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4Chion Holiday Gift Guide
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Category: FOOD, WINE, AND ENTERTAINING
4Chion Lifestyle brings the latest in food, wine, and entertainment for completing your best lifestyle. You will find the latest in food trends, drinks, and entertaining ideas for your lifestyle.
4Chion Finds and Deals has this year’s Holiday Guide filled with finds and deals for your best holiday season. Welcome to early holiday shopping and celebration.
4Chion Finds and Deals ~ Artisans and Amazon
This is our top holiday finds from exceptional artisans and on Amazon for the holiday season.
Artisans
These artisans are all women owned businesses. They each create their products for your luxury and personalized gift giving needs. Please remember to order early for your specific gift giving needs.
The Olivia Shop
The Olivia Shop
The Olivia Shop is your location to get exceptional personalized gifts. There is a large selections for your holiday gifts from mugs to gift baskets. They are individually priced. The mug above is $45.00.
Lamonique Cosmetics
Lamonique Cosmetics
LaMonique Cosmetics is an all natural cosmetic line. Each product is natural with no talc, dyes or alcohol. They are also paraben, gluten and cruelty free. This is the makeup that is used for many red carpet and award show looks. Our favorite is the Bomb Balm, it keeps our lips moist and kissable.
5th Chapter Scents
5th Chapter Scents Body Butter
5th Chapter Scents is about being natural, beautiful, and you. This is handcrafted soaps, lip balms, melts, and body butter. Each product is created with high grade oils for the best skin care. Our favorite is the body butter it is luxurious and beautifully scented. Discount 4chionLS10 10% OFF $25 or more spent Good through Cyber Monday.
Proofy Organics
Poofy Organics is a modern apothecary, a consciously crafted skincare and wellness brand that creates clean botanicals and sustainable products. They offer free shipping on all orders over $70 (USA Customers only).
Phenomenal U
Phenomenal U Custom made Jewelry specially designed for your Phenomenal Person in your life. Made with natural stones and charka beads. Phenomenal deals during the holiday shopping. Join the brand here Saturdays starting November 27, 2021 10 AM-1 PM EST for details.
Hot Pepper Seeds for Planting – Garden Starter Kit
Blue Garden Collective This Amazon Choice is the top selling personal gardening kit. This is an exceptional gift for friends with green thumbs or loved ones who wants to explore the lush world of indoor gardening. There are a wide variety of starter gardening kits from tea to spicy pepper and more. We have a special offer just for you: 15% Discount Code: XEBU8CQ8 at check out on Amazon.
Amazon Finds
Loving Amazon when it comes to convince, exceptional products, and hand crafted products. This is an easy way to shop, ship, and enjoy the holidays. We have included some of Oprah’s Favorite Things for easy shopping. These products selected are from our favorites during the year. They will enhance your holidays, home, gift giving, and parties.
Here is our Amazon Holiday Guide:
Calvin Klein Men’s Slim SuitLark & Ro Women’s Sleeveless Black DressFlounce Neckline Sheath DressCalvin Klein Boys’ Suit Family Pajamas FleeceFamily Christmas Pjs Women’s SlippersSlippers Memory FoamMen’s SlippersSLEVEL Toddler BoysComfy Slippers Mens winter coatDouble Breasted PeacoatDouble-Face Wool CoatCalvin Klein Boys’ Suit Men’s Long-Sleeve Fleece CoatBonnie Jean Winter DressWomen’s Watch Invicta Men’s Aviator WatchManicure Set Eyelash CurleNanoSteameApple AirPods with Charging CaseSpa Gift for Women Lotion Gift Set Kaya Lavender Mini Gift SetChocolate Cookies Gift BasketBeard Brush for Men & Beard Comb SetBurt’s Bees Gift SetAll Natural Bath and Body Luxury SpaKitchenAid Professional 5 PlusKid Chef Bakes Coaster II-CO Serving CartHamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker Calphalon Nonstick BakewareNordic Ware Natural Half Sheet Christmas Cookie CuttersCOSORI Pour Over Coffee Maker Cusian Art Pan set Eddie Bauer Home EdgewoodFHI HEATFHI HEAT Hair DryerBarbie Signature 2021Juegoal Cars Advent CalendarJewelry Making Kit Gross Science LabChristmas Pop FidgetBusy Ball Popper TeeTurtleLEGO Technic McLaren SennaLeapFrog Learning
4Chion Deals
We will not let the holiday season pass without great deals. 4Chion has the following exceptional deals for the holiday season.
Here are the our holiday deal details:
5th Chapter Scents 4chionLS10 10% OFF $25 or more spent Good through Cyber Monday.
Poofy Organics They offer free shipping on all orders over $70 (USA Customers only).
Party At Home this is the year to enjoy a big at home party with family and friends, while watching the 73rd Emmys®. Present an evening of elegance and entertainment with these party ideas and recipes.
Ben Whinshaw Governor’s Ball
Party at Home ~ Décor & Viewing Fun
Beautiful elegant floral arrangements with crystals in the center of each flower goes with this year’s glitz and glamour logo. You can contact your local florist for the best arrangements or shop the local Costco for exceptional variety of flowers. Place large pillows around the room on the floor for comfortable floor sitting during the show.
Include gold decorative items with an interesting shape or texture that will harmonize with the key art. Your party at home can include gold or shimmery fabrics from your local fabric store can create beautiful table covers, drapes around your flat screen, runners and napkins that add a pop of Emmy® gold. Sprinkle the tables with Swarovski crystals or rhinestones found at your local craft store.
Create a fancy selfie area for your party at home in the corner of the room with draping. You can print an enlarged copy of this year’s artwork or award themed selfie items. Don’t forget to #Emmys in your Instagram posts.
Party at Home ~ Viewing Fun
Print up a nomination card and have your guests fill out their predictions prior to the show starting. You can have prizes for the most correct answers overall and in drama and comedy.
You can divide guests into groups to play play a trivia game (printable trivia fact sheet) to play during commercials. The winning team earns a prize.
Prize ideas:
T-shirts, mugs or merchandise from a favorite TV Show
Go to your local party store for great themed award show items
A cocktail recipe book and a beautiful cocktail shaker
A special bottle of Sterling wine, Ferrari Trento Sparkling wine, or Ketel One Vodka.
A pair of wine or champagne glasses for toasting all the winners
Find the most elegant gifts at your local dollar store
Party at Home ~ Recipes
This is the time to enjoy fun new elegant or simple menu. Please find simple and elegant menu planning from cocktails to main course to yummy dessert below:
Grilled New School Quality American on Sourdough Bread with Tomato, Balsamic Onion Jam, and bacon
by Chef Eric Greenspan Yields: 4 sandwiches Ingredients For the sandwiches:
8 slices sourdough,
1 lb. New School Quality American, sliced in 1oz slices (substitute other American Cheese where unavailable)
1-2 tomatoes, sliced into 8 slices
8 slices good bacon, crisped
¼ lb. butter, unsalted and softened For the jam:
1 oz. vegetable oil
2 red onions, thinly sliced
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt to taste Directions To make the jam: In a large sauce pot, heat the oil and sweat the onions. Add the sugar and vinegar and bring to a simmer. Cook slowly until vinegar completely reduced, approx. 45 minutes to an hour. Add salt to taste. To build the sandwiches: On each slice of 4 pieces of bread, spread ½ tablespoon of onion jam. Add 4 slices to New School Quality American cheese, top with two slices of bacon and two tomato slices. Top with additional slice of bread. Spread butter end to end on each side of the sandwich. Griddle on a 375 degree griddle until crispy and golden brown on each side and the cheese is melted. Cut in half and serve.
