There is a lot to be said about spontaneity when traveling. My travel strategy has taken almost a 360-degree turn from planning every minute detail to virtually “winging it” until I arrive at my destination. A decade ago, I would never have dreamed of taking this free-spirited, come-what-may approach. But I can honestly say that […]
Drinks
Waldorf Salad for the Mad Men Finale Party
#PartyLikeAMadMan with us on Sunday, April 5, when AMC’s Mad Men returns with the final episodes titled, “The End of an Era”. Food, cocktail and lifestyle bloggers worldwide will be toasting their favorite Mad Men characters from the provocative, Emmy-award winning series with libations and dishes from The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook. For our virtual party, […]
Bombay Sapphire Blackberry and Meyer Lemon Tom Collins
The Tom Collins cocktail is the definitive refreshing drink and, for my money, the original “Skinny” cocktail before skinny became an obsession – I say that because gin, at 97 calories per 1-1/2 ounces is lower in calories than beer and wine, and the sparkling water used to top off a Tom Collins has zero […]
The Perfect Bloody Mary and How To Build A Bloody Mary Bar
Are you ready for New Year’s Day and a fresh start? January 1st also happens to be National Bloody Mary Day and what could be a more fitting way to start the new year than a Bloody Mar bar? Bloody Mary bars are all the rage for Sunday brunch, but they’re especially appropriate for a […]
Maple Vanilla Beer Float to Celebrate October! #Oktoberfest #Halloween
Magazines and food blogs are bombarding us with pseudo spooky sweet treats and crafty how-to’s for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) while households are stocking up on candy by the bag full to hand out to trick or treaters. Even though ours are all grown up, we still enjoy seeing […]
Waterline Rising and a Classic Sazerac
With Executive Chef Vincent Lesage at the helm of Balboa Bay Resort’s refined waterfront restaurant, Waterline Newport Beach (formerly the First Cabin), continues to offer residents and visiting Newport Beach guests stunning scenic harbor views while they savor new menus of fresh seafood, savory steaks, and delicious complements. The House Roll (above) as served at Riviera’s Live […]
Tropical Pink Sangria for a #SundayFunday
There’s white sangria and red sangria and I love both equally. But my wheels were spinning for something unique to make for Williams-Sonoma’s community sangria party. Typically, sangria only needs two main ingredients: wine and fruit but you can also add club soda or other clear soda for a refreshing effervescence. Or… how about adding juices […]
Weekend Warrior Pina Colada Smoothie
It’s the weekend, you want to get some exercise in AND spend time with your family, hang with friends, indulge a little, and have a good time – whatever that means to you. Life is a balancing act, or to quote one of my friends – a vicious cycle of detox and retox! Compared to […]
Full Moon Rising
Lemongrass Ginger Jalapeño Cooler boasts the anti-inflammatory and digestive aids of ginger, plus the added health benefits of lemongrass and jalapeño, making it a powerful detox drink. Add vodka or tequila for a refreshing cocktail with benefits! Excitement mounts as we realize there’s a confluence of nature ushering in the momentous occasion that brings us to […]
The Mixing Glass: Cocktail Ware + Know How
Orange County has been hot on the craft cocktail trend for a few years now, but cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders had no place to find high quality bar tools, bitters, shrubs, glassware or cocktail books – until the opening of The Mixing Glass at The OC Mix at SOCO. If you’re someone who appreciates handcrafted […]