I love me some Barbecue...and Memphis is world renowned for theirs. It's a time honored tradition and they put a lot of love and pride into this regional cuisine. When I was in Memphis two weeks ago I feasted on some of the best of the best. Check out what I ate and then read below to find out how YOU can get your taste of Memphis THIS WEEK in CHICAGO!!
Read MoreHave I mentioned I love The South? I love everything about it. The people, the food, the music, the family values, the music. Yes, I said music twice. That's because there are two types of music you hear when traversing though the southland. The kind that is readily accessible when you enter any type of live music venue, bar, club, or concert. And the other kind, the kind that is soul changing... the kind that just fills your inner being with the sounds of the history, people, and mood of this deep region. Memphis embodies all of this. The city exudes the best of the best when it comes to everything that makes The South great...especially the music.
Read MoreI've been traveling SO much lately and the whirlwind of cities, airports, hotels, and events has begun to blur together. Yet Los Angeles will always stand out. No matter where I go, when I'm in LA, I pause for a beat, and take a breath. I just adore the West Coast, it makes me happy. The Pacific, the mountains, the weather, the food, the life. It's all my speed (when there's no traffic...wait, that doesn't exist.)
Read MoreSitting on the patio at Tart...the on-site restaurant at Farmer's Daughter
A couple weeks ago, right before my trip to LA, I was perusing my new favorite travel app, Porter & Sail. It's the coolest app I've used in a while and make me feel super VIP...it's your very own insider concierge. First it lets you book a room in some of the coolest hotels in London, LA, New York, Miami, and Singapore. Then, once you're actually a guest, it gives you access to some of the best restaurant reservations and events in town. (They actually helped me get a rezzy at Gjelina... which is usually almost IMPOSSIBLE to get in to.) So. My. Speed. While perusing, I came across this gem of a hotel, The Farmer's Daughter.
Read MoreYou may have read about my culinary travels around California in my last blog. But there was a lot more to our trip than just eating!! (shocking, I know) My amazing friend, Tiffany Louise, and I got to rent a badass Jeep and road trip around one of my favorite states for five whole days. It was a blast.... there's nothing better than two girlfriends singing out loud to the radio while zooming down the highway with the picturesque Sierra Nevadas as your backdrop.
Read MoreLast week I ventured back to one of my favorite of our glorious 50 states, The Golden State of California. This time, however, I hit the road and toured throughout the Central and Northeastern parts of the state. This was no ordinary road trip though, this was a culinary adventure with California Dream Eater and Visit California. I spent 5 days traveling from Sacremento to Lake Tahoe and everywhere in between. Check out some of my favorite Dream Eats I encountered along the way!
Read MoreAhh the challenges of the 21st century. So many conveniences, everything can be delivered right to your door. We literally don't even have to go to the drugstore anymore if we don't want to (and why would we?!). But with all of these modern technological advances comes a problem. Not there are SO many competing companies who are just dying to help you stay glued to your couch.... which do we choose?? Why are our lives so hard?!?!
Read MoreAhhh cooking. Depending on who you are, it can be a blessing or a curse. What if, no matter what your level of culinary expertise, you could enjoy and master cooking from home?! I have the answer, folks. It's Home Chef. I absolutely LOVE to cook. Whether it's for my friends, family, or date night... there's no greater satisfaction that creating a meal that your loved ones will love. Even though my culinary ability is a bit above average, there are still some negatives to cooking at home. The biggest being waste. When I go grocery shopping for the week, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. I buy SO much, most of it never used, or it goes bad before I have a chance to use it. Then I have to deal with the shame of throwing out hundreds of dollars of perfectly good produce. So sad (tear).
Read MoreWicker Park is home to some of the hottest AND coolest restaurants and bars in the city. I've always loved the gritty, real vibe. Of course it has changed over the years and has become more approachable and less of an "up and coming" neighborhood. New restaurants are popping up all the time, and with the high expectations of the local culinary scene... ya gotta be good.
Full Service Bar!! Woo hoo!
B. Bim Asian Eatery, (1324 N. Milwaukee Ave.) which opened Dec. 5th, is such a cool new addition to the Milwaukee strip. They call themselves a "Korean inspired fast casual restaurant with a dive bar complex". This is so on point. It makes Korean food approachable to people who may not be quite familiar with the cuisine all while staying true to the typical Wicker Park casual watering hole. Chef/Partner EJ Kim (graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and protegè of Rodelio Aglibot) helped create a menu that provides something for everyone: Vegetarians, seafood lovers, carnivores, health nuts, or people who just want to indulge in fine yet quick Asian cuisine. Did I mention they have a full bar (yummy selection of Korean Beers) and play killer tunes (lots of 90's)?!?
