Best of 2011

The year has come to an end so it's only right to recap the best of 2011!


This site launched in July 2011. One of the best days of my life. You all have been very supportive! I truly appreciate it. I've gained new business contacts and friends along the way.


 We have only been live for almost 6 months and we  have over 10 thousand views. There is a lot in store for "Flava in ya ear" in the near future.


Viewer's Favorite  
1. Interview with Kid Chef Eliana  
This was the most popular interview of 2011 according to my viewers.I had so much fun making up these questions. I was honored when Eliana and her mother agreed to partake. Thank you!


2. July Food Truck Rally
You all loved this post! Fun right?


3. Interview with the owner of Mrs. Dorsey's Kitchen


4. Interview with the ladies of Cake N Wings 


5.Modern Toilet in Taiwan

My Favorite


1. Interview with Ronnie Johnson the owner of Mrs. Dorsey's Kitchen This was my first interview for this site. I think I did a damn good job! I didn't know Ronnie prior, so I thank him for giving me the opportunity to interview him. We support Mrs. Dorsey's Kitchen!  


2. Q &A with the ladies of Cake N Wings 
I really enjoyed this interview. It was super fun and I can tell these ladies have a great personality. I hope you get that Food Truck! I will be a prominent customer! Cake N Wings Kickstarter project!


3. Guest Post by Melanie from Chicken and Cardigans
My best friend put me on to her blog and I fell in love. I love everything about her blog! I was honored when she agreed to do a guest post for us. What is better than food and fashion besides music and food of course? ;) Thank you Melanie! 


4.  Modern Toilet in Taiwan
I was speechless when I opened up this email. I think this review was fun, interesting, cool, and amazing. Very well done! The pictures are great! Thank you Gillian!


5. Holiday Questionnaires Part 1 Part 2
These were so fun to read! My Fave! Thank you to everyone that participated. 


I hope you all continue to support "Flava in ya ear!" Feel free to  contact with questions, comments, ideas!


Preview of 2012
Interview with Mixologist Elizabeth Dodwell
Q & A with Chef Joe "JJ" Johnson winner of Rocco's dinner party on Bravo 

 Founder-Celeste

Random Acts of Christmas

 My Boss and Family's Christmas Tree

 www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com I ordered this for the family I work. They loved it! It has lots of great gourmet goodies inside! Top rated gift baskets! 

 Close up of their tree!

 I requested letters from NYcares from children that are less fortunate to make their Christmas wishes come true. Here are some of the gifts. Toy piano and floor puzzle. 

 Another view of their (Boss) tree.

 My Parent's tree sorry for the bad shot.

 I helped the little boy I take care of make Christmas cards for his siblings. Check out the envelopes I made. Crafty!

I also brought stuff to make a Gingerbread house with him. It was more difficult than I thought. He decorated it. It looks interesting lol.

Flava Tunes: Holiday Special 4

My Fave of all time!!!!

Holiday Questionnaire Pt. 2

1. Do you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Kwanzaa? If so, which one? I celebrate Christmas. What's better than a ninja in a red suit?

2. What is the best holiday present you have ever received? That's a hard question because my parents spoiled me when I was young, but it would have to be my old school Nintendo. I loved that 8 bit machine which sparked my enthusiasm for video games.  
3. What is your favorite holiday drink? Apple Cider would be my fav holiday drink because I don't drink alcohol. 
4. What is your favorite holiday movie? My fav holiday movie would have to be A Christmas Story. I would watch it with my grand mother( bless her soul) and the rest of my family so it holds a place in my heart.  I love when Ralph gets the BB Gun for Christmas and thought that he shot his eye out. Close second March Of The Wooden Soliders.
5. What are your family or individual holiday traditions? Only tradition we have is that you can't leave the house before everyone opens their gifts on Christmas. It's really sad because everyone is known to wake up extremely late on Christmas morning.
6. Who cooks the holiday dinner? My lovely mother and grand mother is notorious for whipping up the holiday dishes. I always have to attend both events which is well worth it. What is your favorite dish? Banana pudding because it's normally made around Christmas and Thanksgiving. 
7. What are 2 items on your holiday wish list? Only thing I want for The holidays are peace and love. 
8. Real tree or fake tree? Real or

fake tree never mattered to me because it's what's under the tree that counts lol.
9. Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts? I love to give and receive.
10. Candy Canes Yay or Nay? Yay, I love Candy Canes.

