Patrick Mesiano Chocolates

Rich milk chocolate bars and ornate pastries capture the South of France spirit

On a recent trip to the South of France, we made a point to check out the confections of Patrick Mesiano, a well-known chocolatier and pastry chef based in the region. His delicious chocolates, fresh macaroons and delectable pastries are rich in flavor and design, often featuring an assortment of nuts and fruits from local growers. At his boutique in Beaulieu sur Mer, we tasted …

Swizzle Sticks

Stir up your next cocktail with a cane sugar stick farmed on Oahu

On a recent trip to Hawaii we came across Hula Girl Foods‘ naturally sweetened swizzle sticks. Farmed and packaged on the island of Oahu, the thin slices of pure cane sugar are a nice addition to your favorite cocktail, but they can also be used as skewers on the grill. The family-owned company has been producing their versatile sugar cane products for more than 25 …

Shagnasty Honey

Hand-harvested natural nectar and other treats straight from Kauai

Apiarist Oliver Shagnasty treats his bees like people. Originally caught in the wild, his “employees” produce an all-natural honey on his small farm on the Hawaiian island of Kauai (thankfully free of the varroa mite that plagues the bee population). Shagnasty, though harvesting honey there since 1975 and one of the two most successful beekeepers on the island (it’s a popular hobby there), keeps his …