Has Cooking Become Too Complicated (and competitive)?

I know it's definitely more creative but why does it seem like you have to be a Master Chef to even figure out some recipes. The other day, I watched a cooking segment from the talk show Steven and Chris. It featured the self proclaimed Messy Baker Charmian Christie who feels that food or cooking doesn't have to be perfect to enjoy it. She says it's okay to make a mess in the kitchen or to have a slightly lopsided cake. It's all about having fun while you cook.

I think it's cool that cooking and food has become this huge thing especially with social media but I just wish it wasn't so complex and competitive. Now it seems like simple meals = boring compared to what's currently out there. With foodies fueling this food explosion, restaurants (including food trucks) are nearly competing with each other to be the best there is.

Even some of the dinner parties I have attended feels like the host is trying to out do what someone else has done. Why? Isn't the whole point to invite friends or your guests over to have fun and enjoy the meal.

Is anyone else tired of seeing all of those competition cooking shows? For a while there, it seems that was the only type of program that The Food Network was showing. It makes me wonder if they finally started to listen to all of those viewer complaints. Just look at their line-up there are more cooking shows instead of competitive shows.

As a foodie, I love to eat but also enjoy cooking even though I'm still a novice. This is a great time to be a foodie but I'm not going to get too caught up in it.

Gap Takes a Piece of Its Downtown Los Angeles Denim Studio on the Road

Straight from West Pico Boulevard, 'Pico de Gap' Serves Up Unique Tacos From Local Chefs and a Dose of Premium Denim

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 10, 2011 -- Inspired by a late night team dinner at a food truck in Los Angeles, Gap is taking the vibe of its denim design studio on the road with a custom vintage taco truck. Launching today in four markets, Pico de Gap will serve custom menus exclusively "designed" by local chefs, including best-selling author Katie Lee in New York, Top Chef's Marcel Vigneron in Los Angeles, Top Chef's Ryan Scott in San Francisco, and Rick Gresh of David Burke's Primehouse in Chicago.

While food trucks have become a coast-to-coast craze, boasting everything from sushi and dumplings to street sweets and schnitzel, Gap is sticking with the "original" food truck that started the now nationwide trend. "The idea of Pico de Gap—and the taco truck used in our fall campaign 1969: L.A. and Beyond—came about one night when I was having dinner with our 1969 design team in downtown L.A.," said Seth Farbman, Gap's Chief Marketing Officer. "It's these types of everyday moments that shape who we are as people and inspire the product we design for our customers. We thought it would be an unexpected, engaging way to share a little more about ourselves and the experience we had that night."

To create an authentic aesthetic, each Pico de Gap truck was hand-painted and includes a replica of a vintage Gap ad and neon sign from the '70s. Customers can check out the latest 1969 fall denim styles on display while enjoying tacos for a $1.69. With proof of a same-day Gap denim purchase, the meal is free. Additionally, every customer will receive a coupon for $20 off their next Gap 1969 denim purchase and some lucky patrons will even receive a special coupon redeemable for a free pair of Gap 1969 jeans up to $90.00.

Gap's 1969 fall collection continues to demonstrate its commitment to bringing the same premium fabrics and fits as other premium denim brands at a much more accessible price point. Signature fits for women include the Legging Jean, High Rise Pintuck Trouser and Skinny Boot, while signature fits for men include the Drop Crotch Skinny, Slim Trouser and Slouchy Slim Rocker.

Pico de Gap Chefs

Fashion and food guru Katie Lee will satisfy New Yorkers with her broad range of culinary experiences, from serving as the food and lifestyle correspondent for the CBS Early Show to writing culinary features for an array of magazines. "Mexican culture and cuisine gets my creative juices flowing, so I can't wait to bring my spin on popular south-of-the-border flavors to the Pico de Gap truck! From food to fashion, my personal philosophy is all about the three C's: casual, comfortable, with a touch of couture—and Gap 1969 denim totally fits my style. I'm thrilled to collaborate with Gap to bring a fun and delicious taco menu to the streets of New York City," said Lee.

