It’s that time again… the Big Event that separates the “I-LIVE-TO-EAT”-ers from the “Oh, I’d Love To Try That But I’d Burst if I Ate Another Bite”-ers.
The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade swoops in on our fair city (which is why you’ll find it impossible to get a reservation at a decent restaurant this week) every January and takes over BOTH sides of the Moscone Convention Center–almost 200,000 sq. ft of food! (The only way it could be better in Heaven is if calories work in reverse there.)
The show has 1,100 exhibitors, offering tastes of more than 180,000 specialty food products- each hoping to be picked up by the buyers of Whole Foods, WIlliams-Sonoma, or Dean & Deluca. Innovative food products from Sonoma to Vietnam, covering every category from appetizers to desserts are begging for your attention.05
The only bad news is that this extravaganza is for the Food Trade only — so if you do not work in the industry — you’re flat outta luck. But just think how many mindless hours on the treadmill I’ll be saving you. Stayed tuned for my report on the 2007 BEST NEW PRODUCTS SOON TO APPEAR ON YOUR SHELVES.
I just got this info and am tempted to use some of my miles to fly down for the weekend to this Miami event presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine. It’s a national, star-studded, four-day weekend (Feb. 21-24) destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities…
“Aesthetic epiphanies take many forms. Like the art world, the food world has its masters, its bevy of showmen and critics, and for a few days in February, the food hit parade will descend on South Florida to share it all. Food aficionados in South Florida can sample the latest food and spirit trends for themselves and revel in the spectacle of so many glittering food stars in one place at the same time.
“Where else can one sip champagne on the beach with Al Roker? At the Moët & Chandon Bubble Q, of course. And just imagine injecting one’s own cooking with new juice, at Barilla Interactive Cooking Lunches with chefs Rocco DiSpirito and Michael Chiarello, held at the historic Biltmore Hotel.
“Even the kids can get in on the action at the Kellogg’s Kidz Kitchen presented by Miami Children’s Hospital, where they can learn from their favorite Food Network chefs, Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, Dylan’s Candy’s Dylan Lauren, Giada De Laurentiis, George Duran, and Bobby Flay. “You won’t be able to get them out of the kitchen,” said Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival Founder and Director Lee Brian Schrager.
“These special events are cooked up by producers and sponsors Southern Wine and Spirits and Florida International University and will commence on Thursday, February 22 and will run through Sunday, February 25. The schedule of events, found at sobewineandfoodfest.com, serves up gastronomical delights engineered by celebrated chefs, sommeliers and mixologists from around the world.
“If one’s food obsession has collided with a TV addiction, everyone is in luck, because title sponsor Food Network has invited several of their talent to host culinary demonstrations at the Publix Grand Tasting Village on Saturday, February 24 & Sunday, February 25: Michael Chiarello (Easy Entertaining), Giada De Laurentiis (Everyday Italian), George Duran (Ham on the Street), Bobby Flay (Iron Chef America), Emeril Lagasse (Emeril Live), Tyler Florence (Tyler’s Ultimate), Dave Lieberman (Good Deal), Rachael Ray (30 Minute Meals), Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh (Party Line with the Hearty Boys), Paula Deen (Paula’s Home Cooking), Alton Brown (Iron Chef America, Feasting On Asphalt) and Robin Miller (Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller) entertain, to share their talents and to mingle with guests at the Publix Grand Tasting Village.
“The network is always on top of the latest food trends, and at the 2007 South Beach Wine and Food Festival, they will produce at the first annual Food Network Awards show, at the Jackie Gleason Theater, honoring the industry with such categories as One Food You Must Eat Before You Die, Best New Food Technology or Gadget, Top Food Lovers Destination, and Food Network Hall of Fame- Life Achievement Award.”
For a complete listing of events and for more information, please visit the Festival Website at www.sobewineandfoodfest.com or call 877-762-3933.
Hours before my most memorable meal of 2007 in Ubud, I had one of the best el-cheapo lunches of all time, too. It was a Bali Bali good food day!
Lunch was at Ibu Oka’s Babi Guling, a divey food stall frequented by many local chefs. Don’t even think about ordering anything but the Roast Suckling Pig. (Is this where the word succulent comes from?)
Okay, the owner, told me that they go through about four pigs a day - or approximately 400 servings. She would not divulge the secret blend of spices, (maybe she thought I was going to rip her off and rush back home to open up a chain of McSucks.)
