Food, wine, travel, and leisure are the essential lifestyle experiences. Bring elegance to the leisure in your life with exceptional tips, insights, recipes, and ideas.
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.
The Golden Globes (presented by The Hollywood Foreign Press Association) is Hollywood’s Party continues to bring the message for women to the forefront. The red carpet was glamorous with the Time Is Up movement and an evening full of entertainment.
Time Is Up
This evening the celebrities wear black bracelets with “Time Is Up.” The bracelets bring attention to the clock is running out on sexual assault, harassment, and inequality in the workplace. Ryan Seacrest wears the bracelet while being under accusations for sexual harassment.
Sandra Oh brings this message to the forefront as the first Asian to host the Golden Globes. She says, “I said yes to the fear of being on this stage tonight because I wanted to be here and look out onto this audience and witness this moment of change. I’m not fooling myself. Next year could be different and probably will be. But right now, this moment is real.” Equality is stepping forward one historic moment at a time.
Carol Bernette is honored as one person who is a barrier breaker throughout her career. This evening she is the first recipient of the Achievement in Television, the Carol Burnett Award. She was the first woman to host a variety show, awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and Kennedy Center Honors.
Red Carpet Glamour
This evening is the first red carpet of the new year. We are honored to cover presenter Jamie Lee Curtis. She brings the most amazing transformation look. She is all monochromatic ice white head to toe. She is wearing Alexander McQueen gown with glitzy silver, Perrin Paris clutch, Cathy Waterman jewelry, Camille Clark beautiful makeup complimenting the styling, and her new all white coif hair styling.
Jaime Lee Curtis Hairstylist Sean James
Sean James, the hairstylist to the stars, presents the top look of the evening’s red carpet. James states, “I used Fhi heats “Stylus” products for root lift, “high altitude” on towel dried hair, and then went through the hair section by section. I continued applying heat and letting it cool in the small round brush, this creates the volume. My favorite blow dryer to use is the FHI HEAT Platform Nano Salon Pro 2000. It’s Powerful Tourmaline Ceramic core helps control the heat without burning. This comes with a great cool button. Once I’ve created the lift and shape I go into the hair, pulling, shaping and separating the hair with “stylus “ hairspray “stay put .” I like to step back and look at it from all angles making sure that the hair is complementary to the face, ears, nose, eyes, and chin. I go over and give it one final spray with the stylus “Stay Styled. ” This makes hair flexible, Jaime can run her hands through it anytime she likes. When I bleached Jamie’s hair I used Neo bond. To protect and strengthen the bonds of the hair.” See below James has provided our readers with a special offer on the FHI Heat products.
The red carpet is known for its fun party atmosphere. This year the glamour was top and fabulous. The men looking all dapper in a great variety of tuxedos and great ties. Timothée Chalamet brings a new look for men to the red carpet with a sequin harness that has black iridescent and purple beads, seven different shades of sequin and a hidden pocket, with an embroidered bib, paired with a shirt, pants, and boots from Louis Vuitton.
The individuality of the women was very present this evening on the red carpet. The glamour is present with exceptional looks with personalized styling and fashion. Regina King wears an Alberta Ferretti floor-length dress features pink sequins with detailing along the sides. Lady Gaga pays homage to Judy Garland in a Valentino seven foot train gown. Judy Garland is the first actress to star in A Star Is Born and an influence for Lady Gaga. See the red carpet looks below.
Host Sandra Oh
AJ Gibson
Lilliana Vazquez
Missi Pyle
Margaret Gardner
Yvette Nicole Brown
Hosts Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer
Francia Raisa
Dave Holstein
Giuliana Rancic
Host Andy Samberg and Joanna Newsom
Ryan Seacrest
Joanna Newsom
Carly Steel
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, nominee Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer
Camila Belle
HFPA President Meher Tatna
Caroline Aaron and Kevin Pollack
Kiki Layne
Desmond Child
Joanna Newsom and Andy Samberg
Ken Jeong and Tran Jeong
Richard Madden
Simon Heath and Jed Mercurio
Alan Arkin and Suzanne Newlander
Paul Chen and Andy Sale from “EY”
Luke Evans
Lukas Dhont
Jameela Jamil
Judy Greer
Viggo Mortensen
Chrissy Metz
Anthony Rossomando and Mark Ronson
Dakota Fanning
Chrissy Metz
Allison Janney
Sarah Gilbert and Linda Perry
Golden Globe Party Presenters and Ceremonoy
Brian May, Rami Malek, and Roger Taylor Photo Credit HFPA
This year’s awards were presented by an all-star list of celebrities including: Antonio Banderas, Kristen Bell, Halle Berry, Emily Blunt,Chadwick Boseman, Sterling K. Brown, Steve Carell,Jessica Chastain, Olivia Colman, Bradley Cooper, Kaley Cuoco, Jamie Lee Curtis, Taron Egerton, Idris Elba, Harrison Ford, Johnny Galecki, Richard Gere, Danai Gurira, Justin Hartley, Taraji P. Henson, Felicity Huffman, Allison Janney, Michael B. Jordan, Nicole Kidman, Lady Gaga, Lucy Liu, William H. Macy, Chrissy Metz, Julianne Moore, Megan Mullally, Mike Myers, Lupita Nyong’o, Gary Oldman, Jim Parsons, Tyler Perry, Chris Pine, Amy Poehler, Sam Rockwell, Gina Rodriguez, Saoirse Ronan, Maya Rudolph, Octavia Spencer, Ben Stiller, Emma Stone, Taylor Swift, Dick Van Dyke, Lena Waithe Rachel Weisz, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Chuck Lorre
Cast and Crew
Sandra Oh
Jim Beach, Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen, Rami Malek, Graham King, and Mike Myers
The 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Green Book
Rami Malek
Rami Malek Brian May Roger Taylor
Anthony Rossomando. Andrew Wyatt, Lady Gaga, and Mark Ronson
Jeff Bridges
Darren Criss
Glenn Close
Glenn Close
Nick Vallelonga, and Brian Currie
Carol Burnett
Darren Criss
Rami Malek with Brian May and Roger Taylor
Ben Stiller and Jamie Lee Curtis
Hosts Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh
Fiji, Lindt, and Moet
Rachel Brosnahan
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas
Melissa Mccarthy knew that dinner would not last through the three and half hour show. She provided 30 ham and cheese sandwiches for sharing.
We Say congratulations to Rami Malek on his best actor award. He was the top actor this year! It was a joy of a lifetime watching Malek performance.
The After Party
The evening concludes with a fantastic after party at the Beverly Hilton. They recipients are able to engrave their statues, celebrate, and enjoy great music.
