NYC Needs a healthier option: We tasted Chef Woo Instant Ramen - Packed with Bigger Flavor, Better Health - Food Review

NYC Needs a healthier food options.

Hungry for a Modern, Healthier Ramen? We tasted Chef Woo Instant Ramen – Packed with Bigger Flavor, Better Health

If we’re being honest, Instant Ramen hasn’t had the best reputation. Kinda the opposite. It’s known as the cheapest stuff broke college kids can eat. I ate it, maybe you did too. You get a case at the dollar store for $10 and that could last you a week. From 16 to 22, it’s what you did. It was almost a rite of passage.

Too salty, full of bad stuff, tasted like a potpourri of slimy chunky stuff. But cheap and filling.

Well, it’s time to change that. And Chef Woo wants to do just that. Bring good flavor and bring a much more health-conscious approach?

Did they do it? Keep reading and find out.

Chef Woo’s Inspiration

Chef Woo’s Instant Ramen is inspired by Song Wu Sao, the legendary female chef from ancient China, whose tasty soup became so famous, it lifted her community out of hard times.

Chef Woo Today

Now Chef Woo is trying to change the world too. They’ve created plant-based ramen that’s tasty and nutritious, and puts significantly less strain on our environment.

As their website says:

“Better for our health.

Better for our families.

And for our global future. It’s a lasting change we can make together!”

Chef Woo products are made with the highest standards when it comes to quality and nutrition.

Chef Woo’s Flavors

Roasted Chicken

A hearty classic to warm your soul and fill your tummy. Roasted Chicken flavor made with absolutely no animal products.

Roasted Chicken Ingredients

Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Seasoning (Cane Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Autolyzed Yeast, Torula Yeast, Dehydrated Vegetables [Garlic, Onion, Chives], Spices, Natural Flavor), Dried carrot, Salt, Dried Onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried corn, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum.

Braised Beef

Home comfort in a bowl. Enjoy the rich and satisfying braised beef flavor, made with absolutely no animal products.

Braised Beef Ingredients

Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Seasoning (Corn Maltodextrin, Cane Sugar, Salt, Yeast Extract, Autolyzed Yeast, Dehydrated Vegetables [Onion, Garlic, Chives], Spices, Natural Flavors), Dried carrot, Salt, Dried Onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried corn, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum.

Thai Lemongrass

Transport your taste buds to south-east Asia with the tangy zest of Chef Woo Thai Lemongrass.

Thai Lemongrass Ingredients

Organic Wheat Flour, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Spice (garlic, onion, green onion, brown sugar, salt, soy sauce powder [soy sauce (fermented soybeans, wheat, salt), maltodextrin, salt], turmeric, lime juice powder (lime juice, maltodextrin), citric acid, sesame oil, lemongrass oil, spice extractive, silicon dioxide), Dried Carrot, Dried onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried corn, Salt, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate.

Sweet Chili Togarashi

Add a little spice to your day with a sumptuous medley of Japanese flavors. Our Sweet Chili Togarashi never disappoints.

Sweet Chili Togarashi Ingredients

Organic Wheat Flour, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Seasoning (Spices, sea salt, dehydrated orange peel, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, brown sugar, dehydrated garlic, and silicon dioxide), Dried Carrot, Dried onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried Corn, Salt, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate.

Chef Woo’s Ramen Conclusion

How does it taste:

It has way better flavor. I loved the chicken and braised beef. Frankly, some of the others have too much flavor for me. But maybe it’s perfect for you. I don’t like spicy. If you do, you’ll probably love all of them.

Is it healthy?

First, easily they are all more health-conscious then the previous generation. Second, yes again, they are healthy in general.

Would I recommend Chef Woo’s Ramen?

Yeah, I’d buy the chicken and the beef. For me, not the spicier ones.

Browse more at Chef Woo’s website

Find Chef Woo’s Facebook and Instagram.

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Big Papi’s New York Debut: David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum Lands in Manhattan With Bold Flavor and Cultural Swagger

By Rocco Delfino — 4 days ago

Big Papi’s New York Debut: David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum Lands in Manhattan With Bold Flavor and Cultural Swagger

In a city that appreciates craftsmanship, culture, and a killer cocktail, there’s a new player on the scene ready to disrupt bar menus from Brooklyn rooftops to Central Park South. Hall-of-Fame legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz—yes, that David Ortiz—is officially entering the world of fine spirits with the launch of Ozama Rum, a 100% Dominican-made, ultra-premium rum that’s already turning heads in the five boroughs.