The banana leaf plate consisted of a pile of fragrant rice , piled high with tender slices of piggy, a piece of blood sausage, some other unidentifiable internal fried bits and pieces, crowned with a piece of kulit (crispy skin). Sheer perfection when doused with the accompanying sambal –– a saucy blend of chilis, coconut, and spices. Ibu Oka’s is located on Jalan Suweta, Ubud. Lunch only, with a line from11-3:00ish or until they run out of pig. ($1-$2.00)
Actually-shhhhhh- I did manage to get a recipe that I think is very close to Ibu Oka’s, but I just haven’t had time to get out my piggy roasting spit and try it. If you do, please let me know how it turns out.
Here is my recipe for Babi Guling: 1 suckling pig, weighing about 6-8 kg (13-17 lb) 1 1/2 tablespoon salt 10 shallots, peeled and sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 5 cm (2 in) ginger, peeled and chopped 15 candlenuts, chopped 10 cm (4 in) fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed 5 cm (2 in) laos finely chopped 25-30 bird’s-eye chillies 10 stalks lemon grass, sliced 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon dried shrimp paste, roasted 5 fragrant lime leaves, finely shredded 2 salam leaves 2 1/2 tablespoons oil 4 tablespoons turmeric water
Getting a call from the Regis and Kelly Show last week was serreal. But what was even more surreal was getting picked up in a limo at 7:30 am (4:30 am back in PST) and whisked off to the Regis and Kelly Show.
I was on for 6 minutes talking about the top picks for budget girlfriend getaways. It was a lot of work putting the segment together (including two days of not sleeping and being tethered to my computer for 48 hours nonstop).
But, it was well worth it! As a matter of fact, it was some of the best fun I’ve had in my life!! I got to meet a ton of fabulous stars and hang out with them in the green room. One of great women I met was Pauline Frommer. Yes, that’s right, of the Frommer legacy.
She has written a series of budget travel guides and we spent time talking about her work and her segment on the show.
All with wonderfulness happened because my dear friend Melina Jampolis (our current Diva Visionary) was kind enough to take my press kit with her when she was on the show 2 weeks ago. Oh, what a great friend!
So, I hope you enjoy the segment – I am with Kelly and her hot husband Mark. I had a blast and I can’t believe that my book is not ever in bookstores yet.
Podere Vigliano - owned and operated by my good friend Sue Condon of the Bay Area is breathtaking!
Located midway between Rome and Florence, this charming Italian farmhouse and gardens is nestled in the Orvieto foothills.
Sleeps 8 with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Rents from $1250 - $2,000 per week depending on the season!
Gorgeous Italian men, food and great clothes shopping just 20 minutes away in Orvieto. Within 1 hours drive of all the famous hillside towns of Umbria and Tuscany.
Sue can provide a local cook and/or italian cooking classes, custom tours etc
Special week packages for as little as $1,000 for Tango Diva readers!
Need to escape this winter? Head to Carmel where contest winner Judi spent her creative retreat last Fall!
Artista still has space in the February 12th-15th* 3-day Artista Abstract Painting safari in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering last-minute rates. So grab a friend for a quick escape to California… where the sun still shines in wintertime.
Special* Last-minute Rates* ~ February 12th-15th Artista Safari All rates are per person
Private rooms Casual Bed & Breakfast, queen bed - $1350 Premium Hotel , queen bed - $1650
Shared rooms,*double occupancy, ask about being matched with a roommate Casual Bed & Breakfast, two twin beds - $950 Premium Hotel , two full beds - $1150
These rates are good on the February 12th-15th safari only.
Artista’s Abstract Painting Three Day Safari Even if you have never held a paintbrush, this inspiring environment with regular Chardonnay breaks, will free you of any creative paralysis that may be blocking your creativity. Painting intuitive abstracts in acrylics is amazingly forgiving, because your artwork is based on your own intuition… there is no wrong way to do it. We use premium liquid acrylic paints, that glide easily over gessoed paper and canvas. The water-based acrylics, can be thinned and blended like watercolors, but without losing their vibrant hues. It’s easy to create multiple layers of transparent color using a variety of professional artist brushes and tools.
The workshop will focus on pure abstracts, landscapes and seascapes, and you’ll learn techniques ranging from heavy texture, to smooth blending of colors. You’ll be free to discover your own creativity and in the end, you’ll surprise yourself by developing your own style and techniques.
