Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/14611
If there’s anything we know about the power of the almighty grape at THE TASTING PANEL, it’s that this little fruit is a powerful alchemist of sorts, capable of transforming a dinner into an experience, and an outing into an occasion. But this fruit’s got more magic than we imagined and is finding new life in two products that are sure to make you rethink the great grape. Rounding out the pack is a third product that’s got trans- formative powers of its own and makes us feel like we’re doing a bit of witchcraft, so prepare to dive into the world of lotions and Skinsational With a name like Château Lorraine, this new line of natural skin-care products could easily be mistaken for some ancient winery in Bordeaux, but this is one brand that harnesses the power of fruit in a whole new way. Capitalizing on power- ful antioxidants found in wine grapes, Château Lorraine has released a line of skin care products that include body lotion, grape seed body oil, intensive body butter and a wash and polish pour les corps. THE TASTING PANEL has quickly found room for these luxurious additions to our beauty regimen, and we love the way the products feel and smell rich and creamy. Indulge with a glass of wine, a book and a Château Lorraine—accented bath at www.chateaulorraine.com. Think Outside the Grape There’s no doubt that grapes are a versatile little fruit, but there’s a new product that’s making use of the Cabernet Sauvignon variety as an addition to everything from ice cream to artichokes. Grape Passion, a 100% natural sauce/glaze made from surplus NorCal Cab, is sweet enough to top cheesecake, and viscously savory enough to spice up Pecorino and Humboldt Fog–laden platters. We’ve used it as salad dressing, pizza topping and grilled-veggie glaze, and love Grape Passion’s no-refrigera- tion-needed portability. Try it out on tempura, as a marinade, in smoothies or even as a tasty cocktail topping. Get creative at www.grapepassion.net. Shot Shock Want a little salt with that tequila shot? Want to lose the glassware while you’re at it? Killing two birds with one stone is the new Salt Rox product line, made from pink Himalayan salt, a heavy, hard and non-porous mineral with a mild flavor that’s perfect with tequilas and mezcals. This stone-like shot glass is anti-microbial, dries quickly and is intended strictly for a shot—the longer it sits, the saltier it gets, so toss it back quickly! The brand also offers bowls and blocks for your culinary needs, but we think this is one shot that’s a real bullseye. See more at www.saltrox.com . august 2010 / the tasting panel / 101 by Rachel Burkons potions