Thankful... Again

With each passing year my heart grows with more gratitude.  My life filled with more and more blessings, and wonderment.  That's not to say that there aren't speed bumps and detours along the way.  Hell, yeah there are, but in the grand scheme, there is so very much for which to be thankful. And I choose to focus on those, and even view the speed bumps as extra caloric expenditure to pull myself up and over...another benefit! 

I try to count my blessings daily and in every way imaginable.  From the sunshine that warms me up, to crisp Fall air that fills my lungs, to getting a seat on the train away from the person coughing to all the obvious ones of happiness and health friends and family. And so, I especially look to family this year, where accomplishment and joy were the name of the game.  We rejoiced in all things big and small.

Let's get started with my favorites. My nieces and nephew. 

Gabrielle Brooke
Determined to find the right career opportunity, she searched and found a great fit at Traditions in Charlotte. As she finished her first year there, she truly made her mark and presence known including a year long anniversary campaign that showed huge improvements in business, created new exposure and increased revenue for the company. Bringing her own style and smile wherever she goes.  What a difference one rock star can make. 

Me and G (Proud aunt showed up in Charlotte for support one day!)

John Joseph

Achieving similar professional accomplishments, he turned an internship at Tribute into a job, then took this small start up company by storm.  His adventurous, 'I can do anything' spirit  increased their presence in the marketplace, as he took on new levels of responsibilities, meeting entrepreneurs, movers/shakers, all the while embarking on his own business line, consistently staying true to his social consciousness and gentle spirit.  Truly paving his own path with grace and gumption.

John, on the right with colleagues meeting entrepreneurs and industry shakers.

Michella Rae
Rocked it a college firing on all cylinders.  From being a leader in her sorority, to taking no prisoners athletically in lacrosse, to shining academically, and forging her path as on-camera talent.  She's a natural and a powerhouse in all she takes on.  Take a gander at her interviewing skills here.  This was one of her first on camera interviews.  What poise and knowledge.

Michella interviewing the lacrosse MVP.

Gianna Marie
In her second year at my alma mater, Binghamton, excelling academically at a school that is among one of the best.  Her caring, gentle spirit and love for animals is steering her in the veterinary direction. She also resurrected her love for dancing, showcasing her talents performing choreography by a senior in the performing arts school.  Check her moves out, front and to the left in the video below.  Talent and emotion that comes from deep within.

Nicolette Grace
She has become quite the adult and chef. With all Jill's travels, her self reliant style has her cooking meals from Fresh Chef that any adult would envy.  She started High School and finished her first semester of honors classes with straight A's, all the while she continued to kick serious butt as a soccer champ, literally ripping in the winning goal on a free kick from 40 yards out (video below).  A young woman's strength in all areas pushing forward and making her mark!

Melanie
A senior in H.S. with honors and embarking on college while still exploring and excelling her talents in the art world.  She is also a skilled writer and thoughtful young woman.  Her natural talent and skill are impressive.

Mom/Dad
My mom has a new knee and a new lease on life.  My dad, ever young, helping her through her recovery.  They are our rocks.  They are always there when we need them and ready to show up at any event. Living life fully and with love.

Seriously, they are amazing.

Robert
My brother came back to NY to accomplish a handful of things. Among them helping my mom with her recovery while he researched and wrote a complete new screenplay.  His writing and creative talents never cease to amaze me. We all loved having him around.  Honoring his no photo policy.  Just know he is as handsome and healthy as ever.

Alyssa
My sis, with grit, dedication and determination that boggles my mind, endured her 9th marathon and 7th NYC one. Running with 51K people, she finished with a time that ranked her... Get this:

• 8% overall, yes out of 51K crazy sweaty peeps
• Top 3% of ALL women 
• Top 1.25% in her age group.  Crap this is elite.

Check out the video of her whizzing by.

Jill
As my other sis climbs the corporate ladder, her work ethic and stamina astounds me. She completed a year at her latest promotion at Estee Lauder, making a difference from here to Europe to Asia.  While she jet sets around, she always putting family first, as her girls know well. She never knew she was such a good juggler. Another huge accomplishment, which might seem insignificant to you all, but was huge around here...

She made it home for dinner one night by 6:30pm. 

Juan Carlos
Continues creating branded signage programs for the hospitality industry that stand out as beautiful and unique.  His latest work on the historic landmark property, The Beekman, proudly garnered much acclaim and attention.  Big bonus... he loves me.

