Phoenixville Favorite Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery Debuts Pantry with Local Goodies

In these uncertain times, the restaurant industry has had to do a pivot unlike any other. Enter Steel City Coffeehouse and Brewery- which can now add store to its credentialed lineup. 

Steel City is now offering a pantry of locally sourced goods that cater to the local community and keep the love local. This boutique pantry is offering jams, granola, gluten-free bakery items, and so much more! You can try various items while you shop, too. 

"We sample one item on Saturday and Sundays to help drive sales and to allow our customers to try before they buy. All of the items are available for in-store shopping or curbside via our website," says co-owner Laura Vernola-Simpson.

 

"We really needed to adapt to the pandemic and when we initially closed indoor dining we were selling off our products, which our customers were really excited about. We sold out all of our inventory pretty quickly. About a month later customers started asking us if they could buy eggs, bread, and other items so that gave us the idea to add in the pantry offering not just items we already had but specialty items from small batch makers around the country," says Laura. "We use Faire, an online wholesale company for small batch makers, as well as our local friends like Stoudt's Wonderful Good Market Bread, Door Step Dairy, and Conebella Farm Cheese in Elverson, PA, plus Small Batch Granola (Vermont), Crisp & Co Pickles (Pennsylvania) and our honey spreads from Bumbleberry Farms (Somerset, PA)

 

Laura says so far the Feedback has been great! " We are hoping to add more requested items. Hot sellers are the essentials like milks, eggs, butter, cheese, pickles, and the Big Spoon Roaster Bars from Durham, NC.

 

The Steel City Pantry is now open 7 days a week through the end of winter 2021, 7am Monday through Friday, 8am on Saturday & Sunday, currently with limited indoor and outdoor seating, and has complimentary wifi. Steel City offers curbside takeout and delivery though UberEats.

 

Steel City Coffeehouse opened in 1997 and is Phoenixville's oldest coffeehouse and only listening room & live music venue. Since its inception, Steel City has gone through many changes (and owners). In 2016, it experienced a rebirth and has maintained its status as the artistic hub within the community under the ownership of Laura Vernola-Simpson and Ed Simpson. 

In early 2019, Steel City Coffeehouse became Steel City Coffeehouse and Brewery. Head Brewer, Jeremy Burke (formerly of Tuned Up Brewing) has been focused on creating their signature Steel Mill Stout, as well as two other seasonal brews. Steel City sources locally and supports fellow small businesses.

Check out their new pantry today!

How to Incorporate Ancient Grains Into Our Daily Diets

You've probably heard of both Chia Seeds and Quinoa, but did you know where they come from? And did you know the variety of ways they can be used (i.e. Chia Seeds can be used as a egg replacement!)? BetterBody Foods makes it easy to get a hold of both these ancient grains, and they give tips on how, and why they should be a part of your daily diet. 

Several ancient grains were worshipped and used by many ancient civilizations, from the Aztecs to the Greeks and Egyptians.  Quinoa was called the "mother of all grains" and considered sacred by the Inca people. Chia seeds have been eaten for thousands of years in Central America starting with Aztec warriors who ate them before battle or running long distances. Runners would carry water and a pouch of chia seeds because they helped increase endurance.  

But how do we incorporate these mystical and magical products into our daily diets today? BetterBody Foods makes eating like an ancient warrior a breeze.  With their Organic Chia Seeds and Organic Quinoa, we can all channel the ancient Incas and treat our bodies like a temple!

BetterBody Foods Organic Chia Seeds: Did you know that chia seeds can be used in baking as an egg replacement? These magical little seeds are small in size, but they pack a punch in terms of nutritional value, texture, taste and versatility.  In fact, “chia” was the ancient word Mayans used for strength 

• Just one serving of organic chia seeds gives you protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, thiamin and omega-3 fatty acids;
• Because of all their fiber, chia seeds can absorb around 12 times their weight in water, which then gives you more sustained energy and helps you feel fuller longer;
• Shake and bake — Shake some Organic Chia Seeds into your favorite muffin recipe or use as an egg replacement by mixing 1 Tbsp. Organic Chia Seeds with 3 Tbsp. water and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Protein power — You'll find 2g of protein in every serving of Organic Chia Seeds. Add to your smoothie or juice. Sprinkle on yogurt, salad or cereal to add a nutritious boost.
• Neutral Taste — Chia seeds are virtually tasteless and can be added to your favorite foods. For added texture and protein, add chia seeds to smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt for a satisfying snack.
• Suitable for All Diets — This omega powerhouse supports all dietary restrictions considering they are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, raw, low-carb and paleo-friendly.

BetterBody Foods Organic Quinoa

Beauty. Goodness. Versatility. Flavor. Organic Quinoa really does have it all going on. Quinoa (keen-wah) has taken the world by storm because it takes on the flavors you cook it with, adds protein and fiber to any dish, and is easy to make. 

Quinoa has grown in Bolivia and the mountains of the Andes for thousands of years, acting as a staple food for indigenous people in South America. It didn’t appear in the United States until NASA discovered the superfood as they searched for a nutrient rich food to give astronauts on long space missions.

•  Organic Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs every day
• One serving of this delicious blend has calcium, iron and six grams of protein.
• Quinoa is one of a few complete plant-based proteins. It contains all nine essential amino acids.
• Use in place of rice, couscous or other grains. Great for salads, soups, breakfast and more. It’s a great choice for everything from hot cereals to dinner side dishes.
• One serving of Organic Quinoa contains six grams of protein. Go ahead and power up!

BetterBody Foods believes that making better food choices contributes to a happy and healthy life. They are committed to providing the best organic and natural foods for cooking, baking, health and wellness. 

