A Guide to Attainable Luxury

 

Jar of Hearts

February 5, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
2
 

Over the holidays, my sister-in-law put me to work making a round of cranberry rose cocktails for the family. I happen to love anything floral (see Ladurée Violet Tea and Martha’s Honey Lavender Ice Cream), so with our ever favorite holiday approaching (she said with sarcasm), I thought it perfect timing to experiment more with February’s signature scent…the rose. While I may have run all over town tracking down Elixir of Damascan Rose and liquid pectin, the outcome was well worth the hassle. Nothing says “I love you” like something made from the heart.

 

Minted Raspberry & Rose Jam

2 cups fresh or frozen & thawed raspberries
1 cup Elixir of Damascan Rose—This is a non-alcoholic natural floral infusion found in a good liquor store like Barkeeper in Silverlake. You can also boil rose petals with sugar and water, but you’ll have to play around with the amount. Also note, bottled Rose Water will probably not be potent enough to work for this.
2 sprigs of fresh mint
zest from 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pouch liquid pectin

Directions: Bring the Elixir of Damascan Rose, the raspberries, the lemon zest and vanilla extract to a boil. Let simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes until the raspberries cook down. Add the mint and let simmer another 10 minutes. Remove the mint. Add the pouch of liquid pectin and bring to a rolling boil while constantly stirring. Stir constantly for one minute. Remove from heat and immediately pour into sterilized jars (this made 2 small jars as pictured). Let cool and refrigerate.

*This is so delicious you can eat it with a spoon out of the jar, but I recommend putting it over vanilla bean ice cream or serve along side something rich and decadent like a molten chocolate cake.

Print This Post Print This Post Email This Post Email This Post

Tags: , , ,

The Connaught Bar

January 29, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
0
 

There is no shortage of great watering holes in London. There are bars and then there is The Connaught Bar, an ultra posh, royally suited, timeless drinking destination. Located in the historic Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, this is where to go when you want to woo or rendezvous.  It’s quiet. It’s refined. It gives new meaning to the standard night cap.

The menu features classics like the old fashioned, served on a silver tray adorned with an array of colorful accoutrements, proving they are as serious about the drinks as the gorgeous David Collins decor. Though, the standout is surely their iconic martini—ceremoniously presented table side on an art deco trolley, then crafted by a white gloved mixologist.

But, your Bond fantasy ends here. At The Connaught, the martinis are always stirred, never shaken.

NOTE: The Connaught Hotel is a five star ultra luxurious hotel built in 1897 and revamped in 2008. If you are looking for one of the best hotels in London, look no further, but the average nightly rate will run you about $600.

Tags: , , ,

NEW York (Part 3): Wine & Dine

June 12, 2011 | posted by Molly
 
2
 

Keeping up with the New York food scene can be a challenge living all the way in Los Angeles. So, I try to keep a running list of those restaurants I’d like to try on each visit. Here are a few of new and/or noteworthy additions to add to yours:

CROSBY BAR: I’m in LOVE with Firmdale hotels. They represent everything I want to be—sophisticated, charming and fabulously British. Until two years ago, you had to travel to London to spend the night in such luxury, so when the Crosby Street Hotel opened in New York, I had to visit.  Sadly, it has continued to be about $250 more per night than many of the other upscale boutique hotels. Though I could not justify the price of their rooms, we stopped by for a nightcap at The Crosby Bar to see what all the fuss is about. We made fast friends with the mixologist, sipping our carefully crafted “Tigers Eye” and “Devils Advocate,” taking in the whimsical design by Kit Kemp. The perfect place for romance or a secret rendezvous, it was every bit as stylish as I had hoped.


EATALY: It’s been rumored for a while now that Los Angeles is getting an Eataly, Mario Batali’s monstrosity of a marketplace that opened less than a year ago in New York (we’re waiting…). This is a one stop shop for all your Italian cooking needs and cravings that includes restaurants, groceries, gelateria, imported meats and cheeses, beer and wine and so much more.  We ate Neapolitan pizza at La Pizza, and while it was amazing, the surprising standout was the shaved asparagus with fava bean, pecorino and mint. And, just like everyone else in New York, yes, they deliver. How’s that for having the world at your fingertips?

