Design.Wine.Dine.

San Francisco-ing

Last Wednesday, I flew up to San Francisco for a gorgeous few days of work and play.  I’m so in love with that city, it’s hard to put it into words and pictures never do it justice so I always wind up yearning to go back from the moment I hit the ground at LAX.  The architecture, the food, the history and the seemingly endless hills with panoramic views of the city from every street corner leaves me with the desire to pack my bags and find little a bay-windowed studio to call home.  Check out a few of my favorite weekend moments below.

{Quick lunch break at The Melt at Stanford.  This place was amazing!  They only serve different types of grilled cheese sandwiches and soups for dipping.  YUM.  Side note: They’re expanding from 4 to 22 locations in 2012… Proof that a simple (but great) concept and design are a winning combination}

{Platters of finger food for our Hope at Home tasting in Santa Cruz}

{View of the Golden Gate from my friend’s rooftop as it started to light up at dusk}

{Views from the top of Nob Hill}

{So very envious of this rooftop (yes, I was doing some stalking).  Great little grilling/entertaining space with a patch of grass for a very lucky city pup}

{Taking in the architecture and hills}

{My friend Megan’s adorable gallery wall in her room}

{Some wine and kitty cat snuggle time while finishing up our work day}

{On my walk from Nob Hill to Union Square}

{Gorgeous}

{San Francisco buildings are never short of character and detail}

{On our walk to Sunday brunch}

Wine Wednesday – Wine Tasting 101

{Top two contenders for this evening}

While I LOVE wine, I’m not completely versed on how to conduct a formal tasting with guests or even on my own.  I wouldn’t consider myself a novice, but I’m certainly not an expert either.  It’s not that I have a hard time detecting whether or not I like a specific wine, but defining my opinion using the proper terminology is definitely a challenge for me that I’m always eager to practice and overcome (wink, wink).  Is it buttery?  Oaky?  Too acidic?  Is there a hint of barnyard or apricot?  Having been a self proclaimed Franzia expert in college (I can’t believe I’m admitting that), graduating to the adult world of real wine has been a joy in my life.  While wine tasting can be intimidating at times, finally reaching the point at which you can detect the presence of a specific fruit or chocolate on the nose is a thrilling experience.  That being said, it’s been a while since I’ve done a Wine Wednesday post and when I saw Megan’s “Wine Tasting 101” post from last week on the Hope at Home blog, I knew I had to share it with another audience.  I was thrilled when she gave me permission to repost her tips and she is my first ever official guest blogger – YAY!

PS: For those of you unfamiliar with Hope at Home, it is the at home wine tasting program of ONEHOPE Wine.  They seek to bring the joyous wine tasting experience to your home, work, bridal shower, charity fundraiser… you name it.  While 50% of the profits from ONEHOPE Wine always benefit partner charities, with a Hope at Home event an additional 10% can go to the charity or fundraiser of your choice.  Now THAT is a cool idea for your next 1/2 marathon or blogger meetup 🙂  Currently the program is exclusive to California, but check in for updates.

And here we go…!

“We obviously LOVE wine. We’re around it a lot and it’s a big part of what we do on a daily basis. We also know that wine can come off intimidating at times. Don’t let the average wine snob fool you with their opinions. What really matters is taste. If you like what you’re tasting, keep enjoying it! Drinking wine is meant to be fun, not stuffy! The way we conduct our Hope at Home tastings are casual, but still informative. We aren’t experts by any means, but we are familiar with the basics. So in honor of our favorite day of the week, Wine Wednesday, we wanted to share a few tips for your next ONEHOPE Wine tasting party.

Pour: Use a simple glass to evaluate the wine. Because you want as little distraction from the wine as possible, try to stay away from elaborate cut-crystal or opaque glasses. Give yourself about a 2 ounce pour (¼ cup) into a stemmed glass so there’s room to swirl.

Look: Take a look at what you’re about to taste. The appearance and color will tell you a lot about a wine. Intense, deep color―particularly in a red wine―indicates how full-bodied it will taste. Although sediment is possible in older bottles, wine should be clear and free of cloudiness.

