Tavern Direct Toscana Garlic Parmesan Marinade! Get In On The Giveaway!

Momma Told Me: "Come save the whales" doesn't have the same effect as "Come save the whales, and eat free food."

I'd never heard of Tavern on The Green, to my recollection, until I came across a Facebook flyer for The National Center For Missing And Exploited Children. In fact, my first impression of this name, or brand, was for it's humanitarian efforts through philanthropic ventures with a co-branded business. This is funny, because as soon as the words 'Tavern on The Green' passed my lips in a following phone conversation, my father new at once what I was referring to (for quite the opposite reason). In fact, Tavern on The Green was one of the premier cuisine destinations of Central Park, New York from 1934-2009. This 'restaurant' as my father refers to it, in it's prime' held reservations months in advance and dining halls booked for momentous occasions, with a 5 star head chef to boot!

Today, the City of New York owns the name, and maintains the sprawling property as a landmark and gift shop- however the spirit of culinary perfection lives on through TavernDirect.com. Boasting a complete line of Tavern on The Green specialties, from marinades to gourmet oils, budding chefs everywhere can enjoy the 100% all natural essence of this timeless New York treasure. While Tavern Direct also deals in distribution for fine dining or specialty stores, they also sell to everyday consumers. Co-Owner Lou Bivona shares his passion for food through a series of inspired and authentic recipes anyone can make. In addition, he's a founding member of the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children/NY (and he's single ladies!)

First, I must backtrack to Momma's words, for just a brief moment. It's my belief that mankind, in general, is good at heart, and that the average capable individual would give, if asked. But, for sheer laziness, or which ever reason, many of us tend to go about our lives without reaching out. My Momma Told Me people only want to help, when they can get something in return, and that's a pretty bleak take on things. Why do we need a gala event, or colored rubber bracelet to move us to give or support a worthy case? Should I wait until I have breast cancer to support it's research? Isn't the true gift in giving the intangible reward of knowing you've somehow helped humanity as a whole, not the t-shirt or gift basket that comes with it? Today my review is about the wonderful products of TavernDirect.com, but more importantly, it's a call to stand up and do something. The U.S. Department of Justice Reports 797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day. It's time to do something, visit NCMEC today.

Of strong personal importance to both of Tavern Direct's co-owners, is the support and discovery of Missing and Exploited Children, committing to donate $0.50 from every item sold, and more on select baskets and bundles. This means every purchase made through TavernDirect.com, every gift basket for your Uncle, every gourmet marinade to treat your family, every Balsamic Vinegar you stock your pantry with- that comes from Tavern Direct directly aids the families and victims of these crimes. This, and my true belief in the brand's versatility and quality has led me to join up with the newly established Tavern Direct Super Insiders. Comprised of 7 amazing blogs, Confessions of An Overworked Mom, My Life With Rats and More, Saving For Someday, Coupon Clippin Mommy, Momma Told Me, Deb's Here, Turning The Clock Back and Mamabzz; this elite group will be delving into the gourmet line with monthly posts and insider info on exclusive giveaways!

This month's Insider Pick happened to be Toscana Garlic Parmesan Marinade, which arrived packaged in a stylish foil capped, glass, bottle with vivid culinary icons beneath each title. This 100% all natural, gluten free marinade had appeared white in hue online, so I was surprised to find it more oilve in color. The consistency reminded me of a thick vinaigrette, and the aroma was strong and pleasingly pungent. Tavern Direct describes this product as a "Caesar-style blend of olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese and lemon put the extra in extra ordinary", and I could immediately note the olive oil and Parmesan components.

During my previous Tavern Direct encounters I had fallen in love with the Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. Wonderful in a Strawberry Fields Spring Salad, I'd twisted the limits by adding some to freshly whisked eggs and coating chicken tenderloins in Panko Bread Crumbs. The result had been amazing, and still remains one of my favorite, at home, dishes! This time, inspired by the white hue represented online, I knew I wanted to transform the Toscana Garlic Parmesan Marinade into a hearty Alfredo. The beauty of these products is the sheer versatility, and quality of ingredients which makes them a high favorite for bottles sauces and marinades. I can add a kick of succulent flavor to any dish in half the time, which I love! Who says you can't have gourmet food at home every night?

I like to go crazy when I bake, but when I cook, it's either blind fusion, or simple elegance. You will be amazed to hear the recipe I whipped up has 5 ingredients; 5 Fresh Chicken Tenderloins, 2 Tablespoons of Butter, 6 ounces of Philadelphia Creme (found in your grocer's refrigerated aisle), 1 box Fettuccine noodles, 5 tablespoons Tavern Direct Toscana Garlic Parmesan Marinade (or to taste). To begin, boil a pot of water accordingly for Fettuccine desired, and let cook while preparing chicken. Add the butter to a hot skillet, and cook chicken tenderloins until both sides are white. Next, turning the burner down to medium, slice the tenderloins into strips, and saute in remaining butter until cooked. Drizzle 5Tbl TD Toscana Parmesan over chicken and add Philadelphia Creme. Make sure to keep contents of pan moving as the Creme will liquefy into a thick sauce to coat chicken. Once contents are sufficiently mixed, taste, and add more Toscana Parmesan as desired; serve over a bed of Fettuccine noodles.

I also had a leftover loaf of bread, which I toasted and sliced into strips for dipping. I added a touch of Tuscan Butter and drizzled some Tavern Direct Toscana Garlic Parmesan Marinade atop for a truly indulgent side. In all, I've made this meal twice since to rave reviews, and have the hubby convinced I ordered in from the local Italian eatery! (We won't tell him my $8 a plate is much more affordable!) There are so many options for this versatile Marinade, including using it as an actual marinade, and it's powerful flavor goes a long way. We've got more Tavern Direct escapades before us, and I can't wait to try (and share) more of this truly gourmet All Natural line in each month's post. I can think of a dozen people, of the top of my head, whom will enjoy trying these sauces, marinades, and vinegars as gifts throughout the year- all while supporting the cause of Missing and Exploited children! Connect with Tavern Direct on Facebook and get the heads up on special promotions and recipes! If you'd like to get your hands on your own bottle of Tavern Direct's Toscana Garlic Parmesan Marinade, head on over to the Tavern Direct Blog an enter to win one of 5 bottles! Entry is super easy, no follow required, so what are you waiting for???

What Daughter Says: You shouldn't need an excuse to support a great cause, but if you do, make it Tavern Direct.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.