by Anthony Stafford | Mar 10, 2022
Where can you find a gluten-free bakery that offers a full breakfast/brunch and lunch menu, and a baker’s delights? If you thought such a place didn’t exist, you’d be wrong. Breadblok — an L.A. favorite — has taken everything there is to love about our guilty food pleasures and made them even better, with a brand new Silver Lake location.
LA’s favorite gluten-free bakery has expanded to the Eastside with a brand-new restaurant & retail bakery, joining their Santa Monica location. Arguably a dreamscape, Breadblok’s range of deliciousness includes, all organic, gum-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free ingredients processed in their dedicated facility. What Breadblok has achieved with their locations equates to a community hub where neighbors, both local and from afar, stop by for health-conscious selections they can count on from the friendly team.
We had the incredible opportunity to try some of their amazingly delicious food offerings prepared by their chefs, and the Breadblok crew treated us as if we had walked into a neighborhood market celebrating its 50th year in business. The restaurant, clean, organized, and deceivingly small, makes great use of simplicity, minimalism, and space by showing you nothing more than what you need to see: the food and the merchandise available for purchase. With this spotlight putting everything into focus, Breadblok Silver Lake feels so much larger than it is, and pairs all of this with a graciously spaced outdoor dining area.
Breadblok’s breakfasts and brunches include, but are not limited to a bacon Breakfast Sandwich, Potato Galette, a Breakfast Plate, and a surprisingly light Vanilla Brioche French Toast. Lunch menu options are hearty and wholesome, with Quiche Lorraine, Vegetable Quiche, and two Pizza options, while Avocado Toast, Smoked Salmon Tartine, and Croque Monsieur, melty Baguette Sandwiches, and brimming Salads complete the rest of the menu’s food options. No bakery is complete without a selection of baked goods, and Breadblok has more than you could ask for in gluten-free bread and sweet varieties.
Finally, Breadblok’s drink choices include a variety of coffees, teas, and specialty drinks, like the Lavender Latte and Pink Velvet Latte, all made with the milk or plant-based milk of the buyer’s choice. Big on flavor, and crafted with love, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that Breadblok had regulars who just stopped by for coffee and a doughnut to soak in a heartwarming, pet-friendly, neighborly vibe.
by Anthony Stafford | Mar 2, 2022
March begins National Nutrition Month, and what better way to kick things off, than with Kori Krill Oil and helpful information from Nutritionist Rania Batayneh, MPH? For many who began 2022 on a health kick, experiences have ranged from effortless to completely off the rails, but Kori Krill Oil can help everyone with the least effort.
Even with the growing trend of diet-conscious people today, nutrition deficiencies are still rampant in the United States, with a whopping 70% of the U.S. population deficient in omega-3’s — a key nutrient for heart health.
With just one serving of superior Omega-3 supplement Kori Krill Oil ($19.99), 250 grams of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids are provided to your body – the equivalent of the same amount of Omega-3s that you’d get from eating 2 servings of fish per week (recommended by U.S. dietary guidelines). As Kori Krill Oil provides Omega-3 in its most natural phospholipid form, distribution is superior and converts directly into cells and organs.
Read on for key pointers in our Q&A with Nutritionist Rania Batayneh, MPH, and no matter where you are in your health journey, get started making sure you’re not deficient in Omega-3’s!
Q&A With Nutritionist Rania Batayneh:
Q: Can you please share some info with our readers about your background as a nutritionist and how you got started?
In 2001, I obtained my master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. I started my career in San Francisco in 2001 with a focus on developing strategies to help my clients optimize their health and wellness, which results in long term weight loss. My first book, The One One One Diet is a #1 Amazon bestseller and has changed the lives of so many men and women.
Q: During this time with health and wellness interest booming, what is one of the biggest nutritional myths or misconceptions?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that only older generations should be worried about how nutrition can play a huge role in overall health. For example, the CDC recommends that the younger generations should also stay vigilant with their heart health too. In fact, heart disease affects 1 in 10 Americans between 20 to 39 years old. Diet and nutrition play a critical role in improving heart health, and omegas are a superfood that can not be overlooked.