 

DBGB KITCHEN: If you want to have the Daniel Boulud experience with a more relaxed vibe, head over to his downtown brasserie, where you can nosh on a variety of 14  house made sausages, but still be wowed by more refined dishes like the Asparagus and Fried Egg Salad with Duck Cracklins and Mustard Egg Dressing, Sauteed Burgundy Snails or Escalope of Chatham Cod. The place is packed on Friday night, only adding to the notion that you are out on the town. Use the waiting time to peruse the culinary quotes on the wall, while you sip a craft beer or Pear Sidecar.

 

DOUBLE CROWN: Though it opened in 2008, I have to give props to the restaurant where my food loving sister-in-law moonlights as a waitress. The fare is British Empire fused with Southeast Asian, which means you can expect to find Steamed Mussels in a Coconut Broth, Miso Glazed Bone Marrow with orange-olive marmalade, and an Apple, Lotus and Lily Bulb Salad. The Sunday Nonya dinner is a must—a progressive 7 course family style tasting menu that celebrates a sampling of all the menu flavors. Don’t have quite that big an appetite? Stop by for cocktails and appetizers—it’s equally as fabulous.

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Foodie Friday: Pancakes All Puffed Up

December 31, 2010 | posted by Molly
 
3
 

Looking to impress your family Saturday morning with something a little out of the ordinary?  My husband is 1/2 Dutch, so it seemed only fitting that he surprise me one morning with a Dutch Baby. Since that morning, it’s not a weekend without it. It’s gorgeous. It’s sophisticated. It will put the zing back into your hum drum breakfast routine. And let’s face it, if my husband can make it, so can you!









Puff Pancake

3 tbsp unsalted butter (it’s important to use unsalted)
2 eggs (beaten)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg or cinammon

*lemon and powdered sugar for garnish

Directions: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Put the butter in a cast iron skillet and place in the oven to melt. Meanwhile, mix the remaining ingredients together with a whisk. When the butter has melted, remove the skillet from the oven and pour in the batter. Return to oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until puffy and brown around the edges. Remove from oven and squeeze with half a lemon and powdered sugar. *Other toppings include fruit, ricotta cheese, honey, maple syrup.

Tags: , ,

Bacon Bonbons? Yes, Please! – Perfect Fall Weather Food

December 1, 2010 | posted by Nicole
 
0
 

Not having visited San Francisco since my freshman year of college (an unmentionably long time ago), I’d forgotten about the hidden, and somewhat hard to find alleyways that are sprinkled throughout the downtown area of the city. Gitane (pronounced zhee-tan), the French word for “gypsy,” is a hidden gem down one such alleyway (6 Claude Lane to be exact), next to Union Square.

After gorging ourselves with steamed mussels at Grand Café Brasserie and Bar, and a platter of raw oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co., my fiancé and I opted for a more romantic dinner. Chef Bridget Baston took over the Spanish/Portuguese/French/North African restaurant in April 2010. The funky venue features outdoor dining on the alleyway patio, a dark and sexy downstairs bar (with an extensive mix of cocktails and sherries), and even sexier indoor seating upstairs.

DRINK: Having already had several glasses of wine at lunch (hey, I was on vacation!), I opted for the Esta Noche cocktail over ice. Mixed with blanco tequila, ruby port, agave nectar, fresh lime, ginger beer and angostura bitters, I immediately wished I were sitting on a beach in Mexico. If you’re not in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, like my fiancé was, the bar also features a tropical drink made from pomegranate, lime juice and a few other mystery ingredients.

APPETIZER: The minute we opened our menus, our eyes were glued to the bacon bonbon appetizer. Sweet, salty and savory, the bonbons are made with dried prunes stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in smoked bacon and covered in a spiced port glaze. They were so good I even considered ordering them again for dessert.

