FOOD FASHIONISTA

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

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

AYC- Allston Yacht Club for Small Plates, Brunch, Drinks

Don't let the name fool you, Allston Yacht Club is not a member's only yacht club and no where close to water. Rather, it is a casual small bites wine bar in L.A. located four traffic lights from the Elysian Park entrance to Dodger Stadium. The name Allston Yacht Club derives from a student neighborhood in Boston, MA where the two owners, Charles Kelly and Bill DiDonna originate and hold fond memories of.

On several visits to AYC, I've been extremely pleased with the value of the cuisine - on all occasions, my check came out to no more than $30 per person for both brunch and dinner and that was including alcohol and gratuity. Everything on the menu is priced from $4-$9 for small bites and $6-$10 for wines by the glass. There is also a full bar and a special cocktail menu. The service is unpretentious and friendly with the owners always usually on hand to guide you through the menu.

 

Grilled Cheese (Dinner Menu)

NYC Wine & Food Festival 2009 - OCT 8-11

Just a month away until Food Network's NYC Wine and Food Festival which takes place in the big apple on October 8th - 11th. Although many of the most popular events are already sold out, there are still plenty of tickets left for a number of eclectic events over the 4 day food feast that will feature many of your favorite chefs, culinary personalities, wine makers and mixologists.

Some of the participating chefs include Alain Ducasse, Ming Tsai, Bobby Flay, Art Smith, Mario Batali, David Chang, and Daniel Boulud, just to name a few. If you love food and wine, this is a long weekend not to be missed.

You can purchase your tickets at:

NYC Wine & Food Festival Tickets

For our pics/recap of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2009 held in February, visit:

Food Fashionista at Sobe Wine & Food Festival

SF Chefs. Food. Wine. - Vintner & Mixologist PICS

As promised, here are pics featuring the mixologists and wineries from the inaugural SF. Chefs. Food Wine. held in San Francisco's Union Square.

For Festival OPENING NIGHT PICS, visit SF CHEFS FOOD WINE OPENING NIGHT

For Festival FOOD PICS, visit SF FOOD PICS

For Festival CHEF PICS, visit SF CHEF PICS

SF Chefs. Food. Wine Opening Night

 

Chefs Tyler Florence, Hubert Keller & Mayor Gavin Newsom

S.F. Mayor Gavin Newsom and Chef Tyler Florence

The inaugural SF Chefs. Food. Wine. event launched yesterday with a ribbon cutting and traditional sabering ceremony in San Francisco's Union Square with Mayor Gavin Newsom, and host Chef Tyler Florence. Also in attendance, were event founder Andrew Freeman, The Golden Gate Restaurant Association, and many Bay Area chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists and chefs including Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys.

Chef Corey Lee's Potato Soup w/Truffle & Sea Urchin

Gitane's Gazpacho

Following the opening ceremony, was the Opening Reception which featured Bay Area's Rising Star Chefs and Bar Stars working their magic with their culinary delights and masterful drinks.

Mixologist Reza Esmali

 

Mixologists Dominic Venegas & Mike Hicks

Some of the participating chefs included Melissa Chou of Aziza, David Barzigan of Chez Papa Resto, Lisa Eyherabide of Gitane, Justin Simoneaux of Moss Room, and Corey Lee. The mixologists strutting their stuff included Brooke Arthur, Marco Dionysos, Martin Cate, Reza Esmali, Dominic Venegas, Neyah White, Thad Vogler, and Carlos Yturria.

 

The fabulous Vanessa and Bill Higgins

 

Rachael Mann, Mika Takeuchi & Elyssa Thorp

Great Fellow Food Lovers from Bunrab

 MANY MORE PICS FROM SF. CHEFS. FOOD. WINE. WILL SOON BE ADDED...

SF Chefs. Food. Wine. - Get Your Tickets Now!

Still time to get your tickets for SF. Chefs. Food. Wine. - San Francisco's Premier Culinary Event.

The Bay Area's ultimate food and wine weekend starts this Thursday, August 6th and runs through Sunday, August 9th.

"SF CHEFS. FOOD. WINE. is the premiere interactive urban food and wine weekend experience set in the epicenter of culinary innovation – celebrating notable chefs, vintners, culinary personalities, regional ingredients and Northern Californian flair. Union Square, August 6-9, 2009. More information can be found at www.sfchefsfoodwine.com."

