New Book Gives Kids, Parents and Educators Needed Resource to Build Preteen Self-Esteem

CHICAGO – To help preteens, ages 9 to 13, prevent social media from deflating self-worth, a new book, titled Love Yourself(ie), Life Lessons for Building Kid Charisma™, is available today on Amazon. With a focus on self-love, the book teaches ‘what we think of ourselves matters most’ and how to use self-acceptance to keep others from influencing bad feelings or behaviors.

Although navigating friendships, belonging, self-image and bullying has long been part of growing up, social media today makes the experience public – which is fueling record levels of preteen insecurity and acceptance-seeking behaviors that range from obsessing over appearance to taking down unpopular posts in tears. Love Yourself(ie) is a fictional story of a young girl, named Harper, who learns to use self-acceptance to filter social media and manage peer pressure and competition. Endorsed by leading child development experts, educators, parents and preteens, the book is a highly relatable story kids see themselves in, with a practical perspective and advice they can use to understand what they are feeling and become more confident and true to themselves – on social media and in life.

“Kids thrive when they don’t give others power over them,” said Dr. Julie Carbray, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “Social-emotional challenges in middle school can leave preteens questioning who they are and how to act – at an age when character development is being shaped and, now, social media is publicly testing the strength of that character. Love Yourself(ie) is a wonderful resource for kids, parents and educators, offering much needed perspective not only on what preteens are ‘really’ facing but also the importance of building self-acceptance and character strength as a solution.”

Written by Chicago business executive Andrea A. Lewis in collaboration with renown beauty expert Nicole Pearl, both of whom are moms, Love Yourself(ie) fills a gap the two saw in resources to make social media a more positive experience. The story is derived from life lessons that shape Andrea’s character strength, infused with Nicole’s expertise on the relationship between self-esteem and beauty, and dedicated to all preteens – and the parents, educators and youth advocates who care about their well-being – growing up in the digital age.

“This book is for everyone who wants the best for kids,” said Andrea A. Lewis, author, Love Yourself(ie), Life Lessons for Building Kid Charisma™. “How we handle life experiences begins with what we believe about ourselves, and my spunky daughters at ages 8 and 5 are examples of the good that comes from developing self-love, determination and resilience early-on. All kids deserve that emotional advantage and Love Yourself(ie) is a platform to inspire it.”

Added Nicole Pearl, book contributor and beauty expert known as The Beauty Girl:

“For many preteens, social media is a popularity contest that leaves them feeling left out and bad about themselves. Love Yourself(ie) instills self-love as our best accessory, and shows kids how to build it within themselves. In fact, to quote 10- and 13-year-old girls who read the story for us: ‘The pressure and insecurities Harper feels are so much like what we experience, so the advice in the story and seeing how she used it made us feel better and more confident.’”

Love Yourself(ie) is available in print and Kindle versions for $9.99, on Amazon.

For more information about Andrea and the book, search LifeLessons4KidCharisma on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.lifelessons4kids.org. For information about Nicole, visit www.nicolepearl.com.

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“Living” beverage with real health benefits now available at Argo Tea Cafés in endless flavor combinations

Chicago, Ill. – (June 1, 2016) – Argo Tea®, the Chicago-based premium tea brand known for all-natural tea-based signature drinks and premium loose-leaf teas, has collaborated with Kefiplant, to offer tea and wellness enthusiasts freshly-made, custom Kombucha concoctions they can’t find elsewhere.

Quebec-based Kefiplant, the expert manufacturer of certified organic fermented herbs, uses a patented fermentation process that packs the “live” culture with probiotics, enzymes, organic acids, antioxidants, and other metabolites to create their signature Kombucha.

“Kombucha by Kefiplant is processed by scientists with the highest quality standards, which allows us to create a living culture packed with nutrients that provide healthy digestive benefits and assist in overall body detoxification,” said Chantale Houle, President, Kefiplant.

