Le Claire, Iowa, April 17, 2013 - A small distillery in LeClaire, Iowa has been recognized as producing some of the world's finest spirits.  Three of Mississippi River Distilling Company's products recently received top industry ratings at one of the world's top spirits competitions.

Results were recently announced from the 13th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey won silver and Cody Road Rye Whiskey earned bronze in the American Craft Whiskey category.  River Pilot Vodka received silver in the vodka category.

"This is a huge honor."  Said owner and distiller Ryan Burchett.  "We obviously like our stuff a lot.  But to line up against some of the finest spirits in the world and walk away with this kind of recognition is an amazing feat for a tiny distillery like ourselves."

The 2013 competition had record entries, up 17% from last year. Distillers and importers submitted 1407 spirits from 63 countries into 85 different classifications.  Many categories of spirits experienced a marked increase this year, included in the most notable, American Craft Whiskey which MRDC won two medals.

"We're really proud of the whiskies." said owner and distiller Garrett Burchett.  "To have them stand out in such a huge crowd of entries this year is really a thrill and an affirmation in all the hard work we have put into it."

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has gained a reputation as the leading gauge for spirits trends and top quality products in the country.  This competition is considered to be the rite of passage for top quality spirits as it has 34 of the most professional global palates serving as judges.

Cody Road Bourbon, Cody Road Rye and River Pilot Vodka are now available at retailers across 10 states including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas and Mississippi.  Free tours of the distillery in LeClaire are available daily.

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MOLINE, IL/ APRIL 22, 2013 - Miss Mamie's Restaurant and Bar in Moline is hosting a grand re-opening week from April 22nd to the 28th.  Miss Mamie's will be introducing their new, fresh and casual vibe along with new chef-inspired entrees they're adding to their menu.

Over the past six months, Miss Mamie's has made some dramatic renovations to their restaurant, as well as incorporating a new look.  These changes have included remodeling both the interior and exterior of the restaurant; along with a new look to their menu.  These changes compliment the rich tradition of entrees this restaurant has been known for throughout the area, while adding an upbeat and relaxed flair to your experience.

When asked about these changes, Mike Osborn, owner and head chef of Miss Mamie's Restaurant and Bar says, "While we're keeping most of our popular entrees, we're adding some fresh new entrees to add to your overall experience with us.  Adding these items wouldn't be complete without updating the ambiance of the restaurant as well," Mike also says, "Some people might refer to what we're doing as budget gourmet food. We just call it good food, served at a great price with a little extra finesse."

About Miss Mamie's: Miss Mamie's Restaurant and Bar is located it Moline, Illinois.  We define fresh as locally sourced steaks, cut in our kitchen. The best seafood we can buy. Crisp salads with house-made dressings. Original entrees crafted by a culinary chef and offered at a good value in an established, locally owned Quad Cities restaurant. Our restaurant and menu embody a casual coastal flair you won't find anywhere else in the area. There's something for every food mood and flavor lover, so let us take care of your current craving, whether it's salad or steak, sandwiches or seafood.

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If you catch United Soybean Board Chairman Jim Stillman in the kitchen, chances are he's whipping up one of his favorite soy-based dishes. Join Stillman in making one of his favorites - Overnight Egg Casserole. Click here to watch.

UPCOMING ADULT CLASSES

THURSDAY, MAY 23RD 7-9 P.M.
$25 per person
TOO CUTE CUPCAKES
In this hands-on class we will show you how to use all kinds of candy and other edible items to create amazing cupcakes.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 7-9 P.M.
$25 per person
COOKING WITH BEER
From stew and sauces to desserts we will share recipes that use a variety of beers to enchance the flavor.

UPCOMING KIDS CLASSES

THURSDAY, May 9TH 6:30-8 P.M.
$15 per child
Mother's Day Breakfast in bed
We'll teach kids how to make the ultimate breakfast in bed for mom. We will also make a super-secret gift for kids to give to their mothers.

SATURDAY, June 15TH 6:30 -8 p.m.
$30 per pair
DADDY AND ME
Just in time for Father's Day, this class gives dads and kids some quality time together creating yummy treats.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET

Celebrate Earth Day with hands on activities and get great ideas for conservation of plants and animals. Make enrichment items for Niabi's animals, learn how to tell the age of a tree by counting rings and make and take a home for bees.

CLICK FOR MORE

PARTY FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY

 Party at Niabi! Host a birthday party for 10 people for only $150. Pump up the party experience with premium packages that include train and carrousel passes and admission for up to 30 guests. Go totally wild with an after hours zoo party for 50 guests.

CLICK FOR PACKAGES

JUNIOR ZOOKEEPERS

The deadline to apply to Niabi's Junior Zookeeper program is Monday, April 15. Students 14-17 can participate and there are a few spots open for eligible applicants. Download the application and apply before time runs out!