Q: Can you tell us what in its formula makes Kori Krill Oil so special, and why it stands out from other comparable alternatives, like cod liver oil and salmon oil supplements?
Krill Oil, specifically Kori, the superior Omega-3 supplement really stands out compared to other fish oils on the market. Kori truly is an Omega-3 Superfood. Antioxidant powered for 6+ benefits including heart, brain, joint, eye, skin and immune health with superior absorption versus fish oils.
Kori Krill Oil Omega-3s are in phospholipid form, which supports Omega-3 distribution throughout the body and delivery to the body’s cells. Since krill oil Omega-3s are in a phospholipid form (their most natural form) that blends easily in our stomachs, you do not get that fishy aftertaste or fishy burps.
Q: Just from a nutritional standpoint, what are some of the highlights that Kori offers, and how do they help the body?
Like fish oil, krill oil contains DHA and EPA. However, krill oil contains the essential nutrient choline which supports brain and nervous system health, and the antioxidant astaxanthin. Fish oil doesn’t have these.
Not all Omega-3 supplements are the same and there are many important differences between krill oil and other Omega-3 supplements, like fish oil that make Krill Oil the superior Omega-3 superfood source. Some key differences include:
Kori Krill Oil naturally has more nutrients and comes in their most natural form for even more health benefits vs. traditional omega-3 sources.
Kori Krill Oil is the most natural Omega-3 form whose antioxidant power supports heart, brain, joint, eye, skin and immune health with superior absorption versus fish oils.
Superfoods are not only packed with nutrients, but they are clean by nature. Kori Krill Oil is naturally non-gmo, which means no artificial flavors, colors & preservatives are needed.
Q: 70% of the U.S. population is deficient in Omega-3’s. What are some health issues that can arise over time due to a lack of sufficient Omega-3’s?
Omegas are always top of mind (literally and figuratively!). Consumers are embracing Omega-3s as they are critical for our brain, eye, skin, heart, join, and immune health. Salmon (or a healthy fish diet) is one of the most recognized superfoods out there, because its Omega-3 EPA & DHA nutrients are essential fatty acids our bodies need. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume 2 servings of fish/week. But >70% of Americans aren’t eating enough of a healthy fish diet, resulting in too low Omega-3 levels.
A more “superficial” example is one of which impacts your skin. The term “Inflammaging” is a meld of the words “inflammation” and “aging,” and lends itself to the concept that inflammation leads to quick aging of the skin. If you are not eating 2 servings of fatty fish each week, it is quite likely that you are deficient in omega-3s which are essential fatty acids. While we can’t take a look inside our bodies, what we see can be a reflection of a deficiency. When our diets are deficient in fatty acids, you may start to experience dry skin. Reason being: Omega-3 fatty acids are important in keeping our skin hydrated and strong. Supplementing with a product that in its natural form — like Kori Krill Oil — can make an impact on your skin.
Are there any final points you’d like to stress about the importance of implementing Kori Krill Oil and Omega-3’s into regular daily intake?
If your diet is lacking in omegas, my recommendation for an added source of Omega-3s is Kori Krill Oil which offers Omega-3s in its most natural form, closest to eating a healthy fish diet. Think of it this way, a supplement should supplement your diet. Sounds simple, right? When you look at your diet (meaning what you eat, not what you shouldn’t eat!) are you getting the essentials? One of which are your Omega 3 fatty acids. To find out, ask yourself this question, “Am I eating 2 servings of fish each week?” If the answer is no, then a supplement is a good idea. Not only do Omega-3s help with our brain health, they are also powerful antioxidants which help support our eye, skin, heart, joint, and immune health.
Some supplements target only one part of your health-your hair, your eyes, your skin, but what if there was one that helped with all of them. KORI is the one supplement your entire body can benefit from-head to toe. What’s more, research suggests that omega-3s from krill oil are superior to fish oil in raising Omega-3 levels in the body.
by Anthony Stafford | Feb 25, 2022
Winter may be here, but it won’t last forever! As we creep toward the warmer months, Los Angeles-based global lifestyle brand, Rails, has just opened a new retail store in Newport Beach. Perfect timing!
