We’ll always have Paris!
When Chelsea said she had some time off work, she suggested we go on a girls trip to Paris! “What?!” I said, and without much arm twisting I gave in… and off we went for one fabulous week in the city of lights! With some quick planning we created the perfect experience… Here are a few of our favorite things!
OUR BIKE RIDE AND PICNIC IN VERSAILLES
We pre-booked with the company, BlueFox Travel, which was great… very organized and professional. We met our guide and a small group of 10 at the Gare St. Lazare Train Station in Paris. We were given our train tickets to the Versailles station and then walked directly to the Farmer’s Market where we were left on our own for 45 minutes to hunt and gather for our picnic lunch.
We found delicious cheeses, a small moist chicken, new potatoes, sweet strawberries and of course some lovely wine!
We were told the best place to get a baguette was Boulangerie Patisserie Chocolaterie. It’s a dark brown building with lime green awnings on the corner of the market area. The gigantic buttery palmier we bought for dessert was just delicious!
Our bikes came with baskets to store all the market goodies for our picnic!
Our group stopped every 15 minutes or so to take photos and learn the history of the palace and gardens.
We rode through the grounds and toured through the Grand and Petite Trianons and Marie Antoinette’s private hamlet. Stopping along the way for our spectacular market picnic lunch!
We returned the bikes and were led to the front of the line of the Palace.. we were then able to tour the Palace and Gardens at our own leisure. The Palace was beautiful of course, but it was very crowded inside, so we just quickly went through… it’s a shame that they allow so many people in at once.
The Hall of Mirrors inside the Palace!
We made our way back to the train station (using our pre-purchased tickets we were given that morning). It was a wonderful way to see Versailles, definitely a highlight of the whole trip!
THE BALLET AT THE OPERA GARNIER
Oh what a beautiful evening, oh what a beautiful ballet!!! The ballet was more a little modern than expected, but being there surrounded by all that beautiful architecture… sipping pink champagne and sitting in a box was such a fabulous experience!
The first thing you’ll want to do is look at the Opera Garnier’s calendar to see what’s playing while you’re in Paris. View calendar here. We found a two hour ballet that worked in to our schedule (both ballets and operas are performed at this venue). We purchased tickets online about a month in advance and picked them up at the box office that evening…easy!
We chose box seats (try to get the front seats) and were able to see the incredible Marc Chagal dome with a wonderful view of the ballet.
We ate right across the way at the very Parisian Belle Epoque, Cafe de la Paix!
The entire evening was such a wonderful classic french experience!
THE FLEA MARKET
Chelsea and I went to the Les Puces de Saint-
Here are my notes from my friend, Carla, who lives part time in Paris, her apartment there is decorated from both these markets and it’s one of the chicest spaces I’ve ever seen!
Carla:
My personal favorite markets within the Flea Market (St. Ouen) all run off the main street called rue des Rosiers (ask the driver to drop them off at the entrance of the rue des Rosiers). They are the Marché Vernaison ( a favorite shop within this market is: Au Grenier de Lucie for vintage costume jewelry and handbags –they are from London and so charming!) Marché Serpette and the surrounding alleyways called Paul Bert. There are wonderful jewelry, handbag, fashion, furniture stands in this market… I rarely leave without buying something from the Serpette…..
My two favorite places to eat:
Ma Cocotte — no reservations for lunch on the weekends so I recommend eating early 12:30 or later after 2PM. This is located in front of the Marché Serpette. It is designed by Philippe Starck and is where the chic crowd goes
Le Relais des Broc’s is my other go to place. It is more of an authentic flea market restaurant experience and the food is wonderful. There is nothing chic about this place but it is the “go to” place for people who really know the Flea Market. The staff is super nice and they do speak English. Address: 24 Rue Jules Vallés — behind the Serpette.
Chelsea and I ate at Ma Cocotte! It was wonderful!
We found a vintage Chanel necklace for Chelsea and a painting to bring home to Chris!
Even if you don’t buy anything… it’s so fun to see all there is!
OUR MUSEUMS
We went to three museums, The Louvre, The D’Orsay and The YSL. The best time to go to The Louvre is between 7:30 and 9:30 PM on a Wednesday or Friday. All the tour groups are gone and you basically have the museum to yourself.
I contacted the concierge at our hotel ahead and they had our museum passes waiting on our arrival.