Far more than just a celebrity vanity label, Ozama Rum is a deeply personal project rooted in Ortiz’s Dominican heritage, shaped by tradition, and tailored for modern palates. Named after the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, the spirit is crafted from start to finish in the Dominican Republic, earning the prestigious Ron Dominicano designation that certifies its authenticity.

David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum

“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” said Ortiz. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

Ozama Rum: Where Craft Meets Culture in a Bottle

Available in three expressions, Ozama Rum brings a polished Dominican sensibility to Manhattan’s world-class cocktail scene—whether you’re sipping at Bemelmans, lounging at Soho House, or unwinding in a Brooklyn brownstone. Each expression is aged for at least a year in oak barrels and bottled on the island, delivering a terroir-driven taste of the Caribbean with unmistakable sophistication.

Ozama Blanco: Bright, citrus-forward, and kissed with white pepper, this platinum-hued rum is clean yet complex. Ideal for refreshing cocktails in Greenwich Village patios or summer spritzes on the rooftop at Le Bain.
Ozama Añejo: Smooth and refined, this copper-colored beauty delivers layers of vanilla, toffee, and a subtle note of chocolate—perfect for pairing with dessert at Eleven Madison Park or sipping solo in a Chelsea loft.
Ozama Gran Añejo: Rich and elegant, with aromas of honey, dates, candied fruits, and fine wood. This is a sipping rum made for slow conversations in the Upper East Side, where the bottle becomes the centerpiece.

Price points are as approachable as the flavor profiles—ranging from $25 to $40 for 700ml—making Ozama accessible luxury in every sense.

A New Spirit for a City of Tastemakers

New York is no stranger to premium spirits. But Ozama enters the market at a moment when consumer interest in rum is booming. According to Global View Research, the global rum market was valued at $11.77 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow 5.6% annually through 2030. That growth is driven by a shift toward artisanal, culturally rooted spirits—just the kind of origin story Manhattan drinkers crave.

And Ortiz isn’t just lending his name. The former MLB star partnered closely with a team of Dominican artisans and Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, to bring this vision to life.

“From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” said Wolfe.

Giving Back, the Dominican Way

Ozama Rum’s purpose doesn’t stop at the bottle. Two percent of the brand’s profits will go toward cleaning up the Ozama River and supporting underserved communities along its banks. It’s a gesture that feels at home in a city that values global citizenship and local impact.

Where to Find Ozama in New York City

Available now online at drinkozama.com, Ozama is rolling out this summer at select retailers, bars, and restaurants across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Early interest from high-end mixologists in Tribeca, Williamsburg, and the Upper West Side suggests Ozama will quickly find a place among New York’s finest pours.

Whether it’s mixed into a refined mojito at Dante, poured neat at Maison Premiere, or offered as a pairing in the city’s growing number of Afro-Caribbean culinary spots, Ozama is a rum built for New York sophistication—with a heartbeat from the Dominican Republic.

Final Pour: The Big Apple Meets Big Papi

In a town where everything is fast, curated, and fueled by narrative, Ozama Rum offers something deeper—a bottle with a backstory, a cultural anchor, and the kind of authenticity that New Yorkers respect.

As Ortiz says, “They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

And here in Manhattan, close to perfect is more than enough reason to raise your glass.

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Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Seven Daughters Moscato for with Manhattan NYC Magic to the High Seas with Princess Cruises

By Katie Macken — 4 days ago

Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Moscato for with Manhattan NYC Magic to the High Seas with Princess Cruises

Broadway lights, Harlem hustle, and now—Taraji P. Henson’s Moscato on the open ocean.

The Emmy-nominated, Oscar-nodded powerhouse and entrepreneur has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her celebrated Seven Daughters Moscato to the brand’s exclusive Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection. And while Taraji’s roots are D.C. born, New Yorkers know she’s always brought a Manhattan-level boldness to everything she touches—whether it’s a red carpet or a wine glass.

“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” Henson shared. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”

That connection is something every New Yorker craves—especially when escaping the city’s breakneck pace for a well-earned recharge. With Princess Cruises offering sailings from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, it’s never been easier to trade the city skyline for an ocean horizon—glass of Henson’s Moscato in hand.

Featuring notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, Seven Daughters offers the kind of bright, celebratory flavor that fits perfectly between a jazz brunch in the West Village and a rooftop toast in Midtown. Now, thanks to Princess Cruises, it’s also a go-to at sea.

“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”

Henson’s wine joins an all-star lineup of bottles in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, which includes Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson’s Meili Vodka, Camila and Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Organic Tequila, Blake Lively’s Betty Booze and Betty Buzz, Liev Schreiber’s Sláinte Irish Whiskey, Jason Aldean’s Melarosa wines, Romero Britto’s Love Prosecco, and Kylie Minogue’s No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.

