Let's go and have some craic...

...in the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day ( March 17 ) -  Slainte!

AKross Dublin - Castles and Cocktails

At #Finnegan's of Dalkey enjoying a Hot Whiskey. The perfect spirit to ward off the cold on a drizzly Irish afternoon!

Finnegan's of Dalkey and Malahide Castle

One of the oldest castles in Ireland, 12th century #Malahide Castle. Only a quick train ride, just 9 miles north of Dublin.


Dalkey Castle has living guided tours that you won't want to miss. It was one of the highlights on my adventures in Dublin!

#Dalkey Castle, Hot Whiskey and #Guinness of course. Oh and a mysterious hand in the upper right corner...haunted perhaps?

Irish Hot Whiskey

1 measure of Irish Whiskey

2 teaspoons of white or brown sugar

8 ounces (or less) of boiling water

2 slices of freshly cut lemon

6 cloves

Pour whiskey and sugar into a strong heatproof glass.
Add the boiling water and stir until the sugar has dissolved
Embed 3 cloves into each lemon slice and place in glass. Serve immediately.

Sláinte

Food Truck Friday...happening tonight!

Just a quick post to let you know that #FoodTruckFriday is in Midtown Ventura tonight! They'll roll into the Trader Joe's parking lot (right behind the Pacific View Mall)and are open for business between 6-10pm. If you watch their Facebook page, they'll let you know if the trucks are ready to serve you even earlier...It's a celebratory, carnival-like atmosphere. Enjoy street food under the stars...there's live music, dancing, and a great sense of community. Don't miss out. If you love Maine lobster, claws, tails and all, grab a lobster roll from Cousin's Maine Lobster!

 

Cousin's Maine Lobster...as seen on Shark Tank

“I like men who have a future and women who have a past.” -Oscar Wilde

I couldn’t help but laugh when I first read the above mentioned #Oscar Wilde quote on a #Literary Quote Cocktail Plate while browsing at #Restoration Hardware. I have to say, I've been amusingly pondering it ever since. 

Admittedly, I do prefer men who have a future; to me, that translates to motivated, energetic, gentlemen, striving to be their best, constantly learning, and becoming better men – and of course, assertive, but without arrogance or conceit. (Who wouldn’t have an amazing future with those traits?)

However, it’s even more intriguing to consider the women who have a past. Initially, it sounds provocative, right? Yet, upon further introspection, while sipping wine with a few of my closest girlfriends, I got to thinking about our pasts and how it’s sculpted who we’ve become. And, believe me: We’ve come a long way baby…

While contemplating everything that I have personally been through...I became sidetracked and began thinking about one of my favorite past-times...FOOD!  Which then led to looking back on dishes from my culinary past. So, I thought I'd share a few of them with you now. Please enjoy!

Classic Caprese with Heirloom Tomatoes and Local Olive Oil

Jambalaya with Pan Seared Catfish and Skillet Cornbread

Caprese Pasta

Pasta Carbonara (one of my favorites to make for breakfast)

Grilled Asparagus Crostini with Orange Tarragon Compound Butter

Zucchini Nests with Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

Gnudi (naked ravioli) with Homemade Marinara

Boeuf Bourguignon

AND DESSERT!

Profiterole (aka: Cream Puff)

Chambord Truffles


I'll leave you on this quote...
"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cheers!

eat dessert. Suzanne's Cuisine - The food I crave in Ojai.

We all have our “go-to” restaurants where there’s something on the menu that you simply crave. And no matter how many times you tell yourself that you’re going to try something new, you wind up with the same beloved dish anyway  – Suzanne’s Cuisine is just that place for me! And on this Sunday fun-day, with no where in particular to be, I’m hungering for their Home-Smoked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta. Not a bad decision considering their hospitable and welcoming staff, handsome surroundings, and one of my calibers for judging restaurants, a delicious rustic baguette with European butter…

 

Something wicked is happening with the waitstaff's subliminal t-shirts!

have dessert. eat bread. enjoy life. drink wine.

I dare you to resist...

Obviously, I didn't...

Suzanne's Cuisine  502 West Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023


Zagat has deemed Suzanne's Cuisine, the "Chez Panisse" of Ventura County.