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Nick's Cove Getaway - Marshall, California

On a recent weekday in October, we drove approximately two hours on a zigzagging Highway 1 to the small and secluded West Marin town of Marshall - population 50. With the exception of my motion sickness, there were spectacular views all 55+ miles. I probably enjoyed ten of them, but that's okay, I did manage to get a few great photos. To my relief, I did find out later, that there was a much simpler way to get there and back from San Francisco, sans the need for dramamine.  

The arrival time couldn't have been any more ideal with the picturesque, glowing sun setting down on Tomales Bay. It was absolutely stunning. We checked in to one of the waterfront cottages (Ruthie's), where there was a private bay-view balcony, just feet above water. And, if it couldn't get any better, upon arrival at Nick's Cove & Cottages, guests receive a plate of fresh BBQ'd Oysters - a nice little snack to take in the natural setting while you kick back on the wooden balcony. The location is serene and rural, but the cottage accomodations are first-class, with heated bathroom floors, comfy beds, a well-stocked mini bar and modern amenities.

Don't expect to be yapping on your cell phone or twitter while you are out here. There's minimal internet connection, and that's a good thing. If you really need to make a call, you can use the (gasp) land line. This is meant to be a vacation. A real vacation. A time to relax, unwind, and get back in touch with the beauty and nature of the universe.

Nick's Cove restaurant is adjacent to the cottages and also offers stellar views. In addition, they serve excellent cuisine. Though they are best known for their fresh, local oysters and seafood dishes such as dungeness crab mac & cheese, Nick's offers a whole lot more on their menu. Executive Chef Austin Perkins specializes in serving the finest seasonal, sustainable California cuisine sourced from the area’s abundant Marin and Sonoma County farms. They also have a well-thought out cocktail list and wine selections to match. A favorite dish on the special menu, was the Scallop Ceviche with panko crusted coconut rice. It was finely paired wtih a 2010 Russian River Valley Dry Gewurtztraminer from Halleck Vineyards.

I should also mention their wonderful room service breakfast options including the Dungeness Crab Benedict...

If you aren't tempted enough yet, the wonderful, hospitable folks at Nick's are hosting their inaugural Crab Catch at Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages this Sunday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's a family-friendly affair and throughout the day, various crab-centric activities will be available for crustacean-lovers of all ages including a Tomales Bay crab-catching competition and a cooking demo with Executive Chef Austin Perkins. There will also be a crab-infused cocktail “Crabby Hour;” and a three-course Dungeness crab tasting menu, with a portion of the day’s proceeds benefiting the Petaluma Educational Foundation. If interested, you can register at http://crabcatch.eventbrite.com. For those looking for something a little quieter, you can always book Nick's for a mid-week getaway. Either way, you won't regret it.

 

For more of my Nick's Cove Getaway photos, including a 10-course, wine-paired dinner, visit my kullection HERE

 

Nick's Cove & Cottages

23240 California Highway 1 Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 663-1033

 

Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival 2012

It was a hot weekend in Los Angeles. I mean, literally scorching hot. The temps rose to triple digits and there were more ovens burning in LA than usual. Chefs, Sommeliers and epicures from all over converged on to downtown's LA Live for the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival with partners Lexus, AEG and Food & Wine Magazine.

This wasn't just any food event. This gathering was a continued celebration of Chef Wolfgang Puck's 30 year tradition of raising awareness and funds for St. Vincent's Meals on Wheels. To date, he has donated millions with his American Food & Wine Festival and another $400,000 raised from LAFW's inaugural year.

                Chefs Dean Fearing and Michelle Bernstein

Lexus Southern Brunch- Fearing's Chicken Fried Texas Quail with Bourbon/Jalapeno Creamed Corn & Bernstein's Creamy Fontina Grits w/corn & charred kale 

        Ricardo Zarate's Grilled Miso Paiche on Butter Lettuce

From an Opening night Festa Italiana hosted by Giada De Laurentiis to the Lexus Grand Tasting tents, there was something to fit everyone's particular taste and palate. With Chefs like Michael Chiarello, Joachim Splichal, Nobu Matsuhisa, Charles Phan and Scott Conant headlining events, it was difficult task to not want to attend all of the above. Most events were sold out and with ticket prices ranging from $50 for a celebrity chef cooking demo, to $2,000 for an invite-only Founder's Dinner, guests definitely got their money's worth.

