Recommended Munchies from the Summer Fancy Food Show

EI

The Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food show is the largest specialty food industry event in North America and the top place to experience the taste of future food. I not only had the exclusive privilege to try various foods at the show but to also sample foods in the comfort of my home.

The Sharing the Details team parsed through various snacks and treats and have finalized a list of our recommended munchies from the 2018 Summer Fancy Food Show. Now, without further adieu…

Recommended Snacks 

Tortuga Rumcake. This is a classic rumcake that can be served with icecream, with chocolate syrup or on its own. What I really like most about this rumcake is that you can get a taste of the carribean wherever you are with just one bite.

Amanda’s Tradicional Yerba Mate: The tea comes grounded and you can use a coffee maker to brew yerba mate for breakfast. What I love about this Argentinian brand is that this tea is traditional and made straight to the source.

Little Bird Kitchen’s a Hand full of hot & sweet nuts: This is a New York brand and these candied peanuts with a touch of jalepeno pepper heat serves a swift but delicate kick to the mouth. This is a great snack that can be paired with an IPA.

Dole Snack Bites Cashew Nut Clusters: Dole is a trusted brand and their cashew nut clusters does not disappoint. It’s made with cashews, sesame seeds and sea salt.

Pinky Up Tiramisu Dessert Black Tea: This black tea may not exactly be the same as snacking on a tiramisu but it’s pretty close. Pinky Up tea is a guilt free tea that has a great flavor and no calories. After I drank this tea at home, I felt like a princess for a second because of the taste and the fact you legit feel like sticking out your pink once you savor this chocolate concoction layered with coffee and cinnamon.

MilkBoy Switzerland Chocolate:  I have sampled over 30 brands of chocolate at this show and I can clearly see why MilkBoy took the prize for best chocolate at this year’s SOFI awards. Wow! I am not much of a dark chocolate fan but the 85% extra dark cocoa bar was smooth, velvety, with a seductively rich taste. I also sampled the Alpine Milk with Crunchy Caramel and Sea salt and this sweet, gooey, salty medley interplayed a creamy, refined, taste.

Chameleon Cold Brew Vanilla Coffee: After attending this show, I can see why cold brew coffee is a popular trend. I do really like Chameleon’s style of cold brew due to the smooth after taste.

Christine’s Organic Dulce De Leche Milk Caramel Sauce:  Authentic dulce de leche sauce is hard to find, especially organic. Christine’s sauce not only has an authentic, milky, taste but it’s easy to spread on breads, fruits, and ice cream.

Nature’s Guru Masala Chai: As I declared in a previous blog post about the food show, this was by far the best chai I had at the entire show. The taste was smooth, the spices didn’t overpower, and the beverage was milky–much like a true South Asian masala chai. Often other stores and cafes sell chai drinks that are too spicy, not as milky, and are more watery in texture. This chai tastes close to home for me.

Vegan Rob’s Jackfruit Puffs: As a self-professed carnivore, I normally dont venture into the vegan or vegetarian world. However, these Jackfruit puffs made that venture not as as painful. This organic, plant-based, treat is crunchy and I didn’t have much guilt afterwards eating the entire bag.

Ozery Bakery’s Lavash Crackers: I’ve never had true lavash bread before but I know this style of bread can be sold at your local Trader Joes. The lavash crackers from Ozery Bakery was fun to try and  I enjoyed sampling them with cheese and olives.

Twining’s Winter Spice Herbal Tea: This is a brand new tea from Twining’s and I must say I felt relaxed imbibing in this caffeine free concoction with a subtle blend of apple, cinnamon, cardamom and clove spices.

Road Kill Grill Meat Rub: And.. no, I did not kill any critters when I used this spice. Instead I bought chicken from a store, coated this blend all over, and baked for 30 minutes on 350 degrees. This was a delicious blend and if you do accidentally run over a creature, consider using this spice.

