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 […]
Drinks
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 […]
Taste of Summer at Macallans Public House
When the temperature rises in the hinterlands of Orange County, residents often pack their beach gear and head to the cooler coastal areas. But even closer, lies the cool confines of a classy pub called Macallan’s where one can escape and refresh with a lovely taste of summer in hand. Macallans Public House in Brea […]
4th of July Recipe Roundup – Deliciously Healthy and Easy!
When planning your 4th of July party or picnic, its best to rely on simple dishes that are easy to prepare so you can join in on the fun and enjoy the company of your friends and family – unless you’re one who relishes spending half the day in the kitchen or tending the grill. […]