Free Papa John's Pizza for Camaro Owners Today

By: Dan Visnick - Eat, Drink & Travel

Maybe you've seen the commercials with Papa John's owner John Schnatter driving around in a Camaro delivering free pizzas to people and wondered, like me, what the heck is this ad about?

It turns out there's a back-story to this campaign which was recently revealed when the eponymous owner was reconnected with his youthful love, a 1971 Z28 Camaro. The upshot is that Papa John's is giving a free pizza to Camaro owners today, Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - "To redeem, Camaro owners must arrive at their nearby Papa John’s restaurant in their Camaro to order and pick up their free pizza."

You can find some Papa John's here:

Papa John's in Louisville, KY (Their hometown)

Papa John's in New York, NY

Papa John's in Philadelphia, PA

Or search for one in your local area.

Photo credit: Papa John's

Meet the Chefs of Top Chef Season 6 (Part 2)

By: Rahul Kishore - Rahul's Musings

Continuing on our post from yesterday, here's the rest of the Top Chef season 6 class:

Eli Kirshtein — Kirshtein could be considered the prodigy of the cast this season. He started his career in the kitchen at 16, working for Kevin Rathbun at Buckhead Diner in Atlanta. Soon afterwards he moved to Fishbone under Chef Richard Blais, his long term mentor, before attending Culinary Institute of America in New York. He spent much of his years in college experimenting with different types of cuisine and interning under some of the best chefs in Manhattan. Kirshtein returned to Atlanta to work with Blais on One, Midtown Kitchen, which become wildly popular. He is now the Executive Chef at ENO, Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Michael Isabella — Isabella has bounced around from the best restaurants in New York City to Stephen Starr’s restaurants in Philadelphia. But he found true passion when he worked at Kyma, one of Atlanta’s best Greek restaurants. At Kyma, Isabella understood the understated flavor of Greek cooking and spent time in Greece and the Middle East understanding the subtlties in preparation of grilled meats. He is now the chef at Zaytinya in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Zavala —Zavala is an expert in the cuisine of Latin America. She is currently the Sous Chef at Xochitl, a restaurant in Philadelphia that specializes in high end latin cuisine. Zavala uses fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors to take traditional Mexican dishes and turn them into culinary delicacies.

Eve Aronoff — Ann Arbor, Michigan, is home to the University of Michigan, some of the best college bars in the country, and Eve Aronoff's restaurant, Eve. Aronoff is a Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate, and combines her love for french cuisine with the flavors of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Her restaurant in Ann Arbor specializes in taking the “methode traditionelle” and making it into something exciting and different.

Mattin Noblia — The only native Frenchman of this season’s cast, Noblia combines traditional French cusine with a Basque and Spanish heritage to produce dishes that pay homage to his roots. Noblia is the owner of Iluna Basque, a popular restaurant in San Francisco. Iluna is an experience in the Basque region of France, where Spanish, French, and Italian flavors and traditions blend.

Kevin Gillespie — Gillespie specializes in American cuisine, the combination of meats, vegetables, and spices to make a traditional dish anything but ordinary. Gillespie worked at the Atlanta Grill and Two Urban Licks in Atlanta, before heading to Oregon to become the Executive Sous Chef at Fife Restaurant. He has since returned to his hometown to become the Executive Chef at Woodfire Grill.

Michael Voltaggio — For the first time, Top Chef is bringing in siblings to compete against eachother. Michael is the younger of the two Voltaggios, and will have to compete hard to beat his brother. Voltaggio has been trained in traditional European cooking while innovating and using modern techniques to create flavor. He is the only chef this season to have his own Michelin star. Voltaggio has been Chef de Cuisine at the Dining Room of the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida, and at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen. He is currently Chef de Cuisine at the Dining Room of the Langham Huntington Hotel.

Bryan Voltaggio — The older Voltaggio is chef at VOLT in his native Frederick, Maryland. Like his brother, he worked with famed celebrity chef Charlie Palmer. His restaurant, VOLT, is considered a three-star fine dining establishment. Voltaggio focuses greatly on his produce and seasonal harvests. He uses the bounty of the fields around him to craft extraordinary dishes, using the specific flavors of each piece of produce to create original dishes.

