Food and Beverage
Infuse Holiday Gatherings with Fresh Grape Flavor
The elegance of the holidays starts at the table with meals, desserts and drinks shared among loved ones. This year, let grapes add easy elegance to seasonal recipes as a signature ingredient perfect for special occasions.
Last Updated on July 15, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) The elegance of the holidays starts at the table with meals, desserts and drinks shared among loved ones. This year, let grapes add easy elegance to seasonal recipes as a signature ingredient perfect for special occasions.
As a highly versatile addition to appetizers, snacks, main courses, sides and desserts, grapes are an essential ingredient to keep on hand. Thanks to their delicate sweetness and juicy texture, Grapes from California can be the star at the center of the meal in unique and tasty Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes served with Spiked Grape Cider for a cozy adult beverage.
Finish the celebration by sharing Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake, where delicious, fresh grape juice is used in the cheesecake batter to lend natural sweetness and enhance flavor. Decorate the top with fresh, juicy grapes for a final festive touch.
Find more sweet ideas to celebrate the holidays at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.
A Sweet Party Starter
Set the stage for a delicious get-together by serving an easy, attractive appetizer like this Grape Party Tray with fresh grapes, prosciutto, cheeses, pistachios and more holiday favorites. Grapes are easy to include as they offer variety – different colors, shapes, sizes and textures – which makes them an ideal healthy snack or ingredient in tasty recipes.
Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes
Servings: 4
- 4 thick pork chops (about 3 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
- 1 1/2 cups whole red or black Grapes from California
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 small cinnamon sticks, broken
- 3-5 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
- Preheat oven to 325 F.
- Heat heavy, lidded saute pan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Dust pork chops with flour and brown slowly in melted butter. Do not let flour burn.
- Remove pan from heat and add grapes, honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt and pepper. Cover and place in oven. Braise slowly 50-60 minutes, or until pork is tender. Remove pork from pan and keep warm. Skim pan sauce of excess fat. Arrange pork chops on serving platter, spoon with sauce and sprinkle with chopped mint, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 569 calories; 54 g protein; 41 g carbohydrates; 21 g fat (33% calories from fat); 9 g saturated fat (14% calories from saturated fat); 33% calories from fat; 165 mg cholesterol; 407 mg sodium; 1.6 g fiber.
Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus cooling and chilling
Bake time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
- 2 cups green Grapes from California, divided
- 1/4 cup, plus 2/3 cup, granulated sugar, divided
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large pinches kosher salt
- 21 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
- Heat oven to 425 F with rack in center. Use 12-by-16-inch sheet of parchment paper to line 9-inch springform pan in center. Press paper into bottom edge of pan and flatten creases around sides. Place pan on shallow baking sheet.
- In mini blender or food processor, blend 1 cup grapes, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt on high until smooth, about 1 minute.
- In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until fluffy, 1-2 minutes. With mixer on medium speed, gradually pour in heavy cream; scrape down and beat on high speed until mixture resembles soft whipped cream, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down between additions. At medium speed, gradually add grape puree mixture; scrape and mix until well blended, 1 minute.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, transfer to oven and bake 38-40 minutes until cake is puffed and top is caramel brown. Cracks will appear around edges and cake will be wobbly when touched gently with finger. Set cake pan on baking sheet on rack to cool. Cake will sink to half its height. Cool to room temperature, 1-2 hours, then refrigerate uncovered. Do not unmold cake from pan until well chilled, at least 5 hours or overnight.
- Slice remaining grapes in halves or rounds. In small bowl, combine grapes with orange liqueur, if desired, and set aside.
- When ready to serve, remove side of pan. Carefully pull creased parchment away from side of cheesecake then transfer to serving platter by peeling parchment away from bottom of cake and underneath pan while gently tugging cake toward platter and off parchment.
- Garnish top of cheesecake with grape-liqueur mixture, if desired, or fresh grapes. Cut cake into wedges with thin, sharp knife.
- Note: Cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead. Once cake is well chilled, cover pan with plastic wrap until ready to serve
Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 6 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 26 g fat (67% calories from fat); 15 g saturated fat (39% calories from saturated fat); 135 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.
Hot Spiked Grape Cider
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: about 1 hour
Servings: 4
- 5 cups red Grapes from California, plus additional for garnish, divided
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise (optional)
- 1 large navel orange
- 6 ounces amber rum
- In large saucepan, combine 5 cups grapes with water, honey, cinnamon and star anise, if desired. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until grapes are tender, 50-60 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.