ENTRÉE: I stuck with my “only eating seafood while I’m in San Francisco” mantra and ordered the Espadon—grilled swordfish with pumpkin seed pesto, sautéed kale (crisp with just enough salt) and slices of baked pumpkin. The comforting scent wafting off of my plate put me in the mood for fall weather. Unable to decide, my fiancé ordered the Agnea (roasted rack of lamb and braised shoulder) but asked for all the sides that came with the Cerdo (pork tenderloin). The lamb was cooked perfectly, and while the low lighting made it hard for me to see the many sides of vegetables laying under the meat, my date pointed out that he enjoyed the lightly seasoned and very crispy summer beans and braised hearts of romaine.

DESSERT: We shared the brown butter almond cake, baked with Cava-soaked seckle pears, huckleberry compote and a side of spiced-rum gelato and pear sorbet sprinkled with rosemary-infused crumbled streusel. I almost always order a dessert with chocolate, so ordering the almond cake was a real stretch for me. I have to say I don’t regret it one bit. The crunch from the streusel went perfectly with the creamy sorbet and the warm buttery cake. It’s a perfectly elegant dessert for somewhat cool weather.

Tip: Ignore the directions your iPhone Google Maps app gives you. Claude Lane is located near Sutter and Kearny Streets.

Bacon-Wrapped Prunes with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:
12 large dried prunes
4 ounces goat cheese
12 slices bacon

Directions:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
1. Halve the prunes.
2. Stuff prune half with goat cheese
3. Slice bacon in half.
4. Wrap prune in 1/2 bacon slice
5. Arrange prunes with the loose end of bacon facing downward on a foil lined cookie sheet
6. Broil until browned, turning half way through



Print This Post Print This Post Email This Post Email This Post

Tags: , , , ,

Foodie Friday: Tacos-2,500 Miles From Home

November 11, 2010 | posted by Jason
 
0
 

Walking down the streets of the Lower East Side of Manhattan, it’s easy to get lost in the boutique shops, bistros and wine bars. You’ll find something quite different, though, if you happen to stroll south on Elizabeth Street, a half block down from Houston Ave. You’ll hear subtle Mexican music coming from an old warehouse space, where there’s a vintage orange VW van parked inside. What’s inside this van you ask? Just some of the most amazing Mexican ingredients being doled out onto mini corn tortillas by a cheerful taco artist. This is Tacombi @ Fonda Nolita.

Opened only six weeks ago, Tacombi is the brainchild of owner Dario Wolos. Wolos began serving heaven on a tortilla in 2005 from a VW van in the Yucatan beach town of Playa del Carmen. Through a partnership with Aarón Sánchez of the Food Network, Tacombi has finally rolled the 2,500 milesfrom Mexico and parked itself in Lower Manhattan.

There is a daily menu displayed on a blackboard on the inside of the propped up roof of the VW. Kindly tell the chef standing in the van your taco(s) of choice, and he’ll start constructing them before your eyes.

Each taco has its own original flavor, and with a vegetarian and fish option, there is something for everyone. At $3.69 per taco, you also won’t break the bank.  Since they are open from 8am until 2am everyday, it’s a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack… or any time in between. With seven additional VW vans ready to go, Wolos plans on rolling Tacombi into other major cites across the U.S. Keep an eye out. These tacos from heaven could be pulling in to a space near you.

*The menu is open to change based on the chef’s whims, but on this day the menu was as follows…

Rajas Poblanas con Maiz Dulce y Queso Fresco
-Poblano peppers with locally grown sweet corn served with a spicy chile sauce (Vegetarian)

Pollo Locochon Estilo Jalapa
-Veracruz-style marinated chicken ‘a la plancha’, black beans, and plantain, topped with Guajilo chile and pickled onions

Pescado Estilo Colima con Merlango
-Seared Haddock in a Serrano rub, pickled chiles, onions, with a green tomatillo and avocado salsa

Barbacoa Norteña ala Sancez
-Northern Mexico style barbacoa – short rib beef tacos in Chef Aaron Sanchez’ own signature style

