27 East – Straight to Paradise…

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

MONTACO’S – the signature dish of 668 The Gig Shack:
House made tortilla, crisp red slaw, blackend local catch of the day and sweet mango salsa.

The time has come…summer Friday’s have officially begun…and the air is starting to smell beachy (or in the case of NYC, sometimes like rotting garbage in the sun…) but nonetheless all signs that summer has arrived.  If you know me well (and since I have been blogging here for 100 years, YOU SHOULD)…I wait with bated breath every year for this weekend to arrive – for the summer season to “officially begin” and I can make my way to 27E which drops me off in my little slice of heaven…Montauk.

First stop when I get into town…where else? 668 The Gig Shack. I am going to swing by and say hello to the always amazing and never less than fabulous Gardell family (I heart you all!). Have me a Blue Moon Beer with a slice of orange, a Montaco (if you haven’t had one, you have yet to live life), and let my summer unfold in front of me.

Navy Beach at Fort Pond Bay in Montauk
(Photo Rights: Navy Beach Restaurant)

Next stop…catch another cocktail and watch the sun set into Fort Pond Bay (just steps away from my own place) – Navy Beach. With cushy outdoor white couches, ocean blue umbrellas and yachts pulling up close to shore, this place feels more like Santorini than Montauk.  And if the wonderful food, drink and atmosphere at Navy Beach just isn’t enough for you, wait for the mind-blowing sunset into the water – and that is FREE of charge.

Dinner, you ask? I have been waiting for almost a year to chow down on The Harvest’s famed Calamari Salad with Red Pepper Vinaigrette with some Garlic Mashed Potatoes on the side. Ok, ok…I know that doesn’t sound like the classiest of “pairings” but I don’t care. I salivate all year waiting to eat both…so deal. If you come to the Harvest on Fort Pond – come hungry! The portions are family style and they are deliciously generous!

Meet me out, won’t you? Bon Appetit, Montauk!

The famous Montauk sunset – taken from my deck (lucky me!)

668 The Gigshack
782 Main Street
Montauk, NY 11954

www.668TheGigShack.com
(631)668-2727

Navy Beach Restaurant
16 Navy Road
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-6868

Harvest On Fort Pond
11 S. Emery Street
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.5574

Cancun Wine and Food Festival…March 2012

By Christabelle…

I have always associated Cancun with Spring Break back in my days at the  University of Rhode Island. But today, I found out that this picturesque tourist location will host a 5 star Wine and Food Festival in Spring 2012 and my mind switched gears instantly. Gone are the visions of the foam party and Senor Frogs…and in its place, visions of mouth-watering cuisine, fine wine and stunning landscapes to explore. Where do I sign up?!

Mark your calendars! The countdown to the First Annual “Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival” has begun. The inaugural event will take place on March 15-18^th, 2012 attracting national and international guests to one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in the world.

This new event concept will bring together celebrity chefs, wine and spirit producers from all over the world, and some of Mexico’s most exquisite cuisine. The festival will honor its special – the world-renowned chef, Ferran Adria. The festival will feature about thirty events throughout a period of four days and will also feature participating countries such as Canada, United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, coming together  to offer the best of their culinary talents, its wineries and spirits as well as its culture. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about…

• Celebrity Chef and Winemaker Dinners

Including two tributes dinners: One to Mexico, designated by UNESCO as “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”; the other to world-celebrated chef Ferran Adrià

• Celebrity Chef and Winemaker Yacht Cruise

Enjoy the company of celebrity chefs on a luxurious yacht cruise followed by a private beach club lunch

• Exclusive 90+ Wines and Spirits Tastings

The best wines & spirits from Spain and 7 countries of the Americas

• Exciting Cooking Demonstrations

Given by celebrity chefs from Canada, the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru

• American Express Gourmet Tasting Village

Walk through our Village and taste signature dishes from some of the best restaurant Chefs, paired with wines and spirits. Delight your palate with gourmet company products including coffees, ice creams, chocolates and more…

• Closing Latin Grill Fiesta

Meet the best Argentinian & Brazilian Grill Chefs “Parrilladas” and enjoy a fiesta featuring surprise entertainment and fireworks.

• Cancun After-Dark Parties

Sample the best tequilas, vodkas, martinis, tapas and sinful desserts; all while moving to the rhythms created by a top DJ, to take you late into the night

To enhance each guest’s personal experience, the festival organizers will limiting the number of participants at each event, facilitating interaction between guests and celebrity chefs. Famous chefs from 8 countries: Spain: Ferran Adrià; United States: Ingrid Hoffman, Jacques Pepin, Aaron Sanchez, Marcella Valladolid; Chile: Cristián Correa; Canada: Jerome Ferrer, Normand Laprise, Daniel Vezina.; Mexico: Paulina Abascal, Christian Bravo, Sergio Camacho, Aquiles Chávez, Arturo Fernández, Miguel García, Paola Garduño, Guillermo González, Federico López, Francisco Méndez, Benito Molina, Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, Edgar Nuñez, Enrique Olvera, Bruno Oteiza, Patricia Quintana, Carmen Ramírez, Alejandro Ruiz, Roberto Solís, Jonatan Gómez, Jr Merino (honored as the Ambassador of Tourism and Gastronomy in Mexico City and promoter of Mexican beverages.), José Ramón Castillo (Chocolatier),  Enrique Farjeat. Peru Pedro Schiaffino.Top chefs from Argentina and Brazil still to be announced.