Smell: We’re getting closer to the good part! Give your glass a swirl to release the aroma, then put your nose just inside the glass and inhale. If you aren’t detecting anything, cover the glass with your hand, swirl, uncover, and immediately inhale. Try to detect the wine’s characteristics. Is it fruity? Earthy? Floral? Spicy? After you narrow it down, it will be easier to further refine your description. For example, if you are getting fruit on the nose, do you detect citrus, berries, or tropical fruits?

Taste: Finally… our favorite part, the tasting! You’ve probably come across some tasters that suck in a little air with the wine, then slosh it around in their mouths. Well this may look and feel a little funny. Just remember to breathe in and out when you are sipping to help aerate the wine and enhance the flavor. While tasting, consider body and texture, sweetness or bitterness, acidity, tannins, and the overall balance. Lastly, be sure to focus on the wine’s “finish”―how long its essence lingers on your palate after swallowing.

All tips aside, just have fun and enjoy yourself. That’s what wine is for anyways, right? Cheers!”

– Megan Brandt
Hope at Home – Social Media Manager

Just a few additional tips that I wanted to add… First and foremost, wine is always better with food!  Meats, cheeses, olives… don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different options with different wines.  Hope at Home partnered with Cupcakes Couture in Manhattan Beach for cupcake and wine pairings that were TO. DIE. FOR.  If you’re hosting a wine party and want to get creative like this, just make sure to check to see what flavors compliment the wines you’ve selected as sweet treats tend to lend different flavors when paired with wine.  A little lesson we learned with the cupcakes – stay away from cream cheese frostings, but have a ton of fun playing around with chocolates, berries and citrus.

Additionally, I decided to take my wine education to the next level and just ordered this book, written by Kevin Zraly.  Kevin started the Wine School at Windows on the World (the restaurant atop 1 World Trade Center) in 1976.  The program was an overnight sensation and has gone uninterrupted through both the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and the ultimate demise of the Trade Centers on September 11, 2001.  To date over 17,000 people have graduated from the program.  His story alone gives me the chills, but his book is the most famous wine tasting guide in the world and comes very highly recommended.  I can’t wait to start reading (and tasting!)… after finals 😉

{Last four photos by Torino Creative}

Winter Wedding Weekend in Telluride

I often have a hard time readjusting after taking a weekend break from this crazy city and our return from Telluride, CO where we witnessed our friends Phillip and Claire marry last weekend was no different.  The couple currently lives in London where Claire is an accomplished interior designer and Phillip is an attorney at a world-renowned firm.  Telluride is a very special place for both of them and I’m so happy to have experienced it for the first time.  Growing up enduring frigid Midwest winters, I could hardly imagine why anyone would ever vacation in a cold place.  After living in Southern California for a few years, however, I can completely understand and traveling to this tiny, snow-covered mountain town of 2,000 was nothing short of enchanting.  Here are a few of my favorite moments from last weekend that make me smile 🙂

{Stunning morning view from our condo}

{Downtown Telluride}

{Taking the gondola up for the first time}

{Gorgeous mountain views in every direction}

{ Rare blog picture of the boyfriend and I… thinking of this day makes me so happy 🙂 }

{The long descent back to Telluride}

{Exploring in the powdery snow}

{LOVED the cozy lodge feel and architecture}

{Refueling at 9545 in Mountain Village thanks to the suggestion of some friendly locals}

{Gorgeous flowers in the reception bar area}

{“Mr. & Mrs.”}

{White and green florals and mercury glass… stunning!}

{Beautiful tablescapes}

{Burlap tablecloths, white china, white florals, silver mercury glass accents… a gorgeous winter wonderland}

{Is there anything in the world better than lobster pastry puffs?!  I mean… come on!}

