Presented by executive chef Bruno Tison and chef Andrew Cain, a wonderful sampling of the restaurant’s seasonal and sustainable fare was beautifully served in a seven-course presentation, thoughtfully paired with regional Sonoma wines.

After a meal with so many courses it can be challenging to recall which dish you enjoyed the most. Perhaps because it was the first course served, the garden cauliflower custard with California Osetra caviar, artfully presented in a brown eggshell, stands out as one of the most impressive. An Amazing combination of flavors and textures, it was a divine introduction to one of the most fabulous meals ever served in the Fairmont penthouse.

The freshness of the ingredients in every course was evident with each bite. From the asparagus salad to the tender “Kobe-style” beef, nothing was amiss. The Santé staff did an outstanding job, skillfully and creatively plating each course and delivering an excellent meal from start to finish. If the opportunity arises, Santé in Sonoma is a must.

With Cinco de Mayo on the horizon, everyone is looking for a fun way to celebrate the holiday other than drinking beer in a sombrero or a serape. After receiving a bottle of Sauza Tequila (accompanied with a plush kitten), we found we could spice up the libations for any celebration of Mexico’s historical Battle of Puebla with a “Make It with a Fireman” margarita you can easily stir up at home.

1 Can of Limeade
Water
1 Bottle of light beer
Sauza Blue Silver Tequila
1 lime (quartered)
1 kitten (optional)
1 Hot Fireman (optional)

If you can, have your fireman pour the can of limeade into a large pitcher, and hold onto the can. Fill the can with water and pour it into the pitcher. Pour in one full bottle of light beer. Measure out a can full of Sauza Tequila and stir to mix. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a wedge of lime. Cuddle up with your fireman and a kitten (because kittens make everything better) and enjoy.

If you need a more visual how-to, check out the tutorial below and see if you don’t get a little hot under the collar.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0hq4bBnYIM

From having fun in the sun to spending hours in air-conditioned theaters for the season’s biggest blockbusters, we don’t expect to stay home much this summer. Regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing, we all need to chill out at some point. Starbucks can help cool you off with its newest Frappuccinos to sip during the coffee brand’s Happy Hour. Feed your inner cookie monster with the new Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino that blends mocha sauce, vanilla syrup, Frappuccino chips, its signature Frappuccino roast coffee, milk, ice, topped with chocolate whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumbles. If you’re in need of a coffee-free fix, you can also try the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino has the same rich taste and delicious cookie crumble topping. The Frappuccino Happy Hour is set to make its triumphant return from May 4 – 13 from 3pm to 5pm with all Frappuccino blended beverages half-off, so be sure to line up early!

We’re not the best chefs, in fact we avoid anything that doesn’t contain all the ingredients in the box and has explicit instructions. Last week we took a crash course in crafting delicious family dinners with the first winner of The Next Iron Chef, Michael Symon. He gave the class a bunch of quick tips to keep in mind the next time we whip up something in the kitchen, including keeping herbs fresh for longer by wrapping them with a dampened sheet of Bounty and covering it in aluminum foil. Check out his amazing recipe below to try out at your next family meal:
Pork Chop Milanese with Arugula Salad

4 bone-in pork chops, 12 oz. each
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3 cups arugula
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
12 fresh basil leaves
Put the pork chops on a cutting board and cover with a large piece of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the meat until each is ¼ inch thick. Set up a breading station: In three separate bowls put the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Lightly whisk the eggs. Stir the Parmesan into the breadcrumbs. Season the pork chops liberally with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour and shake off the excess, then dip them in egg and then in breadcrumbs to coat.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. When the fat is hot, add the pork chops and cook until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Remove to Bounty paper towels to drain until ready to serve.
In a large mixing bowl combine the garlic, lemon juice, and 1 tsp. of salt. Whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the onion, toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes. Add the arugula, tomatoes and basil to the dressing and gently toss together.
To serve, place pork chops in the center of each plate and top with salad.

