FOOD + drinks
food and drink news and reviews plus my recipes and recipes from other cooks
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ The stunning wallpaper & lampshades from British brand Miss Print can be ship to any global destination. A glimpse at the magnificent collection will convince you of my excitement. Via Apartment Therapy Chicago
+ Mata Hina is involved with interior styling, food styling and illustrations. This is a good source of inspirations. Via design to inspire
+ I am a huge fan of antipasto dinner parties. For casual entertaining, nothing beats serving charcuterie (cured meats), patés de foie gras, terrines and cheese. Via The Kitchen
Categories:
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, August 10, 2008 12:33 AM | Feedback (1)
When I received an invitation from Seven Daughters to sample their wines, the first thing I did was to check their Web site.
Let me tell you that they got my attention right away. The reason is that Seven Daughters target women, a rare move in the wine industry.
Instead of boring us with wine jargon, they emphasis on what, when or where I can drink their wines. I like their concept.
They made wine fun and exciting by suggesting party themes with my girlfriends. After all, women have always get together to talk, share and laugh. Click Girls’ Night In on Seven Daughters’ Web site to download themes for your next girls’ night in.
The Composition
The brand is called Seven Daughters because seven California grape varietals compose each wine.
French Colombard, Chardonnay, Riesling, Symphony, Orange Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc are the main ingredients of the Seven Daughters White Winemaker’s.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, August 08, 2008 4:29 PM | Feedback (0)
To be frank, I never cook an Indian meal. I eat Indian food at the restaurants. A few friends made the plunge and enjoy this adventure.
So if you do not know how to start, I suggest you stop by Hooked On Heat, a blog by Meena Agarwal. There are plenty of tasty recipes.
Newbies should read first Indian Cooking 101. To avoid frustrations, be prepared and stock the must-haves in every Indian pantry, fridge and stove suggested by Meena.
Based in the Toronto area, Meena is a cooking instructor and recipe developer so she has no problem teaching us a few tricks.
Gift Ideas for Foodies
Since spices are crucial in Indian cooking, why not buy a cute spike kit on Etsy from Purpose Design. I introduced before her brushed aluminum spice box collection. Because you will use many different spices, I suggest that you buy for yourself the large kit instead of the small one. You can store a few small spice kits for future hostess gifts.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:46 AM | Feedback (1)
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ Having dinner in the streets is a public form of entertaining that is born out of necessity in a mega city. Citizens assemble temporary dining terrace in the sidewalks. Suzanne Seggerman holds “Chez L’Hydrant” dinners in front of the building where six or eight friends share a one-pot dish. Calvin Tsao is more daring; he held dinner parties on the Brooklyn Bridge. Via New York Times
+ I added a new blog to my RSS feed that I must tell you about. This Ain't No Disco (it's where we work) is blog that shows some of the best agency interiors in the world. I foresee lots of creative rooms in sight. Via desire to inspire
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, August 06, 2008 11:38 PM | Feedback (0)
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I read via my RSS feeds or that I saw on the Web.
+ A one-of-a-kind hammock designed by Karin van Lieshout in collaboration with Rachel van Outvorst. It took an immensible amount of work to produce this handmade hammock. Their monkish work also includes several pendants, a huge chandelier and a cool sea urchin chair. Via ROOM & Serve
+ Certain fabric colors for the Nurseryworks Storytime Rocker are at 50% off at Zac and Zoe. The idea to look for it came to me after reading about the best scavenger finds on Ohdeedoh. Do not bother to check the ad since the Craiglist listing has now expired. Via Ohdeedoh
Categories:
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 1:07 PM | Feedback (0)
As I laid my eyes on these sunflower cupcakes by Joycelyn of Kuidaore, I knew I found the topic for a post.
Be ready for seeing your guests in awe if you bake and decorate similar sunflower cupcakes.
Prepare in advance you dessert table, the sunflower toppings look too great to not show off your cupcakes.
Menu Ideas
Here are some recipes with simple yet stylish food presentation. This menu can be an alternative to the real-life sunflower bridal shower party and gerbera birthday theme I shown you this week.
Sweets
Kuidaore gives no recipe but the site lists the ingredients for the sunflower icing. If you have some experience, you probably can concoct your own version.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
BABY showers
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Feedback (1)
The top 3 are Red-Dot Design Award winners and an honorable mention. The fifth is there because it is cute and original.