Wordspit-Rapper 
Facebook: Facebook.com/wordspitwashere
Twitter: @wordspit 
www.wordspitwashere.com

1.Do you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Kwanzaa? If so, which one?  Christmas

2. What is the best holiday present you have ever received? Ipod touch many years ago

3. What is your favorite holiday drink? Sorrel with Rum (west indian staple)

4. What is your favorite holiday movie? Friday After Next

5. What are your family or individual holiday traditions? Going to church

6. Who cooks the holiday dinner? What is your favorite dish? My mother cooks and my favorite dish is curry goat (insert Jamaican accent).

7. What are 2 items on your holiday wish list? Iphone and Macbook

8. Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts? Giving

9. Real tree or fake tree? Fake

10. Candy Canes Yay or Nay? Eh I don't really like them

Bethany-Psychology Student 

Twitter: @msbethany819

Take a look at Pt. 1 of the Holiday Questionnaires!

Holiday Questionnaire Pt. 1

Here are a few fun Holiday Questionnaires with a few of my fave people. Feel free to participate in the comments sections.

1. Do you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Kwanzaa? If so, which one? Christmas.
2. What is the best holiday present you have ever received? Ever?  Probably anything my little sister gave me.  She is younger than me, so I never expect anything but always get something.
3. What is your favorite holiday drink? I guess eggnog. I don't drink anything particularly on holidays simply because it's a holiday but eggnog seems cool.
4. What is your favorite holiday movie? How the Grinch stole Christmas.  The movie with Jim Carey.  I like A Christmas Carol second and third favorite is Home Alone, whichever one that was written with a plot centered around Christmas.  I think it's the second one.
5. What are your family or individual holiday traditions? We NEVER opened presents early, we always had to wait until everyone was up.  And EVERY Christmas we made hundreds of cookies "for santa" and a big glass of milk.  We still make them. 

6. Who cooks the holiday dinner? What is your favorite dish? My mother, however, this holiday we will all be helping.  Her suggestion. My favorite dish is pork chops.  But, I do not think she will make them this year, she made them Sunday.  Hopefully we will have some stewed chicken.

7. What are 2 items on your holiday wish list? A bicycle and money.
8. Real tree or fake tree? ALWAYS a fake tree, preferably white.  No sense in killing hundreds of trees.  Go green!
9. Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts? Receiving. I don't prefer giving gifts but I do because I expect them so I can imagine everyone else does.
10. Candy Canes Yay or Nay?  Yes, but only the multi-colored ones though.  The traditional ones are spicy.

 

Reese Lew, Founder and Chief Editor, of "Truth Be Told" an Urban Entertainment website.
Facebook: "Truth Be Told" fan page
Twitter: @Reeselew

1. Do you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Kwanzaa? If so, which one? Yes, Christmas.

2. What is the best holiday present you have ever received? A trip to New York City.

3. What is your favorite holiday drink? EGG NOG!
4. What is your favorite holiday movie? The first Home Alone.
5. What are your family or individual holiday traditions? We eat Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, go to Mass before midnight, open gifts at midnight... followed by a special breakfast on Christmas Day.

6. Who cooks the holiday dinner? What is your favorite dish? My father, my mother, and me! My favorite dish: buttery garlic mashed potatoes. I have an obsession with potatoes.

7. What are 2 items on your holiday wish list? United Nude 90 degree heels and a deep fryer. Ha.
8. Real tree or fake tree? Fake. Real trees smell great, but I can honestly say I'm too lazy to clean up all the mess it leaves.
9. Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts? Both
10. Candy Canes Yay or Nay? Yay!

 

Melanie Tibayan, Fashion and Food Blogger at Chicken and Cardigans

Fashion Student at Georgia Southern University 

Twitter: @Big_Vita @ChickenCardigan 

www.DeLaSelis.com 

Check out her guest post for us! 

 

Stayed tuned for more tomorrow! 

 

Did you know?: 20 Christmas Facts

20 Interesting Christmas Facts 

1. In 1836, Alabama became the first state in the USA to declare Christmas a legal holiday. In 1907, Oklahoma became the last USA state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.

2. Candy canes began as straight white sticks of sugar candy used to decorate the Christmas trees. A choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral decided to have the ends bent to depict a shepherd's crook and he would pass them out to the children to keep them quiet during the services. It wasn't until about the 20th century that candy canes acquired their red stripes.

3. Some priests in Australia advise you to say "Happy Christmas", not "Merry Christmas", because Merry has connotations of getting drunk - which brings its own problems. One should say "Happy" instead.

4. The actual gift givers are different in various countries:

England: Father Christmas 

France: Pere Noel (Father Christmas)

Germany: Christkind (angelic messenger from Jesus), she is a beautiful fair-haired girl with a shining crown of candles.