{Love}

{View from Allred’s at the top of the mountain}

{I’m a sucker for antler chandeliers}

{Delicious post wedding breakfast hangover cure at The Butcher & The Baker}

 {Southwest scramble}

{Gearing up for the looong drive home}

{Perfect AZ desert sunset to end our weekend}

The “Holy Crap I’m Fat” Moment

You people KNOW what I’m taking about… and if you don’t than you’re either 1) Miranda Kerr (a freak of nature) 2) a personal trainer and work out for a living so you can never, ever really feel fat or 3) lying to yourself.  Life is going along its merry way, Halloween passes, the temperatures start to cool (so you’re embracing your fantastic layered fall fashions) and then BAM!  Out of nowhere Thanksgiving rolls around and you WAY over indulge.  But seriously, how many times a year do you get turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied yams or sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and PUMPKIN PIE ALL TOGETHER?!?  So you justify and let it slide, tell yourself next week you’ll be better and then suddenly you’re in the midst of 700 work parties, company retreats, holiday gatherings, Hanukkah celebrations, shopping excursions, picking up a few last minute gifts instead of making it to yoga (or if you’re like me, having an absolute meltdown over finals and not enjoying a single moment of the holiday season AGAIN because for some reason you just HAD to go back to school to pursue your dreams).  And then BAM!  Christmas.  Same story as Thanksgiving, but maybe worse because there are way more desserts at Christmas and by then your stomach is twice the size it was in June so you can naturally eat more.  I know.  Gross.  Amongst all of the travel to see loved ones, you grab a snack in the airport, consume way more Starbucks than usual because the Peppermint Mochas only happen once a year and share your favorite restaurant hot spots “back home” with your significant other.  And then you decide to throw a New Year’s party when you get back from the traveling, cook up a storm, drink way too much champagne and way over indulge AGAIN.  Football bowl games (aka more food/booze) for the next few days (GO GREEN!), and then you hop on the next flight to Vegas because hey, who doesn’t need a little family birthday party/reunion in the CITY OF INDULGENCE after having just indulged your face off for the past MONTH?!?  Of course you make lengthy (yet completely realistic and attainable) New Year’s resolutions (PUHlease), work out ten times harder than you have since October and then reward yourself with two brownies and a cake pop.  I mean FOR REAL.  It HAS to stop.

That being said, I spent last evening Pinning away healthy food inspiration to try to regain some sort of excitement for cooking, healthy, fulfilling food in my own kitchen and here are some of the images/recipes I can’t wait to try out.  Don’t believe me because I’m always snapping shots of cheese, burgers and waffles?  Here is the proof.

{Refreshing. Image via}

{Hearty looking smoothie.  Image via}

{Fresh and simple.  Image via}

{Avocados make me happy.  Must try this one soon.  Image via}

{Protein bowl.  Image via}

{This looks so tasty, my stomach is literally growling now.  Image via}

{Love salmon.  Image via}

{Colorful and refreshing.  Image via}

{Lovely salad.  Image via}

Cheers to making 2012 the year of health and success!

White Chicken Chili

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10/2015 UPDATE!  Hi there!  Meg here!  This recipe has been without-a-doubt my most popular post to date.  I’m so happy you all love it and come back to it time and time again!  That being said, I have a ton of yummy fall recipes that are dying to be tried including Pumpkin Doughnuts, Butternut Squash Soup, and a delicious fall flatbread. Check more of them out here. I’d love to hear what you think!  If you’re just here for the best chicken chili ever, carry on and check it out below.  Cheers!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where life takes off running and you spend the majority of your time just trying to catch up?  The vision of a little girl chasing after her older sister and friends down the block keeps coming to mind for some reason and last week, that was totally me – life’s little sister.  That being said, I’ve been a very bad blogger, but I’m anxious to catch up on everything I’ve missed and share a few things I’ve been dying to post about.