Zyliss' Easy Spin Salad Spinner
On my book, noting beat a Zyliss salad spinner and I got a 10 year old model. Zyliss won in 2004 for its Easy Spin salad spinner.
The latest model, the Zyliss Smart Touch Salad Spinner won a Red-Dot in 2008. Sadly, the consumer reviews are mixed so far.
Everywhere I checked, people were more than satisfied with the Easy Spin Salad Spinner. So I will say to go with the previous edition (the ones I am showing you).
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 9:18 PM | Feedback (2)
This is the latest video from the talented flair bartenders at Mixoart. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, checkout their latest video available on You Tube.
Read More About:
cocktail,
fun
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Feedback (1)
Ever since my friend Nathalie brought a bottle of this delicious lemonade at a party to make mojitos, I am craving for more. This French lemonade tastes amazing. Her mojito was memorable too.
I felt sad last weekend since I failed to find any at the European and specialty shops in my neighborhood.
I invited a few friends tonight for an apero, the French word for a simple before-dinner drink served with something small to eat (see recipe at the end). I am thrilled that Nathalie bought me a bottle of Elixia Lemonade as a hostess gift.
As I started mentioning on my post about the Apple Sainte-Catherine store opening, the most cherish gifts fit the desires of the recipient. The Elixia Hand-crafted Lemonade is the best hostess gift I ever received because it was on my most wanted list.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 3:15 AM | Feedback (5)
I love all green salads except for the watery Iceberg lettuce. Watercress is at the top of my list.
Very Nutritious
I make a watercress salad at least once a week. I will keep doing it now that I know that watercress is deemed to be a super-food by dietary experts.
Watercress is a top source of vitamins C, B1, B6, K and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Click here for a comparative nutritional analysis.
If you wish to add watercress to your diet, you can start with these super easy recipes.
Tea Sandwiches Recipes
I always want to host a tea party but never find the right time. In the meantime, I collect recipes and delightful tea leaves.
Nikki of Canarygirl proposes her Homemade Aioli and Baby Watercress Tea Sandwiches, a simpler version of the classic. Nikki elevates the sandwich by using an arabesque pattern breakfast china set.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Feedback (3)
I cannot resist this amazing dessert by Vanille of At Down Under. It is not simply beautiful dished, the soufflé mixes chocolate and pistachios,
An origami box gave Vanille the inspiration to reinvent the individual cake pan with parchment or waxed paper.
I am impressed! It is so original and lovely. If your guests are not be blown away by your flood presentation, you should think twice before inviting them again for a home meal.
The soufflé recipe is from Donna Hay; a relevant choice knowing that Vanille, a French woman married to an Hungarian man, has moved with her husband to New Zealand not long ago. They used to live in Paris.
I wish all the best to this new blogger. Vanille started At Down Under last June. Already her blog posts captured my senses more than once. You will find how to create the baking paper star pan and how to bake this recipe on her blog.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:38 PM | Feedback (1)
On Sunday, I talked about the upscale burgers prepared by French Chefs. We tried a recipe that same night. I referred to my version as my Parisian burgers on Twitter. Several Tweeple were curious.
Jerome and I relish the Parisian burgers. The burger reaches new height. We cannot wait to invite friends so they can appreciate their full flavor.
Last Winter
This is not our first excursion to a different burger experience. We savored the Father’s Office burgers in Santa Monica. We liked it but we were not overwhelmed by the flavor. Both recipes prove that mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup are not essential to make a delicious burger.
Our Interpretation of The Café Salle Pleyel Burger
This was a team effort. I dug the recipe, adjusted the ingredients to our taste and my husband Jerome cooked the meal. Be prepared to taste the ultimate burger. The burgers were cooked on the BBQ.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Feedback (3)
Serving burgers is so common that the stylish hostess is always on the lookout to elevate the basic recipe. Using a better cheese or changing the condiments is one way to go. Now the French Chefs are playing with the burger recipes.
Eating Habits
I still see many European who immigrated in Canada eating their hot sandwich or their burger with utensils. It feels strange. I must confess that I eat warm submarines with my knife and fork at home because it is less messy. But burgers and French fries are finger food. For their comfort, I provide two large napkins to every guest when we serve hamburgers.