Snow Flakes Candy Mints: This sugar free, all natural, fat free mint has a pretty, magical, snowflake exterior and a tart but sweet taste. The black cherry mint was good. This mint is GMO free, has no wheat, soy, dairy, corn, gluten or sugar. So for that one friend you have is either allergic to a lot, this is a great recommendation for him or her.

Meiji Chocorooms: This is what I like to call a classic snack you can get at your local H-mart or Lotte. These Japanese cookies go great with milk.

Paromi Turmeric Ginger Green Tea: This is a really nice tea that comes in a biodegradable pyramid sachet. This tea has a strong, aromatic ginger and turmeric taste with a crisp, clean green tea flavor. If you want to drink something earthy with healing properties, this is the tea for you.

Cabernayzn dried cabernet wine grapes: This snack has more antioxidants than wine, has no alcohol, no preservatives, no artificial flavors and tastes like a super, fancy, raisin. If you want to taste Napa valley but to err on the side of not getting tipsy, this is the treat for you.

Belgian Boys Mini Cookie Stash: These cookies are sweet and fun to play with. Mini cookie stash are made with cookie butter and are made in Belgium.

Loacker Tortina White Cookies: Whenever I think of gourmet wafer cookies, the only cookie that comes to mind would be Loacker. I am a big fan of their new wafer cookie, the tortina white which has a sweet, caramel sauce inside.

Luke’s Organic White Truffle & Sea Salt Potato Chips: I am all about anything flavored with white truffle, especially potato chips.  These chips are made with Urbani Italian White Truffles with French Grey Guereande salt. Not only are these chips tasty, but what I like to call a snack for one who adults so hard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 24, 2018July 27, 2018 by Sherryn

NYFW: Gerda Truubon’s London Collection 2018

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February 16, 2018 I was invited by Exalt Fashion to cover Gerda Truubon’s London Collection at the Plaza hotel on fifth avenue for New York Fashion Week this year. Gerda is a well known Estonian born London-based fashion designer who crafts sexy but stylish frocks for the confident woman. Her mantra is to create dresses for the bold, secure, self-loving woman that aim to uplift rather than cover up who the woman really is.

Truubon was inspired by her mom, who was a tailor, to customize dresses for herself. In fact, her designs have been coveted by American TV star Natalie Nunn, British TV star Gemma Collins, and countless stars across the globe.

Speaking of dresses and fashion, so I wore the same ensemble from the previous show that day to the next show due to limitations on time.  I took a taxi from Sunset Terrace at Chelsea Piers to the hotel, and that cab ride averaged around $10.00. I was fortunate both locations were in close proximity of each other. Since I arrived a bit early, we had a little too much fun checking out the high-end stores and taking photos around the lobby.

This is a famous hotel after all. The Plaza hotel is a 20-story luxury hotel and condominium apartment located in Manhattan. Not only is the hotel recognized as a historic landmark but The Beatles stayed at The Plaza Hotel during their first visit to the United States in 1964.

After I had fun checking out the stores, I took the glamorous escalator downstairs to the show. We even had a bellhop assist us to and fro. The interior of the show was wide-spread with shimmery chandeliers, ornate wall decor, pristine floors, and manicured chairs at the front for VIP.  Editors, stylists, and bloggers such as myself took over the VIP section and, yes, we all went a little cray-cray with the selfies.

The show started with a talented singer bursting in with backup dancers. Each performer adorned white, lace, body suits; strap stilettos; and had their hair swaying.

Fifteen models from the show wore a similar ensemble, yet, had tightly wounded buns and ponytails that focused more attention on their stylish eye make up and stoic expressions. The singer, herself, swayed her hips and moved in sync to her own songs. For a second, I almost felt like I was at a concert and I applaud Truubon for adding a surprise introduction. The norm for present and future fashion shows is to start off with a spectacular concert, dance, or even stand-up–as a way to break away from the usual, standard, NYFW runway show.

Once the dancing has stopped and the models paraded away in a clean queue, the meaty matter of the show (the fashion) finally commenced. Truubon is well known from her previous collections for using bold colors, exaggerated sleeves, high shoulder dresses, and ensembles with plunging necklines.

