Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts

16 August 2016

Sabor's margaritas as big as your head...

Hola mi amigos and welcome to #Sabor Cocina Mexicana in #Thousand Oaks, California! The first time I entered this cantina I was enamored with its stunningly beautiful decor. In the bar, there are  "star" lights glowing overhead, adding ambient warmth to an already inviting and vibrant room - the restaurant feels majestic and is striking with it's unique, glass chandeliers, impressive rustic furnishings, and decorator touches throughout. This gourmet Mexican restaurant has a  courteous, fun, and friendly staff and offers delicious twists on traditional Mexican cuisine with a farm to table approach - and yes, and most importantly...the #margaritas really are as as big as your head!

Photo by Allison Kross at AKrossTheTable.blogspot.com
Try one of their seasonal, muy fantastico, margaritas.
Photo by Allison Kross at AKrossTheTable.blogspot.com

Photo by Allison Kross at AKrossTheTable.blogspot.com
Guacamole beautifully presented - the perfect pairing with my ginormous margarita!
Photo by Allison Kross at AKrossTheTable.blogspot.com
Chicken crepes with a subtle roasted yellow pepper sauce. Deliciously unexpected. 
Photo by Allison Kross at AKrossTheTable.blogspot.com
Chile Chocolate Creme Brulee with Valhrona Chocolate and Guajillo. Incredible!

03 September 2014

Regalo extends the olive branch in the Ojai Valley!



Most of us know that the #wine trail in Ventura County is definitely a must taste and worth exploring – however, if you want to take your culinary adventure off the beaten path and discover some new aromas and flavors, then add #Regalo Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting Room in the Ojai Valley to your journey - estate grown, handpicked, pesticide free, cold pressed, all right on the premises! Sample delicious olive oils and insane concoctions of balsamic vinegars that will have you inspired to grab your apron or at least start thinking about knocking out some early holiday shopping.
photo by: Allison Kross, akrossthetable.blogspot.com

On arrival, I pulled into a single lane drive and was immediately teleported to a  villa in Italy!
photo by: Allison Kross, akrossthetable.blogspot.com

#Regalo (translates to "Gift" in Italiano)
283 Carne Road, Ojai, CA 93023
805.703.4438

photo by: Allison Kross - akrossthetable.blogspot.com



I was graciously and warmly greeted by #Carolina Gramm, once a Chanel super model, now tasting room manager, entrepreneur (with a luxurious skin care line you can sample at the tasting room), as well as olive oil-balsamic mixologist.
 -photo by: Allison Kross, akrossthetable.blogspot.com
photo by: Allison Kross - akrossthetable.blogspot.com
photo by: Allison Kross - akrossthetable.blogspot.com
Recipes are artfully positioned throughout the tasting room to further inspire your culinary creations…

And speaking of recipes... while you're perusing the shop, take a peak at #Cooking Techniques and Recipes with Olive Oil by #Mary Platis and #Laura Bashar. Regalo has autographed copies for sale. I do admit to having a plethora of cookbooks, however, this one particularly caught my attention, with fresh, new, interesting dishes and cocktails...I just couldn't resist.

Until next time...
Cheers and good dishes - Allison








20 August 2014

Red meat and gin?...Who knew that's the secret to longevity!

Julia Child would've been 102 this year and according to #CNN, she attributed her longevity of 92 years to red meat and gin! My kind of girl - I know my stress levels would be completely nonexistent if I had a martini and a filet mignon waiting for me when I got home from a long, hard day of work - Hail Julia!

 

So what better way to honor America's favorite chef than to attend a tribute dinner at a local French restaurant in Julia's native land of sunny California?  I found myself delightfully, once more, at #71 Palm...

 

It was an absolutely sublime Friday evening, August 15, 2014. Balmy ocean breezes fanning the historic front porch, palm trees swaying, a dazzling sunset, and the delicious aroma of French cooking. I am going to love this!

photo by Allison Kross at 71 Palm Restaurant, akrossthetable.blogspot.com

The Pissaladiere, Provencal Onion Tarte was deliciously buttery and flakey (in a good way) with caramelized onions and anchovy. #Chef Didier Poirier and staff have certainly outdone themselves. Next, a generous portion of the freshest Filet of Trout Meuniere was served, tail intact, swimming in a velvety, nutty, browned butter over French style rice (it was slightly crispy and I loved it). The Chef recommended a local Sauvignon Blanc from #Brander Vineyard ; It paired very well and thus far, my favorite Sauvignon Blanc. Well balanced, the epitome of a perfectly aromatic, summertime wine.

 

photo by Allison Kross at 71 Palm Restaurant, akrossthetable.blogspot.com

        Boeuf Bourguignon!

photo by: Allison Kross at 71 Palm Restaurant, akrossthetable.blogspot.com

Floating Island - Clouds of meringue floating on crème anglaise! Heavenly.

photo by Allison Kross at #71 Palm Restaurant, akrossthetable.blogspot.com

Apple Tarte Tatin!

 Joyeux Anniversaire Julia Child! Thanks for the memories.