John Mayer Trio

This evening, 29 December, in downtown San Diego at the Copley Symphony Hall (750 B Street), the John Mayer Trio is performing at 7:30pm.  The trio is comprised of John Mayer, vocals & guitar, Pino Palladino, bassist, and Steve Jordon, drummer.  Together they create music that merges aspects of jazz, folk, funk, soul and rock.  As John was quoted saying, it's "power rockin', electric guitar, in your face blues."  

I can report after attending the concert that the show was very enjoyable and all three of the guys are extremely talented.  The venue at Copley Hall was quite different than the average stadium, field, or hall.  Lined with seats on both the lower and upper levels, the interior was set for a intimate, more conservative, event.  Opening for the Trio was Mayer Hawthorne, a group of guys originally from Ann Arbor Michigan, bringing Detroit Motown to a new level.  They were a great beginning to the evening, getting the crowd warmed up and encouraging everyone to stand up in their seats and move with the music.  By the time the Trio came on stage, everyone was ready to sway, shake and groove.  A great show for sure!  

Donna's Toffee

In my attempt to learn how to successfully bake, I decided to host a holiday party, Cookies & Cocktails.  Everyone was to bake at least a dozen of their favorite cookies and then we'd have an old fashion cookie exchange, where everyone departs with an variety of sweets.  I chose to make Chris' mother, Donna's, infamous chocolate and walnut toffee.  It ended up being pretty simple and so delicious.  We've been quite the happy piglets this past week!

Donna's Toffee

1 sleeve of saltines         
2 sticks real butter         
12 oz chocolate chips
1 cup sugar

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Melt butter in saucepan. Add sugar and heat to boiling. About 3 min.stirring constantly. Line a cookie sheet with foil and put the saltines on it as close as possible. Pour butter and
sugar over them and bake 10min at 325 degrees.  As soon as you take out of the oven pour chocolate chips over. Spread evenly and sprinkle nuts. Put in refrigerator until fully cooled, then break up in pieces. Store in the refrigerator. 

Borders: A quiet escape from holiday shopping

At first I thought we were mildly insane to head out on the weekend before Christmas and go shopping.  I won't lie, the parking lot was a war zone and the check-out lines seemed to weave into infinity.  But after we secured our last minute purchases, to escape it all, we found ourselves tucked away in the back of Borders with a stack of books, solitude and quietness.  I must say it's a delightful change of pace from the frenzied race only feet from our nook.  

In my stack: 

Downtown Chic; From Wreck to Ravishing, Robert & Courtney Novogratz

Paul Klee Selected by Genius, Roland Doschka

Simple Style, Julia Bird

A16 Food+Wine, Nate Appleman

Remake it Home: The essential guide to resourceful living, Henrietta Thompson

To Your Taste, Celerie Kemble

Midwest Modern, Amy Butler

cardiff evening

driving home in cardiff on sunday, i decided that its so easy to take advantage of the beautiful landscape and sunsets at our fingertips.  so, i pulled over and enjoyed the quiet solitude while the sun sank into the pacific.  

LUX@Night: Encinitas

Tonight is Lux@Night at Lux Art Institute in Encinitas, showing the work of artist, Susan Hauptman from 7-9pm.  Lux@Night offers the public a chance to meet the resident artist, see the work in progress, as well as selected past pieces.  Admission is free and light appetizers and beverages are served.  

A Fashion Wonderland: Cardiff

If you want something fun to do this afternoon in Cardiff.  The trendy boutique, Azzaria, near Seaside Market, is having a holiday fashion show.  They have a great selection of clothes, as well as a denim bar.  Just make sure to bring your umbrella, it's raining in SoCal!

Fig and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

When I was back in Virginia celebrating the holidays, Mom and I made this delicious pork dish.  I got the recipe from my friend, Carrie, who initially found it in Cooking Light magazine.  It was delicious, and we served it with mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed green beans.  I do wish there was some sauce or reduction, maybe fig.  Might have to create that next time.  Please let me know if you have suggestions!

Fig and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
An apple glaze and sweet dried figs complement the savory blue cheese in this simple yet refined dish. Serve with wild rice and steamed green beans.

1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed
1/2 cup dried figs, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon apple jelly, melted

Preheat oven to 450°.

Slice the pork in half lengthwise, cutting to, but not through, other side. Open the halves, laying pork flat. Place pork between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet. Sprinkle figs and blue cheese over pork, leaving a 1/2-inch margin around outside edges. Roll up the pork, jelly-roll fashion, starting with long side. Secure at 2-inch intervals with twine. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper, and place on a foil-lined jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 450° for 20 minutes. Brush jelly over the pork. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160° (slightly pink). Let stand for 10 minutes. Discard twine; cut pork into 12 (1-inch-thick) slices.