As for me, I count all these joyous moments among my blessings, and being in a family so accomplished.  I also feel fortunate to be part of a great team at Despaña.  We are a diverse group, but right now we are charged with a strong management team made up of WOMEN!  You gotta love that. 

Feeling grateful for the few productions gigs this year which were fun and helpful $$.  My blog fills me with great joy, as you all send me wonderful notes and comments that keep my spirits bright and charge me with motivation to write and share my stories, recipes, entertaining ideas.  My children's books continue to sell. And above all, I am forever and always grateful for the good health of my family and myself.   

So, as we take a moment to reflect on what is truly important in these times when the TV news cycles have our heads spinning and tempers flaring and wondering where morality and decency have gone, I recommend a breath, a moment to inhale deeply and slowly.  Take in all the small milestones. Step back, step within and remember that the external swirling of bull crap will spin away as your inner strength deflects it from landing on our porch.  Speak up when needed, and fight for what you believe to be true and honorable.  Do your part to make a mark in the world.  All the rest is just noise. Don't let it clutter your brain and confuse where you are going and what is your purpose.  There is beauty and goodness all around us.  Just like WonderWoman, we sometimes need a big metal shield to protect us from the flying debris of life.

May you find gratitude in the small things.  May you cull them together and be enveloped in how big and great their sum becomes.  May these tiny moments kiss joy onto your heart and fill you with LOVE.

Happy Gratitude Day... every day.

The Bud of Love - Flowers, A Wedding & More

Love... Love... Love  
Love... Love... Love
Love... Love... Love
There's nothing you can't do that can't be done...
All you need is love
Love is all you need

Yes, it was The Beatles who famously sung it, but it is a sentiment that rings true and brings joy wherever and whenever shouted out loud.

Love; a big word indeed, and widely overused for some.  For me, not so much.  I believe that when set forth with full intention it does not matter how often it is used.  As a matter of point, when used in that manner, the more the better.  

Alyssa and Nikki

Love can show up in the big and small flavors of life.

I try spinning it throughout the energies I put out in the world, like in my children's books and in this blog. Yet there is nothing more exciting than it's most obvious and most common form; the budding of a new love. The strong and steady build and flourish of a new partnership. The expression of love in all its forms. Stirring life with it and swirling around to envelop all that surrounds it.  Weddings have just that. An enormous capacity to pull you into the swell of that sweet and beautiful and blossoming thing.  Such was the swirl we all felt 5 years ago when my sister, Alyssa married Peter. 

In celebration of their half decade wedding anniversary and the love that continues to flourish each year, travel back with me as I dedicate this post to their wedding love.  

So I shall start with the love story that began years ago when JuanCarlos and I got married at my sister, Alyssa’s home.  An act of love in opening her home to greet  friends and family to rejoice in our union.  There was an abundance of love there.  So it only seemed fitting that when Alyssa and Peter were searching for a wedding venue that we offered up our home.  What loves around comes around.

Our yard, ready to give and receive LOVE.

As with my wedding, many aspects were home grown, made from scratch.  We aimed to do the same for her wedding.  From JC's design of the invitations to creating living room spaces around the property, and of course the floral arrangements and bouquets.  Even the guests gifts. Boxes upon boxes of home made family recipe cookies, completely stirred and tied up with love.

Boxes upon boxes of homemade goodness.

Sure having a wedding planner do all the nitty gritty is a lovely luxury anyone would enjoy, but there is a certain sense of satisfaction in creating and offering all of yourself.  All the small touches that mark the difference.

The florals help set the tone and add that special touch to any event.  But wedding flowers can be a huge expense.  It’s one of those items that are needed to complete the picture and enhance the scene but guests may or may not notice them.  Why spend a fortune when you can do it just as beautifully for a fraction of the cost? You don't have to be a professional to get a great look.  Find ideas that appeal to you  and aim to emulate them.  I did it for my wedding, creating all the table arrangements and all the bouquets and so it would be the same for my sister’s big day.  Our plan of attack; get up at the crack of dawn and head into NYC's floral market on 28th street. With a color scheme in mind, and some ideas of flower types, we went on our hunt. The joy of going to a market like this is the sheer abundance.  The additional joy.  Sharing this moment with my sister and her daughter, Gianna, creating a memory to last a lifetime.  
 

