous success in 2010, the company has continued the popular "sing for your snack" theme for 2011. Pretzelmaker is managed by GFG Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group.

On April 26th, customers are invited to visit their local Pretzelmaker, sing a snippet from a song of their choice and receive a FREE soft pretzel (standard salted or unsalted) while supplies last. Patrons who prefer not to sing won't go hungry – they can simply say "National Pretzel Day" to receive their free pretzel.

Pretzelmaker is also celebrating National Pretzel Day and the brand's support of music and the arts by announcing a $30,000 donation to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation (www.vh1savethemusic.com). The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America's public schools and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, the Foundation has provided more than $47 million in new musical instruments to 1,750 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.6 million children.

In addition to the $30,000 donation, Pretzelmaker will offer customers the chance to join with the company in support of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation through the Foundation's "Text to Give" program. From March 15th through May 31st, customers can text "PRTZLMKR" to 90999 to donate $5 to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The first 50 donations received via text will receive a VH1 Save the Music t-shirt from the Foundation.

"National Pretzel Day is a hallmark of the Pretzelmaker brand and we're excited to be able to treat our customers to a fresh, free pretzel again this year," said Jenn Johnston, chief marketing & operations officer for GFG Management, LLC. "The VH1 Save the Music Foundation is an incredible organization that is a perfect charitable partner for Pretzelmaker and we're proud to show our support to the Foundation and music education across the country through this donation."

To find a participating Pretzelmaker location near you visit www.nationalpretzelday.com. To stay up to date on all of Pretzelmaker's products and promotions, join Pretzelmaker's exclusive e-mail fan club at www.pretzelmaker.com or become a fan of the brand on Facebook® (www.facebook.com/pretzelmaker).

*Limit one offer per guest during the day of the promotion. Counts vary by store. Valid only at participating U.S. stores. No purchase necessary. No cash value. 

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Happiness Is a Trip to New York City

/PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the release of Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown , and two succeeding Peanuts DVD releases, Peanut Butter & Co., Warner Home Video, Peanuts Worldwide, and Delta Vacations have teamed up to create the Happiness In NYC Sweepstakes.

Five lucky winners will be chosen from three contest periods running throughout 2011, corresponding with the release of each of the three new Peanuts DVDs. These fifteen winners will each receive a prize pack containing Peanut Butter &Co. products, Peanuts DVDs and merchandise. Out of these winners one grand prize winner will be selected to win a deluxe trip for four to experience "Happiness in New York City." The vacation package includes round trip airfare and hotel accommodations as well as lunch at the Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop, tickets to a Broadway show, and VIP access to New York City museums restaurants and shopping.

Promotion for the sweepstakes will appear on Peanut Butter & Co. products throughout 2011, as well as in national print, online, direct response, and social media channels. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. For a complete set of rules and to enter, consumers can go to http://ilovepeanutbutter.com/happiness

The contest entry site also includes a link to watch the trailer for Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown. This new and original work is the first of 3 new Peanuts specials in five years and is comprised of original comic strip ideas created by Charles Schulz. In this heartwarming new tale, Linus is pushed to his limits when he learns his grandmother is coming to visit and plans to rid him of his most cherished possession, his beloved security blanket. As grandma's impending arrival looms closer, the Peanuts gang finds ways to try and help Linus lose his dependence on his fuzzy crutch.

"Peanut Butter & Co. is thrilled to be a part of the launch of this exciting new chapter in Charles Schulz's storied Peanuts franchise," said Lee Zalben, Founder & President of Peanut Butter & Co. "We think that this is a promotion that consumer will really 'go nuts' for...pun intended!"

Craig Schulz, son of the Peanuts creator, served as one of the executive producers and writers of the film along with Stephen Pastis, who wrote the special as well. Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown was also executive produced by Paige Braddock and Linda M. Steiner and was directed by animator Andy Beall (Up, Ratatouille) and Frank Molieri (The Simpsons Movie, SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).

The film, produced by Warner Premiere, is set for release on DVD by Warner Home Video on March 29, 2011 and will retail for $19.98 SRP.

The two other Peanuts films for release this year are Happiness is…Peanuts™: Snoopy's Adventures on June 14, 2011 and Happiness is…Peanuts ™: Snow Days on October 18, 2011.