Her trademark styles were underscored in her new line but so were lace, silk, and mesh materials, silver studded trims, and the symmetrical neckline with a one-shoulder long sleeve. Much of this show distilled top runway trends such as exploring a range of pastels, ruffles on the ends of skirts and the beginning of sleeve cuffs, flowy-cuffs unconnected to the dress, and iconic use of exposed shoulder lines as a way to juxtapose the contour of the dress to one’s skin.  This show had the right dosage of flash too.

This dress collection used an ample amount of slits above the  leg to infuse more of a night-time clubbing vibe. Silver studded trims underscored most of her apparel as well as boxed shoulder pads three-inch-high, and ruffled tiers enveloped along the lower neckline and all around the middle of the back. I can safely say her entire collection was devoted to what’s silvery, studded, and long and that’s a unique addition for this year’s show. Overall, this was an iconic show.

At the conclusion of the set, Gerda walked in and I had a hard time discerning her from the rest of the models. She looks just like a model.

Models, press, and VIP attendees were escorted to the lobby. The press had an exciting time snapping photos, grabbing last minute interviews with the designer, and taking selfies with the models. I was fortunate enough to get a selfie with the designer as well but I rue the day I wasn’t able to snag her for a short interview. Darn!

The plaza has a famous eatery downstairs full of international fare such as pasta, ramen, crepes, and beyond. I scarfed down a large bowl of bolognese pasta and my photographer had the most delicious crepe ever. We later caffeinated ourselves, lightly, on tea from Argo Tea a few blocks down and called it a night. Milkbar was nearby and I was half tempted to get some corn cookies and cereal icecream but my foodie self control mode kicked in.

In recent memory, New York Fashion week was most memorable  thanks to Truubin’s and other notable designers shows. I will forever want a dress with exposed shoulders, ruffled sleeve cuffs, and silver, studded trimmings hugging my neckline. I mean, that is the key ingredient for a fashionable It-girl!

April 15, 2018November 29, 2020 by Sherryn

New York Fashion Week 2018: Selly Djap, Christina J. Kim, AJ Saunders & Blakk April–4 Designers, A Kaleidoscope of Talent!

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February 16, 2018 I had this unique opportunity to not just cover one designer for New York Fashion week but four at one show. Christina J. Kim, Selly Djap, AJ Saunders and Blakk April rounded out the tail end of the”Street Fashion” segment of NYFW 2018. This show was held at the Sunset Terrace at Chelsea Piers from 4 p.m to 7 p.m.

The night before, I drove to New York City around 12 a.m and finally came to my hotel, the Eurostar located at the heart of Wall Street, around 5 a.m. I swear I haphazardly packed. I lost my right Italian leather shoe from my suitcase due to the crunch on time. When I woke up by 1 p.m, I dolled up my face, wore black from top to bottom (it’s the New York and D.C thing to do) and sported a sparkly, gold, jacket that was originally sold from a boutique in Los Angeles. Inclement weather (the drizzle and the freeze) didnt stop fashionistas from rocking their best threads.

From the hotel, I took an Uber ($10 price ride) to the location and met up with my photographer.  We were covering behind the scenes for this year’s shows. This was my first time seeing models getting their hair done, practicing their catwalk, and lounging with a Starbucks drink before a big show. I learned from behind the scenes, how much work went into getting ready and with how the networking game as changed. Instagram is the best way to connect with Fashion designers, models, stylists, and photographers.

Lighting is key. So much prep work went behind providing enough natural and unnatural light for incoming media. Sharing the Details was able to have a video interview with both designers Christina J. Kim and with Selly Djap. Stay tuned for future exclusives on them and on AJ Saunders and Blakk April.

On top of that, I have never watched a fashion show below an Ice rink before! This was a brand new experience.

This new experience may tie in to a sea change with the NYFW industry. According to Forbes, NYFW and the shows have been dealing with turbulence in attendee turn outs. Brands, big and small, are turning to live streaming a fashion show while others cancel shows on the fly and try to recreate unique parties and fashion experiences at hotels, pop-up locations, and anything else tied to what’s trendy.