The new location, located at 1083 Newport Center Drive within Fashion Island, was designed in collaboration with Studio Corbeau. The 2,100 square foot space reflects the brand’s effortless California aesthetic fused with a refined European sensibility. The store features a minimalist color palette, accented wood detailing, succulent landscaping, and vintage textiles throughout the space. Customers can experience Rails in person and shop the brand’s full women’s and men’s range.
Newport Beach and the surrounding area is home to a coastal community of loyal Rails customers who appreciate the brand’s continued evolution of effortless essentials. With a focus on incredible fabrics and versatile silhouettes, the collections embody the comfort of California living.
With flagship stores already opened in New York, San Francisco, London, and Paris, Rails plans to open an additional four locations in 2022 as a bricks-and-mortar expansion strategy.
Address: 1083 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA
Store Hours: Monday – Thursday from 10am to 7pm, Friday – Saturday from 10am to 8pm, Sunday from 11am to 6pm
About Rails
Founded in 2008 by Los Angeles native, Jeff Abrams, Rails has grown from a small label – started with just a single hat – into a full lifestyle collection for men and women. Through fabric innovation and incredible handfeel, Rails has built lasting emotional connections with its customers by providing a collection of effortless essentials that blend its California roots with a refined global sensibility. Discover Rails at more than 1500 retailers across the globe, online at railsclothing.com, or at Rails stores in New York, San Francisco, Newport Beach, London, and Paris.
Connect:
www.railsclothing.com
@RAILS
@MR.RAILS
by Anthony Stafford | Dec 22, 2021
It’s officially winter and the holidays are at our front doors! If you’re still in a scramble to figure out how you’ll be a hit this holiday, we’ve got the recipes everyone is sure to love, courtesy of Dahlia and Silencio. If you missed out on the plethora from the Fall-focused recipes, check them out!
Whether for Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who duly need it, or the adults at your holiday dinner, the folks over at Dahlia and El Silencio are the experts, and you can consider them passing along their expert knowledge for free! Dahlia launched in February with its sights set on a new wave of tequila aficionados, offering an enchanting, modern and masterful Cristalino expression that can be sipped or mixed, day or night – holiday or not.
Made in Jalisco, Dahlia is the vision of Fausto Zapata and Vicente Cisneros — the Mexican-American entrepreneurs behind the largest independent Mezcal Brands in the World — known as El Silencio. As is the case with their award-winning mezcal, there is no famous face of the brand – the star of this show is in the bottle. The same can be said for El Silencio. Read on for a list of some Holiday Recipes showcasing both Dahlia and El Silencio as the stars of these seasonal cocktails.
Dahlia’s Holiday Recipes
Dahlia Hot Chocolate Ingredients:
2 oz Dahlia
1 oz Rumchata
5 oz hot chocolate
Whipped Cream, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mug.
Stir to blend.
Top with whipped cream.
Garnish with grated nutmeg and cinnamon.
Gracias Hopper Ingredients:
2 Oz Tequila Dahlia
.75 Oz Mint Liqueur
1 Oz Unsweetened Coconut Cream
1 Oz Coconut Water
.5 Oz Lime Juice
Mint Garnish
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Double strain to serve over crushed pebble ice.
Garnish with mint.
Mezcal Eggnog Ingredients:
1.5oz Vanilla Infused Mezcal El Silencio Espadin***
3oz Eggnog
1 Cinnamon stick
***Vanilla Infused Mezcal El Silencio Espadin:
Cut 5-10 Tahitian Vanilla Beans in half (longways) and drop into a 750ml Bottle of Mezcal El Silencio Espadin.
Let the bottle sit for 3-5 days to infuse.
Strain the Infused Silencio and rebottle.