Just like with food shopping, you may go in with a plan but it's best to just see what is fresh and vibrant and choose the cream of the crop. We walked away with boxes of glorious color and buds. Once at home, the assembly of our masterpieces began and quickly grew into a floral garden on my dining room table.

Gianna, always my tried and true helper.  I can always count on her.

And then filled the party with bursts of happiness.  Maybe these can serve as an inspiration for your next floral creation.

Calla lilies, Alliums and Eucalyptus

The bridal bouquet

Table florals, with another type of earth's bounty. Liquid Grapes.

Roses and Dianthus

The infusion of magical moments were everywhere, yet none more incredible than seeing my sister emerge stunning and elegant wearing a smile that took your breath away.

The bride

Our Dad, ever the proud papa doing his duty and looking quite dapper.  (And yes, we needed the fans.  July 7th and 92 degrees!!)

Love turned up in the obvious and not so obvious places.

Nicolette Grace performing her flower girl duties with grace.  (That wicker basket was used by Gianna & Michella when they were flower girls in my wedding.  Truly, what loves around comes around. Yes, I kept them for 11 years.  You never know when you may need something.  Hehe)

Having the time of her life as Gabrielle, our niece looks smashing in black and gold.

Cousins gathered together having a blast. Gianna, Michella, John and Gabrielle.

Gifts for the ones she loves.

Bulgarian Bread Ceremony

The candle lighting bearers of light.

Peter, and his son Denis

No matter what the task, Jill, Alyssa's twin sister, is always there to help.

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

A family full of love and joy.

Our home, the flowers and decor in all their beauty were just the backdrop to what was the true beauty of the day;  the bud of love between Alyssa and Peter. 

Happy Anniversary, may Love always light the way.

Note:  All photos in this post were taken by my talented husband, JuanCarlos.  Check out more of his work here. 

Prohibition - Restaurant & Speakeasy

Miami is like a second home to us.  As many of you know, JuanCarlos and I met there, got engaged there, honeymooned there and have an apartment there.   So, naturally we like to visit there. Of late, instead of cooking at home as much we have been testing out Miami's restaurant scene, which is really upping its game. 

On our last visit to the sunny city while my parents were visiting at the same time, one of our intentions was to show them a few new restaurants to try.  I immediately thought of Prohibition, a vibe-y hot spot in the Midtown district of Miami.  Don't let the name fool you.  The only thing prohibited here is to not have a good time.  I thought they might enjoy it too.   It's a throw back to the Speakeasy lounges of the Prohibition days, hence the name and offering all the energy of that era. It's interior decor is moody yet inviting.  It's a mix of Hollywood glam and Miami chic.  The crowd is a cool combo of both young and old alike, where everyone feels right at home.  

This was not my first visit. The first two times I frequented this cool hangout was for drinks and snacks at the bar. Both times I thoroughly enjoyed the food, drink and atmosphere.  This time we were there to check out the joint for a sit down, relaxed dinner.   We were hoping for a good meal and good vibe.  And it didn't disappoint.

The menu seems to follow a new style of offerings.  Small and large plates for sharing.  What I do love about this concept is that with so many interesting items on the menu you don't have to just choose just one entree and hope you chose wisely. You can choose several, share them and enjoy the tastes of all.  

We started off with the fresh Sea Bass Ceviche and Shrimp Cocktail.  The ceviche was fresh indeed, beautiful balance of Sriracha sauce and citrus, served with a generous portion of plantain chips.  The shrimp cocktail was classic and good.

Sea Bass Ceviche with the right amount of heat and citrus. And a generous amount of crunchy plantains.

Shrimp Cocktail, fresh and yummy.

Then came the homemade Spicy Meatballs with parmesan crostini.  The meatballs, made of beef and veal, were tender and flavorful.  The sauce had a sweet note provided by the caramelized onions followed by a spicy hit. Both team Perri and Casas enjoyed them, however given the traditional Italian roots of the former, felt that the sauce was a bit too spicy, yet ate them up just the same.

On to the larger plates.  We ordered two from this category to share.  Out came two stunning dishes. 

Lamb Chops, which my mom loves, were tasty and tender.  A smooth red wine reduction pooled around a heaping helping of chunky mashed potatoes scented with a bouquet of rosemary.  Just the bones were left.

Lamb Chops were finger licking good.

Pan Roasted Salmon was cooked perfectly and set atop a bed of warm potato and crab salad. The salmon had a gorgeous crust of spice rub. The salad was flavor power-packed with a well balanced combo of potatoes, crab, grape tomatoes, scallions and herbs.  I really enjoyed this unique salad mix. 