Tonight in Cardiff: Undulation

Tonight, for one night only, at 111 Chesterfield, Suite 119 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA there is a hosted art show featuring the work of local artists, photographer Maggie Marsek and painter Skye Walker. There will be a DJ, snacks, beverages and great deals. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up a holiday gift.

Rosemary-Sage Rubbed Pork

Adapted from Williams & Sonoma's Outdoor Entertaining, this rub for pork was so delicious.  Do not add any additional salt to the rub or during cooking, as the pancetta and capers, along with the rub are plenty.  (My love for salt has ruined meals, so I am very conscious of it for my guests' sake!)  I served the pork with mashed potatoes with chives and steamed broccoli. 

-------------------

Rub (mix all ingredients and spread on pork)

1 tablespoon EVOO

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, crushed

1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper

-----------------

Use pork loin or pork chops.  Spread rub on pork, slice into pork and stuff with quartered fresh garlic cloves, wrap think slices pancetta around pork.  Bake at 375 degrees (about 30 minutes or until cooked).  Remove, slice, and dress with rinsed capers.  Serve over potatoes and enjoy!

Gobble Gobble

Even though we should all take some time each day to reflect on how how lucky we are and to be grateful for all that we have, today is a good excuse to celebrate those blessings!  I am baking yet another loaf of pumpkin bread for today's gathering, and watching the infamous Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade (which reminds me of my late Poppy- love him!).  Before I go and indulge in a turkey feast and imbibe some delicious spirits, I am going to take my own turkey trot along Cardiff Beach with the pup.  It's a gorgeous SoCal day, just one of the many things I am lucky to have at my fingertips!

...................................

the best boyfriend

the most wonderful family (+ growing)

my health and my mind

the unconditional love of my pup

creative outlets

my outdoor shower

web of amazing friends

a warm yoga studio 

the ocean breezes in my backyard

sweet guava tree outside my bedroom window

ingredients and means to cook, cook and cook some more

ice coffee

......................

and to think, this is only the beginning of a very long list!  Happy Thanksgiving Day  :)

Tart: Los Angeles

Last weekend I met my girlfriend for a delicious brunch at Tart in Los Angeles.  Attached to the Farmer's Daughter hotel on Fairfax Avenue, Tart is a blend of urban meets country.  Rustic decor hangs from the patio walls, like over sized farming tools and metal sculptures, and the tables and private booths are tucked amongst tall succulents.  The food was delicious, as was the spicy Bloody Mary.  I had a spinach frittata (with roasted red peppers, leeks and goat cheese).   If you find yourself in The Grove or the Farmers Market, I recommend stopping by Tart to grab a bite! 

Pumpkin Bread

I am the first to admit, I am not a baker.  But for a recent Thanksgiving potluck at our friend's condo in Cardiff-By-The-Sea I decided to try out my Mom's pumpkin bread recipe.  Following the advice to stick to the exact measurements (unlike my approach to cooking), I was happily surprised when my loaf was a success!  

Momma Lyders' Pumpkin Bread

1 2/3 cup flour

1 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs, well beaten

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup cooking oil

1/4 cup water

 

Mix together first 5 ingredients; set aside.  Thoroughly beat eggs in bowl and gradually add sugar and beat until thick and lemon colored.  Add pumpkin, oil and water.  Blend well.  Add the dry ingredients.  Beat well.  Spoon into greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for about 1 hour (may take a little longer - check for doneness with cake tester).  Cool in pan about 10 minutes then remove to cool completely.  enjoy!

 

Head Start to Thanksgiving

Earlier this month I had bookmarked an article from the New York Times, The Minimalist
101 Head Starts on the Day, which listed a ton of Thanksgiving recipes that can be made in advance. I have only attempted to make the full holiday dinner once, and timing was one of the biggest challenges. With only one stove, four burners, limited counter space and a handful of serving bowls, I found myself in a conundrum to deliver a complete meal all at once. As usual, I was my biggest critic, and given that most of the food was gobbled up, it couldn't have been that bad! But even now, as I plan to be a guest to a dinner party, making something ahead of time sounds so delightful. It's an article worth checking out, and has some good ideas!

Encinitas Fall Festival

At the last minute, upon return home from Los Feliz (LA), I wandered down to the Encinitas Fall Festival in north county San Diego. With more booths than I would have ever anticipated, the streets (between D & J along the 101) were shut down and double-lined with pop up tents filled with art, jewelry, clothing, local businesses, etc. Musicians set up in-between the mix of vendors, filling the crowd with an upbeat vibe. Although I couldn't stay very long, I did make sure that I popped by Maggie Marsek's booth. I had written about Maggie months ago when I first saw her artwork in Leucadia. With a bare wall in my bedroom, I was happy to support a local artist and picked up a print of the above image, Keel Fin.