Golden Globe Recipients Party
Best film – drama Black Panther BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody If Beale Street Could Talk A Star Is Born
Best actress – drama Glenn Close – The Wife Recipient Lady Gaga – A Star Is Born Nicole Kidman – Destroyer Melissa McCarthy – Can You Ever Forgive Me? Rosamund Pike –A Private War
Best actor – drama Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born Willem Dafoe – At Eternity’s Gate Lucas Hedges – Boy Erased Rami Malek – Bohemian Rhapsody John David Washington – BlacKkKlansman
Best supporting actress Amy Adams – Vice Claire Foy – First Man Regina King – If Beale Street Could TalkRecipient Emma Stone – The Favourite Rachel Weisz – The Favourite
Best supporting actor Mahershala Ali – Green BookRecipient Timothée Chalamet – Beautiful Boy Adam Driver – BlacKkKlansman Richard E Grant – Can You Ever Forgive Me? Sam Rockwell – Vice
Best film – musical or comedy Crazy Rich Asians The Favourite Green Book Recipient Mary Poppins Returns Vice
Best actress – musical or comedy Emily Blunt – Mary Poppins Returns Olivia Colman – The Favourite Elsie Fisher – Eighth Grade Charlize Theron – Tully Constance Wu – Crazy Rich Asians
Best actor – musical or comedy Christian Bale – ViceRecipient Lin-Manuel Miranda – Mary Poppins Returns Viggo Mortensen – Green Book Robert Redford – The Old Man & the Gun John C Reilly – Stan & Ollie
Best actor – musical or comedy Christian Bale – Vice Lin-Manuel Miranda – Mary Poppins Returns Viggo Mortensen – Green Book Robert Redford – The Old Man & the Gun John C Reilly – Stan & Ollie
Best director Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born Alfonso Cuarón – Roma Recipient Peter Farrelly – Green Book Spike Lee – BlacKkKlansman Adam McKay – Vice
Best song All the Stars – Black Panther Girl in the Movies – Dumplin’ Requiem for a Private War – A Private War Revelation – Boy Erased Shallow – A Star Is BornRecipient
Best screenplay Alfonso Cuarón – Roma Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara – The Favourite Barry Jenkins – If Beale Street Could Talk Adam McKay – Vice Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly – Green Book Recipient
Best foreign language film Capernaum Girl Never Look Away Roma Recipient Shoplifters
Best score Marco Beltrami – A Quiet Place Alexandre Desplat – Isle of Dogs Ludwig Göransson – Black Panther Justin Hurwitz – First ManRecipient Marc Shaiman – Mary Poppins Returns
Best limited series or TV movie The Alienist The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Recipient Escape at Dannemora Sharp Objects A Very English Scandal
Best actress in a limited series or TV movie Amy Adams – Sharp Objects Patricia Arquette – Escape at DannemoraRecipient Connie Britton – Dirty John Laura Dern – The Tale Regina King – Seven SecondsR
Best actor in a limited series or TV movie Antonio Banderas – Genius: Picasso Daniel Bruhl – The Alienist Darren Criss – The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime StoryRecipient Benedict Cumberbatch – Patrick Melrose Hugh Grant – A Very English Scandal
Best supporting actress in a limited series or TV movie Alex Bornstein – The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Patricia Clarkson – Sharp ObjectsRecipient Penelope Cruz – The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Thandie Newton – Westworld Yvonne Strahovski – The Handmaid’s Tale
Best supporting actor in a limited series or TV movie Alan Arkin – The Kominsky Method Kieran Culkin – Succession Edgar Ramirez – The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Ben Whishaw – A Very English ScandalRecipient Henry Winkler – Barry
Best TV series – musical or comedy Barry The Good Place Kidding The Kominsky Method The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Best actress in a TV series – musical or comedy Kristen Bell – The Good Place Candice Bergen – Murphy Brown Alison Brie – Glow Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Debra Messing – Will and Grace
Best actor in a TV series – musical or comedy Sasha Baron Cohen – Who Is America? Jim Carrey – Kidding Michael Douglas – The Kominsky MethodRecipient Donald Glover – Atlanta Bill Hader – Barry
Best TV series – drama The Americans Recipient Bodyguard Homecoming Killing Eve Pose
Best actress in a TV series – drama Caitriona Balfe – Outlander Elisabeth Moss – The Handmaid’s Tale Sandra Oh – Killing Eve Recipient Julia Roberts – Homecoming Keri Russell – The Americans
Best actor in a TV series – drama Jason Bateman – Ozark Stephan James – Homecoming Billy Porter – Pose Richard Madden – BodyguardRecipient Matthew Rhys – The Americans Julia Roberts – Homecoming Keri Russell – The Americans
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and the last holiday party. What a great time of the year. The best New Year’s Eve celebration is perfect for a grazing table with little work. This will be a great way to let the chef enjoy the evening events too. Kristen Seymour presents a step-by-step guide to the perfect party.
If you want the food at your holiday party or corporate event to be opulent and impressive—but still inviting—a grazing table just might be the answer to your culinary conundrum. And as a bonus, you probably won’t even have to cook.
This hot trend in entertaining isn’t exactly new. In medieval times, palace feasts often featured tables piled high with layers of food for guests to sample at their leisure. These days, grazing tables are more likely to feature local cheeses than, say, roasted peacock. But a year or two ago, a modern take on the grazing table began to take hold in Australia and New Zealand. Now it’s taking the U.S. by storm.
What, exactly, is a grazing table?
Typically, it’s a table (although it can also be a platter, a counter, a board, or any large, flat surface) with lots of visually appealing and accessible food. Most items aren’t contained within bowls or baskets but are instead arranged in piles that lavishly spill into each other. It’s artfully disheveled. Decadent, but relaxed. It’s a really flexible concept that can work for a wide variety of events, numbers of guests, locations, themes, and budgets. In a work setting, for instance, a grazing table is a great way to incorporate office snacks you already have on hand without the need to bring in or buy a ton of serveware and utensils.
New Year’s Grazing Table Menu
And if all that isn’t enough, one of the best aspects of a grazing table is the low maintenance set up, which allows the host to spend time with their guests. After all, parties are much more fun to throw when you actually get to join them. Interested in giving a grazing table a go? Here’s how to build your own for your next office party or gathering at home.
Planning for Your Party
The first decision to make is the shape and size of the table. Will it be large enough to hold everything you want to include? According to New Zealand caterer Sarah Jones, who was at the forefront of this trend, you can expect a table that’s one square meter (which is about three feet by three feet) to fully feed around 15 people and allow around 30 to graze. However, you can use layers to fit more food or add decorative elements to take up more surface area if the table you have is too large.
And don’t forget about location. Your grazing table should be situated in a way that makes it easy for multiple guests to access it at once, encouraging mingling while snacking. But you don’t want it to be in the way of traffic (or dancing!). If you’ll have small children or pets at the party, you might also want to use an elevated surface to keep snacks away from little hands and curious noses.
Now, onto the food!
With a grazing table, you don’t want to choose food only for its tastiness, although, that’s an important factor. You should also think about the aesthetics. Brightly colored fruit and veggies, breads and crackers with different textures and shapes, meat slices that can be folded artfully, and vibrant dips and sauces all add to the visual appeal of the table.
Be sure to pick up a variety of each type of food. For instance, when it comes to cheese, consider a soft Brie, a hard and nutty Manchego, and a sharp Cheddar—and then think about what would pair well with each type. This planning isn’t just for your shopping list, but also for your layout because you will want to make it easy for your guests to distinguish which cracker and spread complements the cheese they just sliced.
New Year’s Grazing Table Creation
And remember, this can be whatever you want it to be, so although the cheese, charcuterie, and crudités route is a common one, you can branch out in any way you’d like. Make big, brightly hued exotic fruits the main feature, layer your table with cakes and candies, or pick a sampling of easy-to-eat snacks from your favorite tapas restaurant. Living a healthy life? You can keep it vegan, paleo, or sugar-free, no problem. As long as you fill the space with food your guests can easily enjoy, the sky is the limit.