Candy-Popping Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Pops
by Chef Sherry Yard Yield: 24 pops
Ingredients
8 oz. Valrhona Jivara Milk Chocolate (or your favorite)
½ cup Peanut Butter, creamy
1 cup Puff Rice Cereal
4 packets Pop Rocks (or more as desired) Directions
Melt the chocolate in a microwave bowl to 90 degrees F.
With a rubber spatula or spoon, fold in the peanut butter, rice cereal and pop rocks.
Place 1 Tablespoon of base 1 inch apart onto sheet tray lined with wax parchment paper.
Press flat and inset lollipop stick
Top stick with 1 Tablespoon additional spoonful to secure stick.
Once tray filled refrigerate for 30 min – 1 hour, set. Note: Keeps 1 week in refrigerator
Seven Minute Martini Classic
Seven Minute Martini Classic Size
INGREDIENTS 6 OZ Ketel One Vodka 3 OZ Bianco Vermouth 4 OZ Water 5 Dashes orange bitters
STEP #1 Combine Ketel One Family made Vodka, Bianco Vermouth, water, and orange bitters in a bottle or large mason jar. Chill until ready to serve.
STEP #2 Use a vegetable peeler to cut a long, wide piece of grapefruit peel.
STEP #3 Curl and place into french press (or other infusing vessel) with dried mint, 1/2 slice peach and hibiscus tea.
STEP #4 Pour over pre-chilled cocktail into french press for serving.
TO SERVE Pour small portions of the infused drink into martini or coupe glasses every 90 seconds. Watch the flavor and presentation transform over the course of seven minute. Each infusion serves 3 cocktails. For a fresh twist try using a mint bouquet instead of dried mint. Makes 6 cocktails.
Cafe Oranje (A cocktail enjoyed at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass this is not their recipe)
1.25 oz. Ketel One® Vodka Oranje
1 oz. espresso coffee cold brew
.5 oz. simple syrup
.25 oz. Kahula
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake with ice and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass over ice. Garnish with with 1/8 orange slice.
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Emmys® 2021 Cafe Oranje Cocktail
Here are previous taste sensations from Patina and Chef Joachim Splichal that you can make at home. Note that you can half the quantities depending on the size of your gathering and desire for leftovers:
NICK + STEFS PRIME BEEF TENDERLOIN: (Serves 12)
1 5 lbs. prime beef tenderloin 2 oz. unsalted butter 6 each thyme sprigs 4 each garlic cloves Kosher salt & ground black pepper
Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season beef tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides. Over medium-high heat in a cast-iron pan, sear beef tenderloin until golden and caramelized on all sides. Add butter, thyme and crushed garlic to the pan and baste the beef with the frothy melted butter. Once basted, place in the oven and cook until medium rare, approximately 15 minutes. The internal temperature should be roughly 125° if using a meat thermometer. Remove from the oven and allow beef to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Party At Home Dinner Emmys
WHITE CHEDDAR POTATO GRATIN:
4 lbs. Russet potato, peeled and finely sliced 6 each shallot, finely sliced 6 each garlic cloves, chopped 2 cups whole milk 4 cups heavy cream 2 tablespoon kosher salt 2 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped 6 oz. White cheddar, grated 4 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a heavy bottomed pot, sweat garlic and shallots until soft and fragrant. Add cream, milk, salt, and thyme leaves and reduce by half. While the milk and cream mixture is reducing, peel and slice the potatoes as thinly as possible and cover in cold water to prevent browning. Prepare a 8×10 inch heavy bottomed casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Arrange one layer of the sliced potatoes into the bottom of the casserole dish. Carefully cover the potatoes with the reduced cream. Sprinkle with the white cheddar and parmesan. Place a second layer of potatoes and again cover with cream mixture and grated cheeses. Continue this process until the casserole dish is completely full. Add one final layer or the grated cheeses and cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake the gratin for 1 hour at 350°F, remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to brown the top of the gratin. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
FILIPINO BBQ CHICKEN SKEWERS (Makes 12 Skewers)
1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup banana ketchup 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 lbs. organic chicken thigh meat, cut into small cubes 12 bamboo skewers – pre-soaked in water for 30 minutes 1/2 cup finely sliced scallions Banana ketchup for dipping (recipe and instructions below)
Method: Combine first 9 ingredients to make a marinade. Marinade the chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Thread chicken onto skewers and brush with oil. Cook over a grill, turning as needed and brushing with reserved marinade, until charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with sliced scallions and additional banana ketchup sauce alongside.
Banana Ketchup (yummy)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onions 2 teaspoon finely minced garlic 1 jalapeño seeded and minced 2 teaspoon finely grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 2 cups mashed ripe bananas 1/2 cup white wine vinegar 2 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 tablespoon soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar
Method: Cook onions in vegetable oil over medium heat until soft, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeño, ginger, turmeric and allspice, and cook about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste, bananas, vinegar, honey, soy sauce and brown sugar. Continue cooking an additional 15 minutes, stirring often. Let cool and refrigerate.
GREEN GODDESS CHOP SALAD (Serves 8)
1 cup baby zucchini, blanched 1 cup asparagus tips, blanched 1/2 cup English peas, blanched 1/2 cup edamame, blanched 1/2 cup green romanesco florets, blanched 1/2 cup shishito peppers, lightly grilled 8 each broccolini, blanched 2 heads baby artisan lettuce, leaves picked washed 1/2 cup Green Goddess dressing
Method: Prepare the vegetables as stated and cut all into bite-size pieces. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and cut into a bowl. Combine with cut vegetables and drizzle with the green goddess dressing. Carefully toss and serve. Garnish with fresh tarragon leaves and fennel frond.
Green Goddess Dressing
2 cups watercress, picked leaves, washed 1/2 cup basil leaves 2 tablespoon chives, chopped 2 tablespoon tarragon leaves 1 lemon — zest and juice 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons crème fraiche 1 each anchovy 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 each garlic cloves
Method: In a blender mix lemon juice, mayonnaise, crème fraiche, anchovy, Dijon mustard, and garlic cloves. Puree until smooth adding a small amount of water if the mixture becomes too thick. Add the fresh herbs and lemon zest to the blender cup and carefully pulse to combine and fully mix the herbs and the pureed base. “EMMY®” MACARONI AND CHEESE (Serves 5)
1 lb. box Dececco Ziti Cut No. 118 Pasta 2 quarts half and half 3 whole shallots, peeled and sliced 10 cloves of garlic, sliced 2 branches fresh thyme 1 bayleaf Ground or fresh grated nutmeg Kosher salt Freshly ground white pepper cup unsalted butter 3/4 cup sifted flour 15 slices Vermont white cheddar, sliced very thin
Method: Cook box of pasta in 2 quarts of boiling half and half, that has sliced shallots, sliced raw garlic, thyme, bayleaf, salt and pepper, and just a touch of nutmeg. Cook the pasta 1/2 of the way, then use a slotted spoon to lay out on a parchment lined tray in a single layer and chill. Make a sauce bechamel, by adding a blond roux to the poaching liquid, and simmer for 5 minutes only. (if it reduces too much, add a touch of cream or milk). Strain thru a sieve. Blond roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan without letting it brown. Add flour to butter and cook whisking, for 4 minutes. The color should be blond or very light gold. Use a basting brush to paint/glaze the macaroni with bechamel, and chill. Once cold, cut into 15 equal-sized circles or squares. Place one slice of cheese on each macaroni square/circle, and stack up 3 high, giving you 5 three-layer Macaronis. Cover with plastic in the refrigerator, so as not to absorb odors.When ready to serve, place in a pre-heated 350 degree oven until hot throughout.