On the West Coast, Top Chef runner-up Marcel Vigneron of The Bazaar is the innovator behind the Los Angeles truck's imaginative cuisine. "Gap's 1969 line is all about classic American style – fresh, colorful and cool. That's what a taco truck is too—it's a mobile fiesta, a celebration of social eating, amazing food, and our melting pot of culture," said Vigneron. "I'm excited to showcase a more casual flare of cooking to the public, especially when it's at the helm of a cool taco truck!"

Additional Top Chef alum and restaurateur, Ryan Scott, will satiate the fashion foodies of San Francisco bringing expertise from his very own food truck 3-Sum Eats. One of Scott's delicious creations will consist of mole-braised brisket, pumpkin seeds, red onion marmalade, queso fresco and Mexican chocolate vinaigrette.

Culinary mastermind Rick Gresh, executive chef of David Burke's Primehouse, will bring his creativity and profound knowledge of fine cuisine from the dining room to the streets of Chicago. Patrons can indulge in a savory feast from a menu that includes farmer's market queso fundido and dry aged steak, chicken chorizo and pork belly tacos.

Each Pico de Gap truck will stop by music events, nightlife hotspots, festivals, farmers' markets and select Gap stores. To find out where the truck will head next, patrons can track the specific locations daily by following Pico de Gap on Twitter: Los Angeles (@picodegapLA), San Francisco (@picodegapSF), New York (@picodegapNY) and Chicago (@picodegapChi) and by visiting Gap's Facebook page: Facebook.com/gap.

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands. Fiscal year 2010 net sales were $14.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in over 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, about 175 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

What Do You think of the New Cooking Channel?

Have you been watching the new Cooking Channel (formerly Fine Living Channel)? It's another channel for us foodies to watch. The channel combines shows from the Food Network, the former Discovery Home channel and the former Fine Living channel.

I really like it, I get to see different cooks and chiefs that I haven't seen before and a few I have seen (but they no longer showed). I've already found a few recipes that I want to try out.

If you're watching the Cooking Channel, let us know what you think?

Contest: Olive Garden Offers Guests Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip to Italy

Italian food lovers have the chance to win a trip to Culinary Institute of Tuscany


ORLANDO, Fla. (April 1, 2010) — Now through May 9, 2010, Olive Garden is offering Italian food lovers a chance to win a culinary tour of Italy and an insider's look at Olive Garden's Culinary Institute of Tuscany. The sweepstakes, co-sponsored by Olive Garden and Colavita® Extra Virgin Olive Oil, will reward:

- Four grand-prize winners with an eight-day guided trip for two to explore and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of Italian culture.

- 500 first prize winners will be awarded a $25 Olive Garden gift card.

For more than a decade, Olive Garden's Culinary Institute of Tuscany has served as a training ground for Olive Garden's chefs and restaurant managers. Located in a restored 11th-century village in the Chianti region, the Institute is where Olive Garden's chefs learn the secrets of great Italian foods – like how to combine fresh ingredients to create authentic meals they can share and enjoy with family and friends.

"At Olive Garden, we're committed to bringing our guests the great food and hospitality of Italy every time they join us," said Tim Rea, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Olive Garden. "Since the Culinary Institute of Tuscany opened 10 years ago, we've been able to more uniquely share that Italian experience, offering our sweepstakes winners a flavorful excursion to Italy and taking them beyond their neighborhood restaurant to where we gather our inspiration – the kitchens and marketplaces of Tuscany."

Highlights of the grand-prize trip include:

• Learning the essentials of authentic Italian cooking from master Italian Chefs Paolo Lafata and Romano Neri the Culinary Institute of Tuscany;

• Experiencing the local culture and cuisines of Rome, Florence, San Gimignano and Riserva di Fizzano, near Castellina in Chianti; and

• Exploring the Rocca delle Macie Winery to learn about the process of Italian wine-making through a wine tasting and pairings class.