                                   Chef Gino Angelini

                                 A Bubbly Good Time

Only at LAFW, could you get Hawaiian Ahi Poke from Chef Sam Choy, Chicken Fried Texas Quail via Chef Dean Fearing a Morro Bay Oyster from Post Ranch Inn's Chef John Cox, and a spiked Pina Colada popsicle from the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas..all in one day.

                  Chef Alexandre Vacher's "Snickers Bar"

                Patina's Joachim Splichal & Charles Olalia

       Church and State's Heirloom Tomatoes with Vinaigrette

Despite all the incredible events throughout the weekend, the one many seemed extra excited for was the Lexus Live on the Plaza with Wolfgang Puck and Friends. Perhaps, it was because "friends" of WP, included folks like Gale Gand (Tru), Rory Herrmann (Bouchon BH), Levi Mezick (Restaurant 1833), Paul Prudhomme, Kerry Heffernan, Francois Payard, and a Third Eye Blind concert. Yup, at LAFW, you can have your plate of Spago, glass of Opus One, front-row view at a rock concert and eat your cake too.

                           Wolfgang Puck at LAFW

Thanks, Wolfgang Puck, Coastal Luxury Management, Lexus and all the sponsors for making this past weekend happen.

 

For more info on Los Angeles Food & Wine, visit HERE

See Food Fashionista's LAFW 2012 Photo Album HERE later today

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2012 - Food Fashionista

 

The fifth-annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival successfully wrapped up this weekend, with mostly sell-out events to the luxe four-day epicurean celebration. From a Tribute to a Legend Dinner honoring Chef Thomas Keller, to the familiar tented daytime Grand Tastings, wine and dining afficionados and fans came out to indulge.

I drove up for the day with Laiko from Epicuring, and the ride up was therapeutic and mesmerizing. We chose an ideal day, since it had just finished raining the night before. As much as I love the energy of the city, it's always a welcome escape to get out and smell the fresh seawater, drive by artichoke farms and sand dunes, and gaze at the alpacas and grazing cows hanging out under a massive willow tree. 

In addition to the pre-scheduled events of PBFW, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas threw a well-attended oceanfront happy hour at the Inn at Spanish Bay that brought the chefs, sommeliers and locals out to socialize, unwind and party. DJ beats, champagne, fresh-shucked oysters and heavily scented cigars were all in attendance. Spotted in the crowd were Chefs Charles Phan, Francois Payard, Paul Bartolotta, Rory Hermann, Luigi Fineo, Ricardo Zarate, Roy Choi, Sang Yoon and 40th birthday boy Chris Consentino in addition to many others.

Everyone I ran into at PBFW commented on how much they have been enjoying the tranquil, natural backdrop of the festival. Basically, Pebble Beach Food & Wine is more than just a stellar wine and food festival, it's the chance to be surrounded by dreamy scenery that folks like Clint Eastwood and George Lopez soak in on a regular basis. Combined with a multitude of the most premier wine, liquor and cuisine names and brands, this was for many, a weekend they will soon not forget. Or perhaps with all the wine consumption, they already have. Not to worry, there's always Los Angeles Food and Wine coming up in August and less than 365 days til' the next Pebble Beach.

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For more photos, visit our Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival 2012 album on our Food Fashionista Facebook page 

James Beard Foundation Awards Brunch - The Venetian/Palazzo Las Vegas

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the official press conference announcing the finalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards. An invitation-only brunch paired with the highly-anticipated news was held at the The Venetian and Palazzo on the Las Vegas strip. The Venetian houses more James Beard Award winners than any other property worldwide, so it was fitting that both the finalist broadcast and a 25th Anniversary Friends of James Beard Foundation Benefit Dinner later that evening were held on premise.

