LOVE the atmosphere at this vineyard...and the spinach and artichoke dip is delish!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Barrique to throw a ladies night for Super Bowl Sunday...
So ladies, if football really isn't your bag, head over to Barrique Kitchen and Wine Bar in Babylon for a special "girls just want to have fun" ladies night on Super Bowl Sunday. Go to the restaurant website to subscribe to the mailing list for future events.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The 4th annual LI Winterfest is almost here again... Jazz on the Vine at the wineries!
Looking for something to do on Long Island? Long Island Culture & Wine Winterfest returns for the 4th consecutive year from February 12th- March 20th.
Take your Valentine to a few jazz concerts at the wineries and a nice dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Check out the event website for more detailed information.
My restaurant pick:
A Mano (Mattituck) - Visit the osteria/wine bar created by famous Long Island chef, Tom Schaudel, for a meal to remember!
Take your Valentine to a few jazz concerts at the wineries and a nice dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. Check out the event website for more detailed information.
My restaurant pick:
A Mano (Mattituck) - Visit the osteria/wine bar created by famous Long Island chef, Tom Schaudel, for a meal to remember!
It's almost here...make your Valentine's Day reservations before its too late!
Valentine's day weekend is right around the corner. Many restaurants offer set menus for the holiday weekend (either in place of or in addition to the regular menu), so make sure that you call or check the restaurant's website before booking.
I personally love to make my reservations through Opentable.com, because I gain dining points that I can redeem for a dining check! Check out the Valentine's day section to find out more about special menus at certain restaurants in Long Island and Manhattan.
My restaurant picks:
- 1770 House (East Hampton) *Stay at the restaurant's inn for a romantic weekend*
New skin care product find from an old standby brand...
This is the perfect time of year to try out different skin care products. I already listed some of my favorite products to help with winter skin woes, but I recently tried a product from Johnson & Johnson that is a MUST buy!
Not only is the product dirt cheap (around $3.49), but it smells heavenly and softens skin within the first application. Run to your local drugstore and pick up Johnson's Baby Cocoa and Shea Butter Creamy Oil. Apply the product onto damp skin, as soon as you get out of the shower, to lock in moisture. Added bonus is you have a baby- the product is clearly safe to use on him or her as well!
Snow Buster Restaurant Specials!
Here we go AGAIN... Visit one of these restaurants tonight to take advantage of the one good thing that snow brings!
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Killington, Vermont reviews & tips to come!
I love going to the different apres ski happy hours, dining at various restaurants, partying at the night spots, and squeezing in some skiing somewhere in between. There are certain standby's that I visit every year, but there are also some new places that I am looking forward to checking out this time around.
Stay tuned for postings after January 25th --- get in the know before you hit the snow!
Standby restaurants that I will definitely be hitting and reviewing:
- The Garlic - Amazing tapas & martinis & of course garlic!
- Outback Pizza- The most amazing brick oven pizzeria/bar/club- 16 beers on tap!
- Sugar and Spice - The BEST breakfast & maple syrup factory
Standby bars that I will be dancing at:
Favorite spa that I will hopefully be going to:
Click the headline to find out more about Killington and the DEW TOUR that is happening at the mountain this weekend!!!
Life is good at "The Good Life" in Massapequa Park
I can't believe it has taken me this long to try this place, but now I'm just glad that I finally did! The Good Life is a bar/restaurant/beer haven that replaced the old Sidekick's restaurant on Park Blvd. in the village of Massapequa Park.
I visited this new hot spot on a Saturday evening and it was comfortably packed, but I was able to score a table for two without having to wait. First of all, if you love beer, YOU MUST COME HERE! The food/beer menus are displayed on a unique "newspaper," making for a fun read. Visit the website or the restaurant's facebook page for more detailed information including detailed descriptions of the many beers (international and american) and ABV (alcohol by volume) stats.
I wasn't super hungry, but was in the mood for a light appetizer while waiting for our entrees. I (gasp) ordered my standard cocktail, a french martini. I usually have complaints (too much chambord, not made with the right ingredients, etc.), but I can honestly say that this was one of the best martinis I've ever had. Frothy, strong, and chilled just right! So, non-beer lovers can rejoice in other cocktails or fairly priced bottles of wine if they so desire.
