Here's a great, simple recipe I found this morning for a "Brown Cow". Take a half a glass of chocolate milk and slowly add Vernors - carefully to keep it from fizzing over. I personally haven't tried it, but some swear that it's delicious.
As another twist on the Brown Cow, try using chocolate ice cream instead of milk. Yummy.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Vernors Sighting in Canada
Today I found a thread discussing finding Vernorns in parts of Ontario - even Toronto. I guess this makes this an international favorite!
If you're in that area and need a fix, try these stores:
If you're in that area and need a fix, try these stores:
- Loblaws
- Dominion
- Sobey's
- some Shopper's
- Fortino's
- Walmart (although I personally don't recommend shopping at Walmart for political reasons I'll discuss later)
Here are some specifics...
The Loblaws on Musgrave - Victoria Park and Gerrard carries it.
If anyone from Ontario happens to read this, any specific locations or addresses of stores would be appreciated.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
More "You Know You're from Michigan When"...
I found another great joke this morning from a site called Zimbo. There's quite a list of them on this page, but I didn't get to them all. Here's my favorite:
You know you're from Michigan when...
1.You've never met any celebrities.
2."Vacation" means going to Cedar Point.
3.At least 1 member of your family disowns you the week of the Michigan/Michigan State game.
4.Half the change in your pocket is Canadian.....eh!
5.You drive 86 mph on the highway and pass on the right.
6.Your idea of a traffic jam is 40 cars waiting to pass an orange barrel.7.You know how to play (and pronounce) Euchre.
8.It's easy to get VERNORS Ginger Ale, Sanders Hot Fudge sauce, AND Faygo Pop.
9.You know how to pronounce "Mackinac."
10.You've had to switch on the "heat" and the "A/C" in the same day.
11.You bake with SODA and drink a POP.
12.The movie "Escanaba in Da Moonlight" wasn't funny. You consider it a documentary.
13.Your little league game was snowed out.
14.The word "thumb" has geographical, rather than anatomical significance.
15.You show people where you grew up by pointing to a spot on your left hand.
16. Traveling coast-to-coast means driving from Port Huron to Muskegon.
17.You measure distance in minutes.
18.When giving directions, you refer to A Michigan Left.
19.You know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but isn't that far from Hell.
20.Your year has 2 seasons: Winter and Construction.
21.Home Depot on any Saturday is busier than toy stores at Christmas.
22.You know when it has rained because of the smell of worms.
23.Owning a Japanese car was a hangin' offense in your hometown.
24.You believe that "down south" means Toledo.
25. You are still bitter about the Toledo War.
You know you're from Michigan when...
1.You've never met any celebrities.
2."Vacation" means going to Cedar Point.
3.At least 1 member of your family disowns you the week of the Michigan/Michigan State game.
4.Half the change in your pocket is Canadian.....eh!
5.You drive 86 mph on the highway and pass on the right.
6.Your idea of a traffic jam is 40 cars waiting to pass an orange barrel.7.You know how to play (and pronounce) Euchre.
8.It's easy to get VERNORS Ginger Ale, Sanders Hot Fudge sauce, AND Faygo Pop.
9.You know how to pronounce "Mackinac."
10.You've had to switch on the "heat" and the "A/C" in the same day.
11.You bake with SODA and drink a POP.
12.The movie "Escanaba in Da Moonlight" wasn't funny. You consider it a documentary.
13.Your little league game was snowed out.
14.The word "thumb" has geographical, rather than anatomical significance.
15.You show people where you grew up by pointing to a spot on your left hand.
16. Traveling coast-to-coast means driving from Port Huron to Muskegon.
17.You measure distance in minutes.
18.When giving directions, you refer to A Michigan Left.
19.You know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but isn't that far from Hell.
20.Your year has 2 seasons: Winter and Construction.
21.Home Depot on any Saturday is busier than toy stores at Christmas.
22.You know when it has rained because of the smell of worms.
23.Owning a Japanese car was a hangin' offense in your hometown.
24.You believe that "down south" means Toledo.
