FOOD FASHIONISTA

Urban Spoon for Blackberry...Finally!!!

2009-11-10T14:56:28-08:00

If you have a Blackberry and you'd like some help deciding where to eat (or if you're jealous of friends playing with Urbanspoon on the iPhone) we have a solution for you.

Urbanspoon's Blackberry app is a kind of restaurant slot machine. Just hit the space bar (or shake the phone if you have a Storm) and the wheels will spin, until they settle on a good nearby restaurant for you. You can also lock down the neighborhood, cuisine and price you are interested in. Keep spinning until you get a restaurant you want to try.

Urbanspoon on Blackberry also lets you search and browse restaurants, and uses your current location to identify the nearest restaurants to you.

Email the app to your Blackberry

Or download the right app for your phone below.

We don't have an app for older devices, or for the Pearl, but you can always find Urbanspoon on your Blackberry through the web at urbanspoon.com/m

If you have an iPhone, you can get the Urbanspoon app here.

Food for Thought - dine out for a good cause 11/11 - San Francisco

2009-11-09T01:27:10-08:00

Food for Thought is an annual “dine-out” event that raises funds to benefit Mission Graduates, a nonprofit organization that increases the number of youth from San Francisco’s Mission District who are prepared for and complete a college education.

Food for Thought’s participating restaurants all do business in the Mission District and commit to contributing a portion of their sales on November 11 to help pave the pathway to college for young people who live in their community.

Mission Graduates commits to filling seats and increasing revenue at partner restaurants that night, shining light on these partners through an extensive promotional campaign, and giving restaurant owners an easy way to impact their community while introducing their food to brand new audiences.

Dine out at these participating restaurants on Wednesday, November 11th and 25-100% of your total bill will be donated to benefit Mission Graduates. Make your reservation today!!

Everyone wins!

Participating Restaurants

Farina Focaccia and Cucina Italiana

Foie Gras Martini at Andre's Restaurant - Las Vegas

2009-11-03T20:48:47-08:00

Welcome the Spirits this Halloween with Super Model Heidi Klum's Fave Cocktails …

Even if you choose not to wear a costume this Halloween, the holiday for all things sinfully sweet and “creepy, crawly” serves as the perfect occasion to dress up your cocktails. Simple drinks turn festive with the use of fun cocktail glasses and gory garnishes; all designed to bring out the frightful fun of Halloween, with a sophisticated twist. So while you may be tempted to partake in some of the more traditional Halloween activities such as bobbing for apples and pumpkin carving, we all know that there is only one way to really drink in the spooky spirit of the season!

This year, All Natural SKYY Infusions are serving up a truly bewitching cocktail menu, featuring the line of fresh fruit-infused vodkas that offer an unrivaled true-to-fruit taste year round. Each inspired by one of the many hallowed Halloween traditions, these SKYY Infusions cocktails will help you get into the spirit of Halloween, whether you’re in a packed house or with a few friends at home. To add a bit of glamour to your regular Halloween celebrations, try mixing up some of the sweet treats below – no tricks necessary.

Jack-O-Lantern

2 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus

1 oz. Mango Nectar or Juice

0.5 oz. Orange Juice

0.5 oz. Fresh Sour*

Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a goblet glass and garnish with a slice of orange and a mint leaf laid flat on top.

*Combine 0.25 oz fresh lime juice and 0.75 oz simple syrup.

Vampire’s Elixir

1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Raspberry

.75 oz. White Chocolate Liqueur

1 oz. Half and Half

Strawberry Syrup

Dress strawberry syrup on the inside and rim of a chilled martini glass. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with vampire teeth

Black Widow

1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Raspberry

0.5 oz. Triple Sec

2 oz. Pomegranate Juice

Squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice

Raspberry Syrup

Draw a spider web on the inside of a chilled martini glass with raspberry syrup. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with plastic spider.