We chose to start with the mediterranean platter (hummus, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, marinated olives, and toasted flat bread). This was one of the best platters of this kind that I have ever had. The hummus had a swirl of olive oil on top which enhanced the texture, the olives were flavorfully marinated, the flat bread triangles were seasoned well and the perfect combination of crispy on the outside/soft on the inside. Yum!
I ordered the house salad topped with grilled shrimp, mainly because it is not your traditional "house salad." The Good Life's version is comprised of mixed greens, golden raisins, feta cheese, walnuts, and honey balsamic. The shrimp were flavorful, grilled perfectly, and paired well with the other ingredients. The dressing was a perfect mix of tangy balsamic and sweet honey mustard. I would definitely order this again.
I also tried a bite of "The Good Life Burger" which is made of hand crafted sirloin, gruyere cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and bacon jam. Can you say, IN LOVE? Anything with the term "bacon jam," is probably good in my book, and the combination of gruyere and blue cheese was uniquely delectable against the tender sirloin. The french fries were not very exciting, but I tend to prefer the thicker, steak fry variety.
Now, on to the beer. The Good Life is like your standard great beer haven, offering "shot" tastings of their tap beers, in order to help you with your massive decision. In an attempt to match something with my sweet salad, I tried the "St Louis Framboise," a fruity, strawberry-colored brew that I had tried once before at Last Chance Cheese near Hunter Mountain. The beer is very sweet, but interesting if you like that type of flavor. Next time, I will have to sample more beers (and will be sure to report on it).
The table next to me was busy picking at delicious looking appetizers like "mashed potato wontons," covered in cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives. Yes, super fattening, but also super delicious and more gourmet-looking than your standard potato skin. After all, it is January, and comfort food is in season (postpone worrying too much about your beach body for another month or so- it's OK).
All in all, I will definitely return to The Good Life for inventive bar food and to try a few different beers. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is welcoming, and the menu offers a perfect mix of healthy options and comfort dishes. They also offer 5-course beer dinner's that showcase the pairing of beer with food (note to self: attend one asap). Check them out on facebook to book a table for Super Bowl!
I visited this new hot spot on a Saturday evening and it was comfortably packed, but I was able to score a table for two without having to wait. First of all, if you love beer, YOU MUST COME HERE! The food/beer menus are displayed on a unique "newspaper," making for a fun read. Visit the website or the restaurant's facebook page for more detailed information including detailed descriptions of the many beers (international and american) and ABV (alcohol by volume) stats.
We chose to start with the mediterranean platter (hummus, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, marinated olives, and toasted flat bread). This was one of the best platters of this kind that I have ever had. The hummus had a swirl of olive oil on top which enhanced the texture, the olives were flavorfully marinated, the flat bread triangles were seasoned well and the perfect combination of crispy on the outside/soft on the inside. Yum!
I also tried a bite of "The Good Life Burger" which is made of hand crafted sirloin, gruyere cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and bacon jam. Can you say, IN LOVE? Anything with the term "bacon jam," is probably good in my book, and the combination of gruyere and blue cheese was uniquely delectable against the tender sirloin. The french fries were not very exciting, but I tend to prefer the thicker, steak fry variety.
Now, on to the beer. The Good Life is like your standard great beer haven, offering "shot" tastings of their tap beers, in order to help you with your massive decision. In an attempt to match something with my sweet salad, I tried the "St Louis Framboise," a fruity, strawberry-colored brew that I had tried once before at Last Chance Cheese near Hunter Mountain. The beer is very sweet, but interesting if you like that type of flavor. Next time, I will have to sample more beers (and will be sure to report on it).
The table next to me was busy picking at delicious looking appetizers like "mashed potato wontons," covered in cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives. Yes, super fattening, but also super delicious and more gourmet-looking than your standard potato skin. After all, it is January, and comfort food is in season (postpone worrying too much about your beach body for another month or so- it's OK).
