Crayola Box: Grass Green

Hit with a blast of spring fever, these bright cheery shades of grass green make me smile.

- Flower & Peppers, Megan*Christine

- Interior Fawn Galli

- Sofa, Hive Modern

Chicken with Asparagus, Capers and Shallots

With my March 2010 Bon Appetit magazine in hand, I decided tonight to try out their Chicken cutlets with Asparagus, Capers and Shallots recipe. It claimed to give a "delicious lift with a tangy-savory combination." And that it did for sure. I made a baked potato on the side.

This was a very easy recipe and didn't take long to prepare or broil. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

NGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons drained capers
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 1/4 teaspoons fennel seeds, ground in spice mill or in mortar with pestle
• 1 pound medium asparagus spears, trimmed
• 2 cups sliced shallots (about 12 ounces)
• 1 1/4 pounds 1/4- to 1/3-inch-thick chicken cutlets (about 8)

PREPARATION

• Whisk lemon juice and mustard in small bowl. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in drained capers and chopped tarragon. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
• Preheat broiler. Place remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large bowl. Stir in ground fennel seeds. Add asparagus spears to bowl and toss to coat lightly. Arrange asparagus in single layer at 1 short end of large rimmed baking sheet. Add shallots to same bowl; toss to coat with oil mixture. Arrange in center of same rimmed baking sheet. Add chicken to same bowl; toss to coat. Using tongs, transfer chicken to same rimmed baking sheet, arranging in single layer at opposite end of sheet. Sprinkle vegetables and chicken with salt and pepper.
• Broil chicken and vegetables 4 minutes. Turn chicken cutlets and asparagus spears over; toss shallots. Broil until chicken is cooked through and asparagus and shallots are brown in spots, watching carefully to avoid burning, about 4 minutes. Divide chicken cutlets among plates; top with shallots. Arrange asparagus spears alongside. Drizzle mustard dressing over chicken and serve.

Snail Mail

I recently read an editorial article in the NY Times discussing the potential changes that the US Postal Service may take, including to eliminate it's Saturday service. For majority of people, mail serves to deliver mostly bills and junk. But there is a small population of people that still use and appreciate the service to deliver hand written notes and letters. This timeless thoughtful tradition is quickly being replaced by the internet. And the internet is probably the largest driving force behind the financial losses to the Postal Service. Understandably, the measures proposed also include closing certain kiosks, rural offices, etc. These may be reasonable compromises for a larger challenge. But, I still hope that my Grandmother gets my card before the news inside is outdated. As long as that piece of paper brings a smile to her face, I will keep on sending them.

White Raven: Reflexology

What better way to spend a sunny San Diego Sunday afternoon than strolling the Cedros Design District in Solona Beach along with the Farmer's Market. Well, top that off with a delicious frozen yogurt treat, followed by reflexology & champagne. As we passed the vendors and grazed on samples, we stumbled upon White Raven, a Chinese medical studio. After popping inside to check out the studio, we couldn't resist a session of foot reflexology, enjoying a little champagne on the side. The studio is quaint, with deep wood floors inlaid with stones, which along with flowing white drapes, divide the open space into separate rooms. An enjoyable and relaxing experience, enhanced also by the aroma and acoustics. It was definitely a place I am glad we found, and one I'll be sure to return to!

Rosemary Roasted Chicken

After a long work week, a weekend of socializing and entertaining, sometimes cooking a feast for yourself can be a therapeutic stress relief. At least this is how I see it. This particular weekend I started with a caesar salad topped with anchovies, then served rosemary roasted chicken (4lb bird) alongside roasted fingerling potatoes (with garlic and shallots) topped with homemade gravy. I picked out a delicious Pinot (with the help of the Whole Foods wine guy), which sealed the deal on a fantastic feast for the two of us. With plenty of leftovers, even the pup got to enjoy the chicken!

Rosemary Roasted Chicken

* Heat oven to 375 degrees

* Wash and Dry Bird, removing insides

* Drizzle EVOO, chop garlic and fresh rosemary, S&P

* Roast until juice runs clear (average 3lb bird takes an hour)

Roasted Potatoes

* Cut fingerling potatoes in half

* Toss with chopped onion and garlic cloves

* Drizzle EVOO and sprinkle with rosemary, S&P

* Put in oven alongside bird for an hour, stirring occasionally

Bergamot Spa & Studio

Coastal north county has long been associated with the laid-back surf scene, but it is also home to a swath of yoga studios. This attention to health, body and mind is an aspect that attracts many people to the tiny towns of Solana Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Encinitas.