Burgers are Turning Chic on the New York Times
This is why I enjoyed reading an article from the New York Times. It explains how the French Chefs are reinventing this American dish. My husband is cooking our version of the Café Salle Pleyel Burger tonight. I will talk about it if we like it. But I can tell you that it smells good in the house.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Feedback (1)
Last May, I talked about how the Nintendo DS handheld could be a cool tool in the kitchen.
Basically, I explained why I think it makes more sense than the computer. At the time, I introduced a French digital cookbook called Leçons de cuisine.
Preview at E3
Now it is the turn of 100 recipes by Jamie Oliver to go on the Nintendo DS handheld. What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver will roll out starting October 2008.
It is more than a cooking game with several levels and competitions. Players can store 100 of their own recipes into the cookbook. The only draw back is that you are limited to hundreds of handpicked ingredients to record your own dishes.
The coolest thing is the shopping list. You build your shopping list from the list of ingredients of the selected recipes. The shopping list supports both Jamie’s recipes and your own recipes. You can easily bring your DS when you go grocery shopping and save on paper.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, July 18, 2008 11:40 PM | Feedback (0)
This French dessert is apparently the first fresh fruit cake. Fraisier is delicious and is a favorite during the first summer months.
A fraisier is basically a genoise sliced in two halves, filled with creme mousseline (creme patissiere combined with butter) and fresh strawberries. The top is made of a pink or green almond paste layer. This is the original version that Elle à Table qualifies avant-garde in 1960.
I am taking this opportunity to talk about how you can take any old recipe, make same adjustment to the recipe to reflect current trend and develop a new food presentation. The idea is to reinvent a classic dish.
The Fraisier, 2008 edition
Last year, La Tartine Gourmande reinvented the Fraisier by topping the genoise and freshly sliced strawberries with a snow-light rhubarb mousse made with mascarpone, rhubarb purée , egg whites and whipped cream. Strawberry goes well with rhubarb. Bea was inspired by the classic layout but her version looks more modern.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
TRENDS
DINING
posted @ Friday, July 18, 2008 12:31 AM | Feedback (0)
I was reading an issue of the French magazine Elle à Table at lunch. As I turned the pages, I noticed something particular about the food ads.
They have a warming message like we see for alcohol. Except that the message written in large font at the bottom of each food ad promotes good eating habits.
Processed Food Advertising in France
To feed my curiosity, I visited mangerbouger.fr to get the facts. All processed food products and drinks with added sugar, sweetener or salt are subject to this law. The law became in effect February 28, 2007.
I think that Canada and the United States should do the same. Everyone can benefit by following these 4 simple rules:
- Avoid food that is too fatty, too salty or too sweet
- Eat daily 5 portions of fruits and vegetables
- Refrain snacks between meals
- Exercise regularly.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 4:49 PM | Feedback (1)
Last Saturday, my husband Jerome and I went to the Atwater farmer’s market. We stocked the fresh produce to test three recipes by Eric Ripert. Our meal was simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.
We drank the white wine I received from Seven Daughters. It was a nice pairing. My review of this wine tasting experience is coming soon.
How I Did?
Every cook adapts the technique to his/her style. I wish to share things I did differently. Refer to the recipes on video by Eric Ripert for the ingredients and instructions.
I do not own a toaster oven since I have no counter space to spare. Truthfully, it is that I prefer leaving my counter free for other usages. Therefore, I set my gas oven at the low Broil temperature. It was the perfect heat.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
KITCHEN tools
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Feedback (1)
The pirate theme seduces both children and adults. A pirate party is fit to be really creative with the décor and the food. I spot the cutest pirate cake and cupcakes on Cupcakes Take The Cake blog.
The Sweet Tooth Fairy, a cake shop from Salt Lake City made a Jolly Roger pirate cake plus several dozens of pirate cupcakes for a pirate party. I like everything from the blue and red color palette to the execution.
Pirate Kid Party Ideas
If you are looking for decor ideas, check out the pirate party mood board I did last year. The pirate theme was designed for an outdoor kid birthday party. Yo-ho-ho! A Pirate Party! written by The Finer Things provides more cool ideas.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 7:17 PM | Feedback (1)
We can always find unexpected creative products from the design team at Fred. This time, they outshine themselves with their latest collection.
