The other day I spotted these unibrowed red Angry Birds cookies at the checkout counter of Barnes & Noble's Starbucks at the Grove. These individually wrapped treats unfortunately didn't make those hilariously-addicting sounds like on the wildly popular (understatement) video game, but they are ridiculously cute and I'm sure quite satisfying to take a bite into.
Food Fashionista even got a shout out from Angry Birds on twitter. Sweet!
In the last couple years, La Boulange in San Francisco has become a cherished neighborhood stop. For your morning caffeine, fresh baked pastries, salads, sandwiches, or a box of macarons, this restaurant with 10 (and counting) locations in the city is always a fresh, affordable alternative. The Hayes Valley La Boulange is a particular favorite.
Last night, legendary retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, teamed up with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and Miss Lilly’s Trading Company for a festive gathering filled with food, friends and a store full of the most exquisite beauty and fashion. The evening started off with a celebratory VIP reception featuring culinary temptations prepared by several Los Angeles chefs including Mark Gold of Eva, Alex Becker of Nobu, and Michael Fiorelli of mar’sel at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. They, along with nearly 40 other L.A. chefs are featured in the recently released Cart For A Cause Cookbook, whose sales benefit St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.
Cart for a Cause Cookbook - the perfect gift!
Lettuce Wraps by Chef Alex Becker of Nobu, West Hollywood
I was honored to be an official Saks Fifth Avenue guest blogger, and although I was completely in my happy place...shopping couture, sipping cocktails, sharing conversation and sampling cuisine, what made the evening all the more sweet and special, was that it was to support two extremely important causes that I greatly believe in. During the event, Saks donated a portion of its proceeds to St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, the country’s largest, privately funded senior nutrition program, as well as to Miss Lilly’s Trading Company for their pet program, which provides much-needed food for seniors’ pets.
FENDI Python Peep Toes at SAKS
Pisco Porton w/Serrano Chili, Grand Marnier, Star Anise, Pineapple
Chef Mark Gold's Tofu with Caviar
Guests were treated to hypnotic, hip-shaking DJ beats and specialty holiday cocktails by Pisco Portón, alongside a coterie of fanciful “specialists,” including a lipstick reader, glitter tattoo artist, a renowned psychic and more. Miss Lilly’s Trading Company also offered their beautiful cookie gift tins as well as their exclusive polo and tennis shirts, just for this special evening. Junk Food Clothing was also in attendance with the first ever QR code t-shirt which supports feeding with fashion.
Christina Rushing (Saks), Chef Mark Gold, Mika Takeuchi
Bonnie Star Jewely at SAKS
“We’re passionate about supporting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and the vital work they do on behalf of the hungry and homebound in our community. The partnership between Saks and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels underscores the message that during this celebratory time of year, people have the opportunity to be generous while enjoying their holiday shopping, stated Saks Fifth Avenue Vice President, General Manager John Cruz.
Foie Gras Macarons by Chef Michael Fiorelli
Fashion for a Great Cause - The Best!
Jimmy Choo iPad Case at SAKS - Drool!
“We are delighted to partner again with Saks to address senior hunger, proving once more that Fashion Feeds. We're also very grateful for the support of the Cart For A Cause Cookbook chefs during this season of giving and celebration and thrilled to have some of them join us at Saks,” noted St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Foundation Executive Director Daryl Twerdahl.
I say cheers and a very happy holiday season to that!
Even if you couldn't be there in person, you could still join the conversation, by supporting your local Meals on Wheels, or by purchasing a Cart for a Cause Cookbook.
For more Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels event photos (which I'll be adding later today), visit our Food Fashionista Facebook Page.
More info on the generous people involved:
St. Vincent Meals On Wheels, the largest privately-funded organization of its kind in the country, serves over 4,700 meals a day, 365 days a year. The meals are prepared daily in the 16,000 square foot, state-of-the-art kitchen located at the Saint Vincent Medical Center Campus. Annually, over 1.1 million meals are prepared and delivered to people in Los Angeles, including homebound senior citizens, disabled and terminally ill patients and homeless adults and children.
Miss Lilly’s Trading Company merges founder Bebe Flynn’s passions for baking, animal rights advocacy and entrepreneurism. Bebe learned while volunteering with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels that 80% of seniors who own pets share their meals with them, often feeding their pets before themselves. A portion of Miss Lilly's proceeds provides seniors with food for their pets. Miss Lilly herself is a King Charles Spaniel mix, whom Bebe rescued and loves so much that she decided to name her company after her. In addition to Saks Fifth Avenue, Miss Lilly’s cookies are available at Whole Foods and Bristol Farms, among other upscale retailers. Miss Lilly's also sponsors polo teams and their polo and tennis shirts will be on sale at SAKS in limited quantities.
Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 46 full-line stores in 22 states, 5 licensed stores in the Middle East and 2 licensed stores in Mexico City, 57 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store.