25. You are still bitter about the Toledo War.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Recipe for Duck l' Vernors
While browsing this morning, I found a recipe for Duck l' Vernors that sounds absolutely delicious...
(Note: part of the recipe originally mentions chicken and part mentions duck. I suspect either will work, but I went with the duck. You'll also have to check other sources to determine what temperature to pre-heat the oven.)
4 pounds Duck Quartered
Salt & Pepper To Taste
24 ounces Vernors Ginger Ale
2 Ginger Slices 1/4" Thick
1 cup Orange Juice
½ cup Brown Sugar; Dark, Packed
½ cup Orange Marmalade
2 tablespoon Mustard; Dijon Style
1 tablespoon Scallions; Minced
¼ cup Brandy
*GARNISH*
Orange Slices
Remove fat from cavity of duck; cut off extra neck skin. Wipe quartered pieces with damp cloth, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place skin side down on roasting pan. Bake 50 minutes.
As duck bakes, combine Vernors and ginger slices in saucepan. Simmer until reduced to 1 cup. Add orange juice, brown sugar, marmalade, mustard, scallions and 2 T brandy. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until mixture is like a thin syrup, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove ginger.
Turn duck skin side up, drain fat, and baste thoroughly with Vernors sauce. Return to oven; bake another 45 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. Add remaining brandy to sauce and simmer until thickened. Remove duck to heated platter and pour on the sauce. Garnish with orange slices and serve.
(Note: part of the recipe originally mentions chicken and part mentions duck. I suspect either will work, but I went with the duck. You'll also have to check other sources to determine what temperature to pre-heat the oven.)
4 pounds Duck Quartered
Salt & Pepper To Taste
24 ounces Vernors Ginger Ale
2 Ginger Slices 1/4" Thick
1 cup Orange Juice
½ cup Brown Sugar; Dark, Packed
½ cup Orange Marmalade
2 tablespoon Mustard; Dijon Style
1 tablespoon Scallions; Minced
¼ cup Brandy
*GARNISH*
Orange Slices
Remove fat from cavity of duck; cut off extra neck skin. Wipe quartered pieces with damp cloth, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place skin side down on roasting pan. Bake 50 minutes.
As duck bakes, combine Vernors and ginger slices in saucepan. Simmer until reduced to 1 cup. Add orange juice, brown sugar, marmalade, mustard, scallions and 2 T brandy. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until mixture is like a thin syrup, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove ginger.
Turn duck skin side up, drain fat, and baste thoroughly with Vernors sauce. Return to oven; bake another 45 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. Add remaining brandy to sauce and simmer until thickened. Remove duck to heated platter and pour on the sauce. Garnish with orange slices and serve.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Vernors Sighting in Manhattan
The blog on Chow.com reports Vernors available here:
Kitchen/Market [Chelsea]
218 8th Ave.,
at W. 21st St.,
Manhattan
212-243-4433
Kitchen/Market [Chelsea]
218 8th Ave.,
at W. 21st St.,
Manhattan
212-243-4433
Vernors Collectors Club
Today I found a site that features a Vernors Collectors Club. Having only formed in January 2007, the club boasts members from 5 different states and Canada. I plan on joining the club, but need to send in a money order first.
This is a great source of historical advertising and memorabilia about Vernors. Also, the club features a Market Place where members can buy and sell some great Vernors-related items.
I'm glad to see that this exists.
This is a great source of historical advertising and memorabilia about Vernors. Also, the club features a Market Place where members can buy and sell some great Vernors-related items.
I'm glad to see that this exists.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Vernors Hits The Jungle...
This morning brought another Vernors sighting. This time, in the jungle of products and services for sale from Amazon.com. Here, some entity named "Hometown Favorites" is advertising 4 six-packs of Vernors for $12. While this is not a extraordinarily outrageous price, we have to take into account what the shipping costs would be for something that heavy.
And therein lies the rub. And what a rub! Shipping to Claremont, California would cost $27, more than twice the cost of the product. I have been able to find Vernors (although mostly diet) for $3 a six-pack without having to pay a premium shipping cost.