Aureole - New York

After 21 years in a 1920's brownstone on the Upper East Side, Charlie Palmer's landmark restaurant Aureole has a new home on the ground level of the "most eco friendly" building in the world at 1 Bryant Park. Offering a sleeker, yet cozy contemporary design by designer Adam D. Tihany, Aureole carries on the tradition of catering to their devoted clientele while welcoming the new.

Behind the kitchen is the power duo of Executive Chef Christopher Lee and Pastry Chef Jennifer Yee. From Yee's savory bread creations offered at the beginning of the meal, to her petit fours at the end of the meal, Aureole strikes a home run from start to finish. Chef Christopher Lee's menu is inventive and whimsical while still carrying on the tradition of Charlie Palmer's seasonal and modern American cuisine. His skills in the kitchen and creative use of ingredients are a god send to the palate. Sommelier Justin Lorenz does an exceptional task of pairing the wines exquisitely with the various courses.

Next time you are in New York and in the mood to treat yourself to a classic world class New York dining experience with stellar service and world class cuisine, head over to Aureole in Manhattan. You won't be disappointed.

Amuse – Scallop Sashimi

Marc Hebrart, Premier Cru Brut Rosé, Champagne, France

First course – Diver Sea Scallop Sandwich w/ Seared Foie Gras

Roussanne, Truchard, Carneros, California, 2006

 

Chef Christopher Lee

 

First course – Tuna Tartare (Looks like egg yolk, but not)

Gruner Veltliner, Johann Donabaum, Federspiel, Spitzer Point, Wachau, Austria, 2007

 Crispy Soft Shell Blue Crab w/Belgian Endive, Granny Smith Apples, Sauce Remoulade

Riesling, Peter Lehmann, Eden Valley, Australia, 2008

Artichoke Ravioli w/Crayfish, Andouille Sausage, Caper Sauce

Bourgogne Blanc, Trapet Père & Fils, Burgundy, France 2007

Striped Sea Bass w/White Asparagus, Watermelon, Smoked Yellow Tomato

Verdejo, Naiades, Rueda, Spain, 2005

Veal tenderloin & Sweetbreads w/Georgia Peaches, Pickled Ramps, Lovage Veal Juice

Gevrey Chambertin, Lucie et August Lignier, Les Seuvrees, Burgundy, France 2003

Dessert – Sweet Corn Soufflé w/Blueberry Chutney, Yogurt, Brown Butter

Beerenauslese Cuvee, Alois Kracher, Burgenland, Austria, 2006

Dessert – Caramel Panna Cotta w/Warm Banana Bread, Galangal, Candied Coconut

Beerenauslese Cuvee, Alois Kracher, Burgenland, Austria, 2006

 

 

w/ Pastry Chef Extraordinaire Jennifer Yee

 

Petit Fours - wish I could've taken the whole tray home w/me :)

Aureole
One Bryant Park
135 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Tel: 212.319.1660

South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2009 Recap

Despite the slowdown in the economy, the turn out of food and wine lovers was in full effect at this year's Sobe Wine and Food Festival presented by the Food Network. Every event attended was packed with revelers enjoying a variety of beverage and cuisine from many of the top names in the industry. Big name chefs in attendance included Pedro Subijana, Daniel Boulud, Michelle Bernstein, Jose Andres, Norman Van Aken, Charlie Trotter, Eric Ripert, Gordon Maybury, Alfred Portale, Rick Moonen, Neal Fraser, Paul Bartolotta, Floyd Cardoz, David Walzog, Roy Yamaguchi and Francisco Torreblanca amongst many others. What makes the Sobe Wine and Food Festival so unique, is that it is a 4 day event spread throughout locations in the Miami area that offers a taste of something for everyone and anyone.

Mika w/ master mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim

For serious wine lovers and a $1,000 per head, there was the Screaming Eagle event held at the Miami Convention center. For those who follow this Oakville vintner, they will say the price was a mere bargain. For those who had mixology on the brain rather than vino, there was the Latin Libations seminar hosted by master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim (above) and Roberto Santibanez.

chef Emeril Lagasse book signing

For foodies who preferred a more playful hands on approach, the days were filled with cooking demonstrations and luncheons including a Barilla pasta interactive lunch hosted by Food Network dude, Guy Fieri and former Top Chef winner's Ilan Hall and Hung Huynh. The Whole Foods Grand Tasting Village held over the weekend is always a festival favorite and this year was no exception with jam packed crowds enjoying unlimited food, wine samplings and demonstrations from Food Network's celeb chefs.

