NA drinks are nothing to mockš„¤
"Mocktails" are getting a revamp
For so long, these drinks were a seen as a mere afterthought to its more creative alcohol-based counterparts, simply comprised of muddled fruits, some type of sparkling drink and other flavors. Even the term "mocktail" had a negative connotation to it of something that's teased or not taken seriously.
But now, as more consumers are looking for ways to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the negative effects of alcohol, NA drinks are coming to the forefront.
And South Bend-area restaurants are taking note.
āŗ To straw or not to straw: Restaurants and beverage companies steer away from plastic straws
Restaurants such as Render and LaSalle Grill have started to incorporate non-alcoholic cocktail options into their menus, while CafƩ Navarre owner Kurt Janowsky says customers can find "crafted component cocktails that have a structure of alcoholic drinks" and offer "all of the things you would do for a well-balanced cocktail."
But Southern-contemporary restaurant Fatbird has taken it to the next level by offering cocktails that are made with non-alcoholic spirits that use botanicals and herbs to mimic drinks such as gin, tequila, whiskey and rum.
I had a taste of the Royal Tern drink, which uses Ritual Zero Proof whiskey, lemon and sugar, and although the taste does feel like an alternative-whiskey option, it mimics the spirit well. Think of it like Coke vs. Diet Coke ā each have a similar base, but the taste is just different enough to make it its own unique flavor, where both are good.
"These companies that are coming out with these liquids are really putting in a massive effort into herbs, spices, barrel aging them, ā¦ so you just have this incredible depth of flavor," said Alain Helfrich, co-owner and executive chef of Fatbird. "(And it) feels like you're participating in something that you either used to and can't anymore or want to just for fun because you decided to stop drinking today or whatever reason you have."
Subscribers can read more about what to expect from the trend in our area here.
More food and shopping news
š„ L Street Kitchen has reopened. Owners Mike and Meg LaCarrubba opened the breakfast and lunch restaurant in 2018 before turning operations over to their son, Eamonn McParland, who owns and operates Roselily. McParland has since moved Roselily to a new location along South Main Street, allowing for L Street to reopen.
From the beginning: New diner opens across from County-City building in South Bend and feels just like family
š§ The new Cascade Restaurant, to be located on the ground floor of the Three-Twenty at the Cascade building along Colfax Avenue on the east side of downtown South Bend, has hit a significant delay in its opening plans. Owner Kurt Janowsky said design plans for the 8,000-square-foot restaurant space have changed and now, he hopes the upscale restaurant will open by the end of the year.
More about Cascade: Developers tap Navarre owner Kurt Janowsky to open Cascade Restaurant in downtown South Bend
š LaSalle Grill has been awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award for the 26th consecutive year. The award is given to restaurants that are judged on distinctive fine dining, warm hospitality and exemplary service. Both Artisan and The Carriage House Dining Room and Gardens also were recognized for the award this year.
šŖ New cafĆ© Ingramās Small Batch Bakery and CafĆ© is now open in the Commerce Center building in downtown South Bend. The cafĆ© offers scratch-made baked goods such as crumbles, cinnamon rolls and danishes, as well as sandwiches, grilled cheese, wraps and salads. Here are more details.
š Lather and Fade Shop owner Jose Oropeza will be opening a barber academy this summer. Called Eden Barber Academy, Oropeza said the new school in Elkhart is about 90% ready and he hopes to open in June. Stick with Market Basket for more updates about this in the near future.
š¹ A Single Rose Florist on Hill Street in South Bend has closed. The phone number for the longtime florist has been disconnected and its website has been taken down. It was not immediately clear why the floral shop closed.
More Florist news: West View Florist in Elkhart perseveres after car crashes into building
As always, if you see something around town you're curious about and want me to check out, you can email me here.
Other local news this week I found interesting that you may, too
āŗ Here's what we know: South Bend wants to consolidate high schools
āŗ 'Bridge ā¦ to the next crisis': Without millions in cash, South Bend group home could close
āŗ Along the shoreline: New Buffalo homeowners blame the government for erosion that's gobbled up their beaches
āŗ Photos: Garth Brooks' concert Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend
Thanks for reading, and if you enjoy seeing this newsletter every week, encourage your friends to sign up here!
Cheers š„¤
Mary
Still want to know more of Michiana's eating and shopping news? Keep up to date by checking out the Market Basket website, 'like' the column's Facebook page and follow me on Twitter at @maryshownSBT or @marketbasketSBT.
Hitting the paywall? You can subscribe here to get more exclusive, in-depth coverage from local journalists at The South Bend Tribune. Thanks to those who've already Shown (š) their support by subscribing!
You can also contact me at 574-235-6244 (make sure you leave a message because I'm still partly working from home and the messages go straight to my email) and at mshown@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Market Basket newsletter May 12 2022