Here's a list of stores that carry it in my area:
Stater Brothers
1055 W Foothill Blvd
Claremont, CA 91711
Stater Brothers
1045 N Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91767
VONS
550 E. Baseline Rd .
Claremont, CA 91711
VONS
2340 Foothill Blvd
La Verne, CA 91750
VONS
1160 Via Verde Ave
San Dimas, CA 91773
Albertson's
3180 NORTH GARY AVENUE
Pomona, CA 91767
All of these stores sell Vernors for about the same $3 per six pack.
Here's my tip, go into your local grocery store and ask them to order Vernors for you. Most stores will, even in the quantity you want.
And therein lies the rub. And what a rub! Shipping to Claremont, California would cost $27, more than twice the cost of the product. I have been able to find Vernors (although mostly diet) for $3 a six-pack without having to pay a premium shipping cost.
Here's a list of stores that carry it in my area:
Stater Brothers
1055 W Foothill Blvd
Claremont, CA 91711
Stater Brothers
1045 N Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91767
VONS
550 E. Baseline Rd .
Claremont, CA 91711
VONS
2340 Foothill Blvd
La Verne, CA 91750
VONS
1160 Via Verde Ave
San Dimas, CA 91773
Albertson's
3180 NORTH GARY AVENUE
Pomona, CA 91767
All of these stores sell Vernors for about the same $3 per six pack.
Here's my tip, go into your local grocery store and ask them to order Vernors for you. Most stores will, even in the quantity you want.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
More Great Old Vernors Pictures
While browsing around the Web this morning I came across a small site by "Coke Girl" who seems to be a big fan of classic soda memorabilia. She has information and pictures of what has to be over 100 different classic soda brands. Her Vernors page is quite detailed and provided some great pictures of antique Vernors memorabilia. Here's a few pictures:
VERNOR'S GINGER ALE
Detroit MI, 7.5 oz
June 30 1906 
James Vernor's Drug Store
I'm not sure where this is (or was).
Vernors, Then and Now (sort of)
Thanks Coke Girl for providing such good information and fantastic photos!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Happy Birthday Uncle Gari!
Today marks the day that would have been my Uncle's 61st birthday. While normally birthdays are fun celebrations, this one has a note of sadness as my Uncle died close to 10 years ago of congestive heart failure.
Gari was my dad's younger brother and they both grew up in Detroit and moved to California in the late 1950s. Gari got more than his fair share of rotten hands dealt to him, but managed to always act like he was cool and in control of every situation.
I'm sure your asking yourself "Really, Gari with an "i"?" Yes, as it turns out, there was a pretty famous artist from Detroit called Gari Melchers that my uncle was named after. A few years ago, I traveled to the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) and saw some of the other Gari's work for the first time. That was quite an enjoyable experience.
I have many, many fond memories of Uncle Gari like...
Gari was my dad's younger brother and they both grew up in Detroit and moved to California in the late 1950s. Gari got more than his fair share of rotten hands dealt to him, but managed to always act like he was cool and in control of every situation.
I'm sure your asking yourself "Really, Gari with an "i"?" Yes, as it turns out, there was a pretty famous artist from Detroit called Gari Melchers that my uncle was named after. A few years ago, I traveled to the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) and saw some of the other Gari's work for the first time. That was quite an enjoyable experience.
I have many, many fond memories of Uncle Gari like...
- The time when I was really little and he brought his dog Pepper over to our house. That may be the moment when I first realized that Gari would definitely become my favorite Uncle.
- The time he bought me and my sister t-shirts with "Uncle Gari Loves Me" written on them - remember those iron-on letters and miscellaneous decals you could have put on to an ordinary t-shirt in the late 70's? I still have mine.
- The Christmas that he gave me and my sister personalized aprons complete with crayons and note pads. (We loved to play waitress for guests that came over to our house. We would take their drink orders, turn them in to Dad to mix, take them back to the guest and then expect a tip!) I probably earned about $5 doing that.
