Check out the 15th Anniversary of the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort this fall thru Nov 14, 2010. The annual event transforms Epcot® Theme Park into a food and wine lover’s paradise with specialty food items from around the world, culinary events, sophisticated parties, and rockin’ live musical entertainment. With events for both young and old alike, it’s perfect to bring the whole family and enjoy less crowds!
Savings of up to 40% on hotel stays or up to $500 Disney Gift Card offers
Plus, you’ll earn 1,000 bonus miles, in addition to credited flight miles,
through partner Delta SkyMiles® program.
from $675*per person
(flight + 3 nights hotel + 3 day Disney’s Magic Your Way® Base Ticket + hotel taxes)
HURRY Book no later than Oct 31, 2010
Travel thru the Nov 14, 2010
For additional Disney up-to-the-date news check out their BLOG
Spanning four fun-filled days, the culinary event of the season in the Caribbean will bring together the very best in food, wine, rum, and culture; all framed by the beauty of one of the most luxurious and desirable destinations in the world.
Come enjoy local music, cooking demos with top chefs such as Tom Colicchio and Anthony Giglio, plus lively events that last into the night.
Now: Executive Chef at the renowned Golden Door in Escondido, Ca. Kayla is the first woman in this position for nearly twenty years and the youngest ever at a tender 25 years of age.
Then: After graduation, Kayla worked with her family to open an upscale bed and breakfast in a renovated 1790 farmhouse in New Paltz, New York. She loved creating their three-course gourmet breakfast menus – one particular guest-pleaser was her Black-bottom Lemon Pancakes. She also served as sous-chef at the Postage Inn in Tillson, NY.
In July 2007 Kayla join the culinary team at Golden Door as a line cook. The following year she became Sous-Chef to Executive Chef Dean Rucker. Then last April, she took over the golden ladle position of Executive Chef, when Tucker left to pursue other opportunities.
Bragging rights: Received merit based scholarship offers from both Johnson and Wales University and the California School of Culinary Arts.
Cooking Education: Graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, where she received a Cream of the Crop Scholarship.
Interesting side-note: I noticed that the pretty, blue-eyed blond always wore full-dress makeup-
not what one usually sees in a professional kitchen or a health spa. When I asked why, the poised young chef let out a girlish giggle and said “I wear it to make me look older.”
Kudos: Golden Door Spa guests drool over Kayla’s creations. She puts delicious into nutritious eating. William Anton, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the Culinary Institute of America had this to say about Kayla’s cooking, “Thursday night I had the BEST quail I’ve ever had in my life–which is quite a statement given my life’s work in the Hospitality Industry”.
When did you start cooking?
My first professional job was at the age of 16, when I was hired to cook dinner for the 29 nuns living in the convent at my Catholic High School in California. The Irish nuns were happy with simple meat and potatoes every night but I loved sneaking in some new foods for them to try.
Did you ever consider another career?
Never. Well, actually, I really love baking and had thought about going the pastry route but felt a general cooking background would be more useful. I still bake quite a bit and love to decorate cakes.
Who is your mentor?
Deborah Szekely (now in her late 80’s) is still involved in all parts of the operation at the Golden Door, including the kitchen, and she is my inspiration. She was quite young when she founded the Golden Door so we have that in common. She’s taught me a lot about attitude, patience and managing others. Seeing how much she has accomplished throughout her life makes her a wonderful role model.
How does your food compare to Chef Dean Rucker’s?
Dean is a great chef but I would describe his food as “healthy fine-dining cuisine”. I’m more interested in cooking casual comfort food. I really enjoy developing healthier versions of my childhood favorites.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I just turned 25 (another infectious giggle) so I’m just very, very happy to be here now, doing what I’m doing.
Any tips for cooking healthier food at home?
There are a couple of really useful tools that I use quite a bit. One is a microplane that I use for for zesting citrus fruit and it’s also great for shredding cheese. It makes mounds of light, fluffy strands.
I recommend lining cookie and baking sheets with sheets of non-stick silpat so you don’t have to grease them.
I always have spray bottles filled with grapeseed oil (it’s healthier and has a higher burning point so it’s easy to quickly sear food and seal in the flavors) and just use a spritz or two on the bottom of the pan.
If you have a favorite salad dressing recipe, try replacing most of the oil with water.
You can make low-fat tortilla chips by spritzing thin white corn tortillas with a little grapeseed oil and then bake at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.
Any suggestions for getting my family to eat more veggies?
I love cooking with different grains such as quinoa and wheatberries. It’s easy to fluff them by adding different veggies. I add about 9 cups of vegetables to 1 cup of grain or rice and get ten servings out of it.
Or take hummus (homemade or store-bought) and try jazzing it up with chipotle chilies, roasted tomatoes and red or green peppers.