Creating Your Grazing Table
While it may look haphazard, a well-curated grazing table is anything but. It’s vital that you leave yourself plenty of time for the set-up process alone. Rushing to add the finishing touches as your guests arrive is no way to enhance that effortlessly chic atmosphere that a grazing table provides.
Step 1: Write out a list of all the foods you want to put out
You’d be surprised at how easy it is to forget what you’ve purchased until the party is over. A list will help you in step two. Consider whether you’ll be buying and preparing each item, or if you’ll go the corporate catering route instead.
Step 2: Plot your table
Time to decide what platters and other surfaces to put your food on. In keeping with the casually decadent feel, leave your linen tablecloth in the closet and, instead, stick with the surface of a nice, clean table, or cover it with kraft or butcher-block paper.
You can use baskets and cutting boards to organize more unruly foods, and of course, you’ll need bowls for dips or spreads. Adding a big, beautiful bowl of punch is a great way to take up space and add a pop of color, and now is the time to decide where any larger containers will go. That said, resist the urge to separate everything too precisely. You’re going for organized chaos, so just this once go ahead and let the grapes mingle with the prosciutto.
If you opt to decorate with non-food items, this is also a good opportunity to set out larger embellishments. Get creative with greenery and flowers, fresh herbs, whole fruits and veggies, unscented candles, framed art or signs, vases—anything that works with your theme and adds a bit of visual interest will increase the appeal of your grazing table.
Step 3: Use layers to create height
You can use cake stands, wine boxes, or just about anything else you have handy to add dimension to your table, but don’t use everything you have. Just a couple elements should do the trick. Place larger, more eye-catching foods—such as large cheese wheels or a pile of big brownies—on raised surfaces, and spread them out around your table. If you have large amounts of one item, such as salami slices, arrange them in two or three places around the table to break things up.
Step 4: Fill it in
Add your remaining foods to the empty spaces, making a point to separate similar items from one another. Place foods people may want to pair in close proximity (you could surround a wheel of Brie with pear slices, a crusty baguette, and a jar of fig jam, for example). The ideal grazing table will encourage people to move from one end to the other, sampling bits and bites from all areas.
Once you add your main foods, fill in the remaining spaces with handfuls of nuts, dried fruit, berries, pieces of dark chocolate, or any other small foods you’d like to sprinkle throughout. You can also scatter flowers or other decorations if you have room. Though the design is completely up to you, a traditional grazing table leaves very little bare space, so don’t be shy about adding more. Abundance is a theme that’s hard to overdo.
Step 5: Take a tour
Approach the table as if you were a guest and make sure everything is accessible (can you reach for that biscuit behind the candle without burning your hand?) and inviting. Slice a corner of each block of cheese and tear off a few chunks of the baguette to encourage guests to dig right in.
Step 6: Snap a picture before your guests dig in!
The photogenic nature of the grazing table is inversely proportional to the amount of noshing that’s been done, so ‘gram it for posterity’s sake right away.
New Year’s Grazing Table Savings
Happy New Year! May you have a wonderful celebration and year filled with the best lifestyle. Thank you to ZeroCater for the collaboration and exceptional article.
The Winter Garden is the Golden Globes theme for this dinner party. This year’s dinner brings a new Executive Chef and first ever gluten-free dessert.
Executive Chef Matthew Morgan
Golden Globe Awards Dinner in the Winter Garden
Executive Chef Matthew Morgan
Executive Pastry Chef Thomas Henzi
Golden Globe Awards Dinner in the Winter Garden
Golden Globe Awards Dinner in the Winter Garden
Menu
Matthew Morgan, first time as the Executive Chef for Golden Globes, creates a menu using fresh ingredients from his own garden. The evening will have 10,000 meals served. The menu includes:
Appetizer
Sweet Potato Vichyssoise
Wild Micro Chives, Golden Leeks, Organic Red Garnet Yams, and Roasted Pepitas
Entrée
Chilean Seabass
Forbidden Black Rice, White & Green Asparagus, Globe Carrots, Crispy Herb Leaves, and Sweet Pepper Concasse.
Vegetarian Entrée
Stuffed Honeynut Squash
Local Organic Honeynut Squash, Piquillo Pepper Hummus, Braised Rainbow Chard, Crispy Chickpeas, Quinoa, Golden Raisins, and Sunflower Sprouts
Thomas Henzi, the Pastry Chef, creates the first ever gluten-free dessert. This is a flourless chocolate cake with a white chocolate cheesecake, cherry, blackberry, pistachio cream, and Amaretto.
Dessert
Pistachio Cream Cheese Ivory
Flourless Chocolate, Vanilla Kirsch Genoise, and Cream Cheese Charlotte Pistachio Center
Moët & Chandon champagne, the official champagne of the Golden Globes, is serving a champagne cocktail that transports guests to South America. The cocktail created by actress Camilla Belle from her Brazilian heritage. They will serve over 500 cocktails.
Michael Uncapher, from Mark’s Garden, talks about the decor and flowers. They are doing a Golden Globe statue out of flowers, a great option for celebrity selfies. The color and flower for the night are yellow tulips and roses with a modern clean look.
Recipes
Moet Belle
1oz Cachaça
0.75oz mango juice
0.5oz ginger syrup
0.25oz fresh lime juice
2.5oz Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial
Edible flower to garnish
Shake the first four ingredients together with ice.
Strain into a coupe and top with Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut.
Garnish with an edible tropical flower or tropical flower decoration and serve.
The Golden Globes hosted by Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg Jan. 6, 2019 at 8 PM EST on NBC from the Beverly Hills Hilton. Stay tuned here for complete Golden Globes coverage. See the list of nominees here.
The holiday season is here and planning is underway for many great events, discounts, and gifts. Check out our spectacular gift ideas for your home, family, friends, and yourself.
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Behind the scenes at The Emmys® is here.This is the70th-anniversary with a celebrity party of surprises, love, and beauty. The evening starts with the glamorous red carpet and concludes with the Governors Ball. The celebrities bring out the best in traditional red carpet fashion, talent, and entertainment.
