Archive for the ‘General’ Category

See More Than The Seaport

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Are you a New Yorker or a tourist who has not ventured over to downtown Manhattan…

I’m talkin’ waaaaaay downtown…

If this is the case…


YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL!!!



What do we have going on down here besides the tourist hot spots of the Financial District and the South Street Seaport, you ask??



For one- there is the ONE STOP SHOP, provisions! But you doesn’t have to come all the way down here just to visit our shop, (although you won’t be sorry if you do)!

There are so many different things to do around here and so many special deals that are happening on the daily. One can make a whole “outing” out of a trip to provisions.



 

provisions always have some sort of FREE SAMPLE of something that is freshly made and delicious!


After buying all of your local, organic, and gift giving needs at our shop… You can head on over to the NEW AMSTERDAM MARKET!



Act Locally:

Support this very important Market which in turn supports many, many Farms within the Tri-State area and has invigorated Lower Manhattan with a much needed Organic Market for our local residents. The next Market takes place on AUGUST, 22nd and will become a WEEKLY MARKET STARTING SEPTEMBER!












 

Take a stop over to California Wine Merchants!


The wine selection is divine in a beautiful space AND they have FREE WINE TASTINGS every Thursday and Friday. To top it all off, every now and again,they have parties and serve meat and cheese products from provisions. Our products + their wine = a party in the mouth!



Pictured here is an ice cream truck sponsored my “Coach” and they are serving FREE ICE CREAM not even a block away from our store that is organic and decadent. Where else can you get free ice cream??


(bin 220)


Check out the beautiful FRONT STREET one block off of our store on BEEKMAN STREET. From Italian wine bars to Italian restaurants and MUCH MORE… This charming street is right off the beaten path of the Seaport is a hidden gem and has much to offer in the way of food and beverage.

A Visit to Theo’s Chocolate Factory!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

 

True to being the DEDICATED EMPLOYEE that I am to provisions… I traveled ALL the way to Seattle, WA and visited Theo Chocolate Factory to get a tour of their chocolate factory.

(It’s a tough job, I know).

 

 

Located in the lovely city of Seattle… Theo Chocolate tours are offered for the very reasonable price of $6 per person. I went in to see exactly how one of provisions best selling chocolates were made and to learn more about the process of chocolate making. After all, I consume enough of the good stuff- I should know what goes into creating my satisfying lover… CHOCOLATE!

 

 

The picture above basically explains my feelings towards chocolate….

 

 

 

 

These are cacao beans where chocolate come from. Aren’t they gorgeous?! Chocolate grows on trees, folks!


I learned SOOOO much from the tour provided by Theo at their factory from a very personable, witty, entertaining tour guide. She did a great job keeping my family entranced about what goes into making a bean-to-bar chocolate bar, which apparently is not the way all chocolate is made.

 

Theo uses green energy sources to power their factories!

 

 

 

 

 

(Side Note: My mother insists that I note that she is usually much more beautiful than this picture portrays her to be- with a HAIRNET on. Here, she is smelling cocao beans).


ACCORDING TO THEO’S WEBSITE: The meaning of Bean-to-Bar
“Theo’s small batch chocolate production is truly an art form. We take great time and care to steward our cocoa beans through the entire manufacturing process, add only the finest, sustainably produced ingredients, and are proud to offer chocolate we can guarantee is equal parts ethical and delicious!”

 


provisions has delicious Theo chocolate in store!

 

Click Here to place your orders today!


 

pops test tasting EVERYTHING at LEAST once… making sure its up to snuff of course….


Pretty Monsters & Little Monsters

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The provisions girls went see the Lady Gaga concert in NYC at MSG!!!!

 

 

We became little monsters and wore pretty monsters lip balm in essences of keeping in theme with GAGA.

 

 

Sexy Gaga + Sexy Pretty Monster Lip Balm = A FUN TIME!!

