5 Course Menu: Valentine’s Day Party

1.) I started with a Shrimp Tomatillo Cocktail paired with a 2008 Diogenes Sauvignon Blanc.  I chose a cold shrimp with a spicy tomatillo sauce that could be prepped ahead of time.  The Tomatillo Sauce ended up being pretty spicy ( I went overboard on the jalapeno peppers) but the crisp flavors of the Sauvignon [...]

salad salad

5 couples 5 courses: Preparing for Valentine’s Dinner Party

I am hoping the key to a successful dinner party is preparation.  I decided several weeks ago I wanted to treat my special friends to a special dinner.  As a group, we love to entertain, good food and good wine is always near by, so creating an event that would elevate the experience to the [...]

ALP_4085 ALP_4085

5 Nearly Perfect Breakfast Burrito’s

I am not sure when I became obsessed with finding the best breakfast burrito…but I am. If I see a breakfast burrito on the menu, I’m in to try it. Here are my top choices in the Denver area. 1.) Santigo’s on Broadway. They roll in a cooler full of burritos every Monday and Wednesday to our office. [...]

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5 Fabulous Vineyards in Napa

1.) Miner Family Vineyards- owned and operated by Dave and Emily Miner, this vineyard features and array of varietals including a moderately priced Tempranillo $28 up to the their flagship bordeaux-style Oracle.  Their tasting room offers spectacular views – while there make sure you try the amazing Viognier – you will not be disappointed. 2.) [...]

Silver Oak Silver Oak

5 Fantastic dishes at Zuza Napa

Chef Angela Tamura cooks up some delightful tapas at this unique dining experience located in the historic Old Town district of Napa.  Tapas is a great way to try a variety of small dishes without committing to just one! My favorites are: 1.) The ‘Bacalao’ – Salt Cod – these are little balls of heaven. [...]

Zuzu Napa Zuzu Napa

5 American Idol Favs

March 9th, 2011 Michelle

I love reality TV.  American Idol, The Bachelor, Biggest Loser, Top Model, all mindless fun after a long hard day at the office.  Tonight, I am watching Idol and thought I would rank my top five and see how it plays out for the rest of the season.  The contests started out pretty strong, but I am listening to contestant # 10 and have grown bored.  Stephano  - they love him, boring, uninspiring.  Randy. slayed, really dog?

1.) James – have always like him, but not loved him, tonight that changed.  One of my favorite Paul McCarty songs, he showed that he can sing anything without screaming.  I think he also did himself a favor my ditching the “tail”  - much better with the makeover.  Solid performance best of the evening.

2.) Casey – who doesn’t like this guy, the ultimate guy next door, with an amazing voice.  He is smart, funny and unique.  Love Joe Cocker, loved Casey doing Joe Cocker.  Can’t wait to see what he brings next week.

3.) Paul – sort of sexy in in weird way.  He has these blue eyes and and never stops smiling, but the goofy dancing, if you can call it dancing, is a little distracting and not in a good way.  I hope everyone votes for this guy, he certainly has been my favorite early on and am looking forward to seeing much more from him.

4.) Pia – I’m not a huge fan of women singers or Celine Dion – but this girl rocked it tonight!  Loved Loved Loved it, but seriously, what was with the cape she was wearing?

5.) Naima -never been of my fav’s, but the last couple of weeks she has been growing on me. Outfit was crazy bad and not in a good way.  ”She made it her own” – made it fun.

Going to be some tough competition, at this point, I’m leaning toward a male dominated top 5, Lauren surprised me with the country – Ashton, not a great song choice, should have went with something younger and more recognizable. Scotty was great, I just can’ go with the country, too twangy for me.  Now off for some America’s Next Top Model!

salad

5 Course Menu: Valentine’s Day Party

March 6th, 2011 Michelle

1.) I started with a Shrimp Tomatillo Cocktail paired with a 2008 Diogenes Sauvignon Blanc.  I chose a cold shrimp with a spicy tomatillo sauce that could be prepped ahead of time.  The Tomatillo Sauce ended up being pretty spicy ( I went overboard on the jalapeno peppers) but the crisp flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc offset it wonderfully. Bobby Flay’s Shrimp Tomatillo Recipe

2.) We then moved to an assorted cheese platter, which included a fabulous organzola cheese, paired with a 2006 Masi Campofiorin.  I opted for the cheese as the second dish.  We are not big white wine dishes and I wanted to start with a white and move into the reds.  Again, this dish was pre-platted and ready to go!  At this time, I put the meat and potatoes in the oven so they would be ready on time.

