Cortez
My husband and I recently met a friend for dinner at Cortez Restaurant in San Francisco. It was the third time there for me and I have enjoyed their food on all occasions. They have small plates so you...
View ArticleGo Fish
My friend Lara and I recently tried Go Fish in the town of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. It is a new restaurant from Cindy Pawlcyn (who also owns Mustards in Yountville and Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen...
View ArticleChez Bruno
On my last trip to Provence, I had the great pleasure of dining at Chez Bruno in Lorgues. This amazing restaurant features some of the finest treasures of Provence – truffles. There is a set menu for...
View ArticlePress
My friend, Stephanie, and I recently tried Press in St. Helena. Press is co-owned by Leslie Rudd, who also owns Dean & Deluca and Rudd Vineyards. I was expecting the restaurant to be a little...
View ArticleAme Restaurant
I have twice recently had the opportunity to eat at Ame Restaurant in San Francisco. The food is just excellent and so is the atmosphere! The restaurant is in the St. Regis Hotel and is owned by Hiro...
View ArticleAd Hoc Restaurant
My husband and I were treated to dinner at Ad Hoc Restaurant in Napa Valley by our friends, Dennis and Lara. Ad Hoc is the newest creation of Chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame. However, with Ad...
View ArticleBong Su
I recently met my friend Norm for lunch at Bong Su restaurant in San Francisco. I had heard quite a lot of good things about the food before I went, and I was not disappointed. From the time I walked...
View ArticleNespresso
One of the purchases that I am really enjoying is my Nespresso machine. I was quite skeptical at first of espresso from this type of process (I have always said to grind your own beans and make coffee...
View ArticleCoffee Classes
If you are in the coffee business, have a keen interest in coffee or are thinking of opening a coffee roastery, check out the unique coffee courses offered by expert, Willem Boot. Willem started...
View ArticleMt. Tam by Cowgirl Creamery
Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam is a triple cream cheese from Cowgirl Creamery in Pt. Reyes, California. It is made from pasteurized organic cow’s milk. This award-winning cheese is smooth and creamy with...
View ArticlePizza Dough
Ingredients 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1 cup warm water 1 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil, plus more to oil the bowl later 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Approx. 2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour You...
View ArticleCaramelized Dates with Roasted Almonds and Fleur de Sel
Ingredients 16 dates, pitted (Medjool, preferred) 16 toasted almonds (optional) 1 T olive oil Fleur de Sel to taste You will also need: Small skillet Tongs Paring knife Serving plate Instructions Stuff...
View ArticleFresh Tomato Tart with Roasted Red Peppers
Ingredients 3 eggs 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup half-and-half ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 3 tomatoes, cut into ½” thick slices and de-seeded (or use tomato confit) 2 roasted red peppers, peeled and...
View ArticleMushroom and Leek Tart
Ingredients ½ recipe pate brisee or flaky pie dough, chilled 2 large leeks, cleaned and chopped 1/3 cup olive oil 2 cups mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 3 eggs 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup half-and-half ½ tsp...
View ArticleRisotto with Turkey, Mushrooms and Roasted Red Peppers
I typically make this recipe with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. Ingredients About 8 cups turkey stock 1/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms 1/2 cup hot water 6 T olive oil 2 T butter 1/2 cup chopped...
View ArticleSpread of Roasted Red Peppers, Walnuts and Pomegranates
Ingredients For the pomegranate syrup: 1/4 cup pomegranate juice 1/4 cup sugar For the spread: 2 cups roasted red peppers, chopped 2 cups lightly toasted walnuts, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 2 T...
View ArticleRoasted Asparagus Frittata with Bacon (optional)
Ingredients 14-15 medium stalks asparagus, washed 2 Tablespoons olive oil 3 strips bacon (such as Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Bacon), optional 2 Tablespoons butter 1/4 cup chopped scallions 6 large...
View ArticleArugula Pesto
This recipe is fantastic for a quick appetizer with bread or for a sauce with pasta. You can substitute a number of herbs and greens for the arugula with great results. Ingredients 2 handsful of...
View ArticleBruschetta with Strawberries, Yogurt and Lemon Verbena
This recipe is quick and easy and healthy, too! Ingredients 4 slices of thick country bread Good quality extra virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh, seasonal strawberries, coarsely chopped About 6 medium...
View ArticleVegetable Paella
There are a couple of tricks to making paella. One is the rice. For beginners, I would highly recommend using Bomba rice from Spain. It has a shorter grain and is more “foolproof”. The other is to...
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