Some of the best photos are looking out the museum windows!
I always start in Denon Wing to visit this personal favorite of mine by David and then just wonder from there.. you need to be out by 9:30 PM, which is perfect timing to go grab a late dinner at Cafe Marley, in the arcades of the Richelieu wing (stop in and put in your name before you go in the museum), and sit and look at I.M Pei’s pyramids and all the beautiful buildings of The Louvre illuminated at night.
Don’t miss going to Napoleon III Apartments on the 1st floor of the Richelieu wing!
We also went to The Musée d’Orsay… the best time to visit is on Thursday between 6-9 PM… again you will avoid the tour groups!
It’s always fun to get a photo in front of the museum’s clock from the inside, on the fifth floor, with a view of the Sacre Coeur.
A favorite by Caillebotte!
We loved the YSL museum! The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris exhibits the couturier’s body of work on the premises of his former haute couture house!!! We pre-booked a private one and a half hour English speaking tour with the company, Cultival, which we just loved! The private tour did not cost much more than the regular ticket price.
You enter the museum from the same door his clients would have entered..
It was a wonderful comprehensive tour showcasing Saint Laurent’s influences, his fashions and..
…the actual atelier where he worked!
PRETTY FLOWERS
Some of the prettiest flowers I’ve ever seen are in the lobbies of the elegant hotels in Paris. The Four Seasons, George V is the best! One of their friendly staff saw us looking around and offered to take us on a tour to show us the flowers in all the public spaces, we even met the famous, Jeff Leatham, the artistic director who installs over 12,000 flowers every three weeks! P.S. make a reservation for high tea at George V, we didn’t have a chance this trip… but it’s a wonderful experience!
And The Ritz!
And you even get giant roses in your drink when you go to the famous Bar Hemingway at The Ritz!
The Crillion has recently been remodeled and it’s just lovely… what used to be the restaurant, Le Ambassadeurs, is now a gorgeous bar where you can pop in and have a glass of wine or a fancy drink. We arrived around 6:00 the night we went to The Louvre to have a snack and a glass of wine.
OUR LUNCH AT GUY SAVOY
If you want to have an amazing Michelin three star experience while looking out on picture perfect views of the river Seine… on a budget… kind of… then go online and book here to make a reservation at Guy Savoy… be sure you request the prix fixe lunch.
It’s technically a three course meal, but with all the amuse bouches, it’s more like a ten course…
Chelsea has five desserts in front of her and those were all complimentary, so maybe it’s more…
You absolutely must choose the artichoke soup topped with parmesan and truffles as one of your courses..
It comes with this amazing brioche with truffle butter…
And… at least someone at the table should order the Napoleon.. our waiter said, “you’ve never experienced flaky” and he was right!!!
It was amazing!!!!!!!!!!! They are so happy to take you on a tour of the kitchen, show you all the rooms in the restaurant and introduce you to Guy Savoy himself… just ask!!! We were so impressed at how friendly and fun everyone was! We even had our menu signed for a keepsake!
OUR BOAT RIDE ON THE SEINE
Go for an evening river boat ride on The Verdettes Du Pont Neuf! All the river boat companies are about the same, but this one has a great starting point. Grab a bottle of champagne at the ticket area and go to the top deck and enjoy the one hour cruise, it’s such a fun way to see the city of lights!!! The 9:45 boat ride will put you in front of The Eiffel Tower right at 10:00 PM to see it literally sparkle!!!!
OUR SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT SWEET
There is a wonderful treat around every corner…
Pierre Hermé, was our favorite bakery for sweets in Paris! The macarons and chocolate are both just delicious!!!
We thought their Macarons were better than Laduree…
One morning we went searching for the perfect croissant and found a chocolate pistachio pain au chocolate at Pierre Hermé and it was unworldly!!!
One of the best sweets we had was a delicious little creme puff from, Popelini, that’s all they serve… get the salted caramel!
It’s served so cold it tastes almost like ice cream. We went to the one on 71 Rue de Seine, but there are a few more in Paris. Even if you’re not a big creme puff fan… try this!!!
The chocolates from Pierre Marcolini are divine and there are many of them all over Paris and the world in fact… we tried the shop at 89 Rue de Seine. We just had so much fun trying sweets from everywhere in Paris!!!
