Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Daily Grill restaurants nationwide will donate all of its proceeds from Lemonade sales on Friday, August 20th (National Lemonade Day) to a special nonprofit that was formed by a 4-year-old girl whose short life continues to make an impact.  Daily Grill founder, President and CEO Bob Spivak hopes to double $5,000 typically generated in sales and donate 100% to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.  Daily Grill’s fresh-squeezed, hand-shaken Lemonade has been one of the restaurants’ signature items since 1988.

Alex’s story began in 2000 when the 4-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that often leaves its young victims unable to walk.  She defied the odds and managed to live an active, albeit short, life.  Her decision to hold a Lemonade stand to help doctors find new treatments and ultimately a cure for all childhood cancers, including her own, became her quest.  In just 4 short years, the “stand” raised more than $1 million.  Her parents, Jay and Liz Scott, have continued Alex’s legacy of hope after cancer ultimately took the youngster’s life at the age of 8 in 2004.  What started as the vision of one little girl has been embraced by a nation of volunteers.

HISTORY OF LEMONADE

Lemonade can trace its origins to the Egyptians when in 500 AD Lemon Juice was mixed with Sugar to make a beverage known as qatarmizat.

The first Lemonade “soft drink” debuted in Paris on August 20th, 1630.  The drink was made from Sparkling Water and Lemon Juice sweetened with Honey.

Frozen Lemonade made its debut in 1840 in Naples, Italy.

The earliest documented Lemonade stands were introduced by a young entrepreneur named Edward Bok who formed them in Brooklyn street cars from 1873 to 1876.  His background:

• He was 10 when he began selling Ice Water for a penny to passengers in horse drawn carts who stopped to allow their horses water.
• Other boys soon began copying Bok’s idea and stealing his business, so he made Lemonade instead and sold glasses for $.03 each.
• Bok went on to win a Pulitzer Prize for The Americanization of Edward Bok: The Autobiography of a Dutch Boy 50 years later

* Lemonade stands were first referenced in the media by the New York Times in 1879.

* 4-year-old Alex Scott started the nonprofit Alex’s Lemonade Stand in 2000 after learning she had cancer and she sought to find a cure.  She lived only 4 more years and in that short time raised more than $1 million for cancer research.  That organization today has since generated more than $25 million nationwide for children’s cancer research.

* August 20 is designated National Lemonade Day and Daily Grill restaurants nationwide will donate all proceeds from its Lemonade sales that day to Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

For more information, visit Daily Grill or Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.  Established in 1988, Daily Grills specialize in serving classic American fare at accessible prices in an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional, upscale New York City grill.  The popularity of the concept has resulted in 21 locations in eight states.

NOTE: The above is a re-published Press Release, not often seen on Nibbles of Tidbits.  It happens occasionally when we believe the information to be important and/or interesting.  We previously attended a fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand at 50 Forks Restaurant and that report is linked here.

It’s been reported that one can truly judge a Chef by his/her Short Ribs.  If that’s true, let it be known that 50 Forks Restaurant at The Art Institute of California (Orange County) delivered on the above.  We thoroughly enjoyed all this terrific food at a fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation — 100% of the proceeds from this dinner go towards cancer research.  Their motto is… When life hands you lemons, eat! 

Our 10-course meal started with the above Amuse Bouche, Pumpkin Porridge served with Crispy Rice.  The fundraiser was reported to be a 6-course meal, but we happily received much more — Hover over each photo to learn what’s on the menu.  To raise additional funds, all is being served again at 50 Forks tonight.  For cost information, times and telephone number, click here.  There still might be room.

We were seated and served family style, which can be fun or awkward, but luckily we ended up sharing our meal with some cool peeps who love food too.  The Art Institute staff and students were friendly and focused.  Thank you 50 Forks — We’ll be back for lunch.  And God bless Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

On certain days, 50 Forks Restaurant is open for lunch.  It’s a great place to get a gourmet meal for a good price.  And for a limited time, they will soon be open for dinner — The specifics are here.

* Click on the above MENU to enlarge it for better viewing.

On February 5th & 6th, 2010, The Art Institute of California, Orange County will be hosting a special fund raising event to help raise money to aid in the search for a cancer cure.  All proceeds will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.  Chefs at 50 Forks Restaurant will be preparing a 6-course “delicious feast” that’ll be served by Art Institute students.  The small cost of this big event is only $50 (plus tax and gratuity).  There will be two seatings (6PM & 8PM) that are filling up fast.  Nibbles of Tidbits will most likely be attending the Friday event, second seating and we hope to see you there too.  Make your reservations today — (714) 429-0918.  It’s a win-win.