All in all, I will definitely return to The Good Life for inventive bar food and to try a few different beers. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is welcoming, and the menu offers a perfect mix of healthy options and comfort dishes. They also offer 5-course beer dinner's that showcase the pairing of beer with food (note to self: attend one asap). Check them out on facebook to book a table for Super Bowl!
Cooking Class at Wolffer - Only a few spots left!
Learn more at Wolffer's facebook page...
Facebook
Join Chef Jeanne Cuddy-Peretz this Sunday, January 23rd at 1:00 PM for
"Cooking with Merlot" Demo and Wine Pairing
Learn the Art of Making Delicious Hors d’oeuvres and pairing them with Wölffer Merlot!
- Wild Mushroom Topped Bruschetta
- Chicken and Root Vegetables Phyllo Triangles
- Meat Balls in Tomato Sauce(a new twist on Swedish)
$35 per person, very limited space so please call Erica for a reservationat 631-537-5106 ext 17
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Get your hands on Sephora's new star products...
Click the link below to check out Sephora's up and coming star products and get your FREE samples of Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara and their top-rated eye makeup remover when you enter code GIFTDUO at checkout!
I alwaysssss order from Sephora online when I am spending more than $50 (which is almost always) because that it the minimum amount for free shipping. :)
I have a feeling the Sephora Skin Care line will get a lot of buzz because of their breakthrough ingredient HydroSenn+, a NATURAL alternative to the ever so fabulous hyaluronic acid!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
PRIME Restaurant in Huntington: 4th Anniversary Celebration NOW through Saturday!
PRIME, my favorite waterfront steakhouse, is celebrating its 4th anniversary by offering an AMAZING 3 course price fixed menu NOW through Saturday. Make a reservation online or call 631.385.1515. Check out the menu here:
first course
cuban black bean soup
toasted cumin crema
-or-
shrimp ceviche
coconut, chilies, lime
-or-
orange roll
spicy salmon, avocado, tempura flakes
topped with salmon, wasabi mayo
second course
cuban seafood paella
chorizo, saffron, valencia rice
-or-
skirt steak
cilantro mojito, crispy plantains
-or-
roasted organic chicken
wild mushroom bread pudding,
baby green beans, chicken jus
third course
vanilla panna cotta
tropical fruits, mango sorbet
-or-
coconut bread pudding
pineapple sorbet
Snow Buster Specials at Local Restaurants!
Here it comes again - the snow! The snow might bring a lot of trouble, but as with most things, there is a silver lining. In an effort to draw in some customers during the storm, several local restaurants are offering "snow buster" discounts. Take advantage of the bargains at some of these yummy places:
B A R R I Q U E & The Argyle Snow Blizzard Special |
- Bring this email in tonight or tomorrow - Tuesday & Wednesday January 11 & 12, 2011 |
10% off your entire Dinning Check!!! |
This offer is good for dinning in or takeout |
**KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR UPDATES TODAY AND TOMORROW!**
Monday, January 10, 2011
Huntington Hot Spot: Porto Vivo
Huntington Village offers a vast array of restaurants and night spots. One of my favorite is Porto Vivo. Nestled at 7 Gerard Ave, just off the main road, the dramatic, multi-level building is hard to miss. My first time dining there was on a special night out with a few of my friends. Since it was a special night, we ordered a bunch of different starters, entrees, and EVERY dessert on the menu! I kid you not. See the picture for proof!
The bar/lounge is located upstairs, where a DJ spins until 2 am on the weekends (late night bar menu is also offered).
The bar/lounge is located upstairs, where a DJ spins until 2 am on the weekends (late night bar menu is also offered).
The menu is Italian-American with a modern flair. There is an entire menu page devoted to various antipasti, appetizers, and flat bread pizzas. We tried the crispy fried artichoke hearts lighlty breaded in parmesean. The portion was small, but flavorful and it paired nicely with the crisp Gabriella chardonnay that we ordered for the table. Then came a spirited frisee salad with candy cane beets, smoked bacon, orange, crispy warm goat cheese, walnuts, pomegranate and chianti vinaigrette. The flavor combination of tart citrus mixed with the smokey bacon, sweet beets, and creamy goat cheese was other worldly.