A FEW MORE FAVORITES
The Sole Marnier with Capers at La Mediterranee at 2 Place Odeon
The burger at Ralph’s in The Ralph Lauren Store on 173 Boulevard Saint-Germain
Strolling thru Luxembourg Gardens
The Christian Dior Store on The Avenue Montaigne
Our sweet little boutique hotel, Hotel Luxembourg Parc!
And that’s about all…I think I wore her out!!!
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Creating the Perfect Appetizer
It’s that time of year when the world falls in love… and our very special recipes come out to play.
My special recipe is called “Maroon Bells”, named after the beautiful mountain peak in Aspen.
The recipe comes from The Junior League of Denver’s cookbook called, Creme de Colorado.
The base is just grated white cheddar cheese, grated onion and mayonnaise.
Spread Raspberry Preserves and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint!
Here are the preserves and crackers I like, but you can serve it with sliced baguette. The recipe calls for Triscuits, but I like thin wafer crackers best!
Looking through old photographs, I seem to bring it to parties quite a bit! It’s so good and so easy!!!
A perfect appetizer for Christmas or Valentine’s Day!
Maroon Bells
2 1/2 cups Shredded New York White Cheddar Cheese (10-12 ounces)
1/3 cup Grated Onion (white)
2 T. Mayonnaise (Best Foods)
1/3 Raspberry Preserves (Bonne Maman)
Wafer Thin Crackers (Water Wheel)
Fresh Mint and Raspberries for Garnish
In mixing b0wl, combine cheese and onion, add mayonnaise. Mix well. Form into flat mound on serving dish and top with preserves. Garnish with mint and fresh raspberries.
A Cherry on Top!
Cherry Sundaes with Chocolate Cherry Sauce!
It’s as good as it looks! Scarlett certainly thinks so!!! Cherry Sundaes with Chocolate Cherry Sauce…
Last year my friend, Sandy, made these amazing Chocolate Cherry Sundaes for my birthday. I had to ask for the recipe… she was so wonderful to share!
This is Sandy’s go-to dessert she found in Bon Appetit years ago!
Go to recipe section to print recipe.
So when cherries came into season this summer and I needed a great dessert for a little girlie get together… I knew just what to serve!
I used vanilla bean gelato and Lindt Sea Salt Chocolate when I made them.
I did a trial run freezing the entire sundae but found I didn’t like the cherries frozen… notice my freezer has lots of frozen martini glasses!
To save time, you can make the chocolate one week in advance and then just heat it up!
Thank you Sandy for my new favorite dessert!
Over the Top… Not Over the Hill!
Our dear friend, Brian, just celebrated his 60th birthday last week and I was among the lucky guests to attend this momentous occasion!
This was beyond the “Perfect Experience”!!! His partner, Thierry, created the most amazing soiree. I felt transported… a truly magical event!
An alfresco summer party that was fit for a King!
The birthday boy never looked more handsome!
Cocktails on the patio before the sit down dinner!
Special touches!
Thoughtful, loving speeches!
Unbelievable food catered by St. Clair’s in Burlingame…
Lovely wines and champagne!
Gorgeous arrangements!
Just breathtaking!!!
Special guests carried the celebration into the night!
All the beautiful gifts!
Such fun had by all!
I’m always in awe at the beauty Thierry creates!
Curiosities abound!
So honored to feel the love on this special night…
Happy Birthday Brian!!!!
“Pam Says” Poipu is Paradise
“Pam Says” Where to Go in POIPU
The original inspiration for my blog came from a song my friends’ kids made up on their trip to Kauai. I gave them a list of where to go and each day they would ask “Mom what are we doing today?” and she would answer, “Well, Pam says…” and the kids would sing “Pam Says, Pam Says”… the rest is history. We own a little place in Poipu on the beautiful island of Kauai so I’m lucky enough to go often. Here a few of my favorite “Pam Says” things!
Beach
Brenecke’s Beach: Great for boogie boarding, you can rent boards at Nukumoi’s across the street from the beach (Breneke’s Market, also across the street, has “good” shave ice)
Poipu Beach: Good for families and snorkeling
Waiohai Beach: In front of the Waiohai Hotel, good to take beginning surf lessons… nice calm waves…Ole Hay!