DARK CHOCOLATE BROWNIES WITH BOURBON SAUCE
1 & 1/3 cups butter, softened 2 and 2/3 cups sugar 4 eggs 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup baking dark cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Confectioners’ sugar, optional
Baby Bourbon Caramel Sauce: 1 cup sugar (+ 1/4 cup water) 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon Hudson Baby Bourbon pinch of sea salt
Method: For the brownie: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift together the flour, cocoa and salt; gradually add to the butter, sugar and egg mixture. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until the top is dry and the center is set. Cool completely and cut into bars or squares. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Baby Bourbon caramel sauce: Simmer sugar and 1/4 cup water on medium heat, swirling in the pan – NOT stirring -for about 15 minutes, or until a deep amber color is reached. Watch closely as not to let it burn. Turn off burner, remove from heat and slowly add cream while stirring. Add a pinch of salt and bourbon and place back on still-warm burner for another minute while stirring. Transfer to a heat-safe dish or container and let cool in the refrigerator. Drizzle over a plate of cooled, dusted brownies, or pipe a design of whipped cream onto each brownie and then drizzle! Enjoy!
CHOCOLATE CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING (Serves 4)
1/2 cup milk 4 cups cream 1 cup egg yolks 1/4 cup sugar 1 lb. torn croissants (4 croissants 4 oz each) 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips Icing sugar, for dusting
Method: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place the milk, cream in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until just below the boil. Remove from the heat and set aside. Place the egg yolks and sugar in a large heatproof bowl and whisk to combine. Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture to combine. Arrange the croissants in a 12 cm x 18 cm 1.5-litre-capacity baking dish, layer with chocolate chips. Pour over custard and cook for 25 minutes in a bain-marie or until golden and just set.
What will you be serving at your Emmys® party at home? Post your menu here #4ChionFoodie. The Emmys will be broadcast on Sunday, Sept. 19 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/5:00-8:00 PM, live PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Tour De Taco Tuesday Phoenix AZ is a great out of towners activity. You can take visitors on a site seeing tour of the city and enjoy some great local tacos. My nephew, Kaleb, came to visit from Illinois. We ventured out on Tuesday afternoon of eating and site seeing.
Tour Da Taco Tuesday
Tour Da Taco Tuesday City Tacos
City Tacos in North Phoenix is the first stop of the afternoon. It is funny as we each order a taco not 3 or 6 but 1. We are asked, “Are you sure?” We answer, “yes we are sure.” Kaleb order a carne asada with a white tortilla and ordered a shrimp taco corn tortilla. Kaleb ended up with a shrimp taco on white tortilla. He really enjoyed the taco even though it was a surprise. The adventure was picking out toppings from the salsa bar and watching them cook the tacos.
The tortillas are all homemade. The corn tortilla was so sweet and perfect. The addition of strong corn flavor difference from manufactured tortillas brings a real experience for taco Tuesday. City Tacos is, “fresh and authentic Mexican experience at our restaurant. We pride ourselves in making handmade corn and flour tortillas daily, in-house-made salsas, and only using CERTIFIED Angus Beef.” The attention to top ingredients makes this taco a real taco moment. They do delivery with Grub Hub, lobby is open, and takeout is an option.
City Tacos Shrimp
Tour De Taco Tuesday Scenic Drive
We took a side trip between North Phoenix and Scottsdale to enjoy the desert scenery and plants. Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, brings the best of natural plants and the dynamics of the Sonoran Desert. Watching the summer sky try to break open for much needed monsoon storms brings excitement and eeriness as the sun gets ready to set and the clouds appear to rise up from the ground.
Kaleb takes in the scenery and enjoys taking photos of the landscape around. We each gather a rock from area to add to our collection ( a tradition I have done since touring the US).
Desert Foothills Road
Tour De Tacos Maskadores Taco Shop
Next stop is a fun bright location call Maskadores Taco Shop in Scottsdale. This location was a lot of fun. You are greeted by a large well lit blue mask of the lucha libre, translated as free fight. The decor brings the maskadores front and center. It is a great location for street tacos.
The order here is a fish taco on corn with all the veggies (this does make it very spicy) and carne asada with corn tortillas. The treat here is the Mexican Coke. It is sweeter than regular Coke. Kaleb enjoyed every last drop.
The menu has authentic Mexican flavor from family recipes. Kaleb notes that the two different taco shops create a regional feel to the tacos. They are similar in set up but flavors vary from each taco shop. The lobby is opened, delivery with Uber Eats, and takeout.
MASKADORES TACO SHOP
Maskadores Taco Shop
Last Drop of Mexican Coke
Tour De Taco Tuesday El Taco Santo
El Taco Santo is in Chandler. The cashier was warm and welcoming. It was like walking into your family’s kitchen on a holiday. The restaurant’s tables has a lucha libre. The business started as a food truck and the loyalty of customers has lead to locations in Gilbert and Ahwatukee with the food truck. There are plans for more locations in the Phoneix area.
The Sonora Style tacos are created with fresh ingredients including tortillas and family recipes. Kaleb ventures for a quesadilla. This was enjoyable and over filled with meat. I enjoyed the veggie taco. This is a great treat at the end of the day. As we leave there is a most beautiful sunset on South Mountain. Kaleb takes out the camera for a photo of one beautiful summer sunset in Phoenix. You can eat in the lobby, takeout or delivery with Uber Eats.
El Taco Santo Ahwatukee
Tour De Taco Tuesday Los Taquitos
Los Taquitos is my favorite taco shop that I frequent, love the street tacos. They have a very festive decor with exception art.
Guy Fieri enjoyed the tacos here. He says, “they are some of the best I have ever had.” The family (5 sisters and a brother) have been creating these taco since 1981, while using their mother’s guidance and father’s memory.
Kaleb is at the end of eating today but the small pocket size taco is packed with flavor. I enjoyed my favorite there a grilled fish. Perfect end to the Tour De Taco Tuesday. There are four locations in the Phoenix area. There is even a happy hour each day. They serve great traditional breakfast all day. You can enjoy the lobby, takeout, or delivery with Uber Eats.
Los Taquitos comida mexicana
This was a great regional adventure of tacos in the Phoenix area. What is your favorite taco spot? Post your shops here.
Party Like an Oscar® nominee. Party Like an Oscar® nominee. Here are your dinner party ideas and recipes for a spectacular evening. Brining normalcy back after this year. The evening is at the Union Station Los Angeles and the Dolby® Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.
Smoked Salmon Oscar®
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Chicken Pot Pie
The Trilogy
Party Ideas For Oscars®
You can celebrate this time with a great dinner party much like the nominees celebrities. Here are a few recipes for your dinner guests.
Smoked Salmon Oscar® with Iranian Osetra Caviar on Brioche
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Chicken Pot Pie
The Protagonist Cocktail
Party Recipes For Oscars®
Smoked Salmon Oscar with Iranian Osetra Caviar on Brioche
Ingredients
Oscar® Brioche
1 loaf brioche
1 cup dill cream (recipe below)
1 lb. smoked salmon
2 oz. Iranian Osetra caviar
Dill Cream
1 cup sour cream
1 T lemon juice
2 T shallots, chopped
1 T fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
Cut the brioche into the shape of an Oscar statuette.