Red Zombie

1.5 oz. SKYY Vodka

3 oz. Tomato Juice

0.5 tsp. Finely Grated Horseradish

1 tsp. Barbeque Sauce

3 Dashes Worcestershire Sauce

3 Dashes Tabasco Sauce

0.5 tsp. Finely Chopped Chipotle en Adobo

Pinch of Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Generous Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Pinch of Celery Seeds

1 Celery Stick

2 Large Green Olives

2 Lychee Fruits

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with green eye balls, laid across the rim of the glass*.

*Cut the end of a stalk of celery so it measures 5-6 inches long and split the stick in half lengthwise. Slide the green olives into two lychee fruits to make eye balls and push the thin celery stick through both as garnish.

Wicked Witch Apple Punch

1 750 ml bottle SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit

1 750 ml bottle Sparkling Apple Cider

1 64 oz. bottle Cranberry Juice Cocktail

1 Liter Ginger Ale

2 cups Pineapple Juice

Red Apple Slices

Combine all ingredients in a large black witch’s cauldron with ice and stir. Garnish with large slices of red apple floating on top and dry ice.

AYC- Allston Yacht Club for Small Plates, Brunch, Drinks

2009-10-28T00:00:00-07:00

Don't let the name fool you, Allston Yacht Club is not a member's only yacht club and no where close to water. Rather, it is a casual small bites wine bar in L.A. located four traffic lights from the Elysian Park entrance to Dodger Stadium. The name Allston Yacht Club derives from a student neighborhood in Boston, MA where the two owners, Charles Kelly and Bill DiDonna originate and hold fond memories of.

On several visits to AYC, I've been extremely pleased with the value of the cuisine - on all occasions, my check came out to no more than $30 per person for both brunch and dinner and that was including alcohol and gratuity. Everything on the menu is priced from $4-$9 for small bites and $6-$10 for wines by the glass. There is also a full bar and a special cocktail menu. The service is unpretentious and friendly with the owners always usually on hand to guide you through the menu.

Grilled Cheese (Dinner Menu)

Brussel Sprouts (Dinner Menu)

Panna Cotta w/Cherries (Dessert Menu)

Gravlaks (Sunday Brunch Menu)

Duck Confit Hash w/Poached Egg (Sunday Brunch Menu)

Croque Monsieur (Sunday Brunch Menu)

AYC's small plates concept allows diners to share a multitude of flavors on a budget. Some dinner favorites include the Grilled Cheese($6), Scorched Shishito Peppers($6), Roasted Brussel Sprouts ($6) and the succulent dry rubbed Pork Ribs($8). For brunch, there's the Biscuits and Gravy, Two Eggs Fried in Breadcrumbs, and a selection of Sunday perfect cocktails - Bloody Mary, Mimosa, and a Landing Party (Vodka, Grapefruit, and Pimm's). And because you can take the boy out of Boston but not the Boston out of the boy, there is the Green Monster Cocktail (for the Boston Red Sox) - Pernod, Canton Liquer, Ginger Beer & Lime.

In these times when everyone seems to be looking for a great deal, AYC- Allston Yacht Club is a fantastic choice. Next time you are craving a tasty quick cocktail and bite, or a two hour dinner and a table full of small plates, or a chill relaxed Sunday brunch, check out AYC- Allston Yacht Club. It's just off the beaten path near the Echo Park district of Los Angeles and Valet Parking will be conveniently waiting for you right out front.

Allston Yacht Club

1320 Echo Park Ave.

East Los Angeles, CA, 90026

213-481-0454

MICHELIN Guide 2010 Q & A with Director Jean-Luc Naret

2009-10-27T00:54:49-07:00

I had the pleasure of recently dining with MICHELIN Guide Director, Jean-Luc Naret and wanted to share some interesting and insightful facts about the "famously anonymous" and coveted MICHELIN Stars and Guide which went on sale in the U.S. this month in New York and San Francisco.