Ray at Night: 14 November

Every second Saturday of the month (tonight, 14 November), the North Park neighborhood in San Diego hosts Ray at Night, a gallery walk from 6-9pm, attracting over 1,500 people to more than two dozen businesses.  The activity centers on Ray Street (a one way street off of University Avenue just east of 30th Street).  Businesses, shops and galleries stay open later and display original artwork such as paintings, ceramics, jewelry and sculptures.  There is also often entertainment: jazz, poetry, dance group performances, usually held in a parking along Ray Street or privately hired by galleries.  Afterwards, be sure to cruise into one of the many local eateries, such as The Linkery or Urban Solace.  

Kettner Nights: November 13

Tonight, from 6-9pm in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood is Kettner Nights. Little Italy is widely considered San Diego's art and design district, and this event is a great way to explore all the businesses and studios along Kettner Boulevard and India Street. Mingle with other art and design enthusiasts, sip on some wine and discover something new. Afterwards there is handful of delicious restaurants to enjoy a good dinner, like Buon Appetito or Indigo Grill.

Not to miss, join Mixture (2210 Kettner Boulevard), as they partner with Dwell magazine to proudly feature the design collections of De La Espada. As a groundbreaking design management firm, De La Espada manages 4 other design forward brands alongside its own signature line: Autoban, Leif.designpark, Matthew Hilton and Studioilse. With over 20 new pieces on the Mixture showroom floor, it'll be a treat to take in the originality of this furniture and lighting collection. In addition, enjoy the 8,500 square foot showroom filled with art and design from 30+ artists and 100 distinct furniture & accessories lines.

The Andrew's Gallery: The DNA of San Diego

November 14th, 2009 - “The DNA of San Diego” @ The Andrew’s Gallery in Leucadia (north county San Diego, CA)

The DNA of San Diego, a crossroads exhibition mixing art and science featuring the DNA portraits of notable members of the San Diego community.

More information on The Andrews Gallery can be found on their website or blog.

(image of piece by artist, Erwin Dazelle) 

Pear and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

Last night I had a girlfriend over for a long overdue 'catch-up session.' I made the below recipe for us, which was perfect for a crisp San Diego fall night. I used in-season produce that were locally bought- the Pears came from Julian and the Pumpkin from Encinitas. Originally from Food and Wine magazine, I altered the recipe to my taste. It was delicious and light, and I will definitely make it again!

Ingredients

Dressing:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (or mix in some water for a healthy alternative)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Salad:
arugula
pears (Asian pears if they are available)- peeled, cored and very thinly sliced
salted roasted pumpkin seeds
fresh goat cheese, crumbled

chicken, cubed
Sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions

In a pan, saute chicken with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic salt. Once cooked, set aside. Place pear slices in the same pan, turning until cooked.

In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with the lemon juice, honey and chopped thyme. Season the salad dressing with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the pear slices, chicken and goat cheese. Add the dressing and toss well. Top with the pumpkin seeds, sprinkle lightly with sea salt and serve right away.

La Jolla: My Own Space & Bourgie Lamp

This past weekend, I made excellent time driving to La Jolla for an afternoon of pampering with the girls, and ended up in the Cove 30 minutes early.  I decided to wander up Girard Avenue, and do a little (window) shopping.  I noticed a lot of new clothing boutiques that have opened up, and was surprised to see the hip restaurant/lounge Jack's was closed!  

But majority of my time was spent in My Own Space (MOS), a San Diego contemporary furniture and accessories boutique.  The long open floor space is staged with the pieces from their unique collection, which are intended to provide ideas and inspiration.  The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, eager to help pull together your own space.  

I was immediately drawn to the Kartell Bourgie Lamp.  Designed by Ferruccio Laviani, this polycarbonate lamp is a spin on the classic baroque table lamp.  Composed of three decorative layers, the lamp's height is adjustable and comes in crystal, black or chrome.  I personally like the transparency of the crystal.  

Park Planter

Artist, Tristan Zimmermann's Park Planters are a creative and witty twist to the traditional planter.  The intent is to frame the plant, removing it from a generic household plant to a scene in a larger park (hence the porcelain lid).  The white porcelain pieces come in 4 design themes, the shady transactions that go down after dark in a park.   Small figures adorn the lid, including a lost salesman, a mugger, a gay couple and a flasher.  With a little ounce of humor, the park is brought inside.  