James Beard's Susan Ungaro, Mitchell Davis, Woody Campbell, John Washko

   Spring Pea Agnolotti w/ Crème fraîche & wild morels

Not surprisingly, the brunch menu was plentiful and consisted of liquid wake-me-ups, small plates, live stations and a tempting dessert selection. From a made-to-order House-Smoked Steelhead Buckwheat Crepe with a Fresh Duck Egg, to a basket of European Pastries (I ate three), this brunch was one of those decadent celebrations that Vegas is so good at throwing. Spotted in the crowd were a number of celebrated Las Vegas food and beverage professionals and media including Chef Julian Serrano, Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Ivo Angelov of Le Cirque and Robin Leach who I will always remember as the host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.  

The full list of the 2012 James Beard Foundation Award finalists can be found HERE. The James Beard Foundation Awards, often called the "Oscars of the Food World" is a prestigious program honoring professionals in the food and beverage industries. This year's Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City and will be hosted by multiple James Beard Award–winning celebrity chef, television personality, and author Alton Brown.

To purchase tickets for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards, visit HERE

For more info on dining at The Venetian and The Palazzo, visit HERE

For more photos, visit our James Beard at The Venetian/Palazzo Photo Album.

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

New York Cooks for Tohoku, Japan - Big Chefs with Big Hearts

 

On a daily basis, my inbox is jammed with quite a number of press releases, pitches... and like most emails, there are many (not all, folks relax) that classify as spam-box worthy, and others which I don't immediately have time to get to (sorry, the truth). And then there are those, that truly make you stop, put aside the blackberry, close the facebook window and digest with 100% focus knowing that this is something that must be shared. This was one of those times. Yes, I am originally from Japan, so this may touch a part of me in a slightly personal way, but the reality is that as a human, how can it not strike a chord when you see selfless goodwill shared. I decided to share the whole press release since every detail and every person deserves to be mentioned in this post.

 

“Our goal is to provide some comfort, encouragement and a little something special,” explains Daniel Boulud, with the understanding of just how meaningful a special meal can be.

 

 

NY Cooks for Tohoku
Goodwill Lunch by NY Chefs in Kamaishi, Japan
July 3, 2011

 

Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit's Grand Tasting 5/6 - FEW TICKETS Still Available

 

A few tickets are still left for Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit’s Garden of the Gods Grand Tasting—Las Vegas’ premier citywide culinary extravaganza—on Friday, May 6, at Caesars Palace. Just added to the already impressive 2011 line up of chefs, mixologists and wineries are Michel Richard of Central 24/7 and Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu—both of newly announced but yet-to-open restaurants at Caesars Palace—and Scott Conant (Scarpetta & D.O.C.G.), Bruce and Eric Bromberg (Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill), Stephen Hopcraft (STK) and David Myers (Comme Ça) of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. They will be joining Vegas Uncork'd veterans Paul Bartolotta, Hubert Keller, Joël Robuchon, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Shawn McClain, Mary Sue Milliken, Rick Moonen, Francois Payard, Guy Savoy, Julian Serrano and Jet Tila.

     RM Seafood - Marinated Octopus w/sweet peppers, basil, chorizo oil

 

"The Grand Tasting offers an unmatched opportunity to mingle with the world’s top culinary talent from resorts such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Wynn|Encore, ARIA, The Venetian|The Palazzo and, for the first time, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Guests indulge in an incomparably festive atmosphere while sampling a staggering variety of signature dishes prepared by the city’s roster of award-winning chefs."

 

                         Chocoholics Rejoice...at the Grand Tasting

 

               We were thrilled to see Lotus of Siam at the Grand Tasting

 

 
           Craftsteak - Scallop Crudo, Sea Urchin, Morel & Ramps

“Each year’s Grand Tasting lineup manages to be more exciting than the last,” said Rob O’Keefe, executive director, Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit.  “What makes this event so special is not only the chance it offers guests to sample such an enormous variety of elite culinary creations, but also the opportunity it provides them to get up-close-and-personal with their most beloved chefs.”

