FOOD FASHIONISTA

M Café de Chaya - Mika's MICHELIN Guide Discovery

 

Being a woman on the go, and a proponent of fresh and healthy cuisine, I knew that M Café de Chaya and I were going to become fast friends. It also didn’t hurt that in vast and spacious Los Angeles where everything is a bit of a drive, it was nice to see that M Café de Chaya, according to the MICHELIN Guide was in close proximity to my home and office.

When I first heard macrobiotic, I thought you’ll have to sacrifice taste and variety, but when I read in the MICHELIN guide that M Café de Chaya serves not only salads and wraps, but a selection of both hot and cold sandwiches, and rice bowls, it definitely piqued my interest. M Café de Chaya focuses on a macrobiotic diet and deters from serving anything with refined sugar, dairy, or red meat and poultry. Instead, M Café de Chaya only serves items prepared by the most natural, and organic ingredients. How pleasantly surprised I was when I arrived and found an abundant variety of healthy goodies including M Café de Chaya’s version of sushi, soups, burgers, fresh squeezed juices, and a vast selection of desserts including pastries, cookies, cakes, and chocolate truffles. .

At Café M de Chaya, you order at the counter, and with so many choices, I was honestly at first a bit overwhelmed. I quickly pulled it together and decided on a very interesting combo of a Korean style Bi-Bim Bop for an entrée, a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert, and fresh squeezed lemonade to quench my thirst. The Bi-Bim Bop included a base of brown rice, an assortment of veggies, grilled tofu, and the chili pepper paste to mix it all together. Familiar with the traditional preparation of the dish from Korean restaurants, I must say, the macrobiotic version was a satisfying hit. The pumpkin cheesecake’s texture was less a cheesecake and more of a pumpkin pie. It was dense, filling and quite delicious. I didn’t feel as if I was missing out on taste and satisfaction by eating something that was prepared with all natural ingredients and no eggs, dairy or sugar.

M Café de Chaya is a bustling lunch spot. There are 8 small tables and 1 large communal table inside. In addition, they have an outdoor covered seating area. This casual spot on Melrose is a great place for take out and as the MICHELIN Guide suggests, a great place for a meal under $25. They also serve breakfast and dinner seven days of the week.

Given my busy schedule, it’s deliciously satisfying to have discovered a neighborhood spot where even on my most hectic days – I can grab a fairly quick, healthy meal made with top quality ingredients.

Eleni's Golden Globe Cookies

Spotted at today's NASFT Winter Fancy Food Show, were edible Golden Globe nominees George Clooney, Daniel Day Lewis, Meryl Streep, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz and Helen Mirren. Courtesy of NYC Chelsea based bakery Eleni's, the stars were all smiles and nothing but sweet.

All of Eleni's sugar cookies are hand made, certified Kosher and created only with the most natural high-quality ingredients.

Eleni's

75 Ninth Avenue @15th St.

New York, NY 10011 ·

PH 1.888.4.ELENIS (1-888-435-3647)

Kenwood Inn & Spa - Sonoma Valley

In about a week, I will be in the region of Umbria sipping wine, eating abundantly and soaking in the splendor of the rolling hills of Central Italy at a friend's Villa. Although it's been several years since I was physically in Umbria and it's Italian neighbor Tuscany, I felt like I had experienced the mood and setting when I was recently invited to the Kenwood Inn & Spa tucked away in Sonoma's Valley of the Moon.