My favorite new products from the Autumn 2008 collection are:
FINGERFOOD is an imaginative concept. The charming little plates with rings fit right on your finger to let you carry around hors d’oeuvres.
Fred is contributing a portion of the proceeds from the PEACE of CAKE mould to organizations dedicated to peaceful resolution of conflict, justice for all, and respect for human rights.
This little truck made from satiny porcelain rolls on real rubber wheels. I love the slogan for TOOTHPICKUP: it’s where to park your picks.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 1:56 AM | Feedback (3)
The best dinner parties can be the improvised ones. Simply assure your success by keeping on hand a few easy to make menu.
I gathered wonderful recipes from Eric Ripert, the French Chef at Le Bernardin in New York city. Naturally fish is at the center of this menu. On a hot day, I feel fish is the perfect meal.
Eric Ripert started a food blog at the beginning of June 2008 called Avec Eric (that translates to With Eric). The edge of his blog is a series called Get Toasted where Eric prepares gourmet recipes cooked in an over the counter toaster oven.
The instructional videos are quick and fun to watch. Moreover, Eric is not shy to pass along cooking tips. By watching him, you should become a better cook.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, July 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Feedback (2)
This time around, I composed a simple weekday menu that is healthy and delicious from recent submissions on Tastespotting.
What’s for dinner is a question that becomes hard to answer day after day. My menu can save you time or at least, inspire you.
My goal is to give you practical options. At the same time, you will discover or be reminded of wonderful blogs by foodies.
Today’s Menu
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 10:11 PM | Feedback (0)
G. from my network got a fabulous idea. He organizes weekly friendly pétanque games in the park. Everyone brings their own boules and food. He brings a portable BBQ.
Make Your Own Club
Sometimes entertaining can be as simple as planning and hosting an event around an hobby. Everyone can bring their own stuff. Still, the investigator receives the merits of organizing the event.
G. uses Facebook to inform us of the event and gather attendances. It is quick and easy to set up. We have an informal meeting but you can easily make a league and keep leader boards.
Obviously, you can devise a Provincial party theme for an annual picnic event. Most cities require a permit if you wish to host a picnic of 25 persons or more in a city park. Often the fees will guarantee you a spot with tables and a few BBQ. Ask if you are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.
You can find across America Pétanque clubs with actual pétanque courts. But it is not a must to play; you can play on grass if you have to. It is better to play on a hard dirk surface. Remember that the boules must be able to roll. If you like the game, here are so clues on how to build your own pétanque court.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 11:30 AM | Feedback (0)
I received my copy at the beginning of the week. I think Whitewater Cooks is a wonderful cookbook.
It is unusual to crave for the food at a ski resort cafeteria. But Fresh Tracks Café is not your typical ski resort cafeteria. Before acquiring Whitewater Winter Resort with her husband Mike in 1997, Shelley Adams spent 15 years as a popular caterer to the west coast film industry.
Shelley Adams finally gave in to the incessant requests of patrons who wanted her kept-secret recipes. In Whitewater Cooks, Shelley shares 80 gourmet recipes that she cooked over her career at Fresh Tracks Café and also as a caterer.
Whitewater Cooks is divided in 5 recipe sections: soups and bowls, salads and greens, savouries, salsas, chutneys and sauces, and finally sweet things.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, July 05, 2008 8:00 PM | Feedback (0)
To host a casual chic patriotic party, you need to think outside the box. You want to stay away from an overload of flag images. Be inspired by the color palette and the spirit of the celebrations.
I gather wonderful yet simple décor ideas to celebrate Independence Day. They are the best of what I saw this week on the Web. You can even use them if you are at the last minutes.
Drink Recipes
GlamDish featured wonderful drinks that would be great all summer. Cheers to Red, White & Blue! proposes a Chambeer (1 part Chambord, 3 parts beer), a Blue Mojito, a Blakberi Blues and a Blue Hawaiian.
Menu
Check out Rachel Ray’s Fourth of July feast for tasty recipes. Check out her Berry Cakes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, July 04, 2008 12:09 PM | Feedback (0)
Your old submissions to Tastespotting live again. I am glad I added new Google Alerts on my blog name yesterday because this is how I found out that Tastespotting is back online.