Abstract Painting Inclusions: *** ~ Welcome reception, orientation and dinner *** ~ Three nights accommodations in the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea * ****~ Daily breakfast at the Cypress Inn * **~ Three days of hands-on abstract painting instruction in the Artista studio, our professional art workshop, complete with service and cleanup staff *** ~ Wine, beverages and light snacks served throughout the day ****~ Use of professional artists’ tools, acrylic paints and supplies ****~ Individual coaching and reviews with your art instructor ****~ Artista painter’s apron *** ~ Daily afternoon yoga *** ~ Late night painting party* *** ~ Available at an additional cost; Monterey Bay Aquarium tour,* spa treatments, massage and airport transfers.
Premium Accommodation: The Cypress Inn, “Carmel’s Landmark Hotel since 1929″,* is complete with courtyard, tapas restaurant, and full-service bar serving afternoon tea daily. Owned by Doris Day and Dennis LeVett, the Cypress Inn is also famous among pet owners ~ dogs are welcome in many areas of the hotel. All rooms feature telephones with data ports, a TV with cable, cozy robes, complimentary sherry, fruit baskets, and nightly turndown service. As a full-service hotel, concierge and maid is service is also provided.
Casual Accommodation: Casa de Carmel is a charming country-style bed and breakfast,* just around the corner from it’s sister-Inn, the Cypress Inn.* Accommodations are distinctively appointed and comfortable and include a light breakfast in your room. Guests are also welcome to enjoy amenities at the Cypress Inn such as the courtyard breakfast, the cozy fireplace living room, and Terry’s Lounge restaurant and bar.
All accommodations are within walking distance to Ocean Avenue’s boutiques, galleries, restaurants, the Artista studio, the Lauryn Taylor Gallery, the yoga studio,*and the beach.
Extend your Trip Spend some time extra time in Carmel-by-the-Sea Many Artista guests become so immersed in painting that they miss the chance to get out and see all the peninsula has to offer. Visitors from all over the world come to see the Seven Wonders of Monterey County, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the historic Carmel Mission, Carmel’s white sand beach, scenic 17 Mile Drive, and Point Lobos State Park. Also, consider Carmel’s 100+ galleries, endless boutiques, and world class restaurants.*Your concierge can assist with arrangements and directions to*the best of the region.*
If you’re considering adding days onto your safari, we recommend planning ahead, as rooms are not always available last-minute. We can arrange reservations for extra night at your hotel.*Hotel rates are $125, $195 to $235 per night, depending on room type.
Travel Plans Guests that are driving in, should plan to arrive at the hotel at least one hour prior to orientation. We can provide driving directions.
Guests that are flying in, should arrive at the Monterey airport on the first day of their safari between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm, and we’ll pick you up. Book your return flight on the afternoon of last day.* For guests arriving in San Jose and San Francisco, plan on arriving the day before,** the shuttles take 90 minutes from San Jose, and 2 hours and 15 minutes from San Francisco. Contact Monterey Airbus at (831) 373-7777 or go to www.montereyairbus.com.
To Make Your Safari Reservation 1. Request a 24-hour courtesy hold by calling 831-625-5748 or emailing to info@manifestasafaris.com. Be sure to tell ‘em Tango Diva sent you!
2. Download a Reservation Form, click here: http://www.artistacreative.com/rates…sandDates.html
Scroll down to find where to download the reservation form. A PDF version of our registration form will download to your computer for printing. If you can not download forms, call to request to have forms faxed or mailed to you.
3. Fill out both forms completely and fax back to 831-625-4267. Reservations may also be made over the phone, then mail your forms to Manifesta, Post Office Box 4669, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 93921 USA.
4. A Reservation Confirmation will be emailed to you.
Reservations require payment at the time the reservation is made. Visa, Mastercard, Amex and checks are accepted.
Please let us know if you have specific questions, we’ll be ready when you are.
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Hasta luego,
Jackie Sanders Judi Morales Gibson Guest Service, Manifesta Safaris “We make girls out of women”
Phone (831) 625-5748 Fax (831) 625-4267 PO Box 4669, Carmel, CA 93921 www.manifestasafaris.com
Every time I look down on this timeless town whether blue or gray be her skies. Whether loud be her cheers or soft be her tears, more and more do I realize:
I love Paris in the springtime. I love Paris in the fall. I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles, I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles.