Toast until golden.
Spoon small amount of dill cream on the brioche (see below).
Layer smoked salmon on top and garnish with caviar.
Dill Cream
Whisk ingredients together thoroughly. Pinch of salt and white ground pepper.
Chicken Pot Pie
(recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, adapted from “Wolfgang Puck Makes it Easy,” Rutledge Hill Press, 2004)
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 pound organic red-skinned potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 pound organic carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 sprig thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup white wine
2 cups organic chicken stock
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/2 cup shelled or frozen peas
Approximately 1/2 pound frozen puff pastry, defrosted following package instructions
1 cage-free egg
Ingredients
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and toss in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of the flour until evenly coated. In a large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the chicken pieces, reduce the heat slightly, and sauté, turning them occasionally, until light golden and thoroughly cooked, about 5 to 10 minutes. sing a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Add the remaining oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter to the pan, then add the potatoes, carrots, and onions and sauté until they begin to look glossy and bright, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and bay leaf, and sauté, just until the vegetables begin to color slightly, 2 to 3 minutes more.
Add the wine, turn up the heat, stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits, and simmer until the liquid reduces by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and the 1 cup of cream. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat slightly, and simmer briskly until the liquid reduces by about half again and is thick and creamy about 15 minutes. Remove the sprig of thyme and the bay leaf. Stir in the reserved chicken pieces and the sherry. Stir together the butter and remaining flour and stir this paste into the mixture. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer to 4 large individual ovenproof 2-cup soup bowls, 4 ramekins of the same size, or a 2-quart baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the filling is cold, at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Make sure the puff pastry is no thicker than 1/4 inch. With the tip of a sharp knife cut the pastry into 4 circles that will overhang the rim of the serving bowls or ramekins by about half an inch; for a single large baking dish, cut 4 circles that will cover its top, or use one large sheet.
In a small bowl, beat together the egg and the remaining 1 tablespoon cream to make an egg wash. Brush the tops and outsides of the rims of the bowls. Place the bowls, ramekins, or baking dish on a baking tray and place the puff pastry circles on top, pressing them gently over the sides of the dishes. Pierce the tops with the tip of a paring knife. Brush the top of the pastry with egg wash. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the filling is bubbling hot and the pastry is a deep golden brown, 25 to 35 minutes. Serve hot.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese (recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck)
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons finely chopped black truffle (optional)
1/2 medium white onion
1 bay leaf
10 ounces sharp aged white Cheddar, shredded
3 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch cayenne
2 drops black winter truffle oil (optional)
1 cup fresh brioche or challah bread crumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
Thinly sliced fresh black truffles, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, tender but still chewy, about 7 minutes. Drain and transfer to lightly oiled baking pan. Set aside.
While macaroni cooks, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a separate pot over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.
Add milk, chopped truffle, onion, and bay leaf to butter-flour mixture. Raise heat slightly and simmer for 10 minutes, until creamy, stirring regularly. Discard onion and bay leaf. Remove from heat.
Stir in 3/4 of aged Cheddar along with other cheeses. Season with salt, black pepper, cayenne, and truffle oil if desired. Fold in macaroni. Pour into 2-quart casserole. Top with remaining Cheddar.
Melt remaining butter in sauté pan. Add breadcrumbs and parsley. Toss to coat. Spread crumb mixture evenly over top of macaroni.
Step Six: Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven let stand for about 5 minutes. Top with shaved truffle, if desired, before serving.
The Protagonist
Ingredients
1/2 ounce Pimm’s The Original No. 1 Cup
3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 ounce Simple Syrup
2 ounces Tonic Water
Sliced Cucumber and Borage Flowers for Garnish
Instructions
Combine Don Julio Blanco, Pimm’s, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Gently shake and roll in tonic water.
Pour over fresh ice in a Collins glass.
Garnish: Wrap thin cucumber slice around inside of glass and top with borage flowers.
Check out the Oscars® Live Sunday, April 25th at 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT on ABC. What is your pick of the night? Post our answer here.
Spring Break Staycation time. As you manage work, schooling, and a new way of living a staycation can be a wonderful adventure. Arizona is home to great history, beauty, and top resorts in the world.
Taking a staycation with your children can be incorporated with their school work – history, geography, geology, and even math. Here is a great road trip for spring break or any weekend.
Spring Break Hotel
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort Phoenix, AZ
A glorious resort in Phoenix nestle in the Tapatio Cliffs . This resort has comfort, COVID-19 protocols, and great entertainment. The comforts of home are here. A nice sitting room, and comfortable bedroom. The location is stunning for sunsets and sunrises. The several pools are accommodating for children and an adults only pool with a pool side bar.
Relaxing and enjoyment with spa, salon, and room service available. Take a moment to enjoy a desert and glass of wine on the patio or pool side. Experience the stunning outdoors with golfing, hiking, or the sun deck for evening sunrises. This location is prefect to venture and explore the great location around the state.
Hilton Staycation
Spring Break Food
Staycations really need to have great food stops along the way.
Pappadeaux Phoenix, AZ
Pappadeaux Dining
Southern food is comfort food. Pappadeaux is a generation to generation restaurant brings fresh seafood and Louisiana-style favorite to the plate. Attention to details and tradition brings the comfort food to your dinner plate. This is a great place to get family style for your picnic or party in your hotel room. Dinner this night is Shrimp Etouffee, green beans, fried crawfish with one of the 2.27 million baguettes they make each year. Curb side pick-up perfection, not one item missed. Dinner was delish.
Foodie Ellie enjoying her first Spring Break in Phoenix AZ
Andreoli Scottsdale, AZ
This is a home take on traditional Italian restaurant is popular with local. They have had many features including Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. This quant location serves as an Italian grocer and restaurant. You can cook your own or enjoy a home cooked meal.
They make everything from scratch including their own prosciutto, desserts, and homemade breads. The food is like walking into a great Italian home on Sunday. The food is a purest approach. If you are looking to mix and match your pasta this is not the location. They portion are fitting for one person not family style.
We enjoyed the Filetto Di Sogliola alla Mugnaia (fresh seafood), Gnocchi alla Corsara, and spaghetti with meat sauce. Dessert a must, the pasta is not over filling or heavy. We enjoyed chocolate mouse, coconut cake, and almond chocolate bark. The food is fresh and organic. The hand crafted pasta and food is by chef Giovanni Scorzo. He states on the web profile, “EAT the BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD and SHUT UP.”
The atmosphere is a true antique decor replicating any Italian grandmother’s living room. The family affair is felt within the staff as well.
Eclectic Cafe Tucson AZ
Eclectic Cafe
Dining
Road Trip to Tuscon
Eclectic Cafe in Tucson is “Where quiche meets enchilada.” The concept is a fusion of a variety of cuisines. The meal today includes vegan gazpacho (great summer treat chilled with garden fresh vegetables, Sherry’s shrimp salad, and Chicken Quesadilla. Took home a loaf of their zucchini bread, fabulous toasted with eggs for breakfast.