Holland: St Nicholas.

Russia: In some parts - Babouschka (a grandmotherly figure), other parts it is Grandfather Frost.

Scandinavia: A variety of Christmas gnomes. One is called Julenisse.

Spain and South America: The Three Kings

Italy: La Befana (a kindly old witch)

5. A wreath with holly, red berries and other decorations began from at least the 17th century. Holly, with its sharply pointed leaves, symbolized the thorns in Christ's crown-of-thorns. Red berries symbolized the drops of Christ's blood. A wreath at Christmas signified a home that celebrated the birth of Christ.

6. In America, the weeks leading up to Christmas are the biggest shopping weeks of the year. Many retailers make up to 70% of their annual revenue in the month preceding Christmas.

7. Although many believe that the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year, it is not. It is the fifth to tenth busiest day. The Friday and Saturday before Christmas are the two busiest shopping days of the year.

8. An artificial spider and web are often included in the decorations on Ukrainian Christmas trees. A spider web found on Christmas morning is believed to bring good luck.

9. Early Christmas trees were decorated with fruits, flowers and candles, which were heavy on the tree branches. In the 1800's German glass blowers began producing glass balls to replace the heavy decorations and called then bulbs.

10. Gingerbread has been a holiday tradition for thousands of years. It was originally eaten during Winter Solstice Festivals, but the tradition of the house made of Gingerbread originated in Germany.

11. The world’s biggest Christmas tree (76 m high) was put up in America in 1950.

12. In India, they decorate banana trees at Christmas time.

13. Real Christmas trees are an all-American product, grown in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

14. Most artificial trees are manufactured in Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.

15. More diamonds are purchased at Christmas-time (31 percent) than during any other holiday or occasion during the year.

16. It is estimated that 400,000 people become sick each year from eating tainted Christmas leftovers.

17. During the Christmas buying season, Visa cards alone are used an average of 5,340 times every minute in the United States.

18. An average household in America will mail out 28 Christmas cards each year and receive 28 cards in return.

19. A traditional Christmas dinner in early England was the head of a pig prepared with mustard.

20. In Sweden, a common Christmas decoration is the Julbukk, a small figurine of a goat. It is usually made of straw. Scandinavian Christmas festivities feature a variety of straw decorations in the form of stars, angels, hearts and other shapes, as well as the Julbukk. 

Source: Coolest Holiday Party

**STAYED TUNED A GIVEAWAY IS COMING UP THIS WEEKEND

Flava Tunes: Holiday Special 3

Flava Tunes: Holiday Special 2

Flava Tunes: Holiday Special

One of my fave Christmas songs!! Go Mariah!

Music Review: Here and Now by Nickelback

The seventh studio album from the Canadian Rock group, Nickelback. The album was released for free stream on iTunes. It's up to par with the last two albums. Very high energy and hard riffs. If you've got the extra cash to drop on this CD, I say pick it up. Eleven tracks on the CD. The new CD has a song for every mood. You've got the drinking song: Bottoms Up. The fighting song is the first track: This Means War. The soft romantic song: Lullaby. I'm not going to go into each song, but it is well worth the price. Check it out for yourself. Take a listen. What do you think?

We Stand Together 

Bottoms Up

Lullaby 

Conducted by Ryan 

Behind The Scenes at The Chew on ABC

Hi everyone I'm still on a brief hiatus for school, but I wanted to post this super quick fast for you guys!

Make sure you guys check out today's episode of The Chew at 1pm on ABC. My mother, my mother's friend, my friend and I went to today's taping. It was fun, but we didn't get anything to eat. How unfortunate?

Anyway, Mario Batali is making Capon (rooster w/ everything removed) A.K.A a fat chicken w/ mushroom palenta. Michael Symon is making Porchetta (Pork). Carla Hall is making Curried chicken and dumplings which looked and smelled AMAZING I might add. Check out The Chew website for the recipes. I'm going to make Carla's recipe in the near future and post it for you guys. I hope you enjoy these quick behind the scenes photos at The Chew studio. Their warm up guy (RC) is the same warm up guy for the Rachel Ray show. He's too funny! Caroline Manzo is today's guest! She is even more gorgeous in person! She is super teeny tiny! Clinton Kelly made some quick and easy ornaments from flour. He is a burst of fresh air! Love him and his plaid shirt! Dr. Oz's daughter Daphne didn't do much today, but cheer everyone else on and add a few heathy tips. She is lovely!