Now, to the best part of the meal - the flatbread pizza with prosciutto, arugula, and fig preserve. Oh me, oh my. I am not a prosciutto eater in general, but this pizza was pure heaven. The sweet fig preserve mixed with the peppery arugula and salty prosciutto all on a crisp brick oven, square crust pleased the entire crowd.
Entrees were not as exciting. Wood grilled french breast on chicken stuffed with spinach, ricotta cheese, served with a tomato basil sauce and roasted garlic olive-oil mashed potato fell a little flat. The entree I tried during my second visit was much more flavorful (see more below). A side of brussel sprouts, bacon, and apple was a welcome addition to the meal. Porto Vivo french fries with parmesean cheese, truffle oil, and fine herbs arrived to the table sans truffle oil. Our server was quick to correct the oversight and the truffle oil did not disappoint.
Then, came the famous array of desserts! As I said, my friend ordered one of everything on the menu, check the website for more on the selections. The most memorable one was the apple ricotta zeppole served with apple brandy caramel. Minimally greasy, these treats were worth every bite!
On my second visit, I tried the blue cheese crusted beef medallions in port wine sauce. The medallions were tender and the blue cheese crust complimented the beef perfectly. A winning side dish was the lobster and truffle macaroni and cheese. Dotted with fresh lump lobster and a rich, but not overly heavy cheese sauce, this side gave me just the right amount of of surf with my turf!
Porto Vivo holds ladies night every thursday where drinks are half price for ladies all night long. I actually worked as an extra on the set of Sex & the City 2 with Joy Mangano's (restaurant owner) daughter, Jackie. I ran into Jackie at the restaurant and she filled me in more about the restaurant's connection to celebrity chef, Todd English. Stop in at Porto and you might even snag a celebrity sighting of tennis stars, the Williams' sisters, as Joy manages them.
Definitely use opentable.com to make a reservation in advance - this hot spot books up quickly!
Holidays have you feeling less than fit? Visit these local restaurants for healthy, yet delicious meals to start your new year...
Ok, so I am usually a fairly healthy eater, but the holidays have surely taken their toll on me. Enjoying rich foods and drinks with family and friends is OK, for a little while. Now that January is here, I am ready to get back into my old habits.
Going out to eat can wreak havoc on a healthy diet, because most people do not realize the amount of calories that go into most restaurant meals. There are several restaurants in the area that I feel offer great healthy alternatives that most importantly still taste great!
* I will continue to add to this list over time*
1. Butera's Restaurants (Seaford, Woodbury, and Smithtown locations)
I recently went to Butera's for lunch and ordered my favorite salad:
The Warm Frisée, Spinach and Chicken Salad - Grilled chicken, roasted peppers, mixed greens, smoked mozzarella with a warm white wine vinaigrette
Important note: Order the dressing on the side and use one spoonful to drizzle over the salad. The roasted peppers give the salad some slip, so keep the calories down by using as little dressing as possible.
Butera's offers other great salads for lunch and dinner:
Cedar river Farms “All natural” Sirloin
Going out to eat can wreak havoc on a healthy diet, because most people do not realize the amount of calories that go into most restaurant meals. There are several restaurants in the area that I feel offer great healthy alternatives that most importantly still taste great!
* I will continue to add to this list over time*
I recently went to Butera's for lunch and ordered my favorite salad:
The Warm Frisée, Spinach and Chicken Salad - Grilled chicken, roasted peppers, mixed greens, smoked mozzarella with a warm white wine vinaigrette
Important note: Order the dressing on the side and use one spoonful to drizzle over the salad. The roasted peppers give the salad some slip, so keep the calories down by using as little dressing as possible.
Butera's offers other great salads for lunch and dinner:
Warm Grilled Scallop Salad
Jumbo scallops (4), shiitake mushrooms, cannellini beans, tomato, mixed greens, warm white wine vinaigrette
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Jumbo shrimp (5), mixed greens, diced fresh mozzarella, tomato, and onions
with house vinaigrette
with house vinaigrette
Let's face it, sometimes a salad just won't do. This restaurant offers an entire "low carb" menu that offers healthy, hot selections. Try one of these to leave full, not feeling guilty:
Cedar river Farms “All natural” Sirloin
16-oz. all-natural NY shell steak, red wine demi hand cut with red “B” mashed potatoes
and haricot verts
Grilled Swordfish
sundried tomato pearl cous cous, grilled zucchini & yellow squash, lemon cilantro
Bon Appetit!