In the midst of all of the mayhem the temperatures cooled off and southern California finally started to feel like fall last Tuesday.  Absolutely craving my dad’s White Chicken Chili, I pulled out my Crock Pot and decided to give it a shot for the first time on my own and I’m thrilled that it turned out just perfectly.  I even received a, “Babe, we really need to start using this Crock Pot more often,” ovation from the boyfriend who easily downed multiple servings.  My dad’s recipe is definitely the best White Chicken Chili I’ve ever tasted so I’m finally sharing it with the world… lucky you!  Give it a try and let me know what you think 🙂

Ingredients

Chili:
1 1/2  lbs uncooked chicken breast (can be frozen) cut into 1-2″ chunks
2 – 15 oz cans of white beans (drained)
1 – 15 oz can of white corn (drained)
1 onion chopped (sweet/Vidalia)
1 clove garlic finely chopped (I love garlic so I used 2)
1 package taco seasoning
1 – 7 oz can of chopped green chilies
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 – 14 oz can of chicken broth

Toppings:
1/2 cup sour cream (I used low fat)
2 tbls lime juice
Finely chopped cilantro
Fresh shredded cheese (I used Colby-Jack)
Corn tortilla chips (the authentic yellow kind)

Directions

Place cut up chicken in the bottom of the Crock Pot (I use this one).  Add beans, corn and onion.  Mix the next five ingredients and pour over the top.  Cover and cook on low in the Crock Pot for 8-10 hours.  (I was running low on time so I cooked mine on low for about 4 1/2 hours and then raised it to high for the last two hours).

Before serving use a potato masher to break up the chicken.  (Make sure you do this very quickly with pressure and alternating directions… the consistency should change from brothy with chunks of meat and beans to a very thick and even consistency.  If it is still brothy, keep mashing).

Add shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a splash of lime juice, cilantro and chips before serving.  YUM!

* Yield: 6-8
**To complete our autumn meal, I made a fresh garden salad and hot apple cider.  For dessert, we enjoyed our first pumpkin pie of the season.  Mmmm 🙂 Get the look below!

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PS:  I finally took some new photos of this old favorite.  I can’t believe how far things have come since my little old point-and-shoot camera from college 😉  Cheers!

{City Guide} I Left My Heart in Austin

Last Thursday I left for Austin City Limits for a long, Texas weekend with the ONEHOPE Wine team (wine sponsor of this year’s festivities).  I was hoping for a relaxing few days of music, wine and sleep following a treacherous week of finals, but I was in for a little surprise.  I FELL IN LOVE with Austin.  Every moment that wasn’t spent enduring the 104 degree heat in Zilker Park (watching the likes of Coldplay, Arcade Fire and Foster The People – can we say best music festival ever?) was spent scouring every inch of the Texas city I’m just dying to get back to.  Future home?  Yes please!  Check out a few of my favorites below:

Disclaimer: Our trip was overly food-filled so scroll down and get hungry… and then book a trip to Austin – STAT!

FOOD

{Located on South Congress, Home Slice Pizza offers some of the best pies I’ve ever tasted.  As a Chicago style deep-dish girl, I thought there was no way I’d fall for their famed New York style, but I was so, so wrong.  Something else to love?  Check out their menu for the perfect beer and wine pairings for each of their ‘zzas.  Home Slice knew the path straight to my heart}

{Home Slice: White Pie with Spinach: Olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, ricotta, provolone and romano.  This particular pizza came highly recommended by several Austin friends so I just had to give it a try.  SO. GREAT.  I was worried that the ricotta would weigh down the thin crust (and the flavor), but every bite was just as fresh and bursting with Italian zest as the bite before.  The garlic absolutely makes this pizza.  My ‘chef’ father always says, “when in doubt, throw in another clove of garlic” so I’m a huge fan of the stuff and this picture is making me seriously hungry all over again}

{Home Slice: Italian Meatball and Bell Pepper: Italian meatballs, bell peppers, mozzarella. This was one of their Pizza by the Slice options (that change daily).  With a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, this pizza has everything you could ever want… Savory meat, crisp peppers, a perfectly balanced sauce and a tiny bit of spice.  The flavor was so amazing that we ordered another slice to split.  Hey!  It’s thin crust.  Less carbs.  Right?}