Mammoth Steak House and saloon
Mammoth Steak House and Saloon Lost Dutchman Gold Mine
This location is inside the The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine has great views of Superstition Mountains, food, and atmosphere. You can sit on the patio, at the bar, or inside. There is always a musician performing and has the real feel of the old town saloon. Enjoy a shot and a beer at the bar or a great meal.
Sweet Country Charm Payson AZ
Sweet Country Charm Candy Shop
The smell of sweet permeates the parking lot. It is a quant cozy welcoming candy shop in Payson Arizona. This sweet shop is in the Swiss Village Shoppes. They have homemade fudge, gelato, locally roasted coffee, handmade organic chocolate truffles, popcorn bar, nostalgic candies, handmade gifts.
Spring Break Attractions
Tucson Mission San Xavier del Bac
This mission is apart of the wonderful history in Tucson. The missions are a big part of the culture and religion in the Southwest.
Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission, is 10 miles south of downtown. This mission on the Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. This location began with Franciscan missionary Fr. Juan Bautista Velderrain beginning in 1783. This mission has been apart of the New Spain, Mexico, and the United States since construction began.
The mission presents shells as a symbol of pilgrimage. The Baroque architecture is traditional with marbling, faux doors, and other details. The mission represents the struggles that have been with the Southwest, living in harsh conditions, the changes in governments, fire, and earthquake.
Domes of Casa Grande
Casa Grande Domes
This is fun spot to stop and see from your car. It is a no trespassing area that is very unsafe especially for young children. This location was the hopes and dreams of many that never came true. This location was for manufacturing of computers but was never completed. There is an eerie feeling here. You can hear the walls speak as if there was life there but really the life has been one of decay and destruction.
Road Trip to Payson AZ
Spring Break Payson Arizona
Payson Arizona is about 89 miles from downtown Phoenix to Payson on highway 87. It is a great drive from the Sonoran Desert to the top of the Mongolian Rim. The change in climate, altitude (from 1100 to 5000 ft.), and from big city to small town. This town offers a real homie feel and great location for adventure. A great lake and park for picnics, photos, and more. The beauty is pristine with four seasons of recreational activities.
Spring Break Tonoto National Forest
This is a great day in the old west driving up Apache Trail, an old trade route. There is so much to see and experience here. There is the Elvis Church with some old scenery from old cowboy movies, and a small replica of in the area gold mining. The actual gold mining town The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. This location has great fun, shoot outs, and a train ride to the mine. It is the actual town prior to the mine flooding and the town shut down.
The road winds up to Tortilla Flat a small place with a gift shop and restaurant. This location was established as they built the Roosevelt Damn. The location has great water fun from boating, swimming, and kayaking. It is a breathtaking ride but well worth the journey.
Photo Olivia Rose
Wonderspace Scottsdale AZ
Great interactive art at Wonderspace in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. The art here is interactive, bigger than life, and digit. You experience a new reality from the artist creations. The art changes the frame of art to an endless pallet. The children enjoyed the exhibit. My favorite is a tie from Myrkvidr and Shigeto: Hovering. The art on exhibit at this time is:
RAINBOW ROOMS ~ Pierre le Riche
Stimulates a dialogue about identity, exploring struggles of discrimination, acceptance, and masculinity
FUJI ~ Joanie Lemercier
Focuses on projection or light in space and is influence in our perception.
SEWING MACHINE ORCHESTRA ~ Martin Messier
12 antique sewing machines presents a 3 minute concert
PLUME ~ Ian Brill
This creation is an immersive, interactive dome of synchronized light and sound gestures.
HUMAN STUDY #1, 3RNP ~ Patrick Tresset
This exhibits allows the participant to have a portrait drawn by robots.
THANK YOU BAGS ~ Reed van Brunschot
This is displaced, daily life through transitional moment one in which a a given situation suddenly and unexpectedly changes.
MYRKVIÐR ~ Yasuhiro Chida
This is a circular hoop, not linear, rotates around in the piece to create the effect of immateriality.
KILLING TIME ~ Eric Mesplé
This combines Mesplé use of ferrofluid and metal work
OUR TOP 100 ~ Jody Servon
This is a community-built playlist consisting of songs and memories about songs shared by participants
AYAHUASCA KOSMIK JOURNEY ~ Atlas V
This is a journey is from a mind-altering visual-aural journey of an ayahuasca ceremony.
MICROMONUMENTAL MAPPING,THE ESSENCE OF CREATION ~ Limelight
Created by a group of artists who specialize in projection mapping and light art. This uses the Greek god Apollo images built into the Lille Opera House.
LIGHT LEAKS ~ Kyle McDonald and Jonas Jongejan
Created after McDonald noticed how environments that filled up his peripheral vision with light created a usually immersive mirrors.
A MIND SANG ~ Vier Nev
Short film on perception, rebirth, and transformation.
SHIGETO: HOVERING ~ Conor Grebel and 79Ancestors virtual reality
The virtual reality film inspired by how water came to earth.
A great place to visit and explore. There is so much more than just a desert in Phoenix, Arizona. What is your favorite location in the state of Arizona? Post your response here.
Making cinnamon rolls Food Ellie is excited to create grammy’s cinnamon rolls. Ellie’s favorite treat from grammy is cinnamon rolls.
Ellie comes for a summer visit to celebrate the Juneteenth and swim for the weekend with grammy. She made her first pie crust for a sweet potato pie for the family Juneteenth dinner.
Measuring out the Flour
Loves Washing The Dishes
“always check for eggshells.”
Juneteenth Dinner
Ellie’s advice is to always check the bowl for eggshells and wash up the dishes when done. She was determined to do this herself. She measured each cup of flour to be one cup ( I usually use my senses to measure for bread). It was a wonderful day baking with her. Sharing the tradition I learned from my own grandmother.
Cinnamon Roll Tradition
My grandmothers on my mother’s side were known for their outstanding baking skills. They always used all-purpose flour, white sugar, and no eggs to make cinnamon rolls. Family recipes are fun to create.
I remember reading my great-great grandmother’s story gathering sego lilies and grinding them into flour to bake bread, cinnamon rolls, and creating pies. They did this after settling in Idaho from the Mid-West and food was scare. It is a make it work moment.
In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid, mixing bowl with the bread hook attachment. Add 2 cups of the flour and both yeast pkg. on top of the flour.
In a large pot on the stove on low add whole milk, butter, salt, and sugar heat warm to the touch.
Foodie Ellie Warming Milk
Pour the warm to touch mixture over the flour and yeast. Mix well on low if using Kitchen Aid. When mixed well add
2 eggs blending after adding each egg.
Slowly add the remaining flour (this will vary each time how much) 1 cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. Increase speed on the Kitchen Aid as needed. The dough should be firm and start to pull away from the sides of the bowl when enough flour is added. Knead by hand for 12-14 minutes (stretch and pull using palms of your hands). In the Kitchen Aid mix for two minutes on setting 8. This is equivalent to 12-14 minutes needing by hand.
Food Ellie Measuring out the Flour
Raising Cinnamon Rolls
Butter the sides of a large bowl. Place dough in a buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap. My grandmothers used a clean dish towel. This does create a slight crust on the dough as it rises. Let dough rise until double size about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down, let rest 10 min.
Cinnamon Roll Dough
Punching Down Dough
Punching Down Dough
Next, roll the cinnamon roll dough into a circle, dust with flour if sticking, roll about 1/4″ thick. Brush the melted butter on the rolled out dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and then sugar till well covered. You are welcome to mix the butter, cinnamon, and sugar together then spread on the dough with a butter knife. Roll the dough each roll please pull towards you. Then cut in 2-inch rolls with a sharp knife (children can use a butter knife it will be a change the shape of the cinnamon roll some but good experience for them).