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Monday, March 14, 2011

ONE World Enterprises Recalls O.N.E. Coconut Water Due To Mold

ONE World Enterprises, LLC is recalling O.N.E. Coconut Water, packaged in 11.2 oz Tetra Pak cartons with Lot code 12E1004, UPC # 894991001104 and Sell-by date of May 1, 2011, due to the potential oxidation of the product that may permit the growth of mold. The affected product is isolated to a single lot number and the company is currently utilizing Corrective And Preventative Action (CAPA) procedures to identify why this problem exists, which was discovered after receiving a small number of consumer complaints. Test results for pathogens were negative as tested by the Georgia State Department of Agriculture.

The affected product was distributed to various retail outlets in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Product Description
Product: O.N.E. Coconut Water
Container: 11.2 oz Tetra Pak cartons
Lot: Lot code 12E1004, UPC # 894991001104
Sell-by date: May 1, 2011

Dates and codes can be found stamped on the top of the packaging.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.

Currently the company is working with the Georgia State Department of Agriculture to determine the cause of the consumer complaints. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To date all internal testing at the manufacturing plant indicates no contamination. Therefore, the company is investigating possible issues that may have occurred during transport thereby causing potential oxidation.

Consumers should return any of this product to the retail store where it was purchased for a full refund or credit. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 888-ONE-COCO (888-663-2626) between 9 am and 5 pm P.T. Monday through Friday for further information.

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

SeaPak Shrimp Company Offers a Coastal Getaway Sweepstakes

/PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Lent, SeaPak Shrimp Company launches the 2nd Annual Coastal Getaway Sweepstakes, a chance for winners to enjoy the sand and shore in sunny Southeast Georgia.

Four grand prize winners will receive a Coastal Getaway for two on scenic St. Simons Island, a pristine barrier island on Georgia's coast. St. Simons Island, home to SeaPak Shrimp Company since 1948, offers visitors beautiful beaches, numerous recreational activities, a rich history, and, of course, great seafood!

Each of the four grand-prize winners will receive a four-day, three-night vacation for two. In addition to swimming in the surf and relaxing in the sun, the winners will enjoy a private, gourmet seafood dinner hosted by SeaPak at the St. Simons Island Heritage Center. They will also be treated to a tidal marsh boat tour and a variety of other fun coastal activities.

"Our first annual Coastal Getaway Sweepstakes was a huge success," said Scott Corey, Senior Marketing Manager, SeaPak Shrimp Company. "It was wonderful to meet a few of our fans in person. We're thrilled to be able to bring winners to this wonderful island we call home and we look forward to welcoming the winners of the 2nd annual sweepstakes."

Contestants may enter the contest, which runs through April 30, 2011, at www.SeaPak.com. In addition to the four grand prizes, entrants will be eligible to win one of 200 first prizes: A one-year subscription to Coastal Living Magazine . Established in 1997, this elegant magazine is a favorite of residents, vacationers, and others who are interested in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts.

"We can't bring everyone to the beach," said Corey. "But we can ensure our products deliver the authentic and great taste of the coast to kitchen tables across the country!"

For great recipes and preparation ideas, visit www.SeaPak.com, or join us on Facebook.

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Consumers Say They're Eager to Eat a More Plant-Based Diet, But Need Help Understanding How, New Research Finds

/PRNewswire/ -- While most consumers say they agree with recommendations in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans that call for eating a more plant-based diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and other plant-based foods — only a third believe they're knowledgeable about how to do so.

That's one key finding in research commissioned by the National Peanut Board (NPB) that led to the creation of skinnyonnuts.com – a new web site focused on helping consumers decipher the recently released dietary guidelines and increasing their consumption of nuts and other plant-based foods.

"Americans have never been more conscious about eating nutritious foods, but they're saying they need help to turn that desire into action," explained registered dietitian Deanna Segrave-Daly.

Along with information about plant-based diets, skinnyonnuts.com features nutrition and health information, recipes and energy-boosting snack ideas. It also presents tips on eating a gluten-free diet and managing food allergies.

"When you consider that 90 percent of American pantries contain one or more jars of peanut butter, sometimes the challenge is as straightforward as connecting the dots to foods people already enjoy," said Raffaela Marie Fenn, president and managing director of the National Peanut Board. "That's precisely why we created this new site."