Kefiplant’s Kombucha inspired Argo Tea’s imaginative mixologists and intelligent nutritionists to create an effervescent living drink that’s made-to-order. Argo Tea café customers will choose from the company’s Classic Black Tea or Green Tea Ginger, which is then blended with Kombucha by Kefiplant, soda water, and their choice of flavor shot and then served over ice. Kombucha is the latest signature beverage to be featured on Argo Tea’s new rotating Mixology Special, a permanent addition to the company’s café menu board.

“Argo Tea proudly sources the best ingredients from around the world to create innovative signature beverages that consumers demand for healthy drinks with real ingredients,” said Arsen Avakian, Founder and CEO, Argo Tea. “We’re proud to partner with Kefiplant, the leading manufacturer of high-quality Kombucha.”

Kombucha is now available in all Argo Tea cafés in Chicago and New York as well as other participating locations through June, in three different sizes: small ($3.95-$4.45), medium ($4.45-$4.95) and large ($4.95-$5.45), which range from 25-113 calories.

About Argo Tea

Since brewing its first cup of tea in 2003, Argo Tea has quickly become a household name and leading multi-channel, branded beverage company. Its ready-to-drink teas in Argo Tea’s iconic bottles are now available in over 20,000 outlets nationwide through partnerships with premier retailers that value its brand-defining commitment to quality, sustainability and healthy living. With nearly 50 Argo Tea cafés globally, it has established a brand building marketing platform that serves over 10 million cups of tea annually fueling its innovation. Argo Tea’s menu includes all natural-tea based signature drinks, over thirty varieties of loose-leaf teas, premium coffee, fresh-baked pastries, specialty foods, and a selection of tea ware and accessories.

For more information, please visit www.argotea.com and follow the brand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/argotea as well as Twitter and Instagram @argotea

About Kefiplant

Since 2004, Kefiplant has organically fermented Kombucha and botanicals through its one-of-a-kind, patented technology, to help clients overall well being while respecting the ecosystem. Benefiting from the wisdom of ancestral herbal fermentation traditions, the creative team of specialists is committed to creating products intended for the beverage, food and supplement industry. For more information, please visit http://www.kefiplant.com/home

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Chicago (April 19, 2016) – Pastoral’s Appellation, a 75-seat wine bar and restaurant in Andersonville, today officially debuted its first spring menu. To coincide with the launch, Appellation will also unveil a new spring art exhibition from local Chicago artist, Jill Sutton, within the restaurant’s dining area.

Appellation’s lively new spring menu delivers a simple, authentic approach to food and wine with a sense of place, in a warm, inviting space. The restaurant’s name and menu inspires guests to appreciate the place of origin for each ingredient and wine pairing, as well as the farmers and producers with whom Pastoral has built great relationships over time.

Created by Chef Jesse Williams, who attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, the new menu features a range of rustic, approachable and creative cuisine. As the former head chef of Birchwood Kitchen, Chef Jesse has applied her culinary experience to highlight high-quality, seasonal ingredients accented by the cheeses Pastoral has championed for more than 10 years. The menu offers “bites” and “mains,” in addition to cheese and charcuterie plates.

New and noteworthy signature dishes include:

• Ricotta & sweet pea toast with guanciale
• Fried artichokes, egg-lemon sauce, Italian salsa verde, grated Pantaleo
• Sausage and clams, green garlic cream, peas, asparagus, grilled bread
• Mustard and Herbes de Provence rubbed pork loin, wheat berries, roasted carrots
• Steak for two, Cravero Parmigiano-Reggiano and chive butter, peas, cippolini, shaved mushrooms
• Potato, ramp, and fennel pierogi with smoked marisa, shaved asparagus, butter, herbs
• Goat cheese panna cotta with strawberry hibiscus preserves and rhubarb

The menu also features libations from Appellation/Pastoral’s acclaimed wine buyer and educator, Mark Wrobel. The wine bar offers 20 wines by the glass, featuring a rotating selection of small production wines from dynamic producers from around the world, including a French Rose on tap for the warm weather months. In addition to its spring menu, the restaurant recently began serving full service lunch daily from 11am – 3pm, a menu featuring quiche, cheese, and charcuterie.