Rolling out Dough
Sprinkling Sugar on Dough
Rolling Out Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls
Finishing Cinnamon Rolls
Place cinnamon rolls in grease baking pan 9×13″. Let rise he cinnamon rolls rise until the are touching each other for about 20 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350° f until golden brown. Mix up the icing using a hand mixer. Cool cinnamon rolls until warm to the touch. Frost the cinnamon rolls. This is great to make ahead for a family Sunday brunch or holiday breakfast. Store in an airtight container.
Me, Great Grandma Lucy, Grandma Ruth, and Mother Eileen 1970 something
Teaching family recipes are so important in keeping the traditions and flavors alive. Taking time to recreate and creating new alterations make a life long memory that can last for generations. We enjoyed homemade pizza with the extra dough.
The Oscars® celebration is 91 years old. This year is the year without a host. Award season closes out with the top fashion, talent, and entertainment.
Constance Wu
Glenn Close,
Lady Gaga
Adam Lambert
Spike Lee
Billy Porter
Regina King
Ashley Graham
Michelle Yeoh
Richard E. Grant
Laura Harrier
Amandla Stenberg
Awkwafina
Danielle Macdonald
Brad Goreski
Stephan James
Adam Lambert
Red Carpet Fashion Oscars® Celebration
The best in talent and fashion hit the red carpet for a few interviews and photos. Style and fashion are colorful. Big bows on the back are in with long trains. The tulle and feminity appear to be an honor to Karl Lagerfeld. Men step up the color and look fabulous.
Lady Gaga arrives understated wearing an Alexander McQueen black gown. Audrey Hepburn last wears her $30 million diamond from Tiffany Co. that Lady Gaga is wearing.
Constance Wu is wearing a flowing yellow Versace gown with jewels by Neil J. Rodgers Swarovski.
Spike Lee brought a little bit of “Do The Right Thing” to the Oscars He posts on Instagram “Brother Prince Is Watching Tonight, Singin’ “IT’S GONNA BE A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT’ Ozwald Boateng designer of his purple suit. Congrats on the Oscar.
Billy Porter is wearing custom Christian Siriano couture. The jewels created by Oscar Heyman.
Regina King slays in a white Oscar De La Renta with Chopard jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes for accessories.
Glenn Close styling is a beautiful gold Carolina Herrea with a long train. The gown has 4 Million Beads and Weighs 42 Pounds.
Ashley Graham at the 2019 Oscars is wearing a Zac Posen gown. Accessories include Martin Katz jewels, Gianvito Rossi shoes, and a Roger Vivier clutch.
Michelle Yeoh at the 2019 Oscars Wearing an Elie Saab dress with Chopard jewels.
Richard E. Grant Suit by Brunell Ocucinelli. The touch of color down the front of the shirt is nice.
Laura Harrier at the 2019 Oscars Wearing a sustainably sourced Louis Vuitton dress as part of the green carpet initiative and Bulgari jewels.
Amandla Stenberg at the 2019 Oscars Wearing a fringed column dress.
Awkwafina is wearing a DSquared2 suit with Chopard jewels.
Danielle Macdonald is wearing a sustainable Christian Siriano dress made with cotton crepe vegetable dyed fabric and recycled tulle with Stella Luna shoes.
Brad Goreski is wearing a Brunello Cucinelli suit with Garrett Leight glasses, Cartier jewels, and Christian Louboutin shoe.
Stephan James is wearing an Etro suit with David Yurman jewels.
Adam Lambert is very traditional by wearing Tom Ford with a beautiful white flower on the jacket. Great performance.
This year the star-studded presenters include Elsie Fisher, Danai Gurira, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Keaton, Helen Mirren, John Mulaney, Tyler Perry, Pharrell Williams, Krysten Ritter, Paul Rudd and Michelle YeohAwkwafina, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Tina Fey, Allison Janney, Brie Larson, Jennifer Lopez, Frances McDormand, Gary Oldman, Amy Poehler, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Amandla Stenberg, Charlize Theron, Tessa Thompson, Constance Wu, Javier Bardem, Angela Bassett, Chadwick Boseman, Emilia Clarke, Laura Dern, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephan James, Keegan-Michael Key, KiKi Layne, James McAvoy, Melissa McCarthy, Jason Momoa and Sarah Paulson.
Performances Oscars® Celebration
Queen opens the Oscars® with Adam Lambert. The performance of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper much anticipated left the audience breathless. They perform Shallow from A Star Is Born. Other performances: Jennifer Hudson, I’ll Fight from RBG; nominees Gillian Welch and David Rawlings welcomed to the stage to sing When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Oscar nominee Bette Midler is a special guest performing The Place Where Lost Things Go from Mary Poppins Returns.
Oscars’ Week Celebration
The week prior to Oscars is a celebration of the nominees and preparations for the Sunday event.
The symposiums present makeup and hairstyling, foreign film directors, shorts, documentaries, and animation nominees. This is a great time to get the insight to the creation of the top films.
The red carpet and Dolby Theatre undergo a creation to welcome the nominees and press for this night. The Hollywood Blvd. transforms into an elegant reception.
Achievement in Costume Design
Supporting Actress
Achievement Sound Editing
Achievement in Makeup
Achievement in Production Design
Best Documentary Feature
Recipients Oscars® Celebration
Best Picture
Black Panther Kevin Feige, Producer
BlacKkKlansman Sean McKittrick, Jason Blum, Raymond Mansfield, Jordan Peele, and Spike Lee, Producers.
Bohemian Rhapsody Graham King, Producer
The Favourite Ceci Dempsey, Ed Guiney, Lee Magiday, and Yorgos Lanthimos, Producers.
Green Book Jim Burke, Charles B. Wessler, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly, and Nick Vallelonga, Producers Winner
Roma Gabriela Rodríguez and Alfonso Cuarón, Producers
AStar is Born Bill Gerber, Bradley Cooper, and Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers
VICE Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adam McKay, and Kevin Messick, Producers.
Breakfast is the best meal of the day. You can enjoy it all day savory or sweet. Breatkfast time is a great time to gather and enjoy.
Cameron Trading Post
The food made from scratch daily and is a fusion of the three food cultures. This place is perfect for travelers with their lodging, restaurant, art gallery, garden with fountains, and a massive gift shop. The trading post opened in 1916 and welcomes everyone like a guest in their homes. Prior to being a trading post, the place served as an apothecary.
Navajo pancake this is a blue corn pancake
Prickly pear stuffed french toast this is French toast served sandwich style with a prickly pear jam and cream cheese
Warrior Surprise is a mini-Navajo Taco topped with one egg
Ranch House Grille
Ranch House Grille
This is a great place to meet with a high school friend and his beautiful wife. We enjoyed breakfast at Ranch House Grille. It is a very local place. Many entering the grill knew other patrons and shared stories of their families and community. It is a wonderful meal. Large portions, good café coffee, and great hash browns are found here.
Joe’s Cafe Breakfast
Orem Utah Reunion Breakfast
Meeting up with my dear friend Lisa Sherman is like we never missed even one day, even though it had been a few decades. Lisa and I have known each other since we were three. We ran the neighborhood streets as two determined little girls could. We enjoy breakfast at Joe’s Cafe. The food is so delish. Lisa even enjoyed the grits. A dish she is convinced she did not like. Joe said, “You will love them. Nothing comes between your lips and my grits.” It is so wonderful catching up with Lisa after all these years.
