The McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend is a notable wine produced by the McBride Sisters Collection. It is a popular choice among wine enthusiasts due to its unique combination of flavors and aromas. This red blend is made from a carefully selected blend of grapes, including Zinfandel, Merlot, and Syrah. Each variety contributes its own distinct characteristics, resulting in a well-balanced and complex wine. The Black Girl Magic Red Blend is known for its deep, rich color and intense flavors. It offers a bouquet of dark berries, cherry, and plum, with hints of vanilla and spice.
Browns’ AKC bull mastiff mascot Swagger Jr. ‘shares’ his favorite ‘snacks’: 5 for Friday
Swagger Jr., a.k.a. "SJ" of your NFL Playoff-bound Cleveland Browns looks hungry. Will he enjoy a 1964-sized meal in 2024? We conduct a telepathic interview with the bull mastiff about his favorite snacks. David Petkiewicz, Cleveland.com
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone- Peter Chakerian, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio— Swagger Jr., the beloved mascot known affectionately to Cleveland Browns fans as “SJ,” had some pretty big paws to fill after his father Swagger’s time in the driver’s seat.
But the 5-year-old AKC pure bred bull mastiff hailing from Rootstown has done so in fine canine fashion, winning over a generation of Northeast Ohio football fans with his, well, swagger — not even to mention his impossibly good looks.
Here at “5 for Friday HQ,” we love to talk to The Land’s movers and shakers every week about their favorite dining options. This led us to wonder: What kind of gameday grub would “SJ” enjoy at a tailgate if he decided to flee Cleveland Browns Stadium in the direction of tailgaters at the Muni Lot?
What might he enjoy at a party for The Big Game, if our four-legged friend-to-all was given opportunity?
We already know the 125-pounder has a penchant for “Liver” and “Bengal Tail.” But does he quibble about kibble and, if so, what kinda grub does our pup prefer?
It offers a bouquet of dark berries, cherry, and plum, with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, it is equally impressive, with velvety tannins and a long, smooth finish. One of the most notable aspects of this wine is its powerful message.
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Since this town has absolutely gone to the Dawgs in anticipation of Saturday’s NFL Wildcard Playoff game against the Houston Texans, we decided to talk to “SJ” about it.
Problem is, between language barriers and a jam-packed media calendar, rolling over for a proper interview sit wasn’t in the cards. When we’ve hung out with him in the past, he wasn’t much of a talker anyway.
But we weren’t ready to “play dead” on the idea, so we “interviewed” this very good boy about his five favorite gameday snacks — doing so through a combination of creative telepathy and artistic license.
For instance, when we asked him, “What about Pittsburgh?” he was quite matter-of-fact:
“They know that I love me some Gobblerito! And wiping my jowls with a Terrible Towel is a post-meal necessity. Just tell them to leave the Iron City Beer at home! Let’s gooooooo!”
Needless to say, “SJ” gave us a lot to chew on, in “his own” words. Here we go, Brownies:
Texan Backside Brisket Sliders at NRG Stadium, Houston: This young, rare brisket is as spicy as beef gets, but it’s all bite and no bark. Most pit bosses season their work impeccably well, then leave it on the smoker for a dawg day afternoon — which naturally produces a rich-and-hearty bark. Texans’ fans enjoy it with several draft (pick) beers, some of which they have Cleveland to thank for! If you can get this rare brisket to hold still long enough, it’s quite tasty. I wouldn’t “steer” you wrong. 1 NRG Pkwy., Houston, TX. houstontexans.com.
Roast Bison on Weck and Bison Burgers at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park: Buffalo wings may have originated at the famed Anchor Bar, but Cleveland’s are no joke. So, if I’m headed to Erie County, you can bet your dawg bone necklace imma get me a bite of bison. We’d rather snack on that — as a double-stack burger or sliced and piled high on weck with a side of sponge candy, which I give to my handlers—than just about anything else in Buffalo! It’s better than any wing! Make it a meal with quadrice-baked Kelly potatoes and glass of Juice. 1 Bills Dr., Orchard Park, NY. buffalobills.com.