Shipwreck’s Beach: To the left of the Hyatt, not always safe to go in the water. But it’s a pretty beach and fun to watch the locals jump off the cliff
Lunch
Da Crack– A little hole in the wall Mexican place next to the old Kukuiula Market on Poipu Road, great take-out to take to the beach
Captain’s Bar at The Hyatt– The upper bar at the pool is a casual spot for lunch with an amazing view.
Puka Dogs– A must go! Located just below Brenneke’s Beach Broiler on Hoone Road, I love the polish sausage with spicy sauce, mango relish and lilikoi mustard, but get whatever you want… they are all good! And try a lemonade with half the sugar.
Savage Shrimp– In Kukuiula Marketplace. Super casual, really great, peal the shrimp by hand. If you’re staying in a condo, get it to go and have it for lunch or dinner!
Duke’s Canoe Club– It’s not in Poipu but it’s my favorite lunch on my last day on the way to the airport
Lava’s on Poipu Beach– Open air dining at the Sheraton, the food is very good!
Keoki’s Paradise– Best fish sandwich!! The fresh fish is always good!
Brenneke’s Beach Broiler– The Kama’aina Pupu Platter is delicious for lunch! But I don’t recommend the restaurant for dinner.
Old Koloa Fish Market– Unbelievable fresh Poke… get the Ahi and Avacado
Taro Ko Chips Factory– If you get poke from the Koloa Fish Market be sure to drive up the road to Hanapepe and pick up some freshly made Taro Chips from this little hole in the wall right at the beginning of town on the left. Yummy! Buy a few bags and Stanley will always throw one in for free!!
Dinner
Red Salt- Our favorite “fancy” restaurant for a special occasion. The food is sophisticated and delicious. They have recently added a sushi bar. It’s fun to get there early and watch the sunset at the front of the Koa Kea property, grab a drink at the pool bar!
Stevenson’s Library in the Grand Hyatt- Sushi. Make your reservation for 5:30 when they open and you will have the best chance to sit out on the balcony and watch the torch lighting ceremony and have an amazing view. Get the Tai Chi, Mai Tai!
Keoki’s Paradise- In the Poipu Shopping Village, eat in the bar area. It’s touristy but fun and there’s a band, the fish tacos are really good and the hula ice cream pie is worth the trip.
The Beach House– go before sunset and take pictures out on the lawn. The restaurant is hit or miss and somewhat pricey for the quality, so we like to go to the bar and get snacks and a drink.
Merriman’s Restaurant– It’s delicious… get the house Mai Tai with the lilikoi honey foam! Share appetizers and an entree! It’s a nice restaurant to see the sunset!
Eating House 1849- A Roy Yamaguchi Restaurant in the Kukuiula Marketplace. Everything is delicious. The menu has an old Hawaiian feel updated with Portugese flavors. Loved the whole fish!
La Spezia– In the old town of Koloa. Delicious Italian food… it’s hard to consider eating Italian food in Hawaii but this is good for a change of pace… love the lasagne!
The Dolphin Sushi Bar– Fun atmosphere and great sushi!
Activities
Kuluiula Village Farmers Market– Wednesday’s from 3:30-6, small but very nice… fun to go before you have a dinner reservations
Poipu Kai Tennis Center– Very nice facility. You can join for the week at reasonable prices
Outfitters Adventures – Kipu falls, zip-lining, kayaking-the best adventure tour ever!!!
This is my favorite adventure tour…you start with a kayak ride up the river…
then zip-lining!
and then lunch and swimming in beautiful pools!
Anara Spa Day at The Grand Hyatt– Since we have a condo we don’t have the luxury of a hotel so we always book a treatment at the Anara Spa. With the price of one treatment you can use the exercise room, take yoga classes and use the spa pool for the day and order lunch!
Waimea Canyon-long drive up there, but it’s beautiful and there are some great hikes
Kauai ATV Tours-Mud Buggies
Kipu Ranch Adventures-ATV’s
Kauai Back Country Adventures-Tubing Down a Lava Tube River
Grocery Shopping
Living Foods Market and Café – Gourmet Market
Sueoka’s – Full Grocery Store with more specialty items, buy Popo’s Cookies-shortbread cookies made in Kauai (better than Kauai Kookies). All flavors are delicious, buy Auntie Lilikoi’s Passion Fruit Jelly (don’t get Passion Fruit Guava – just the Passion Fruit and serve on English Muffins!
