Jean-Georges Iconic Seared Scallops!

Jean-Georges is one of my favorite French chefs.  I made his “Chicken with Vinegar” as a dish at one of my gourmet food group luncheons and it was a big hit!  When I came across his recipe for Seared Scallops with Caper-Raisin Sauce defined as his Iconic Seared Scallops, I knew I had to try it.  I’m always on the hunt for a unique appetizer … Read more Jean-Georges Iconic Seared Scallops!

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“Waste Not”, delicious Beet Greens!

Ever since I began getting my local CSA (community supported agriculture) box from Talley Farms, I have been attempting to be more conscious of utilizing every part of the fresh goodness that I receive.  In an effort to “waste not”, I decided to try cooking Beet Greens for the first time.  I researched some recipes and found a basic starting place for how I wanted … Read more “Waste Not”, delicious Beet Greens!

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Petit Valentien, Santa Barbara

  Hidden down the aisle of La Arcada Plaza in downtown Santa Barbara is a quaint French Restaurant called Petit Valentien. It is located next to the Santa Barbara Art Museum. They have a lovely dining room with patio seating in front of the restaurant which is off the main street. Their menu showcases a smaller list of items that they master to perfection and … Read more Petit Valentien, Santa Barbara

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Arts & Letters Cafe, Santa Barbara

Nestled within the Historic Art District in downtown Santa Barbara, you will find the Arts & Letters Cafe on Anapamu St., just off State Street. They are housed in the back of an art gallery and have tables set up in a stunning courtyard surrounding a lovely water fountain. The setting couldn’t be more beautiful and serene. They serve lunch daily from 11:00 – 2:30. … Read more Arts & Letters Cafe, Santa Barbara

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The Best Food & Wine Pairing Ever!!

  Il Cortile Ristorante What happens when you combine the creative cooking skills of Executive Chef Santos MacDonal of Il Cortile Ristorante and the winemaking talent of Matt Trevisan of Linne Calodo winery? A marriage of “the ultimate” in fine wine and outrageously good food. We had a great time at the Linne Calodo Reverse Wine Dinner at Il Cortile Ristorante in Paso Robles. The event, is … Read more The Best Food & Wine Pairing Ever!!

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Beet Citrus Salad with Kale and Pistachios

Were you beginning to wonder if I knew how to cook anything light and healthy?  Yes, yes and yes – wait till you read about the wonderful Beet Citrus Salad with Kale and Pistachios that I just made!  I received some beautiful Candy Cane Beets, Blood Oranges, Yosemite Gold Mandarin Tangerines and Black (Lacinato) Kale in my CSA box this time.   (I realize some … Read more Beet Citrus Salad with Kale and Pistachios

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Celeriac (celery root), my new favorite vegetable!

  I first learned about the wonders of Celeriac while studying cooking in Paris last summer. The Chef had us make a celery root gratin and it was one of the most wonderful things I have ever tasted. Not low on the calorie spectrum, but since it is made of primarily vegetables, I have justified it’s beneficial existence:) It became a quick favorite in my … Read more Celeriac (celery root), my new favorite vegetable!

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Butternut Squash, Sage and Goat Cheese Ravioli with Hazelnut Brown-Butter Sauce

Are you up for a challenge? I was and I really wanted to use my leftover won ton wraps. I am making a valiant effort not to waste food items these days whenever possible. Sometimes that means I need to get creative and find new combinations of ingredients to comprise a dish. So when I found a recipe for Butternut Squash, Sage & Goat Cheese … Read more Butternut Squash, Sage and Goat Cheese Ravioli with Hazelnut Brown-Butter Sauce

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