For more information visit:  cancunwineandfoodfest.com

About Cancun

Cancun is located in the northern part of the southeastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is Mexico’s number one tourist destination and is known all over the world for its spectacular beaches, unique beauty and breathtaking turquoise waters.

Cancun’s shoreline recently underwent a $71 Million Dollar makeover, that featured 1.3 billion gallons of sand to renovating the Hotel Zone’s seashore.  The most popular tourism destination in Mexico and Latin America has also added to its sun, beach, and nightlife, by creating a unique five-day route that will offer visitors a chance to experience adventure and interaction with nature. Cancun and the Treasures of the Caribbean invite travelers to discover the vast natural, cultural and gastronomical cultures of Puerto Morelos, and the four islands of the Mexican Caribbean: Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Cozumel. Cancun is a multifaceted destination that combines nature, historical Mayan Culture, glamour, luxury and world class tourism with the seduction for adventure, the passion for paradisiacal nature and the enchantment of gastronomical magic.

For more information, visit the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau website at: cancun.travel

Don’t Toss These Cookies…

By Christabelle…

This is the coveted cookie jar you will NEVER want to keep your hands out of -  Lala’s Cookie Jar – couture cookies at their finest. Now this is what CHRISTABELLE is talking about.  Designer cookies – literally…gotta check with Lala to see if she will make me a Louboutin, red bottom cookie – so I can wear a pair and eat a pair – all at the same time (I am such a lady!).

Lala’s Cookie Jar has something for everyone – whether it is your hard-to-find-a-gift for friend, your kid’s 4th grade teacher, a baby’s birth or grandma’s 95th birthday – Lala’s Cookie Jar has it all.  I am smelling the PERFECT INCLUSION in goodie bags at Fashion Week this Fall…

And if your can’t decide between candy and cookies (I mean really – who can!?) have no fear.  This is a perfect way to combine both passions – SUGAR RUSH – candy and dessert bars that delight all people who eat, smell and quite frankly, just lay eyes on these gorgeous confectionery delights.

Stylized dessert bars capture the element of surprise as a sweet alternative to traditional party favors, in addition, dessert bars are a fun way to encourage conversation and mingling amongst your guests.

They are also the perfect baby showers/birthdays/party favor as your guests get to take home something they can really enjoy. Using creative minds that have an eye and taste for style, perfection, and fun, Sugar Rush will provide a lasting impression on you and your guests – Lala’s Cookie Jar .

Products: 

Candy Bar- whimsical display of candy (and possibly desserts) Candy Cart- old fashion peddler cart filled with your favorite candies Dessert Buffet- rice krispy treats, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and more Custom Cookies from Lala’s Cookie Jar Personalized Candy Bar Signs Custom Labels Lollipop Trees.

Soup For You…

By Christabelle…

The summer is officially here and with that comes people going to all lengths to maintain a beach-ready body. Instead of depriving yourself from the delicious food your stomach craves, fill your stomach up with the Skinny Soup collection available at ALL Original SoupMan locations. For 180 calories per serving, you can maintain a slim physique but still enjoy a satisfying meal. Even if you are not in a location where The Original SoupMan restaurant is available, you can still enjoy a satisfying low calorie meal with our frozen retail collection available to purchase online. The Chicken vegetable, Italian Wedding, and Tomato Basil soups are all available for 180 calories.

Please see below for a full list of the soups available. For information on the nearest Original SoupMan location near you, please visit our website at www.originalsoupman.com.

Soup for You! Take that Seinfeld!

Baconista…

By Christabelle…

Most discriminating dessert lovers and snack aficionados have had a few s’mores in their munchies-fueled lives. You know the treat—s’mores are that classic American campfire treat built with a layer of marshmallow and chocolate smashed between two graham crackers. It’s a gooey sandwich of sweet, fluffy goodness loved by everyone from cub scouts and brownies to grandma and grandpa.

S’mores are also cool because they can be customized and hot-rodded with all kinds of stuff: Fancy dark chocolates, flavored marshmallows, and even hazlenut-infused Nutella spread or rich almond butter. When smoked over an open fire, it’s all good! But hold on. There’s a new treat in town. This one pays tribute to the mighty s’more, but it stands on its own with bacon-enriched goodness. Yes. MAPLE-BACON, to be exact. Thank you BACON FREAK – the girl loves a lil bacon in her belly.