Method:
Pour Vanilla Infused Silencio and Eggnog into shaker tin filled with ice
Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds
Strain into a coupe glass
Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon and full cinnamon stick
Mezcal Milk Punch Ingredients:
(Makes 8-10 Cocktails)
***1 1/2 cups Poblano Infused Mezcal El Silencio
2 cups milk
1/4 cup good quality Nocino (Walnut Liquor)
1/4 cup Amontillado Sherry
1 1/2 cups Quality Amaretto
3/4oz Walnut Oil
1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
***Poblano Infused Mezcal El Silencio:
Add one seeded and stemmed poblano pepper and one 750ml bottle of Mezcal El Silencio Espadin to a blender.
Blend on high and then fine strain the liquid before rebottling. Use within a few days, just as you would produce.
Method:
Add the Milk to the container you will make the punch in FIRST.
Then stir in the rest of the ingredients AFTER the milk.
***This slows the PH change and ensures your milk punch will come out perfectly.
The liquid should curdle due to the alcohol and citrus.
Strain the punch after an hour or add sliced poblano peppers and spices and let the punch sit overnight for a stronger flavor.
Strain the liquid through a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
The milk makes a “raft” that filters out the solids. What is left is the milk punch.
Optional: Add fresh pomegranate seeds to your serving vessel and pour the Milk Punch over them.
Garnish with a lemon twist and freshly grated cinnamon.
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 20, 2021
There are some things that make it to your holiday wishlist once, and then there are some things that make it to your holiday wishlist every year. Cann is definitely one of those things that make it every year. This year, the leading cannabis-infused beverage company, has some incredible deals on their cannabis ‘cocktails’ for a special combo of Green Wednesday, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday sales!
Cann’s low-dose THC social tonic innovates the future of non-alcoholic social drinking. Designed to give you a similar buzz without any hangover the next morning, each Cann is formulated with 2 mg of TH C and 4mg of CBD and includes only four other ingredients – sparkling water, citrus juice, all-natural herbal flavor, and a touch of agave.
Since Cann provides a micro-dose of cannabis, it is designed for you to easily consume more than one without hitting that ‘too high’ feeling you may get with smoking pure flower or consuming an edible. No more uncomfortable experiences, electrolyte depletions, poor sleep, or headaches — just a controlled buzz.
Here’s what you can expect next week when the sales and deals go live:
November 18th: Black Friday/Cyber Monday tease:
November 19th – November 21st: Early Promo Access for VIPs
November 22nd: Cranberry Sage Low & Hi Boy Launch
-
Offer: Get ready for the launch of Cann’s seasonal Cranberry Sage low (2mg THC + 4mg of CBD) 6 packs, and new this year, Cranberry Sage Hi Boy (5mg) 4 packs. Cann will also be launching a “Naughty & Nice” bundle that contains 4 of each Cranberry Sage variety for 20% off!
November 23rd – November 24th: Green Wednesday Launch
November 25th – November 26th: Black Friday Launch
November 27th – November 28th: Black Friday /Cyber Monday Weekend Sale (Continued)
November 29th: Cyber Monday
And there you have it. Don’t miss out on all the fun — you might want a few Cann’s to go around during the holidays, too!
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 18, 2021
Imagine for a moment, you’re at the upcoming company holiday party, and all eyes are on you as the star who brought in the delicious unthinkable sweets. If it sounds like a farfetched dessert dream, it doesn’t have to be much longer.
The competition for who can bring the holiday dessert hit of the night is on, but with Pastry Chef Zac Young’s PieCaken (aka the Turducken of cakes), you’re guaranteed to be the star of the show. The limited-edition Goldbelly creation is a holiday miracle combo of Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and Spice Cake, topped with Apple Pie filling — all stacked between wispy layers of Cinnamon Buttercream. That’s quite the mouthful!
As extreme as this hefty desert may seem, the reviews speak for themselves. As if that weren’t enough, the Thanksgiving PieCaken has a little sister — the Christmas PieCaken — featuring 4 of the best-selling products of the holiday all in one: Pecan Pie, Eggnog Cheesecake, and Red Velvet Cake layered together with Amaretto Buttercream and topped with sweet and tart Cherry Pie filling.
