Dry Soda Tasting Continued

The good folks at Dry Soda just stopped by to give me a complete tasting of all of their soda flavors. Stephen already told you about kumquat last week. The three other flavors are lemongrass, rhubarb, and lavender. Founder and CEO Sharelle Klaus started the company after a string of pregnancies left her feeling like she was missing something at restaurants when her dinner companions poured over the wine list in anticipation. She wanted something exciting to drink that was natural, non alcoholic, and would pair well with food. For that, Klaus recommends the lemongrass. It’s probably the most versatile and could even be served with spicy Mexican. For cocktail ideas and more about today’s tasting and food pairings, follow the jump.

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My New Favorite Pickles

I’m really digging the epicurean finds at the new West Village shop Gardens. It’s the kind of trendy gardening store I like: low on compost, big on food you don’t have to harvest yourself. I especially love the selection of Rick’s Picks pickled veggies: okra in smoked paprika, beets with rosemary, and, my fave, pickle spears scented with cumin. Next to try? Soy-wasabi brined green beans. Mmmm… soy.