In A New York Minute

This past weekend the BF and I flew out to NYC for a friend’s wedding. New York is beyond incredible. There’s always somewhere to go and something to do. Every time I go I’m mesmerized by the nonstop energy, vibe, food culture and fashion scene. This time we took the city by storm, walking and taking the subway everywhere. We expected the weather to be much colder, but it was ideal with highs in the 60’s. Score!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]I’m in a New York State of mind… [/typography]

Most of our time was spent walking around my favorite neighborhoods including the fashionable Soho and West Village area, followed by breezy strolls around the trendy Meatpacking district. A must stop is the famous Chelsea Market, where you’re captivated by the amazingly wicked bakeries, shops and local food stands. I swear, the majority of time we ate and drank and ate some more {a girl's gotta eat!}. People watching came in a close second and that was almost as much fun.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of the weekend… Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]I hope everyone has a wickedly delicious and happy thanksgiving!!![/typography]

Mussels in a Spicy Pinot Noir Broth

This time of year makes me crave hot, comfort food from my mom, Amelia. One of my favorite dishes is her spicy mussel Pinot Noir broth with longaniza {Mexican sausage}. It’s decadent, delicious and paired with a toasted sourdough baguette is simply to die for. Enjoying this dish on a cold winter night relaxing by the fire is my idea of heaven. Oh yes, and let’s not forget the glass {or bottle} of Pinot Noir to accompany the dish.

Recipe included below… Ole!

Mussels in a Spicy Pinot Noir Broth {From Amelia Morán Ceja’s Kitchen} Serves 12 people

Ingredients

• 5 pounds mussels, well cleaned
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 red bell pepper coarsely chopped
• 1 sweet Maya onion (or any sweet onion) thinly sliced
• 2 leeks thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 pound cleaned and sliced crimini mushrooms
• 8 finely chopped garlic cloves
• 8 tomatoes finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup coarsely chopped cilantro
• 1 Bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 5 dried California chiles
• 5 dried Ancho chiles
• 5 garlic cloves
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 4 quarts nonfat chicken broth
• 1 cup Ceja Pinot Noir

Directions:

Briefly toast the dried peppers on a skillet or hot pan. Be careful not burn them, because if this happens it makes the dish taste bitter. Place roasted chiles in a bowl with 2 cups chicken stock and let stand until softened. In a blender, liquefy with 5 garlic cloves and ¼ teaspoon cloves – set aside.

Add olive oil to a 10 quart pot, sauté the coarsely chopped red bell peppers, onion, leeks, mushrooms and chopped garlic for 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, basil leaves and chopped cilantro and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Add the rest of the chicken broth, the red pepper sauce, the Pinot Noir wine, bay leaf and Mexican oregano and bring to a boil – simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add the well cleaned mussels, mix well and turn off the stove. All mussels will open, and if not, turn the burner on and cook for two more minutes. Lastly, enjoy with a glass of your favorite Pinot Noir!

p.s. I'm in NYC this weekend attending a friend's wedding. I can't wait to share my adventures with you next week! 

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend![/typography]

November In Napa

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[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]With the vivid fall colors Napa is never more alive than in autumn![/typography]

I love being in the Napa Valley during the fall. The vineyard collage of gold, red and orange provides the most incredible kaleidoscope of color. The birch, elm and liquid amber trees add lacy accents to the edges of town and vineyards {where these shots were taken in Yountville}.

The month of November is filled with a whirlwind of fun events to welcome the holiday season {in addition to your standard wine tastings}. Some of my favorite events include: The Napa Valley Film Festival, Holiday in Carneros, Flavor! Napa Valley and the Festival of Lights. For travelers planning their wine country getaway, make your reservations early, as this is a very popular time of the year. Ole!

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{Kenneth Cole Boots, Urban Outfitters Dress & H&M Sweater}

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]p.s. Let this fall be a time to harvest and gather the things that bring you comfort and joy![/typography]

London City Pass

If you’re a history buff, London is definitely the place for you! We had limited time to play tourist during our visit, so we chose a few historical sites & landmarks that we could see in one day. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Hampton Court Palace: Take a quick 30-minute train ride to Hampton Court Palace, the infamous home that housed flamboyant King Henry VIII and his six wives. He extended this grand palace after acquiring it in the 1520's, and its many royal occupants have enriched it with stunning furnishings, tapestries and paintings. Set in 60 acres of formal gardens, this palace is well worth a visit {especially if you like the dramatic and steamy history of King Henry VIII and his six wives}.

2. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: Home of the Queen and the centerpiece of Britain's constitutional monarchy. In addition to its over-the-top lavish interiors and royal history, it’s also a popular stop for the Changing of the Guards Ceremony. This memorable ceremony takes about 45 minutes and includes a band playing popular classical music. A must see during your trip!

3. Hyde Park: This is one of several royal parks in London and covers more than 360 acres. The park plays host to many large events, including celebrations and concerts. It is also a popular place for jogging, swimming, rowing, picnicking and even horseback riding. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city it’s a peaceful escape to clear your mind and enjoy the lush gardens.

Don’t fret if you can’t do it all, there is always next time. I hope you enjoy your adventure as much as I did! Ole!

What a man is the King! How many wives will he have? 

- Jane Rattsey - Interrogated for gossiping at court {1541}

Check out more pictures below!

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Postcards From London

It's happened again… I’ve fallen in love with another city - London.  Considering my deep affection for travel, this was actually my first time in this inspiring city. As I write this, I’m sitting in my hotel room, drinking a cup of steaming hot black tea, staring out of the huge window into the Westminster district toward Big Ben and the Thames River. Yes, I’m feeling very fortunate at this moment and can’t help but feel immersed in this incredible and vibrant city.

This past week has been packed with a whirlwind of events mixing both business and pleasure.  It is a place that has it all - history and the modern vibe where culture, fashion, food and people come to life.

Here is a sneak peek of what I’ve been up to this past week…

London calling, yeah, I was there, too…

An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!

London calling at the top of the dial…

After all this, won't you give me a smile? -The Clash

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Have a fabulous week![/typography]