As we settled in and were enjoying all our selections, we chatted it up with the manager Amin, who is Iranian.  JuanCarlos immediately perked up to tell him how much he loves making Iranian rice dishes. To which Amin then informed us that the chef is also Iranian and one of his specialities is the Cilantro Rice dish.  He graciously offered us a plate to try.  As we each took forkfuls of the fluffy herb scented rice, we tried to figure out all the flavors but were told that the chef is secretive about the ingredients.  That said, I am pretty sure there was dill, and of course, as the name aptly states, cilantro.

Although we were all stuffed and completely content, Amin said we couldn't leave without a dessert.   Bring on the Tres Leches Cake that was lovingly soaked in 3 milks. Some versions of this cake can be very sweet due to the condensed milk addition but this one was not.  It was just the right amount of sweet topped with bananas and toasted marshmallow for an extra special touch.  Even though we thought we couldn't eat another bite after our magnificent meal, we polished off the entire thing.  

Tres Leches Cake... before.

Tres Leches Cake... after.

As our meal came to a close, we sat back to enjoy the some soulful sax tunes while sipping on Port 20, a fortified wine of tawny, nutty flavors. I noticed the table next to us had a large group that seemed to be equally enjoying themselves. I asked the woman what she thought of her meal.  As expected, her group thoroughly savored all their choices.  And although she doesn't normally eat octopus she ordered it.  Much to her pleasant surprise, she absolutely loved it.   Now that says a lot.

The days of prohibition may be a thing of the past, but visiting Prohibition Restaurant & Speakeasy should be high on your list to enjoy the great, food, drink and cool atmosphere of this happening addition to the Miami restaurant scene.

For more info on all that Prohibition has to offer visit them at:

3404 N Miami Ave
Midtown Miami  33127
(305) 438-9199
info@prohibitionmiami.com

The Powerful, Pounding Pacific & My Year of Gratitude

I know you are wondering, where is the food image?  I get it, that has been the mainstay of this blog.  And although food takes the front seat, the real driver is LOVE.  From an appetizer, to table setting, from floral design to a restaurant review, from traveling and inhaling life, it's about living fully and stirring it all with love.  And so I share a moment of exactly that in celebration of the BIRTHday of this blog.  

A little over a year ago JC and I made our first trip to Chile.  We were so grateful for this opportunity as it was a relatively unplanned vacation that was spurred on by a generous invite from our friends. We felt even more blessed upon learning that this was not only the first time they were receiving guests in their Chilean country home, but actually the first time THEY were staying in their own home after renovations.  What an enormous honor and treat. 

The breathtaking view from our guest room of their home.

The home is perched atop the cliffside with the pounding Pacific below. Pounding being the understatement, as the ever constant rush of waves beats against the shore every minute, every second of the day and night.  To some this persistent commotion might be vexing but to me it was a soothing calm. I am a Pisces and a water lover. I love hearing it, seeing it, being near it, and most definitely being IN it.  I am in awe of water, and even more so of the Pacific.  She is relentless.

Her mighty force roars; crashing, smashing into the rocks, into beaches, into whatever it pleases. Raging with a haunting 'grito' (translation: yell)  "I, more powerful than you".  A roar of hisses, a roar of crashes, a whisper of foam.  

She screams out "Surrender to me, feel my might. I will wear you down."  But the rocks simply stand, and stand taller and stronger.  Not blinking or twitching or with the slightest concern.  They make no sound against the rushing rage. Stand strong. Stand your ground. Rock solid, now and forever.

I share this beauty of nature and my profound sense of appreciation for a year of adventure for the things I love and of being grateful.  Grateful for all of life's opportunities. Grateful to have loyal readers. Grateful for that moment in Chile,  listening to the mighty water as I sat and wrote and wrote and wrote, anticipating the launch of my blog.  Breathing in strength and belief in myself. So today in honor of the exact one year anniversary posting of this blog, a birthday on many levels, I say;  
May each of us stand tall in whatever force charges our way. With calming love and in full celebration, I wish for you to be as forceful as water and as solid as rock in all your life's journeys.

Germany in Chile - A Super (bowl) Pork Sandwich

Although this is a review post, it is rightly timed for the Super Bowl, as parties are being planned nationwide. Now, I'm not a big fan of watching sports but I do like throwing parties featuring good grub.   So the sandwich, El Lomito, featured in this post could be the starting quarterback to your fiesta bowl.