Ashley Merriman — Born in the northeast, Merriman has spent much of her Culinary career in Seattle where she is currently chef of Branzino. Previously she was chef at Tilth, and Butter in New York City. Merriman takes advantage of the simple flavors of generally available ingredients to craft her dishes. her favorite ingredients for dishes include, extra virgin olive oil, champagne vinegar, lemons and thyme.

Tune in Wednesday to see which of the chefs continues on in the competition.

Photo credit: flickr cc FLICKR USER NAME

Meet the Chefs of Top Chef 6

By: Rahul Kishore - Rahul's Musings

The sixth season of Bravo's hit series, Top Chef, is about to begin. This season's contestants are diverse, each having their own skills and unique histories. Here is an in-depth look at each of the chefs vying for the top spot, in two parts (check back tomorrow for the second half).

Laurine Wickett Hope — Hope is the chef/owner of Left Coast Catering, a company that got its start bringing fresh and interesting cuisine to the high-power dinner parties of the Silicon Valley elite. Hope never used menus to impress her clientele, instead taking advantage of some of the best produce in the world and making different dishes for each occasion simply by finding the freshest ingredients from the market.

Preeti Mistry — There are a lot of perks of working for Google. You have one of the coolest corporate campuses around, you get “recess” just like in elementary school, and you also get to eat tons of free food from Preeti Mistry. Mistry is the executive chef of Google’s cafeteria, and though to some that might seem a dead end for a chef, the cafeteria at the Googleplex is just different. Mistry is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in London and is known for integrating Indian flavors into many of her dishes.

Ron Duprat — Ron Duprat has been an executive chef along the Gulf Coast for much of his career. He specializes in mixing the flavors of the Caribbean, the delicacy of France, and the cooking style of Asia into a delectable and original burst of flavor. Ron’s talent in spices should help him differentiate himself from the competition as Top Chef wears on.

Hector Santiago — A native of Puerto Rico, Santiago is now the executive chef and owner of Pura Vida in Atlanta. Santiago specializes in Latin flavors, but integrates South American grilling techniques and a wise hand for spices and peppers to make his cooking truly unique. Santiago spends a lot of his time focusing on the process and experimentation of cooking. He works on taming flavors and bringing them together in new and different ways.

Jesse Sandlin — A native of Baltimore, Sandlin is one of the few chefs this season who has no cooking degree or training. Completely self taught, Sandlin was inspired to get into the restaurant business while working at Paragary’s Restaurant Group in California. She currently is the Executive Chef at Abacrombie Fine Foods, an exploration into European Cuisine with a twist. Sandlin is known for using fresh seasonal ingredients to create food that spans culture and nationality.

Jennifer Carroll — Jennifer Carroll got her start in the kitchen in California as a sous chef at Julia and Cafe Kati in San Francisco. After great success on the west coast, Carroll returned to her hometown of Philadelphia to work at Sonoma and Aroyo Grill, helping create one of the most popular dining experiences in Philadelphia. After a year at Arroyo Grill, Carroll took a job at Le Bernadin in New York, Eric Ripert’s famed restaurant. Since then she has taken the position of Chef de Cuisine at 10 Arts, Ripert’s new restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia. Carroll’s diversity of experience in the kitchen should prove to be her secret weapon this season.

Robin Leventhal — An artist, a teacher, and a chef, Robin Leventhal is a jack of all trades. She is a self taught chef, and was formerly the owner and executive chef at Crave, a popular restaurant in Seattle. Leventhal’s cooking is rooted in the pacific northwest, with spices from her adventures around the world.

Ash Fulk — Fulk, a San Francisco Bay Area local, got his start cooking in a small restaurant in Oakland. Since then this small time, self taught chef has moved from small kitchens to the lower west side of Manhattan. Fulk is now the Sous Chef at Trestle on Tenth, a popular restaurant near the Chelsea Piers.

Look for part 2 of this post tomorrow where we'll give you the scoop on the rest of the contestants.