With warm weather on the way, there’s no need to keep happy hours indoors anymore. Toast to the new season alfresco with a few friends and a bottle of the new Apothic White Winemaker’s Blend. Named after the mysterious location where the most coveted concoctions were crafted in 13th century Europe, the full-bodied combination of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Moscato creates an unforgettable character and sophistication. Intense notes of peach, pineapple, honey, and vanilla spice give a smooth, light, and fragrant flavor to a luscious libation perfect for any occasion.

Available at fine wine stores nationwide for $14.

It’s no secret that I love chocolate – milk, dark, or white. I’ll happily take the three. Preferably all at once. And while GlamNest readers are familiar with my choco-affinity, they’re probably not aware of my slight obsession with cream cheese. So when I discovered the happy union between chocolate and cream cheese in Kraft Philadelphia Indulgence, I was one happy (and hungry!) girl.

An amazing blend of rich cream cheese and chocolate, Philly Indulgence is a deliciously decadent spread. I tried dipping pretzels in the milk chocolate spread (straight out of the tub!) and loved the salty-sweet combination. Then, I spread a bit of the dark chocolate flavor on a strawberry, and fell in love at first bite.

Enjoying an “indulgent” snack like Philly Indulgence and a cup of tea or coffee while reading a book is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I like sitting by the open the window, soaking up the sun and slight breeze, and treating myself to something sweetly satisfying.

What’s your favorite way to unwind? And what would you pair Philly Indulgence with? (Graham crackers!, Fruit!… or maybe even as frosting on a cupcake!)

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Real Chocolate blended with rich, creamy PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Kraft via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kraft

If crowding a bar or waiting in line for a movie sound like an unappealing night out options, you can easily shake things up at the new “PREP.COOK.DINE” series at the W Los Angeles – Westwood. Starting next month, Top Chef alumna Dakota Weiss will spice things up in the kitchen with hotel guests and L.A. locals for an interactive, private cooking class. You can celebrate a special occasion or coordinate a fun treat with friends and family up to 8 people with a seasonal menu to prep, cook, and dine combined with custom cocktails and wine pairings to match the dishes. The menu for the first class is set to be a grilled artichoke appetizer with three dipping sauces; an entrée of whole roasted beef tenderloin with brown butter spring carrot puree, English peas and port wine reduction; and a dessert of roasted while chocolate and lemon-infused bread pudding with Voli Raspberry Cocoa vodka hard sauce. Way to whet our appetite!

The PREP.COOK.DINE series will be available April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, and August 8. For more information, please contact Stephanie Sanders at 310-443-8211 or stephanie.sanders@whotels.com

Everyone remembers his or her first car fondly. For me it was an SUV. I got it right before my junior year of college at Syracuse University. And this baby got me through some snowy days and icy nights in upstate New York.

I used to love driving home from college for a weekend or vacation. It meant five hours of belting out my favorite (read: embarrassing) tunes. (True story: One time I got pulled over because a cop thought I was distractedly fighting with someone on my cell phone. In reality, I was rocking out to a classic Britney Spears song.) I also relished making stops for cheap fast food and coffees. And I always enjoyed the uninterrupted alone time.

Back at school, I would skip the bus and drive to every class; and I’d make day-trips to my favorite town 20 minutes away from campus. That car was always there to take me where I needed to go.

What was your first car experience? Go to FirstCarStory.com (Subaru’s awesome new site!) and make a fun video about your love affair with a car. And watch mine HERE.

Retro Metal Stool, $39.99

Rustic Wooden Bird Houses, $16.99 – $19.99

Linen Accent Pillows, $16.99 – $19.99

Decorative Ceramic Roosters, $19.99

4-Piece Colored Glassware Set, $16.99

Oversized Metal Lanterns, $24.99 – $39.99

Wire Garden Stools, $39.99

Patterned Storage Boxes, $12.99 – $16.99

Available at HomeGoods stores nationwide.