A Shout-Out To All You Shopaholics! Insider’s Guide to the Best Shopping in Italy Now THIS is a tour that I would be happy to sign up for — An Insider’s Guide to the Best Shopping in Italy. I bet the savings from shopping the outlets and factories for your designer shoes, handbags and clothing would probably more than pay for the whole trip. (Although I wouldn’t necessarily use this theory when floating it by your husband… I doubt he would understand.) Check out the fall schedule for the latest offerings, which include a unique Tuscany Shop-about or another tour for first-timers that covers the big three: Milan, Florence, and Rome. Plus, you can sign up for the tour including air or on a land-only basis, if you want to put some of those frequent flier miles to good use. If you can’t answer “Yes” to the question in the picture… then you’ve been paying waaay to much!

Top 10 Flavor Pairings Announced for 2007

Are you feeling a little programmed? The Fashionistas dictate our hemlines, Hollywood spoon-feeds us our movie mantras ( I think we’ve reached about the end of the line with rooting for the underdog in whatever sport with the latest … what number is it… Rocky 12?).

And if the TV powers-that-be, shove one more Reality show down our throats, I’m gonna pull a “Network” moment and put my head out the window and yell, “I’M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!”

But even though I’ve worked in the food industry for over 20 years, I never knew that even a spice company pulls our strings when they come out with their annual proclamations about What Flavors are going to be “In” this year. If you want a sneak preview (and I’m sure they have invested millions in the R & D), keep reading. I have to admit..some of the accompanying recipes on the site sound totally delish.

BIG NEWS IN FLAVOR
Top 10 Flavor Pairings For 2007 Announced

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (January 2, 2007) – Tangerine and thyme, crystallized ginger and salted pistachio, wasabi and maple. What do these flavors have in common? Spanning sweet, hot, tangy, bitter, sour, and everything in between, they are just three of the trendy, tantalizing flavor pairings featured in the just-released McCormick® Flavor Forecast 2007. An annual look at the tastes that will define the year, this latest report reaches a whole new level, exploring 10 tempting pairs. Teamed together, these intriguing combinations will be influencing the foods we eat in restaurants and at home.

The mouth-watering, top 10 flavor pairings of 2007 are:
Clove and Green Apple
Thyme and Tangerine
Tellicherry Black Pepper and Berry
Sea Salt and Smoked Tea
Lavender and Honey
Crystallized Ginger and Salted Pistachio
Cumin and Apricot
Toasted Mustard and Fennel Seeds
Wasabi and Maple
Caramelized Garlic and Riesling Vinegar

“In creating this report, we examined two overarching trends influencing flavor,” said Laurie Harrsen, Director of Consumer Communications at McCormick. “The first is the ever-expanding breadth of choices, specifically within individual ingredients. Even staples like salt are now available in a diverse palette of flavor, color and texture. Also, global cuisines, particularly those of North Africa, Asia and the Middle East, continue to drive our exploration of new foods and flavors.”

Along with the flavor experts at McCormick, some of America’s top chefs, television personalities, and cookbook authors contributed their thoughts to the Flavor Forecast. Visit www.mccormick.com to explore some simple, delicious recipes that showcase this year’s top flavor pairings.

Malta Musings: Part 3: How’s The Food? The Maltese Kitchen

Maltese cooking is a conglomeration of traditional recipes handed down, combined with the influences left behind of the many foreign dominations, as well as a nod to its neighbors, Sicily and North Africa.

Since there has always been a lack of firewood on the island, the people of Malta long ago developed a slow-method of cooking. Food was placed in earthenware dishes over a little portable stone stove which they would sit by, constantly fanning and feeding bits of thistle and brushwood. Although gas ovens are now available, this slow simmer method is still preferred resulting in the tender falling-off-the-bone meat with deeply infused flavors.

Another charming holdover from long ago can be seen on Sunday mornings. Housewives line up at the local bakery holding a large linen-covered casserole of meat with potatoes or rice and tomato sauce, with a metal identity tag tied on. For a few coins, the woman will leave the dish to be baked, join her family at church, then stop by after services to pick up their Sunday supper along with some freshly baked bread.

One popular spot where this service is still provided is Zerafa Bakery (shown above). Maltese take their bread seriously… to the tune of two deliveries daily to ensure peak freshness. The small rolls or larger loafs all begin using some of the mother dough-similar to our sourdough, and are formed in traditional shapes- one being the sign of the cross. The large woodburning ovens bake the bread briefly at a high heat to produce a very crusty ouside which gives way to a delicious tender center, perfect for sopping up stews. This particular bakery produces over 1,000 handmade loafs a day and runs 24 hours a day except on Saturday night when they close for a few hours to give everything a good scrubbing in preparation for the Sunday rush.
When you are walking on the streets, you can see the delivery men

This same bread is used to make the ubiquitous hobs biz-zejt (pronounced hops-bees-ATE). As popular with the Maltese as hamburgers are to Americans, these specialty sandwiches have a few variations but basically are: a slice of the staff-of-life, rubbed hard with a clove of garlic, then with a cut piece of tomato, followed by a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt. (Other additions can include capers, olives, or tuna.) Another snack favorite, often served at bars is the “pastizzi” which is a savory pastry turnover filled with ricotta cheese or peas.