Deon Cole Arrives at the Emmys®
Nnedi Okorafor Arrives at the Emmys®
Leslie Jones, left, and RuPaul Charles at the Emmys® Behind The Scenes
RuPaul Charles, left, and Leslie Jones present Emmys®
Leslie Jones arrives at the Emmys®
Leslie Jones arrives at the Emmys®
Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji at the Emmys® Behind The Scenes
Emmys® Behind The Scenes
Natasha Lyonne arrives at the Emmys®
Chrissy Teigen, left, and John Legend arrive at the Emmys®
Connie Britton arrives at the Emmys®
Sarah Paulson, left, and Connie Britton arrive at the Emmys®
Evan Rachel Wood arrives at the Emmys®
Leslie Jones Rupaul Charles at tthe Emmys® Behind the Scenes
Ricky Martin arrives at the Emmys®
Tracee Ellis Ross Emmys Primetime Red Carpet
Allison Janney arrives at the Emmys®
Jessica Biel arrives at the Emmys®
Jessica Biel, left, and Justin Timberlake arrive at the Emmys®
Judith Light arrives at the Emmys®
Gwendoline Christie arrives at the Emmys®
Emmys® Behind The Scenes
Tiffany Haddish arrives at the Emmys®
Marcus Scribner arrives at the Emmys®
Karamo Brown arrives at the Emmys®
Antoni Porowski arrives at the Emmys®
Behind The Scenes Emmys®
Hayma Washington, arrives at the Emmys®
Jonathan Van Ness arrives at the Emmys®
Tan France arrives at the Emmys®
Elisa Perry arrives at the Emmys®
Poppy Delevingne arrives at the Emmys®
Kari Skogland arrives at the Emmys®
Tiffany Haddish arrives at the Emmys®
Sadie Sink arrives at the Emmys®
Ken Olin, left, and Patricia Wettig arrive at the Emmys®
Bob Odenkirk, left, and Rhea Seehorn arrive at the Emmys®
Elisabeth Moss arrives at theEmmys®
Ellie Kemper arrives at the Emmys®
Felicity Huffman, left, and William H. Macy arrive at the Emmys®
Keri Russell arrives at the Emmys®
Cheryl Hines arrives at the Emmys®
Laurie Metcalf arrives at the Emmys®
Jimmy Kimmel, left, and Molly McNearney arrive at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Jeff Garlin arrives at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Peter Dinklage arrives Emmys®
Thandie Newton arrives at the 70th Primetime Emmys®
David Miller, left, and Ryan Murphy arrive at the Emmys®
Connie Britton arrives at the Emmys®
Finn Wolfhard arrives at the Emmys®
Marsai Martin arrives at the Emmys®
Sarah Goldberg arrives at the Emmys®
Xosha Roquemore arrives at the Emmys®
Yvonne Strahovski arrives at the Emmys®
Issa Rae arrives at the Emmys®
Max Minghella arrives at the Emmys®
Aidy Bryant arrives at the Emmys®
Scarlett Johansson, left, and Colin Jost arrive at the Emmys®
Dakota Fanning arrives at the Emmys®
Suzanne Cryer arrives at the Emmys®
Alexis Bledel arrives at the Emmys®
Ellie Kemper arrives at the Emmys®
Maika Monroe arrives at the Emmy®
Tituss Burgess arrives at the Emmy
Kevin Pollak arrives at the Emmys®
Travis Mills and Madelaine Petsch arrive at the Emmys®
Chrissy Metz arrives at the Emmys
Joseph Fiennes arrives at the Emmys®
Yvonne Orji arrives at the Emmys®
Amanda Brugel arrives at the Emmy®
Scarlett Johansson arrives at the Emmys®
Nnedi Okorafor arrives at the Emmys®
Dan Lagana arrives at the Emmys®
Crystal Dickinson and Brandon Dirden arrives at the Emmys®
Natalia Dyer arrives at the Emmys
Ellie Kemper at the Emmy
Betty Gilpin at the Emmy
Tina Fey arrives at the Emmys
Issa Rae arrives at the Emmy
Mandy Moore arrives at the Emmys
Padma Lakshmi arrives at the Emmy
Letitia Wright arrives at the Emmy
Charlie Heaton arrives at the Emmy
Betty Gilpin arrives at the Emmys
Felicity Huffman arrives Emmy
Jessica Biel arrives at the Emmy
Joe Keery, left, and Gaten Matarazzo arrive at Emmys®
Maika Monroe, left, and Joe Keery arrive at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)
Alexis Bledel arrives at the Emmys®
Tanika Ray arrives at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Madeline Brewer arrives at the Emmys
EXCLUSIVE – Madeline Brewer arrives at the Emmys®
Britney Young arrives at the Emmys®
General atmosphere at the Emmys®
Natalie Morales, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie arrive at the Emmys®
Sandra Oh arrives at the Emmys® Behind The Scenes
Millie Bobby Brown arrives at the Emmys® Behind The Scenes
Paula Newsome arrives at the Emmys® Behind The Scenes
Chrishell Stause arrives at the Emmys® Behind The Scenes
EXCLUSIVE – Chrishell Stause, left, and Justin Hartley arrive at the Emmys®
Hannah Zeile arrives at the Emmys®
Kayli Carter arrives at the Emmys®
O. T. Fagbenle arrives at the Emmys®
O. T. Fagbenle arrives at the Emmys®
Louise Roe arrives at the Emmys®
Noah Schnapp arrives at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Mackenzie Hancsicsak arrives at the Emmys®
Sterling K. Brown, left, and Ryan Michelle Bathe arrive at the Emmys®
Sterling K. Brown, left, and Ryan Michelle Bathe arrive arrives at the Emmys®
Chrishell Hartley arrives at the Emmys®
Chrishell Hartley, left and Justin Hartley arrive at the Emmys®
Kristen Bell arrives at the Emmys®
Tatiana Maslany arrives at the Emmys®
Holly Taylor arrives at the Emmys®
Hannah Zeile arrives at the Emmys®
Amy Hoggart arrives at the Emmys®
Laura Day and Stephen Schiff arrive at the Emmys®
Regina King arrives at the Emmys®
Ashley Nicole Black arrives at the Emmys®
Hannah Zeile arrives at the Emmys®
Lindsey Vonn arrives at the Emmys®
Regina King arrives at the Emmys®
Justin Hartley, left, and Chrishell Hartley arrive at the Emmys®
Sterling K. Brown, left, and Ryan Michelle Bathe arrive at the Emmys®
Ryan Michelle Bathe arrives at the Emmys®
Nathalie Emmanuel arrivesat the Emmys®
Zuri Hall arrives aat the Emmys®
Nina Kiri, from left, Amanda Brugel and Madeline Brewer arrive at the Emmys®
Amanda Brugel arrives at tEmmys® Behind The Scenes
Yvonne Orji arrives at the Emmys®
Maria Fiennes, left, and Joseph Fiennes arrive at the Emmys®
Nina Kiri arrives at the Emmys®
Sydney Sweeney arrives at the Emmys®
Yvonne Orji at the Emmys®
Carol Kane arrivesat the Emmys®
Matt Lintz arrives at the Emmys®
Zuri Hall arrivesat the Emmys®
TK Wright, left, and Jeffrey Wright arrive at the Emmys®
Thomas Middleditch arrives at the Emmys®
Sterling K. Brown, left, and Ryan Michelle Bathe arrive at the Emmys®
Giuliana Rancic arrives at the Emmys®
Matt Lintz arrives at the Emmys®
Becki Dennis arrives at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Amy Adams arrives at the Emmys®
– EXCLUSIVE – Tina Fey arrives at the Emmys®
Amanda Brugel arrives at the Emmys®
Amanda Brugel arrives at the Emmys®
Nina Kiri, from left, Amanda Brugel and Madeline Brewer arrive at the Emmys®
Marc Maron arrives at the Emmys®
Noah Schnapp arrives at the Emmys®
Thomas Middleditch arrives at the Emmys®
Issa Rae arrives at the Emmys®
Amy Adams arrives at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Tim Gunn arrives at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Liv Pollock, left, and Dacre Montgomery arrive at the Emmys®
Alexis Bledel arrivesat the Emmys®
John Leguizamo arrives at the Emmys®
Suzanne Cryer arrives at the Emmys®
Heidi Klum, left, and Tom Kaulitz arrive at the Emmys®
Nathalie Emmanuel arrives at the Emmys®
Tina Fey arrives at the Emmys®
EXCLUSIVE – Max Minghella arrives at the Emmys®
Luke Evansarrives at the Emmys®
Judith Light arrives at the Emmys®
Sterling K. Brown, left and Yvonne Orji at the Emmys®
Luke Kirby arrives at the Emmys®
Ellie Kemper arrivesat the Emmys®
Madelaine Petsch arrives at the Emmys®
Travis Mills arrives at the Emmys®
Travis Mills, left, and Madelaine Petsch arrive at the Emmys®
Daniel Bruhl arrives at the Emmys®
Rachel Reichard, left, Chris Sullivan arrive at the Emmys®
Suzanne Cryer arrives at arrives at the Emmys®