Big Save – best price for basic groceries, wine etc. in Old Koloa Town.
Where To Stay
There are many beautiful hotels, but for an experience that encompasses everything, I like the Grand Hyatt… the spa, the restaurants and the fun water slide make it my top choice!
The water slide at The Hyatt!
The Lodge at Kukuiula is a newer property that is lovely. It’s an all-inclusive luxury resort where you can rent cottages or homes. The property is gorgeous and the spa is the nicest on the island!
The spa at The Lodge at Kukuiula
North Shore
Even though I titled the blog, “Poipu is Paradise”, you have to go to the North Shore for at least one day. It’s one of the prettiest places in the world. I love…
Queen’s Bath, Secret Beach, Lumahai Beach (where they filmed the scene “I’m gonna wash that man right outta my hair” in South Pacific), Kalalau Trail at the end of the road and Ke’e Beach, the town of Hanalei, Hanalei Pier for surf lessons, Tunnels Beach, “Tropical Taco” or “Tahiti Nui” for lunch, “Wishing Well” for Shaved Ice and a Napali Coast boat tour.
The Beginning of the Kalalau Trail at the end of the road on the North Shore…
It’s a beautiful hike with spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast! You now need to get a parking pass or will need to take a shuttle to get to the end of the road. Reservations for passes are released exactly 30 days in advance to reserve a spot in the parking lot to go to Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trail. Go to Kauai.Com to get your passes.
Secret Beach
Tunnels Beach
And… be sure to notice King Kong’s profile on your way to the North Shore (On the way back on Hwy 56, just before Kapaa on the right side, mile marker 14)
Chris’ Famous Mai Tai- The Don Ho Show
The Don Ho Show (serves 6)
2 oz. Orgeat (Almond Liqueur)
2 oz. Orange Curacao (Orange Liqueur)
Juice of 3 Limes
Juice of 1 Lemon
6 oz. Pineapple Juice
6 oz. Passion Orange Juice
6 oz. Sweet and Sour
6 oz. Light Rum
Meyers Dark Rum (floater)
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and serve over ice with a float of Dark Rum and an umbrella garnished with lime and pineapple! Soooo good!!!
It’s an old Hawaiian tradition that says, if you throw your lei into the water it means your coming back!!!
So this is where it all started. “Pam Says” was the heading of the itinerary I would hand to my friends when they were taking a trip to Poipu on the island of Kauai. We have been coming every year for about 30 years and this is one of those places I have been trying to “create the perfect experience”!!!
Johnny A’s Mafia Meatballs!
Chris has always loved our friend Johnny A’s famous Mafia Meatballs, so Chris made him an offer he couldn’t refuse and he came over to teach his secret recipe! We set a date and had an incredible dinner party!
It was so great to having Johnny in the kitchen… he is not only a really great chef but a sweet, warm man and a complete character… The Godfather of comedy!
Johnie A’s Mafia Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground round
1 lb. Italian sausage
1 lb. ground veal
2 yellow onions
Parsley and fresh Basil
Parmigiana Regiano (a lot) Grated Cheese (a lot)
Bread Crumbs
2 eggs
Fresh Packed Tomatoes- Di Napoli San Marzano Style Peeled Tomatoes with Basil
Salt and Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes
Go to the recipe section to print complete recipe.
Start with your ground meat… and some serious attitude!
Sautee the onion… How you doin’?
Add the Parmesean Cheese…
And lots of fresh parsley and basil…
Add the Bread Crumbs and Tomato Sauce and start mixing…
Form into baseball sized meatballs and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes…
Pour your sauce over the top to keep warm and moist…
I used the beautiful Di Napoli Tomato cans for our centerpiece… they are almost as amazing outside as in.
It was a spectacular dinner!!! He really knows how to cook for the mob… I mean our mob!!! Thank you Johnny!!!
Above is the recipe for the meat sauce he makes.
I’ve got the Holidays all Wrapped Up!
Mrs. Clause has been very busy wrapping gifts for the holidays… stylish parties require stylish gifts!!!! Right?
These little rolls are my new favorite wrapping technique because you can make your own box. It seems I never have a cute box for all the “finds” I pick up for my friends and family! From cute little gifts I find at Filoli or something found at an estate sale or an antique store… I always need a cute box to wrap it up in. Here’s how to make it…
Just roll a piece of cardboard.