CLICK TO APPLY

SIGN UP FOR THE GOLF OUTING

Only a few foursomes are still available for Niabi's annual Golf Outing on Friday, May 31 at Short Hills Country Club in East Moline. Sign up your team to golf, or become a hole sponsor that includes the round of golf for your team. Several sponsorships starting at $250 are still available. Click here to find out how you can support Niabi Zoo.

This Tuesday, April 16, Chef Stephanie Godke is cooking up some of her new dishes from her new cookbook at the Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806!  Her class will be held in CASI's kitchen from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Come enjoy some yummy dishes while learning from the famous Chef Stephanie Godke!

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For more information, please call: Sarah Arp at CASI at: 563.386.7477, 229 (office) or 563.343.0038 (cell) or email at: sarp@casiseniors.org

CASI, 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa. CASI is open Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm.

www.CasiSeniors.org

Along with your sneakers, dairy plays an important role in your spring training. Whether you and your family are gearing up for little league season, a triathlon or 5K, dairy's unique nutrients ? including protein ? can fuel your bodies along the way.

Protein Power

Protein is a powerhouse nutrient for our bodies. Not only does it help us feel fuller longer, it also protects muscles after we work out and as we age. Dairy foods are a tasty, convenient and cost-effective way to power up with protein throughout the day. On average, one serving of milk, cheese or yogurt provides 8 grams of high quality protein.

Learn four simple ways to get
your daily recommended
servings of protein.

Farmers on the Moo-ve

Managing two dairy farms and 3,800 cows requires a lot of hard work. But the Pulfer family, like many Midwestern families, has come to understand the importance of balancing work with healthy eating and exercise.

Learn how this family of six has made running a family affair on their farm and logged more than150 race miles along the way.

A Cure for Spring Fever

As spring fever spreads throughout Midwest classrooms, it's important to find tools to help kids focus until that final bell rings. Two simple solutions: breakfast and exercise! A new study reports students who eat breakfast have better attention and memory, and after 20 minutes of exercise, brain activity improves.

... And 4 More Unlikely Good-for-You Foods
Recommended by Celebrity Dietician

Bacon has always been popular, but now it's the standard by which many express affection with the ubiquitous online meme: I love you more than bacon.

It's considered by many to be the ultimate food indulgence, but according to Dr. John Salerno, a protégé of "Atkins Diet" creator Dr. Robert Atkins, bacon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

"Many think of bacon as one of the guiltiest pleasures possible, but it has also been shown to alleviate the effects of diabetes, heart disease and strokes," says Dr. Salerno, author of "The Silver Cloud Diet," (www.thesilverclouddiet.com). "Nitrate-free bacon is an excellent source of high protein, low-carbohydrate energy that helps to reset the metabolism, and it's filled with amino acids delivered without the risk of dangerous levels of mercury, which can be found in many fish."

Need more reasons to love bacon?

It has a 4:1 ratio of protein to fat;
It contains choline, which boosts memory and healthy brain function;
It's composed of monounsaturated fats, the kind that contains lots of healthy fat-soluble vitamins and minerals
It's a potent source of oleic acid and saturated fats, which help reduce levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), lower triglycerides, and raise HDL - commonly referred to as the good form of cholesterol.

Dr. Salerno says there are other indulgent-yet-healthy foods out there, including:

• Butter: Butter contains the highest amount of butyric acid found in a natural food source. Butyric acid is recognized for its roles in cellular health, antioxidant protection and metabolic properties; it also increases energy and may prevent cancer. Butter derived from natural, grass-fed animals is recommended.

• Barbecue: Add sauces and condiments and this American favorite will have more starch and sugar than Salerno recommends. But the main ingredient - meat - speaks to the heart of a low-carb, high-protein diet. Grass-fed hamburger meat and organic, hormone-free chicken provides the nutrients your body needs. Stay away from the buns, sugary condiments, sauces and marinades, and you can enjoy a healthy barbecue.

• Omelets: Eggs contain lots of cholesterol and saturated fats, which have been demonized throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Fortunately, we know there is such a thing as good cholesterol and fat. Packed with vitamins, minerals and one of the best-absorbed proteins we can feed our body, any negatives associated with eggs are far outweighed by the benefits. Natural, unprocessed cheeses and cream add to the nutritional value of an omelet.

• Chocolate ice cream: Ice cream made with organic egg yolks, heavy cream and a small amount of stevia herb for taste, instead of sugar, is actually a healthy dessert. Fats are fine, with the exception of trans fats, so long as dieters control their carbohydrate intake. Humankind did not evolve with the vast amount of foods today that contain complex carbs and hidden sugar. Our bodies are used to high amounts of natural fat and a limited amount of unprocessed carbs.

About Dr. John Salerno

A board-certified family physician, Dr. John Salerno has been pioneering complementary medicine for more than 20 years. Best known for his Silver Cloud Diet nutrition program, anti-aging supplements, and natural therapies, Dr. Salerno has crafted original treatment plans to restore human health. His publications and professional studies have made him a popular expert on the physiology and assessment of many complex medical conditions. Dr. Salerno was a protégé and colleague of prestigious Dr. Robert Atkins and served as a clinical preceptor at the Yale University School of Medicine for three years. He has worked with Hollywood actress/author Suzanne Somers (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pioneer); actor Steven Cannell; and president of the International Congress of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Hiroyuki Abe M.D.