Heidi Klum, left, and Tom Kaulitz arrives at the Emmys®
Heidi Klum arrives arrives at the Emmys®
Kate McKinnon, left, and Aidy Bryant arrive at the Emmys®
Yvonne Orji arrive at the Emmys®
Liv Pollock, left, and Dacre Montgomery arrive arrives at the Emmys®
Joe Keery arrives at the Emmys®
Maika Monroe, left, and Joe Keery arrive at the Emmys®
Sydney Sweeney arrives at the Emmys®
Mishel Prada, left, and Melissa Barrera arrive at Creative Arts
Lori Greiner at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Michelle Pak at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Louise Sutton at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Tiffani Thiessen at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Sarah Drew at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Jane Lynch at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
The team from The Corner Shop, Production Company, BBDO New York at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
RuPaul Charles, left, and Michelle Visage at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Sharna Burgess at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
John Legend at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Pat King at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Fuller House arrives at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Neil Patrick Harris at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
W. Kamau Bell at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Mike Jackson, from left, Alex Rudeinski, Neil Meron, and Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Betsy Brandt at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Isabel May at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Emery Kelly, from left, Tiffani Thiessen, Finn Carr, Jolie Jenkins, Isabel May, Paris Berelc and Eddie Shin at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
The team of Lost in Space at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Gary Murphy at the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Mandy Mooreat the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
The Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Jeff Danna, left, and Mychael Dannaat the Emmys® 2018 Creative Arts Awards
Hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che
Claire Foy, winner
Peter Dinklage, winner
Rachel Brosnahan, winner
Betty White, Kate McKinnon and Alec Baldwin at the Emmys®
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney at the Emmys®
Amy Sherman-Palladino, winner
Amy Sherman-Palladino, winner
Bill Hader, winner
Bill Hader, winner
Tiffany Haddish, winner
Michael Douglas presents the award
Ryan Murphy wins the award
Glenn Weiss accepts the award
Glenn Weiss proposes to his girlfriend
Glenn Weiss proposes to his girlfriend
Glenn Weiss proposes to his girlfriend after accepting
Glenn Weiss proposes to his girlfriend after accepting the award
Glenn Weiss proposes to his girlfriend after accepting the award
Glenn Weiss proposes to his girlfriend after accepting the award
Regina King poses with the award
Ilana Glazer, left, and Abbi Jacobson presents
Host Michael Che speaks
Darren Criss, left, accepts the award
Regina King, accepts
Ryan Murphy accepts the award
Chrissy Teigen, left, and John Legend presents
Merritt Wever accepts the award
Kit Harington, left, and Constance Wu
Jeff Daniels accepts the award
Aidy Bryant, left, and Bob Odenkirk present
Kate McKinnon, left, and Alec Baldwin speaks
Betty White speaks
Merritt Wever poses backstage
Tiffany Haddish appears backstage
Bill Hader, from left, Tiffany Haddish, and Michael Douglas appear backstage
Rachel Brosnahan, winner
Rachel Brosnahan,
Rachel Brosnahan, winner
Rachel Brosnahan, winner
Jessica Biel, left, and Elisabeth Moss pose
Amanda Peet, William H. Macy, Felicity Huffman and Sarah Paulson at the Emmys®
Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Edgar Ramirez at the Emmys®
Jeff Daniels accepts the award
Ed Harris and Thandie Newton at the 70th Primetime Emmys®
Penelope Cruz at the 70th Primetime Emmy
Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Edgar Ramirez at the 70th Primetime Emmy
Thandie Newton, Evan Rachel Wood and Amanda Nguyen at the Emmy Awards
Jessica Biel, Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji and Tracee Ellis Ross at the Emmys®
Amanda Crew and Suzanne Cryer at the Emmys®
Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji at the 70th Primetime Emmys®
Henry Winkler, winner Congrats
Henry Winkler, winner
Ryan Murphy, winner
Matthew Rhys, winner
The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards
Team member from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Kathleen Rosemary Treado, left, and Jeff Daniels, winner
Peter Dinklage, winner
A general view at the 70th Primetime Emmy
Katt Williams, winner of the award
Katt Williams, winner
Congrats RuPaul Charles
Darren Criss, Congrats, with the award
Claire Foy, winner
RuPaul Charles and team with the award
Hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che
RuPaul Charles and the team from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” with the award
The Governors Ball presents an event worthy of 70 years of Emmys®. The event will be a glamours celebration on top of Los Angeles will be under the stars.
Hosting you own Emmys® Party
This is a great time to celebrate you favorite television series and actors. Invite a few friends over for an evening of star gazing and glam. Here are a few ideas for the evening.
Decorate the living room with icicle lights and small strands of starlight-inspired LED lighting
Encourage guest to dress in the Governors Ball theme colors blues, purples, silvers, and golds.
Design the invites with the same colors above and use stars or small crystals.
Create a recipe or two from the Governors Ball
Create great pieces for the table or buffet server with metallic fabrics
Use large pillows for extra sitting in the viewing room
Set up your own red carpet with a backdrop on a wall in your home
Provide fuzzy socks for guests while sitting on pillows
The 2018 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Shoot on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Patina in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)
Emmys® Governors Ball Menu
Chef and Founder Joachim Splichal and Patina Catering return to the Governors Ball for the 23rd year to bring an extensive menu matching the sophistication of their Michelin star restaurants.
Chef Joachim Splichal is widely recognized as the chef that made LA as a premier dining capital of the world. He is hailed as a “Legendary Chef” by Bon Appétit.
The menu is diverse for all foodies. This year includes a large variety of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. The menu includes:
The 2018 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Shoot on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Patina in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)
Emmys® Governors Ball Desert
Every party needs a little something sweet. Frania Mendivil, the Executive Pastry Chef at Patina Catering, presents a decadent dessert menu including:
Mini Mason Jars ~ Harry’s Berries Strawberry shortcake Coconut chia seed tapioca GF VEGAN (see recipe below)
Mini Drumsticks
White and dark chocolate waffle cones filled with seasonal toppings Milk chocolate waffle cones filled with vanilla Chantilly
Mini Tarts Apricot almond, apple vanilla, pear chocolate
There is something for everyone’s liking. Mendivil began baking in her family’s bakery in Mexico.
