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!

Try one of their seasonal, muy fantastico, margaritas.

Guacamole beautifully presented - the perfect pairing with my ginormous margarita!

Chicken crepes with a subtle roasted yellow pepper sauce. Deliciously unexpected. 

Chile Chocolate Creme Brulee with Valhrona Chocolate and Guajillo. Incredible!

“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!

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. :-)