We know more about the big saga that led to the temporary close down of Tastespotting. A business split occurred between Jean of NOTCOT and Sarah J. Gim, the editor of Tastespotting.
Sarah is now the owner of Tastespotting. She continues to run the hugely popular food porn site. The front end and back end systems of Tastespotting had to be rebuilt. It is still almost at part with the original site.
What Is Lacking?
One important feature that is lacking is the preview of a submission. In an interview to Food Interviews, Sarah said that they are working on an improved version of the Preview function. The upcoming Submission Preview will give the users more powered than the original one. It should be ready in a week or two.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 03, 2008 1:06 PM | Feedback (4)
If you are still looking for ideas to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow, do not despair. I got an easy solution for you than is sure to impress your friends and family.
Simply read the casual and relaxed guide prepared by Cheryl Chan for The Vancouver Province. The owner of Bright Ideas Event Coordinators, Sharon Bonner and I share party ideas to help you organize a fun Canada Day party.
The story covers every elements of your party from venues, décor, food and drink menus, activities, and settings. I wish to thank again Cheryl Chan for this interview.
Traditional Dessert
Pouding chomeur is a classic, comfort food dessert in Quebec. Adults and kids love the taste. I will prepare and showcase the three most typical recipes. You get to see the difference between the original pouding chomeur recipe up to an upscale version served on individual ramekins.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 30, 2008 2:21 PM | Feedback (0)
You will use these 4 items over and over this summer. They will add style, function and a punch of color to your outdoor parties.
Jewel Flatware
I really like the four colors of the square enamels mixed together. Placing the four colors creates a more festive table than using a single hue. The magical number is to own 12 or 16 settings. So, it fits to buy a flatware set in each color.
Hot Buffet Station
If you already built an outdoor kitchen, the next thing is to set up a hot buffet station in your backyard. The brushed stainless steel BroilKing Buffet Servers come handy if you entertain a lot. The base can be used as stand-alone warming tray. Bring the set inside for an all-year long usage.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (0)
When I entertain at home, I prefer to cook easy to make but tasty recipes. The hostess should plan her event so she can enjoy the presence of her guests. This is why I like the latest book by Gordon Ramsay.
Entertaining Philosophy
A quote from Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food says it all:
"However amazing a dish looks, it is always the taste that lingers in your memory."
The stylish hostess makes an effort on food presentation. But we must accept that we are not Chefs either. My priority for easy entertaining is to design a stunning tabletop, cook a delicious meal and after, try to plate the food more beautifully.
About The Book
I do not really follow Gordon Ramsay on TV. I bought Fast Food because his cookbook provides tasty recipes built around menus and types of food plus some essential cooking tips.
You get recipes for fast soups, appetizers, antipasti, salads, sandwiches, eggs, working lunches, pasta, shellfish, fish, meat, vegetarian, side dishes, fruity desserts and creamy desserts.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, June 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Feedback (1)
This story is born of two needs. I wanted to showcase the best from the Boating Party and Picnic board by Snippet & Ink on {frolic!}. The second need was to help you plan your Canada Day party.
Let's start with the latest cookbook by Anita Stewart. I bought my copy at Costco a few weeks ago. Anita Stewart's Canada is a culinary experience that mixes the traditional cooking of our grandmothers with the modern Canadian cuisine. It also celebrates the regional differences from coast to coast.
Whitewater Cooks by Shelley Adams is another Canadian cookbook. Reading the reviews, convinced me. I just bought online my copy. Everyone says that the recipes are really tasty and simple to make.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, June 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Feedback (3)
Tired of always serving the same old Cosmopolitan to your friends? You need to get inspired on how to serve drinks or dig cocktail recipes. The latest site by Jean of NOTCOT / Tastespotting is here to help you with fresh ideas.
Done with the same frame than Tastespotting, Liqurious is dedicated to drinks instead of food. I learned about it last Friday but waited until I see some traffic actions on my blog statistics. Now it does.
I submitted my Guitar Hero cool cocktail ideas post over the weekend. A few of my previous cocktails stories where migrated as well.
Cold Sake
I became a fan of cold sake since I ate at Gonpachi during my trip to Los Angeles last winter. Cold sake tastes so much better than warn sake in my opinion.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:23 AM | Feedback (1)
As I read the outline of this amazing culinary event integrating art and design every steps of the way, I felt some envy for the NOTCOT team that went to Monkeytown for the Dine on Design event.