Decor=Dopeness
Check out what I ate (yes, I was intensely full after my visit.)
These chicken wings were MASSIVE and coated in a tangy and spicy orange-y honey sriracha sauce. They were undoubtedly some of the best wings I've ever had.
Crispy Mahndoo Beef Dumplings made with tofu, sprouts and garlic. And the B. Bim Salad. The salad was so fresh and crunchy, made with nappa cabbage, carrots, radish, and scallion.
These shrimp lettuce wraps may be my favorite item on the menu. The shrimp was lightly crispy and the kimchi gave it a tangy kick.
Of course the piece de resistance is their Bi Bim Bap Bowls. Traditional accouterment with a fresh fried egg on top. This was the chicken bowl and it was outstanding.
This is the Beef Bi Bim Bap bowl that is actually made with short rib, vs. the traditional ribeye. They marinate the beef for over 24 hours. It was incredibly flavorful and tender.
B. Bim has AMAZING desserts. This was the Goodie Bag. It's a paper bag filled with these delectable tempura fried "doughnuts" filled with walnuts and red bean paste. So unique!
This weekend I got to see the HP Sprout in a totally different way... on the road!! The Sprout 3D Scanner, All-In-One Desktop actually has their own truck that they tour around the country so that tons of people can actually experience it's incredible 3D capabilities. This IS the wave of the future, so it's important that as many people as possible can have the opportunity to get hands on access to this technology.
Read MoreIs anyone out there a travel junkie like I am?? Who doesn't get the wanderlust bug from time to time...or incessantly? Traveling is my passion and my love. I believe seeing this glorious world is a privilege AND a right. We owe it to ourselves to take advantage of all this magnificent planet has to offer.
Read MoreIn love with this oxblood cable knit sweater. This is basically all I plan to wear all Fall/Winter.
Nothing makes me happier that wearing bold fall basics that are soft, versatile, and warm. The entire fall/winter line at Gap is just that. Endless sweaters, flannels, cardigans, jeans, cords, and accessories that are easy to mix and match, and can appease anyone who loves neutrals and basics.
This is the softest scarf I've ever owned. No itchy wool here!!
I just don't have the patience to have to worry about coordinating pieces on a daily basis...especially when it's chilly out and all I want is to be warm and cozy. Gap's lineup right now is so impressive because EVERYTHING in the store feels like it's giving you a big warm hug. Plus all the basics are versatile and coordinate easily. So you can pick a few top options, and a few pants/dresses options and have a TON of great fall/winter outfits at hand.
Bringing back corduroy in a big way. This fit better than any pants I own and they were $30!!
The accessories are great too and can really add some fuzzy flair to any outfit choice.
The fuzzy ball hats are errrrthang this Winter.
Even better is that you can see for yourself tomorrow at Gap's Grand Re-opening. at 555 N. Michigan Ave. This is Gap like you've never seen it before. Not only can you shop all of these amazing styles, but you can listen to some live rock music from Cults. By shopping, you can also get VIP access to 3 other live performances in November! (Nov. 5th, 15th, and 25th). If you love fall, fashion, and music... you MUST get over to Gap!!! RSVP here!!
I've had the privilege of working with the Sprout by HP 3D Scanner and All-In-One desktop for the past month. I've never known that such incredible technology and creativity could be right at my finger tips. You can literally take an object from the real world and the 3D scanner will capture the object and turn it into a 3D rendering you can edit and manipulate. Along with the Dremel 3D printer, you can then bring your object to life. I never knew I had this much creativity in me!! Check out the video below to see Sprout by HP in action. #GoMakeThings #SproutbyHP
Ciminna, Sicily
My father, Santo Rizzo, was born in Ciminna, Sicily in 1948. He came to the U.S. as a young boy in 1955 as his parents wanted their children to achieve what we all know colloquially as the American Dream. My father has achieved so much in his 60 years in this country and has truly accomplished what many immigrants can only hope for. One thing he hasn't done, however, is visit his hometown since he left so long ago. Growing up, I heard the stories of Ciminna regularly. Sometimes the tales of him as a young free spirit in the Sicilian countryside were my bedtime stories. Other times, the detailed anecdotes of my other family members about "the old country" enchanted me. All I knew is: I needed to go. I yearned to see my roots with my own eyes. Finally, after 36 years; it was about to happen.