New Spring Art Exhibit

Pastoral is committed to showcasing unique and inspired works from local artists, which rotate seasonally. To accompany the launch of Appellation’s new spring menu, Pastoral will unveil its third art exhibit on Tuesday, April 19, featuring colorful landscape-inspired paintings from talented Chicago artist, Jill Sutton, that are also available for purchase. Pastoral will host a public art opening of her new collection with a free cheese and wine reception that evening from 6-8 p.m. The current exhibit will be featured through June.

With a bachelor’s in fine art from Washington University and a master’s in fine art from California College of the Arts in San Francisco, Sutton’s work has been exhibited extensively throughout Chicago, including shows at Evanston Art Center, University Club of Chicago and Bridgeport Art Center. Currently, she is on the painting and drawing faculty of Evanston Art Center.

Visit the Facebook event page at to learn more about this event: https://www.facebook.com/events/633562703449046/

About Appellation Wine Bar & Restaurant

Launched in October 2015 and located within the Pastoral retail store at 5212 N. Clark Street in Andersonville, Appellation is a 75-seat bistro serving food and wine with a sense of place. Led by Chef Jesse Williams and featuring a menu of approachable and rustic dishes, Appellation encourages guests to sip and savor appetizers, entrees, and other shareable plates featuring the fine cheese and wine offered in Pastoral’s retail locations. Appellation serves lunch and dinner during the week, as well as brunch and dinner on weekends. For more information, follow Appellation on Twitter @AppellationChi, and like the wine bar and restaurant on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AppellationChicago

For more information about Appellation, please call 773.358.7181. To make an online reservation, visit www.opentable.com

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Largest new distillery in America is on track to begin production by September 2016

Bardstown, KY (April 14, 2016) – The Bardstown Bourbon Company achieved a major milestone today with the installation of its 50-foot tall, custom made, 36-inch stainless steel Vendome Copper & Brass Works still. Delivered in one piece, and hoisted above the 55-foot still tower by crane, the Vendome apparatus was lowered into the center of the building. This helped Bardstown Bourbon Company inch one step closer to opening its state-of-the-art whiskey distillery, which is scheduled to begin operations by September 2016, in “The Bourbon Capitol of the World.”

The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s still features a unique design, incorporating large, rectangular glass manways – a shape never before used by Vendome in still manufacturing – that enables visitors to watch the whiskey moving through the distilling process. The use of glass also reflects the transparent nature of the Company’s approach to whiskey making. No secrets, mythical stories, or fabricated legends, the Bardstown Bourbon Company celebrates the craft of making great whiskey and the Bardstown community that brings bourbon to the world.

“The Bardstown Bourbon Company is just a few short months away from becoming a significant addition to the American whiskey landscape,” said David Mandell, President & CEO. “With the development of our own brands, new Collaborative Distilling Program, and unique visitors experience, we will continue to fuel interest, innovation, and growth across the entire whiskey category.”

“We can’t wait to start the whiskey flowing at the largest new distillery in the country,” said Steve Nally, Master Distiller. “It’s an exciting time for bourbon and we’re proud to be at the forefront of innovation.”

The Bardstown Bourbon Company in its current configuration has a 1.5 million proof gallon annual capacity, which can be expanded to six million proof gallons within the current design of the distillery.

ABOUT THE BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY

Under construction since October 2014, The Bardstown Bourbon Company is “the Modern Distiller of the American Spirit.” The company is developing a $25 million destination experience with a first-of-its-kind Napa Valley style campus featuring a state-of-the-art whiskey distillery, unique and transparent educational experience, high-end tours and tastings, integrated visitors center, event space, and eventually a restaurant and boutique hotel. The distillery is set to begin production in September 2016 for its own brands as well as its new “Collaborative Distilling Program,” which offers the opportunity to create custom, authentic, Kentucky whiskey, bourbon and rye and provides comprehensive barrel financing.