3.) Third course was a Candied Walnut & Gorgonzola Salad with a Raspberry Vinaigrette.  I matched this with an amazing 2007 Domaine Serene “Yamhill Cuvee” Pinot Noir. I enlisted the help of my teenage son and his friend to assemble the salads and serve them, which was perfect. Missy’s Candied Walnut and Gorgonzola Salad

4.) The entree was a Beef Tenderloin w/Merlot Cherry Sauce and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes w/Rosemary complimented by a 2006 Miner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  I purchased a 5.5lb tenderloin from Costco and sliced it in two pieces, one piece was slightly smaller than the other which allowed them to be roasted together and one be closer to medium well and one be medium rare.  I did take the time to tie each piece to hold the shape.  It was my first tenderloin and it could not have been any better. Martha Stewart Fingerling Potatoes

5.) I finished with a White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberries and a 2006 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine.  We were however having so much fun with the Cabernet, that we barely made it to the sparkling wine and certainly the Fresh Roasted Fair Trade Organic Coffee did not make it to the table. White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

ALP_4085

5 couples 5 courses: Preparing for Valentine’s Dinner Party

March 6th, 2011 Michelle

I am hoping the key to a successful dinner party is preparation.  I decided several weeks ago I wanted to treat my special friends to a special dinner.  As a group, we love to entertain, good food and good wine is always near by, so creating an event that would elevate the experience to the next level was going to be challenging!

1.)  I chose Valentine’s weekend – perfect to create a theme of love, romance and sharing with those who mean the most to you.

2.) I sent out handmade invitations with a request for “cocktail attire”.   Every women loves to dress up sometimes and not only wanted her to feel like a princess, but wanted to establish an atmosphere of fine dining.  I did modify the attire to allow the guys to wear sport coats and jeans – I wanted them to be comfortable, but still look amazing!

3.) The menu- I will go into more details on the food an wine during a different post, but in regards to establishing the menu, I had two challenges – first I needed a menu that would allow me to enjoy my guests and not be tied to the kitchen. I spent a couple of weeks reviewing recipes would accomplish this. Second, one of my guests is gluten-free – although my entire menu is not gluten-free, I wanted enough options for her to thoroughly enjoy the meal!

4.) The table – I made sure I had matching dinnerware, linens, silverware and the appropriate glassware  - again wanted to create a fine dining experience and have my guests feel special.

5.) I took the Friday off before the party so I had plenty of time to shop for the food, iron the linens, make sure I had all the serving dishes and platters.  I finished the menus and place cards.  Which left all day Saturday to prep the 5 course meal!

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5 Nearly Perfect Breakfast Burrito’s

January 27th, 2011 Michelle

I am not sure when I became obsessed with finding the best breakfast burrito…but I am. If I see a breakfast burrito on the menu, I’m in to try it. Here are my top choices in the Denver area.
1.) Santigo’s on Broadway. They roll in a cooler full of burritos every Monday and Wednesday to our office. At the price of only $2.00 this is the best bargin in town…the half and half is smoking…I can’t imagine what hot tastes like.

2.) Twisters in Parker. This place isgreat..I like #4 Albuquerque – not smothered.

3.) Pegasus Restaurant Castle Rock – Greek and Mexican in the same restaurant -interesting but it works. Big Breakfast Burrito with Chorizo and
smothered with green chili…

4.) The Club at Pradera – bacon, sausage, 3 cheese blend – what makes this more amazing is the charred tomato salsa. Perfect way to kick off a morning of golf.

5.) Old Santa Fe, Parker. Authentic Mexican burrito smothered with green chili sauce, three-cheese, hashbrowns and sliced up sausage links. Enough to share.

