Monday, September 23, 2013

Napa Weekend




delicious grapes in my cousin's backyard









perfect patios at my cousin's beautiful napa home

I spent this past weekend exploring the beautiful Napa Valley.  Between eating delicious pizza at Redd Wood, enjoying a lovely dinner at Tra Vigne, tasting various wines and visiting Meadowood, I have concluded that I could make the trip to Napa every weekend.  It is a perfect, relaxing escape from the busy city. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Donna Hay: Black & White


limoncello & coconut ice cream cake


cocoa panna cotta


vanilla mascarpone cream


baked chocolate terrine

Donna Hay Magazine is one of my absolute favorite sources for recipes.  The "magazine" is really more like a cookbook - filled with beautiful photography and mouth-watering dishes.  You'll find amazing recipes for every meal and want to keep this unique Australian publication on your coffee table for years.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Lately


Chocolate Ladurée


Place Vendôme, Paris


Belgian Chocolates


Fresh tomato & feta salad from Daylesford, London (quite possibly my favorite place in London)


Paris Architecture 


Charming front door in London


Ralph's, Paris


Ram's Gate Winery, Sonoma


My San Francisco home crush


favorite flower shop


Saturday, September 14, 2013

The Recoil



A friend at work told me about this cocktail and as she was telling me the ingredients my mouth started watering.  I made it that night and it was even better than I imagined.  It's perfectly sweet (not too sweet) and very refreshing.  The spicy ginger beer adds a perfect touch to the light and refreshing lime and St. Germain.  I definitely recommend you try this one!  

1 1/2 ounces bourbon (I used Bulleit)
1/2 ounce St. Germain
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Ginger Beer (I recommend Fever Tree)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the first 3 ingredients – shake very well.  Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer.  Garnish with a lime and enjoy!