Thanksgiving Food Porn

Our Thanksgiving is non-traditional buffet style. You eat when you please! We had a lot of food and I took pics of all it, but for some reason when I transfered to the computer a few of them are blank.

 Chopped up Turkey

 Cornbread

 Collard Greens

 Stuffing

 Candied Yams

 Lasagna

 Mac and Cheese

 Ham

 Ham

Potato Salad 

My mom made everything. We also had roast beef, rice and peas, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. I made a Pumpkin Spiced Cake for dessert that you will see along with the recipe in a later post.

P.S Sorry for the hiatus but I'm in the last week's of school so there's a lot of studying and paper writing going on. Post will be a bit inconsistent until school is over in about a week and half. Thanks for your patience. 

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Tips

Check out Mrs. Cubbison's Thanksgiving Tips website for all of your Thanksgiving questions.

She covers tips for the turkey straight down to the leftovers. 

 Facebook: Mrs.Cubbison's 

Top Thanksgiving Shortcuts

Thanksgiving Shortcuts 

Stuffing Mix

 Stovetop or Trader Joe's Brand

Canned Cranberry Sauce 

Ocean Spray or Grown Right Brand

Biscuits

Pillsbury or Robinhood Brand 

Piecrust

Nilla or Keebler Brand

Pumpkin Puree

Libby's or Farmer's Market Brand

Cornbread Mix 

Jiffy, Sylvia's or  Bob's Red Mill Brand 

Special Holiday Flava Tunes

A Twist on Traditional Holiday Food

Check out these "How To" videos by my favorite culinarian couple

 The Neely's 

in lieu of Thanksgiving: 

Deep-Fried Turkey 

* This is the recipe I use for my Mac minus the bacon, parm and chips. It's amazing!

Q: Who is going to try these recipes? Let us know! Send pics to theflavainyaear@gmail.com for a feature 

Cake n Wings Kickstarter Project Update

The ladies from Cake n Wings have officially launched their Kickstarter Project. Check out their pitch video "Restaurant Wives."

Visit their Kickstarter Project page to donate! We support them 100%!

Check out our interview with the Cake n Wings ladies here! 

Q: What do you think about their "restaurant wives" pitch video?

Republic Restaurant Review

Pan-Asian Cuisine at its Supreme

All New York diners are aware of the ubiquitous noodle bar and Pan-Asian restaurant trend, and due to New York’s plethora of Asian fusion eateries, it can seem rather daunting to chose where to gorge on rice noodles, curries, and various lychee cocktails.  Republic, conveniently located right off Union Square, is one of Manhattan’s better Asian fusion spots, offering delicious soups, noodles, sashimi, and cocktails in a spacious, ultra-modern atmosphere.  The restaurant is modeled off of a London noodle house with its minimalist, sleek interior and diverse amalgamation of Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisines. 

Sit at the streamlined, wooden bar and order one of Republic’s fabulous drinks before your meal.  The cocktails feature inventive and delicious twists on commonly served drinks, like an Asian-styled sangria with pears and apples, and a mojito gin medley with cucumber, simple syrup, and loads of floating lemon and lime slices. 

Republic’s dishes are both elegant and hearty. The salmon sashimi salad features fresh, thin slices of glittering orange salmon lovingly garnished with mint and shallots. 

The soup dumplings are tenderly wrapped packages of luxurious pork broth, bathed in mild, chili-infused oil. 

Lime chicken soup is served in an oversized bowl brimming with silky rice noodles in citrus and cilantro infused broth.

Republic is cacophonous—its large hall brims with diners and their accompanying echoing voices.  It is not unusual for dining parties to share a long wooden table with one or two other groups.  This communal ethos is part and parcel of Republic’s charm, and feels more than acceptable amongst the restaurant’s chic interior and sharp food.  The wait-time to be seated is typically minimal, and the service is exceptionally quick.  So, if you’re looking for a lively and inexpensive restaurant to sample the bright flavors of Southeast Asia, look no further than Republic.  

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Price: $

Address: 37 union square west New York, NY 10003

Conducted by Sarah T.

Lesson on Piracy

This is not our usual pace, but being that we are a Food and Music blog, I believe this post is necessary for our half music side. A lot of us are guilty of Piracy.  Last Tuesday, the popular Canadian Hip Hop artist, Drake's new album "Take Care" was leaked exactly one week before the official release. FYI, I did not listen. I will wait until Tuesday to purchase the most anticipated album on itunes. -Celeste

Is Piracy Dead?