A private sanctuary with 25 luxurious private guestrooms and 4 deluxe suites amid hundreds of acres of vineyards and nature, this was the perfect escape. Being someone who runs two internet businesses around the clock, it is difficult to find time to slow down even when I'm away from the office. With technology around us 24/7, it is hard to get away from it even when we are surrounded by such natural beauty as the Sonoma wine country. Well, Kenwood Inn & Spa did just that for me, it helped me relax and unwind from it all. It brought tranquility to my life with a sense of clarity. The absence of a television and minimal internet access in the rooms assisted in the wind down. The strategically placed in-room CD player combined with the sounds of Ben Harper and Diana Krall helped too. For those who are cringing at the thought of omission of electronic gadgetry, take a deep breath and note that there is an on site meeting room/business center with a plasma, big screen, A/V set up with all that geeky stuff to keep you well connected (with the outside world) if you insist. Also note that if you did cringe at the thought of no tech gadgets to keep you connected, this may just be the perfect trip for you.

I'm usually one that prefers the contemporary in accommodations (blame that on my Tokyo roots), but I also appreciate Mediterranean design when it is done right. Kenwood Inn & Spa's European style villa has three lush courtyards with cascading ivy covered walls, a pond, fountain and a saline pool. Adding to the soothing escape are 2 heated jacuzzis and hot tubs which are open all day and night.

 

 

On the properties of Kenwood Inn and Spa, you will see walnut trees, oak groves and fruit trees including fig, pomegranate and meyer lemons. Kenwood's private guest only restaurant and dining room use their own harvest in the restaurant's dining selections. In addition to using the produce and herbs grown on the property, Italian-born executive chef Renzo Veronese also shops local farms and stocks the kitchen with in-season organics for his Italian a la carte dinner menu. The dining room is kept warm by fireplace and also has an adjoining outdoor patio area perfect for a morning espresso and breakfast - which is complimentary for overnight guests.

Kenwood Inn & Spa also boasts a private guest only wine bar/tasting room located on premise which is less than a couple minutes from each guestroom and geographically very convenient. The wine bar is intimate, cozy and an inviting way to sample wines in a comfortable and non-intimidating setting. Since it is only open for in house guests, you'll be in the comfort of like minded visitors with discriminating tastes who most likely aren't just visiting the wine country for the day to get boozed up and wasted, but those seeking luxurious wine country pampering in a serene, elegant environment.

Hence the name, if all the above isn't enough, there is a spa. And not just any spa, the spa at Kenwood was recently named for the second year in a row, "Top Small Resort" by Conde' Nast Traveler Magazine. Kenwood Spa features celebrity fave ARCONA products with a focus and emphasis on vinotherapy. How fabulous is that! You will not only be able to drink wine at Kenwood Inn & Spa, but you can also indulge in a Wine Country Facial, a Kenwood Wine Wrap or even a Wine Bath.The Spa at Kenwood utilizes custom made products with red wine extracts, Chardonnay, and Riesling oils which assist in healing and protecting the body, mind, and spirit.

If you find pleasure in a wine country landscape, rustic Italian cuisine and pampering, you'll truly adore the Kenwood Inn & Spa. It's an ideal destination for a true romantic getaway or a special weekend retreat with the girls. Only 1 hour by car from the Golden Gate Bridge and 40 minutes from the town of Napa, Kenwood Inn & Spa is like a visit to Italy on the northern coast of California.

Kenwood Inn & Spa

10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, California 95452

Phone: 707 833 1293

www.kenwoodinn.com

Share your Season w/Share our Strength

In the year ahead, 16.7 million children in America will face hunger. That's nearly one in four. This holiday, you can help.

Whether you're looking for a thoughtful holiday gift for friends and family, or a way to make a lasting difference in the lives of children in need, Share Our Strength offers great ways to Share Your Season and help end childhood hunger.

Actual size 4.75" x 6.5".
Envelope included.
Click image to enlarge.

Four ways to give:

• Make a secure online donation to Share Our Strength.
• Order Share Your Season gift cards for colleagues and friends.
• Give the gift of ending childhood hunger to special people on your list and send e-cards to your friends and family.
• Give gifts that give back with holiday gifts that benefit the work of Share Our Strength.

Share Your Season to help end childhood hunger in America.