- Lay medium mesh strainer over bowl and pour grape mixture through. Gently press on solids to remove juice from fruit for about 2 cups grape cider.
- With peeler, peel off large strip orange zest and add to warm juice. Let cool, cover and refrigerate.
- When ready to serve, gently warm cider over medium heat. Pour 1/2 cup cider into each cup. Add 1 1/2 ounces rum and garnish with twist of orange and small skewer of grapes.
Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 0 g protein; 18 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 5 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.
SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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Food and Beverage
Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason
Teremana Tequila and Wingstop team up for Fans of Flavor: wing-and-margarita pairings, a pairing generator, and a sweepstakes through Feb. 8.
Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Teremana® The People’s Margarita and Wingstop Original Hot Wings
Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason
Teremana® Tequila is bringing the good energy to game day. In a new “Fans of Flavor” partnership announced Jan. 9, 2026, the premium tequila brand founded by Dwayne Johnson is teaming up with Wingstop—the global wing brand known for fresh, made-to-order chicken wings, bold flavors, and its iconic housemade ranch—to help fans turn watch parties into full-on flavor celebrations. The idea is simple: rival teams may split the room, but wings and margaritas are universal.
Teremana Tequila and Wingstop
Wings + Margaritas: A Game Day Pairing Worth Building Around
From now through Feb. 8, fans can explore wing-and-cocktail combinations using the new Fans of Flavor pairing generator, built to match Wingstop’s signature flavors with Teremana margarita recipes. It’s a fun way to level up the table—where the food, drinks, and people become the main event. Here are a few standout pairings highlighted in the launch:- Wingstop Original Hot wings + Teremana® The People’s Margarita for a tropical twist on a classic heat-forward flavor
- Wingstop Spicy Korean Q wings + Teremana® Spicy Margarita for heat that builds and keeps the party going
- Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings + Teremana® Strawberry Margarita for a fresh, fruity contrast against savory richness
Sweepstakes: Win the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest
The partnership also includes a nationwide sweepstakes offering fans a shot at a seriously upgraded watch party. One grand prize winner will receive the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest, featuring:- Wingstop gift cards
- Game day drink funds
- A 75″ TV
- Support for a private bartender and party essentials
“Mana” Meets Flavor: The Point of the Partnership
At its core, this collaboration is built around shared moments—bold taste, good company, and the kind of food-and-drink spread that makes people linger a little longer. Teremana’s brand philosophy centers on Mana—good energy that brings people together—and the pairing concept fits naturally into how fans already celebrate postseason football. “Wingstop has always delivered on bold flavor, and that spirit shows up naturally in how people enjoy Teremana on game day,” said Richard Black, CEO of Teremana® Tequila. “The best game day moments don’t happen by accident, they come from good energy, great flavor, and the people you share them with.”Three Teremana Margarita Recipes to Try at Home
If you’re hosting—or just want to bring a little “Fans of Flavor” energy to your next game day meal—Teremana shared three margarita recipes designed to pair with Wingstop favorites.Teremana® The People’s Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Original Hot Wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 1 oz pineapple juice (to taste)
- Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple leaves.
Teremana® Spicy Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Spicy Korean Q Wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco or Reposado
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 2 jalapeño slices (remove seeds)
- Muddle jalapeños in a shaker.
- Add Teremana, lime juice, and agave.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with jalapeño slices.
Teremana® Strawberry Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco
- 1 oz strawberry puree
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice and lime wheel.
Where to Follow + Learn More
Fans can follow along for pairing inspiration and sweepstakes updates at @teremana and @wingstop. For more information—and to find a Teremana retailer near you—visit Teremana.com/FansofFlavor. Source: Teremana Tequila (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026) Resource link: Teremana Fans of Flavor Sweepstakes + Pairing Generator Learn more and find a Teremana retailer near youAt our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
TikTok Influencer vs Chef: A viral TikTok confrontation between Chef Luke Sung and a food influencer led to backlash, a restaurant closure, and a major rebrand in San Francisco.