I wrote down this address for my next visit on the Big Apple. Monkeytown is in Brooklyn, New York.
The most intriguing is the Back Screening/Dining Room where Monkeytown hosted performances with a meal. The back dining room has 4 large screens connected to a surround sound for multimedia performances. Communal seating for 50 persons adds warmth to the place.
Ultimate Integration Of Design And Performance In A Meal
Dine on Design paired dining and design in short-lived gastronomic events where designers, artists, chefs and performers are able to present new and event specific work in a dynamic setting.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 16, 2008 11:23 PM | Feedback (1)
An impressive 24 countries in 38 towns celebrated the Apéritif à la française on Thursday, June 5th, 2008!
I really enjoyed my night at Apéritif à la française in Montreal. I was not alone. The evening was a big hit with 1,500 guests attending. This number includes industry insiders and the general public.
What Happened?
We tasted great food, flavorful cocktails, tasty French wines and dance to the beat of DJ Gregory from France.
Several activities besides food and drinks tasting were taken place. In front of the entrance, a series of vintage French cars were parked. There was a Citroën similar to the one lieutenant Columbo used to drive.
It was possible to book an appointment with the hairdressers to get a black tie event hairdo. I wish I did. A photograph then took a souvenir picture with your girlfriends.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
DINING out
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 16, 2008 1:54 PM | Feedback (0)
Last weekend was the birthday of a friend. Cooking an elaborate dinner for 10 persons is very demanding on the host, unless you hire help. His girlfriend opted to hire a Chef for the night. A wise choice!
Food and Wine Pairing
No proper meal should be served without harmonizing food and wine.
The Chef can suggest a list of wines that you can buy. For the no-hassle entertaining experience, let the Chef bring the wine. This way, if the menu slightly changes due to produce availability, the Chef can adjust the wine selection.
Dinnerware and Cutlery Rentals
No dishwashing for you. The Chef and his aid clean up the kitchen before they leave. For that reason, the fees will vary whether you use your own dinnerware or if you rent the dinnerware. By renting the dinnerware, glassware and cutlery, the Chef team has less cleaning to do.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
DISHING tips
MANNERS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, June 13, 2008 3:01 PM | Feedback (3)
More and more men cook at home and organize parties. Obviously, they are looking for a different aesthetics. If your dad is one of those men, read this.
After the fact, the housewares list I gathered would also make perfect wedding gifts. Tell me what your think?
Flower Vases for Centerpieces
The first product is the Lichen’s new eweTUBE Felt vase made from 100% merino wool felt. This kit comes flat-packed, with two glass tubes.
Grab a few vases. Be creative on how you display them on your table. Spread the bases sitting upright with one vase on each felt base; stack a few to create a long line. When the base rests on the side, the two tubes fit into a base.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:42 PM | Feedback (2)
Watching the first episode of the third season of Take It Outside gave me the idea of a Moroccan outdoor dinner party.
I give a high mark at Kelly Deck for the way she divided that backyard. Eight people easily sit on her custom made bench. It would be cool to have the space to build one on my own backyard.
The Décor
Stock plenty of cushions on the sofa and lay down a few large round cushions so people can sit on them.
Create a vibrant tabletop full of jewel tones. Prefer the earthy feeling of ceramics. Mix mosaic patterns with solid plates and bowls. As you can see from the tea picture at the bottom, you can mix lots of rich hues.
If you cannot find any Moroccan inspired dishes, I propose you check out the Sausalito dinnerware collection. Despite its Mexican influence, the colors of the collection harmonize well with this theme.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, June 09, 2008 12:30 AM | Feedback (2)
Four years ago, the first edition of Apéritif à la française was held in 13 countries and 17 cities. Since then, more cities and countries participate in this culinary experience. Montreal and Toronto in Canada plus New York City are the three North American participating cities.
The event always happens on the first Thursday of June. This year, it is today. It promotes the French art de vivre through a tasting of French food and drinks.
Big Bash in Montreal
I am thrilled since I am going tonight. I am thrilled because past events were a huge success.
These pictures were taken at the 2007 edition. The event is taking place at the Centre des sciences de Montréal in the Old Port. I purchased my tickets a month ago. Usually, Apéritif à la française is a sold out event.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
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