Available now, the 6-pound flavor bomb is baking all of our dreams come true, but just like the most wonderful time of the year, it only sticks around for the month of December! Plus, the calendar dates are closing out quickly to get your PieCaken in time for Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out more out of this world and (of course) normal creations available on Goldbelly, as they don’t skimp on the delicious foodie lover’s fever dream of all things breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner.
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 18, 2021
Watch your back. No, seriously! This as-seen-on-Shark-Tank company boasts incredible benefits for spines, and it’s incredibly needed as we face more neck and back troubles today than ever before.
Not just an office chair, all33’s Backstrong C1 chair was designed to boost energy levels, give you the most accurate posture, and improve overall health – guaranteed to be the gift that keeps on giving. Plus as you plan your Black Friday shopping, all33 is offering $600 off MSRP for the shopping holiday. Consider yourself or a loved one covered for this special gift.
all33 was designed with the help of celebrity chiropractor, Dr. Dennis Colonello. This chair works to cradle your spine’s natural curvature, and is quoted as a go-to chair for comfortability, support, and productivity, by leading executives and celebs such as Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher, Cindy Crawford and Justin Bieber. All33 created the perfect office chair for back pain, preventing the user from slouching, and effectively moving all 33 vertebrae within the spine, which is not something you hear about your everyday chair.
The Backstrong Chair, is praised for its comfortability, and was designed through patented technology that:
-
Targets your back’s natural shape to support all 33 of the bones that make up your spine
-
Allows for a full range of movement of your pelvis and back, when sitting – a feature no other brand in the world has
-
Provides freedom from back, neck and spine pains to promote good posture, flexibility, and blood and oxygen flow
If you don’t look out for your back, who will? Or maybe you should look out for someone else’s back!
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 17, 2021
For some, meat is everything, and for others, not so much. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, there’s a brand out there that can surely win you over, and they’re partnering with one of LA’s best Mediterranean restaurants! Innovative plant-based chicken brand, Daring Foods, has joined forces with the h.wood Group’s Mediterranean rooftop restaurant & bar atop the Beverly Hilton, Sant’olina, to curate a specialty plant-based vegetarian and gluten-free option, Daring Chicken Kefta Kebab.
The savory and hearty Daring Chicken Kefta Kebab entree comes complete with Cilantro, Parsley, and Serrano and joins many of the other delicious vegetarian options offered at the open-air restaurant. Will you be dropping in to give it a try? Daring is known for their 100% plant-based chicken alternative, and the reviews speak for themselves.
Go indulge for a pre- or post-holiday treat!
About Sant’olina
Sant’olina is a melting pot of Mediterranean cuisine with a Southern California spin. Chefs Michael Teich and Burt Bakman combine vibrant herbs and spices to create a healthy menu packed with flavor. Each dish tells a different story – from the traditional recipes straight out of the Tel Aviv shuks to the modern Californian touches.
With its timeless Mediterranean color palette and open-air views of Los Angeles, Sant’olina captures the essence of a seaside escape.
Located atop the historic Beverly Hilton, Sant’olina will offer dinner service nightly and brunch service on weekends.
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 17, 2021
There’s bound to be a fashion lover in your life, and that person could very well be you.
In either case, there’s a brand we want to introduce you to. Luxury streetwear label Daniel Patrick has the perfect pieces for someone who loves a transitional wardrobe that never goes out of style. Whether you’re gifting to a city dweller or beach lover, Daniel Patrick’s considered designs will dress them for every occasion. The unisex friendly collections offer an intelligent mashup of sportswear and streetwear reflected in items such as their Summit Tee, DP Adidas Basketball Thermal Hoodie, and 7 Pocket Cargo.
If you’re looking for the deals and savings, for the entire month of November you can enjoy site-wide sales on danielpatrick.us with Cyber Week offering up to 70% off site-wide sales everyday. Check out the styles below and consider them for yourself or that fashion lover in your live as we creep closer to the holidays.