The Park Planters can be found online at Charles + Marie (which also carries an array of other great finds), or locally in San Diego at Grounded in Encinitas. $100

Yard Sales

For those looking to score a great bargain, dig through bins on a sunny Saturday morning, stroll around with a fresh coffee.... this website could be the new beginning of planning those weekend morning yard sale adventures.  Yard Sale Treasure Map is an interactive website that allows you to put in your location (San Diego, 92101, etc), the item(s) you are searching for, and then it maps out all the yard sales and the best routes.  I have yet to try it out, but perhaps that will change this weekend.....

NOOD: New Objects Of Desire

I love Mixture in San Diego, and I think I found its twin in Christchurch, a store called Nood.  Nood (New Objects of Desire) is a  design oriented store that is stocked full of contemporary furniture, textiles and gadgets.  With predominantly Danish designers, the furniture is sleek and the lighting is modular, and the whole store is flash of bright color.  I was particularly drawn to the Le Corbusier influenced chaise lounge in stainless steel and pony-skin leather.  It was very comfortable and stylish.  Too bad it was 25.5 kgs (airlines in NZ charge significantly for baggage over 23 kgs) and $3K- otherwise it would have been the perfect souvenir!  

Delicious NZ Honey: J.Friend And Co.

Who knew honey could be so tasty?  Who knew it was a craft, like winemaking?  And who knew it could be paired strategically with specific cheeses?  I sure didn't.  That is until my recent trip to New Zealand.  I was introduced to J.Friend and Co honeys, and I wish I could have brought some back to the States with me.  J.Friend and Co is an organic honey producer that works with artisan beekeepers, using resources from the NZ landscape, resulting in a range of boutique honeys in a variety of flavors.  Each honey is as unique as its floral source, with a complex balance of components.  Flavors include:Wild Thyme, Beachwood Honeydew, Blue Borage, etc.  Paired with NZ cheeses, this honey is amazing.  We had the pleasure of indulging in this heavenly treat!  And, it doesn't hurt that the packing design is attractive too!

Aukland, NZ

We made it to Aukland, and so far New Zealand is amazing.......

NZ Fashion Week 2009 at our hotel (Westin)
Gorgeous Harbour
Sail boats galore
Rugby on every TV
4 Seasons in 1 Day
The nicest people on earth
Delicious greenlipped mussels
Tasty Sauv Blanc wines, and so many choices
Cheese, cheese and more cheese

Off to bike wine country today!

Green Fresh Florals: Grand Opening

Green Fresh Florals is planning it's grand opening for September 25-27 in Hillcrest (3785 4th Avenue - at Robinson). The weekend long celebration will include champagne, in-store specials and more. Definitely recommend checking out the store - I would be there, but unfortunately I will be abroad in New Zealand.

San Diego Restaurant Week

It's arrived, San Diego's Restaurant Week, September 13-18. It's the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant or one you've been eyeing, as they have over 180 restaurants to choose from. Also, it's a spectacular deal for a three course meal, ranging from $20, $30 and $40.

I am away on business travel this week, so unfortunately I will not get to enjoy this year. But if I was there, I would have gone to Bleu Boheme, Cowboy Star or Blanca! Looking forward to the feedback on our cities delicious eateries!

St Regis Monarch Beach

Over Labor Day weekend I had the pleasure of taking a mini-getaway to the St Regis Monarch Beach resort. It's about 45 minutes north of San Diego in Dana Point (Orange County), set along the coast with a spectacular golf course, gorgeous pool, lush gardens, decadent food, and a heavenly spa. Needless to say, I had a wonderful time of relaxing in luxury. I didn't want to leave, and I am sure if you go, you'll feel the same......

The Gallery: San Diego Museum of Art

Last night I attended the launch party at the San Diego Museum of Art for it's latest venture, The Gallery.  It's a new group of members that are interested in art, collecting and local happenings.  The goal is to gather young art enthusiasts and leverage the resources in the museum (curators, artists, collectors, etc) to promote collaboration and communication in the art world through a variety of social, educational and philanthropic events.  

The launch was enjoyable, and I met a lot of really nice people.  Held in the Thornton Rotunda inside the main museum, cocktails and conversation flowed, and private tours were given of the Picasso, Miro Calder and Calder Jewelry exhibits (provided by Julie Marciari-Alexander and John Marciari).  

It looks to be a great idea.  Sign me up.