Stanton Social's offerings at Patron party

The evenings were filled with popular events including Rachael Ray's Burger Bash, Perrier-Jouet's BubbleQ hosted by Tom Colicchio, and Wine Spectator's Best of the Best event held at the gorgeous and newly renovated Fountainbleau hotel. If a sit down dinner and no sand in the shoes is more your kind of thing, the Tribute Dinner honoring Emeril Lagasse or the Viva Espana event featuring the wines and foods of Spain would have definitely called your name. The late night party crowd enjoyed shindigs such as  the Modern Luxury event hosted by Tyler Florence, Paula Deen's Harrah's Casino Night and the Patron South Beach Soiree.

 

Kimber and Mika w/ chef Todd English

In addition the the official festival events, there were the many industry fetes including the Mario Batali Ernst Benz watch soiree at the Tides Hotel, the Seven Daughter's Winemaker's Blend event
hosted by Rachael Ray with a performance by the Cringe, and the new Laurent Tourondel BLT Steak preview. For those lucky few in the know, there were also super private VIP after hour parties held for the who's who of the culinary world.

Here are some other highlights/details of this past week's events:

Cruzan Rum After-Party hosted by Tyler Florence and Modern Luxury

Day 1 of 2009's South Beach Wine and Food Festival ended with a Cruzan Rum after- party hosted by Food Network star Tyler Florence and presented by Modern Luxury Media. Food Fashionista was in the house enjoying delicacies including a refreshing Tuna, Salmon, Ponzu and Jalapeno "Crudo de Vito" prepared by Danny DeVito's, DeVito's South Beach and Oysters on the rocks by the Raleigh Hotel Restaurant and Bar on South Beach where the party was held. Uber chef Todd English and his new Ft. Laurderdale restaurant, da Campo Osteria at IL Lugano Hotel and were also on hand delighting guest's palates. We also loved the Truffle Orecchiette, Skake Salad, with Gorgonzola and Carmelized White Chocolate Marble from Chef Kurtiz Jantz of Trump International Resorts. 

Check out all the photos from Tyler Florence Modern Luxury event:

Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village

It's no wonder why this is a Sobe Wine and Food Festival crowd favorite. Held during both weekend days right on the beach off of Ocean drive, this event features food, wine and liquor from hundreds of wine and spirit purveyors, restaurants and caterers, and confectioners. The majority of the event is held under huge white tents while the rest has you strolling along the white sand beach in the South Beach sunshine. All throughout the day were demos hosted by Celebrity chefs and food personalities such as "Wagyu Truth" by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, "Modern Africa" by Marcus Samuelsson, "Fun in the Sun" by Iron Chef Cat Cora, "Crab Love" by Bobby Flay, " Chicalicious" with Ingrid Hoffmann, "West Coast Seafood Feast" by Tyler Florence, and "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" by Martha herself. There was also a book signing tent which had crowds waiting for autographs and photo opps with their favorite Food Network stars such as Rocco DiSpirito and Emeril Lagasse. As for cuisine, the Barilla tent was continuously packed with hungry crowds lining up for executive chef Lorenzo Boni and team's Cellentani with artichokes and Parmigiano with peppers pasta. The Barilla booth served over 12,000 pasta samples during the Grand Tasting which included 720 lbs of pasta, 550 lbs of artichokes, 60 lbs of onions, 160 lbs of Pecorino cheese from Tuscany, 80 lbs of smoked pancetta, and 15 lbs of pinenuts. The Puerto Rico booth was also rockin' with the country's top chefs including Robert Trevino of Budatai, Augusto Schreiner, and Mario Pagan. Michelle Bernstein's sweet corn and cheese empanadas from the Sargento booth were also popular with the hungry festival attendees.

Check out all the fabulous photos from the Grand Tasting:

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Harrah's Casino Night hosted by Paula Deen

The queen of comfort food Paula Deen hosted a Vegas style late night party equipped with Sin City style gambling, Ketel One Vodka cocktails and all the Southern Cuisine your heart and stomach desired. This was definitely a party you wouldn't be leaving hungry. There were corn bread muffins, creamed spinach, po boy sandwiches, crab cake sliders, funnel cakes, mac and cheese, and deep fried chocolate dipped donuts with all the fixings. The crowd was devouring, dancing, and playing the night away. Paula looked stunning in a royal blue and white flowy blouse with chic white pants while she mingled with the crowd and danced with hubby Michael Groover on stage alongside Food Network star's Sunny Anderson, Pat and Gina Neely, and Guy Fieri. Katie Lee Joel was also spotted at this festive event.