About Daniel Patrick
Daniel Patrick Inc. is a luxury sportswear company founded in 2012, & is headquartered in Los Angeles. The brand has been worn by the hottest names in sports & entertainment including Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Kendall & Kylie Jenner, James Harden, Chris Paul, & Kendrick Lamar. Designed by Australian native & former professional rugby player Daniel Patrick as Creative Director, pieces are always aligned with the latest trends in fashion. Daniel Patrick Inc. is currently riding the continuing wave of dressing more comfortably, via an intelligent mashup of sportswear & streetwear, with a twist of luxury. The clothing combines style, comfort, & quality in a package that has drawn the attention of Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, & the Los Angeles Times. Nearly ninety percent of items are manufactured in Los Angeles, many of which you can find in their flagship showroom on Melrose Ave near the famed Sunset Strip. Visit https://danielpatrick.us to learn more.
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 17, 2021
It’s the trend. It’s the new wave. It’s really working! Mushrooms have been in the spotlight lately, and that time won’t be ending in the near future for these fungi. If you’re on the market for any of the benefits that mushrooms offer, then meet SuperMush, a new-to-market, functional mushroom brand inspired by the belief that mushrooms have the power to change the world, and Multiverse — the first and only mushroom-focused wellness marketplace to help you approach true vitality in every facet of life. Both brands are brought to you by the same founders and seasoned entrepreneurs: Alli Schaper and Brian Friedman.
SuperMush has launched three inaugural SKUs of their new functional supplements including energy, immunity, and chill, which all harness the power of buccal absorption by delivering the product in an easy, delicious tasting spray, and functional fungi to provide potent and effective benefits that ease into your body for full effect almost immediately. That means, no thick capsules to swallow, drinks to mix into (unless that’s what you really want), and no drawn out process to get the good stuff. In this case, the product comes in a bottle, and gets sprayed directly on the tongue. It’s that easy!
As the team states, “For thousands of years, humans evolved, eating fungi daily. Then somewhere along the line, they were removed from our diet. SuperMush is meant to take consumers back to walk back on the wild side. Mushrooms are a vital part of our overall immune system, healthy gut flora, and have a long list of benefits to enhance your well-being with everything from focus to energy to sleep.”
Each of these specialized sprays are $27 and formulated with high quality, thoughtfully included ingredients, meant to support you holistically. See more about their formulations below:
Energy is made with cordyceps, lions mane, elderflower, and green tea.
Immunity is made with reishi, turkey tail, vanilla, and ginger.
Chill is made with reishi, ashwaghanda, lavender, and lemon.
For all things shroomy, be sure to check out Multiverse and all their offerings!
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 8, 2021
MUD\WTR has wooed our hearts along with so many other coffee lovers seeking an easier-on-you alternative. And while their hero coffee alternative was created to better morning routines, they’ve now created :rest — a thoughtful blend to support evening rituals. Restoration and sleep quality are key elements in energy levels, mood and productivity for the next day, so it’s crucial that your end-of-day regime treats you right, and :rest will do just that.
:rest promotes relaxation and calmness, with its caffeine-free blend of rooibos and chamomile chai teas, turmeric, cinnamon, along with the dream team of adaptogens and herbs (ashwagandha, reishi and turkey tail mushrooms and mycelium, and valerian root and passionflower). If you’re a fan of ashwagandha, you may know that this special ingredient carries a ton of benefits all on its own, including helping to destress and regulate hormones.
In addition, MUD\WTR is donating 25% of their revenue from Black Friday weekend to
MAPS — an organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of those suffering with PTSD and other disorders, through psychedelic research. Psychedelics are showing promising results to researchers on the quest to sufferers of trauma, migraines, and other ailments, and this research is vital for millions of people who seek relief and treatment. To sweeten the deal even more, MUD\WTR is now offering a 20% site-wide discount using the code
TURKEYTAIL. Get some :rest, yeah?
About MUD\WTR
MUD\WTR:
Coffee is so commonly believed to allow you to do more and to do better, but it’s attribution to jitters, poor sleep, and general mental health is always overlooked.