Puerco Asado
-A crowd favorite, made with extra lovin, it’s Sanchez rubbed, slow roasted pork served with a crisp red cabbage slaw

Tocombi @ Fonda Nolita.  267 Elizabeth Street.  New York, NY.  917-727-0179



Print This Post Print This Post Email This Post Email This Post

Tags: , ,

Foodie Friday: Los Angeles Date Night Round Up

October 21, 2010 | posted by Molly
 
2
 

Over the past few months, my husband has taken me to some awesome restaurants. Some new, some old, but all worthy of exploring. Whether you are looking for a place that is sure to impress or one that will go easier on the wallet, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these:

FIRST & HOPE-Like something out of Mad Men, this gorgeous supper club will transport you to another era as you cozy into a booth and choose from a slew of artisanal cocktails that actually live up to the creative wording on the menu. The Blackberry Cobbler was the best drink I think I’ve ever had. Follow that up with the Mac & Cheese (I recommend the Cahill Farm Porter  Beer Cheese perfectly paired with a shot of dark ale). Or if you are feeling indulgent…their Mac & Cheese Flight (!!!). The entrees are a play on old school dishes with an elegant twist. Live music beckons you from next door…it’s going to be a good night people.

WATERLOO AND CITY-Just a little warning…if you are expecting a low key, quiet spot where you can sip a cocktail as your date whispers sweet nothings in your ear, this gastropub is not your spot. On a Friday night, it was booming. Luckily, our reservations ensured us a patio seat. I became very skeptical when it was oh too obvious that our waiter was a high on a little more than his job. But, the food made up for his fried brain cells. Make this a double date, so you can share their creative and indulgent appetizers before your main course.

PROVIDENCE-Known for their elaborate tasting menus, seafood and Michelin stars, Michael Cimarusti’s LA “dining destination” is the place to go when you have cause for celebration or reason to woo. Though each course was exceptional, my favorite part was the unparalleled cheese cart, one of the many courses on their full tasting menu. Bit of advice… come with a very large appetite.  It will make this splurge a lot easier to swallow.

RAPHAEL-A newly opened, simplistic spot in Studio City that focuses on “world cuisine” as interpreted by Chef Steven Barkulis (formerly of the Water Grill). We were drawn to the great reviews and reasonable prices (at least for a special occasion). Just don’t be afraid to ask the price of the specials. Though my scallops served over greens and sweet potato puree were an exceptional nod to the season, at a surprisingly $40 (most entrees are under $32), it bit a little damper on an otherwise lovely evening.



Print This Post Print This Post Email This Post Email This Post

Tags: , , , ,

Foodie Friday: Light & Delish

September 24, 2010 | posted by Molly
 
0
 

Photo: Jonny Valiant

I’m always in the need of new recipe inspiration and today I found it. Hearst Magazines just launched “Light & Delish: 400 Calories or less,” a new bookazine featuring 138 quick and easy recipes with, you got it… 400 calories or less. With all my eating out, I need a few healthy options to throw in during the weekdays. My favorite part? Many of the dishes are inspired by favorite restaurant dishes. My other favorite part? It’s only $9.99

Based on their popular website Delish.com, this second edition “Light & Delish” not only gives new ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but offers a guide to wine and cheese (with pairing suggestions).

But, you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s a little taste…

Mexicana Chicken

1 cup(s) dark Mexican lager beer
1 teaspoon(s) flour
2 teaspoon(s) olive oil
1 teaspoon(s) minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt, for beer mixture
1  (6-ounce) zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1  (6-ounce) yellow summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 medium red onion, cut into rings
2 teaspoon(s) ground chipotle chile
2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt, for spice rub
4  (5-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 slice(s) lime

