“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!

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!

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.

 

        Boeuf Bourguignon!

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

Apple Tarte Tatin!

 Joyeux Anniversaire Julia Child! Thanks for the memories.

 

 

 

71 Palm Brasserie, Bastille Day 2014, & Julia Child's Birthday!

Hi everyone--I'm super busy with work right now and just wanted to repost this-71 Palm is a great restaurant to be French for a day and celebrate Bastille Day (this Tuesday)-you'll be glad you did. Cheers gourmands!

It's an ordinary, unsuspecting Monday - July 14. I knew it was Bastille Day, but I had no idea what an amazing experience I was about to encounter...

Searching for a place to eat, and attempting to start the work week with a superb beginning - and secretly hoping  the French would be celebrating big, somewhere, somehow...I sauntered into the #71 Palm Restaurant in Ventura after work...to this delightful melody.

Accordion artist, #Howard Howe transports me to France  instantaneously -  no jet lag, no lost luggage, just through La Vie en Rose!

 Passport in hand, I was ready for whatever culinary adventure #Chef Didier has prepared!

My first course: French Onion Soup Gratinee paired with a Rhone Vouvray! Other choices included: Spinach Salad with Creamy Mimosa Dressing or Homemade Country Pate with Cornichon. Looking forward to July 14, 2015...

My second course: Steak Frites of course, rare just like I crave it! I might have selected a Grilled Salmon Bearnaise or Portobello Mushroom Ravioli Provencal - clearly any would have been perfectly delicious.

My third course: Strawberry Napolean. Vive la France!

 Howard Howe playing La Marseillaise!

This week 71 Palm is celebrating Julia!  #Tribute to Julia Child Birthday Celebration!

Monday,  August 11th - Friday, August 15th
Lunch 11:30am – 2pm Dinner 5pm – 9pm
1st course: Chilled Leek & Potato Soup or Pissaladiere, Provencal Onion Tarte
2nd course: Beef Bourguignon, or Filet of Trout Meuniere, or Chicken Breast Ballottine
3rd course: Tarte Tatin or Floating Island
$38 per person 

 

 #71 North Palm Street, Ventura CA 93001

Bon Appetit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sax on the Westlake Village Trolley, yeah baby! Happening tonight.

Westlake Village Trolley

Imagine my delight in hopping on board the #Westlake Village Trolley for the first time and discovering  #Early McCalister, saxophonist extraordinaire!  What a great way to shake off a maddening work week and get the party started - for a fleeting moment, I thought I might actually be down in #New Orleans. Check out the Trolley Entertainment Schedule and get ready to experience an exciting,  local adventure as you sip and taste your way through #Westlake Village. Consider bellying up to the bar at #Lure for delicious smoked oysters, then roll into the #Westlake Lake and visit #Zin Bistro Americana  at sunset, check out the libations at #Four Season's the Bar and the Lookout then cruise into the #Stonehaus, for an evening of live music and a nightcap or espresso. Just some ideas to get you started... have fun and stay tuned for more trolley folly! Cheers :-)

Zin's at sunset. What's in your glass?

AKross the Valley at Nesmon Cafe followed by Chef, the film.

Cafe Nesmon #nesmoncafe.com was somewhere I definitely wanted to linger much, much longer! I imagine sitting here on a warm summer's day, sipping, savoring, and people watching to my hearts content. Stress melts away with the afternoon heat. Absolutely delightful.

Now, for a brief intermission, as I run off to see Chef, #ChefTheFilm at the Galleria...OK, I'm back. I highly recommend this film. It was raw, inspiring, heartfelt, well acted, well written, and I immediately wanted the DVD and a food truck!

Luscious savory crepe, Ile de France, with brie, roasted peppers, and  bechamel.

It just wouldn't seem French without Crepe Suzette! Sweet creamy butter, sugar, orange liquor. :-)