5 weeks 5 pounds

January 23rd, 2011 Michelle

I know, it doesn’t seem overly aggressive.  I’m starting small.  I really don’t have all that much to lose, just 10 lbs.  Isn’t that what everyone says?  ”If only I could lose 10 lbs.  Well, If I can do it…(let’s face it, I love wine and I love food) you can do it!  We can do it together.

1.) one set small goals and revise them frequently.  5lbs, 5 weeks.  After week 1 assess where we are at.

2.) use “lose it” app for the iPhone (or any other way to track your calorie intake as well as you exercise).  Use it daily.  You will be surprised at how quickly the calories add up!

3.) make the gym a priority.  Experts will tell you to schedule the gym like you schedule appointments – and don’t cancel.

4.) eat healthy.  watch for hidden sugars.  I am going to try NOT to diet.  Choose healthy and go for portion control – I call it the half plate diet – when you go out to lunch or dinner – only eat half your meal.

5.) embrace your weight.  It is what it is – If you weight 200 lbs, don’t convince yourself you weigh 190 lbs. I weight 138.4 and want to get down to 128lbs.

Silver Oak

5 Fabulous Vineyards in Napa

January 23rd, 2011 Michelle

1.) Miner Family Vineyards- owned and operated by Dave and Emily Miner, this vineyard features and array of varietals including a moderately priced Tempranillo $28 up to the their flagship bordeaux-style Oracle.  Their tasting room offers spectacular views – while there make sure you try the amazing Viognier – you will not be disappointed.

2.) Spring Mountain Vineyard- This 845-acre winery located at the based of Spring Mountain, once served as the backdrop of CBS’ Falcon Crest.  At $25 for a tasting, this vineyard is a bargain.  Wine maker, Jac Cole has created some memorable wines, including one of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc’s as well as their Elivette red wine blend.  During your tasting, be sure you take time to enjoy the breath taking gardens.

3.) Far Niente- “It’s sweet doing nothing.” That is the feeling you get as you meander through the 13 acre gardens that surround this exquisite vineyard.  Restored in 1979 by Gil Nickel, Far Niente is known for it’s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a little dessert wine, Dolce.  The $40 by appointment only tours are topped off with a stop at the Carriage house to view the vintage car collection – including a 1951 Ferrari 340.

4.) Viader Vineyards- located in Howell Mountain – this vineyard is worth the drive.  Delia Viader  has created some fantastic wines under three labels -”VIADER”, a Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, “V” a bordeaux-style blend with Petit Verdot/Cabernet Sauvignon and “Dare” – featuring a 100% Cabernet Franc (wonderful) a 100% Tempranillo and a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  If you are lucky, Executive Chef, Mariela Viader will treat you to some amazing food – I’m partial to the cheesecake.

5.) Silver Oak- If you like Cabernet Sauvignon – this is a must try – by focusing on just Cabernet Sauvignon – this vineyard has it perfected.  Estate vineyards throughout Alexander Valley and Napa Valley are supplemented with grapes from the regions elite growers.  These wines explode with flavors of fruit and spices and will keep you coming back for more!

Zuzu Napa

5 Fantastic dishes at Zuza Napa

January 23rd, 2011 Michelle

Chef Angela Tamura cooks up some delightful tapas at this unique dining experience located in the historic Old Town district of Napa.  Tapas is a great way to try a variety of small dishes without committing to just one!

My favorites are:

1.) The ‘Bacalao’ – Salt Cod – these are little balls of heaven.  I can eat them like candy.

2.) ‘Gamba al Ajillo’ – Fresh Gulf Shrimp w/garlic piquin chili and smokey pimenton.

3.) ‘Queso Frito’ – Pan fried Manchego Cheese – need I say more?

4.) Flat Iron Steak w/Roasted Jalapeno “Chimichuri” – perfect plate to provide some extra protein to your meal!

5.) Paella – you absolutely can not leave with out tasting Angela’s amazing paella. I always have to have seconds.

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5 lessons I learned this Christmas Season- but will probably forget by next.