Years ago, rabbits ran wild on the island, although now farm raised, they are still a cheap food source and served at most every Maltese restaurant either fried in garlic, stewed or over home-made pasta with a ragu-like sauce that uses the sauce that the rabbit was cooked in, together with small pieces of it meat and liver. Although there is limited healthy soil and the weather conditions –- with intensly hot summers and little precipitation — are hardly ideal, the island somehow manages to provide an abundance of fruits and vegetables

By way of subsidies, the government is encouraging farmers to grow more tomatoes –– which are often sundried –– olives for pressing, and grapes for winemaking. Vegetable soups, based on whatever is in season, often begin a meal such as Kushu, a broad bean soup topped with soft melting goats cheese, or the Minestra, similar to the Italian Minestrone but deep orange in color due to the predominant ingredient, pumpkin.

The pristine Meditteranean Sea yields a varied selection of seafood and crustaceans. Timpana is a national dish, but should only be eaten after a full day of active sightseeing, since it is a hearty blend of macaroni, minced meat, cheese, placed in a puff pastry lined dish and then baked. Pasta in general is a staple and many women still laboriously make their own “ravjul,” a cheese filled ravioli that is often served on meatless Fridays.

“Gbehneit,” the native sheeps’ milk cheeselets, are made by spooning the thickened milk into small rush baskets giving them a distinctive woven design. These are delicious eaten fresh with a sprinkling of sea salt, or cured and liberally patted with coarse fround pepper. Desserts often consist of fresh fruit or ice cream, the baked goods reflect strong influences of Italy or England. The very British “puds” are potential diet-busters, as are the popular cassatas, tiramisu, and treacle rings.

And my drink of choice, Kinney, is a bottled beverage that is unique to Malta. It can be a rather addictive thirst quencher with its unusual bitter orange and herb flavor, or a refreshing cocktail when blended with vodka or rum

Malta Musings, Part 2: Where And What?

Like many other Americans, we were a little unclear on Malta’s exact location. It is made up of three islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino). This turned out to be a blessing since we never saw another American the whole week we were there (which may account for the fact that there is also nary a Starbucks or a Gap).

However, though it is relatively unknown to Americans, due to its strategic placement in the Mediterranean it certainly has played key roles in nearly every religious movement and European War from early Roman times to WWII. It has the second largest natural harbor in the world (next to Pearl), thus turning it into a major bone of contention during times of war. Romans, Arabs, the Turks, French, British have all occupied Malta and left their influence.

Perhaps the best natural resource in Malta is the people. They are extremely friendly, hospitable (you will often see keys dangling in the front door — should you want to stop in to visit and the housewife is cleaning at the back of the house — simply let yourself in), and rather eccentric. With more than 300 Catholic churches on the islands, religion plays an important role in everyday life, coupled with a with a healthy dose of folklore. Many churches will have two Clock Towers, one is real and the other is a faux clock so the devil won’t know the real time services start and therefore cannot lead worshippers astray. And many of the fishing boats have eyes painted on them to watch out for sea monsters.

No longer a military base, tourism is now the number one industry in Malta. To this end, primary students must learn Maltese, English (which is widely spoken) and Italian, and in high school they also must study French and German. The country would also like to become a major force in the film industry, and has been host to a few epic films. Children will love seeing the village built for Popeye. Both Gladiator and Troy were filmed here (after swearing us to secrecy our driver proudly told us we were sitting in the same car that squired around Brad Pitt and Jennifer A. for several weeks. “She was a sweetheart… very down to earth and asked a million questions about everything she saw. It’s real sad about them splitting up” he said forlornly. “But”, he went on, brightening up, “maybe they’ll use me when Spielberg comes. He’s shooting his next film here about the 1972 Olympics tragedy.”

Valletta, originally built as a military defense, is the capital of Malta. With many steep hills, and scenic harbor it is reminiscent of San Francisco, and also is the perfect size to explore on foot in just a couple of days. The best way to begin is to buy a ticket for the Malta Experience, an hour long film that clearly explains the turbulent 7000-year-old history of the country. It helps you make sense of the hodgepodge of influences that make up the country: the distinct Arabic sounding language, the British looking tea shops, the cuisine which has many decidedly Italian and Tunisian components.

