I’ve been meaning to post this vegan low carb Acai smoothie bowl for awhile and now, following a lovely ‘lil sojourn into the gastronomic landscape of Chapel Hill, North Carolina with a taste of Crystal Coast seafood thrown in, it seems to be the opportune time. This year’s NATJA conference beckoned me to UNC Tar […]
Drinks
Beach Cocktails + a Frosty Mango PIneapple Margarita for Cinco de Mayo
Summer is on its way and I’m declaring Cinco de Mayo the prelude to blissful beachy days where certain drinks are best imbibed at the beach, on the sand or in a cabana, whilst marveling at tranquil hues of blue stretching to the horizon. Mexican Margaritas. Hawaiian mai tais. Cuban daiquiris. Brazilian caipirinhas. All are […]
News Flash: New Spring Menu Items at The Beachcomber Cafe, Crystal Cove
An invitation to The Beachcomber, on the sand with a panoramic ocean view at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Coast, had my taste buds tingling, my mind freed, and my heart and soul rejuvenated! The Beachcomber’s Executive Chef Carlos Olivera is an Orange County local from Costa Mesa and is a veteran in the […]
The Classic Brown Derby Cocktail
What’s old is new again – especially when it comes to cocktails. Named for the iconic Brown Derby restaurants in mid-century Los Angeles, the Brown Derby cocktail epitomizes Hollywood’s Golden Age and is a classic mix in bars across America. With two of my favorite ingredients: bourbon and grapefruit, sweetened by nature’s golden elixir – […]
Firkfest Caskaway Tiki Beer Festival – Don’t Miss Out!
Firkfest Cask Beer Festival is BACK for its fourth year! Featuring over 50 casks of craft beer from 30 of SoCal’s best local breweries, this year with an island tropical tiki vibe. Everything from tropical IPA, coconutty stouts, and tiki cocktail inspired beers will be tapped, you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event. The […]
Healthy Food Trends at the 2017 Winter Fancy Food Show
While the 2017 food trend lists vary somewhat, two days of walking the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco supported much of what Eating Well, Health.com, Bon Appetit, Today.com, Self, etc. have predicted. Alternate flours and snacks continue to gain momentum as avoiding gluten remains a popular pursuit. Zócolo Peru Organic Grain flours: Kañiwa, […]
Shine Brightly This New Year With La Bella Luna Sparkling Cocktail
Say goodbye to 2016 and vow to be the change in 2017 with this golden, spirited Lunetta Prosecco sparkling wine cocktail. Champagne or sparkling wine cocktails are easy to make and are, generally, delicate and fruity. Prosecco and sparkling wines are often used in “champagne” cocktails and may even be what’s in your glass for […]
Uncomplicated Cocktails: Bourbon Apple Cider Fruity Punch
Life is complicated enough! Simplify your holiday party or family gathering with a simple bourbon batch cocktail that’s spirit forward with warm spice and seasonal fresh fruit for added goodness. You want your party to be a smash – well, not literally but you know what I mean. As host/hostess you want everyone, including yourself […]
Holiday Gift Ideas for Beer and Booze Enthusiasts
This year, think outside of the wine or champagne bottle and show your appreciation for the mad skills of the bartender or brewmaster in your life with one of these thoughtful gift ideas. I know a few people, including myself, who would love any of the items on this curated list of boozy gifts. You […]
London Calling Cocktail with Homemade Grapefruit Shrub
Just as food tastes better with the addition of acid, the same goes for cocktails. A homemade grapefruit shrub adds brightness to this clean, refreshing gin cocktail that is the perfect antidote to rich holiday foods. Cocktail lovers are seeking authenticity and a return to complex, high-end spirits and, while fall and winter is usually about brown […]