FOOD FASHIONISTA

Knork Flatware - Knife and Fork in one

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

Missoni for Target - Get Ready!

 

I've always been a fan of Missoni's zig zag knits and colorful prints, even wearing one of their mulit-colored couture dresses for a Fashionbliss' launch party in '05. Little did I know back then, that six years later, this family-run fashion power house from Italy would be showcasing a 400+ piece collection at the local Target. Well, times have changed, and yes, like many, I am very excited. Home decor, swimsuits, men's wear, make-up brushes, computer gear, kids clothing, luggage, stationary, rain boots, and even a Missoni bicycle are all available for purchase very soon.

“Working with Target to create a mass collection that reflects the spirit of Missoni has been extremely energizing,” said Angela Missoni. “Each piece is special to me because so much thought and care went into every aspect of the design. I can’t wait to introduce the collection to Target’s guests across the United States.”

The big day is September 13th. Hope the folks at Target scheduled extra staff for their brick and mortar and online store because it's going to be a mad-Missoni shopping frenzy!

 
                              Missoni for Target Dishware

 
            Missoni for Target Bicycle - Grocery Shopping Chic

 
                        For the Hostess with the Missoni-ostest

Handbag Cookie Jars at Neiman Marcus

 
They may be on backorder until late August, but that's milliseconds for anyone who's ever waited for the latest pre-order "it" bag. Priced on sale for only $28, this Neiman Marcus exclusive may possibly be the most economically-priced purse we've ever seen at the luxury retailer. 

The hand-painted ceramic couture cookie jars were made to carry the sweet stuff, aka cookies, but you can also use it as a mini storage. After all, isn't that what many of our real purses look like.

Whether it's dark chocolate chip, gooey peanut butter, cinnamon sugar, lemon verbena or sea salt caramel, the contents is up to you. Makes a chic and unique gift.

 

Purchase online at Neiman Marcus

CUBE Marketplace & Cafe - Los Angeles

 

Earlier this month, I met up with my old school, fellow former new wave lovin' friend Pam aka Daily Gluttony for a Summer lunch at Cube Marketplace and Cafe in West Hollywood. It was a splendid formal reunion of sorts since we hadn't really seen each other in many, many years with the exception of a brief encounter at Urban Spoon Happy Hour a month before. When deciding on places to meet, we both had yet to dine at Cube, and heard lots of wonderful things about it, so it was the obvious choice. 

              Fourme D'ambert with Montepulciano Jam

You wouldn't guess it from the outside, but Cube is a triple combo of a contemporary cafe with a strong Italian, California influenced menu, a cheese bar with over 85 varieties from around the world, and a gourmet marketplace where you can stock up on everything from wine, cookbooks, antipasti, and kitchenware.

             Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Peach w/Mozzarella

                                      Oxtail Ragu Pasta

The food was delightfully fresh, full of flavor and fun to photograph. We also had fantastic service from Shane aka The Supper Hero. With camera perfect day lighting, Pam brought along several of her cameras and I toted my point and shoot. I'm usually the only one photographing food at the table, so it was fun comparing notes, and photos with a fellow food shutterbug.

              Black Truffle Mozzarella Pizza with Fried Eggs

If you love to eat, photograph food, and are in the Los Angeles area this Saturday 7/31 , you are in for a treat. For only $50, you can attend a Phototasting workshop at Cube Marketplace and Cafe where Daily Gluttony and others will guide you through an afternoon of food photography tips and lessons along with food sampling and tasting of some of the items above. You can purchase tickets at Phototasting at Cube.

You can also tweet + comment your way to WIN a 35" Black and Tan Camera Strap from Phat Straps from Weezermonkey. 

                                 Wine & Cheese at Cube

CUBE Marketplace and Cafe 

615 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2013
(323) 939-1148

Spam Slicer - A Spam Musubi Must-Have

 

I'm not one for processed or mystery meat, but with a Japanese background and family in Hawaii, Spam was definitely a part of family gatherings growing up. I used to spend a lot of time in Hawaii, and along with Leonard's Malasadas and Matsumoto Shaved Ice, a Spam Musubi was part of the culinary check off list.

In recent times, I don't remember the last time I ate Spam, but at a family gathering in Northern California, my cousin Annie, knowing I'm obsessed with all things cookery and gadgety, busted out a Spam slicer to amuse me. The packaging was appropriately generic and the item resembled an egg slicer, but only in Spam form.

Spam Musubi

Spam musubi is a common and popular snack in Hawaii combining a teriyaki glazed slice of grilled spam atop a shaped chunky block of rice with seaweed wrapping. You can readily find it at casual convenience stores in Hawaii like ABC and 7-Eleven. Hawaiian families also commonly prepare it as a snack or party food.

If you are in the market for your own Spam slicer, purchase one on Ebay here...but hurry, they're going faster than a loco moco at Zippy's. Now if I could only find a slicer for the Spam in my inbox.

Cuisinart Pink Ice Cream Maker

 

 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for homemade ice cream! While browsing Neimans, I ran across this pretty in pink number with stainless steel accents. This stylish yet functional Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker makes soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet and we're hoping gelato at the turn of a dial. It also features three condiment makers on top that dispense your favorite toppings. Oh and even better yet, it's on sale right now for $100.00 from it's original $185.00. When you think of how much $$ you spend out on frozen treats every year, this investment will be sure to pay off. Just another reason to shop for Spring and invite the friends (and their well behaved kids) over for some home made frozen treats. Also available in white for those who aren't quite into the Hello Kitty pink vibe.

Pink Model Available at NeimanMarcus.com