DAVENPORT, IA (April 2, 2013) Quad Cities Food Hub invites the public to attend their "Celebrate Growing Open House" on Thursday, April 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Food Hub Market (Located in the Freight House, River Drive Davenport, Iowa). Tickets are $15 and include a beer sampler provided by Front Street Brewery and a wide variety hors d'oerves from local producers.
The Quad Cities Food Hub works to support healthy lifestyles by promoting local food production, connecting producers and consumers, and cultivating education and training programs.
Activities during the Open House:

During the open house, attendees will learn about Quad Cities Food Hub's new projects including a virtual online market that will allow consumers to purchase fresh local produce and products from local area producers online. Attendees will also learn about other Quad Cities Food Hub initiatives include a commercial kitchen, community gardens, new grocery store, community education and how they can become involved. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet the board of directors and new store manager, Wendy Saathof.
"Iowa has some of the world's most fertile soil so you would expect it to be one of the world's biggest producers of fresh produce. Unfortunately, it is not so. The average fruit and vegetable that reaches our grocery stores travels about 1,500 miles to get here. The Quad Cities Food Hub's goal is to change that," said Quad Cities Food Hub board member, Julia Blazevic.
The Quad Cities Food Hub initiative started with a group of Davenport officials and local food advocates' trip to Detroit's Eastern Market. Davenport Mayor Gluba and an eight-member delegation went there in August 2010. Following their return, a 25-member steering committee was establish comprised of individuals with extensive experience in our local food system and economy and has been working on creating a long-term plan of action to strengthen our community's local food system.

To learn more about the Quad Cities Food Hub visit www.facebook.com/quadcitiesfoodhub and www.qcfoodhub.com.
2013 marks the 2nd anniversary of Creekside Vineyards Winery, the 4th anniversary of Creekside Vineyards Inn, and plenty of "fresh and flavorful" offerings, holding true to both the owners' vision and chosen slogan.

FRESH IDEA #1: Seasonal Terrace
"The Seasonal Terrace at the vineyard is the place to be," says Marketing Director Jennifer Mital. "Patrons enjoy flavorful wines, awesome music, and various special events." Word about Terrace Season has spread, as Creekside Vineyards has partnered with Indigo Wellness for Yoga in the Vineyard, Two Rivers Massage for Spa-licious Fridays, local musicians like Ellis Kell, Danika Holmes, Jordan Danielson, Lee Blackmon & others for Saturday afternoon performances, & artists like William Marsoun for art shows. New to this season is Open Mic Saturdays, which allows emerging musicians to perform for the crowd.

"Two of best comments we received are posted online," says Jennifer, "the Illinois Department of Tourism blogged Creekside Vineyards as 'the Quad Cities' hidden gem' & a FB friend commented that 'There's a little slice of heaven tucked right in Coal Valley.'" Picnics are welcome & private rental is available. Terrace hours: Weekends, May-Oct., 1-6.

FRESH IDEA #2: Creekside Vineyards Inn
Creekside Vineyards Inn is nestled in a 30 acre hidden valley between Pinnacle Golf Course and Arrowhead Ranch just south of the Moline Airport. "The inn's vineyard view, along with it being home to the Seasonal Terrace and close to the Quad Cities- yet a world away- makes it a popular place for travelers and natives  alike," says Inn owner Beverly Mital.

The Inn now offers Golf Getaways with Pinnacle Country Club and Wine & Relax Retreats with Indigo  ellness. From vineyard trails, to golf, massage, and ski packages, the Inn offers indulgence at every level, & some  peace and quiet to boot. The Inn is open year round.

FRESH IDEA #3: Winery & Tasting Room along Historic US Highway 67
"I have always had an affinity for old buildings," smiles winemaker John Mital. "Our revitalization of what was once a family diner and service station, connecting the Quad Cities with Macomb and St. Louis, has been  warmly welcomed. My parents renovated an old building in Le Claire, IA in the 1990s, and when the Preemption building came up for sale, well, it was perfect." The Tasting Room opened November 2012, and passersby can watch the completion of exterior renovations on this historic 1940s building throughout 2013. Tasting Room hours are Th-Fri 3-7pm, Sat-Sun 12-6pm.

In terms of the wine, it speaks for itself. Last year Creekside Vineyards entered both the Illinois Wine and  idAmerican Wine Competitions. Nine medals were bestowed, including Gold. Creekside Vineyards also enjoys spreading good cheer at various non-profit and business events in the Quad Cities, from the RME Winter Wine Festival, to Hy-Vee's upcoming Food & Wine Experience in April and the Chamber's annual Schmooza Palooza this summer.

For an Events Calendar, online reservations and details, visit www.creeksidevineyards.com, or call the Inn at 309-787-6919 or the Winery, Tasting Room, & Seasonal Terrace at 309-787-WINE (9463).

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