The MICHELIN Guide was first published in France in 1900. It was a originally a small, 400 page red guide which was distributed free of charge to motorists and contained a wealth of useful information on topics such as changing tires and maintaining vehicles. Throughout the years, it has developed into a 2,000 page guide covering approximately 8,500 establishments with the goal of making traveling easier. It has also become the pinnacle benchmark in gourmet dining. Whenever I travel to spots like Tokyo and New York, I always bring my MICHELIN Guide in hand for recommended dining destinations.

Although the MICHELIN Guide may be thought of as the guide of the cream of the crop and uber pricey white table clothed restaurants, the MICHELIN guide also contains a Bib Gourmand category - "Inspector's Favorites for Good Value". The Bib Gourmand features restaurants serving a meal (2 dishes and a glass of wine and dessert) for $40 or less. In the San Francisco Guide alone, there are 62 of those delicious dining options. In New York, there are 85 recession-proof Bib Gourmand dining spots. The New York Guide also showcases 109 restaurants offering a meal under $25.

MICHELIN Guide director, Jean-Luc Naret notes that "During the current recession, value for money is more important than ever".

***MICHELIN Guide Noteable Tidbits***

-MICHELIN Stars are awarded for what's on the plate - entirely based on the quality of the cooking. The five determing criteria include:

1) Product Quality (what counts are not expensive ingredients, such as caviar, but quality ingredients)

2) Preparation and Flavors

3) The Chef's Personality as revealed through his/her cuisine.

4) Value for Money

5) Consistency at all times (lunch and dinner, on weekdays and weekends) and across the entire menu (the starter must be as good as the main course, meat dishes as good as fish dishes, etc)

-Best Value/Most Economical 3 Star MICHELIN Restaurant

Jean-Georges in New York City - where you can enjoy a 2 course lunch for $29

-New MICHELIN Guides 2010

Kyoto and Osaka released this month

-Why have the MICHELIN Guides to Austria, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas been discontinued?

Because of the current economic environment, the L.A. and Las Vegas guide will not be released. The Guide's next destination in the U.S. will not be announced this year. Austria has been discontinued due to the economic conditions and consistent poor sales.

-There's NO magic formula for earning a MICHELIN Star. Chefs should focus on satisfying customers by serving them high-quality dishes.

-When a chef receives a MICHELIN Star in the U.S., it is comparable to receiving a MICHELIN Star in Europe and other MICHELIN Starred cities. A restaurant that has been awarded one or more stars is not only among the best in it's city or country but in the entire world.

-Chefs say that the MICHELIN Guide is the only independent international benchmark that allows them to situate themselves relative to each other. Regardless of their nationality or type of cuisine, chefs also know that being selected for the MICHELIN Guide is in itself a sign of quality because only the best restaurants in each comfort and price category are included.

-Regardless of the country or city covered, the MICHELIN Guide reflects the local fine-dining environment. The Guide's purpose is not to point to future trends but only to note what is being done at the time.

-The MICHELIN Guide collection is comprised of 26 Guides covering 22 Countries and will resolutely pursue it's international development in the future.

-MICHELIN Guide inspectors are anonymous and in ways their privacy is like the witness protection program - but with much better food!

***For more information on the MICHELIN Guide, visit

MICHELIN Guide

***You can now follow the Anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors on Twitter at:

http://twitter.com/MichelinGuideSF

http://twitter.com/MichelinGuideNY

World Series/Playoff Baseball Cupcakes at CRUMBS

2009-10-26T12:39:28-07:00

Forget the chips and salsa folks, if you really want to WOW them at your next baseball viewing party, bring a box of these gourmet baseball team cupcakes. Each generous cupcake is adorned with the logo of the Yankees, Phillies, or the Angels - because after all, this is the CRUMBS Bakery in Los Angeles.

Your sweet tooth loving friends will thank you and we guarantee... as far as dessert gift givers, you will now be up in the Major Leagues.

CRUMBS Bake Shop

(310) 550-9811
9465 Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

MICHELIN GUIDE San Francisco 2010 Stars Announced

2009-10-19T09:48:41-07:00

Today the 2010 Michelin Guide Star recipients for San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country were announced with some very surprising changes.