Wrap it in tissue and tie off the ends with ribbon.
Cut a piece of fabric (I had some velvet left from a chair I reupholstered) Glue it to the roll.
Glue gun ribbon to finish the edges. Add buttons, jewels or stickers to embellish.
Fringe the ends and your done!
Linda and Hector from lulu Pom did an amazing job decorating for this fabulous party!
And Linda even made her famous French Onion Soup (go to my recipe section)!
Such a beautiful evening!!!!
Lisa’s Yummy Salty Caramel Budino Dessert
Just in time for the holidays… my friend Lisa brought the most delicious salty caramel Budino (Italian for pudding) to our party! The recipe comes from the restaurant, Barbuzzo in Philadelphia. Lisa found the cutest little jars at Sur la Table and presented these little gems… and they tasted better than they look! Even though I shouldn’t be eating dessert right now with holiday dresses to zipper and a vacation where I’ll need to don a bathing suit, I managed to eat it all up!
I loved it!!!!
Oh what fun.. After dessert we did a gift exchange!!!
CARAMEL BUDINO WITH SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
- Cookie Crust
- 1 cup finely ground chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers; about 20 cookies)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- Budino:
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons dark rum
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2″ cubes:
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream
PREPARATION
For Cookie Crust:
- Mix cookie crumbs, butter, and salt in a medium bowl. Place 2 tablespoons in a small bowl; cover and chill for garnish. Press 2 tablespoons cookie mixture onto the bottom of each of eight 8-ounce mason jars or ramekins.
- For Budino:
- Whisk 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch in a small bowl; set aside. Heat remaining 2 1/2 cups milk in a small saucepan just to a simmer; set aside. To make caramel stir sugar and 3/4 cup water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; cook without stirring until thermometer reads 210°F-220°F.Line a sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth and set over a large pitcher. Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in hot milk, then cornstarch mixture. Slowly whisk in caramel. Return mixture to saucepan. Whisk constantly over medium heat until mixture thickens and an instantread thermometer registers 175°F, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in butter, rum, and salt. Pour through prepared sieve only if lumpy.
- Pour 1/2 cup budino over crust in each jar, Cover; chill until set, 4-5 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
- For Salted Carmel: DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled in glass jar and heat up in a pan of warm water on the stove before topping.
- Place cream in a small pitcher. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Set aside.
- Stir in sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high; boil, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with a wet pastry brush, until deep amber color forms, 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually add vanilla cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Whisk over medium heat until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. Remove fromheat; whisk in cold butter and salt. Strain ingto a heatproof measuring cup. Let cool slightly.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons caramel sauce over each budino. Sprinkle each budino with Maldon Finishing Salt. Top with whipped cream. Sprinkle some of reserved cookie crumbs over each.
Lisa told me about Maldon Finishing Salt, I don’t have this, it’s just for finishing and it’s beautifully flaky! You can buy it at William Sonoma.
Luxe-urious!!! Greystone Showhouse-WOW!
Maison de Luxe, the 2015 Designer Show House being held at the Doheney Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills this year is a must see, you only have one more week to go, so if you can’t make it, here is a little taste! Twenty-three renowned designers showcased the forty-six thousand square foot stone mansion to perfection!! Here is a bit of what I saw, technically you were not supposed to take photos, but every time I asked I was told, “Sure!!!” Some of you that know me will assume I didn’t ask, but I promise, I did!
You enter the mansion through the courtyard and being that we were in southern California, of course it was a beautiful day! But all that bright sun through the windows made it a challenge to get good pictures.
So pretty, but truly it’s sooo much more beautiful in person…
Mark D. Sikes did the first floor halls that he transformed into a garden conservatory using gorgeous blues and greens that were both whimsical and elegant.
One of the best rooms was the library by Timothy Corrigan. It’s a juxtaposition of serious and playful. I loved how comfortable it felt… like you could really live there, not so “decorator showcase house” like you see at some of the shows.
He also did this upper landing, these antique french chairs were sooo special!
I loved Patrick Dragonette’s “Room Without A View”, he had a room with relatively no views but he created a fabulous space with a bar, a lounging area and a custom Caesarstone ping-pong table that he let us play on!