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow baconistas and pork fiends, please meet the mighty new Mallomore. Yes, that’s right—the Maple Bacon Mallomore!  Maple Bacon Mallomores are a new gourmet-approved, fun-loving treat that you will love to eat! Mallomores are an organic graham cracker sandwich stuffed with a homemade marshmallow—and a gluten- and high fructose corn syrup-free one at that—that is covered in a rich, dark chocolate. Inside each Maple Bacon Mallomores is a healthy dose of real maple bacon for good measure.

The result is a sweet, salty, and sublime snack. Maple Bacon Mallomores take the s’mores concept to an entirely new level. What else would you expect from great bacon, my friends? Try a batch today: Maple Bacon Mallomores are $5.99 each, or 2 for $9.99. Just visit BaconFreak to place an order today! Send me a batch too…OINK.

The Greeks in Chi-Town…

By Christabelle the Greek…

For wine-lovers, escaping to Greece is now as easy as a trip to Chicago and Avli Estiatorio.  The contemporary Greek restaurant features the most extensive Greek wine list of any restaurant in the Midwest.  Avli lets you tour all the regions of Greece with an impressive list of over 115 authentic Greek wines. With bottles ranging from $20 to $100, everyone has a chance to accent their meal with a savory wine. A more expensive specialty reserve wine list is also available upon request for wine connoisseurs and those who are looking to further enhance their dining experience. This list boasts wines from my dad’s island of Samos (as in where he grew up – not as in my own private island…)

“We carry a number of wines that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in America,” says owner, Loui Alexakis.  “In addition to the roditis and retsinas that most people think of when it comes to Greek wine, our wine list features bottles from Paros, Cephalonia, Santorini and more.” Starting in May, Monday’s will feature wine flights for $10 with either 3 half glasses of white wines from the island of Santorini or 3 half glasses of red wines from the Nemea region.

The North Shore restaurant is the only Greek restaurant in the state of Illinois to be honored with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  This prestigious national award recognizes restaurants whose wine lists appeal to a wide range of wine lovers, offer interesting selections and are appropriate to their cuisine.

Heading to Chicago? Stop by Avli Estiatorio and tell them Christabelle says “Yiasou!”

About Avli Estiatorio

Located in Winnetka on Chicago’s beautiful North Shore, Avli Estiatorio prides itself on serving both authentic and innovative Greek cuisine in a fresh, relaxing atmosphere. The beautifully secluded outdoor patio space lends itself perfectly to enjoying a glass or two of vino – Avli’s extensive Greek-only wine list received a 2010 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence – paired with their incredible Mediterranean menu options. Avli was named one of the Best New Restaurants in 2009 by Northshore Magazine and has received a 4.5 star review from Make it Better Magazine. Whether it’s a large family gathering or a quiet dinner for two, a meal at Avli Estiatorio is as close to Greece in Chicago as you’ll get without a plane ticket. Avli is located at 566 Chestnut in Winnetka, Illinois, and can be reached at 847.446.9300 or online at http://www.avli.us.

A Cool Factor in Midtown NYC…Andaz 5th Avenue Bar

By Christabelle…

When I think of 5th Avenue in midtown, I think of shopping, the diamond district, Rockefeller Center and tourists. I don’t think – killer location to hang out and have drinks and dinner. Let me stand corrected. For I stumbled across a cellar bar that not only has the “cool” factor of a downtown lounge with amazing cuisine, but an attentive staff and a crowd that is more than pleasing to the eye.

The Bar at Andaz 5th Avenue

Upon entering the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, I felt a tiny bit like I was on a secret mission. The doors looked as though they were quite supposed to open and the long staircase down to “the bar” didn’t openly cry out HERE I AM. I like that.  I thought for a moment I was going to need a secret knock, password and handshake to enter the premises.  Not the case and for as posh as it looks, “the bar” is actually has classy, laid back ambiance.

The Andaz 5th Avenue bar serves small-batch liquors and a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass. Bar staff is comprised of individuals with a natural ability to play the bon vivant host as well as appreciate the shape of a single rough-hewn, hand cut ice cube in traditional whisky service. Two oversized, 14-foot Claro Walnut wood slabs serve as the stations helmed by the expert bartenders serving beer, wine, and delicious handcrafted cocktails.

An open kitchen serves small sharing plates and allows guests to be part of the action as they engage and socialize with the bar’s chefs. Featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms such as Bo-Bo’s Farms Organic Chicken, Meili Farms, Niman Ranch and Steve Connelly’s Dayboat; the bar gives guests a unique culinary experience. Signature dishes created by Executive Chef Roberto Alicea include Stuffed Peppers with Chicken, Olive Oil and Cilantro; Shrimp a la Plancha with Garlic, Lemon Peel, Peppers and Herbs; and Roasted Pork Shoulder with Black Kale, Raisins and Orange Peel.  An assortment of locally sourced cheeses and homemade ice creams are also available.