Emmys® Governors Ball Spirits
The completing the celebrations is a drink just for the evening Enlightenment (see recipe below). This creation is fun and plalyful. The cocktails for the evening include:
Enlightenment The signature sip of the 70th Emmy® Awards Season – An effervescent cocktail featuring strawberry-infused Ketel One Family-Made Vodka, lime juice, honey syrup, Sencha green tea, Chareau liqueur, and yuzu & strawberry pearls that create an unexpected and complimentary pop of flavor with every sip. (signature cocktail at PNR Nominees Event only)
Radiance a familiar yet exotic mix of floral and spice.
Restoration a revitalizing homage to the classic espresso martini made with Fair Trade cold brew.
Labyrinth a refreshing garden-centric sipper boasting notes of fresh, all-natural vegetables.
Emmy® Statues are seen during the 2018 Governors Ball Sneak Peek Press Preview for the 70th Emmy® Awards at the L.A. Live Event Deck on Thursday, September 6, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)
Emmys® Governors Ball Decor
Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions is set the decor to be a full stray night. The evening takes place at LA Life Event Deck. The decor is thousands of twinkling lights suspended overhead. It is sure to be an artful combination of glamorous, sophisticated décor and a visionary dining and entertainment experience.
Emmys® Governors Ball Fun Facts
600 different lighting instruments
28,800 individual LED lights to create the ceiling installation
Lindt Chocolate is the official chocolate confectionery of the Green Room named the Lindt Chocolate Lounge
Emmys® Governors Ball Recipes
Filipino BBQ Chicken Skewers
Makes 12 Skewers
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup banana ketchup
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp finely minced garlic
1 tsp finely minced ginger
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp 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
1/2 cup additional banana ketchup for dipping (recipe and instructions below)
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
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onions
2 tsp finely minced garlic
1 jalape.o seeded and minced
2 tsp finely grated ginger
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground allspice
2 cups mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
Cook onions in vegetable oil over medium heat until soft, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic,
jalapen, 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.
Coconut Chia Tapioca
Serving Size: 12, 2.5 oz. cups
Coconut Tapioca
Ingredients
8 cups water
1 cup small pearl tapioca
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons of sugar
1/4 chia seeds
Pinch salt
Pour 2 cups water in a sauce pan and add the . cup small pearls. Partial cover and simmer over
medium heat. Stirring occasionally, until the pearls are translucent, about 40 minutes. Stir in
the . cup unsweetened coconut milk, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Transfer
to a bowl and let it cool down. Once cooled cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2
hours
Passion Fruit Sauce
1/2 cup passion fruit puree
1/2 cup mango puree
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon agar-agar
In a sauce pan boil the passion and mango puree. In a medium bowl add the sugar and agaragar
and stir. Once the puree is boiling add the sugar and agar-agar mix, boil for 5 to 7 minutes
until there is a firm consistency. Once firm pour into medium bowl and let chill in the
refrigerator for at least 10 minutes
Exotic Tropical Fruit Salad
1/2 cup pineapple cut in 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 cup mango cut in 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 cup kiwi cut in . inch pieces
Zest of one lime
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 cup simple syrup
Cut the fruit into . inch cubes and add to large bowl. Add the rice vinegar, simple syrup, lemon
zest, lime juice and sugar and using a wooden spoon stir all ingredients until the fruit is coated
with everything
Supper Seed Brittle
1/2 cup Glucose syrup
1 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Sesame seed
1/2 cup Chia seeds
1/2 cup Flax seed
Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In sauce pan heat up the glucose with the sugar over
high heat until it becomes an amber color. In a large bowl add all the seeds and lightly stir. Add
the hot syrup to the seeds and stir. On a sheet pan, place waxed paper and pour the hot syrup
mixture onto it. Cover the mixture with waxed paper and place in the oven for 5 minutes. After
5 minutes take the mixture out of the oven and use a rolling pin to flatten the mixture until it is
paper thin (make sure to keep the waxed paper on it, otherwise the mixture will stick to the
rolling pan
Additional Garnish
1 package of micro cilantro
12 marigold flowers
Assembly
In a small cup place 1 tablespoon of passion fruit sauce, then add 3 tablespoons of the coconut
tapioca and 3 tablespoons exotic tropical fruit salad. Garnish with supper seed brittle, 3 micro
cilantro leaves and 1 marigold flower.
Enlightenment
1 1/2 oz Ketel One Family-Made Vodka infused with strawberries
1 oz lime juice
3/4 oz honey syrup
1 oz Sencha green tea
1/16 oz Chareau liqueur
Carbonated
Yuzu and Strawberry pearls
Combine the first five ingredients in a shaker over ice.
Pour liquid into carbonating vessel and charge with CO2.
Pour into chilled glass over yuzu and strawberry pearls.
Tie flowering herbs to the outside of the glass to finish.
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Traveling across the country you find a variety of traditional American food to traditions for each region. There is beautiful colors, smells, sounds, and exceptional people to meet. Here are a few of the food finds from Arizona to North Carolina.
Arizona Food
Chesapeake Bay Bistro
Chesapeake Bay Bistro
Pulling out of a local shopping plaza fish sounded good for dinner. As I Google the nearest location I did not have a clue that there was one tucked in the shopping center, Chesapeake Bay Bistro, this is was a treasure find.
The restaurant owned by James and Yolanda Brown ventured to open this location during the height of the pandemic. It was an exceptional decision.
Chef Zandra (Zantastic) Vaughn creates fish your way everyday. The menu is created to make your fish your way. The fish is homemade with fresh fish with every effort to use sustainable methods and recyclable goods. The hushpuppies are scrumptious.
The fish is fresh and crabs are live and flown in from the Chesapeake Bay in the East Coast on a daily basis. We make sure that our ingredients are of the highest quality.
The fun is adding your name to a flip flop and looking for an open space for your addition. The customer service the best. Yolanda is passionate and full of energy. The food was delicious and enough for a few meals.
Cameron Trading Post Highway 89
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.
Breakfast:
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
Lunch:
Southwest taco salad served with a prickly pear cactus fruit vinaigrette
Gunslinger ham and cheese with diced green chile to the classic ham and American cheese sandwich
Navajo burger A juicy burger patty served on Fry Bread with salsa and all the trimmings (this was a delicious choice)
Dinner:
Nakahee Becheeyeh ( means south of the border) includes a pork tamale, a meaty beef taco, and one cheese enchilada
Served with tortilla chips, our spicy homemade salsa, refried beans, rice, and your choice of red or green chile
Trout dinner with lightly breaded grilled fish
Liver and Onions Beef liver grilled with onions and bacon
served with soup or salad, a fresh mini loaf and a choice of mashed potatoes, baked potato, French fries, sautéed vegetables or rice pilaf.
Each dish enjoyed this evening brought a new experience to something familiar. We enjoyed the Navajo burger (with a vegetarian patty), club sandwich (served gluten-free) and Navajo taco (made with Blue Bird flour). Ellie enjoyed a milkshake and nibbling off everyone’s plate. Miss “Foodie” (Ellie) really recommends their fantastic french fries. The menu includes the Navajo language providing a fun conversation with the staff. We enjoyed the local flavors and expansion of cultures. The food to the ambiance provided a complete experience with cultural diversity.