My wonderful boyfriend, Jay, knew how important this was to me, so we decided to plan our summer vacation to include this monument of nostalgia. While we were at it..why not spend an extra week in the Greek Islands??!! So our trip went like this. 4 days in Santorini, 3 days in Mykonos, 4 days in Palermo (and Ciminna), and finally 3 days in Rome. Read on to see all the highlights, "must visit" locations, and of course, restaurant recommendations.
Lucky gal!
In Santorini we stayed in the picturesque town, Oia (pronounced ee-ya). You've probably seen all of the postcard like pictures of the white domes towering over the bright blue ocean?? Those were all taken in Oia. We stayed at Mystique, a sexy boutique hotel on a cliffside only a few steps from the heart of town. The location was fabulous and the hotel itself was beautiful. Cons: If you are not able to climb treacherous flights of stairs multiple times each day, do not stay here. They do not have an elevator. The restaurants in Oia were outstanding. Fresh grilled fish was eaten several times each day.
Overlooking Oia, Santorini
Is that not the most beautiful sight you've ever seen?!
Dining on a boat
Every spot had simply prepared, fantastic Greek favorites and staples with insanely fresh seafood at the focal point. Ammoudi Fish Tavern was an incredible dining experience. You have to descend about 500 feet of mountain steps to reach sea level where Ammoudi resides. It's a gorgeous scene down there, and you dine next to all the octopus that was just caught and is hanging in the sun to soften up before it's grilled. But beware, once your bellies are full... the only way to get back up the mountain is an arduous walk, or a donkey ride!
Insanely fresh octopus at Ammoudi Fish Tavern
Another must-do is to be a sailor for a day and charter a sailboat. The waters and cliffside are dreamlike and the best way to experience it is from the water. Four of us rented our own fabulous boat for the day and it was magical. We got to swim in the dark blue buoyant waters surrounding the island. It's so buoyant you can barely dunk your head! Cliff diving from the Southern most point was also on the itinerary... don't chicken out!!
The water is so salty and buoyant off of Santorini
I mean... sunset in Santorini...if that's not romantic...
Jay is so brave- Cliff diving in Oia, Santorini
On our 5th day we took a 2 hour speed ferry to Mykonos. Mykonos is widely known as the "party island" and it definitely holds up to this moniker if you want it to. Jay and I, however, were still looking for a bit more of a mellow time. Plus, our hotel, Utopia, was a pristine, refined and mature experience...and also 30 minutes from town (but all was right in the world as we had our own private pool).
Jay enjoying our private pool at Utopia
Mykonos Town is GORGEOUS. It feels like a movie set. Every building is bright white and blue and the narrow winding pathways and "roads" are quite maze-like... you WILL get lost, but that's part of the fun. Get a Gyro at.... Also a note... nightlife does not even come close to beginning until about midnight or 1am. The hopping time for dinner is about 10-11pm. If you show up at the normal time for us Americans, the venue will be completely dead. We learned our lesson on the first night. Unless you want to party by day, then head to the beach club at Nammos... it's off the hook. If you've even been to an international Nikki Beach, this is quite similar.
Day drankin' at Nammos in Mykonos
Walking (and shopping) in Mykonos Town
Landing in Palermo was surreal. I couldn't believe I was finally there! We stayed a bit outside of the city center in a historic hotel called Villa Igea that was built in 1899.
At hotel Villa Igea overlooking the Mediterranean
The morning after we arrived, my cousin Marco, came to pick us up and drive us 45 min to Ciminna. When we arrived I was almost in tears, it was even more beautiful than I ever expected. The rolling hills and vibrant green cliffs, the ancient town hugging the mountain side. I was home. And believe me, they made me aware of it. We had a 2 day welcome wagon. We spent time with about 10 cousins on the first day including my great aunt (my Nanna's sister) and about 40 cousins on the second day. Rolling out the red carpet is an understatement. They were so excited to see their long lost American cousin that they cooked every regional dish you could possibly imagine. Vitello (veal) breaded then grilled on an open flame out in the countryside, homemade pasta, figs from the garden the size of apples.