{I’m the world’s biggest shameless female burger fan…  and I’m not kidding.  I make an honest attempt to try burgers at the locally famous joints in every city we travel to, but hopdoddy Burger Bar might have just won my lifetime award for BEST burger EVER this past weekend – twice over.  Created to “honor the perfect union of beer and burgers” hopdoddy offers several craft beers (including my new favorite: Bucket Head IPA) to pair perfectly with their all natural, daily ground, hormone and antibiotic free Black Angus.  Does life really get any better than this?  Umm… try one of their milkshakes and you’ll see}

{hopdoddy: The Prime Time: Perfectly prepared Kobe beef, slightly sweet caramelized onions, a touch of horseradish to give it just enough kick and a mouthwatering homemade steak sauce.  The scent reminded me of Christmas Eve at my parents’ house with a prime rib roast in the oven.  Simply amazing.  No “Prime Time” knockoff will ever compare}

{hopdoddy: Buffalo Bill: Bison, Blue Cheese, Frank’s Hot Sauce, Apple-Smoked Bacon, Sassy Saucy.  I think I bit into this burger and said, “is this a joke?”  The flavor was so incredible that we finished the entire thing before I could even snap a shot.  I’m usually a little leery of bacon on burgers simply because if it isn’t prepared perfectly, it has the potential to ruin the entire meal.  Obviously, hopdoddy pulled through with perfect prep in every way.  Perfect zing with the perfect level of rich blue cheese (not overpowering) to create a perfectly balanced burger. Perfection}

{hopdoddy: Oreo Shake: Homemade spun custard with real whipped cream and Oreos.  HEAVEN.  This was the single best milkshake I’ve ever had in my life.  I’m pretty sure the homemade spun custard is the secret, but I’ve never tasted anything like it}

{Snack Bar was a fun, little retro restaurant we dropped into for breakfast one morning.  They describe their cuisine as “globally inspired, locally sourced, chef-driven and made with organic, raised-right & natural ingredients.”  Love it already.  The menu offers everything from Avocado Quinoa to Egg and Gravy Biscuits so there is a bit of something for everyone.  The casual environment is super inviting with a kind, hospitable staff.  Awesome spot!  Why the Michigan map you might ask?  Every table had a map of a different state under the glass and we happened to sit with Lady Mitten that morning.  I’m definitely taking it as a sign of Austin welcoming yours truly with open arms}

{Snack Bar: Egg & Gravy Biscuit:  Housemade buttermilk biscuit, two farm eggs any style, meat-free dirty cream gravy.  Don’t judge.  This was a Texas weekend and I was going to eat like a Texan.  I’d never had meat-free gravy before and was a little worried it would be lacking flavor, but I was pleasantly surprised.  GREAT dish (if you’re a fan of biscuits and gravy, of course)}

{Snack Bar: OhM Sandwich: 2 over-medium farm eggs, cheddar, bacon or avocado (get both!), lettuce, tomato & onion, sourdough.  My perfect breakfast, right there.  Unreal sandwich.  Mouth. Watering.  Get it}

{W Hotel/TRACE: Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Deep fried in pig fat and sliced into perfect bite size pieces.  Can’t say that I’ve ever had someone offer me something “fried in pig fat”, but one piece wasn’t going to kill me.  Absolutely incredible. Creamy inside with a perfectly crisp outside…  It isn’t offered on the restaurant menu, but was part of the VIP section food at ACL on day one.  We were all really hoping it was going to be there on day two and three but it’s probably better that it wasn’t ;-)}

Other eateries to visit: Franklin Barbeque (World Famous BBQ), The Salt Lick Driftwood (BYOB)

SHOPS

{I’ve been looking for blue mason jars EVERYWHERE at a reasonable price and have had the hardest time.  I finally found some at this amazing antique/thrift store, Uncommon Objects.  I could have taken home a million other vintage finds, but sadly my suitcase (and bank account) just weren’t big enough}

{Uncommon Objects: I can just picture a wildflower centerpiece in these vintage glass medicine bottles}