Just about this time last January, Juan Carlos and I traveled to Chile.  You might remember my post, Sunday in the Chilean Countryside about the amazing meal we were treated to by our friend's mother. 

After that glorious meal, we were in constant search of good food for the remainder of our trip.  We had some hits and some misses.  One of those hits was at Fuente Alemania, a cafe joint that we learned about while watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations about Chile.  I highly recommend watching the linked episode, as well as the series.  His POV of a city is transmitted through its people, food, cultural as he provides a well balanced, insight of the places he visits.

The famed locale has a German style feel.

Anyway, back to how we happened upon this sandwich.  Anthony visited Fuente Alemania in Santiago and had such love for what appeared to be the most intense pork sandwich ever that we put it on our list of places to visit. Since I don't eat meat or bread, this spot went to the bottom of the list.

However, opportunity struck, and what was once on the bottom rose to the top.  After walking for several hours through city center, we were struggling to find a place for lunch. JC wanted to try a few other places but we just couldn't find them.  (This was an ongoing issue with maps of Chile streets and then those streets not quite existing in the three dimensional world.) Literally after traversing through alleyways and main thoroughfares, we couldn't find a single one.  Desperate for food, and just wanting to land ourselves in any spot that served edibles, I suggested Fuente Alemania.  That's right the pescatarian, non wheat/yeast eater suggested a pork sandwich place. This was the desperation/exasperation dew point.  But I knew JC would love it and when in Rome...or Chile.

The busy action of these steadfast mavens of the pork sandwich.

Upon swinging open the doors to this joint we are met with a full house.  Packed with locals ordering sandwiches to their liking using the handful of main ingredients... Pork, sauerkraut, avocado, string beans, mayo, cheese and some red relish that I couldn't quite make out.  Although there were plenty of items on the menu, it seemed like most people came for that big, honking pork sandwich.  The man next to us had steak tartare on toast topped with cornichon, which I must admit reminded me of an old boyfriend.

We got ours without the mayo, for several reasons, but mostly because they add the amount that one would normally consume in a year, and it looked quite sticky. A serious amount of very gooey cholesterol clogging condiment. 

I wasn't kidding about the amount or the sticky nature of this "mayo".

More evidence of its strange consistency. Sorry, I just had to share another shot as I have never seen anything like it.

Buns a-grilling.

Alright, it ain't pretty or elegant. But then again, I never promised it would be. However, I must admit that this was one of the best sandwiches I have eaten.  That's right, I gave in and tasted this monster hog heaven. It was delicious.  I thought my taste buds might have been over-reacting since I haven't tasted anything like this in quite some time, but JC concurred. It was damn good.  It is a bizarre combination of ingredients that somehow worked.  I can't imagine what the calorie count was on this creation but then again, it was a once in a lifetime consumption.  Which was why I tried it. Several hours later my stomach was gurgling. Not because the food was bad but simply due to my system not being used to meat or bread for so long.  
 

If you are ever in Santiago, Chile I would highly recommend checking this popular locale out.  If not for the food then to watch the woman who navigate a center station, cranking out sandwich after sandwich at an incredible pace yet they never seem to be rushed or panicked.  The sheer joy with which they pump out orders was a blast to witness. They were the backbone here, sharing an abundance of food with an abundance of love.

Our sandwich without the mayo.

Check out the smile on this woman's face. And it wasn't because she knew she was being photographed. I shot this with a zoom lens.

Like good choreography it seems simple and well played. The men serve the drinks and NEVER enter the inner sanctum. 

Check out the men in the background. Even the regulars are mesmerized.

It was an exciting afternoon local experience. And as they say in Chile, "If you have eaten El Lomito, you are one of ours,"  In the end, we were indeed one of theirs and thrilled we got lost and didn't find the other places. Making it possible for us to find our way into a little bit of Germany in the center of Chile.  I realize that many of you might not have Chile in your travel plans, but I believe this could be a great game time offering.  It's hearty and meaty to stand up to any helmet clashing fan. Jaime Oliver has this pork recipe that I think those ballet-ed German ladies would approve for the sandwich.  Then you can just grilled some buns and add all your toppings; tomato, cheese, mayo, smashed avocado, onion. Whatever you like.  It will be the Super Bowl of Pork Sandwich. Germany in America, too!