Guests can enter to win at www.olivegardentriptoitaly.com. The sweepstakes accepts entries from March 15, 2010 through Sunday, May 9, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

About Olive Garden:

Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with 715 restaurants, more than 87,000 employees and $3.3 billion in annual sales. Olive Garden is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI), the world's largest company-owned and operated full-service restaurant company. For more information, visit Olive Garden's Web site at www.olivegarden.com.

12 Yummy Valentine's Treats

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in yummy rich non-calorie counting treats. Single or Coupled? Why not treat yourself.


The Berry Factory 1/2 Dozen Love Berries
$29.99 berryfactory.com


Godiva Token of Affection Gift Set
$25.00 godiva.com



Rose Petal Truffles
$36.00 Dean & DeLuca (deandeluca.com)
handmade dark chocolate truffles filled with dark chocolate rose water ganache, topped with rose petals




Godiva Pink Vanilla Buttercream Cupcakes (Limited Edition)
6 cupcakes for $28.00 godiva.com



Personalized Chocolate Heart
$22.50 Internet/catalog only Williams-Sonoma (williams-sonoma.com)



Marzipan Couples $20 Dean & DeLuca (deandeluca.com)
choose from either Pig or Panda couple




Love Bug Truffles
$25.00 Moonstruck Chocolatier (moonstruckchocolate.com)
includes six hand-dipped and hand-decorated Love Bugs: 3 Rasberry and 3 Strawberry



Godiva Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake $45.00 godiva.com




Be Mine Crispie Chocolate Tote
$16.00 Dylan's Candy Bar (dylanscandybar.com)
heart shaped chocolate biscuits (cookies) with pink icing



The Berry Factory 1 Dozen Swizzle Berries Gift Box
$37.99 berryfactory.com
includes 4 white chocolate, 4 milk chocolate and 4 dark chocolate covered berries



Moonstruck Chocolatier Wrapped Gift Collection 9-piece Chocolate Truffles
$23.00 (moonstruckchocolate.com)



XOXO Cookies
$50.00 Only at Dean & DeLuca
18 hand-cut, hand-iced sugar Xs and Os cookies

Food Pick: NewTree Chocolate Bars

It's no secret that I love chocolate but I try not to over do it. Just a little bit every now and then. We all know how much those luxe chocolates can cost so here's a delicious and affordable food find: Chocolate Bars from NEWTREE. Each chocolate bar has a interesting name like Sexy, Crave, or Pleasure and includes some equally interesting ingredients like Coffee, Blackcurrants, or lavender.



BLUSH
Dark Chocolate with Cherry $5.49


COCOON
Milk Chocolate with Cinnamon $5.49


PLEASURE
Made with 73% Dark Chocolate $5.49


ALPHA PURE DISC $1.99
Dark Chocolate with Flax Seeds and Crisped Rice


10-Piece Gift Pack $9.99
10 individually-wrapped Mini Bars in 5 flavors: Pure, Ginger, Lavender, Cinnamon and Blackcurrant


OMEGA 3 BAR with ROASTED ALMONDS $1.99
Milk Chocolate with Roasted Almonds and Flax Seeds



OMEGA 3 BAR with BELGIAN BISCUIT $1.99
Dark Chocolate with Belgian Biscuit and Flax Seeds



PLEASURE MINI BOX $2.99
Includes three mini Dark Chocolate bars


VIGOR MINI BOX $2.99
Includes three mini Dark Chocolate with Coffee bars

6 Cookbooks for Easy Yummy Comfort Food

I'm always looking for new ways to spice up my recipes. I love to cook and I enjoy looking through cookbooks to get a new take on something, be it a fun new way to make chocolate chip cookies, savory soups or to try a recipe I never even heard of. I also like the fact that I don't have to turn on the computer to look for a favorite recipe just flip through a book.