But Henson’s addition feels especially New York in spirit—sophisticated, stylish, and full of character. For city dwellers looking to trade the subway for a stateroom, Seven Daughters is an invitation to unwind without leaving the energy behind.

As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has helped shape every aspect of the wine’s personality, much like she’s done with her most iconic roles. And just like New York, this Moscato is lively, expressive, and impossible to ignore.

Whether you’re a downtown art dealer, an Upper East Side socialite, or a Brooklyn creative looking to unplug, a Princess cruise with a glass of Taraji’s Moscato might be just the blend of luxury and leisure you didn’t know you needed.

So the next time you’re booking a departure from NYC, remember: this isn’t just another cruise. It’s a chance to sip something special—with a side of Taraji—and toast to life beyond the grid.

Find out more about the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection and upcoming sailings at www.princess.com.

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Manhattan Is the First Stop for WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked Boozy, Slam-Worthy Drinks

By Rocco Delfino — 5 days ago

WWE and Seagrams Just Dropped Boozy, Slam-Worthy Drinks—And Manhattan Is the First Stop

NEW YORK, NY — In a city where everything moves faster, hits harder, and parties louder, WWE is making its boldest off-the-top-rope move yet—launching its first-ever ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage right here in the heart of Manhattan.

WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked just announced a multi-year partnership that’s as wild as a Hell in a Cell match in Madison Square Garden. The result? A brand-new, wrestling-themed lineup of flavored malt beverages, designed for fans who live big and drink bold.

And New York, you’re first in line. From East Village rooftops to uptown bodegas, the Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is already popping up across the five boroughs—just in time to raise a can and body slam the summer heat.

The Big Apple Meets the Big Elbow

This isn’t just a licensing deal. It’s a cultural collision between two icons—WWE, the global entertainment empire born in gritty arenas, and Seagram’s, a brand rooted in fun, flavor, and that “no apologies” energy New Yorkers know best.

“Seagram’s has a rich history of innovation and a deep commitment to authenticity, making it the ideal partner to go to market with our first-ever licensed ready-to-drink product,” said Grant Norris-Jones, EVP and Head of Global Partnerships at TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. “And let’s be honest—there’s no better place to launch than NYC.”

Flavor That Hits Like a Superkick

The new Spiked series isn’t here to sip quietly—it’s here to stand on tables in the Meatpacking District and shout “Let’s get ready to rumble!” at rush hour. The three debut flavors bring serious personality:

Rumble Punch™ – A remix of the fan-favorite Jamaican Me Happy, this tropical knockout blends strawberry, watermelon, lemon, and guava. Perfect for rooftop hangs in SoHo or post-work drinks on the Hudson.
Pineapple Powerhouse™ – With bold pineapple, cherry, and lime, this can packs all the energy of a 2 a.m. dance floor in Hell’s Kitchen.
Slammin’ Blueberry™ – A clean one-two punch of blueberry and lemon, tailor-made for chill park days at Bryant Park or Union Square pre-games.

All three flavors are now stocked across Manhattan—from your corner deli on Lexington to upscale liquor boutiques in the West Village.

WWE Superstars Coming to a Bodega Near You?

This isn’t just about what’s in the can. As an Official Partner of WWE, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked will be front and center at major WWE events—Money in the Bank®, SummerSlam®, and Survivor Series®—and heavily featured in exclusive digital content starring your favorite Superstars.

But NYC gets something even better: in-person appearances from WWE Superstars at select retailers across the city. Think autograph signings, selfie ops, and unexpected encounters with wrestling royalty at your go-to wine shop in the East 60s or downtown bodega.

“Our collaboration with WWE marks an exciting moment for Seagram’s Spiked as we connect with WWE’s global—and very NYC-centric—fanbase,” said Jaime Polisoto, brand director for Seagram’s Escapes. “Our sales team is amped to bring Superstars directly into the city to meet fans where they live.”

From MSG to Madison Ave—This Is New York’s Drink of the Summer

If there was ever a city made for this kind of crossover, it’s NYC. From the gritty legacy of wrestling nights at Madison Square Garden to the rooftop bar culture that defines Manhattan summers, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is built for the urban fight fan, the flavor chaser, and anyone who wants to sip something loud while living larger.

So next time you’re grabbing a six-pack for a rooftop party in Williamsburg, pregaming before a Barclays event, or just need something cold to crush after a subway grind—grab a can and drink like a champion.

Because this summer in NYC, the most electrifying drinks in entertainment have officially entered the ring.

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