 

 

 

Lady Gaga sets the stage for an amazing experience for her Little Monsters and Pretty Monsters does the same for provisions customers. GET YOUR PRETTY MONSTERS PRODUCTS TODAY and go out on the town feeling as free and beautiful as a Little Monster should :)

 

 

 


Click Here to place your orders today!

 

 


provisions is having a 20% OFF Sale on Everything until midnight Sunday July 4th…

Friday, July 2nd, 2010
provisions is having a 20% OFF Sale on Everything until midnight Sunday July 4th…

 

ORDER ONLINE AND WE WILL CREDIT BACK 20% OF  YOUR PURCHASE (mention this 20% OFF SALE in the COMMENTS SECTION)… OR JUST CALL US AND WE WILL TAKE 20% OFF OVER THE PHONE…

This red, white, and blue holiday, eat and drink your heart out with the help of provisions.


Inspired by New York Times writer Mark Bittman, provisions is sending out grilling recipe ideas that include our SENSATIONAL OILS AND VINEGARS.

(photographed by Francesco Tonelli for The New York Times)

We hand picked out 31 out of 101 Reasons To Light The Grill by “The Minimalist” that are applicable to use with our oils and vinegars. We varied some to put our own “provisions twist” on them. They are “begging to be tried” not only for the upcoming weekend, but for the whole summer!


(photographed by Francesco Tonelli for The New York Times)
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS (my specialty):


1. A winter dish, summer style: Brush thick slices of fennel bulbs with STONEHOUSE HOUSE BLEND OLIVE OIL and grill over not-too-high heat. Cut oranges in half and grill, cut-side down. Put fennel on a bed of arugula or watercress, squeeze grilled oranges over top. Garnish with fennel fronds.

2. Tahini tofu steaks. Thin tahini with lots of lemon juice and some minced garlic. Cut a brick of firm tofu into four slabs and brush with SEVILLANO OIL. Grill over a moderate fire, turning a few times, until marked and crisp outside and custardy inside. On the last turn, baste with the tahini sauce. Serve on thick tomato slices with a drizzle of soy sauce and chopped basil, Thai if possible.

3. Grill bread; grind in a food processor to make coarse bread crumbs. (You can add garlic and/or parsley and/or Parmesan, or not.) Grill asparagus and drizzle ESTATE BLEND Oil on top until tender. Top with bread crumbs and more ESTATE BLEND OLIVE OIL. 4. Brush slices of beet with HOUSE BLEND Olive Oil and grill slowly until tender and lightly browned. Top each slice with a little goat cheese and some salad greens.





5. For perfectly ripe tomatoes only: Grill tomatoes, any size, until hot and lightly charred but not bursting. Drizzle with SEVILLANO Olive Oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve with fresh mozzarella (or, even better, burrata) and grilled bread.

6. Halve and grill radicchio (or Belgian endives); drizzle cut sides with honey or plain vinaigrette, pesto or parsley pesto. Or just brush with HOUSE BLEND Olive Oil and finish with a little grilled prosciutto.





7. Grilled guacamole: Halve and pit avocados; lightly char them, then scoop out the flesh. Grill halved red onion, too. Chop, combine, add tomatoes, lime, garlic and spices if you like. Drizzle on PERSIAN LIME Olive Oil.
8. Root vegetable of your choice: Slice celeriac — or jicama, big potatoes, daikon or yams — and grill slowly, until very tender and browned. Drizzle with ESTATE BLEND Olive Oil or melted butter and sprinkle with chopped rosemary or sage.

9. Choose another root. Slice it, but this time char lightly and leave it crunchy. Chop and toss with chopped cilantro, a pinch of cayenne and PERSIAN LIME Olive Oil.