Chef Kayla has kindly provided two deliciously healthy Golden Door recipes to get you started:
Caesar Dressing
1/4 ounce flat anchovy fillets, 2 to 3 filets,
1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk, or nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons 1% lowfat cottagecheese, heaping
1/2 tablespoon shallots, 1 shallot, minced
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, 1 clove, minced
4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 drops hot chili sauce
1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
METHOD:
*In blender, combine anchovies, buttermilk, cottage cheese, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and chili sauce. Process until consistency is smooth and creamy.
*Pulse in parsley and shallots. Do not overblend or dressing will be green.
Cinnamon-Sugar Nacho
2 whole flour tortillas, whole wheat tortillas
1 egg white, lightly beaten with one tablespoon of water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, spray with vegetable oil spray, and set aside.
2. Brush the whole wheat tortillas with the lightly beaten egg white and cut each tortilla into 12 equal size chips. In a small cup, combine the cinnamon and sugar and mix well. Place the tortilla chips on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake the tortilla chips for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Experience the Golden Door for Yourself
The Golden Door in Escondido, California, hosts a maximum of 40 guests per week. Sessions run Sunday through Sunday and include individually designed exercise programs, daily massage, beauty consultations, and meals. For more information visit the website at goldendoor.com or phone 800/424-0777.
After a very dark 21 years, the renown Venetian Room (where Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” ) is once again up and running as San Francisco’s premiere entertainment venue. For fifth-generation San Francisco native, Marilyn Levinson, Founding Executive Producer of Bay Area Cabaret, it’s a dream come true to be able to launch the seventh season of Bay Area Cabaret here.
Last night the glam room was packed to the gilded edges for the gala reopening starring music man, Marvin Hamlisch, accompanied by the belle of the London theater scene, Maria Friedman and Broadway’s “les Miz” star J. Mark McVey.
Hamlisch, after gazing around the historic room said, “I’m the perfect fit for the Venetian, since I wrote Memories…from the corners of my mind. And this place is filled with incredible memories.” He then played a medley of songs from past stars that have performed here as well a trio of Academy Award Losers, (Nobody Does It Better-was his beloved James Bond loser) and a fantastic set of “songs I wish I had written”.
In the middle of the show, Hamlisch got up from the piano, looked around the room and said, “I don’t understand. I’m having a wonderful time, aren’t you?”
The audience cheered and clapped wildly.
“So, I just have one question. What did you people all do when this place was closed for so many years?”
Silence.
Thankfully, those dark days are a thing of the past. The Bay Area Cabaret Venetian Season continues with a plethora of exciting vocalists. Next up is the legendary Chita Rivera on November 5th, followed by hipsters Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp from Rent, November 21.
For the complete line-up of talent visit the website.
Tickets for individual concerts start at $45 general/$40 subscribers and are available at www.bayareacabaret.org or by phone at City Box Office (415) 392-4400. Subscriptions, discounts for groups of 8 or more are available directly from Bay Area Cabaret at (415) 927-4636. For Bay Area Cabaret 2010 / 2011 season subscriptions, call (415) 927-4636 or visit www.bayareacabaret.org.
If you really want to impress your honey, why not round out your evening by taking advantage of Fairmont’s Special Offer for Bay Area Cabaret Patrons:
On the evenings of all Bay Area Cabaret performances this season, the Fairmont is offering patrons a three-course dinner for $40 plus tax and tip and free parking for all who dine in the Laurel Court. A special “Take the elevator home” room rate of $179 (Includes parking, excludes tax & ends 12/30/10) is available in this beautifully renovated 4-star hotel. For dining or room reservations, call 415.772.5000. Call soon to take advantage of these terrific offers, which are subject to availability.
When checking out a golf resort, travelers often envision a paradise for the “boys,” not a relaxing and lavish spot for a girlfriend’s getaway. However, the luxurious, Innisbrook: A Salamander Golf and Spa Resort in Florida’s Tampa Bay Area, has changed that stigma with its new, Where the Boy’s Aren’t package. Starting at $318 per room, per night, this Innisbrook package proves that there can be more to a golf resort than putting greens and 18 holes. In addition to over sized accommodations, this package includes:
Your choice of 50 minute massage or facial
50 minute manicure or pedicure
Bottle of specially selected wine for every member of your party
$25 retail shop gift certificate
Full day bicycle rental or 2 hours of tennis
Make sure to book your girlfriend getaway by December 31st! For more information or to take advantage of this package, please visit www.innisbrookgolfresort.com or call (727) 942-2000.
The travel world is a community. Everyone has a story to tell or experiences to share. Learning about fellow travelers will better your own travels and give fresh insight. That’s why, each month, we feature a different Tango Diva member.
About Genevieve:
Passionate about traveling, I am seeing the world slowly but surely and hoping to have visited 50 countries by the time I turn 50! When its not possible to be in my suitcase, I still embrace this passion for other cultures by attending events, engaging with traveler friends, reading and planning the next adventure. There is always time for friends, family and sports as well!