It was never ending and Jay only wished he learned the Italian words for, "Please, no more! I'm so stuffed it hurts!" The warmth and love we experienced from people I was related to but had never met was unforgettable. Now if only I can get my dad to go back with me.
Jay and me overlooking Ciminna, Sicily
Walking through Ciminna with my cousin, Marco. Straight ahead is the house my dad grew up in.
Enjoying a beer with my cousin, Marco and Jay in Ciminna
This is something you don't see everyday. Jay and me riding horses though the Sicilian countryside
The next day in Sicily we went to the beach at San Vito Lo Capo. It was a 2 hour drive from Palermo but worth every minute. It was the most picturesque sight I had seen on the trip so far. The water was shallow, crystal clear, warm, and was reminiscent of the Caribbean. Don't miss it. Even the drive there is breathtaking.
The beach at San Vito Lo Capo
The last day in Sicily we spent our time walking through the ancient markets that are over 1000 years old and in search of the perfect cannoli. Mercato di Capo and Ballaro are the largest and most extensive. They sell every type of food product you can imagine and the energy is palpable. You must also check out La Vucciria, it's the most famous of the markets by day, but by night it has some of the best "hole in the wall" restaurants, bars, and music. It feels like you're walking down a dark alley, and all of a sudden, there's a party going on. There's even a fresh oyster cart in the middle of the piazza. It was incredible.
The original Sicilian cannoli
The Capo market in Palermo
Drinking a birra in the Vucciria
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Fine by me. Since I last visited Rome in 2005, it has been my favorite global city. Nothing compares to it. The ancient ruins juxtaposed with the cosmopolitan scene. It possesses the world's most glorified history, art, and spiritual artifacts, as well as world class restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Do not be surprised at all if living in Rome is on my agenda.
Il Colosseo
Here are my picks! Of course you MUST go to the Colloseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Roman Forum...that's a given. But for food and other fun stuff, here ya go! Close to Campo di Fiori is a little Ristorante and Salumeria called Roscioli. It's FANTASTIC. Incredible burrata, meats, cheeses, wine, and pasta. Get the carbonara.
Carbonara at Roscioli
You have to check out the Trastevere neighborhood. It's cool, trendy, and where all the action is. It's like the Wicker Park of Rome. The food is fabulous too. We had a casual lunch at Grazia e Graziella and the pizza Capricciosa and Roman artichokes were out of this world. We had a romantic date night at Antica Pesa. A bit more high end, modern Italian, but still fantastic. The wine list was thicker than Webster's dictionary, it blew my mind, yet we still selected an outstanding white called Quintodecimo.
Grazia e Graziela in Trastevere
The wine list at Antica Pesa!
The nightlife is casual yet scene-y. This is definitely where the cool 20 and 30-something Romans hang out. Very few tourists as well which is always a bonus. Lots of cocktail bars, even some mixology bars. Here's a tip: Most places you go to the cashier and tell them what you want and pay. They then give you a ticket you bring up to the bartender. It's super screwy and bizarre, but seems to work.
Shopping: simple. Via Corso and all around the Spanish Steps. High end, boutiques, chains, local designers, everything you could dream of is in Rome and concentrated in these two areas. Also, the small streets off of Campo di Fiori also has great shopping. Be prepared to drop a lot of dough!
Every place we visited would be a dream to return to. Greece was breathtaking and Italy was so meaningful. What would be most meaningful would be to actually go back to Sicily with my father. If you're reading this dad, PLEASEEEEEE can we go???????? If you all get a chance to go to any of these locations, PLEASE message me and tell me what your favorite part was. I'd love to learn more for my next trip! Efcharisto and Grazie!!!
Lobsters have long been considered a delicacy. The ultimate and proverbial "last and final meal" most people would choose before meeting our maker. Since lobsters have seemed so lofty and unattainable (especially in daily life) the general public knows very little about this fascinating arthropod. I was fortunate enough to be sent to Portland, ME last week to delve into all that encompasses the Maine Lobster. This trip could NOT have been more perfect for me, as I have NEVER had the privilege of visiting the beautiful state of Maine, and I have also become more appreciative of lobsters recently as I try to no longer eat red meat (or mammals).