10. Rub thick zucchini slices with a mixture of fresh or dried dill, yogurt, OLIO SANTO Olive Oil and lemon. (Or use pesto or parsley pesto.) Grill slowly.
11. Halve Belgian endives. Brush with ESTATE BLEND olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and grill over moderate-to-low heat, turning once or twice, until soft and browned. Finish cut-side up and sprinkle with grated Parmesan; close the grill to melt cheese.
12. Peel and thickly slice a not overly ripe mango. Brush very lightly with neutral oil, like our OLIO SANTO, and grill just until softened; sprinkle with cilantro and/or mint and lime juice (for best results, use our PERSIAN LIME Olive Oil).
13. Grill red, orange and/or yellow peppers; toss with olives, capers, STONEHOUSE DARK BALSAMIC Vinegar and ESTATE BLEND Olive Oil.
14. Quick grilled pickle: Rapidly char thick slices of cucumber; toss with salt, STONEHOUSE DARK BALSAMIC VINEGAR and sugar; let sit for 15 minutes, then drain.
MEAT:

15. Smear chicken leg quarters (or thighs) with a paste of garlic, chopped rosemary (thyme, too, if you like), SEVILLANO olive oil and the juice of grilled lemon. Grill away from heat, covered; crisp briefly over high heat.

16. Steak au poivre: Sirloin strip is ideal. Press lots of cracked black pepper into both sides, sprinkle with salt and grill over fairly high heat, about three to four minutes on each side. Slice quarter-inch thick before serving. Drizzle DIPPING OIL on top.


FISH AND SHELLFISH:

17. Grill thick onion slices; purée in a blender with LISBON LEMON Olive Oil. Grill scallops for about four minutes; serve with the vinaigrette.

18. Shrimp, Part 1: Rub with chili powder and salt, and grill quickly. Finish with cilantro and PERSIAN LIME Olive Oil.

19. Shrimp, Part 2: Rub with ESTATE BLEND olive oil, salt and cumin. Finish with the juice of grilled lemon halves; garnish with chopped marjoram, if you have it, parsley if you don’t.
20. Grilled tuna niçoise: Brush tuna with OLIO SANTO Olive Oil and grill; keep it rare. (You might grill some new potatoes while you’re at it.) Serve with more olive oil, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, olives, grilled red onion and parsley. Green beans and hard-cooked eggs are optional.
KEBABS:



21. Lamb and onions. Brush with a mixture of cumin and SEVILLANO Olive Oil as they sizzle. You can add bell peppers, too, but somehow the stark minimalism of this is pleasing.




22. Odd, but good: Strawberries and cherry tomatoes, finished with DARK BALSAMIC VINEGAR.
23. Peaches, plums, strawberries and watermelon. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and perhaps a drizzle of DARK BALSAMIC VINEGAR.

SALADS:

24. Grill halved new potatoes or fingerlings (microwave or parboil first for a few minutes to get a head start), red onions and scallions. Chop as necessary and toss with chopped celery, parsley, mustard and NAPA VALLEY RED WINE VINEGAR. Bittman makes this annually.

25. Toss grilled Lacinato kale leaves with a little Caesar salad dressing (or LISBON LEMON Olive Oil and Parmesan) and grilled croutons.

26. Lightly grill ripe figs; brush with Dark Balsamic. Chop and toss with arugula and blue cheese. Sprinkle with SEVILLANO olive oil.

27. Steak salad with almost no steak: Halve endives or radicchio; brush with OLIO SANTO and grill. Sprinkle with bits of blue cheese and bits of charred steak.
28. Ratatouille: Grill chunks of zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, eggplant, onion and tomatoes (or use cherry tomatoes), all until lightly browned and perfectly tender. Toss with fresh marjoram or oregano, thyme, basil and ESTATE BLEND Olive Oil.
SANDWICHES:

29. Actual grilled cheese: Use good bread, good cheese, tomato slices and maybe a little mustard; brush with our buttery ESTATE BLEND Olive Oil and grill with a weight on top.

30. Glorified grilled cheese: Use grilled pineapple, grilled ham, cheese, pickles and mayo; brush with ESTATE BLEND oil. Grill with a weight on top.