Purchase your Grand Tasting tickets HERE

A Day or Week at Chateau Marmont - Hollywood

 
 

An exquisite getaway in the middle of West Hollywood, Chateau Marmont is the epitome of understated movie-star glamour. The serene grounds are a favorite celebrity hideout to lodge and dine under the Southern California sun. In the evening, lounge on your own private terrace with the evening's twinkling stars. Chateau Marmont's outdoor restaurant is a perfect spot for that power lunch or relaxed catch-up meal with a chic and dear friend. You won't go wrong with their Damn Good Burger with homemade ketchup, crispy fries and assorted fixins. Pair that with a Classic Sidecar, glass of Champagne, or an Aperol Spritz and you are ready for your tinseltown close up...

 
                            Chateau Marmont Restaurant

            No shortage of Hollywood Glamour in the Bungalows

 

                             Kitchenettes in the Bungalows

          because even Movie Stars enjoy a Damn Good Burger

 

 

      No stay is complete without your own private terrace

 

                  Dinner Time at Chateau Marmont

  
                Friends waiting to greet you with the room's mini bar

 
                     Bottle of Red & Bouquet of White 

 

For more info on Chateau Marmont, visit HERE

S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants 2011

Congratulations to Rene Redzepi and team at NOMA in Copenhagen, Denmark which claimed the coveted repeat spot at Number 1 for S. Pellegrino's World's Best Restaurants. If you were surprised to see El Bulli omitted from this year's list, it's due to the scheduled closing of the famed restaurant in future months for a rebirth into a foundation. Even sans a 2011 award, El Bulli will remain a top restaurant in the hearts and appetites of the many who were fortunate enough to have dined there.

Here are S. Pellegrino's World's 50 Best Restaurants for 2011: 

 

Las Vegas for Dining, Shopping & Pretty Much Everything...

 

                   Salmon at  L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Love world-class dining, drinking, shopping, accomodations and nightlife? Well, Las Vegas is definitely the place for you. With an endless supply of restaurants by the world's most renowned chefs, Las Vegas is a food-seeker's paradise. As for wine, Sin City sells more of it per capita than any other destination and no surprise, since it also houses more Master Sommeliers than any other city in the world. Well-respected food-glossy, Bon Appetit Magazine even declared Las Vegas one of the nation's top five restaurant cities.  

  

                                    Shops at Via Bellagio

In addition to the celebrated dining scene, shopping in Vegas is the ultimate best of the best. Luxury fashion houses Chanel, Emilio Pucci, Hermes, Lanvin and Kiton's current collections are always fresh, on hand, and available for purchase. Las Vegas is one of those destinations unnecessary to even pack a suit case (if you have the dough to splurge) because the clothes waiting for you at the boutiques are better than the ones you'll probably be packing. ha!

 

                          Lobby Entrance at Cosmopolitan

With the recently opened Cosmopolitan resort in the heart of the Vegas Strip, you can rest and recuperate in high style, or better yet, on your own private terrace. After a night out at their uber hot-spot Marquee, you will need some r & r the following day. Lounging poolside is always a smart way to spend the sunlit hours...but only after a French-inspired breakfast at Payard's at Caesar's Palace (detailed post and photos to come soon).

                                 Jellyfish at Shark Reef

Las Vegas is no longer limited to all-you-can-eat buffets and glitzy showgirls, although there is always that option if you want to go that route. Basically, I'm just saying, this is a city that has something for everyone. Vegas is known as an adult's playground, but there are also options for the little ones. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay or the CSI Experience at MGM Grand for the budding young investigators are fun for both curious kids and adults.

 

             Your choice of drinks at Hubert Keller's Fleur

When making a trip to Vegas, dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants, followed by one of their many shows is ideal. And once again, I must say there is a show for everyone. The various Cirque de Soleil shows  (Ka, La Reve, Love, O) are always winning options, but Celene Dion is quite the hot ticket these days too. If you need a little pep in your step, Jabbawockeez at Monte Carlo is the show for you.

 
                    with Mr. Las Vegas, John Curtas of Eating LV

As you can see, we at Food Fashionista are big fans of Las Vegas. It is a city that never sleeps and one which can never be accused of being a bore. The bright-lights city gains major bonus points for the ability to delight in world-class cuisine, shopping, nightlife, spas, libations and so on at most every hour of the day, right at the very edge of your fingertips.