Check out all the photos from Harrah's Casino Night by Paula Deen:

Patron South Beach Soiree

This spicy hot after-hours party featured passed hors d'hoeuvres by chef Chris Santos of NYC's Stanton Social including an Avocado and Shrimp Shooter, and a delicious Kobe Beef Tartare on Crispy Rice. Patron hosted the open bar which included creative cocktails such as the Patron Margarita Sno-Cone and a Ice-Cold Hot Chocolate with Patron Silver and Spicy Dulce de leche.

Check out all the photos from the Patron party:

Cocktail Time with Sandra Lee

A gorgeous sunset setting, with metallic human model sculptures was the backdrop for Sandra Lee's cocktail soiree at the Standard Hotel. Food Network star Sandra was looking svelte and stylish in her vintage 70's black strapless jumper while posing for pics and signing autographs with the Cuervo margarita drinking crowd. Along with the throng of Sandra Lee followers was James Beard award winning chef Art Smith of Table Fifty-Two and Art and Soul who was in attendance at this poolside affair.

Check out all the photos from Cocktail Time w/Sandra Lee:

Mario Batali Ernst Benz Event at Tides South Beach

Mario was sporting his signature orange Crocs while he mingled with friends and guests who were celebrating his collaboration with luxury watch maker Ernst Benz. There were passed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails by Hendricks, and a music set list hand selected by chef Batali himself. Spotted in the intimate, hand picked crowd were Guy Fieri, Tony Abou-Ganim, Jose Andres, and Emeril Lagasse. Also in the crowd were Jim and Pam Webster whoe had previously won a contest called "Marios Ultimate Grilling Challenge" in which Jim prepared the award winning dish Pig-wrapped, Pig-stuffed Pig - an orange-fennel sausage, stuffed in a butterflied pork tenderloin, wrapped in pancetta, then grilled with an orange marmalade glaze. Sounds Delicious! For winning the challenge, Jim and Pam went to a Nascar race in Texas where Mario Batali and Rachael Ray threw a tailgating party for them.

The Ernst Benz limited edition Mario Batali watches come in both black and you guessed it....Orange!  Although the night was chilly, the crowd stayed toasty with the heat lamps, vino, and special Hendrick's drinks including the Batali Rocks with Hendrick's Gin, muddled tangerine, pineapple, fresh lime and a splash of aperol.

Check out all the fab photos from Mario Batali Ernst Benz event:

Chef Michel Richard's Award Winning Cuisine in Washington D.C.

Delicious Dining from Michel Richard Citronelle

If you happen to be in the D.C. area this week, and I know many of you are, I suggest you fit some pleasurable time in with you and your palate and head over to one of acclaimed chef Michel Richard's award winning restaurants.

Central Michel Richard Interior Space

Coveted dinner reservations may be limited for this historic inauguration week at the upscale Michel Richard Citronelle or the more contemporary, Central Michel Richard, but if you weren't lucky or prepared enough to score a resi, I suggest you venture in to Central Michel Richard for lunch or drop in for a fabulous glass of vino from their incredible selection accompanied by some of Chef Richard's sumptuous cuisine. If cocktails are more your speed, you can enjoy one of Central's creative cocktails including a Velvet Mojito (Bacardi Rum, Velvet Falernum, fresh mint, fresh lime) or a Ginger Daquiri (Neisson Rum, Agricole, Creme de Gigembre, fresh lime juice, ginger syrup).

 

Michel Richard's Lobster Burger

The room at Central Michel Richard is sleek and stylish. The food is tantalizing and combines well known American favorites with a french touch. Mouth watering items include Tartare of Filet Mignon and French Fries, Fried Chicken with Mustard Sauce, or a Lobster Burger. Don't forget the savory side selections which include Creamed Spinach, Macaroni and Cheese, or Brussel Sprouts with Beacon. Be sure to save room for a decadent dessert which may include a Chocolate Lava Cake ala Mode or a Banana Split.

 Central executive chef Cedric Maupillier &  Michel Richard

With over 40 years of culinary experience, Chef Michel Richard has definitely earned his well deserved accolades. Mentions for Michel Richard Citronelle include Goumet Magazine's Top 20 Restaurants in the United States award in both 2001 and 2006 and Best New Restaurant 2008 for Central Michel Richard by the prestigious James Beard Foundation.

Central Michel Richard (Contemporary, Elegant Hot Spot)
Open for Lunch (M-F) & Dinner (Everyday)
1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 626-0015
For Online Reservations, visit here

Michel Richard Citronelle (Fine Dining, Jackets Required for Men)
Open for Dinner Nightly
3000 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 625-2150
For Online Reservations, visit here