Robert Nist

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer! A 3-day weekend, where we celebrate the great men and women of our country who gave everything for us. But before you clean the grill and dig the flip-flops and swimsuits out of the closet, take a look at these food suggestions and drink recipes. Serve them up, and they’re sure to be a hit with your party guests and ensure your Memorial Day’s a memorable day. Best Memorial Day Party Foods Our party trays are perfect for small gatherings ... Read More

Spring is in full swing and it’s time for a new fermented fling; lucky for you we have just the thing to add some zing to this seasonal upswing! With warmer weather shrinking pants into shorts and the sun hanging around later and later each night, you’ll need to dust the winter off your social skills and start hosting again. Nothing brings people together like a good time and we’ve got a list of seasonal party shooters that are sure to get your social butterfly fluttering. Tropic Thunder S... Read More

Chocolate chips are delicious morsels that are a key ingredient in dozens of scrumptious recipes from chocolate chip cookies to pancakes to bagels and so much more. Fun Fact: Chocolate chips were created with the invention of chocolate chip cookies in 1937 when Ruth Graves Wakefield of the Toll House Inn in the town of Whitman, Massachusetts added cut-up chunks of a semi-sweet Nestlé chocolate bar to a cookie recipe. (The Nestlé brand Toll House cookies is named for the inn.) With a flourishin... Read More

There’s a famous song that’s starts to rattle around in people’s heads this time of year, and it’s usually accompanied by an image of Pee Wee Herman dancing across the bar top at a biker bar. It only has three words in the entire song, but it’s those words we’re focused on today. “Tequila!” written by The Champs in 1957 is the perfect song to crank up as the days get longer and the drinks get colder. Especially when those drinks are made with tequila. Tequila cocktails live in th... Read More

Who says you need to be a sommelier to get the best flavors out of your wine? All you need to know are a few quick tips in regard to wine temperature and aeration. Follow these simple rules, and a 6 dollar wine taste could taste like a million bucks. (Not literally of course. Money most likely tastes quite gross.) How Temperature Matters and Why The temperature of wine affects two major wine characteristics: aroma and taste. When it comes down to it, it’s all about tannins vs. acidity. Serve a... Read More

Who says that getting a daily serving of greens can’t be fun? The craze of veggie-based cocktails isn’t going away any time soon. Cocktail connoisseurs are relishing in the invigorating and lighter flavors that vegetable cocktails bring to the table. They’re perfect for those who are trying to cut back sugar in their diet. Mix up one of these veggie-based cocktail recipes, and we’re willing to bet that you’ll start seeing your local produce section in a whole new light. Snap Pea and Mi... Read More

May 5th is upon us again! For many—that means its time for another fiesta. Everyone loves a good party? But let’s assume you have a really busy schedule. No need to go loco en la cabeza. We know not everyone has the time to plan and cook an extravagant, homemade assortment of appetizers and cocktails. That’s not what this post is about, amigos. We’ve made your Cinco de Mayo entertaining simple. All it requires is a handful of Spec’s party trays paired with exceptional beer and wines th... Read More

Shine the saxophone and get ready to scat because today is International Jazz Day! As the culmination of jazz month, International Jazz Day is recognized across the country (and even globally) as a day to celebrate its culture and role of uniting people from diverse backgrounds. To really party in style, we’ve collected a handful of jazz-themed cocktail recipes that’d do Ella Fitzgerald and ol’ Satchmo proud. Mix these drinks up for yourself and some friends, for a truly Jazzy happy hour. ... Read More

As you walk into your kitchen, your nose is flooded with the savorous notes of roasted garlic, onions, herbs, and beef. Your stomach gives a yearning grumble. This is part of the glorious experience of cooking a prime rib—the king of meats! Today is National Prime Rib day, and we’ve collected a handful of prime rib pairings we recommend for this American classic main course. Bon appétit! Prime Rib and Wine Pairings Cabernet Prime rib is one of the most tender, flavorful, and choice cuts of ... Read More

Don’t be salty! National Pretzel Day is April 26th—a time where people across the country celebrate all things pretzel. This doughy, twisted treat has been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. According to legend, Italian monks first invented the pretzel as a reward for pious village children. It didn’t arrive in America until the 18th century by German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania. Today, the pretzel is considered an American staple in fairs, ballparks, and especially German Biergartens.... Read More