With ingredients that are sourced from top farms around the world, and BetterBody Food’s state of the art manufacturing facility (which has received a long list of certifications and awards) their goal is to teach their customers about how to use their revolutionary products to make powerful and healthy changes in their lives. 

Add these delicious and nutritious products to your daily eating routine and have confidence that you are putting only the best ingredients into your body.

Engchik's 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year when we aspire to find the perfect gifts for our friends and family, and I have rounded up several of my favorites. 

Take a look...

For the Techie Music Lover

The gift of music is one that everyone can agree on. Whether jamming out to your favorite holiday tunes or looking for some accompaniment in the shower, the Aquatune 5712 will exceed all listener expectations. The 5712 is designed to pump out up to 10 hours of crisp dynamic sound. Waterproof, shockproof, and built to float, the 5712 can be used on land or sea. Whether bringing along on a trip to the park, relaxing at home, or using while entertaining guests, the sleek speaker will become your favorite way to listen. 

Price: $29.99

For Your Best Friend

This Vietnamese Silk Scarf woven by Vietnamese Ma Chau villagers is beautifully dyed and silky smooth, adding a burst of color to holiday attire. 

Do good while purchasing a thing of beauty. 

Price: $95.00 

For Your Stylish Neighbor

Galison's porcelain tray collection includes designs from Patch NYC, The Berkley Bestiary, Frank Lloyd Wright and more.  Packaged in sturdy gift boxes, these trays are perfect for keys, jewelry, change, and other trinkets or desktop items.

Prices: $12.99 - $50

For the Harry Potter Fan

From author and baker Dinah Bucholz comes this whimsical and smart book on everything Harry and his friends would either eat and enjoy at Hogwarts, or that his friends might make. 

Since a trip across the pond might not happen this year (can’t find a Portkey?), enjoy the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook.

Price: $19.95

For the Organizer

Make a plan and stay on schedule with these Luxe Pocket Planner from Galison. 

This conveniently sized planner (4.5 x 5.75") fits in your handbag or backpack and allows you to easily plan your weekly and monthly activities.  

They feature an embossed foil cover as well as 192 gilded page edges. Planners are undated.

Price: $9.99

For the Bargain Hunter

In this book, veteran thrifters provide a must-have guide for bargain-hunting fashionistas looking to make a statement without sabotaging their budgets. Shoppers learn to navigate the racks of their local consignment shop, spot name brands like Versace, Dior, and Burberry, select the best quality items, and repair secondhand clothes that need some love. This trending topic is perfect for folks on a budget, creative trailblazers, and environmentally conscious shoppers.

ThriftStyle by Allison Engel, Reise Moore, and Margaret Engel

Price: $15.99    

For the Pet Owner

Love your furry friend, but not the shedding? Keep your furniture and clothing fur-free with BUMP IT OFF. It also makes a great grooming tool and your companion will love the massage. It fits comfortably in your hand in multiple positions and the perfect stocking stuffer for any dog or cat lover on your list. BUMP IT OFF not only works on your pets, but it’s also helpful in the kitchen cleaning dishes, lifting stains from your laundry, cleaning makeup brushes, and a great tool to keep your furniture and clothing fur-free.

Price: $9.99

For the Biz Startup

The Think Big Movement gives readers the tools, best practices, and step-by-step guidance they’ve been craving to move their businesses forward. What makes the book unique is the way real-life problems manifest through and are solved by Jacob, the protagonist of this business fable. The book teaches, inspires, and structures the reader’s mindset to dramatically shift the paradigm. By crushing the obstacles holding them back and re-learning the value of consistency, readers will see, feel, and experience BIG results in their businesses through the valuable epiphanies they’ll have – just as Jacob has in the novel.

The Think Big Movement is by Jon Dwoskin. Price: $16.95 

Shake It Up: Cocktail Chameleon Makes the Holidays a Little More Fun

From the classic Margarita to the Love Byte, a stunning new home mixologist's one-stop guide is award-winning designer and producer Mark Addison’s invitation to join him as he dresses up twelve cocktails in twelve unique variations for 144 signature takes on the classics. The book is called Cocktail Chameleon and signed copies are exclusively available at www.cocktailchameleon.com, just in time for holiday entertaining.

Mark likes to say: “It’s called entertaining for a reason: you get to have fun while you do it!” In his new book he gives advice and tips on how to get out from behind the bar and out of the kitchen to enjoy your own party and spend more time with your guests. 

He also shares easy-to-follow recipes for his signature holiday libations such as Baked Apple Punch, Cranberry Sauce Cocktail, Pumpkin Pie Martini and many more! And he cracks the code on what to serve to whom and when - friends vs. family, cocktail party vs. dinner party, party starters vs. dessert cocktails.

Mr. Addison tantalizes with molecular mixology to create the Anti-Gravity, instructs on how to reinvent the beloved Bloody Mary with sake, and invokes the famed royal rose garden with the Versailles in this beautiful new book. Inside readers will find:

·                The Pop-Rocks-rimmed Anti Gravity Martini

·                The Old Fashioned inspired Old Black Magic, a sultry variation on the original

·                The Provence, an elegant twist on the traditional Champagne cocktail with lavender syrup

·                The Sangria Flora, a traditional sangria with Elderflower

·                The herbal complexity of the Versailles, the Manhattan gone botanical

·                 

Whether given as a gift or a valuable addition to one's own library, COCKTAIL CHAMELEON will unlock the mixologist in everyone. It is sure to become an instant ally for hosts looking to elevate an occasion, or to help unwind and end the day on a high note!

Addison’s entertaining and design expertise, along with his dynamic personal style, have made him a sought-after authority. He has shared his ideas on throwing parties, mixing signature cocktails, home décor, and cooking for guests in more than 100 television appearances on national and regional TV shows as well as a being a regular contributor to print and on-line publications.