Among the research findings:

* While 66 percent of respondents believe they are very or generally knowledgeable about nutrition and diet overall, only 33 percent say they are very or generally knowledgeable about plant-based diets.
* 67 percent did not know that eating a more plant-based diet could help manage overeating and craving.
* 38 percent said say they're mostly or usually eating a plant-based diet today, with 68 percent admitting they definitely or probably should consume more plant-based foods.
* According to respondents, three challenges in particular make it difficult for them to eat a more plant-based diet: eating out or eating at other peoples' homes, staying with a plant-based diet and finding tasty, enjoyable foods and recipes.
* Fewer than half (41 percent) of respondents said they are very or generally knowledgeable about nuts, their nutritional value or the role they play in eating a more plant-based diet


Peanuts have over 30 nutrients and are packed with more protein than any nut —seven grams per ounce. When you combine nutrition and value, peanuts out perform all other nuts. They can be a nutrient-rich part of a tasty and healthy eating plan to help meet the USDA's 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in a variety ways.

* Choose a variety of protein-rich foods: With seven grams of protein per serving, peanuts have the most protein of any nut.
* Reduce daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day: Peanuts are naturally low in sodium.
* Consume less than 20 grams of unsaturated fat and consume less than 300 mg per day of dietary cholesterol: Peanuts contain two grams of unsaturated fat and peanuts and peanut butter are cholesterol free.


The national opinion survey of 1,000 U.S. adults age 18 and older was conducted February 2-4, 2011 and drawn from TolunaGreenfield Online's panel of 3 million Americans. Results have a +/-3.5 percent margin of error at 95 percent confidence.

The National Peanut Board represents all USA peanut farmers and their families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.

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Monday, March 7, 2011

Not so crazy about The Crazy Crab

Normally I try to stay positive when writing about restaurants. If I don't like the food, don't like the service I don't write about the experience... However, I spent the last few days in Hilton Head, South Carolina and had such a difficult experience with a restaurant that I'm going to break my own rules.

There were four of us who trekked to The Crazy Crab to eat. All frequent restaurants and know good service and good food. One is a caterer extraordinaire. She knows food! I'm simply a food critic. The others are well traveled. All of us have different culinary tastes, but all agreed we wouldn't be going back to The Crazy Crab.

We chose the restaurant as the wrap-up restaurant for a wonderful trip after doing a search on the Internet for seafood places in the area. The menu looked good, the location was great and it seemed like it would be perfect. Yes, we were on Hilton Head off-season, but the restaurant was open. The crowd was light. Since you have to pay $5 to get into the area (Harbourtown), it was off-season and after hours with all the cute shops and the lighthouse were closed, it wasn't surprising to see only a few diners in the restaurant.

We waited and talked for a while before finally flagging down someone to find us a server. Not an auspicious start! The woman who came over seemed a bit resentful, with somewhat good reason I guess as it turned out she wasn't our 'official' server.

When the drinks came, our 'official' server brought them. Nice guy, nice smile, very pleasant.

We asked what the specialties were and were told the Crazy Crab Boil, Steamed Shrimp, and Steamed Seafood Pot if I remember correctly. None were on our list of things to eat when you wanted to go out afterward and not smell fishy, so we opted for their Stuffed Flounder (two of us), Blackened Mahi Mahi (me) and Fried Shrimp.

Salads were separate, two of us ordered them.

First, the hush puppies and bread. None of us tried the bread, the hush puppies were the draw. They were dry, and seemed like possibly they'd been sitting out too long. I don't believe anyone finished one. They were the topic of conversation at the table and we even had a discussion about them in the car on the way home. Not good. I guess we'd been spoiled by the hush puppies we'd had at other restaurants. These didn't even merit making it onto the bottom of the list.

I had asked the first server about the veggies and was told they had a medley only (cauliflower, broccoli and carrots). I don't like cooked carrots or cauliflower so asked if they could just give me broccoli. I've been doing that for as long as I can remember and never had anyone at any level restaurant say no. At The Crazy Crab the stand-in and the regular server both said no. Our 'official' server said he'd try when I did a little bit of wheedling

I did have a little more broccoli than carrots and cauliflower as compared to the others, so maybe he got the cook to kinda-sorta try.

However, since I sent the entire plate back, it ended up not mattering! My Mahi Mahi was chewy, tough and ultra dry.

Mahi Mahi is supposed to have a sweet, mild taste, be firm but have large flakes. If you like swordfish you'll probably like Mahi Mahi. This piece was flat-out overcooked and stringy. I tried a bite and thought maybe I'd work my way through it. I tried a little nibble from the other end of the piece, then asked our caterer for her opinion as she loved Mahi Mahi, too. She scrunched up her face and said nope, not right.

I sent it back, something I rarely, if ever, do. I asked for a bowl of She Crab Soup instead.

I'd had a cup of She Crab Soup for lunch at another restaurant but didn't mind a repeat. Once I received it and took a taste, I wasn't impressed. It had a pepper and sweet taste, but still managed to be bland without much of a crab flavor. I ate it though as I was hungry.