"The Comfort Table: Recipes for Everyday Occassions" by Katie Lee




"Down Home With The Neelys: A Southern Family Cookbook" by Patrick and Gina Neely




"Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home: 52 Quick Meals to Cook for Family and Friends" by Martha Stewart




"Jamie's Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals" by Jamie Oliver




"Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast" by Emeril Lagasse




"Nigella Christmas" by Nigella Lawson

Fall Party Food: Mini Pies and Fall Leaf Cake

I absolutely love the fall season because of all the delectable desserts and savory comfort food. This is also the time of year when we're either invited to parties or hosting our own. For those who don't have time or dread entering the kitchen there are amazing treats on the web. As well as, delicious treats at your local supermarket or pastry shop.

Pumpkin and Apple Mini Pies $46.00 Williams-Sonoma Exclusive (williams-sonoma.com)
includes 12 pies (6 of each flavor)



Fall Leaf Pumpkin Cake $140.00 Dean & Deluca (deandeluca.com)

Chicago's French Inspired Market Soon to Offer Delectable Culinary Treats

Local culinary favorites Pastoral, Vanille Patisserie and Flip Crepes are among the many local vendors to be featured at MetraMarket's French Market.

CHICAGO, Aug. 19 -- From locally grown fruits and vegetables to freshly-baked breads to artisanal made cheeses, Chicago will finally have a year-round, European-inspired fresh market to call its own. To be comprised of more than two dozen individual vendors, Chicago French Market is poised to become Chicago's newest and most enticing culinary destination, featuring Pastoral, Espression by Lavazza, Sweet Miss Giving's, Flip Crepes and the award-winning Vanille Patisserie, among many others.

Chicago French Market is the heart of MetraMarket, a new vibrant, street-level restaurant and retail complex developed by U.S. Equities Realty, a full-service real estate firm based in Chicago. Connected to Ogilvie Transportation Center's suburban commuter concourse, MetraMarket will enliven two underutilized city blocks bounded by Lake, Canal, Washington and Clinton Streets in Chicago's West Loop. Six days a week, alluring aromas from fresh baked goods and other delectable items will fill Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton Street, making it an exciting fresh food destination for local residents, downtown office workers, commuters, tourists and Chicagoans alike.

Managed and operated by the Bensidoun family, the largest market operator in and around Paris, Chicago French Market is the latest in a growing number of Bensidoun French Markets throughout the Chicagoland area. To date, the family manages eleven weekly outdoor markets throughout Chicagoland during the summer.

The combined passion and vision for Chicago French Market has enabled the Bensidoun family and U.S. Equities to assemble a unique collection of local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions, high-quality products and competitive prices. Bringing together the best-of-the-best from Chicago neighborhoods and outlying areas, Chicago French Market will be largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors, including:


** Albano's Deli: Recently voted as "Favorite Deli" by West Suburban Living Magazine readers, Albano's Deli, an authentic Italian specialty store, will provide Chicago French Market customers with imported and domestic meats, tomato products and other Italian favorites. It will also offer an assortment of freshly made sub sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as deli tray catering.

** Canady Le Chocolatier: Professional chocolatier, Michael Canady, who attended Richemonte School in Lucerne, Switzerland and studied in Antwerp, Belgium, will be offering his broad selection of delicious rich dark, milk and white chocolate creations. Headquartered in Chicago's South Loop, Canady Le Chocolatier will boast mouth-watering specialties such as truffles, chocolate-coated orange slices, marzipan, nougat, ginger slices and a variety of ganache.

** Chicago Organics: An organization dedicated to the expanded production, marketing and distribution of locally grown and responsibly produced products, Chicago Organics will offer an exceptional array of fresh and certified organic produce, meats, dairy and other local delicacies.

** Completely Nuts: Completely Nuts began as a small roaster at a local fair back in 1991 and evolved into one of Chicago's most renowned nut shops. It will offer a variety of roasted almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts, as well as scrumptious candied options.

** Espression by Lavazza: In addition to its 2,045-square-foot space within MetraMarket, the 114 year old, family-owned Italian cafe will also offer its award-winning espresso and coffee drinks, as well as authentic gelato, at its French Market location.

