Entertaining tip #1: Welcome your guests with a distinctive cocktail that sets the tone for what’s to come. One that refreshes and tantalizes the tastebuds, but not too strong because you want your guests still upright for dessert. Leading off with a Bourbon Mai Tai presented by Chef Ouita Michel, Chef-in-Residence at Woodford Reserve, at a […]
Drinks
Turmeric Tea – Easy as 1, 2, 3
Turmeric is the main spice in curry and the tea made from turmeric root is referred to by some as “liquid gold” due to its many healing properties. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and in its raw form is a knobby orange root from India – its health benefits are derived largely […]
Fresh + Fabulous Cocktails Part of the “Next Chapter” for CPK
Handcrafted cocktails, seasonal menu items and a whole new urban rustic aesthetic. The Tustin location of California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is one of the first in the country to unveil CPK’s expanded food and cocktail menus and a modern, inviting new look. A favorite for family-friendly dining, meeting up with friends, date night, business and […]
5 Everyday Foods That Go Well With Port Wine
If you’re a fan of port and are looking to pair your bottle with a meal, there are many non-specialty foods that pair well with port wine. Below are a few everyday foods to consider. What is Port Wine? Known most commonly as a dessert wine, Port is a fortified wine made exclusively in the Douro […]
“Kathryn Hall” Release Party – HALL Wines, Napa Valley
Wine tasting at the world-class vineyards of Napa Valley is an unparalleled experience and for lovers and collectors of lush, dark, jammy cabernets, HALL Wines is a must. Last weekend I was fortunate to be able to attend the “Kathryn Hall”Release Party at HALL Wines in St. Helena. Each year, Kathryn and Craig Hall, owner/vitners […]
Anepalco’s Cafe – the place to be on National Tequila Day!
Tequila your spirit of choice? Messing with Mezcal on the side? Then I’ve probably seen you at the bar at Anepalco’s Cafe in Orange. And, considering it’s National Tequila Day you should be paying the cocktail auteur Cesar Cerrudo a visit ‘cuz I know he is mixing up all kinds of goodness in a glass. […]
Rosé is Summer’s Sexy Wine
No wine is as sexy as rosé right now! Learn all there is to know about this complex varietal and find a region that appeals to you – Provence, Côtes du Rhône, Rioja, Mendoza or Tavel. Thankfully for rosé lovers, the days of the ubiquitous, often-sweet White Zinfandel are long behind us – even White […]
Luscious Lemon Meringue Cocktail
Dessert in a cocktail – that’s what this sunny, luscious Lemon Meringue Martini is! It will sweeten any day, brighten any summer party, and add sunshine to a cloudy day. Only the finest limoncello – Limoncello di Capri from Italy – will impart the refreshing, citrusy aroma and rich lemon flavor that makes this cocktail […]
Mad Men Final Farewell Party
The bittersweet moment when Mad Men fans must say goodbye to the memorable characters of Sterling Cooper, their paramours and adversaries has finally arrived. A fan since day one, I will miss the series, but take comfort in the fact that, today, nothing is ever completely over – when we’re nostalgic for the “good ole […]
Cucumber Basil Refresher for World Cocktail Day
Today, May 13th is World Cocktail Day. And for you, I started a day early – mixing up a “cool as a cucumber” summer refresher for the camping, picnicking, barbecuing, beach days ahead! These “nationally” designated days are incredibly popular in our era of food lovers, aka “foodies”, food bloggers, and Yelpers. But this is […]