Blackened Dolphin Tacos at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland: Before you complain about my snark or outward cruelty of eating cute, seafaring creatures, remember: 1) I’m a dog, as written by a short, ethnic amateur comic, and we’ll both eat anything off the floor; and 2) “Lighten up, Francis…” it’s Mahi Mahi! I can’t eat pico de gallo (onions/garlic are bad for dogs!) but the slaw and corn tortillas are fine. Bonus: if I get fish tacos in the postseason, I’ll enjoy them at HOME!! How awesome is that. But seriously Miami, after all these years, why the teal? Even fried Seahawk comes in Key Lime-colored wrap? 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland. clevelandbrowns.com.
Chicken Spiedini with Amogio Sauce at GEHA Stadium at Arrowhead Field: Wondering why I wouldn’t go for barbecue in the heart of BBQ country? This is a fast-moving team, so going for a lighter chicken dish seems like a good-dog move. Plus, breaking news, I have a thing for Taylor. Shhh, don’t tell local (anti-)hero Travis Kelce. I knew he was trouble when he walked in. Spiedini is usually made from spring lamb, but Tay-Tay is my spring lamb and Spiedini hit peak popularity as a chicken dish in (wait for it) “1989.” Juliet, save me! Look what you made me do!! 1 Arrowhead Dr., Kansas City, MO. www.chiefs.com.
The characters, comments and events in this column - even those based on real people and canines - are entirely fictional. Any similarity to actual celebrities is purely coincidental and their voices have been approximated poorly for entertainment purposes. Also, “Here we go Brownies! WOOF-WOOF!”
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Beloved Browns mascot, Swagger, passes away at 6
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Swagger, the 145-pound bull mastiff that ran out of the tunnel before the Browns for every game at FirstEnergy Stadium from 2014 until last October, passed away after a battle with cancer and a stroke. He was 6 years old.
Justin McLaughlin, the son of Swagger’s owners, Fred and Debby McLaughlin, confirmed the news with a Facebook post.
“Today was not expected.. 😥 Swagger unfortunately has passed away completely unexpected this afternoon,” the post read. “Alot of people did not know Swagger had been dealing with cancer for the past year. Today he had a stroke and it took his life.. 😥 We will always remember him as the most loving dog we have ever encountered. His love was felt by thousands of people literally all over the world. 🙌🏼❤️"
The Browns announced Swagger’s retirement in October, but didn’t disclose the dog’s health issues at the time. Swagger made his final run with the Browns on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 before Cleveland’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Swagger’s son, Swagger Jr., took over for his father starting on Nov. 10, 2019 prior to Cleveland’s win over the Buffalo Bills.
The McLaughlin family is asking for prayers at this time.
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The McBride Sisters, the founders of McBride Sisters Collection, created the Black Girl Magic series to celebrate the accomplishments and beauty of black women. Through this wine, they aim to inspire and empower wine enthusiasts while showcasing the excellence of black winemakers in the industry. The McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend has received critical acclaim and numerous awards. It has been recognized for its exceptional quality and distinctive character, making it a sought-after choice among wine lovers. Overall, the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend is a noteworthy wine for its exceptional taste and the meaningful message it represents. It is a testament to the McBride Sisters' commitment to excellence and empowerment, making it a wine worth trying and celebrating..
Reviews for "An Ode to Diversity: McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend. The flavor was very overpowering and lacked nuance. It was like drinking a syrupy mess that left a bad aftertaste. I had heard good things about this wine, but it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Emily - 1 star - I regret buying the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend. It was incredibly sweet and lacked any complexity. The fruit flavors tasted artificial and the wine felt heavy on the palate. I would not recommend this wine to anyone looking for a well-balanced and enjoyable red blend.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend, but it fell short of my expectations. The wine lacked structure and had a cloying sweetness that overwhelmed any other flavors. It tasted more like a cheap fruity cocktail than a refined wine. I will not be purchasing this wine again.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I was not a fan of the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend. The wine had an odd combination of flavors that didn't mesh well together. It was overly sweet and lacked the complexity I look for in a red blend. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing and unbalanced wine.
5. Lisa - 3 stars - The McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend was just not for me. I found it to be too sweet and lacking in depth. It felt like a one-note wine that didn't offer much complexity or intrigue. While it may appeal to those with a preference for sweeter wines, it was not my cup of tea.