** Flip Crepes: For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the tastes of authentic France can be found in Flip Crepes, a creperie offering a variety of healthy and original recipes wrapped in an all-natural wheat crepe. It's traditional French food at its best: chocolate, dulce de leche, fresh fruits, goat cheese, roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions are among the palette of flavors that will please food connoisseurs at Chicago French Market.

** Fraternite Notre Dame: The nuns of the Fraternite Notre Dame have created a loyal following for their sweets and baked goods. A large selection of handmade items will be available, including fresh breads, creme brulees, quiches and beignets, among dozens of other sweet and savory baked goods. Additionally, a portion of their profits will fund the Fraternite Norte Dame's charitable work with families in need throughout Chicago.

** Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine: Chicagoans Ken Miller and Greg O'Neill own and operate this European-inspired, authentic neighborhood cheese shop, offering the highest quality fine and artisan cheeses from America and around the world, select small production wines and freshly baked breads, along with a full complement of related items such as charcuterie and olives. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral operates successful locations in Lakeview and in the Loop and is known for its approachable and knowledgeable staff.

** Sweet Miss Giving's: Sweet Miss Giving's Bakery and Gifting is a premier bakery and jobs program that offers rich, decadent baked goods while providing a new reason to feel good about sweet indulgences: more than 50 percent of all profits go to help the formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women and children of Chicago House. Opened in November 2008, this new bakery with a great story has garnered attention from local foundations and news outlets as an innovative business with a social mission.

** Vanille Patisserie: Owned by Dimitri Fayard, the World Pastry Champion of 2008, and Keli Fayard, an accomplished cake designer, this husband and wife team has built an award-winning French pastry shop that melds classic European traditions with modern flavors. Appealing to the contemporary palette, Vanille Patisserie specializes in wedding and special occasion cakes, handmade chocolates and candies, mousse cakes and luscious tarts.

** Wisconsin Cheese Mart: Headquartered in Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Cheese Mart is a 70 year old tradition. Offering a wide collection of Wisconsin-produced sheep, cow and goats milk varieties, Wisconsin Cheese Mart's hand-crafted offerings will appeal to cheese lovers in search of the Midwest's finest cheeses.


"Chicago French Market has assembled the area's best vendors to create a dynamic market experience that boasts a range of local and international flavors," said Sebastien Bensidoun, executive vice president of Bensidoun Investment LLC and a fourth generation Bensidoun market expert. "With its collection of vendors and a public space for cooking demonstrations, events, mingling and dining, we're certain that Chicago French Market will be solidified in the minds of Chicagoans as a culinary and shopping destination unlike anything else in the city."

"Chicagoans will finally have a true marketplace right in the heart of downtown offering the exciting experience of a farmers' market six days a week, 52 weeks a year, rain or shine," said Camille Julmy, vice chairman of U.S. Equities. "From a Metra commuter or nearby worker looking to pick up a healthy, fresh meal on-the-go to a city resident looking to pick up ingredients for a tasty, home cooked dinner, Chicago French Market will appeal to a broad range of consumers looking for a unique shopping experience and high-quality products."

Set to open this fall, Chicago French Market will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For additional information on joining Chicago French Market, please contact Katherine Loring, leasing associate for U.S. Equities' MetraMarket and Chicago French Market leasing team, at 312-456-7061. To stay up-to-date on the latest news on Chicago French Market, join the e-mail list to receive details on opening festivities and additional vendor information at www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.


About Chicago French Market - A Bensidoun Market

The 15,000-square-foot Chicago French Market will boast European style and consist of more than 25 individual vendors offering an array of meat, fish, cheese, organic produce and baked goods, as well as prepared meals for busy consumers. Unlike other seasonal farmers markets, Chicago French Market will be the only year-round market of its kind in the city.

Chicago French Market will be developed and managed by the Bensidoun family, the largest food operators of covered and open-air food markets in and around Paris since 1953. Thousands of vendors sell goods at the more than 80 markets throughout the Paris metropolitan area. In 1996, the Bensidouns decided to expand outside of Europe and created Bensidoun USA to develop French markets in the United States. The Bensidouns operate 15 markets in the U.S., 11 of which are throughout the Chicago area, all bringing a sense of community found in the markets of Europe, providing a place to gather, socialize and purchase quality goods at reasonable prices. For more information, please visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com and www.bensidounusa.com.