The fashion industry, collectively, has to meet changes and demands from a newer generation and from newer transnactional relationships. Customers want to know who created their products. Social media has ensured a transparency in this case. Brands are starting to rethink ways to reach their consumer base and to surprise them. This fashion paradigm has greatly affected the way a NYFW show is produced and executed.

For newer designers, this welcoming change means room for creativity. Instead of most shows following a format of attendees sitting idly in a row where models do a simple catwalk down the aisle at an exclusive venue. More shows, like the one I attended, are held in unique locations like an Ice Rink and have impromptu events–for example, a live engagement parlay between two VIP attendees which actually happened in between Selly and Christina’s show–to revive the shows with a new, verve.

After the video interview, I took a seat at the front.  VIP and general admission started to pour in and trickled down to sit, network, and take selfies. The bar from behind served guests wine, beer, and delicious cocktail drinks.

Fashion Designer Selly Djap’s Winter 2018 “Trauma” line showcased an eclectic arrangement of black dresses that portray sexual re-awakening after going through abuse. This fashion line was inspired by her personal history.  Asymmetrical necklines, sequence trimmings,  sheer/ transparent sleeves, made a bold statement with several dresses worn. Business casual ensembles with tight pants, bare shoulder tops, spark the imagination with the crowd.  Selly’s previous fashion line, “Sex” explored a variation of pinks, silks, floral beaded patterns that are also reminiscent to her conservative upbringing in Indonesia.

After Selly’s models sashayed out. A brief intermission was set. I had this wonderful opportunity to meet talented photographers who worked directly with Christina and with Selly. Their passion, eye for creativity, and kindness exuded with each photo they took.

Christina J. Kim’s Winter 2018 line, “Alter Ego” took the audience by surprise. Her contemporary, underground, street fashion line is full of mixed fabrics, bold colors, and mixed mediums. Her garments can work well for both genders. Christina’s past collections focused on details and minimalism and her color palate was primarily an array of neutrals. With her newer line, models paraded floral prints, over sized sweaters with over-stuffed cowl necks, asymmetrical neckline shirts and a splash of gingham.

Blakk April Collection titled “I Got Issues” was inspired by allowing people to reach their dreams.  Roosevelt (birth name) used sheer, soft, fabrics that hug and enhance a woman’s natural curves with some of the dresses he designed. Blakk April experiments with capes, multi-high-level slits in the front of dresses, pastels, and shimmering greens that could only bring out a lively gown. His eye for women’s fashion  for this line brought out a wave of I-phones out from the VIP attendees. His previous collection, April Wardrobe Raw Edges, experimented with plaids, stripes, and solid toned pieces. His previous collection gave off a casual, going to rock my local indie show vibe whereas his recent line exuded a glittery, awe-struck club going vibe.

Last by not least is AJ Saunders “Maladjusted” Collection took in the known, unknown, and wove in a creative spin with gender neutral clothing. AJ started a gofundme page last year to be able  to do a NYFW show this year, and this line paid off in spades. Her mantra for each piece which is “manipulation of the self to make the inaccessible accessible” was exuded due to her eclectic use of material, anatomical structures, and with breaking new ground with gender identification for tops, bottoms, and all kinds of ensembles. Her further experimentation with 3-D printing, chest binders, and human anatomy-inspired shapes evinced a reaction from the audience and even blew up a couple Instagram accounts. AJ definitely thought outside the box with this line.

Each designer’s vision brought down the house, so to speak. Attendees clamored up to each designer up the show for photo opps, Instagram handle shares, and to pick apart these innovative thinker’s brains. This was more than just a memorable show, these showcases stretched my own imagination quite a bit.

Stay tuned to Sharing the Details for exclusive interviews with Designers Christina J. Kim, Selly Djap, AJ Saunders and Blakk April. 