Photo credit: Bravo

Great US Beaches

By: Rahul Kishore - Rahul's Musings

Sometimes you just want to escape to your own secret isle, a place with sandy shores and beautiful skies. Few of us can afford an entire island, but sometimes finding the desolation that we want is as simple as hopping in the car and driving out to the coast. All along the US coast and in Hawaii there are beautiful beaches, undiscovered treasures that have taken millions of years to shape. Here are the best beaches in America to escape to in the summer months.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai, HI — Hawaii is full of amazing beaches, but what puts Hanalei Bay ahead of the competition is its serene setting. Hanalei Bay has 2 miles of perfect beach set against the base of huge green mountains on the north shore of Kauai. The water is glassy much of the year, calm and perfect for people of all ages. The water is a perfect hawaiian turquoise and as warm as a bath. This is the perfect beach to just toss around a frisbee or take a swim out into the ocean. Be sure to take off your shoes, let your feet sink into the sand while the water slowly laps up at your toes.

San Gregorio Beach, San Gregorio, CA — Though the Pacific Ocean in Northern California tends to hover in the low to mid-50’s year round, what makes beaches here so beautiful are the iconic cliffs that line the coast. Many beaches, including San Gregorio are 50 vertical feet below the roadway, a sheer drop against huge sandstone cliffs that define the California Coast. As the sun begins to set, and the sky turns from blue to pink, these faces have a golden sheen that shines off the water. The sea is rough and the breeze is laces with salt. So if you ever find yourself near San Francisco, and you’re tired of city life, then head out to the coast, drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and stop at San Gregorio while the sun is beginning to set.

Coopers Beach, Southampton, NY — Though it seems like California and Hawaii get all the credit for having the best beaches in the US, the Hamptons were the original spot to put your feet in the water and walk through the sand. Coopers Beach in Southhampton, like many of the other Hamptons, is full of the wealthy and elite from New York City during the summer months. The water seems to sparkle as it passes over the wet sand making for one of the most pristine and iconic beaches along the east coast. But what sets Coopers Beach apart from the rest are the enormous beach front mansions that look out towards the water, each nestled behind a windswept bank and overgrown coastal shrubs. But even if you can’t afford to buy yourself a palatial Hamptons estate, you can enjoy the calm that people find in the Hamptons.

South Padre Island, TX — Out in the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is a small isle full of beautiful white sand dunes. This one horse town is nothing more than a beach and a couple of shops. But there’s nothing quite like the desolation you find in South Padre, the ability to sit down under an umbrella and spend your entire afternoon reading a good book. There are few places where you can sit down and stare out into the beautiful blue waters of the gulf and not be surrounded by thousands of other beach goers. South Padre is also a great place to try out any sort of beach activity whether it be parasailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, or fishing.

Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii — Hamoa Beach, on the road to Hana in Maui, is a beach that is guarded by huge boulders and volcanic rock at its edges. It is a perfect crescent of silvery gray sand that feels soft against your feet. The water can be rough, but the sights and sounds of this beach make it one of the best in the Hawaiian islands. Though relatively well known amongst Hawaiians and tourists alike, Hamoa beach always seems to maintain a sense of desolation. Set in front of huge Hala trees, civilization seems millions of miles away from this place. Be sure to walk along the edge of the water, and just enjoy the smells of the Maui forests and the warm water biting up at your ankles as you walk along the crescent.

Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, MA — During the summer months, Coast Guard Beach is one of the best places to swim on the Cape. It’s a beautiful stretch of sand sidled along the beautiful waters of the Atlantic. Though the Cape is full of New England’s elite during the summer months, it still maintains its down-to-earth feel. The beach can become crowded during the summer months, but this beach at the heart of the national seashore is one of the best places to be on the Cape. The calm waters are great for kids and adults alike and is a great place to spend a weekend for Bostonians who want to escape the city.

Hapuna Beach, HI — Though many of Hawaii’s beaches have fantastic snorkeling, Hapuna Beach has been known to have one of the most beautiful reefs in the entire archipelago. At the south end of the beach you can swim out about 15 feet to see fish of all colors, running in schools all along the coral. The clear water will give you some of the most up-close and personal views of marine life, and many of Hawaii’s native fish. The north side is also great for swimming out into the open ocean while the beach is well outfitted for picnics, barbeques, and just sitting back and relaxing.

