Behind the bar at Foodies' Night In (8/9)

At a local haunt, there's a tradition of ringing an old bell promptly each day at 5p.  The context for the tradition is that when the neighborhood was an old meat-packing district, the locals would listen for the bell to know it was time to join together to raise a glass with good friends and colleagues to toast and give thanks to the completion of another day's work. 

We like the tradition of a cocktail hour - and highlighted it in 10 Trends in Savvy Entertaining.  as a chance to transition from the hectic work day into a more personal mode and lifestyle.  Whether your libation is beer, wine, or mixed cocktail, we think that it's a valuable time of day to take a breath, and to enjoy exchanging a few ideas, swap a few stories and sharing some laughs.

Perfect topic for our friends - old & new - joining Foodies' Night In - It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere - on Monday, 9 August.

This week's Sponsor happens to fit well into our cocktail hour gameplan - Crispin Cider.  We're big fans of cider - and have had the pleasure of enjoying almost all of the Crispin products this summer!  A little about Crispin -

Classically refined, but not styled as a traditional "sweet beer" beer alternative, Crispin ciders are crisp and clean, not sweet and sticky and never sacrifice superior quality refreshment satisfaction for overbearing complexity.  Always true to the apple, Crispin Hard Ciders are naturally fermented using apple juice, never from apple juice concentrate, from a premium blend of US West Coast apples, with no added malt, grape wine or spirit alcohol. Crispin’s unique flavors are smoothed with pure apple juice or from natural sugar sources like oragnic honey or organic maple syrup, and contain no added colorants, sorbate or benzoate preservatives and are filtered cold for crisp refreshment. Crispin ciders are all Gluten Free for the wheat-intolerant person.

We're looking forward to learning more from them about how they enjoy happy hour - and what interesting signature cocktails can be made with cider.

Invited experts this week include some other special friends:

• @intoxicologist - dabbling in the world of cocktails one spirit at a time.  If you haven't already, you should grab some of The Intoxicologist's great cocktail ideas and drink recipes...she's got the facts and details to make your mixology magic!
• @hoperatives - looking forward to sharing their beliefs in better beer!
• @Cocktails_365 - Mark Vierthaler is the editor-in-chief of Cocktails, 365  and shared a featured perspective on The Martini on Essentially Entertaining.
• @winemedineme - a Cincinnati food blogging Bon Vivant,  who is "cocktail obsessed". 

8/9 Giveaways 

(1) Crispin Cider Summer Entertaining Refreshment Gift Packs

Two lucky winners will each receive a summer entertaining refreshment gift pack directed from Crispin Cider, containing 1 Crispin Cider T- shirt (size TBC) and 2 samples of each of the 7 Crispin Cider varieties.
 
A perfect excuse for hosting your own special cocktail hour!

(2) BarBasics-in-a-Box from SavvyHostMarket

BarBasics-in-a-Box

Everything a savvy host needs for Mixology 101! Beautifully presented in a black wood box, these 8 essential bar tools are exactly what's needed to set up the bar for cocktail hour at home - on the road - under the stars.  

Set includes:

• acrylic cutting board
• knife
• spoon
• 11 oz stainless steel shaker
• jigger
• wine stopper with lock
• corkscrew
• drip collar 

How to Enter the Drawing?

There are 2 quick steps to enter the drawing and to be eligible to win the giveaway prizes.

1. RSVP by sending the following Tweet:

I'm tending bar at #Cocktails #Foodie s Night In (#fni) http://bit.ly/9IYpn6 w/@cookingwcaitlin @savvyhost & Sponsor @CrispinCider #GIVEAWAY

2. Follow @cookingwcaitlin, @SavvyHost @CrispinCider 

(While you're at it, we think @girlfriendology and @cozifamily are also deliciously delightful follows!! And don't forget this week's Guest Experts - @intoxicologist - @hoperatives - @Cocktails_365 - @winemedineme)

About Foodies' Night In (#fni)

The creative culinary concept of the wunder-gals at Cooking with Caitlin, this is a tweet-up focused on food, wine, cooking, and gathering friends and family together - sounds like the chorus to the The Savvy Host theme? That's why we've partnered with them and won't miss this Monday afternoon foodie fun!  Hope you will join US!

Foodies' Night In (#fni) Twitter Party

When?  Mondays, 4-6pm EST

Where?  Around the globe on Twitter with hashtag #fni

Topics?  Change weekly but always about Food, glorious Food!

Hosted by - @cookingwcaitlin @SavvyHost  
@girlfriendology @cozifamily 
Special Guests - each week we include a corporate sponsor or two to add a little extra to the party - along with a special panel of experts to keep the discussion dynamic!!

RSVP?  Please send a Tweet to let us know you're joining the foodie fun! RSVP is required to be eligible for each week's special GIVEAWAYS! After all, what's a party without favors?

Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Foodies' Night In? Please send email to The Savvy Host or Cooking With Caitlin and we'll forward details.

How does a Twitter Party work?

On Monday afternoons, we meet through Twitter.  Using the hashtag #FNI, we meet & greet at the virtual party door, and get cozy to chat about whatever food-related topic is featured that day.  The sponsors and hosts have 10 questions to lead and frame the discussion over the two hours.  But the real fun begins with comments, feedback and (often unexpected) hilarity from all the Twitter participants! Drop in and out as your schedule permits - you can always catch up by reviewing the twitter logs!

What mouth-watering #fni topics lie ahead?

• 8/16 - Snack Time - healthy, salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy - what's your pleasure?
• 8/23 - Wine & Cheese - pairing up a classic duo to see what's new & delicious for entertaining! 
• 8/30 - Menus for Fall Entertaining - what's in season, how to serve, and time saving entertaining tips!
  
• 9/13 - Seafood & Wine Pairings - so many types of sustainable seafood to choose from - recipes & wine pairing suggestions to make the most of your fresh catch!
  

Stay tuned for updates on which special gifts will be offered to keep the party rolling, and to enhance your entertaining style!