For families facing hunger, the holidays can be one of the hardest times of the year. This year you can Share Your Season and help end childhood hunger in America.

www.STRENGTH.org

Payard - Sweet Holiday Gift Ideas

 

We can never say no to a box of Payard chocolates and now with their special holiday offerings, we don't think you can either. With truffles, macarons, jams, cookies, pastries, kosher products and non-edible goodies such as Begarmot Truffle Perfume and Francois Payard's Chocolate Epiphany Cookbook, there's a gift for everyone on your list. And believe us, they won't be complaining about this one. Payard makes it even sweeter by offering a complimentary signature Payard tote bag when you spend $100 or more or a complimentary Voyager bag when you spend $150 or more. This offer is valid from now until December 31st and only applies to website orders placed at Payard.com. Just a click away, and you will be having your own Chocolate Epiphany...

Your gift when you spend $100 at Payard.com

Your gift when you spend $150 at Payard.com

www.Payard.com

Related Posts on Food Fashionista:

Francois Payard - Pastry Chef Extraordinaire

Francois Payard's Brownie with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts Recipe

75K Bottle of Cristal at The Bank, Bellagio - Las Vegas

  

In Vegas, cash is king and so are the luxuries that come with it. Over the years, Las Vegas has transformed itself into a paradise for those with decadent tastes. Whether you desire the best of the best in cuisine, wine and spirits, spas, shopping, nightclubs or accommodations, Las Vegas has it covered. So for those with extra change lying around, $75,000 to be exact, what better way to celebrate and party in style than with a bottle of Louis Roderer Cristal...and not just any bottle of Cristal...a 1990 methuselah (pictured holding above) - which equals 8 bottles of premier bubbly stuff.

For those without 75k to spare, don't fret. The Bank nightclub's illuminating gold foyer is stacked floor to ceiling with standard sized Cristal bottles aplenty. And in case you are wondering, and I know you are, NO we did not purchase the bottle of $75k Cristal that night. When you think of all the shops (Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent) the Bellagio has under the same roof, spending $75,000 on one bottle of champagne just didn't seem that wise. But hey, that just means it's still there waiting for that one lucky big spender who wants to impress his/her friends, while also enjoying the most luxurious fruit of the gods.

 Champagne Bottle Sizes

Split	1/4 bottle	18.7 cl
Half	1/2 bottle	37.5 cl
Bottle	1 bottle	750 ml
Magnum	2 bottles	1.5 l
Jeroboam	4 bottles	3 l
Methuselah	8 bottles	6 l
Salmanazar	12 bottles	9 l
Balthazar	16 bottles	12 l
Nabuchadnezzar	20 bottles	15 l

The Bank at Bellagio Resort & Casino

3600 S. Las Vegas, Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (702) 693-8300

Open Thurs - Sun 10:30PM - 4:00AM

Limon Peruvian Rotisserie - San Francisco

Located deep south Van Ness in San Francisco's Mission District, Limon Rotisserie is the more casual, affordably priced sibling of Limon Restaurant on 16th street and Valencia. This modest, urban, corner location has a neighborhood vibe and is always bustling. Don't be surprised to find folks hanging out on the sidewalk or chit chatting on their mobile phones while awaiting the next available table.

Limon Rotisserie serves wines, beers and sangria by the glass, but with a pitcher of sangria priced at $25, that seems the obvious direction to go. The cuisine is down home Peruvian comfort food and flavorful at that. Although at times, some dishes can be a tad bit too salty, overall the food is satisfying. The Pollo ala brasa, the signature dish is a chicken that has been marinated for 8 hours before being placed on a rotating rotisserie. You can order a whole ($15.95), half ($9.50) or a quarter ($7.25) size portion. The crispy outside skin goes perfectly with the moist and tender juicy inside. In 2004, "the Peruvian National Institute of Culture, declared that the “pollo a la brasa” be an official part of Peru’s cultural heritage".