About MetraMarket

Developed by U.S. Equities Realty, the 100,000-square-foot MetraMarket will be a vibrant street-level retail and restaurant complex that will bridge the gap in activity between the Loop and West Loop areas. MetraMarket will be home to a variety of unique restaurants, retail stores, boutique shops and neighborhood service providers, as well as the French Market. Bounded by Lake, Canal, Washington and Clinton streets and connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, MetraMarket will energize the heart of Chicago's West Loop office and residential markets by creating a bustling urban marketplace that will attract Metra commuters, downtown workers, area residents and tourists alike. Metra and the City of Chicago are working together with U.S. Equities to help make MetraMarket a one-of-a-kind culinary, cultural and entertainment destination in Chicago. For more information, please visit www.metramarket.com.


About U.S. Equities Realty

U.S. Equities Realty is a leading full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Chicago. The company serves as a strategic real estate advisor to clients throughout the United States and Latin America, providing development, program management, build-to-suit and construction oversight services; asset management and leasing; tenant representation, consulting and advisory services; and financial and investment services. For more information, please visit www.usequities.com.


Media Contacts:
Courtney Harper
312-819-5722
courtney@reputationpartners.com

Erin Serkaian
312-819-5719
erin@reputationpartners.com

Chat with Chicago Chefs for Tips on Cooking with a Budget

CHICAGO, Aug. 10


What:

Opportunity to chat with four of the "hippest" Chicago chefs on tips and ideas for making quality budget meals for the whole family.


Who:

Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno, Roger Herring of Socca, Chris Macchia of Coco Pazzo, and Dirk Flanigan of The Gage will be judging the final contestants who created a tilapia meal for a family of four and stayed under a budget of $15. They are available to discuss ways that families can cut costs during these hard economic times, including:

-- Try going meatless a few days a week and eat more salads and soups instead.

-- Start your own garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs.

-- Make your own snacks with goodies like fruits, nuts, and pretzels.

-- Utilize leftovers to the fullest ... don't let anything become unnecessary waste.

-- Cook in large batches to increase efficiency and prepare all meals weeks in advance.

-- Maximize the use of a freezer to save food for as long as possible.


When:

2 - 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 11th, 2009


Where:

Calphalon Culinary Center, 1000 W. Washington St., Chicago


Details:

Regal Springs Tilapia, the world's largest producer of tilapia, is sponsoring a contest to find the best, homemade tilapia meal for under $15. The meal must include a salad or fruit and vegetable. Nearly 300 entries were reviewed by a panel of experts. They narrowed it down to the final 10 winners, who will be judged by these chefs. The six winners will all receive cash prizes, with the grand prize finalist catching $5,000.

Snack on the Go: Entenmann's Chewy Chocolate Chip Cereal Bars

I absolutely love Entenmann's Chewy Chocolate Chip Cereal Bars, because I can just drop one in my purse for a quick snack during the day instead of reaching for a sugary substitute. They're light and not too sweet and makes you feel like your eating a cookie instead of a traditional cereal bar. Yeah, but unlike most cookies, it's made with whole grains which means you won't have that cookie guilt.

A Few Last Minute Easter Basket Suggestions

If you don't want to purchase a ready-made Easter basket there's always the option of making one yourself. They're relatively easy to make and you get to add your very own personal touches to the gift.

What to include in a basket? Pretty much anything you want from Champagne and Chocolate for the Hopeless Romantic to a Jump Rope, Yoga Mat and few Health and Fitness Magazines for the Fitness Beginner.

For Children: plush animals and candy are always a hit but you could also include a few books as well as a doll or an action figure.

For your Foodie Friend: make them a mini gourmet basket and include pasta, marinated artichokes, bread sticks, olive oil, a jar of olives, and marinara sauce.