Freshly caught Maine Lobster
In Maine, lobsters are a way of life. They are a massive part of the economy and also a way of employing thousands of lobstermen and sustaining their families. Seeing this dynamic and the importance of lobsters to this region was truly special. Thanks to the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, I was able to get an inside look on the entire process; from trap to table. Most importantly, we were to learn all about Maine "New-Shell" Lobsters. These are lobsters that have recently shed their hard outer shell toward the end of the summer. The shell is much softer, you're even able to poke a hole in a claw with your finger...unheard of for old or hard-shell lobsters. These "new-shell" lobsters are supposed to be the sweetest and tastiest lobster in the world, and I'm here to taste them myself!
Freshly picked Maine New-Shell Lobster
The first stop on our lobster tour was the Cape Seafood processing plant. The vast majority of the lobster that is processed at Cape is shipped out to all the Luke's Lobster restaurants around the country. We really got up close and personal with all the lobbies here...all while wearing the finest in rubber boots, hairnets, gloves, and cloaks in order to keep everything as sterile as possible. We saw how the lobster is cleaned, cooked, cooled... and ultimately, picked. They had a room full of about 50 pickers who were as quick as lightening and can pick all the meat from a knuckle and claw in about 2 seconds flat. It was incredible to watch, not to mention the respect you garner for the pickers' talent, dexterity, and diligence.
Next, we got to actually TASTE the incredible "new-shell" Maine Lobsters at one of the most famous lobster roll restaurants in the country. The Clam Shack, in Kennebunk, ME, has won award after award and continuously has been voted "best lobster roll". They put in on a round brioche bun instead of the typical hot dog bun or split roll. They also use a mixture of mayo AND butter to give you the best of both worlds. It was a simple, sweet, and outstanding sandwich.
Lobster Roll at the Clam Shack
Later, we all were aboard The Lucky Catch, a real lobster boat. The weather was perfect, even out at sea. The skies were pure blue as was the water, and the shoreline of Portland was breathtaking. Few things are more beautiful than the historic shores and harbors of New England, and to see it from an actual lobster boat was surreal. Our lobsterman captain was going to show us the ropes (pun somewhat intended) of how to set the traps and haul in the goods.
A big ole bag of herring bait
First off, we put bait in bags. Several pounds of large herring went into each orange mesh bag. Those would then be placed inside the large and genius-ly configured lobster traps. Once we caught some lobsters we got to measure them and band them.
Me learning how to band a lobster
Measuring them is of utmost importance. The Maine Lobster rules and regulations are incredibly strict in order to conserve and sustain the lobster population. A legal lobster in the State of Maine has a carapace or body shell length that measures between 3 ¼ inches and 5 inches. If they are too big or too small they MUST be immediately thrown back. Small lobsters haven't yet been given the chance to breed and larger lobsters have shown that they are good breeders and are to be kept in the population. Check out this video I shot to see how it works!
We also had the rare chance to see a "berried" female, or a female who is covered in eggs. These females must be immediately thrown back and notched on their tail to tell future lobsterman that they are capable of breeding. It was one of the coolest things I have witnessed in nature.
A "berried" female lobster
When I heard we were going to the Maine State Aquarium, I wasn't all that excited at first, as I thought it would be "just for kids". However, when I saw all of the insanely rare specimen of lobster they had in their possession... I was blown away. Check these out!! The 1st is a 1 in 100,000,000 rare albino lobster, and the second is a 1 in 2,000,000 cobalt blue lobster. It was one of the most stunning sights my eyes have ever laid upon.
A rare albino lobster
A rare blue lobster... NO FILTER!
We closed out this lobster immersion trip by, well, eating more lobster! Attending the Claw Down event in Boothbay Harbor was a fantastic way to bring this experience full circle. 20 local chefs were competing for the "best bite" of lobster. It was a blast and was so cool to see all of the different and unique ways in which new-shell lobster could be prepared. There was pasta, sandwiches, stews, sautés, etc. Here is a lobster salad served with crispy chicken skin on a soft roll. Delicious!
A lobster dish at the Claw Down Event
I've always been a huge fan of lobster. However, now that I know everything that goes into the fishing, sustainability, dealing, processing, preparation, and of course...eating...I have an entirely new respect for this delicious animal. I've also now become a fan of the succulent and sweet "new-shell" Maine lobster. Make sure that when you order your next lobster, if it's in the late summer, early fall, ask if it's new-shell. If it is...watch your tastebuds explode and then please tell me all about it!!
To learn more, visit: http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com