Ever been sitting in the wine store totally dumfounded? What to serve with dinner? What to buy as a gift? Or even what to food to serve if you buy a particular bottle? Hello Vino for the iPhone is a great mobile application that you can have on hand whenever crisis strikes. It offers easy to navigate prompts to guide you in your wine selection and make the whole process a little less daunting. For the connoisseur, try Wine Ratings Guide.
Wine on the Go
October 30th, 2009Cupcake’s Revenge
October 23rd, 2009
To me there is nothing more wonderful than a cupcake. And while I am always amazed with each new shop that opens or mobile van that trolls NYC, I can not resist giving them a try. That is why when I saw Ron Ben-Isreal’s new themed cake on Facebook, I just about died laughing. For those of you who do not know Ron’s work, he is the original king of cakes, and produces some of the most wonderful wedding and celebratory cakes I have seen. Not to mention he is a hell of nice guy. To see up to the minute work become a fan on Facebook or check out the masterpieces on his website.
PS. This Cake was 3.5 feet tall, and served 225 people!
Art of the Hors d’Oeuvre
October 16th, 2009
Last night I had the great fun of trying to make my way through the masses at the new Skylight West to sample the canapes (and libations) of four leading caterers at an event entitled the “Art of the Hors d’Oeuvre”, which was part of the New York City Wine & Food Festival. While it was tough to get to each table, once there it was worth the wait. All of the dishes reflected the fall season, and showcased the caterers talents, and despite the hordes, was amazed that each one could produce a beautiful looking dish in record time. The winner for the evening? Thomas Preti’s Foie Gras French Toast and Apple Granita Soup.
Shown above, in order, (left to right)
Sonnier & Castle:
Tuna Tartare with Avocado, Blood Orange on Sesame Flatbread
Seared Beef with Danish Blue Cheese, Walnut and Watercress
Thomas Preti:
Chicken Apple Corn Dogs with Apple Cider Mustard
Foie Gras French Toast with Apple Soup Granita
Taste Caterers:
Braised Short Rib Soft Taco with Manchego and Tomato Relish
Parmesan Crisps with Prosciutto, Mascarpone and Sage.
Diane Gordon:
Autumn Vegetable Risotto
Pumpkin Parmesan Tart with Truffled wild mushroom
Sage and Maple Glazed Duck Beggar’s Purse
Under Wraps
October 9th, 2009
I love giving wine as gifts. I can’t say that is in any way creative or personal…Martha would be appalled, but over the years I have tasted a good number of them, and when I find one that I like, that is not hideously expensive, I like to stock up and share it with my friends. And if consumed that night, then I have aided in the merriment/hangover.
Dressing it up the bottle for presentation in another matter. I have tried, ribbon, gift tags, paper, custom stickers…and nothing feels festive. (And there is no chance I am spending $20 on a velvet or spandex bag!) But in leafing though this month’s Garnet Hill, these caught my eye. A set of 12 decorative wine sleeves with self-adhesive backing, coordinating gift tag and label for $15. CHEERS!!
Ring-a-ding-dong
September 25th, 2009
Have you had a Ring Ding in the last couple years? On seeing one you instantly start salivating and recalling your youth, (when what you ate did not go directly to you hips), and then you take a bite and it……falls short! It feels processed and overly sweet, and smells a lot like the gas station you just left. Now imagine one of these all grown up made by an award winning pastry chef and chocolatier using only the finest ingredients. Five for $12, it’s pure bliss! And if that does not do it for you, there are Smores, Turtles, Mallowmars, not to mention a full line of artisan chocolates with flavors inspired from around the globe. Shop Tumbador Chocolates.
Treats and Tricks
September 18th, 2009
Every year come October 31st, I swear that I will never touch the stuff. Swear that I will resist the urge to buy it when it first appears in the supermarket. That I will not dive into the candy bowl when depositing my check at the bank…but who can resist those little tri-colored nuggets of sweetness? What is it about Candy Corn?! Instead this year, why not give these a try for your Halloween party or gathering? Beautiful to set on the table, these cookies by The Flour Pot can be customized and are priced more reasonably than most. Your dentist will thank you.
Call Me!
September 4th, 2009
Back to school. I must say that as wonderful as it is to have the kids back, getting into the swing always takes me some time. New clothes, new teachers, new friends, and then comes the inevitable……request for playdates. In as much as the schools try to provide contact lists, in this mobile age I’ve found that they often come up short. Instead of scrawling down your information on some discarded ATM receipt, go old school, and create a calling card for yourself or your child. While these can be done through a number of stationers, Felix Doolittle has created a line of water-colored images that are adorable and can be easily customized and printed to have on hand when the moment strikes.
Paperless Post
August 28th, 2009
Call me old fashioned, but there is something wonderful about receiving an invitation to a party in the mail. No matter the occasion, I will post the invitation on the fridge until the event has come and gone, and the thank you notes written. Even if I can not attend, I like to keep them up as a reminder to send a little something, and to make life seem more festive during dreary days.
For less formal affairs, Evite has become the new medium of choice, but I have never liked the uber casual format, or “wait & see who Rsvps” response lists. Now a new service called Paperless Post offers the best of both worlds. The ability to create a beautiful custom invitation (with envelope to match), and savvy to send it to friends electronically. Hmm cocktails anyone? Send an invitation!
French Woman Don’t Get Fat
August 21st, 2009
Having grown up in a household where my mother tried every diet under the sun, I have never been a proponent of get-thin-quick diets, and instead always thought the Europeans had it right. French woman in particular eat lovely pastries, drink wine, indulge in a little chocolate, and seem to stay slim. (Forget the cigarettes!) In 2004 Mirelle Guillano wrote the wonderful book, French Woman Don’t Get Fat, and has recently expanded on this theme in her new book, A French Woman for All Season, where she shares even more of her secrets on getting pleasure out of life, ….without gaining weight. Put down the HaagenDaz and pick up the book.
Keep it or toss it?!
August 21st, 2009
Ever wonder if you can really eat the eggs in your refrigerator past their expiration date? How about my father’s favorite, Hollandaise the day after? Check out StillTasty.com This website lets you search for specific items, or browse through categories to determine if it is safe to keep and eat a product. Of course, let your nose, and palate be the ultimate judge, but in trying to reduce waste and expenses, if you want a second opinion, give it a search.
Favorite question:
“I Left Pizza Out Overnight. Is It Still Safe To Eat?”
The answer: NO