Can't afford a trip to Europe? Visit Wolffer Estate Vineyard for a taste of Europe in the Hamptons...
Friend the vineyard on Facebook or visit the website for more information. They are presently having "Candlelight Fridays" from 5-8 with different live music acts at the tasting room. Also, the vines in the back of the tasting room will be lit up with over 15K LED lights until February- how beautiful!
Celebrity connection: The James Beard Foundation honored Martha Stewart at the vineyard on July 24, 2010 ad a part of their Chefs & Champagne New York Summer Gala.
*More detailed photos to come after my next visit, which is sure to be very soon!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Don't let winter leave you looking dull. Get your glow back (guys, too)!
Go ahead, blame it on the cold weather and the heat blasting inside your house and car, but that won't make it disappear...
Dry skin and parched hair are almost impossible to avoid this time of year. But if you can't beat it, treat it! Try some of the tips below to get your glow back!
Condition hair with extra care...
Hair seems to be especially dull, dry, and lifeless during this time of year. Take hair conditioning to an all new level with an "innerlink" treatment, offered at a local Merrick hair salon, Harvey Allen (Harvey Allen on facebook or call 516-868-0188 for an appointment and pricing). This treatment really works from the inside out, to restore and re-hydrate your strands! It takes all of 10 minutes at the sink, and includes a pack of four intense conditioners to help you maintain your treatment throughout the month.
Can't afford a salon treatment? Try to avoid over washing your hair, which leads to dry out. Amp up the effectiveness of your conditioner by leaving it on for a few hours while you relax around the house.
For the guys who are possibly experiencing some dandruff during the season- purchase an OTC dandruff shampoo such as Selsun Blue to nix the flakes in no time.
Add a serum to your skin care routine...
Working in the beauty industry for a few years afforded me the luxury of trying many skin care products. One product that I feel you should never live without is a powerful face serum. Serum is more concentrated than face cream and is meant to be applied after you wash your face, before you apply your usual moisturizer, for the intended results. You will literally see and feel the difference in your skin once you incorporate this step into your regimen! Almost all skin care lines have a serum product, so choose the one that fits your budget. One OTC serum that I recommend is L'Oreal's "Skin Genesis Multi Layer Cell Strengthening Daily Treatment." If you want to splurge, go for Elizabeth Arden's "Prevage Advanced Anti Aging Serum."
Try an oxygen mask...
If you haven't already heard, oxygen treatments are taking the skin care industry by storm. Celebrities seek out oxygen facials, but you don't have to be a celebrity to reap those benefits! My all time favorite face mask that I have been dedicated to for the past 2 years is from Bliss product line (available at the Bliss website or at your local Sephora retailer). The Bliss "Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask," will have you looking renewed in a matter of 5 minutes. Simply smooth a dime size amount of the wonder product onto damp, freshly clean skin, and watch in wonder!
Choose the right hand sanitizer...
Most hand sanitizers are sure to wreak havoc on already cracked, dry hands. I much prefer a cream-based antibacterial lotion that I first discovered at Bath and Body Works, called "HandiBac™ Moisturizing Hand Lotion." For guys or girls who prefer an unscented product, try Gold Bond Sheer Moisture Hand Sanitizer .
Hydrate from the inside out...
Yeah, yeah, 8 glasses of water a day. How many times have you heard that? Well, I hate to admit it, but I am not a big water drinker! Try as I may, I just cannot seem to get myself to drink the recommended amount. BUT, there are a few things that help me when trying to stay hydrated.
1- Give cucumber water a whirl! If this sounds weird to you, just give it a try. I fill a glass pitcher with spring water, add freshly cut slices of cucumber (skin on), toss in a few ice cubes, and let the pitcher sit in the fridge for a few hours before drinking up the most refreshing water in the world! Added bonus: when the water is finished, use the chilled cucumber slices to help de-puff tired eyes.