3 Sisters Cafe Breakfast
3 Sisters Cafe
The first food stop of the trip is 3 Sisters Cafe in Indianapolis, Indiana, in business for 20 years. They serve a large choice of elegant breakfasts from sweet to savory and great lunch menu as well.
They have great beverages (no alcohol) with flair. I enjoyed the turmeric and ginger iced tea. It is a great flavor not too sweet or sugary. The brunch is perfect a great hollandaise sauce over Scottish lox, poached eggs, fresh tomato, and locally made English muffins with caviar on top. The English muffin is fresh with a nice sourdough flavor. The hollandaise sauce is perfect with just a little heat. The porridge is a new experience. It is creamy with a hint of cinnamon.
Courier Café
The Courier Café Urbana
The Courier Café brings Champaign history and old Victorian styling in the decor. The main dining room has:
A large palace chandelier from the Opera House in Erie Pennsylvania
The cash register is the first electric cash register
The courier clock pendulum filled with mercury makes the time keeping right
The stained glass comes from a Danville church predating the Civil War
The Pullman lamps light the aisle for passengers on the Pullman railroad cars
The brass chimes a gift from George Malford, a Nickelodeon Maker, they are steamed powered
The Café’s name is for the Courier newspaper that operated for decades in the building. The building is almost lost to fire and remained empty for decades. In 1980, the current owners began remodeling and opened for business on November 10, 1980. They are a farm to table restaurant with the garden and bees on the property for the freshest ingredients.
The menu is a hearty all American menu with breakfast served daily until 11 AM then lunch and dinner menu until closing. The breakfast is traditional eggs, omelets, fantastic pancakes, and hash browns. Their coffee is fresh ground daily and they have special blends. The lunch/dinner menu is hearty with a ribeye sandwich, fries, soups, and steak. The food has that home cooked look and feel. They do have a few items for vegetarians including breakfast sausage. They do have one special treat “Courier water this is sparkling water from deep below the café. It is a great place for large parties and a sense of the community in Champaign.
Scone City
Scone City located in Wicker Park is wonderful for a morning after bar hopping or late night in Chicago. Jessica and Tim Canning along with chef Laurie McNamara took on the endeavor in a specialized sweet and savory scone menu. This place is a perfect stop as my sister Cherie is heading to the airport to return to her family in Idaho. It is so wonderful sharing this experience with here. Seeing places and enjoying the cross-country journey. I truly miss her every day. She enjoyed a sweet blueberry w/ lemon glaze scone she says, “It is delicious!! Sweet. Soft. Perfection!!! Soooo tasty.” They have savory scones as well. I enjoyed a hot Vanilla Bean Latte with the house-made vanilla syrup. It is a perfect start to a day of exploring Chicago..
Kanela Breakfast in Chicago
The last morning of the road trip in the Midwest is brunch at Kanela, the Greek name for Cinnamon. This restaurant place is Wicker Park neighborhood on a street with many older shops. It is a great place, voted best in Chicago by USA Today, for a Sunday morning brunch. The coffee tops and wonderful after an evening at Bangers and Lace.
Brunch includes California Benedict and Fried Egg Sandwich this is an exceptional meal. The hollandaise sauce perfection with a nice touch of heat, the poach egg picture perfect. The sandwich is fabulous with the chili aioli brings the flavors together. The seasoned potatoes nicely cooked not too soft or undercooked. It is a nice brunch with my sister. We do agree that this is a great place for brunch.
Milk Bar NYC
Milk Bar NYC
Super excited to try crack pie and coffee for breakfast. This is a planned find in NYC. Watching Chef’s Table on Netflix. I knew I needed to try Milk Bar. This is Christine Tosi’s and is part of the Manhattan-based Momofuku restaurant. This is my first stop in the morning. The little shop has great cookies, cakes, pies, and bagel bombs. I order an iced coffee, bagel bomb with spinach, and crack pie. The bagel bomb is warm and filled with spinach and cheese. It is a nice bite for the start of touring NYC. I save the crack pie for a little later, but it is delicious. The filling is something like a custard, but buttery. The oat crust is light and flaky. This is a must stop and see.
What is your favorite breakfast? Share on social media using #4chionfoodie
This year the Governor’s Ball is the after party for the elite. They will enjoy an evening at The Ray Dolby Ballroom Hollywood & Highland Center®. The evening is shaping up to be a magical transformation.
Oscars® Governor’s Bars Menu
Governor’s Ball Menu
Wolfgang Puck Catering is preparing the Governor’s Ball. They will set the stage for Hollywood’s biggest night with a menu pairing glamour with innovation. The menu includes some of the classics and a few new dishes. There are vegan gluten-free desserts.
Governor’s Ball Amuse Bouche
Crostini of Compressed Watermelon with Citrus Feta Cheese
Crab Deviled Eggs
Avocado Tostadas with Crunch Cabbage and Chipotle Glaze (V)
Mini Taro Root Taco with Miso Glazed Eggplant and Smoked Soy Mushrooms (V)
Crostini with New York Steak, Classic Chimichurri
Spicy Ranch Popcorn
Housemade Potato Chips
The Academy’s® Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
Governor’s Ball Tray Passed Hors d’Oeuvres
Governor’s Ball Small Plates
Caramelized Cauliflower, Golden Raisin, Lime, Labneh, Pinenut, Shiso-Za’atar
Frozen Golden Beets, Almond Custard, Meyer Lemon, Ice Lettuce (V)
Snap Peas, Asian Pear, Pomelo Salad, Cacik Cheese, Mint, Walnut
Compressed Persimmon, Cinco Jotas Jamón Ibérico, Burrata, Wild Arugula
Sunchoke and Fennel Soup, Chips, Truffle Gremolata
Potato and Caviar 2.0
Black Truffle Chicken Pot Pie
Winter Truffle Baked Cavatappi and Cheese
Pea Agnolotti, Black Truffle, Peas Shoot, Parmesan Reggiano Brittle
Piper Heidsieck Golden Champagne Strawberry Push Pop
Mini Wolfgang Puck Dark Chocolate Bars
The Academy’s® Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
Governor’s Ball Passed Small Plates
Black Forest “Cherry”
Butterscotch Verrine with Dark Chocolate Nest
Tropical Pavlova with Macerated Jackfruit and Dragon Fruit (V)
Strawberry Ginger Cheesecake with Jasmine Gelee
Governor’s Ball Lollipops
Passion Fruit Cheesecake
Praline Almond Chocolate
Chocolate Oscars® with Strawberry Valrhona Chocolate
Governor’s Ball Chocolate Bon Bons
Chai Latte
Thai Tea with Young Coconut
Honey Jasmine
Earl Grey Tea Biscuit
Espresso Triple Shot
Praline Roasted Coffee Bean
Governor’s Ball Chef Stations
Air Bread “Sea Urchin” with Passion Fruit Caviar
Affogato with Housemade Ice Creams and Stumptown Nitro Cold-Brew
Governor’s Ball Vegan Sweets (made without gluten)
Hawaiian Superfood Spheres
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Cashew Vanilla Tiramisu
Tropical Halo-Halo
Sunflower Raspberry Macaron
Chocolate and Sea Salt Cookies
Governor’s Ball Local, ORganic AND Sustainablty
• Babe Farms • Rising C Ranch • County Line • J Marchini • Coke Farms • Weiser Family Farms • Pudwill Farms • Polito Family Farms • Troy Regier • DiStefano Cheese • Laura Chenel • Marin French Cheese • Rustic Bakery • La Quercia • Cremenelli • Garcia Organics • Cuyama Farms • Heriloom Organics
Academy’s Governors Ball
Chef Wolfgang Puck
Charles Joly
Academy’s Governors Ball
Mark Held
Coppola wines
Diageo
Piper-Heidsiek
Academy’s Governors Ball
Academy’s Governors Ball
Academy’s Governors Ball
Chef Wolfgang Puck
Academy’s Governors Ball
Academy’s Governors Ball
Coppola wine
Governor’s Ball By the Numbers
Governor’s Ball Numbers in the Kitchen
100 pounds housemade bread and butter pickles
6,500 wood-fired Oscar®-shaped flatbread
3,500 sesame miso cones
350 pounds Atlantic bigeye tuna
300 pounds eggplant
Governor’s Ball Numbers in the Dinning Room
1,500 guests
Team of 10 maitre d’ staff
850 service and support staff
13,000 glasses for beverages
2,000 yards of Wine Royal Velvet and sleek Wine Satins, Textured Gold and Champagne Gold fabrics
• Beautiful Black and Gold Deco Dot with Black Velvet Border
• Ten thousand blooms from all over the world
Governor’s Ball Decor
Mark’s Garden will be overseeing the floral arrangements this year. Mark Held is creating a room of deep color and elegance for the elite diners at the event.