Directions
1. Pour beer into a 4-quart saucepan and bring to a boil (it will foam up); boil 3 minutes, stirring down foam, until reduced to 1/2 cup. Remove from heat; whisk in flour until blended, then olive oil, garlic, and salt. Cool mixture to room temperature.
2. Heat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, toss together a zucchini, yellow summer squash, and red onion.
3. In a small cup, mix together chipotle chile, cumin, and salt; rub spice mixture over chicken breast halves.
4. Fold 4 (15-inch) squares of parchment paper in half on the diagonal, then open up flat. Scatter the zucchini mixture on one triangular side of each piece of parchment and top with a chicken breast. Place 2 lime slices on center of each breast. Working with one portion at a time, spoon 2 tablespoons of the beer mixture over chicken. Fold the unfilled side of parchment over the chicken to cover, then fold the edges together, all the way around, sealing the packet tightly. Repeat with remaining packets.
5. Place packets on a large baking sheet. Bake 26 to 28 minutes or until the packets are puffed and lightly browned.

Originally reprinted in Light & Delish with permission from Redbook



Print This Post Print This Post Email This Post Email This Post

Tags: , , ,

The Accidental Wine Company: Food + Wine Tasting

September 19, 2010 | posted by Molly
 
0
 

L.A. has had no shortage of food tastings and festivals as of late, but this one sponsored by The Accidental Wine Company, has a purpose other than to satisfy those watering mouths and growling tums. Your $75 tax deductible ticket purchase goes to benefit Homeboy Industries, an organization that assists at-risk and formerly gang-involved youth to become positive and contributing members of society through job placement, education and training. Here are the deets:

You’ll be fed from Homegirl Cafe (staffed by 30 young women in training to learn the food service industry) complete with 8 exceptional wine pairings. Try your hand at the Silent Auction featuring art, wine and more. And meet Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries.

When & Where:
The Accidental Wine Company: Food + Wine Tasting
Monday, October 4th
6pm-9pm
Homeboy Industries
130 W. Bruno Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

*Click here to purchase a ticket


Print This Post Print This Post Email This Post Email This Post

Tags: , ,

Foodie Friday: Hash House a Go Go (Las Vegas)

August 26, 2010 | posted by Carly
 
3
 

When I booked my trip to Las Vegas, I feared the food selection. “Buffet” seemed to be the word on the strip. Personally, I am not one for the buffet experience, especially when I travel. I prefer a unique dining environment, one with a story or two. Lucky for me, I hit the jackpot at Hash House a Go Go.

My friends and I arrived for breakfast before tending to our tourist duties. Anywhere with a name like Hash House a Go Go is worth an investigation (I am either a victim of marketing or a supporter of creative ideas; I prefer to believe the latter).

Try the House Mimosa, a yummy twist on a traditional morning cocktail (tangerine and champagne anyone?). Ordering a meal was not as easy. It sounds crazy, I know. How can breakfast be a challenge? The morning staples of eggs, pancakes, waffles and bacon can’t transcend too far out of the ordinary. Well friends, they can. The chefs “a Go Go” far beyond conventional preparation.

I finally decided on the Smoked Salmon House Hash. I am also into themes (again, I believe this is an artistic choice, not an advertising injury). Whatever the reason, it was not in vain because the dish did not disappoint. In fact, I do not remember eating breakfast with such enthusiasm ever. Despite my satisfaction, there was a more exciting plate on the table.

My friend, Katie, ordered Fried Chicken and Waffles. She took the cake (not that she needed to after that) for the most impressive dish! The waffles (stuffed with bacon!) and chicken were stacked as high as the hotels on Las Vegas Blvd.! We dared Katie to clean her plate with immature intent. Once she was half way done, she decided the waffles were a little dry. Considering the bacon grease stuffed inside, I don’t really know how this was possible. Nevertheless, adding more syrup solved the problem. Katie left the building as a breakfast rock star!

Hash House a Go Gois located a few miles off Las Vegas Boulevard. and far away from the portion police. It has been a feature destination on various Food Network programs and has won numerous awards. Everything from the rustic décor to the decadent dishes is sure to impress. So next time you are in town, “a Go Go!”

Hash House a Go Go. 6800 West Sahara Ave.  Las Vegas, NV.  702-804-4646



Print This Post Print This Post Email This Post Email This Post

Tags: , ,

« Older Entries