MUD\WTR is a coffee alternative that uses a blend of masala chai, cacao and adaptogenic mushrooms to provide energy, focus, and immune support— more than a product though, the company is about empowering people to think differently, to think for themselves.
by Anthony Stafford | Nov 5, 2021
Ahh, brunch, mimosas, and Pride weekend and Palm Springs. Sounds like paradise right? You’d be sorry you missed out, but that’s exactly what’s happening this weekend as SunDaze, a Palm Springs LGBTQIA+ founded business, sponsors The Girlz Skate Jam, a Lesbo Expo Event on Saturday, November 6th.
Hosted by skater Sierra Prescott, Girlz Skate Jam will include the top women-identified LGBTQIA+ skaters, including 2021 Olympian Alana Smith! Skaters will sip on SunDaze’s newly launched flavors throughout the Girlz Skate Jam, and into the after party! The newly launched, seriously refreshing, better-for-you alcoholic beverage was co-founded by Arthur Gallego, a local Palm Springs resident and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. SunDaze is made from an 100% Valencia orange juice blend that uses an exclusive fermentation process. The brand’s debut product lineup features three refreshing flavors including: Classic, Spicy, and Botanical.
Read on for a special Q&A with Arthur to learn more about SunDaze, what they have coming in the future, and what it means to participate in LGBTQIA+ events on the horizon!
A Q&A With Co-Founder and CEO Arthur Gallego
Q: Hi Arthur, and thank you for taking the time to give us some insight into SunDaze! Let’s start off with you and your role at SunDaze. What is your background, and how did you get started with the company?
Arthur: As a SoCal-born brand, we appreciate local media support. I’m the co-founder and CEO of SunDaze, a new line of fermented cocktails that emphasize minimal ingredients, authentic taste, and low sugar. I’m a long-time beverage marketing executive and finally decided to throw my hat into the entrepreneur ring.
Q: SunDaze achieves what many could only have dreamed of by creating something comparable to, yet better than a mimosa — while also better for you! What was the creation process like for you and your team to come up with the 3 flavors you currently offer?
Arthur: My brilliant food scientist and co-founder, Juan Toledano, identified a unique fermentation tech that transforms a fruit juice’s naturally occurring sugar into alcohol and also reduces overall sugar levels in the drink. We were able to produce a light, delicious, and more refreshing version of a citrus cocktail and started with orange juice because it’s so beloved.
Q: Were there any hurdles your team faced to get where you are today, and if so what were they?
Arthur: The biggest hurdle right now for an alcohol drink start-up like ours is competition — there are so many choices on store shelves. But we’re confident the simplicity and quality of SunDaze will make us a big success. People still love juice and juice-based cocktails. They are iconic and we’re making them better.
Q: Name a better duo than the LGBTQIA+ community and mimosas. (We’ll wait!) While you think that up, can you tell us why it’s so important for SunDaze to sponsor Girlz Skate Jam, and what this event means for so many – not just in Palm Springs – but everywhere?
Arthur: The community lives for brunch, and mimosas are synonymous with brunch-ing if that’s a proper verb! For me personally, as a gay man and a Palm Springs resident, it was important to support a local event that attracts more tourism to Palm Springs and builds a stronger community here and in SoCal.
Q: Are there any future LGBTQIA+ or other events we can expect to see SunDaze at?
Arthur: Absolutely, we’ll be building community with SunDaze in the LGBTQIA+ communities in California and Texas through 2022, one meaningful event at a time. It’s part of our social commitment program.
Q: What are some of your team’s longterm goals that you hope to achieve in the coming years?
Arthur: The big vision for SunDaze is to become the go-to brand for juice cocktails. Everyone has a favorite juice cocktail, whether it’s a mimosa, a daiquiri, a greyhound, a piña, or something else, and our fermentation tech can elevate all of them.
Q: Finally, can we expect an expansion for the SunDaze brand beyond the current offering? Are there any new flavors secretly being worked on, or a new type of drink? Care to offer a sneak peek?
Arthur: We’ve experimented with everything from watermelon to mango to pineapple to berries, and you’ll see some exciting new drinks from us in Spring 2022. Our fermentation tech has incredible potential in the alcohol drinks industry and we’ve only started to show people what we can do to change social drinking.