To learn more about The Bardstown Bourbon Company visit:

www.bardstownbourbon.com

www.facebook.com/bardstownbourboncompany

www.twitter.com/btownbourbon

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Free food & drink festival at Chicago French Market includes stage program featuring four renowned James Beard-nominated Midwest chefs

Chicago, Ill. – (April 5, 2016) – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, together with Chicago French Market and presenting sponsor Specialty Food Association, will host the 6^th Annual Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival, on Saturday, April 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton Street).

One of the largest free events of its kind in the Midwest, the culinary affair celebrates nearly 100 talented and award-winning artisan producers and vendors of high-quality food and beverages. Participating cheesemakers, charcuterie and confection producers and other featured purveyors will meet and interact with guests and offer samples of small batch food, beer, spirits and wine throughout the day. The festival will accept a suggested $5 donation at the door with proceeds to equally benefit the Daphne Zepos Teaching Award, a scholarship fund for aspiring cheese professionals and Purple Asparagus, a Chicago non-profit that educates children, families and the community about eating. Featured producers include:

• Food – Avalanche Cheese Company (CO), Boxcarr Handmade Cheese (NC), La Quercia Cured Meats (IA), Lemon Bird Preserves (CA)
• Wine – Alloy Wine Works (CA), Firelands Winery (OH), Giornata (CA)
• Beer/Spirits – Ale Syndicate (IL), CH Distillery (IL), Half Acre Beer Company (IL), Letherbee Distillers (IL)

In honor of the James Beard Awards Weekend, this year’s stage program will feature four renowned James Beard-nominated Chefs from the Midwest. They include Chicago’s own Chef Erling Wu-Bower of Paul Kahan’s Nico Osteria and Chef Tori Miller of Madison’s renowned L’Etoile. Guests will have the opportunity to hear these culinary thought leaders discuss their approach to sourcing product and their appreciation of artisan producers. The program includes:

• 11:15am, Two-time James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes Finalist Chef Erling Wu-Bower of Nico Osteria with Shepherd’s Way
• 12:00pm, Two-time James Beard Best Chef: Midwest Award Semifinalist Chef Dan Fox of Heritage Tavern with ‘Nduja Artisans Salumeria
• 12:40pm, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, The Perfect Wisconsin Bite
• 1:05pm, James Beard 2012 Best Chef: Midwest Award Winner Chef Tory Miller of L’Etoile and Graze with Landmark Creamery
• 1:50pm, Four-time James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes Award Semifinalist Chef Paul Fehribach of Big Jones with Capriole Cheese
• 2:30pm, Sarah Weiner, Executive Director, and Christina Schanz, Managing Director of Programs & Community, of the Good Food Awards, What IS Good Food? Panel Discussion

Greg O’Neill and Ken Miller, co-founders/co-owners of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, created the annual event to shine a light on the Chicago French Market and all the great products available year-round from high-quality producers. Said O’Neill, “the festival is the perfect opportunity for guests to meet the passionate, talented producers who make these amazing foods and libations and to truly understand their stories and the hard work and passion that goes into making them. This year, we’re honored to have several James Beard Nominated Chefs attend to share their approach to sourcing product and their appreciation for artisan producers.”

Two-time James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes Finalist Chef Erling Wu Bower of Nico Osteria underscores the importance of the connection among the chef and artisan producer stating, “The personal relationship with the farmer, the artisan and the vendor is such an important part of the exchange. I love that I can affect the end product and that there is a belief, a philosophy, effort, sweat and blood behind it all. As a human being and a chef, I appreciate that there’s a face behind the product, and it’s such a happy convenience that the product ultimately tastes better.”

