If you find yourself in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho at lunchtime on a weekday, head straight to Café Carambola. You’ll be welcomed into this tiny, bright restaurant by the ebullient smile of Carlos Aguilar. His wife, Colomba – whose recipes are fresh, delicious combinations of Latin flavors, is most likely (repeatedly) answering customers’ questions about what is in this or that delicious dish. Continue Reading →
If you’re blessed enough to have one great friend in life, you are blessed indeed. For some unfathomable reason, I hit the mother-lode.
Every one of the women that I hold dear plays an invaluable, yet different, role in this precious circle… And for the past two months, I’ve been blessed to be making camp in northern Idaho with two of them. Continue Reading →
Every year, we spend more and more time in northern Idaho, in a spot about 20 miles south of Coeur d’Alene. And most years, that trip coincides with my best friend’s birthday. Continue Reading →
The past several months have been a blur. Between the holidays, seemingly endless entertaining, travel and launching a new company, I’ve relied more than ever on a well stocked freezer. Not just for surviving the “oh $%&*#, it’s 5:30 and I haven’t even thought about dinner“ moments, but for taking some of the stress out of entertaining as well.
I will drive all the way across town to find fresh homemade pasta, an unusual spice or a special cut of meat. But if I have to find something to wear for an event, or a new pair of shoes, I cringe. I appreciate malls in theory, but in reality, am overwhelmed and intimidated. Continue Reading →
This is the time of year when everyone seems to be saying “where did the summer go?”! Labor Day weekend snuck up on us, closing out the summer and marking the beginning of football season.
Like many, we’re planning that one last outing on the lake – which calls for good, but simple dishes to take along to enjoy with friends.
It would be easy to stop by the grocery store on the way and pick up a tub of one of their prepared salads. But this Broccoli, Pea & Cranberry Salad is not only easy to make, it’s a lot healthier than the fat-and-sugar laden version my store sells. And it’s just as delicious.
On summer evenings there’s a window of time between when our deck is finally covered in shade, and before the mosquitos come out, that is perfect for dinner al fresco. And if I’ve done just a little prep early in the day, I can spend my time enjoying a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc outside instead of standing over the stove.
This Skinny Buddha Bowl, inspired by my friend Robin Asbell, is a perfect meal for those nights. Continue Reading →
I’m a little bit country
And I’m a little bit rock ‘n roll
I’m a little bit of Memphis and Nashville
With a little bit of Motown in my soul
I don’t know if it’s good or bad but I know I love it so
I’m a little bit country, I’m a little bit rock ‘n roll…
My 70’s crush on Donny Osmond made me want to be a little country to his “rock ‘n roll.” I knew every cheesy dance move to the song, and daydreamed about taking Marie’s place, if say, she called in sick or fell off the stage. Never mind that I couldn’t sing. {Why yes, I was a huge nerd. How did you know?!?}
Regardless of whether or not you enjoyed the song, the lyrics definitely reinforced the belief that opposites attract.
If you’re of a certain age, and especially if you’re from the east coast, you get a picture in your mind when you hear the word “steakhouse.” Maybe you know of Delmonico’s {the first steakhouse in the US}. Or Peter Lugers… Murray’s… Or my personal favorite, 21 Club. Continue Reading →
It’s hard to top a day that includes hiking in the mountains, then enjoying a meal and a little wine outside while staring at said mountains. If that meal includes a new food discovery – like this Basil, Cucumber & Avocado Gazpacho, all the better. Continue Reading →
I'm glad you stopped by ... pull up a stool, grab your favorite beverage, and let's make something delicious!