Andrew Brown from Birminham, Alabama was such a pleasure to meet and hear about his masculine “moody” space, there were so many renowned designers on hand that talked about their accomplishments.
Pretty!!!!
This room!!!!
What a lovely day to enjoy the mansion!
Seeing a room designed and executed by Nina Campbell was truly a pleasure, seeing her vision while using her own wall coverings and fabrics in an installation was inspiring!
Aaah!!!
Wallpaper, wallpaper, wallpaper… I’ve never seen so much beautiful paper…
de Gournay, Gracie and Montgomery!!!! Just to name a few!
So pretty, this designer decided to keep the original wallpaper in this dressing room!
The gardens around the mansion are spectacular and are open year round to the public, if you can’t make it to the showhouse, plan a hike to and around this beautiful estate! And.. there is a fascinating history of the mansion that you must read… Murder, Mystery and Mansion!!!
Maison de Luxe is so special because you are taken back to that gilded age of architecture with stately rooms and beautiful halls all transformed by amazing designers. Such a treasure, be sure to see it!!!!
Maison de Luxe continues to run November 18th-22nd, buy your tickets online.
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Guacamole/Nectarine Salsa
There is nothing better than grilling in the summer, especially when most of the ingredients can be picked from my garden or picked up from the Farmer’s Market. I have been raving to all my friends about how amazing this chicken turned out… so here is the recipe!!!
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Guacamole/Nectarine Salsa
For the Chicken:
4 (5-6 oz.) Bone-In Skinless Chicken Breasts
3 T. Lime Juice
Zest of 2 Limes
5 T. chopped Cilantro
3 T. Olive Oil, more for grilling
2 T. Bill Baron’s Jamaican Jerk Rub-(or any spicy chili powder based rub)
A Sprinkling of Vignalta Salt
For Salsa:
2 medium ripe Avocados, pitted and diced
1 1/2 Nectarine, pitted and diced
2 Jalapenos, seeds removed and diced
1/4 cup finely chopped Cilantro
2 Scallion Onions, chopped
3 T. Red Onion, chopped
1 t. Sugar
2 t. Champagne Vinegar
2 T. Olive Oil
Wash and dry chicken breasts, place in Pyrex dish and rub with oil and lime juice. Cover with rub and toss in remaining ingredients. Sprinkle with the Vignalta Salt. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate up to a day and a half. Heat the grill to medium-high and grill on well oiled grates. Grill for 25 minutes (approx). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Combine all ingredients for salsa. Serve with chicken. (you can add fresh corn or replace the nectarine with peaches or tomatoes)
Brush vegies with olive oil and sprinkle with pink salt and grill. I used zucchini and jalapenos from Bunny Acres.
Scarlett is ready to try all of this deliciousness!
Martini and a Burger!
Whenever we happen to have a Friday or Saturday night without plans and find ourselves without a dinner reservation…
We steal away to The Village Pub in Woodside and sit at the bar and get a martini and split a few things including their delicious Pub Burger.
They only list the burger on the bar menu, so if you are in the proper dining area, you can still order it! It is definitely worth it!!!
We were very lucky on our last trip up there and were seated in the bar at this lovely table by the fireplace!
Be sure to also order the butter lettuce salad!
The salad sits on a tarragon mousse and is tossed with a walnut vinaigrette, it reminds me of an elegant green goddess dressing!
The burger comes with duck fat fries and homemade tomato catsup!
Chris ordered a martini called the Grey Houndstooth, it’s made with Benedictine and the bar manger, Brandon Clements, won first place with this drink when he submitted it to the Benedictine Bartenders Challenge. The drink is absolutely delicious! Look he practically drained the glass before I was able to take the picture, it was that good!!! I was able to procure the recipe… I’ve included it below!
We also ordered the olive oil poached halibut! Sooooo good!!
It’s such an amazing restaurant… the food, service and ambiance are simply wonderful. It’s always a perfect date night!!!
The Grey Houndstooth
A pinch of Superfine Sugar
1/3 oz freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
6 dashes of Grapefruit Bitters
3/4 oz Vodka
3/4 oz Benedictine
3/4 oz freshly squeezed Grapefruit Juice
4″-5″ length Duke’s peal of Grapefruit for Garnish
Stir together first 3 ingredients in a martini shaker, add next 3 ingredients add ice and shake, double strain the pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with grapefruit peal.
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