{Uncommon Objects: Wire baskets = LOVE. Vintage Edison bulbs, chemical jars and candlesticks.  As much as animal head/skull decor freaks me out, I could have definitely brought home a pair of antlers (or two).  Getting them on the plane would have been a nightmare, however.  TSA had a Ball with my mason jars… no pun intended}

{Uncommon Objects: Vintage costume jewelry.  Gorgeous green!}

{I can’t help it… I just really love West Elm.  And after hearing about their Austin store a TON over the course of the last few weeks in the blog world, I had to drop by.  Out of all of their stores, this one is my favorite – complete with a super friendly staff}

{I think my shelves might need a revamp ;-)}

Other shops: Anything on South Congress… tons of little boutiques with great clothing and decor.  I could have spent an entire day on that street but sadly we only had an afternoon.

SITES

{We took a stroll around the state capital.  It was beautiful to say the least and there is just so much state pride in Austin and throughout Texas – It’s contagious}

{Gorgeous}

{I came across this old, deserted florist during one of our walks to the festival.  It still had the original glass and paint and the inside was covered with dead plants hanging along the rafters that had long been left to wilt away.  It was as though someone packed their bags and left town one day and this is all that remains.  I would just love to fix that place up and call it my own}

Other sites: University of Texas (what a FUN school), Lake Travis (I’ve heard it’s beautiful, but we were unable to make it), the downtown Austin bar scene (hundreds of bars – old and new – line the streets near UT).

Unfortunately, we couldn’t see EVERYTHING in Austin, but we will definitely be back for more.  I was blown away by the friendliness of the people, the sense of welcome that I received and the overall lifestyle which is a world of difference from LA.  I’m very lucky to live where I do, but I’ve got to say, I left my heart in Austin.

xoxo
Meg

Favorite Things

In today’s design world with inspiration readily at your fingertips and just a click away, it’s increasingly easy to become overwhelmed with options and potential projects.  Every once-in-a-while, I find myself either waterlogged with design or frustrated with a venture that isn’t progressing fast enough.  I’ve realized over time that whenever this happens, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on the things that I already have as well as the simple pleasures that always manage to put a smile on my face.  Here are a few of my favorites that are currently warming my heart.

{Cheerful Mandevilla that has taken over her trellis}

{Delicious vine ripe(ning) Roma tomatoes on our balcony}

{Twinkling star lights that were just too friendly to take down after the 4th of July}

{My little Lily… So happy to be outside in the sun}

{Clear blue Pacific on an afternoon beach run}

{Color gradation charts for days… gearing up for the next big project!}

Weekend Waffles

Growing up, one of my favorite meals of the week was my dad’s Saturday morning breakfast.  Between evening dance classes and homework during the week, it was hard for us all to sit down at the dinner table together so we made up for missed family time on the weekends over coffee, orange juice and whatever else my dad felt like whipping up.  Homemade waffles have been on my mind for a while now after stumbling across this recipe.  And after finding it again on Annie’s blog last week, I just had to give it a try.  Using the easy fruit topping my dad taught me years ago, I took a stab at combining a little family tradition with the infamous “Waffles of Insane Greatness”…and I think we just might have found our weekend tradition.

Ingredients

Waffles:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Fruit Topping:
1 large peach (I removed the skin)
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blackberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tbsp. French vanilla coffee creamer (liquid form)

Directions

Waffles:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients and whisk together to blend.  In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat together the milk, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg and vanilla extract.  Add the dry ingredients and mix together until the batter is smooth with few lumps.  Set aside for 30 minutes and prep fruit topping. Preheat waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Fruit Topping:
Combine all fruit in a mixing bowl and drizzle French vanilla creamer over the top so that the fruit is lightly coated.  Mix together.

Remove waffles from the waffle iron, butter (if desired) and serve with fruit topping.  Syrup is not needed as the fruit is bursting with natural sweetness and the French vanilla creamer creates the perfect consistency while adding a delightful twist.  While some people will insist on having syrup on their waffles, urge them to try it without.

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