The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant
In mid-2025, a San Francisco restaurant found itself at the center of a viral controversy—not because of its food, but because of an interaction between a well-known chef and a TikTok food influencer. The incident sparked a broader conversation about power, professionalism, and the growing influence of social media in the hospitality industry.What Happened at Kis Cafe
The incident involved Chef Luke Sung, a respected name in the Bay Area culinary scene, and a TikTok micro-influencer known online as @itskarlabb. The influencer had been invited to Kis Cafe for a planned promotional collaboration. According to the influencer, during her visit the chef questioned her follower count—around 15,000 at the time—and allegedly implied that her audience was not the “type of people” who would dine at his restaurant. She later described the exchange as humiliating and dismissive. After leaving the restaurant, she shared her experience in a TikTok video. The post quickly went viral, gaining millions of views and triggering a wave of online backlash.The Internet Reacts
Although the influencer initially did not name the restaurant or the chef, internet users quickly identified Kis Cafe. The restaurant’s review pages were flooded with criticism, and the incident became a flashpoint in online discussions about elitism, influencer culture, and accountability. Within days, Kis Cafe issued a public apology and announced that Luke Sung was no longer affiliated with the restaurant in any capacity.Chef Luke Sung Responds
Chef Sung later released a public apology, acknowledging that his behavior was condescending and inappropriate. He stated that there were no excuses for the way he treated the influencer and accepted responsibility for the incident. The apology, however, did little to slow the momentum of public reaction.The Restaurant Closes — and Reopens
Not long after the controversy, Kis Cafe announced it would close. In the months that followed, the space reopened under a new name, Bosque, with new leadership and no involvement from Sung. The rebrand was seen as a clear attempt to move forward and distance the business from the viral episode.The Influencer Effect
Meanwhile, the influencer at the center of the controversy saw her follower count surge dramatically, growing from a modest audience into hundreds of thousands of followers almost overnight. The incident highlighted the real-world impact that even “micro-influencers” can have—and how a single moment, captured and shared, can reshape careers and businesses.Why This Story Matters
This controversy underscored a major cultural shift: social media is no longer separate from real-world industries like dining and hospitality. Online platforms can amplify personal experiences into powerful narratives with lasting consequences. As of early 2026, the restaurant operates under a new identity, the chef has stepped away from the project entirely, and the influencer continues to grow her platform. The episode remains a cautionary tale about professionalism, respect, and the power of digital voices. Get The Knowledge. More stories like this are available at STM Daily News.Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Save Time, Tackle Dinner with Quick, Convenient Recipes
(Family Features) If hectic weeknights leave you feeling like time is constantly slipping away, saving a few extra minutes in the kitchen can begin with alternative cooking methods and easy recipes without all the fuss. Rather than waiting for the oven to preheat, you can tackle family dinners by stir-frying and air-frying your way to delicious meals. For a fast and flavorful dinner, this Simple Chicken Stir-Fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies and savory soy sauce to hit the spot without calling for takeout. It delivers on both taste and ease with the addition of Minute Sticky Rice Cups. Ready in 1 minute, they provide a perfect sticky texture to complement bold flavors. In just 15 minutes, you’ll plate a delicious recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Endless customization is another benefit of stir-frying, allowing you to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu while mixing and matching your loved ones’ favorite veggies. Drizzle it with sauces like teriyaki or sriracha for an added flavor boost, serve with spring rolls or wontons for extra crunch or pair with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed edamame for light, refreshing contrast. Delivering the same set-it-and-forget-it convenience of baking but typically with a shorter preheating wait, air-frying is another solution for creating tasty family meals while taking back precious time. Loaded with rice, vegetables and melted cheese, these Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites make for an easy, cheesy snack or light meatless meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re ready in less than 10 minutes with Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups serving as a rich and savory base that complements the mixed veggies and ooey-gooey cheddar. Don’t forget, you can take them to the next level with flavorful dipping sauces like:- Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy, herby flavor.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky touch.
- Sriracha mayo: This spicy, tangy dip is a great match for those who like a bit of heat.
- Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy combination that’s complementary to the mix of flavors.
- Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky to enhance overall taste.
Simple Chicken Stir-Fry
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2-4- 2 Minute Sticky Rice Cups
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Add chicken and saute 6 minutes until chicken is evenly browned and cooked through.
- Add mixed vegetables to skillet and stir-fry 4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- Add cooked sticky rice to skillet. Pour in soy sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring rice is evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat, stir in chopped green onions; garnish with sesame seeds, if desired; and serve hot.
- Tips: Chicken can be substituted for shrimp or tofu. Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh; cook 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 9 minutes Servings: 1-2- 1 Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cup
- 1/4 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- barbecue sauce or ranch dressing (optional)
- Preheat air fryer to 390 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
- In blender, roughly chop vegetables.
- In bowl, combine vegetables, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder and salt. Freeze 5 minutes to slightly firm up.
- Divide rice mixture into four portions and hand form into mounds.
- Air-fry 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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