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"Spend a couple of bucks on some 'good ice.' It’s a simple indulgence that will more than return its pleasure both in taste and sight."
━ Roy
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In the spirit of slowing down and taking time to stop and smell the roses, Friday Favorites is taking a four-week break while we enjoy our summer vacation. After this issue, we’ll be back in your inbox in four weeks. See you next month!
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ALASKA GLACIAL ICE HARVEST
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You may know my partner, Roy, as an absolute genius with pasta, but he also has some strong and enlightening views on ice. There’s a saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Roy’s views on ice have converted me from someone who didn’t think much about ice to someone who enjoys and values this simple, affordable luxury.
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CHILL OUT WITH CHICAGO ICE
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Using quality ice makes every day a bit better. Chicago has a brand called Lang that produces Chicago Classic Ice Cubes—in my home we just call it "Chicago Ice." It’s been around for a long time and has the most glorious cubes. Every week, I pick up three bags of Chicago Ice and use them in my Spindrift, in my cocktails, in my water—in everything. |
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CHICAGO ICE IS OUR GOLD STANDARD
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Here’s Roy’s take on ice:
"In my 20’s, I became obsessed with good ice. It might have coincided with the drinking of scotch. Once you compare store-bought ice with those refrigerator half-moons, you’ll know what I mean. Refrigerator-made ice is that white, dusty stuff that’s likely been sitting in the sad ice bin soaking up the odors from leftover chili and frozen salmon.
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GOOD ICE IS A KEY INGREDIENT
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Good ice cubes, however, are solid and clear. Good ice is food, while Refrigerator-made ice melts quickly and clouds your beverage with mineral deposits. It’s just uncivilized. A proper cocktail demands good quality ice, but even a Diet Coke is better with good ice. And for ice water, you simply must use good, clear cubes."
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A MEMORABLE COCKTAIL I HAD IN ROME MANY YEARS AGO ON A TRIP WITH ROY
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Roy’s Hierarchy of Ice Types:
Glacier Ice: Not very practical, but it does sound exotic, and if you are a mixologist whipping up a $50 cocktail, why not use premium ice?
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HOW STUNNING IS THIS ALASKA GLACIAL ICE
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Ice Made from Solid Blocks: This is the standard. Look for it. This method produces clear, rock hard, 2-inch cubes from 400-pound blocks. They contain no residual particles, because as they freeze, any impurities collect in the center and are removed. They’re long-lasting and pleasing to look at, with a neutral taste. They make that ever so pleasing “clink” and last a long time, so you can “put a smile on that drink” without needing to replace the ice.
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A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK
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Pellet Ice: This is the kind of commercial ice you’ll find at the quick mart. It’s a major improvement over the half-moons from the fridge. They look like cylindrical plugs, and they are okay for ice water but dilute any other beverage too quickly. For people who like to chew ice (which I don’t recommend), I am told this ice is satisfying.
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PELLET ICE IS THE MOST FUN TO CHEW!
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Ice Trays in Your Freezer: A bit lame, but if you use filtered or even distilled water, you will be closer to a good cube. I consider this ice a compromise.
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ONE BEAUTIFUL COMPROMISE
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Refrigerator Half-Moons: Fine for icing a sprained ankle, but subpar because they contain so much air that they melt quickly. If your refrigerator lacks a water filter, you will find floating particles. And because of the refrigerator’s dehydration system, this ice disappears as it dries out, leaving an even more concentrated abomination that resembles sidewalk ice. Save these for your deadbeat brother-in-law.
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BY THE WAY THE BONE BROTH MUG IS PERFECT FOR AN ICED BEVERAGE
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Treat yourself to GOOD ICE! It turns a simple glass of water into an actual drink. It’s a simple indulgence that will more than return its pleasure both in taste and sight. Cheers!
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As part of our summer break, we are excited to be rethinking every aspect of Friday Favorites so that we can come back better and stronger than ever. We would love YOUR feedback on Friday Favorites! Please fill out this short survey or feel free to reach out to me if surveys aren't your thing but you'd still love to share your thoughts. We can't wait to hear from you!
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DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE ICE
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WALTER PALMER
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As a distillery owner, I do love a good cocktail, but I stress out about ice. Here are my three rules: First, always double the amount you think you need. Second, always use the best you can find. And third, never forget the first two rules! They will help you avoid an ice bucket with melting halfmoons, and drinks with a single rapidly melting cube. (Why don’t people care more about ice? You’d think it was a billion dollars a cube! It’s water!) A good cocktail requires plenty of ice to dilute the spirit properly, though for whiskey, one nice large high-quality cube, something a bit custom, is just right.
Walter Palmer, Owner of Palmer Distilling Company
@palmerdistilling @liberty.gin
http://palmerdistilling.com
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WALTER PALMER'S LIBERTY GIN
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THIS SUMMER SEAFOOD CORN CHOWDER IS OUR NEW OBSESSION
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Since we’re taking four weeks off from Friday Favorites, we want to leave you with a new, magnificent summer recipe. You’re going to absolutely love this Summer Seafood Corn Chowder!
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LA BLANCA IS THE BEST AFFORDABLE LUXURY
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I’m learning so much in my year of health! One major key to health is prioritizing rest, which is still an emerging skill for me. What’s more, I’m taking a proper summer vacation! We are heading to Greece, where I’ll be lying by the pool, swimming in the sea and without a doubt wearing my La Blanca swimsuits, so keep your eyes peeled for the stories! Let’s just say it’s pretty much going to be a La Blanca fashion show. Create your own moment of summer luxury by using the code Crumbles here for 25% off through August!
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BEING ORGANIZED HELPS ME STAY HEALTHY
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In addition to my swimsuits, I always bring my MaryRuth’s supplements along, including the travel size nighttime minerals, liquid probiotics, all organized and ready to go in this little travel kit. And by the way, these are all 20% off by using the code Teri20. Join me virtually for a great trip!
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CHOOSING A SUIT HAS NEVER BEEN MORE FUN!
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While I’m sad to say I can’t bring you on my trip, I’m happy to say that La Blanca and I want to treat you to a La Blanca swim suit of your choice! It makes me happy knowing that one of you will be enjoying one of these elegant, high quality swimsuits. We all deserve something beautiful to wear in the summer! Enter below!
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SNEAK PEEK OF SOMETHING COMING SOON...
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We are full speed ahead in the Shop! Look for your email on Saturday for the Shop update and a special promotion for Labor Day weekend. We have lots of great stuff coming, including these beautiful pitchers, an Uncle Buddy, a Molly dinner plate, and more.
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LOTS OF EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS!
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