— Cole Porter
Though I am self-professed Italophile, my devotion was given a serious run for the euro this weekend when I took a trip to Paris. There are few places in the world that live up to their own hype, and the enthralling French capital is indubitably one of them. There is an electric spark in the air that turns every mundane action into a meaningful activity. Walking to the corner store to get a baguette and brie feels like a cultural foray. Strolling along the Seine waving to the barges sloshing along is a thrill in and of itself. The very act of being in Paris feels somehow more vivacious than anywhere else.
We had limited time and didn’t go to any museums or galleries, though I hope to do that on another trip. Instead, we wandered around in grey, drizzling Paris and tried to absorb as much as we could. We were not alone in our drifting and watching. People-watching just may be the official Parisian pastime. Proof of this is in how café chairs are positioned-all facing out towards the sidewalk. The glamorous population is an attraction all its own.
Winter is a great time to go to Paris. The tourists are sparse, the sales are on, and the mood is gloriously dreary. Perfect for dressing in all black and writing deep poetry over a steaming cafe crème.
I’m now back in Bologna, but find myself daydreaming of crepes in Jardins du Luxembourg, fig jam and brie for breakfast, and that ostentatious twinkle of the Tour Eiffel. I can’t speak for the other seasons, but I certainly do love Paris in the winter.
Quick note from David Gingrass- Chef and Proprietor of TWO. We at Tango Diva love this place and encourage you to check it out when traveling to San Francisco!
Dear Friends and Family,
It’s finally happening; Hawthorne Lane has been transformed in the TWO weeks since Christmas into TWO, the second restaurant at 22 Hawthorne Street with TWO chefs! Barring any major surprises, we’ll be open for dinner this Thursday, January 11th at 5:30 pm. It’s been an incredibly exciting (and exhausting) two weeks, but we’ve finally gotten it done. I think that it looks great, and I hope that you’ll agree.
The menu is completely new (well OK, you can still have spicy tuna tartar if you ask). Some of the sausage and charcuterie from my Postrio days are back along with the smoked salmon on crispy potatoes. A few of my favorites from the opening menu are the roasted marrow bones with tomato fondue and crusty bread, the bacon and egg raviolo with sage and brown butter, the cast-iron pan chicken with quinoa salad and the caramelized broccoli with garlic and lemon. I’m sure that you’ll come up with your own list of must-have dishes.
We’re just starting with dinner for a week or TWO, but we’ll be doing lunch soon, and also doing box-lunches to go in March. You can make reservations on our new web-site www.two-sf.com or call us at 415.777.9779.
Thanks for your patience while we remodeled. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely, David Gingrass
TWO | 22 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 | info@two-sf.com
On February 6, 2007 my book will be selling in major bookstores across the United States. It is an odd feeling knowing those years of work and persistence is about to pay off in the form of a printed 350-page book with 51 chapters! Did I include all the best information I could? Did I represent the destinations realistically? Did I choose the right places? These questions, and many more, will continue to ramble around in my head. But what I am certain of is YES, I did include the best information I could find, YES, I represented the destinations through my experiences, and YES I chose the right places I thought would be ideal for women solo travelers.
There will be mistakes in the book, and websites won’t work, but you know, I did my best and I really hope that women will be inspired by my words and go off and explore the world. If anything, that is what I want the most – that women find their inner strength to jet – solo or with girlfriends. I just really want women to experience the world, so they can come back with a clearer understanding of other cultures and people. And, if a few of my readers build relationships and friendships with other they meet while traveling solo, then that is ever better!
Just three years ago Tango Diva and Fly Solo where just dreams stirring in my heart. Do you have something that is stirring within you?
I chilled with Melina Jampolis at her P Diddy penthouse in Cabo over the holidays, it was fabulous! You know Melina as Fit TV’s Diet Doctor. We spoke about her new book "The No Time to Lose Diet" while sun bathing poolside - what a life!!
Dr. Melina will be speaking and signing books at Tango Diva’s next literary Salon on January 16th at Roe Restaurant in San Francisco. More details to follow!
It’s that time again… the Big Event that separates the “I-LIVE-TO-EAT”-ers from the “Oh, I’d Love To Try That But I’d Burst if I Ate Another Bite”-ers. 
I just got this info and am tempted to use some of my miles to fly down for the weekend to this 
Hours before my most memorable meal of 2007 in Ubud, I had one of the best el-cheapo lunches of all time, too. It was a Bali Bali good food day! 