Neither of our troupe who tried the Stuffed Flounder were happy with it. One ate half, the other ate less than a third of it. It was dry, the stuffing had more bread than fish and was dry also. It tasted to me like it had sugar in it, but I'm rather sensitive to sweet and could be wrong. We were disappointed to say the least.

The vegetables were all overcooked, almost mushy. That kind of made me feel good in a weird way given I'd sent mine back. I love broccoli!

One positive note about the meal - the fried shrimp was excellent! We all munched on that one plate of shrimp.

We asked to the manager, or maybe the owner, after we'd finished. We simply wanted to share our displeasure in a very, positive way. We didn't ask for, or expect, to receive any discount. We discussed it prior to calling him over --- should we or should we not share our experience? Most people who are unhappy simply pay, leave and never come back. We decided we should share. He was nice, said thank you for sharing, said he hadn't had any complaints all day. Now, given the light crowd, not having any complaints all day didn't really mean a lot, but we just smiled politely and let him move on. I usually don't complain unless things are horrific so it was an interesting experience.

When we received the bill we noted he had removed the Mahi Mahi I sent back from the total and that I had not been charged for the soup. That's a good thing for any restaurant to do.

I doubt that my bit of sharing is going to have much of an impact on The Crazy Crab. They are in an outstanding location, have a great view and the tourist crowd on Hilton Head Island is overwhelming during the season. There will always be large groups frequenting the restaurant after wandering around the beautiful area.

I'll share some of the better experiences we had at restaurants on Hilton Head later, just had to get this one off my list of things to do as it's the only negative on the list! Hilton Head is a fabulous place to visit. I think I probably prefer it off-season when the crowds are light, but there is a lot more to do during the tourist season so it's a trade-off. Of course, prices go up, too...

- jmd

Unilever Announces Recall of Skippy® Reduced Fat Peanut Butter Spread Due to Possible Health Risk Limited Recall of 6 Best-If-Used-By Dates

Unilever United States, Inc. today announced a limited recall of Skippy® Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy® Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No other Skippy® products are affected by this recall.

The product was distributed to retail outlets in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The affected product, which is packaged in 16.3 oz plastic jars, is as follows:

* UPCs: 048001006812 and 048001006782 (located on the side of the jar’s label below the bar code.)
* Best-If-Used-By Dates: MAY1612LR1, MAY1712LR1, MAY1812LR1, MAY1912LR1, MAY2012LR1 and MAY2112LR1 (Stamped on the lid of the jar.)

To date, no illnesses related to this issue have been reported.

The recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed that these finished products may contain the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased Skippy® Reduced Fat Peanut Butter Spread with the above UPCs and Best-If-Used-By-Dates are urged to discard the product immediately and call the company for a replacement coupon. Consumers can contact the company at 1-800-453-3432, which is operational 24 hours a day, for information on the recall. In addition, a consumer services representative is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM EST.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Taste of Atlanta Announces Dates for 10th Anniversary

Premier Southeastern Food Festival Returns to Tech Square in October 2011

After a decade of bringing together the city’s best restaurants for Atlanta’s premier foodie event, Taste of Atlanta announces its return to Tech Square in Midtown on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2011. Taste of Atlanta will continue to feature a diverse selection of the finest fare from the food capital of the South; and this year, in honor of its 10-year milestone, the festival will also serve up several new additions to its event line-up. Hungry for more information? Event organizers will dish on the details soon.

Throughout the weekend, guests of all ages and levels of culinary expertise will enjoy an extensive selection of the best offerings in food, wine, beer and cocktails – along with engaging chef demos, specialty food and beverage tents and other family-friendly activities.

WHAT: 10th Annual Taste of Atlanta

WHEN: Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23, 2011

TIME: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
VIP Experience: 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday

WHERE: Tech Square
The street festival will span eight acres and 10 city blocks in Midtown, including Spring Street and 5th Street.

COST: General admission: $25 in advance, $35 at event
Includes 10 taste coupons. Additional taste coupons are $1 each.
VIP tickets: $75 in advance, $85 at the event
Includes 15 taste coupons and entry into Wine+Beer+Cocktail Tasting Tents and Seminars.

For updates on festival news and ticket availability, stay connected to Taste of Atlanta 2011:

• Sign up for the Taste of Atlanta newsletter at www.tasteofatlanta.com
• Follow Taste of Atlanta on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tasteofatlanta
• Like Taste of Atlanta on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/tasteofatlanta