March 22, 2018November 29, 2020 by Sherryn

Stevie Bo’s Noir New York Fashion Week: Seductive, like a Fine Merlot

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Stevie Boi has been making glasses, ensembles, and fashion statements for close to a decade now.  In previous New York Fashion Week Shows, this virtuoso spearheaded: X2SEA, a line that dabbled in sea themes, and rhine-stone based shades; Cabin,  a clothing line that adds sparkle and glam to drab greens and basic blacks, CR3AM, a line that accentuates vanilla hue shirts, sweaters, and dresses; and The woods, a shade line that embody stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and all sorts of fairy tales into woodsy, whimsical glasses that could only captivate an audience.

His ascent into stardom and his successful ventures in authoring his first self help novel ” How Shade Built My Empire”, touring the world, starring in a reality show, leading a food show called “Stevie Boi Eats”, and with taking over Hollywood with his film debut “Cabin”–has inspired a legion of aspiring designers in Baltimore to just be fearless in going after your dream. I am proud and honored to say that I have been covering several of his shows since 2010 and swell up with pride that Baltimore’s own is charting a brand new territory in the shade industry. In short, Stevie Boi is the face of a virtually new fashion genre celebrated by Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and beyond.

Sipping a fine, hibiscus liquor with an up and coming model.

For this show, I wore 7 for all mankind jeans and a embroidered, black, wrap from Express.  I also decided to put on my comfy Tahari boots since I wasn’t a fan of the weather that day.  It was quite cold and I knew strappy stilettos wasn’t going to cut it that day.

I took an uber that day since I didnt feel like looking for parking by the Garment district. The building I went to was covert, and entering through the backdoors in a stealth way made me feel like I was on a secret mission. This was a highly exclusive event and I was honored I was in the know.

A common case with Stevie Boi shows is that there’s ample time to network before and well after the event has ended. What’s a unique case about his shows is that the people who attend are very, very friendly and that I think is a reflection on the designer, himself. He has always been a generous, kind, person from day 1 and fame, and success hasn’t changed his heart.

The most intricate appetizers, and  most magical drinks were served at this event. This show was part michellin star and part exclusive, VIP, party!

In between the models getting their hair, make up, and clothing ready–It was cool seeing part of the “getting ready” process–I noshed on some unique treats. RAPT catering served guests crudites with creams, meats, jellies, and unique veggies. It wasn’t just one kind of appetizer too but 4-5 different kinds plus there was a hibiscus infused liquor that emitted smoke when you drank it.  A part of me felt like I was stepping into a NYC Michellin star restaurant due to the food, quality of service, and the intimate environment found inside the venue.

As media, I was able to snag a seat right by Beyonce’s long time stylist, Ty Hunter. He was the special guest of the evening. What I really like most about him is his humble, down to earth, demeanor. He never drew any attention to himself, from what I hear he takes the subway and walks everywhere plus I saw him treat each guest with a genuine smile.  I had a fun time taking a selfie with him, fyi part because he was Beyonce’s stylist but also because he was a genuinely fun loving person.

Picture courtesy of Touch of Daz and The Impression

After the mingling ceased, everyone was seated.  Each guest was given a hefty swag bag full of lotions, creams, coupons, lip scrubs and beyond. I guess it pays to sit in VIP. Anyway, the show started with a vibrant, Baltimore, music explosion. A break dancer jumped to the front and danced, jumped and entranced the crowd with her prowess. This was an uncommon sight at a NYC fashion show but a welcoming one since this threw all attendees (models, stylists, photographers, influencers, celebrities, and journalists) by surprise.

After the first performance, an inflatable woman wearing shades with blond hair emerged and strutted her stuff. This looked like a caricature of the editor in chief of vogue and I felt like I was in a whole different world. Again, this was not a common thing to see at a fashion show but the crowd (including myself) loved these surprises. Stevie Boi is a true showman and entertainer by wowing the crowds with these delightful theatrics.