31. Grill bell peppers until blackened and collapsed; cover, cool and peel. Grill eggplant planks, brushed with SEVILLANO olive oil, until very tender. Make a sandwich with DARK BALSAMIC VINEGAR, mozzarella and basil. This is also good with strip or skirt steak: grill meat until medium-rare, then slice and salt.






OUR BUTTERNUT SQUASH SEED OIL IS ANOTHER GREAT OIL TO USE THIS WEEKEND OR THIS SUMMER! Whether it is for grilling or drizzling… this newest addition to provisions arrived last week and it is ALREADY flying off the shelves!





If you are anything like I am… you are gonna want to make a cocktail to go along with your newly found delicious grilling recipes.
AND WHO CAN BLAME YOU?!
Here are some recipes made with BLACK CURRANT CORDIAL that will knock the socks off of you and your guests- they are that good.
The ratio of Black Currant Cordial to Champagne or wine depends on personal preference.





Currantini: Chilled vodka and a splash of Currant Cordial

Kir Royale: Champagne (or white wine) & Currant Cordial

Currant Spritzer: 1 shot each vodka & Currant Cordial mixed in club soda with a squeeze of Meyer lemon.








HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO EVERYONE!!!!















NEW AMSTERDAM MARKET IS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 27!

Friday, June 25th, 2010



Come find us and many other local vendors and one of New York City’s finest outdoor local farmer’s markets!

 

 

THE NEW AMSTERDAM MARKET is an exceptional addition to the already beautiful and exciting South Street Seaport downtown NYC area.



All of our STONEHOUSE OLIVE OILS are available to taste along with delicious fresh bread made in the Bronx.


The NEW AMSTERDAM MARKET is located on South Street between Peck Slip & Beekman Street, directly in front of the FULTON FISH MARKET Building at the Seaport.


It begins JUNE 27th, 2010 from 11 am – 4 pm.






It will be a Monthly Market in the Summer, then will become a WEEKLY Market in September 2010.


We hope you will help support this very important Market which in turn supports many, many Farms within the Tri-State area and has invigorated Lower Manhattan with a much needed Organic Market for our local residents.


 

TWO NEW PRODUCTS in stock at provisions!

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

 

For all of you fans of cold press oil… provisions now sells BUTTERNUT SQUASH SEED OIL!

This oil is made from local squash seeds of single source squash varieties. Butternut has a toasty, nutty flavor perfect on grilled vegetables. It also compliments soft cheeses, roasted vegetables or grilled fish and is made by Stony Brook Whole Hearted Foods. Butternut squash seed oil is expeller pressed, which means that the oil is mechanically pressed from the squash seed without added heat or chemicals. Unlike most other commercially available cooking oils (like canola and grapeseed), Stony Brook does not chemically alter the oil as part of the production process. No other oils are added or blended in–each bottle is 100% pure varietal seed oil.



Want some recipe ideas? I haven’t concocted any of my own… YET… but here are a few from their website.

 

SQUASH SEED OIL VINAIGRETTE
Chef Sam Izzo, Simply Red Bistro, Ovid NY

1 t ginger root, peeled and grated
1clove of garlic, chopped fine
1 t brown sugar
1 t soy sauce
¼ t black pepper
1 t Dijon mustard
1/4 cup blended olive and canola oil
1/4 cup Butternut Seed Oil

Place ginger, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, black pepper and Dijon mustard in a metal mixing bowl slowly whisk in the two oils. Placing a >damp towel under the bowl will stop it from spinning around too much. Whisk the two oils until they are thoroughly mixed in. Toss with greens and roasted pistachios.





MAPLE SQUASH PUREE Squash soup
Gourmet Executive Food Editor Kemp Minfie, as modified by Ruth Reichl in GourmetWeekly

5 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (10 cups) 
2 cups water 
1 3/4 teaspoons salt 
1/3 cup pure maple syrup 
3 tablespoon unsalted butter, in pieces
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
butternut squash seed oil

Simmer squash in water with 1 teaspoon salt in a 5-quart pot (water will not cover squash), covered, until squash is very tender, about 15 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid, then drain squash in a colander. Purée squash, syrup, oil and butter in batches in a food processor until smooth, adding reserved cooking liquid if purée is too thick. Transfer to a serving bowl and stir in pepper and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Before serving drizzle with butternut squash seed oil.