Convivial, social spaces for cocktails and conversations come in many forms at the Andaz cellar bar. Guests can choose to gather on the warm, comfortable, pin-tucked, amber couch near the candle-lit mock fire.  Alternatively, two 120-year old gigantic cuts of Claro wood act as a sturdy bar where cocktail connoisseurs can be close to the culinary and cocktail action. In addition to the genial space located near the bar and kitchen, guests can find plenty of nooks for quiet conversation in banquette seating that lines the bar.  The most unique space to enjoy the bar’s cocktails and cuisine is at one of the six centrally located communal dark wood tables.  An evening that starts with just two can turn into a memorable night with many new friends.

A “no reservations” policy underscores the unfussy philosophy, allowing a quick handcrafted cocktail to turn into a full tête-à-tête over a shared late-night dinner.  To provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and enjoyable for all who visit the bar, hosts will accommodate only the number of seats available at the time. I cannot recommend the ANDAZ CELLAR BAR ENOUGH!

A PLUS: The empanadas ROCK (but gives  you garlic breath for days and WELL WORTH IT, might add).

A MINUS: Your drinks (water and wine) come in what I can only describe as a shot glass. One swig of a beverage and your drink is gone. Staff, however, is excellent at re-filling (if you don’t beat them to it).

The bar in the cellar is open daily from 5 pm until late.  For more information, check out www.andaz5thavenue.com or call 212.601.1234.

World’s Largest Bake Sale @ NYC’s Grand Central Station

By Christabelle…

SANDRA LEE, EMERIL LAGASSE AND ROSANNA SCOTTO HOST THE WORLD’S LARGEST BAKE SALE AT GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL TO BENEFIT FOOD BANK FOR
NEW YORK CITY

Celebrity appearances by  Emeril Lagasse, Sandra Lee, Rosanna Scotto and Duff Goldman

On March 29, 2011 Editor in Chief of Semi-Homemade Magazine, New York Times bestselling author, and celebrated Food Network personality Sandra Lee will host The World’s Largest Bake Sale in historic Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York. This fundraising event, sponsored by Pyrex, will benefit The Food Bank of New York and will feature sweet and savory baked goods from 30 of New York’s most well-respected chefs and restaurants, including six from Grand Central Terminal. This event will be the impetus for ancillary events happening simultaneously that day in every state in the country to raise funds for local area food banks throughout the United States.

Sandra, who is passionately committed to providing support to America’s food banks, organized this event in collaboration with her friends and fellow food industry icons Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse and Rosanna Scotto. Emeril and Rosanna will be in attendance at the New York event on March 29, as will Sandra’s fellow Food Network star, Duff Goldman from “Ace of Cakes”.

The list of Bake Sale participants reads like a who’s-who of the best chefs, restaurants and food shops in New York City. Participants include six Grand Central Terminal tenants – Ciao Bella Gelato, Junior’s Restaurant, Magnolia, Manhattan Chili Company, Murray’s and Zaro’s – as well as a selection of some of the city’s most popular fine dining establishments and bake shops, including Del Posto and Fresco by Scotto.

WHO: Sandra Lee, Emeril Lagasse, Rosanna Scotto, Duff Goldman and chefs from 30 participating restaurants and food shops

WHAT: The World’s Largest Bake Sale to Benefit Food Bank for New York City

WHEN: March 29, 11:30 am-7:00 pm

*Photo opportunity with Sandra Lee and Emeril Lagasse presenting a check to Food Bank for New York City at 11:30 AM*

WHERE: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal

For a complete list of World’s Largest Bake Sale participants visit www.grandcentralterminal.com or the Grand Central Terminal page on Facebook.

ABOUT SANDRA LEE:

An internationally-acclaimed home and food expert, Sandra Lee has revolutionized the term “homemade” as a popular Food Network host, editor-in-chief of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade magazine, and a New York Times best-selling author. Sandra’s trademark 70/30 Semi-Homemade philosophy translated to television with Food Network’s Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee and to the Internet with SemiHomemade.com. Sandra attended University of Wisconsin – La Crosse as well as Le Cordon Bleu; launched several lines of home, garden, and craft products including Kurtain Kraft; worked with QVC; and produced a successful DIY home improvement series. With a commitment to service and charity, Sandra works with numerous philanthropic organizations including Feeding America®, Share Our Strength® and UNICEF®. Since 2002, Sandra has released 22 cookbooks as well as a memoir “Made From Scratch.” She also hosts Sandra’s Money Saving Meals on Food Network. For more information, visit www.SandraLee.com.