When this question is asked, most answer no. With technology moving as fast as it is now, it becomes too easy to take whatever you want. The problem comes from no one purchasing the actual files to make readily available for the general public. If no one is buying the product, whether it is music, movies, audio books, software or the like, then there is no one to "hack" the file and upload to bit torrent or full download sites.

What most do not realize is that in order for the public to get their hands on the "free" merchandise is that someone somewhere must actually pay money to receive the initial file. After the first purchase, the product can be uploaded to a file sharing peer to peer site. Without the first purchase there is no way for it to become available. More and more companies are offering free versions of their product. Each free version is a shell of what the full version can do. Sadly, the free version is more than enough for the general users. If you need the paid for full version, it usually means you either own a business or work for a big business that has the funds to make such a purchase. No need for a "hacked" version of it.

With that said, there are still a few ways to get the product out without the first purchase. Many illegal black markets sell code breakers or password by-passers for cheap. These, in the wrong hands, can seriously compromise the security of different companies. With these one can break into the main computer undetected and take any files that they want. Only the elite of hackers want to take that kind of risk. Things like this have serious charges attached. Hefty fines and long jail times have curbed this activity to an extent. 

Will piracy ever die? I honestly do not think it will. As with anything, if the demand is high enough and worth the risk, someone will take the challenge. More secure anti-theft software will defend for a short time, but eventually will fall short. For every anti-theft, anti-virus, and security system that comes out, the hackers will always be at least one step ahead. Keep developing new software and deeper encryptions.

Q:Will piracy kill piracy in the long run? 

Written by Ryan

BET Music Matters

Monday Night Football Dip

Quick and Easy Dip

Ingredients

1 Pound ground beef

1 Jar of Pace Chunky Salsa Medium

1 Jar of Tostitos Salsa con Queso Medium

1 Bag of Tostitos Scoop Chips

1 Non Stick Pot

1. Cook ground beef in non stick pot on medium heat

2. Drain ground beef once cooked

3. Add jar of queso to ground beef; stir keep on stove on medium heat

4. Add 75% of salsa jar; stir (add more if preferred)

5. Remove from heat

6. Serve on plate with scoop Tostitos Enjoy! 

By Yanet

Sunday Morning Inspiration

Must-have Pantry Items

Pantry Staples

Olive Oil is a healthier choice, it can lower your cholesterol, fight off cancer causing agents and heart disease. It tastes great and it has many uses. 

Garlic is the all-around go to! It can be sliced, diced, minced and crushed to add flair to a variety of meals.

Stock or broth is a great option for soups, casseroles, and sauces. You should have at least one box of chicken, vegetable, and beef on hand.

Spaghetti sauce should be somewhere in one of your cupboards. It is great for the "I don't really feel like cooking nights." You can whip up some pasta and pour jar spaghetti sauce over it in minutes. Voila! Dinner is served! Pick up a few jars whenever they are on sale at your local grocery store.

How can we have spaghetti sauce without pasta? Pasta has a long shelf life and they are always on sale. Stock up on your pasta. Use your 2 other pantry items (garlic and spaghetti sauce) to make a quick and easy meal.

Dry beans are inexpensive, easy to make and they are loaded with nutrients. Keep a variety of beans in your pantry.

Rice of course is the most versatile food. It last super longer and there as many different types. It can be used as a side dish or as a main dish. Keep a bag of whole grain, flavored rice, and white rice in your pantry.

Canned Tuna may not taste the best, but it is a pantry staple. Buy water-packed tuna for a healthier choice.

Peanut Butter is a great source of protein. It can be used on sandwiches,on vegetables, fruits, and in smoothies and dips. 

Canned Tomatoes should be kept in your pantry in a variety of forms such as diced, crushed, whole-peeled, and even pureed. Most dishes call for tomatoes be prepared!

* According to TLC, cooked tomatoes are better for you than raw tomatoes because the heat increases the levels of antioxidants. Did you know that?

Source: TLC Cooking

Flava Tunes

Brief Flava Buzz

Chick-Fil-A donated close to $2 million to anti gay groups.

A restaurant in Berlin is serving up food that was only available to Caveman.

22% of fish purchased is mislabeled.

Fake maple syrup is being sold. Beware!

Lady Gaga's family is planning to open a restaurant in New York.

McDonald's introduces all-breast meat chicken mcbites.

Starbucks lightened up their brew with blonde blends.

Paula Deen is selling butter flavored lip balm as well as Butter Cream and Key Lime. 

Inmates in Idaho have been hired to harvest potatoes. It gives them an opportunity to make money and learn a trade.

Sources: Huffington post, Delish