Impressed with provisions and wondering if its possible for us to have even MORE tasty and healthy products?? Believe it or not- WE CAN AND WE DO!

 

 

Black currant cordial


Black currants. Honey. That’s all – there is no added water or alcohol. You can add your own favorite liquid to your particular taste. The small glass bottles are a green alternative to mostly water or seltzer stretched fruit drink products packaged in larger plastic bottles.

Black currants. Honey. That’s all!

New England whole black currants are pressed and juiced in small batches: honey is added until the tartness of the berry is balanced with the sweetness of honey.

8 natural, highly antioxidant ounces of very berry non-sweet black currant cordial. Dilute 1 part cordial with 4 parts of your favorite liquid – water, seltzer, wine, lemonade, vodka or drizzle over ice cream. Use to create your own marinade or salad dressing!


 

provisions is always looking out for our customers health and pleasure.


Health properties of black currants became well known again recently. Black currants are as much as five times higher in vitamin C than oranges, and higher in antioxidants than blueberries.

Want more ideas on how to use this delicious liquid berry?? Look no further. We have some ideas from Bug Hill Farm Below.


Black Currant Cordial (1-2 tablespoons or 15-30 ml)

White wine or Champagne (about 6 ounces or 150 ml)

Champagne flute or white wine glass

You can either pour the Black Currant Cordial into the wine glass and add the Champagne or wine (this results in an even mixture) OR pour the wine first and then add the Black Currant Cordial, which results in the pretty effect of color separation. Try it both ways!

The ratio of Black Currant Cordial to Champagne or wine depends on personal preference.

Enjoy a picnic with provisions delights!

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Ever been to provisions and seen all of our delcious picnic treats??



provisions carries Brooklyn Brine FENNEL BEETS & MORROCAN BEANS & SERRANO BEANS




RAMPS, BOURBON CURRIED CAULIFLOWER, TARRAGON MUSTARD ASAPARAGUS & JALEPENO GREEN TOMATO RELISH  by SOUR PUSS PICKLES are another picnic favorite sold at provisions!



And what better treat for an afternoon picnic than some CHEESE!


COW’S MILK FETA, EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR, JALEPENO JACK & CHIPOTLE CHEDDAR from Neighborly Farms of Vermont http://www.neighborlyfarms.com/

A lover of camembert like I? We got it!!




One of our best sellers… the cibo spreadable paired with il forno bread. Makes any picnic a delight!



And for all of you meat eaters… our fra mani salami selection is not to be missed.


 

Wondering what to eat all of these heavenly products on…. look no further. provisions has the perfect solution!

 

Ideal for picnics and our answer to the paper plate!

SPECIAL OFFER – Buy any 2 (two) BAMBU Products and receive 2 (two) FREE BAMBU COASTERS as our GIFT.

 

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO DINE ON THE GRASS AMONGST THE TREES AND STARE UP AT THE SKYLINE OF NYC. COME TO provisions and make it happen!

Summer’s Sexiest Beverage is in….

Sunday, June 13th, 2010


Tired of Spring Cleaning and ready to cool off with a Summer Beverage that will leave you feeling sexier than ever? I know I would!!





Make yourself an Aphrodisiac Hot Cocoa in ICED form to cool off this summer! Add it to cold water or a milkshake and mmmm mmmm mmmm! You can be known for making the sexiest milkshake this side of the Mississippi!

 


 

ACAI BERRY is a wonderful detox for the body and goes perfectly  to add to a refreshing smoothie…

 

 

One of the first studies of açaí found that extracts of the berry reduced the growth of leukemia cells in the lab by up to 86 percent!