Ranch House Grille
Ranch House Grille
This was a great place to meet with a high school friend and his beautiful wife. We enjoyed breakfast at Ranch House Grille. It was a very local place. Many entering the grill knew other patrons and shared stories of their families and community. It was a wonderful meal. Large portions, good café coffee, and great hash browns.
Utah Food
Ray’s Tavern
We stop in Green River just before Colorado. Lisa Sherman recommended having lunch at Ray’s Tavern. This was our first travel contest. Congrats, to Wes Hawkins at Utah Travels for knowing what city we were enjoying lunch. We ordered the chicken sandwich and a Garden Burger®. They had a Utah tradition on fry sauce, created by Don Carlos Edwards in the 1950s. It is as simple as ketchup and mayonnaise whipped together. I have seen variations with adding sour cream or buttermilk. This was a treat for sure. It was a great place. The waitress extremely friendly and the food fresh, including the fries.
Spicy Thai and Joe’s Cafe
Orem Utah Reunion Time Road Trip
Meeting up with my dear friend Lisa Sherman was 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 enjoyed breakfast at Joe’s Cafe. The food was so delish. Lisa even enjoyed the grits. A dish she was convinced she did not like. Joe said, “You will love them. Nothing comes between your lips and my grits.” It was so wonderful catching up with Lisa after all these years.
Dinner was a fabulous reunion with my bestie from high school, Brenda Anderson. She and I meet at the Spicy Thai in Orem. This was an excellent choice for the food was excellent. Their menu had a great selection of Thai food with the ability to choose your heat. The evening ended at her home where we spent time catching-up, relationships talk, and a little (very little) drinking. Her cute little dogs entertained up throughout the evening. They are both such a ball of energy.
Colorado Food
Aloha Poké Co.
Aloha Poké Co. provides a light refreshing meal with a wide choice of vegetables and rice. This is a perfect meal for this long day of road travel. Cherie and I sit outside enjoying lunch in the spring sun and looking back at the Rocky Mountains thinking a strong contrast from the last two days to the journey that lays in front of us.
Missouri Food
Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ
Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ St. Louis Missouri
St. Louis is known for its arch and barbecue. This being a late Sunday afternoon we realize that many locations are not open, but find one near the ball field, Sugarfire SmokeHouse BBQ! This is an award-winning restaurant under Chef Mike Johnson has studied with Myron Mixon, cooked under Emeril Lagasse and Charlie Trotter. It was a great experience of community, exceptional food (sweet potatoes the best) and BBQ pork and salmon.
Cincinnati, Hebron, and Indianapolis Food
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 was a great flavor not too sweet or sugary. The brunch was perfect a great hollandaise sauce over Scottish lox, poached eggs, fresh tomato, and locally made English muffins with caviar on top. The English muffin was fresh with a nice sourdough flavor. The hollandaise sauce was perfect with just a little heat. The porridge was a new experience. It was creamy with a hint of cinnamon.
Hebron Grille
The evening meal was a quaint place in Hebron Kentucky called Hebron Grille. The waitress, Brenda, was so friendly and informative. She provides insight into the southern menu. I decide on the Catfish Grand Bayou. This was a meal for two. It was perfect for a later time as well.
The fish was perfectly cooked with Cajun spice, white wine, lemon, capers, diced tomatoes, grilled shrimp, crawfish, angel hair pasta, and grilled asparagus. The capers brought an exceptional flavor and salt to the dish. The crawfish is a wonderful additional treat.
Abby Girl Sweets Cupcakes
Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati Ohio, my niece and I stop by Abby Girl Sweets Cupcakes. This was a delightful find in the lobby of the Hilton Netherlands Hotel lobby. This little shop has a variety of sweet and moist cupcakes. We enjoyed the coconut, black raspberry chip, red velvet, and peanut butter cup. They were perfect after a long of competition at the USA Gymnastics event.
This business is owned and operated by Nathan & Andrea Thompson (husband and wife). The name comes from their daughter, Abby Girl, she is the top taster for the cupcakes. The cupcakes are sweet and well-flavored.
Champaign Illinois Food
The Midwest food is all American. The area settled by Europeans including Germans, British, Italian, Hungarians, and Scandinavians. The simple hearty foods with strong Christian influences continue today. The fusion food trend is not found here as much. You will find that true honest food as it was from the beginning.
This town is a place you find all American food. It is a place worth stopping and checking out the food scene. This area is in Central Illinois about 2.5 hours south of Chicago. The area surrounded by small farm and dairy communities. It is known for farmers markets, fresh dairy (yes you can buy fresh milk at the farm), ethnic foods, and the classic American food.
Sleepy Creek Vineyard Road Trip
Sleepy Creek Vineyards
Driving in from St. Louis, you take exit 206 from I-74. The winery is a great location to come for many events. Weekly they have local musicians, wieners and wine, and Winery Mary Bar Every Sunday. The winery has great yearly events from Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and more.
The wine is sweet not a real full-bodied wine. They have a jalapeño red wine they substitute with vodka in the bloody Mary served on Sunday. The place is beautiful and serene setting. Locals bring their picnic lunches, you can buy cheese and crackers, or at times, a food truck might be here. The day we were there they had a band playing in the large barn, a strong community presence sitting outside by the creek overlooking the vineyard.
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 was 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 that is sparkling water from deep below the café. It is a great place for large parties and a sense of the community in Champaign.
Amaravati Indian Royal Cuisine Champaign
Amaravati Indian Royal Cuisine primarily brings Southern Indian cuisine to Champaign. Southern Indian cuisine based around rice, lentils, and stews. Dishes The authenticity found in the menu. The waitress knowledge of the menu and very helpful with the dishes.
Enjoying Paneer Tikka Masala with cubes of fresh cottage cheese cooked with green peas in an onion, tomato & cashew based sauce. Garnished with Kasturi methi and cashew pieces. The flavors linger on your pallet. The rice is perfectly cooked. Dessert is rasamalai it is juice and cream. It is a sweet and good amount of heat. This dish has a history of being created in Britain by a Bangladeshi chef.
Champaign Food Road Trip
Core Life Eatery Champaign
Entering the eatery, you hear a local band on an early Saturday morning. The eatery is a location of freshness and wholesome. The food is GMO, grass-fed steak, all-natural chicken, and no GMOs. The broths are center to the soups. You pick your ingredients from a fresh selection that looks like a produce stand.
The soup is heavy in a great vegetable broth the Sriracha soaked bean sprouts make a nice substitute for noodles and Sriracha brings heat to the soup. The kale and Napa cabbage are barely cooked by the hot broth this brings a freshness and crunch to the flavor. The shiitake mushrooms add texture to the soup. It is refreshing with flavors that linger on the plate.
Chicago Food
Chicago sits in the Midwest has a history of all American food. This history is changing to one of sophistication and elegance. The dining experience is one set for the various neighborhoods in Chicago. The traditional American and deep dish pizza is found in each area, but the elegance is found with 25 Michelin-starred restaurants. Chicago is known for their yearly Taste of Chicago a food and entertainment weekend usually held the second week of July. There is a covering deep dish pizza this is a bucket list trip with deep dish pizza on the list.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Road Trip
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
This was a fantastic place to take a crowd for lunch. There was a little bit of a wait but well worth the wait. They do allow you to order ahead of time. The entire party pizza enjoyed the pizza. They had great selections with gluten-free and vegetarian options. The gluten-free crust was one of the best. They have a real family feeling to the pizzeria.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is a local favorite. The first restaurant opened by Lou, an Italian, opened a pizzeria in a Jewish neighborhood on an Irish holiday in 1971. They are always busy at all 51 locations in the Chicago area. Each pizza is hand created to each patron’s desire.