2- Eat water-rich foods. Watermelon (duh), honeydew, cucumber, romaine lettuce, apples, etc. These foods will help you hit that 8 glasses requirement that much faster.
3- Add a fish oil supplement. Your hair, skin, and nails will benefit from this supplement, which you should take in addition to your standard multivitamin (always check with your doctor first if you are on medications, etc.) Omega 3 fatty oils are also found naturally in salmon and other fatty fish - choose fish over steak for a healthy dose of skin saving omega 3's!
Dry skin and parched hair are almost impossible to avoid this time of year. But if you can't beat it, treat it! Try some of the tips below to get your glow back!
Condition hair with extra care...
Hair seems to be especially dull, dry, and lifeless during this time of year. Take hair conditioning to an all new level with an "innerlink" treatment, offered at a local Merrick hair salon, Harvey Allen (Harvey Allen on facebook or call 516-868-0188 for an appointment and pricing). This treatment really works from the inside out, to restore and re-hydrate your strands! It takes all of 10 minutes at the sink, and includes a pack of four intense conditioners to help you maintain your treatment throughout the month.
Can't afford a salon treatment? Try to avoid over washing your hair, which leads to dry out. Amp up the effectiveness of your conditioner by leaving it on for a few hours while you relax around the house.
For the guys who are possibly experiencing some dandruff during the season- purchase an OTC dandruff shampoo such as Selsun Blue to nix the flakes in no time.
Add a serum to your skin care routine...
Working in the beauty industry for a few years afforded me the luxury of trying many skin care products. One product that I feel you should never live without is a powerful face serum. Serum is more concentrated than face cream and is meant to be applied after you wash your face, before you apply your usual moisturizer, for the intended results. You will literally see and feel the difference in your skin once you incorporate this step into your regimen! Almost all skin care lines have a serum product, so choose the one that fits your budget. One OTC serum that I recommend is L'Oreal's "Skin Genesis Multi Layer Cell Strengthening Daily Treatment." If you want to splurge, go for Elizabeth Arden's "Prevage Advanced Anti Aging Serum."
Try an oxygen mask...
If you haven't already heard, oxygen treatments are taking the skin care industry by storm. Celebrities seek out oxygen facials, but you don't have to be a celebrity to reap those benefits! My all time favorite face mask that I have been dedicated to for the past 2 years is from Bliss product line (available at the Bliss website or at your local Sephora retailer). The Bliss "Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask," will have you looking renewed in a matter of 5 minutes. Simply smooth a dime size amount of the wonder product onto damp, freshly clean skin, and watch in wonder!
Choose the right hand sanitizer...
Most hand sanitizers are sure to wreak havoc on already cracked, dry hands. I much prefer a cream-based antibacterial lotion that I first discovered at Bath and Body Works, called "HandiBac™ Moisturizing Hand Lotion." For guys or girls who prefer an unscented product, try Gold Bond Sheer Moisture Hand Sanitizer .
Hydrate from the inside out...
Yeah, yeah, 8 glasses of water a day. How many times have you heard that? Well, I hate to admit it, but I am not a big water drinker! Try as I may, I just cannot seem to get myself to drink the recommended amount. BUT, there are a few things that help me when trying to stay hydrated.
1- Give cucumber water a whirl! If this sounds weird to you, just give it a try. I fill a glass pitcher with spring water, add freshly cut slices of cucumber (skin on), toss in a few ice cubes, and let the pitcher sit in the fridge for a few hours before drinking up the most refreshing water in the world! Added bonus: when the water is finished, use the chilled cucumber slices to help de-puff tired eyes.
2- Eat water-rich foods. Watermelon (duh), honeydew, cucumber, romaine lettuce, apples, etc. These foods will help you hit that 8 glasses requirement that much faster.
3- Add a fish oil supplement. Your hair, skin, and nails will benefit from this supplement, which you should take in addition to your standard multivitamin (always check with your doctor first if you are on medications, etc.) Omega 3 fatty oils are also found naturally in salmon and other fatty fish - choose fish over steak for a healthy dose of skin saving omega 3's!
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