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!
Edible flowers, coconut and skull dishware made quite the divine combo at Playa Rivera on a recent visit. This gorgeous dessert consisted of a pineapple-coconut bread pudding accompanied with shredded coconut and coconut sorbet. Almost too beautiful to eat...almost.
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.
On a rainy, cold night in L.A., there's sometimes nothing more nurturing that a steamy hot pot of soup and a re-read of the premier issue of Style.com - which I'm currently already obsessed with.
I prepared enough soup for like ten, but I figure it'll keep me warm for the next couple days. Plus, soup often gets better with some time and it was the perfect remedy to cleanse the body after the decadent weekend eating which included goat belly, lamb leg, Little John's English Toffee, Lette (formerly Paulette) macarons, home-made dark chocolate truffles, and several bottles of some splended red...and that was just one meal. With organic meat from Lindy & Grundy butcher shop and a close-knit, casual dinner for friends prepared by friend, chef Dominique Crenn, it was a comfort food type of weekend.
I think it's time to hit the gym soon...
Dom's Lindy Grundy Goat belly with rosemary & thyme potatoes
Dominique Crenn on a Chef's Day Off...Still working it!
Sunday Supper with Friends
Dark chocolate truffles & red wine are divine
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.
Thank you so much for being a part of Food Fashionista. I'm truly grateful for your friendship and readership throughout the years. Wishing you and your loved ones a very blessed, happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. Be safe, indulge, and don't count the calories!
Thankful for creative art -“Hello Turkey Chicken Dinner” by Nouar
Grateful for God's Natural November Beauty
Thankful for colorful Chocolate Turkeys at See's Candies
Appreciative of timeless craftsmanship & vintage designer classics
Thankful for true and inspiring friends
Grateful for my fluffy kitty that loves to eat as much as I do... and Thankful for so, so much more!
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
Brief Dish Blurb: The captivating aroma of fresh baked, just out-of- the oven Cherry Oat Scones will have you in a dreamy state of mind at this tranquil escape in the midst of bustling San Francisco.
The Dish: Topped with oats and sprinkled with sugar, with yes, cherries on top, the Cherry Oat Scones at Samovar Tea Lounge are prepared with love daily. The hearty, delicious Samovar version of the Scottish-originating scone arrives with a side of caloric and thick Devonshire cream – a double-clotted cream that is decadently delicious and a rarity to find in the city. A berry jam is also served which varies seasonally from strawberry, raspberry or blackberry. On occasion, apricot or pear ginger jams are also featured. For breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these flaky, filling and flavorful scones are a hearty snack. Complete your Samovar Cherry Scone experience by pairing them with a suggested Earl Red or Lychee Black tea.
Key Ingredients: oatmeal, cherries, butter
The Place: On the Upper Terrace of SOMA’s Yerba Buena Gardens, Samovar Tea Lounge sources their high-quality environmentally sustainable tea and seasonal herbal fusions from small family farmers, who they call “artists of the leaf”. This relaxed urban getaway is the ideal retreat for those needing some quiet time to wind down during the often hectic and fast-paced city life. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it is an ideal setting during both chilly, and those rarely warm SF days (and nights). Complementing the extensive tea selection and service are a variety of salads, sandwiches, and sweets. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available upon request.
Other menu musts: Hence the name, the tea is the ultimate must-have at Samovar Tea Lounge. The sweet, spicy Masala Chai is a favorite.
Extra facts: In addition to the Yerba Buena location, there are two other Samovar Tea Lounge escapes in San Francisco including one in the Mission-Castro neighborhood, and one in the San Francisco Zen Center (how fitting).
Originally featured on HeardAbout.com
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
Do Wah Diddy
Pouring rain or blistering shine, on any given day in Westwood, you’ll hear the sounds of Do Wah Diddy Diddy Riese humming around the UCLA campus. Diddy Riese - the build-your-own ice cream sandwich institution, is a cult-favorite among spoiled students, picky parents, camera-toting tourists, and pretty much every fat kid in all of us seeking to satisfy our insatiable sweet tooth.
For only a buck fifty for a hefty ice cream sandwich, even the tight-wad penny-pinchers (you know who you are) can win instant baller credibility by treating five of your friends to a famous Diddy Riese ice cream sandwich -all for under $10.
And although Diddy Riese attracts the fans, it isn't named after an infamous rap star, but rather the owner’s fondly-remembered, beloved grandmother. Ten tempting cookie varietals are baked in-house from scratch daily and include flavors such as sugar (high) cinnamon and double (trouble) chocolate with nuts. Pair these with a scoop of Dreyers Premium Strawberry cheesecake chunk or Butter pecan, and voila…you too are now officially a Diddy Riese addict.
926 Broxton Ave
Westwood, California 90024
(310) 208-0448
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
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