Limon Peruvian Rotisserie offers a selection of cold and hot plates all priced under $10. The cold plates have an emphasis on ceviche dishes - which you will most always find in Peruvian dining establishments. We opted for the Ceviche Mixto halibut which consisted of calamari and tiger shrimp marinated with lime juice, rocoto, garlic and served with choclo-on-the-cob, camote and cancha. The dish was refreshing and tangy. The ceviche mixto was something you could see devouring on a scorching hot ocean side day. One of my favorite hot plates was the Chicharron de Pollo consisting of crispy pieces of chicken marinated in soy sauce, garlic and aji amarillo and served with salsa criolla. This dish reminded me of Japanese karaage but that should be no surprise since Peru has a heavy Japanese, Chinese, African, and European influence. Limon Rotisserie also offers complimentary side dishes such as Yuca Fritas and Vegetales Salteados which make excellent accompaniments and are all affordably priced at $2.50 or less.

Just like being in the comforts of a Peruvian family's home, the dishes at Limon Rotisserie are meant to be shared and enjoyed together.

Here are some of ours:

 

Ceviche Mixto halibut, calamari and tiger shrimp

Chicharron de Pollo

Vegetales Salteados

“Lomito” Saltado- stir-fried top sirloin strips w/fries & onions

Yuca Fritas

Pollo a la Brasa - a Peruvian Signature Dish

Papas Fritas

Monday-Thursday 12pm - 10pm

Friday - Saturday 12pm 10:30pm

Sunday 12pm - 10:00pm

Limon Peruvian Rotisserie

1001 S Van Ness Av

San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone: 415.821.2134

Buddakan NYC w/the Next Iron Chef & Chefs

 

Housed in a massive 16,000 square foot space in the ultra gentrified Meatpacking District, Buddakan is part of the Stephen Starr (i.e. Morimoto, Tangerine) Philly based restaurant group. Sharing walls with the Chelsea Market, Buddakan is an obvious choice for cocktails or dinner with friends who want a hip and happening New York experience. It has a bit of a Tao (Las Vegas) like feel with it's expansive club like space, high ceilings and dim lighting but the nouveau decor of Buddakan with it's copious chandeliers, colossal communal table and separated dining spaces- including a chic book filled library make it uniquely distinctive. 

As self described Modern Asian Cuisine, Buddakan is definitely more on the Chinese fusion side (Taro Puff Lollipops minced pork, sweet & sour sauce, Szechuan Crusted Ribeye turnip fries, hong kong steak sauce) than let's say Japanese, Korean, or Thai. With a list of menu items ranging from Dim Sum, to hot and cold appetizers, starches, seafoods, and proteins, Buddakan has it all covered for those looking for a vegetarian, carniverous, or carb loaded feast.

The simply categorized menu at Buddakan is best shared family style which allows sampling a number of various dishes. You can turn a meal at Buddakan into your own dining experience by choosing to share small plates and appetizers or opting for a more traditional meal with starters, starches and mains.

Since my frequent dining companions are restaurant professionals, chefs, and people who just plain love and live to eat, it isn't uncommon to find a table covered with plates of food. This occasion was no different. There were some hits and misses, but a few stand out dishes included the Steamed Sea Bass Roll with cabbage, ginger, and sizzling scallion oil and the Scallion Pancakes with braised beef short rib, and shaved green apple.

Being a fan of prosecco, I appreciated the specialty cocktail menu which included three prosecco specials including the refreshing Ginton (gin, elderflower, ginger, lemon, prosecco) the Charm (passion fruit liqueur, apple, fresh berries, prosecco) or Fate (elderflower, pineapple, prosecco). The eight dessert options include a Hong Kong Ice Cream Sandwich with an almond cookie, soy milk fan and strawberry sorbet and a Coconut Crème Brûlée with white chocolate genoise, and lemongrass ice cream.

New York is a city full of restaurants, lounges and bars. Buddakan is proof that you never know what is awaiting you behind those unassuming concrete walls.