New to the Michelin 1 Star category are Aziza, Commis, El Paseo, e'toile at Domaine Chandon, La Toque, Luce, Sante', Solbar, and Ubuntu. Four restaurants remained in the Michelin 2 Star category, while Michael Mina was demoted a star. Thomas Keller's French Laundry remained the sole restaurant with the coveted Michelin 3-Stars in the new guide.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the following:

***3 MICHELIN STARS Three Michelin stars () mean exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.

French Laundry

**2 MICHELIN STARS Two Michelin stars () mean excellent cuisine, worth a detour.

Coi

Cyrus

Manresa

Meadowood, The Restaurant

*1 MICHELIN STAR One Michelin star () means a very good cuisine in its category.

Acquerello

Ame

Auberge de Soleil

Aziza

Bouchon

Boulevard

Chez Panisse

Chez TJ

Commis

The Dining Room at The Ritz Carlton

El Paseo (now closed)

e'toile

Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant

Fifth Floor

Fleur de Lys

Gary Danko

La Folie

La Toque

Luce

Madrona Manor

Masa's

Michael Mina

Murray Circle

One Market

Plumed Horse

Quince

Range

Redd

Sante'

Solbar

Terra

Travese (now closed)

Ubuntu

The Village Pub

NYC Wine & Food Festival 2009 Pics

2009-10-14T01:14:41-07:00

View from the Standard Hotel - Breathtaking!

Back from New York after an incredible time at the 2009 Food Network Wine and Food Festival. This event was incredibly special because it was held in one of my favorite cities in the world, attended by lots of incredibly talented friends and folks in the culinary/wine industries, and last but definitely not least, it was all for a wonderful cause with proceeds going towards Share our Strength and the Food Bank of New York City.

As usual, I have so many details and photos to share with all of you, but for now I will share a few of my favorites.

Michelin Guest Chef Sam Freund's Pompano w/Crab, Orange & Smoked Corn Puree

Next Iron Chef's Roberto Trevino, Dominique Crenn, Jose Garces, Seamus Mullen

Brad Farmerie's Cheddar Apple, Cinnamon, and Cheddar Crumble w/Miso Cheddar Ice Cream

Meatpacking Uncorked Atmosphere

Food Fashionista w/ Chefs of Barilla Pasta

More's Bacon White Truffle Valhrona Cupcake at SWEET

Vegas' Master Mixologist's Ray Srp & Kent Bearden

Wine & Fashion at Helmut Lang

TONS more food, atmosphere and festival pics from the 2009 Food Network NYC Wine & Food Festival will be posted soon...

NYC Wine & Food Festival 2009 Kicks Off...

2009-10-08T18:05:24-07:00

Tonight kicks off the NYC Wine and Food Festival with Chelsea Market After Dark taking place at Food Network headquarters. Food Fashionista is thrilled to be attending this food & beverage filled weekend in one of our favorite cities that never sleeps...NYC!

Presented by Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure Magazines, tonight's kick off opening event will be hosted by festival founder and director Lee Schrager along with Food Network personalities Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive Inns and Dives)and Sandra Lee (Sandra's Money Saving Meals).

All of the proceeds from this weekend's Festival will benefit hunger relief organizations Share our Strength and Food Bank for New York City, making this culinary weekend a celebration for a great cause. Last year's event raised over 1 million dollars to help ensure no child goes hungry.

Along with all your favorite Food Network stars, the Festival will have appearances from many of the biggest names in the industry including Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, Jean-George Vogerichten, Jacques Torres, and Anthony Bourdain. There will also be wine and spirit seminars hosted by the best sommeliers and mixologists in the business including Andrea Robinson, Kevin Zraly, Tony Abou-Ganim and Josh Wesson.

Food Fashionista will have future posts with exclusive photos/details from this year's Festival, but in the mean time, follow our up to the minute NYC Wine and Food Festival Tweets on FOOD FASHIONISTA's TWITTER.

For more information on the following, visit:

Food Network Wine and Food Festival

Food Bank for New York City

Share Our Strength