by Sandra Crittenden

For those who enjoy participating in food and beverage days,  October 4th is a good one. Today in Sweden and Finland, it is Cinnamon Roll Day and there is no reason to not celebrate the day, too, wherever you may be. All you need to do to participate is to eat a cinnamon roll. I went to one of Houston's best French bakeries, Mademoiselle Louise , to get their delicious pecan topped rendition. This bakery was also one of my top choices for bread in a recent article I wrote . It is also National Vodka Day in America. The day has been noted since at least 2009. All you need to do is enjoy a vodka drink to be a part of it. I made a fresh tomato based vegetable juice at home by juicing carrots, bell peppers, a jalapeño, a small piece of onion and a lime. I blended that juice with fresh seeded tomatoes and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Blending the tomatoes instead of juicing them makes a richer base. I then commemorated the day be making a Bloody Mary with some Grey Goose vodka...

Susi Zivanovic I had a fantastic experience this week learning about the cocktail program at Perry's Steakhouse & Grille with beverage director, Susi Zivanovic.  In addition to selecting the wines for the restaurants, Zivanovic creates all the cocktail recipes that guests enjoy at the many Perry’s locations.  Zivanovic shared with the group that her philosophy for mixology involves high quality ingredients masterfully blended into well-balanced deliciously drinkable cocktails.  She said that when she creates the different recipes, she chooses only premium ingredients - most importantly, she makes sure that there are no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Invitees to this event started the evening with the Perry's Hog-Hatten. This drink was prepared by the true professionals behind the bar.  This  Manhattan-based cocktail is elevated with spicier Redemption Rye Whiskey instead of the more traditional Bourbon. This is combined with Vya Vermouth...