    

Daily Candy

Just like the clothing in my closet, I go through phases of "favorites" with websites.  I recently stumbled upon a trusty go-to site on my Bookmark List, Daily Candy (est. 2000).  The website is an insiders guide to everything hot and undiscovered.  I have always wished that Daily Candy would come to San Diego, but in the meantime, I am happy reading about Los Angeles and the all inclusive, Everywhere.  I sometimes spy on other cities too, like San Francisco, Washington DC and New York, and send friends links to awesome local finds!  

For this past Christmas, I received The Daily Candy Lexicon, a book of words that don't exist but should.  It's a collection of fantastic expressions that can ironically apply to my own life, like Dance Dance Evolution (The fantastical notion, after a few rounds of drinks, that you are an incredibly gifted dancer) or E-Maul (To stalk someone via email).  

Check out Daily Candy, but chances are it'll become addictive! 

Chalkboard Decals: Rococo

I have long been a fan of wall decals.  It's a perfect alternative to stenciling and wallpaper, which gives detail without the commitment.  And there are so many companies out there that offer creative designs.  

This particular design from Wall Candy Arts is a chalkboard decal.  Not only is the functional aspect appealing, but the cut-out is a stylish form, with a Louis XIV essence.  I want one!

Tender Greens: Delicious Salads

I heard about Tender Greens when it opened about a year ago in San Diego's Liberty Station, but this week I had my first chance to see what all the talk has been about.  Tender Greens is a locally sustained eatery with three Southern California locations (San Diego, Culver City & West Hollywood) that focuses on food and it's source.  The idea behind the long list of salads, is that all ingredients are organic (when available), freshly picked and grown locally.  All the meat and fish is raised in the area and are grain-fed, hormone free, etc.  This place makes you feel healthy just walking in the front door.  The San Diego Tender Green interiors is a bright, rustic open space with high ceilings.  The food preparation counters are lined with bowls of colorful vegetables and fruits, and is separated from the dining area from a low glass retention wall.  The dining area is decorated with modern, sleek beech wood and metal furniture, and every table has a fresh flower.  Admittedly, it's a pleasant experience.

The salad I chose was delicious and bursting with flavor!  I have every intention to recreate:

Arugula, Fresh chopped Herbs, Goat Cheese, Prosciutto, Figs, with a zest lemon vinaigrette and a side of crusty fresh bread!  

San Diego Museum of Art: Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon's photography exhibit, Portraits of Power, closes this weekend (September 6) at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.  I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to see the work of arguably one of the most important American photographers.  This particular show includes a large selection of portraits of powerful historical forces traced from the 1950's into the 2000's.   The 200 photographs include politicians, activists, lawyers, industry leaders, military and the corporate elite.  The exhibition is well designed, and Avedon's iconic style unfolds through the decades of prints.  His immense talent is unwavering and I was taken aback to the extent that I was drawn into his portraits.  The emotion that he captures and the stories he tells through his theatrical style goes well beyond the surface. Portraits of Power was a beautiful timeline that captures the essence of American democracy.    

The Pearl Hotel

Last night we attended the last "You Be the Judge" event for the San Diego Film Festival at the Pearl Hotel in San Diego's Point Loma neighborhood. After showing 3-4 short films, feedback will be used to help the committee select which films will make the final cut to be part of this September's Film Festival (September 23-27th). We only stayed for 1 film, which was a partial musical about a vampire play. It was entertaining, and I enjoyed that the directors and cast were also present to see their product on the big screen above the pool.

We arrived early to enjoy the Pearl's Happy Hour specials (see below), and soak up some sunshine at the open-air restaurant/bar. Being that it was Taco Tuesday, we had delicious tacos, which you got to pick and choose your meats and then add your own toppings. I am a big fan of the build-your-own-taco-bar, and of course the friendly taco-man too. We also had this tasty, almost slightly potent, goat cheese and roasted garlic crostini. The food has never disappointed me at the Pearl (especially their brunch!).

In 2007, the Pearl opened in a renovated hotel along the busy Rosecrans Street. The interiors of the small boutique hotel were designed by Michael Soriano of Onairos Design (also the designer from my June blog on Syrah's interiors). Combining vintage mid-century design with modern minimalism, the space captures classic California. The aquatic color scheme of blues and aquas transcend an easy going atmosphere that carries throughout the chic restaurant and playful poolside lounge. It's a great place to relax, catch up with friends, and float under the sun.

Monday - Friday: 3-4-5 Happy Hour:
$3 beer, $4 well drinks and $5 wines! Pair it up with amazing appetizers from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, all night Monday too! (Food service does not start until 6 PM)
Tuesdays: TacoRita Tuesdays:
It's a taco takeover and then some! Enjoy $3 beef, fish, or veggie tacos; $3 Coronas; and our exclusive $10 TacoRita combo of two tacos and a margarita! From 6-10 pm.