To the Moon, Onyx!

UPDATE: THE LAUNCH HAS BEEN POSTPONED BUT WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED SO COME BACK SOON!

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Onyx Spirits Company, a New England craft distillery, will launch a full sized bottle of their signature spirit, Onyx Moonshine, into space from Connecticut on Saturday May 2, 2015. The announcement is being made today to commemorate Earth Day and Onyx Spirits Company's commitment to sustainable business practices.

A team of scientists spent two years constructing "Onyx 1", a custom-built, weather balloon-powered space apparatus that will carry a 750 mL bottle of Onyx Moonshine and accompanying rocks glass, mounted on a silver platter 22 miles up into space. The platform has been fitted with GoPro cameras, GPS, radar deflector, deployable parachute and a protective foam casing that will safeguard the bottle upon landing in the Long Island Sound. All safety measures have been considered and the FAA will be notified prior to the launch.

"Onyx Moonshine is all about attempting things that haven't been done before, which is the true essence of the American spirit," said Onyx Spirits Company co-founder Adam von Gootkin. "It's amazing to think that 150 years ago our ancestors were arrested for illegally selling moonshine and here we are, legally sending a bottle into space. This is just one small adventure of many more to come," he added.

The first launch date is set for Saturday May 2, 2015, weather dependent. If the launch doesn't occur on May 2, the subsequent target dates are Sunday May 3, Saturday May 9 or Sunday May 10. Launch confirmation, time, and location will be communicated the day before the launch. Please visit our dedicated launch page for complete details. 

Follow Onyx Moonshine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and use the hashtags #spacelaunch #onyxmoonshine and #onyxadventures for launch updates.

ABOUT ONYX MOONSHINE

Onyx Spirits Company redefined American spirits with the release of Onyx Moonshine, the country's first ultra-premium moonshine, and Secret Stash, New England's first aged whiskey. Onyx Moonshine was the Official Spirit of the 2012 GRAMMY Awards. The company was voted by Yankee Magazine as the "Best New England Micro-Distillery", won two gold medals at the 2014 International Craft Awards Competition and won a triple gold medal at the 2014 Micro Liquor Awards. www.onyxmoonshine.com // www.drinkbetter.com/onyx

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150422/200284

SOURCE Onyx Spirits Company

Wordless Weekender: Dinner at The Fireplace in Brookline, MA

Taste of Manchester: Lucky Taco

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2015 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2015) for more information. 

If you are a Connecticut taco fan, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Flaco, the Lucky Taco truck, which rambles around Bushnell Park on weekday afternoons. But if you’re not free to chase food trucks in the afternoon, it’s no longer a problem. Lucky Taco Cantina and Tap Room is now open on Main Street in Manchester. And they are participating in their first Taste of Manchester this year. Taco lovers rejoice!

What's on tap today?

The space, for a long time a local breakfast joint, is narrow and long, and is separated into two parts - restaurant and bar. The bar is dimly lit, as a bar should be, with a few high-top tables perfect for snacking or having a libation while waiting for a booth. There’s a full bar, yes, but we suggest indulging in something different. Lucky Taco carries over a dozen different tequilas (including some house-made tequila infusions), and makes margaritas with Connecticut’s own Ripe fresh juices and fresh fruit purees. They also have a wide variety of local and craft beers on tap.

Infusions

The restaurant is bright and cheery, evoking thoughts of warm Southern weather. Booths line one wall; a counter and the kitchen lines the other. Lucky Taco specializes in what they call “Tex-Mex comfort food infused with other worldly delights.”  As far as “Tex-Mex” goes, the menu offers a few of the standard Mexican-style dishes, particularly among the appetizers (nachos and quesadillas), salads (taco salad), and soups (chicken tortilla). But the worldly delights do entice, particularly with the inventive taco and burrito options. There are 14 different types of tacos and 15 different styles of burritos at Lucky Taco, so you’re sure to find one that tickles you. 

Lucky Nachos

Portabella Fajita Taco

We found the menu section called "Tacos Around the World" to be particularly intriguing. Here you'll find global favorites like Kung Pao Chicken, Island Jerk Pork, Thai Chicken and Chorizo, all stuffed, taco-style, into flour or corn tortillas. There are plenty of vegetarian options, and even breakfast tacos on their breakfast menu.

Island Jerk Pork Taco (with Mango Pico de Gallo)

Black Bean, Tomato and Cheese Burrito

Daily dessert specials vary, but this silky flan, smothered in a light caramel sauce, was a crowd-pleaser. All Lucky Taco menus can be found on their website. They even cater!

Flan

Come sample Lucky Taco's Tex-Mex fusion fare at The Taste of Manchester 2015. Then visit them at 829 Main Street in Manchester. They are open Tuesday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed Mondays). Their phone number is 860-432-2274. 

UPDATE: CONGRATS TO LUCKY TACO FOR BEING CT NOW'S BEST BURRITO OF 2015!

Onyx Moonshine Cranberry Margaritas

At Mickey Blakes in Milford for the grand opening, enjoying Onyx Moonshine Cranberry Margaritas.

Substitute Onyx Cranberry infusion for tequila in your favorite margarita recipe and revel in the sweet tart amazingness.

www.onyxmoonshine.com