Then take a 20-minute walk (try and resist shopping at the many boutiques specializing in the unique blown glassware and silver filigree jewelry made in the nearby crafts village of Ta Qali — better to visit there another day) to St John’s Co-Cathedral to view the Carravaggio. The austere façade gives no hint to the Baroque splendours it encases. The floors are covered with 369 inlaid marble tombstones of the Knights and every square inch of wall is covered with elaborate carvings.

The ancient hill-top city of Mdina (pictured above), known as “the silent city” because cars are restricted inside the walled city, comes alive at night-while strolling down the cobblestone streets you’d swear you hear whispers from the medieval times. Wealthy Maltese are moving back to the original capital city and restoring the old homes.

It’s hard to pick from 300 churches but don’t miss the church at Mosta. Its blue dome is said to be the third largest in the world. Inside you will find not only the usual baroque features but also a replica of a UXB ( unexploded bomb). The reason for this is that during World War Two the Germans dropped three bombs on the church. Two of them bounced harmlessly off the dome and the third broke through and landed in the crowded church but did not explode. The locals love talking about this miracle, as they repeatedly cross themselves.

Malta Musings, Part 1: Why Go?

Malta is certainly not the easiest spot to travel to. There are no direct flights — although breaking up the trip with an overnight each way in London was quite enjoyable. Particularly if you’re passing through on a weekend a wonderful detour is the stomach-boggling Borough Market under the London Bridge.

(Sorry, but I have to interrupt myself here, in case you haven’t been to the Borough Market, you have got to go. It’s like Seattle’s Pike Place Market, married San Francisco’s Ferry Building Market. I swear it’s worth the international commute to do your weekly shopping here.

Open since 1756, when it was known as London’s Larder, this bustling weekend market offers top-quality food from over 60 local farmers and producers. AND the best part is that almost everyone is encouragaging you to stry a liitle taste of their product –must admit, I’ve been known to make a meal out of the free samples — which helps to ease the pain of paying $250 for a postage-stamp size hotel room! Where else can you buy, under one roof, wild boar, smoked eel, organic wine, Neal’s Yard superb farm cheeses, trappist beer, spinach bread, homemade pies still hot from the oven, and the incredibly perfectly balanced salty/sweet caramel fudge.)

And Malta is certainly not the prettiest island we’ve ever seen. The monochromatic landscape is crying out for some bougainvillea, tulips, daffodils…whatever-and the pale yellowy-white bleached stain of the sand-blown limestone architecture that is seen everywhere hardly provides the necessary Pantone panacea…but just wait — after a day or two, your eye and mind becomes accustomed to, even appreciates, the visual softness that provides a such a peaceful, serene feeling.

Oh Divas, grab your calendars and make sure all your toys have batteries, because this Valentine’s Day, there are tons of special packages where you can enjoy, well, you special someon’s package!

Let’s start with my personal favorite: S Factor. This striptease and pole dancing fitness and fun-ness studio for women (I’m a Level 2) is offering a special Valentine’s Day Lap Dance Workshop. Fun! The LA, New York and San Francisco studios are all about the special 90 minute lap dance classes. Also, check the S Factor Shop for g-string and other Valentine’s specials.

Moving on, W Hotels Feel the Wuv Packages combine sass and class. Now through August 5, 2007, guests worldwide will enjoy this wild package, complete with champagne and chocolates, Jimmyjane "Wink" blindfold (ooh la la!), Red Envelope "Get Lucky" dice, an extra late check-out time of 2 pm, and a 24/7 Passioneer at their disposal. Sadly, a Passioneer can’t go all the way per se, but they are trained and ready to, "grant any wish and create personalized experiences this Valentine’s Day or any day of the year…Passioneers are on call 24/7 at every W Hotel around the world," promises W Hotels President Ross Klein. Say, could he be a Passioneer, too? From hammocks to in-room massages, take Valentine’s Day to the next level and let W Hotels put you in the mood!

Below are other offers that have found their way to my desk. I cannot vouch for any of the below: 

In other naughty news, Boston boutique Hotel 140 is offering half-priced rates for Valentine’s Day. This Back Bay area hotel’s offer includes dinner, theater tickets and an overnight stay in downtown Boston for only $159!

The Cable Beach Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, Nassau, Bahamas, is also offering a Valentine’s Day Sweethearts’ Getaway Package:

-5 day/4 night stay with the 4th night free, breakfast for 2, champagne and strawberries, packages start at $225 per person.

Take a cruise on Lake Tahoe this Valentine’s Day aboard the M.S. Dixie II on its Sweetheart Cruise from 6:30-10 pm. A four-course meal, long stemmed rose, a bottle of Mumm Champagne, souvenir toasting glasses and live music set the right mood. $89 per person, $29 per child but hopefully everyone will leave theirs home…?

Other Valentiney offers can be found at posh Meadowood Resort in Napa with its Valentine’s Cabaret Getaway and The Art of Romance package all this month.

Gorgeous Monterey County has a slew of packages for two. 

Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe hosts an annual Sweetheart Race where you can "race with or for that extra special someone in your life for a chance to win fabulous prizes" including a diamond pendant.

Finally, WealthyMen.com contacted me to inform me that they are a great place to find that special someone. I’m not even sure what to say about this site. No stone should go unturned, perhaps??  

Personally, I think we should all be using AirTroductions—a matchmaking service at 35,000 feet! 

Hybrid Dining, Drinking & Dancing: The Poleng Lounge, San Francisco

Again, the critics were right-on! (Not too suprising, since I have the highest respect for the SF Chron’s Michael Bauers’ taste buds.)

For weeks I have been meaning to try Poleng Lounge, but kept putting it off because I was unsure how good the food could be in hybrid restaurant/lounge. But when I read M.B’s second rave review that ended with the words, “After five visits, there’s not a single dish I wouldn’t order again,” I simply had to try it.

I knew the place would be packed after this proclamation, but at the obscenely uncool 6:00 dinner hour, we were able to be walk right in. We were warmly greeted by the hostess who quickly changed our table when we asked for a seat closer to the fireplace. The extremely hospitable service continued throughout the night. (Our attentive waitperson even offered to wrap up the marrow bone for me to take home to my dog.)

Looking around the restaurant I kept thinking of the Faye Dunaway’s scene in the film Chinatown, “She’s my sister…daughter…sister…” It’s a restaurant-slap..nightclub-slap….restaurant-slap.” The place reeks of coolness, yet manages at the same time to provide a warm Balinesey/Zen feeling with it striking waterwall, and the artistic driftwood poised over the bar –– which is heaped with colorful piles of tropical fruits that the bartenders muddle into exotic cocktail combos. Overhead, a montage of gorgeous pictures (taken by the owners on their travels throughout Asia) scroll by on the large plasmas in Discovery Channel caliber slide show.

Executive chef/owner Timothy Luym is still in his 20s, yet brings such a level of sophistication to his spin on Asian steet foods, that he must have started cooking at the age of 5. His palate reflects his Chinese/Spanish heritage, his childhood in Manila, his extensive travels throughout Southeast Asia, and his time spent cooking at Charles Nob Hill and Fifth Floor.

It would be a shame to order wine here. Stretch your wings and try one of the unique tea infused cocktails. My tastebuds got their wake-up call with the Lady Boy: Wasabe Vodka, Crushed Ginger, Sparkling Soda, and dash of Black Tea, after which I ordered one of the sake flights. ( I did spy a “60-oz. glass filled with “your favorite elixir” on the lengthy drink menu, but had to pass since I was driving!

Some of my “you will kick yourself if you don’t try them” dishes are the deliciously sticky mess of Crispy Adobe Wings (simultaneously sweet, hot, & garlicky) which went beautifully with the even garlickier crab noodles that were loaded with crustacean nuggets. Poleng’s impeccably seasoned salpicao (seared flank steak) was plated with a poached bone marrow, a tangle of frizzled onions, a stack of toasted coconut bread and mango salsa, which when put together made the most scrumptious lil’ sandwich bites.

Unfortunately, I had no time for dessert, since I wanted to get home in time to watch PBS’s second part of Jane Eyre, but I will so be going back in a New York minute.

W: www.PolengLounge.com.
A: 1751 Fulton St. (Cross: Masonic St.), San Francisco, CA 94117.
T: 415-441-1751

Today is the day! My baby is born! I have spent the morning on various radio stations across America. I woke up at 5:00 am for my first interview in Syracuse, New York. From Syracuse to St. Paul, then over to San Francisco – today is a very busy day for me.

My aunt Esperanza, who wrote Me, Myself, and I5  talks about how God gives everyone their sunrise – we just have to get up to receive it. Well, this morning I was up and I accepted my bright and shining gift. Because I never get up a 5:00 am, I don’t ever see the sun rise. What a treat it was!

I have a few more interviews today and the rest of the week is going to be just as filled with fabulous radio interviews and television appearances.

Over the weekend I saw “The Pursuit of HappYness.” What a powerful story of determination and commitment. I’ve never had to live in a shelter, but I do remember spending my last bit of money when I was 24 years old to attend conferences, so I could meet the right people in advertising – I had no experience, but I really wanted to work for an ad agency.

I moved back to the US, from Australia, based on what conferences I could attend. My first stop was Star Power in LA for 4 days. The conference was at Loews Santa Monica Beach Resort. I could not afford to stay there, so I stayed at the Holiday Inn a few blocks away in a creepy building. Every morning I would walk to the conference early in my cheep high heels hoping to meet the “right” people.

I did meet the right people, and I had a marvelous career in advertising before I started Tango Diva. Now, I can stay at Loews if I want to, and every time I am in Santa Monica and pass that shady Holiday Inn, I smile.