December 19th, 2010 Michelle

1.)  Decide on the perfect gift and commit to purchasing early- if you wait until the week before Christmas – you will never find what you are looking for – or will inevitably pay twice as much.

2.) Wrapping presents is detrimental to newly manicured nails.

3.) If you want to finish shopping quickly – avoid stores that are attached to or in close proximity to a brew pub.

4.) Wrapping paper, tape and ribbons are magnets for dog hair – it would be wise to chose some place other than the carpet to wrap – or make sure you provide full disclosure to friends with allergies.

5.) Ship packages early – or better yet – shop on line.  Nothing says Merry Christmas more than spending more on package delivery than on the gifts themselves!

Merry Christmas everyone!

5 Ways to Tell Your 14-Year Old He’s Special

June 7th, 2009 Michelle

The Boys and Their Crab!

Yesterday, we wanted to do something for Alec.  He had recently finished 8th grade and was moving on the high school.  We wanted him know we were proud of him.  We started off by setting a timer for 25 minutes (you can stretch it out up to an hour if you want).  After the timer went off, we brought him a small gift and continued this process five times!   Here’s what he got:

1.) a mixed bag of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans – Soda Pop flavor and Smoothies.

2.) a card telling congratulating him for becoming a “high schooler” and a $15 iTunes gift card.

3.) a card reminding him to have fun this summer and a DVD.

4.) a card telling him he has guitar lessons starting Tuesday night and some guitar picks.

5.) a card that said to get his shoes and get ready to go, it was a surprise!  We took him to Joe’s Crab Shack for some crab legs and mussels!

I think he really enjoyed to attention and each time the buzzer went off looked forward to what his next surprise would be!  I highly recommend doing this with your loved ones at least once!  A unique way to make them feel special!

5 “Summer” beers to beat the heat!

June 3rd, 2009 Michelle

Although we love all of our amazing wines, sometimes you need a refreshing beer on a hot summer day.  We went to our favorite liquor store “Bubbles” in Castle Rock in search of summer beer.  We only chose beer with “summer” in the name and found five varieties to try and ranked them below.

1.)  Sierra Nevada Brewing Company – Summerfest Lager.  This was our favorite of the five we sampled.  This lager is lighter in color, no “hoppy” aroma,  easily drinkable with a crisp smooth flavor.  As my husband says a “Great Lawn Mower beer”.  The mild flavors within this beer with pair well with a backyard BBQ or spicy meals and sauces.

2.) Alaskan Brewing Company – Summer Ale.  This Kolsch style ale ranked #2 in our taste test.  It is light and refreshing a must have for a summer beer.  A nice amber color with subtle hops flavor.  Enjoy this beer with delicate cuisine such as seafood or salads.

3.) Sam Adams – Summer Ale.  Another lighter color ale with a slightly cloudy appearance and a little more carbonation than the rest of the beers sampled.  This American style wheat ale has a lemon zest with a little bite at the end.  Sweet rich seafoods, such as lobster balance the flavors of this Ale nicely or try the lighter flavors of shrimp cocktail.

4.)  Blue Moon – Honey Moon Summer Ale.  This was the last beer we picked to sample, we were hesitant about having honey in the name.  With the exception of lemon in a wheat beer, I am not a fan of fruit or sweet flavor in my beer.  Since we could not locate another beer with “summer” in the name, we took a chance.  This beer has orange peel and has a sweet finish.  Not a fan and would not recommend – unless you are a Blue Moon fan – than give it a whirl!

5.) Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy.  This is an unfiltered Weiss (white) beer that adds a bit of Wisconsin honey and lemonade.  Again, knew this would not be in my top recommended beers, but growing up an hour north of Chippewa Falls, I am a huge fan of the beer and grew up learning how to spell it forward and backwards, I had to give it a try.  When poured, you could immediately smell the lemonade, it was bubbly, carbonated and tasted like drinking a glass of lemonade. Pairs well with fried appetizers, Mexican or a simple salad.  Leinenkugel’s website recommends mixing equal parts of their Berry Weiss and Summer Shandy for a variation of a Pink Lemonade.

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