- The time in High School when he was living with us for a while and he came to pick me up from the library. "You know," he said, "Your dad may claim to be the best driver, but let me tell you the truth. I'm the best stick-shift driver, so if you want to learn to drive a stick-shift, you better learn from me." (I wish I had taken that lesson.)
- The time he called me to wish me a Happy Birthday. Despite the fact that he got the day right he asked me what day it actually was (Nov. 14 for those following along at home). His voice sounded so much like my dad's that I gave him a hard time for not remembering his own daughter's birthday! Then he laughed and said, "Uh, this is your Uncle Gari."
- Lots and lots of non-specific happy times at pool parties, Christmases, birthdays, Thanksgivings and more.
Gari lived a relatively short life when compared to some, filled with ups and downs. But I think he lived a very full live. He is definitely missed.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Vernors Mural
During today's browsing, I found a post on another blog showing pictures of a mural of gnomes making some Vernors. The blog mentions that this mural is actually located in Flint, MI. Anyone know the exact location?
Thursday, August 2, 2007
EASY COCKTAIL MEATBALLS
I found a recipe today that looked pretty good, and as the name says, pretty easy. This one comes from Cooks.com:
SAUCE:
1 c. ketchup
1 c. Vernors ginger ale
2 tbsp. brown sugar
MEATBALLS:
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1 beaten egg
Mix sauce ingredients. Bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer to thicken. Mix meatball ingredients. Well. Form into small balls. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
I might suggest increasing the amount of sauce and cooking these slowly in a crock pot for a quick and easy appetizer.
SAUCE:
1 c. ketchup
1 c. Vernors ginger ale
2 tbsp. brown sugar
MEATBALLS:
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1 beaten egg
Mix sauce ingredients. Bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer to thicken. Mix meatball ingredients. Well. Form into small balls. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
I might suggest increasing the amount of sauce and cooking these slowly in a crock pot for a quick and easy appetizer.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
About Save Vernors
It occurred to me this morning that I should probably discuss the reasons behind the Save Vernors Blog. The short version is that it is actually an Online Marketing experiment - yes experiment.
The long version starts with my joining the MarketingProfs Marketing Book Club back in January. The first book for the new club was titled Citizen Marketers, by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba. The book intrigued me with story after story about how average ordinary people used social media to affect massive change in big business.
One such story was the blog dedicated to Barq's Root Beer. The man behind the Barq moved away from his home town and could no longer find his favorite soda. After critizing and complaining, he finally got the attention of the soda's makers who took notice at the opportunity to increase their market. With my background in Internet Marketing, I had a profound idea.
This story struck me as I have developed quite an unnatural love for Vernors Ginger Soda, only to find that either I can't find it or it is outrageously expensive. Thus, Save Vernors was born. The formula has been sold more times to more companies that just haven't seen the market potential that I've found that horribly disappointing. My goal is to spread the word about this great soda with the hope that it will be readily available to anyone every where. I'm hoping for the day when I can buy a 12 pack for the same price as a 12 pack of Coke.
We're not seeing the same success as the BarqsMan, but I'm confident that its just a matter of time...
Happy Drinking!
The long version starts with my joining the MarketingProfs Marketing Book Club back in January. The first book for the new club was titled Citizen Marketers, by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba. The book intrigued me with story after story about how average ordinary people used social media to affect massive change in big business.
One such story was the blog dedicated to Barq's Root Beer. The man behind the Barq moved away from his home town and could no longer find his favorite soda. After critizing and complaining, he finally got the attention of the soda's makers who took notice at the opportunity to increase their market. With my background in Internet Marketing, I had a profound idea.
This story struck me as I have developed quite an unnatural love for Vernors Ginger Soda, only to find that either I can't find it or it is outrageously expensive. Thus, Save Vernors was born. The formula has been sold more times to more companies that just haven't seen the market potential that I've found that horribly disappointing. My goal is to spread the word about this great soda with the hope that it will be readily available to anyone every where. I'm hoping for the day when I can buy a 12 pack for the same price as a 12 pack of Coke.
We're not seeing the same success as the BarqsMan, but I'm confident that its just a matter of time...
Happy Drinking!
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