Photo credit: flickr cc Jay Bergesen

Favorite U.S. National Parks

By: Rahul Kishore - Rahul's Musings

This summer has been a tough one for many. As the recession has worn on many have lost their jobs, had to tighten their belts, and simply work harder for the same way of life. But everyone needs a holiday, and in tough times taking a break can be a bit too expensive to swallow. However, escaping to somewhere beautiful doesn't have to be difficult, expensive, or even far away. America's National Parks are both affordable and easy to visit and are bound to make a great vacation destination for the entire family. Here are some of the best National Parks America has to offer.

Zion National Park, Utah — Zion is an old Hebrew word that means place of refuge or sanctuary. The Zion Canyon has long been the sanctuary of different wildlife, including huge birds, many different types of deer and elk, and even some of the earliest human civilizations. The 15 mile long canyon dominates the landscape. If you look down from the start out to the horizon you will see what seems to be a forgotten world, one closed off to the hustle and bustle of human civilization. Zion is untouched, pure, and natural, something that’s hard to find in America these days. But what sets Zion apart from the Grand Canyon is the beautiful rock that makes it. The sedimentary rock seemingly changes colors throughout the day, and the green valley below is crawling with life. Zion also tends to be less crowded than larger more touristy National Parks like the Grand Canyon, but still presents the natural wonder that one expects from one of America's natural gems.

Yosemite National Park, California — Yosemite Valley is a long thin crevasse, bounded by dominant granite faces. Set against the base of the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is a land lost in time, full of California evergreen, clear streams, and woody forest. It was here that the National Park idea was born, the idea that there are some bits of nature to perfect to destroy or to change. Yosemite has one of the most diverse selections of wildlife outside of Yellowstone, and is one of the few places in the world to support all different types of forest ecosystems. The dominant feature of the Yosemite Valley is Half Dome, a huge granite face rising up from the base of the valley that has amazing views of the Sierra Nevada from its peak. Yosemite is also one of the most accessible parks, just a 3 hour drive from San Francisco, it doesn't require flying to remote airports or a long drive.

Olympic National Park, Washington — One of the best parts about the Western United States is the way that the environment and ecosystem can change in a small area. Olympic National Park is home to many different types of ecosystems and environments, from temperate forests to snowcapped mountains to salty seashores. It represents of what the west has always been, a wild and uncontrolled growth of life that spans all different types of climates and environments. Olympic National Park is also a great place to take the kids for hikes, swimming, and generally exploring the world they live in. Northern Washington has great weather during the summer months and isn’t too hot or too cold for any sort of adventure.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California — The sequoia trees in the groves in these two contiguous national parks have been around since the fall of the Romans. The greatest of these Giant Sequoias is General Grant, an enormous tree that towers 300 feet into the air. Walking along the forest floor, with these huge trees towering over you can be quite humbling. Looking up into the blue sky as you sit against the base of one of these massive trees, you can truly relax. Aside from the groves of sequoias, Kings Canyon National Park is home to huge pinnacle rock faces and dusty basins that make for beautiful scenery. The contrast of the black rock against the white snow makes for amazing photographs, so its no wonder famed photographer Ansel Adams spent a lot of time here.

Glacier National Park, Montana — What sets Glacier National Park apart from the rest of the great natural wonders in America is that soon, it won’t exist. By many estimates, Glacier National Park will no longer have glaciers by the year 2030, and many of the glaciers have already melted away. There is no better time than now to head up to Montana and see the beautiful rock monuments cut out by the slow movement of ice over a barren landscape. Glacier National Park is also home to a huge amount of wildlife that is hard to find in North America. There are many rare species of tundra wildlife that can be found in few other places. So be sure to visit this amazing National Park before it’s too late.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming — Yellowstone has always been the gem of America’s National Parks. It is comprised of a huge landmass, covering many different types of ecosystems and is home to a huge number of species, including many which are endangered. The park is constantly being reshaped by the flow of lava from the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano on the North American continent. The lava flows and the different geothermal features make Yellowstone both a ticking timebomb, and a very beautiful place to visit. The constant changes that go on in the park make Yellowstone into an evolving and diverse landscape. Everyone should visit Yellowstone to simply enjoy and commemorate what this land looked like far before humans arrived, to see its serenity, its balance, and its beauty.

Photo credit: flickr cc OakleyOriginals