Held’s designs this year will feature unique floral compositions in saturated shades of deep red accented with bright gold, evoking memories of the grand movie palaces of the past. Thousands of brilliant red tulips, velvety burgundy roses, mauve orchids and dark purple calla lilies packed into a medley of mixed gold containers will line the guest tables.
Ancho Old FashAncho
Governor’s Ball Recipes
Eat and drink like the celebrities for you Oscar’s viewing party with these recipes.
Ancho Old Fashioned – Created by Mixologist Charles Joly
Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado Barspoon of Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur 3 drops Bittered Sling Arabica Coffee Bitters 1/3 oz Rich Demerara Syrup (2 parts sugar:1 part water) Orange Oil for Mist Orange Twist for Garnish
Preparation: 1. Stir Tequila Don Julio Reposado, chile liqueur, coffee bitters, and demerara syrup over ice. 2. Pour into an Old Fashioned glass over one large cube. 3. Mist with orange oil and place orange twist decoratively.
Smoked Salmon Oscar with Iranian Osetra Caviar on Brioche
1 loaf brioche 1 cup dill cream (recipe below) 1 lb. smoked salmon 2 oz. Iranian Osetra caviar
Cut the brioche into the shape of an Oscar statuette and toast until golden.
Spoon small amount of dill cream on the brioche.
Layer smoked salmon on top and garnish with caviar.
Dill Cream 1 cup sour cream 1 T lemon juice 2 T shallots, chopped 1 T fresh dill, chopped
Whisk ingredients together thoroughly. Pinch of salt and white ground pepper
What is your favorite part of the Oscars®? Post your comments on social media using #4ChionStyle.
The 91st Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 5:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Oscar nominees gather for the annual lunch and class photo. The day fills with nominees reminiscing, meeting new people (seating is not by film or category), and enjoying an elegant lunch.
Oscar Luncheon Class Photo
Luncheon Red Carpet and Connecting
Luncheon Red Carpet
The Oscar® luncheon starts with a great red carpet moment for the nominees to show off their great fashion.
Lady Gaga arrival is much anticipated. She arrives in her great personal style. She is wearing a custom Louis Vuitton floor-length, statement sleeves, and high-neck gown. She accessroes with Giuseppe Zanotti lace-up booties and a sparkling engagement ring (she is engaged to Christian Carino).
Regina King looks stunning for the afternoon lunch. She is wearing a pink satin mid-length embellished Parda dress. She adds a pair of silver sandals.
Luncheon Connecting
Amy Adams and Spike Lee are seen hugging during the afternoon. Lee is wearing a great pair of custom gold Air Jordans. The shoes had “Truth to Power,” “Speak on It,” “Resist,” and the 40 Acres & A Mule Flimworks logo on them. Adams is wearing an Oscar De La Renta dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, and Azza Fahmy jewelry.
Amy Adams, Richard E. Grant, and Regina King enjoy taking a selfie together. Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliot are seen connecting during the lunch. Lady Gaga gives Sam Elliot a family size hug. Glenn Weiss and Donna Gigliotti stop for a photo with Oscar® nominee Diane Warren. The luncheon is a warm and wonderful tradition to connect with friends.
Yalitza Aparicio
Regina King
Spike Lee
Lady Gaga
Viggo Mortensen Academy President John Bailey
Spike Lee and Barry Jenkins
Sam Elliott
Ruth Carter
Richard E. Grant
Rami Malek
Rachel Weisz
Caleb Deschanel and Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck
Melissa McCarthy
Mark Ronson
Marina de Tavira
Mahershala Ali
Ludwig Goransson
Glenn Close
Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein
Amy Adams
Barry Jenkins
Caleb Deschanel
Alfonso Cuarón
Bradley Cooper
Glenn Weiss, Donna Gigliotti and Diane Warren
Amy Adams and Spike Lee
Caleb Deschanel, Mary Jo Deschanel and Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliot
Amy Adams, Yorgos Lanthimos, & Rachel Weisz
Amy Adams, Richard E. Grant and Regina King
Lady Gaga
Rachel Weisz and Yorgos Lanthimos
Sam Elliot, Glenn Close and Richard E. Grant
Rami Malek, Terence Blanchard and Spike Lee
Regina King and Mahershala Ali
Regina King and Nadine Labaki
Remi Malek with Oscar Producers Donna Gigliotti and Glenn Weiss
Yalitza Aparicio and Bradley Cooper
Spike Lee and Marina de Tavira
Oscar® Nominees
Oscar® Nominees
Laura Dern
Oscar® Nominees
Oscar® Nominees
Glenn Weiss and Donna Gigliotti
Oscar® Nominees
Luncheon Menu
The luncheon at the Beverly Hilton is a conscious menu. It includes the produce from farms close to the Los Angeles area and local fish. The menu includes:
Cocktails
Chambord Kir Royale Piper Sonoma Brut with a splash of Chambord, raspberry garnish.
Ultimat Blue Sunrise Ultra-premium Ultimat vodka, Patrón Citronge Orange Liqueur, fresh blueberry and mango juices, blueberry garnish, silver sugar rim.
Tray Passed Hors D’Oeuvres
Cilantro Chili Gravlax with Avacado Fritto
Burrata with Wild Arugula and Honey Date on Herb Canapé
Sesame Beef with Horseradish-Chive Mousse and Cucumber Salsa on French Bread.
Entrée
Orange Olive Miso Marinated, Pistachio-Crusted Pacific Fillet of Sea Bass with Rhubarb Fennel Ragout and Yellow Beets.
Desserts California -Themed Desserts Served on Platters
Redwood tree slab and sugar crystal Oscar® logo cheesecake pops, fudge pops, orange sanguine tart, Viennese Transchen confections, assorted truffles and pralines, Almond Cake (chocolate and vanilla).
Mini fruit tart, mini ganache cones, tuxedo strawberries, and macaroons.
What are your prediction for the 91st Oscars®?
91st Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST.