Models, one by one, walked with emboldened steps in asymmetrical latex shirts, dresses, and pasties. A previous model from America’s Next Top Model stole the show with her blond pony tale, exposed top with pasties, and carefree confidence.  Each outfit was skintight, seductive, and confident.  For some odd reason, I wanted to drink Merlot the whole time because the drink, itself, is a fine wine, with a confident taste. Drink enough Merlot and you may want to act seductive too.

The men wore mid- length shirts, cab hats, and Stevie Boi’s trademark shades. The women wore some of the most amazing shoes I have ever seen. As a boot lover, I saw strappy boots, plush boots, silk-based boots, and latex boots. I really wanted to own a few pairs after watching the show.

If you want to see Stevie Boi’s Noir show, click on this link here.

Every show is  completely different than his last. Stevie Boi purely uses his imagination, confidence, and fashion-forward thinking to create close to 10 years of memorable shades, outfits, and celeb-worthy memories.

January 5, 2018March 2, 2018 by Sherryn

Pavel Berky: Fashion Forward with a twist of Comfort at New York Fashion Week!

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For my birthday awhile back, I had this amazing opportunity to sit front row at Pavel Berky’s NYFW debut  in February 2017.  Pavel Berky is a famous Slovak designer, who graduated from the University of arts & architecture in Prague and recently focused his brand to London, UK.

The show was exclusively held at Distilled NY on West Broadway and select media was invited  to cover this premier. I opted out of taking a mega bus for this trip and endured a not so grueling 3 hour drive a few days before this show. Since it was my birthday weekend, I chose to stay at the Wyndham hotel.

On the day of the show, I decided to wear my lacy, white, patterned Adriana Pappel dress paired with vintage earrings and a vintage leather coat that hugged the dress. I decided to take a cab to the event since I didn’t want to deal with street parking in New York City–of all places! The weather was pretty cold but despite that, attendees wore the cutest, skin tight dresses that exposed enough skin for Summer time.

I had the opportunity to mingle with bloggers, magazine editors, burgeoning stylists, and photographers at this hot event.  The venue was intimate but vast enough to have a full view of the show. The architecture was intricate, ornate, with a mash-up of old style Europe with a modern touch. The chandeliers sparkled whenever a model strutted down the runway, I think the venue added a touch of magic to an overall scintillating show.

Notable figures were seated in the front.

This experience was a bit unique since I noticed a shift in the Fashion networking circles. Instead of sharing a business card, more designers and writers offer to follow each other on Instagram. If both parties vibe well enough a few months after the event, then direct messaging will take place. When I first started hitting up the New York Fashion Week scene, business cards were the way to go but I guess the surge in I-phone usage has changed customs of the past.

Anyways, the show started promptly after everyone was seated.  Models had either their hair slicked back, coiffed into a thick side style, or wore an asymmetrical hat that truly primed an attendees focus on their eyes. I was impressed with the powerful smoky eye makeup used for several of the female models since that evoked a serious presentation of the garments Pavel created.

Black is a major NYC color to wear and Pavel harnessed his imagination to produce an eclectic variety of dresses, suits, and fur-trimmed jackets.

Berky experimented with various fabrics such as leather, silk, fur, cotton with plaid prints, latex, and used bold browns, reds, and greens to make black hued ensembles pop with a lively impression.

As someone who likes to dress both for comfort and to be fashion forward, I can definitely see myself wearing some of these dresses to a gala, a cocktail party, at a new bar or just to walk around Georgetown.  Berky created ensembles for the every day person who values expression and work day ensemble balance.

Another personal favorite from his line were the long, drape-y coats that had faux-fur lined on the sleeves and unto the neckline. I wanted to wear them, sip some hot cocoa from a hot new cafe in Chelsea, and bask in the glow of the city lights.

The show felt long since I was clearly enamored with much of his new line but, in reality, it was a 30 minute show.  Despite the time limit, I did have ample time to meet the designer himself and to meet these amazing models who kicked the show up a notch. If you ever come up to New York City around February or September, try to catch a Pavel Berky show. I assure you, you will be left wanting to wear what he has created.

January 5, 2018March 2, 2018 by Sherryn