Beyond this, everyone can benefit from its healthy amounts of:

· Fiber

· Amino Acids

· Oleic Acid

· and a Superdose of antioxidants—more than most fruits!

What else can Açai do for you? How about it’s reputation as the Viagra of the Amazon! Yes this berry from Brazil is known to increase sex drive, in addition to boosting energy, stamina and mental acuity.

 

Here is provisions recipe for a delicious antioxidant smoothie featuring GNOSIS Acai Berry Powder:

Things You’ll Need:


Instructions

Add one serving of GNOSIS RAW ORGANIC ACAI BERRY POWDER to the blender. Add one cup or milk or soy milk. Add one banana. Add a 1/2 cup of low fat vanilla yogurt. Blend for 20-30 seconds and enjoy!!

 

 

ANOTHER GNOSIS way to get an anti-oxidant morning kick thanks to provisions….

 

 

GNOSIS GOJI BERRY JAM!

An excellent source of antioxidants, the goji berry is one of the most powerful medicines in Traditional Chinese Medicine! This berry is a complete protein, high in beta carotene to improve eyesight, and B6 to help you dream profoundly! Use this new way to enjoy goji berries as a spread, fruit dip, smoothie addition, or dessert topping!

 


















Father’s Day is around the bend…

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Treat Dad to a day of manly indulgences by choosing a gift from provisions.

 

 

 

 

 

We have so many varieties of gifts for Dad like our

glasses made from reclaimed Corona and Rolling Rock bottles. These glasses are 100% recycled and 100% certified Green.


 

 

 

If you Dad is a lover of beer, another great gift idea is the Six Pack Tote. It is perfect for Dad to fill with beer to take to the beach, park, or party.  One of their best qualities is that they can insulate beer and keep beverages icy cold. And we are sure your father will welcome those looks of envy and admiration.


Even filling them with our STONEHOUSE OLIVE OILS, such as our DIPPING OIL, would make a splendid gift! The dipping oil makes a PERFECT marinade on meat, fish, or veggies and will kick off Dad’s summer in style.




Having a barbeque on Father’s Day? This smoked salt is THE ULTIMATE  for cooking or grilling fish, chicken,  steak, or my favorite… veggies!


Salish Salt which is fine grain organic sea salt that is naturally smoked over real Northwest red alderwood. Salish gives food a genuine smokehouse taste on or off the BBQ.


Also good for Papa + a Barbeque =

 


‘Tis the season for eating alfresco! provisions sells ‘Built’ grilling mitts and oven holders that are not a luxury, but a necessity to use while grilling great feasts in the backyard because their snug fit allows one to shift gears without missing a beat; or flipping a burger. Also, their extra strength protection and stylish looks make them the Grey Goose of mitts and holders.


(My glorious father in rare form wearing a tux. He is looking 007 James Bond-esque. Gotta love it)


Father’s Day is great because its a day where we get the chance to show how much we care.

Stay tuned for special Father’s Day deals that are NOT to be missed!

 






Congrats Grad!

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Know someone who is graduating from High School and would love some cute and unique gifts for their new dorm? Or a college grad who is moving into their first apartment? THEN… come and get the perfect graduation presents at provisions.

 

 

My cousin just graduated and received his MD/PhD… he DEFINITELY gets the Stonehouse Sampler!

(Plus some Theo and Mast Brother’s Chocolate)

provisions makes it worth it to spend 12 years dedicated to a higher education for its Stonehouse goodness and SO MUCH MORE!

 

CLICK HERE to see our gift ideas.

 

Want to create your own gift basket?? That’s no problem either. Just order whatever you wish and in the “comments section” of the order form, add that it is a gift. We will gift wrap your present beautifully and add in a hand written card to say whatever you wish.

 

Brooklyn Cheese Slates make excellent gifts for a grad’s new apartment!

 

 

So say Congrats to your Grad in style by shopping here at provisions



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