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
open-minded, always curious, adventurous
How do these words inspire your travels?
I am always willing to go on an unplanned trip, short or long, and pick off-the-beaten path destinations. My curiosity makes me interested in researching new places and engaging conversations with fellow travelers or locals. I have also never gone on an all-inclusive vacation, for the fear of being bored…but I will eventually give it a try!
What inspired you to travel originally?
When I was 4 years old, my family moved to Germany for 2 years. My parents were committed to take full advantage of those 2 years, to discover Europe inside out. This curiosity and desire to experience something different stayed with me for the rest of my life. As I grew up in a small homogeneous town, I knew there was so much out there to experience and learn from that I day dreamed a lot about the day I’d be old enough to say: mom, dad, I’m off to see the world and I promise to be safe, send news and a postcard now and then! From that first independent adventure at 20 years old, one trip would inspire the next and I am never out of ideas for destinations!
What is your favorite destination?
I always love the mountains, whether it’s the Canadian Rockies, the Pyrenees (France) or the Alps. So it’s no surprise Chamonix has a special place in my heart! As a close second, I have a sweet spot for Denmark as I had the chance to live there for 6 months: the nature, the Danes and their values, the architecture…and the bikes everywhere charmed me!
How do you deal with stress while traveling?
I have to admit I am not the most stressed traveler, as I firmly believe there is always a kind person nearby that will be able to help me. But if stress creeps up, I stop, breathe and take a split second to remind myself I am there to learn and expand my horizons by being outside of my comfort zone. That gives me a new outlook on the challenge at hand!
Who do you like to travel with?
myself! I also love to travel with my boyfriend or visit friends from around the world along the way. They are always terrific to share local insights and perspective.
What are you favorite activities while traveling?
Getting lost in the streets of a city I don’t know, to hopefully meet locals, see how they appreciate their environment, discovering local food and biking
What is the best advice you ever learned while traveling?
Be a fabulous observer & listener when you are out of your environment. You will realize how many things you pick up on and create vivid memories from your adventures. It’s OK to be out of your comfort zone! Recognize it and embrace it! Be safe and make sure your camera works at all time!
What travel moment has stuck with you?
In 2006, I was at a cross road in my personal life and was torn between my love for travels, and my need for stability (and income!). I decided to take 6 weeks off work to backpack alone in Europe. This adventure took me to 4 countries (Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany) and, along the way, I got to see 4 dear friends I hadn’t seen in a few years, a chance to go back to this town I had lived in Germany some 22 years ago, plus spend an incredible amount of time with myself. Yes it was lonely at times. I wrote a lot, listened to the same music over and over again and had memorable conversations with random people along the way. This journey was also an opportunity for me to reflect on what I wanted in my life moving forward. Very rewarding!
What is your future travel goal?
The goal is to keep embracing this passion for travels that my boyfriend and I have, while designing our journeys to fit our ‘’soon-to-be’’ new lifestyle of traveling with a baby (any advices are welcome)! Here are a few ideas tossed around these days: remote Canadian areas, South America and Poland.
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Do you want to be profiled? Let us know! Login to your Tango Diva account and send AlexCanedo a message telling her you would like to be interviewed.
If October is known for “Haunted Tourism,” then Monterey County is a paranormal party. Early on, the people of this area endured a long and tumultuous history with shoot outs, shipwrecks and sword-wielding Spaniards. Today, visitors can tap into the paranormal energy, since many of the top tourism sites have ghost stories attached.
Just in time for Halloween, suggestions for where to stay, eat and play to ensure that your vacation is accompanied with a couple spooks! Let’s get ghostly!
Built in 1833, this tile-roofed adobe in Old Monterey in the Historic Spokes Abode was purchased in 1834 by English sailor James Stokes, who jumped ship in Monterey with a stolen medical case and opened up a medical practice. It is said he went on to kill a significant percentage of the population, including then Governor Jose Figueroa. Legend claims Stokes was caught violating his daughter, poisoned himself on site and is said to return at night to rattle the restaurant. A ghost named Hattie Gragg lived in the adobe as well and is regularly reported as an elderly woman in an ankle-length skirt causing flashing lights and slamming doors in the upstairs bedroom where she died in 1948.
This fall, the 164-seat Restaurant 1833 is taking a twist on its past with rare antique lighting fixtures, lounge-friendly furniture and seven dining rooms including Hattie’s Room. It’s also a great place to get a drink, with an entrance bar/lounge taking on an apothecary backdrop of antique lab bottles, white-jacketed bartenders and custom botanicals.