For those unable to attend this year’s festival, Pastoral will make the following gift collections available for purchase online at pastoralartisan.com, in-store or by calling 800.721.4781. A full list of contents in each medley is available upon request.

• Artisan Producer Festival Collection ($49.99), an impressive selection of some of the Festival’s most delicious treats
• Artisan Producer Festival Deluxe Tour ($109.99), a selection of artisan cheeses, scrumptious confections and delicious accompaniments from the Festival

Metra will offer an $8 pass that includes unlimited rides for the weekend. Kids under 11 ride free. Parking lot is adjacent to Chicago French Market, with entrances at 164 N. Canal Street and 165 N. Clinton Street. Limited space available.

Pastoral and Chicago French Market are pleased to have the support of the following key sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor: Specialty Food Association
• Partner Sponsors: Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
• National Media Sponsors: Edible Chicago and Culture Magazine
• Supporting Sponsor: Zuercher & Co.

Participating Chicago French Market Vendors include:

• Aloha Poké Co.

• Beaver’s Coffee + Donuts
• Black Dog Gelato
• City Fresh Market
• Da Lobsta
• EJ Sushi
• FliP Crepes
• Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer
• Fumare Meats & Deli
• Klay Oven Kitchen
• Lillie’s Q
• Little Greek Corner
• Loop Juice
• Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
• RAW.
• Saigon Sisters
• Vanille Patisserie
• Vinegusto

MetraMarket:

• OVIE Bar & Grill
  

For more information about the festival, including a complete list of participants, visit the official APF website #APF2016

About Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival

Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival is an annual culinary event in Chicago that gives guests the chance to meet artisan producers from around the globe, taste their products and celebrate small batch food, beer, spirits and wine. Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival is distinctive from most national and international culinary events of its kind because it is entirely free and open to the public. Pastoral created Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival as part of the company’s mission to make shopping for and consuming high-quality artisan goods enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious. Many of the products featured at Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival are sold in the Midwest exclusively at Pastoral. For more information on Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival, visit pastoralartisan.com.

About Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Founded in 2004 by Ken Miller and Greg O’Neill, Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is a group of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty food and wine shops offering the highest quality, cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads, perfectly chosen accompaniments and small production wines, along with hand-crafted, cheese-loving beers and spirits. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral is committed to providing the highest level of service and education for customers, striving to make shopping for and consuming artisan goods enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious. Pastoral welcomes customers at four Chicago store locations, and ships nationwide at www.pastoralartisan.com. The Specialty Food Association named Pastoral “Outstanding Retailer of the Year” in 2007 and 2012. The Company’s first restaurant, Bar Pastoral, opened in 2012 and is an award winning, Michelin Guide recommended cheese & wine bistro located in Lakeview’s cozy neighborhood setting. In 2015, Pastoral opened Appellation, a wine bar and restaurant in Chicago’s vibrant Andersonville neighborhood.

About Chicago French Market

Chicago French Market is the City’s only year-round, European-style market offering fresh food, produce, flowers and international cuisine from more than 30 local vendors. Chicago French Market offers grab-and-go dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, light snacks, fruits and vegetables, picnics, easy party planning and catering options for home and office; a dining area for customers who wish to explore and relax at the Market; daily Happy Hours with food & drink specials and live music; groceries with fresh ingredients for cooking at home—plus flowers and gifts—all in one convenient location. The Bensidoun family, market operators in France since the early 1900s and now the largest market operators in Paris, operates and manages Chicago French Market. For more information, visit chicagofrenchmarket.com

About Specialty Food Association

The Specialty Food Association is a thriving community of food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs, who bring craft, care and joy to the distinctive foods they produce. Established in 1952 in New York, the not-for-profit trade association provides its 3,000 members in the U.S. and abroad the tools, knowledge and connections to champion and nurture their companies in an always-evolving marketplace. The Association owns and produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi™ Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com.

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