For Teens: gift cards are usually at the top of their list.

For the Weary Mom: include bath salts, scented candles, a mug, herbal tea, and a Do Not Disturb door sign.

Food Pick: Vanilla Bake Shop

Vanilla Bake Shop
512 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.6644

Hours:
Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Consider yourself lucky if you live in the Santa Monica, CA area because you get to taste some of the most rich and amazing sweets from the Vanilla Bake Shop. Their yummy desserts are baked from scratch daily (so that means fresh baked goods). The cakes include: Strawberries & Cream, Dark Chocolate, Espresso Milk and many more. The cakes range from $35-$150 (depending on the serving size). As for the cupcakes, there is a daily menu with prices ranging from $3.25 for individual and cute little cupcakes babies 3 for $5.00. Cupcake flavors include: Southern Red Velvet, Blackberry Passion Fruit, Fudge Brownie and more.

Vanilla Bake Shop is also a full service bakery and makes speciality cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations, contact for more information. They also make assorted sweets such as Dirt Cake and Triple Berry Shortcake which are served southern style in old-fashion mason jars with prices for $10.00 for small jars and $20.00 for large jars.

These gourmet treats are some of the most decadent drool-worthy cakes and cupcakes you will find. Local delivery is available (I only wish they delivered where I live), check website or call for delivery charges in certain areas.

My Favorite chocolate Treats from MarieBelle

MarieBelle (mariebelle.com) is one of my favorite chocolatier. I absolutely adore the dark hot chocolate ($19.00 - $25.00). It's rich and heavenly. But it's not the only sweet treats I love from them. Their boxed chocolates (from 2 pieces box set to 100 pieces) are not only cute with colorful illustrations but mouthwatering and delectable. I also love their teas especially the Dark Obsession Chocolate Rose Tea ($12.00 - $18.00) it combines two of my favorites: chocolate and tea.

Easy Soup Recipe: Caribbean Pumpkin Soup

As much as I love being a party girl, I enjoy spending equal amount time being a domestic goddess trying out new recipes. This pumpkin soup recipe I got from my aunt is delicious and easy to do. It's a great vegetable soup that can go as an appetizer or as the meal. Serve with salad and bread for a quick meal on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red pepper
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can of 100% pumpkin puree
1 (15 oz) can of black beans (rinsed)
1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes (drained)
salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Add oil to the bottom of a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
2. Saute the chopped onion and red pepper for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
3. Sir in minced garlic and ground cumin. Cook 1 minute, then stir in vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream and/or plantain chips.

Party Tips for a Simple yet Sophisticated Pizza Party

Last Saturday, my best friend and I had a Pizza Party and it turned into a fun little social gathering. It was a take on the nostalgic kids parties but for adults. It was held at my friend's loft. We didn't want planning it to be a stress fest or to blow a lot of money, so we just kept it simple yet we border more on the sophisticated side (especially since this wasn't a kids party). As for decor we used the concept of an Italian Bistro for inspiration. We wanted to add little bit of romance to it.

Some of our other tips are:

1. We added lots of personality for instance instead of using flowers as a center piece I used red, orange and green peppers in clear vases. It was a nice statement piece.

2. I also made use of her storage room (her loft is above her boutique) and used clothes racks to hang coats and jackets on.

3. Like most party planners, we used E-vite to send out invitations but on the RSVP section we requested guests favorites songs to add to the playlist.

4. We ordered and made a variety of pizzas from simple pepperoni to gourmet prosciutto and arugula. If you order pizza don't leave them in the boxes place them on serving trays. We actually save a bit of money from making a few pizzas. For dessert we set out a variety of cheeses, fruit, fruit tarts, cannolis, tiramisu and dessert pizza.

5. As for drinks we just set up a drink bar with water, Italian coffee, wine (red and white), ice, pop, beer, etc.

6. The lighting should be set for medium-low for a nice intimate effect. You can use candles or the no-flame candles to add to lighting.

I had fun being the party host for the evening and makes me feel really good that the party season is starting soon.