Budakkan's Shaken Beef Tartare

Chefs Seamus Mullen & Jose Garces

Scallion Pancakes with braised beef short rib, and shaved green apple

Amanda Freitag, Mika Takeuchi, Dominique Crenn

Buddakan's Edamame Dumplings

 

Seamus Mullen, Jose Garces, Roberto Trevino

 

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli of Alex's Day Off

Malted chocolate ganache, milk caramel, coffee ice cream

Aida Mollenkamp, Seamus Mullen

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bombe honey caramel, peanut butter ice cream

 

Mika Takeuchi & Chef Jose Garces

 

Vanilla Tea Doughnuts w/ vanilla ice cream

Bruce Seidel, Amanda Freitag

Buddakan NYC

75 9th Avenue, New York NY 10011

Phone (212) 989-6699

Tsunami Sushi Bar - San Francisco

Tsunami - Mission Bay's decorative collection of sake bottles

Tsunami's Sushi - Art on a plate

JoJo the Mixologist at Tsunami Sushi

  

Whether you are looking for a hip stylish date spot, or a dinner out with friends, Tsunami Sushi has two locations in San Francisco to serve you. The original locale is in the Panhandle while the more recently opened location is right in the heart of Mission Bay. With attention to design details and an extensive list of sakes, single malts and cocktails, Tsunami is a visually stimulating spot to nosh on contemporary Japanese cuisine and the best in Spirits. Another plus is an open to midnight closing time Mondays- Saturdays.

Tsunami Sushi Mission Bay
301 King Street #B
(Corner of 4th St & Berry St)
San Francisco, CA, 94158

Urban Spoon for Blackberry...Finally!!!

If you have a Blackberry and you'd like some help deciding where to eat (or if you're jealous of friends playing with Urbanspoon on the iPhone) we have a solution for you.

Urbanspoon's Blackberry app is a kind of restaurant slot machine. Just hit the space bar (or shake the phone if you have a Storm) and the wheels will spin, until they settle on a good nearby restaurant for you. You can also lock down the neighborhood, cuisine and price you are interested in. Keep spinning until you get a restaurant you want to try.

Urbanspoon on Blackberry also lets you search and browse restaurants, and uses your current location to identify the nearest restaurants to you.

Email the app to your Blackberry

Or download the right app for your phone below.

• Storm
• Bold, Javelin or Tour
• Curve 4.3 or newer
• Curve 4.2

We don't have an app for older devices, or for the Pearl, but you can always find Urbanspoon on your Blackberry through the web at urbanspoon.com/m

If you have an iPhone, you can get the Urbanspoon app here.

Food for Thought - dine out for a good cause 11/11 - San Francisco

 

Food for Thought is an annual “dine-out” event that raises funds to benefit Mission Graduates, a nonprofit organization that increases the number of youth from San Francisco’s Mission District who are prepared for and complete a college education.

Food for Thought’s participating restaurants all do business in the Mission District and commit to contributing a portion of their sales on November 11 to help pave the pathway to college for young people who live in their community. 

Mission Graduates commits to filling seats and increasing revenue at partner restaurants that night, shining light on these partners through an extensive promotional campaign, and giving restaurant owners an easy way to impact their community while introducing their food to brand new audiences.

Dine out at these participating restaurants on Wednesday, November 11th and 25-100% of your total bill will be donated to benefit Mission Graduates. Make your reservation today!!

Everyone wins!

Participating Restaurants

Andalu

Bar Bambino

Bissap Baobab

CODA

Conduit

Destino

Dolores Park Cafe

Farina Focaccia and Cucina Italiana

Foreign Cinema

Front Porch

La Provence

Little Baobab

Little Star Valencia

Maverick

Mission Beach Cafe

Panchitas #2

Pisco

Ramblas Tapas

Range

Regalito Rosticeria

Slow Club

Specchio

Spork

Sun Rise Restaurant

Usulutan Restaurant