Just in time for the holiday gifting – and entertaining - season, the Cart For A Cause Cookbook will make its debut November 30, 2011. Featuring nearly 40 of Los Angeles’ top chefs, including established as well as rising stars, the book boasts Dana Hursey’s stunning photos of each chef and one of the signature recipes they prepared while volunteering their food, time, staff and love on the Cart For A Cause mobile food truck.
Continue reading "Cart for a Cause Cookbook - Recipes from Los Angeles Chefs for a Cause" »
As a small business owner, I wanted to remind you all to support your local small businesses today (and every day). Started last year by New York City Mayor Bloomberg and American Express, Small Business Saturday takes place on the day after Black Friday. It was created as an easy way to support the local, independently owned small businesses that create jobs, fuel the economy and invigorate retail in communities across the country. In 2010, Small Business Saturday became a huge cultural event that drove major traffic and sparked spending at small businesses across the US in a MAJOR way.
This year, the stylish PAPER Mag + AmEx joined together to create city guides for the Small Business Saturday shopping initiative. Inside this guide you will find special deals from local shops, salons, restaurants and bars located in NYC, Chicago and San Francisco. Exclusive offers such as discounts at clothing stores and boutiques, free restaurant tastings and drink deals, special gifts with purchase and more!
While shopping this holiday season, remember all those small businesses and entrepreneurs.
For more info on Small Business Saturday, visit HERE
Last night as I was strolling Clement Street, I had to share one of my favorite San Francisco spots with a dear friend. After some time spent at Inner Richmond gem Green Apple Books, I spotted Chef Mourad Lahlou front and center right on the doorway. The talented Iron Chef winner and Michelin-starred chef just recently released his much-anticipated cookbook, Mourad: New Moroccan and Green Apple Books will be hosting a book signing event this Saturday, November 19th at 1pm.
"Mourad is anything but a dutifully authentic documentation of Moroccan home cooking. While the recipes therein include the great Moroccan classics--the basteeya, the couscous, the preserved lemons, and much more -- Lahlou adapts them in creative ways that take a Moroccan idea to a whole new place." states Green Apple's website.
In addition to a meet and greet with Chef Lahlou himself, samples of Moroccan bites and drinks willl be served. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it since I'll be in Napa that day, but for all of you who are in San Francisco, I highly recommend you attend. And if you can't make it to the signing, check out Mourad's restaurant Aziza which also calls the Richmond District home.
Mourad Lahlou Book Signing
Saturday, November 19th 1pm
506 Clement St
San Francisco,California
With a great weakness for caramel, and a fondness of apples, Caramel Apples are one of my favorite sweet eats. When I find myself craving one in L.A., I look no further than The Magic Nut & Candy Co. at the Original Farmers' Market. They have many varieties, and although I always get my own, they are big enough to share.
Visit them at: 6333 W. 3rd Street #522 Los Angeles, CA
One of the most colorful pics I captured this weekend with my new iPhone4S, was at the Knork booth at the inaugural Los Angeles Food and Wine Grand Tasting event.
Knork is an innovative idea that combines a fork and knife in one. The flatware comes in a variety of finishes from stainless steel to plastic. The colorful ensemble pictured above is part of the dishwasher safe, outdoor version. A pack of 12 comes in an assortment of colors and runs only $11.99. Great for picnics and barbecues!
For more info, visit KNORK
With Fall weather comes Fall flavors. Two new exquisite tarts have arrived at the dainty Tokyo-esque früute bakery shop in West Hollywood. If you havent visited yet, it's worth checking out.
Spiced Pumpkin with a touch of run, topped with light cream cheese and a mini biscotti
Apple Crumble baked with cranberry in a vanilla crust with a hint of cinnaom, topped with streussel.
8951 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite A (at entrance of Pavilions )
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-786-9983
Save the date and head DTLA this Saturday for Cube Marketplace's one day warehouse sale featuring gourmet foods, designer housewares, and garden accessories at 50-90 % off.
Some not-to-miss deals and brands include "Arzberg (Soup Tureen regular price $205, sale price $35), Berard, Caroline Swift, DbO Home (Honeycomb Hot Chocolate Cups with Gold regular price $80, sale price $18) Esther Coombs, Gegenbauer, Girlscantell (Tea Towels regular price $20, sale price $7), Glassybaby, Huilerie Beaujolaise, John Pomp (Drop Vase regular price $352, sale price $130), Lorena Barrezueta, LouLou’s Garden, Mockingbird Meadows, Moufelt, Nudo, Pigeon Toe Ceramics (Patio Collection Disc Chimes regular price $24, sale price $10), Pollen Ranch, Quai Sud, Reynoldsware, Simrin, Snappy Shop, Tse & Tse (Confetti Hungry Plates, regular price $237, sale price $60), Virginia Sin, Wobbly Bowls, and many more", according to our friends at Cube.
With how quick time flies by these days, it's never too early to shop for those holiday gifts!
CUBE Warehouse Sale
550 Ceres Avenue in downtown Los Angeles (90013)
Saturday, October 1st, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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