Pequod Pizza Chicago
Pequod Pizza, 25 years in business, is a popular place in Lincoln Park. We arrive with the dreams of deep crust pizza and watch the Cubs play ball. Arriving we realize that the wait is down the street. Heading into the small hostess station they tell us, “there is an hour for a table about another hour for service from seating.” We walk around the block and decide to find a place with appetizers to wait out the hour seating time. We find a great place called Distilled Chicago.
New York City mayor’s press secretary Eric Phillips has put in his vote on Twitter for the best pizza “Chicago pizza is the best pizza in America, and it’s not even close.” The tweet has a photo of Chicago-style deep dish pizza from Pequod’s. We return for our pizza as our buzzer for the table goes off.
We take the pizza back to the Air BNB for snacking and dinner on Saturday evening. It is a fabulous bucket list experience. Normally a thin crust pizza lover this was a true experience. The crust is caramelized and not as heavy as expected. The cheese strings as you take a bite making it a true cheese pizza. The sauce is the best to date. It is loud and excitable as the patrons are enjoying the final innings of the Cubs game.
Distilled Chicago
Distilled Chicago was a fantastic find just down the street from Pequod Pizza in West Lincoln Park. We sit at the bar. The decor is black and gold with an early 19th century feel. The Cub’s are playing on the TV. It is neighborhood experience as locals enter to enjoy the local menu with a modern twist on bar favorites. We enjoy a glass of wine and a beer. It is best known for being a whiskey bar with our 100 varieties. These are paired with the menu items.
The food is fabulous. We order the mac ‘n’ cheese bits, sliders with fries, and Italian beef egg rolls. The Italian beef rolls turn out to be a delightful surprise with the Au Jus Sauce. This fusion of Asian and Italian together well and our the favorite of the night. The mac ‘n’ cheese bits are crispy and tasty. The dipping sauce is house ranch. There is a good textual experience. The fries are crispy and the bacon jam brings the classic slider to a unique experience the arugula brings a fresh peppery flavor, caramelized onions, and the top quality Angus beef takes a bar classic to elegance. This became dinner. It is a great place to enjoy a ball game, the community, and an American classic menu with an elevation.
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 was perfect stop as my sister Cherie is heading to the airport to return to her family in Idaho. It was 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 was 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.
Bangers and Lace
Bangers and Lace, a local bar in Wicker Park, has a rustic lodge atmosphere and is a great place for a good drink and great company. The patrons are friendly. The bartender for the evening was an instant win with a Big Lebowski shirt. The best feature is the is the classic beer tap handles. The restaurant’s name is Bangers for the British term for sausage and Lace for Brussels Lace, the intricate veil of beer foam that clings to the glass side. This was a great evening spot near the Air BNB for cocktails and a glass of wine. They have a menu of sausages, English beans, vegetarian option, and Belgian fries.
The atmosphere is friendly, fun, and did get crowded as the night went on. It is a great place for sports, conversation, and good drinks. What a fun experience.
Kanela Chicago Road Trip
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 was an exceptional meal. The hollandaise sauce perfection with a nice touch of heat, the poach egg picture perfect. The sandwich was fabulous with the chili aioli brings the flavors together. The seasoned potatoes nicely cooked not too soft or undercooked. It was a nice brunch with my sister. We do agree that this is a great place for brunch.
New York City Food
Wild Ginger NYC
Wild Ginger NYC
This quaint Asian Fusion restaurant is next door to my hotel, Pod 51, in Midtown New York. Thankful for this find after being delayed at the airport. The restaurant is full of large parties enjoying an order your favorite roll and share mine. I can hear them discussing what they like about each other’s choices. That is a fun way to enjoy a menu. The decor is transforming, and fitting for the theme. The menu filled with a variety of traditional Asian and fusion dishes like Singapore thin rice noodles. Enjoyed steamed veggie dumplings, salmon roll, and mermaid roll. The sauce on the plate is sweet, sour, and a little heat. The food is fresh and elegant.
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 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.
Pizza NYC
$1 Pizza NYC
The little find during the day is Market Pizza. It is a small little shop off 6th ave. It is $2.99 for two slices of pizza and soda. This is a great place for a traditional New York pizza. It is good, friendly, and always ready. They have a variety of pizzas. There is a small communal area to sit to eat your pizza before heading back on my NYC adventure. Always fun to explore these great places.
Pescatore NYC
Pescatore NYC
Walking Midtown after a day of exploring and the fashion event it is overwhelming with the choices near the hotel. The restaurants’ selection vast and enticing aromas. The dilemma is decided as rain begins to fall. I wonder into Pescatore. It is a traditional setting with the seasonal tulips on each table. My waiter is Bryan Royas. He is very informative about the menu and attentive.
It is a really amazing experience to see spaghetti Carbonaro done tableside. This dish is pancetta, onions, pecorino cheese & egg mixed in a Parmigiano wheel. The family sitting near me order this dish. There is something about seeing the food prepared tableside. The smells, sounds, and visual bring anticipation.
I enjoy pasta ripiena, warm bread, with Bousquet Mendoza Argentina Malbec, and dessert. The staff that brings me zeppoles with fruit dipped in brandy. The ripiena is homemade pasta sheet stuffed with fresh spinach, ricotta, topped with tomato sauce and crispy parmigiana. The homemade pasta is delectable and the tomato sauce fresh. The dessert is light and sweet the vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry sauces. The raspberry sauce is my favorite brings a little tart to the sweet. The fruit with the brandy is scrumptious.
Wilmington North Carolina Food
Kilwins Chocolate Wilmington NC
This is a must stop when visiting Wilmington You can smell the sweetness down the street. This is just the start of the sensory experience provided. When entering the story your eyes are drawn to all the beautiful handcrafted chocolates and sweets. Located in the Historic Downtown. Ice cream is a popular treat in Wilmington. Kilwins makes bomb waffle cones, exceptional chocolates, and it is worth the wait.
They make their own ice cream from their original recipe with 40 premium, unique and delicious flavors including Mackinac Island Fudge. They use local farms for ingredients. The chocolate creations are amazing.
Mission BBQ Wilmington NC
Mission BBQ Wilmington NC
Always looking for good BBQ traveling across the country. Each area has their own special BBQ. Wilmington’s Mission BBQ is American and traditional to the area. This place brings the flavors of the region to dinner. Enjoying collard greens made with tomatoes, mac-n-cheese, and green beans with bacon, brisket and NC Style pulled pork with the vinegar BBQ (this food tradition is from original settlers, African slaves on plantations and modern ones). This is an Eastern-style sauce that is vinegar and pepper, no tomatoes. Bar-b-que is serious here making it all the way to state Congress to declare the official barbeque.
Mission BBQ opened 09/11/11 ten years after 911. There is a tradition in the 52 restaurants stops at noon on Fridays to honor the military members and stars and stripes. The decor follows this continued theme with a patriotic dining room full of tributes to those who make our country great. There is really nothing more American than a barbeque.