Primo Pairings!
/I hope you try one of my pairings with your favorite glass! Let me know how it goes and which wines you selected with each dish, I would love to hear from you!
In the meantime...
e-Newsletter Blog and Gigi's Hot List
I hope you try one of my pairings with your favorite glass! Let me know how it goes and which wines you selected with each dish, I would love to hear from you!
In the meantime...
I've been celebrating Pumpkin Day all month long, creating fun new recipes and enjoying preparing and updating some of my old ones. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, I've selected a few of my favorite pumpkin delights to share with you...enjoy!
Simply click on the highlighted dish names for the recipes.
I hope you enjoy preparing these simple pumpkin recipes as much as I enjoyed preparing for you! Please feel free to share and don't hesitate to reach out with your comments! I would love to hear from you! Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and Happy Halloween!
Okay, so you’ve been with the kids all summer, taken your family vacation, and enjoyed every moment. Now, it’s time for a little romantic getaway just for the two of you! Of course, when I’m looking for a getaway, I always look for a great place to recharge, but it’s really about the food for me, which makes for the perfect all round getaway experience. Wining, dining and romancing is what this getaway is all about! Here are a few of my favorite Romantic Getaway spots that offer a comfy, cozy environment and fabulous cuisine.
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley @AubergeSoleil
Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley @CalistogaRanch
Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont @TwinFarms
Blackberry Inn, Walland Tennessee @blackberryfrm
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California @Post Ranch Inn
Little Palm Island, Florida Keys @LittlePalmFL
Inn at Little Washington, Virginia @InnatLittleWash
This week’s feature, one of our favorite romantic spots, and my recommendation for your fall romantic getaway, Post Ranch Inn and the Sierra Mar Restaurant. Check out their website Postranchinn.com. We have visited Post Ranch and Sierra Mar many times and it has to be one of my favorite dining experiences. The food and wine are fabulous and the view simply spectacular. With the quaint and wonderful town of Carmel just minutes away, and of course, beautiful Pebble Beach, there is so much to do and see close by, or you can just stay on the cliff of Big Sur and enjoy each other! My recommendation for a fall getaway.
The vistas at this most magnificent spot are spectacular. Enjoy your romantic getaway, whether traveling near, far, or just having a special staycation at home!
Located on the Monterey Peninsula, 140 miles south of SF, 94 SanJose 25 Monterey 20 Carmel, down State Route 1 through curves and cliffs and the most incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged CA coastline with the Santa Lucia Mountains bordering the east and the Pacific bordering the west. Activities include hiking, bird watching, wale watching and beaches. High in the cliffs, site the most beautiful hideaway, Post Ranch Inn and the Sierra Mar Restaurant.
This week's feature, Aspen. Though known for being a great ski town, Aspen is also filled with a rich history of early settlers and miners heading west. Check out Jeff's historic walking tour of Aspen, you will find this little western town's history fascinating!
One of the first things you'll notice in Colorado in the summer is the incredible flowers everywhere you look, in all shapes, sizes and colors of the rainbow. They just make me smile!
A few of my favorite restaurants are right here in Aspen. For lunch it has to be Ajax Tavern @thelittlenell right at the base of Ajax Mountain, and The Wild Fig, just across from the famed Wheeler Opera House. My favorite dinner spots Casa Tua for Italian @casatuaaspen for a super great menu, Ellina @ellinaaspen and a clubby Steakhouse, Steak 316. Don't forget to check out what's happening at Belly Up Bar @bellyupaspen, for an intimate look at fantastic entertainment.
When breakfast comes into play, I can’t resist the Lemon Soufflé Pancakes at Element 47 @littlenellaspen on the pool terrace. They are delicate, light and spongy with a sweet raspberry sauce. Here is my version of this favorite breakfast dish, I think mine are pretty close!
Shopping in Aspen is nearly as much fun as hiking the beautiful Maroon Bells! From elegant designer boutiques to home decor and cowboy boots, not to mention stunning art galleries featuring exquisite collections, there is something to appeal to everyone!
I shot this beautiful landscape on the way back from Aspen. Colorado truly is God's Country! Hope your summer travels bring you to the Rockies sometime soon! Send me your travels and photos from your favorite summer trip! I would love to post them on the blog!
Live well, love well, eat well...travel safely!
What to do with a little leftover chocolate creme anglaise from last night's dessert soufflé, serve it with berries for breakfast of course! A chocolate lovers dream petit dejeuner! As we continue celebrating "April in Paris" and the Fabulous Flavors of France, we wrap the month with my favorite Francais inspired desserts, of course, it has to be chocolate, like my chocolate soufflé (pictured below). Rich in flavor, but light and airy in texture. French cuisine has influenced the culinary world for centuries. The French have mastered the art of savoring food and wine, never in a rush, always taking time to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment of a meal. Ending with something sweet is thought to be a great way to create balance for the palate. Just like me, the French have an affinity for chocolate and custards.
Hope you enjoy making my Chocolate Souffle. It is so simple to prepare and oh so yummy! Send me your photos! Remember April in Paris isn't just a time of year, it is a feeling and always a good idea!
The best thing about spring is renewal! The transition from winter gray skies to bursts of spring color brings beautiful spring flowers, budding leaves on trees, all signs that life on earth begins again with a fresh spirit of youth. "April hath put a spirit of youth in everything." -William Shakespeare
Fresh and colorful spring vegetables add a vibrant kick to spring entertaining. Asparagus, baby carrots, sweet peas, scallions all bring fresh flavors and beautiful presentations. My Penne with Spring Vegetables is a beautiful combination of all of these spring vegetables in a light and aromatic pesto sauce. A wonderful lunch on its own, or a perfect compliment to a spring rack of lamb. Give these simple recipes a try and let me know your thoughts!
Live well, Love well, Eat well!