Designed in 1905, La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-sea was the home of artist Chris Jorgensen and wife Angela Ghirardelli, heiress of the famous chocolate family. One afternoon, their favorite niece Alida never returned from her daily swim in Carmel Bay as she drowned from an unruly undertow. The tragedy led the family to move to San Francisco where one year after her husband’s death, Angela passed in 1936. Today, it is believed Angela and her niece are fixtures at their beloved Carmel home and can be spotted on the terrace or walking the expansive gardens – she in long skirts of the day and the daughter in what appears to be a classic early 1900s swimsuit and wet hair.
Make your visit extra spooky when you stay at this historic landmark with award-winning English gardens and a line-up of guestrooms and hidden cottages overlooking the sea. The Grande Dame of Old Carmel is an escape from reality, backed with soft ocean breezes and top of the line service.
Two apparitions have been documented in and around this National Register of Historic Places, including a candle-carrying padre who walks the mission grounds and Cleora, the ghost of the Headless Horsewoman. Soldiers stationed at Ft. Hunter Liggett have reported the vision of a headless woman on horseback riding the crest of the hills near the mission. Local Indians claim her husband caught her with another man who was prospecting the area and, in a rage, killed her. To ensure her misery and shame, he buried her body and head separately and her spirit rides the countryside in search of her remains. The best time to spot Cleora is in front of the mission church at sunrise and sunset.
Established in 1771, Mission San Antonio de Padua is the most remote of the 21 Spanish missions.
While the above makes for a perfect haunted getaway, there is also a selection of additional spooky sites you can check out. Discover the haunts while you enjoy a 90-minute tour of the Path of History on board the Ghost Trolley of Monterey, visiting both historical and recent ghost sighting locations, including the local cemetery. Additional paranormal activity hotspots that the trolley checks out includes California’s First Theater, Colton Hall, Royal Presidio Chapel and many more.
October is the perfect month to embrace all things noir, edgy and provocative. Wear it in fur – one of season’s strongest trends – and you’re set for the season.
More for the feet, Alexander Wang’s goat fur boots with a fringe of mane that might even make you think of packing a brush for yourself and your boots (for needed touch-ups, of course).
If fake fur is more your style, try a KTZ trapper hat in white tipped black faux fur.
Creepy, but creepy-cool, is the human hair zip necklace by Bitching and Junkfood. For those home crafters (etsy anyone?)… I can just imagine.
On October 15, join Spark and more than 1,000 guests to support women and girls who create positive change in their communities. Our never-to-be-missed gala boasts an open bar, live entertainment, surprises, and a fabulous auction.
“Spark will donate 100% of the proceeds from this event to grassroots women’s organizations including a girls’ scholarship program in Kenya called Akili Dada, a shelter for survivors of human trafficking in San Francisco called Freedom House, and two organizations in Haiti that are helping women rebuild their lives following this year’s devastating earthquake.”
Don your most spectacular pink and black cocktail attire and prepare yourself for an epic evening with SPARK!
Friday October 15, 2010
9:00 pm to 1:00 am
MEZZANINE
444 Jesse Street
San Francisco
Local Winemakers • Leading Restaurateurs • Epicurean Artisans • Eco Experts • Mixologists • Live Music • and More
If you’re a true local, you like your food and wine that way, too. Taste all the Bay Area has to offer at www.sffallfest.com—a celebration of the Bay Area’s best in local food, wine, and cocktails. See San Francisco magazine’s award-winning food editorial come to life at the hands of local restaurateurs, winemakers, epicurean artisans, eco experts, and mixologists.
Tickets benefit Meals On Wheels of San Francisco, so snag a pair and join more than 1,500 locavores for eats, drinks, and live music.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Justin Herman Plaza at Embarcadero Center
Buy tickets now at www.sffallfest.com
GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE PREMIER FOOD, WINE, AND SPIRIT EVENT OF THE SEASON!
Buy Tickets at www.sffallfest.com
TICKETS: $95 in advance/ $110 at the door
San Francisco magazine’s FallFest 2010 benefits Meals On Wheels of San Francisco and is presented in partnership with PG&E, Embarcadero Center, Calistoga Ranch, The Companion Group, Classic Party Rentals, Trumer Pils, Tequila Don Julio and FIJI Water.
MORE WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR MEALS ON WHEELS OF SAN FRANCISCO
Buy Raffle Tickets at www.sffallfest.com
$10 each or $50 for six. Enter to win one of three great getaways. (Winners will be announced at FallFest—need not be present to win). Make a donation
Help provide hope for homebound seniors. A donation of just $10 provides two nutritious meals that are essential for the health, self-sufficiency, and well-being of older adults. Donate now at www.sffallfest.com Bid on a silent auction item
At FallFest, stop by the silent auction area and bid on more than 40 wine, food, and travel packages. Donate a silent auction item
For more information on how to donate an item to the silent auction, contact Charlene Del Muro at 415.343.1280 or cdelmuro@mowsf.org.