Starting in February, the Bergamot (in Encinitas, 775 N. Vulcan Ave) has expanded its tranquil spa to include a yoga studio and workshop space. The class schedule is still limited, with either a morning or evening class daily. But I am sure that once word gets out about the new studio, more classes will be offered. I haven't gone yet, but this week I am already eyeing to take the Yoga Booty Camp, which looks like a great cross-over class between strength training and yoga.

Cathedral's 15th Anniversary Celebration

If you happen to be in Hillcrest this evening in downtown San Diego, you should make a stop at Cathedral (on University & 4th) for their 15th Anniversary Party from 5-9pm. Cathedral is an amazing specialty candle shop, but also has a great selection of home decor. I featured Cathedral in piece I wrote for Design Sponge:

Although owner Amy Capam’s boutique is primarily known for its high-quality candles and candle accessories, her store has expanded to also include an array of home décor. Mixed amongst a plethora of Volupsa, Archipelago, Kobo, Kai, and BURN candles, Amy has artfully mixed ceramics, vases, pillows, and lighting. She carries Jonathan Adler ceramic figurine, Roost lighting and Chilewich mats. It’s a challenge to walk out empty handed!

Below is their invite for tonight's celebration:

To celebrate the occasion we are throwing a BIG party to say thanks.
Please join us in celebrating with some of our favorite people, who have helped us along the way, in making Cathedral the Go To Spot for the best of Candles, Bath, and Home products. Because of them Cathedral is known as San Diego's Premier Candle Boutique.
Local Guru Jessica Gulati, creator of Lotus Love Beauty, was my first employee and is a very dear person to me. Cathedral was one of the first places in the area to support and sell her line of Oraganic/Vegan Body Care Products. Her collection has since become a Cathedral favorite and a favorite among many of you. She is a great friend to Cathedral as well as myself and it will be a pleasure to showcase her wonderful collection and introduce her to you...
If you were at our last event you met Sean O'Mara the creator of Royal Apothic. We are happy to have him return to showcase his Spring Collections of Candles, Perfumes and Room Sprays.

Greening San Diego: NuCycle

NuCycle: Recycling and Waste Solutions, a San Diego based company, was launched in February 2010. The two founders, originally from Boulder, CO and Los Angeles, CA respectively, met while working for a real estate firm. Over afternoon surf sessions and lunches, they quickly realized they both possessed similar aspirations and an entrepreneurial drive. After many brainstorming sessions, they recognized the need for a solution to the ever growing issue of waste, and thus NuCycle was created. Their well balanced partnership coupled with an innovative business plan has created the answer that local businesses are welcoming with open arms.

February and March marks the initial pilot program for NuCycle, servicing a handful of accounts in the downtown San Diego area. Focusing on refining their service offerings and establishing the foundation of their company, they have already received excellent feedback from their customers.

Each week, I will be highlighting various aspects of NuCycle, focusing on the growth and development of this exciting new company.

Crumbed Chili Chicken with Winter Slaw

After blogging about Donna Hay, I easily found myself absorbed in her website and stumbled across one of her delicious and very easy chicken recipes. With no meal planned for tonight, I decided to try to make it. The spice was the perfect dose of warmth from the blustery weather outside, and the slaw was an ideal light side for a late dinner. I tweaked Donna's original recipe a fair amount, using chicken breasts instead of thighs, swapping bok choy for cabbage, saltines for bread crumbs, and adding a jasmine rice base to the dish. I also sauteed the greens to soften the texture, and baked the chicken instead of pan frying it for crispness.

crumbed chili chicken with winter slaw

• chicken breast
• sleeve of saltines
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
• sea salt and cracked black pepper
• 1 egg
• EVOO
• lemon wedges, to serve

winter slaw

• green beans, whole
• 1 fennel bulb, coarsely chopped
• bok choy, sliced in thin strips
• EVOO
• White Balsamic vinegar

To make the winter slaw, place the green beans & bok choy in a wok with EVOO. Remove once cooked, add fennel and vinegar in a large bowl and toss to combine. Salt to taste. Set aside. Using a meat mallet, flatten out the chicken to (¼ in) thick. Combine the saltines, chili, salt and pepper in a food processor. Beat egg, dip chicken into the egg and press the chicken into the crumb mixture to coat. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken on a non-stick pan and bake for 30 min until golden and cooked through. Cook jasmine rice per package directions. Serve with the chicken over rice and top with winter slaw and lemon.

Donna Hay: stove to table

I have been a fan of Australian food editor and author, Donna Hay, for years. Her various cookbooks line my kitchen shelf, full of delicious no-fail recipes. Her cookbooks could almost dub as coffee table books, with large artistic photographs of beautifully presented food. Her fonts and layouts recall her days in magazine publications. But she also has a website that I highly enjoy, which includes recipes, seasonal menus, entertaining tips, and style ideas. So, not only does she give you the perfect recipe to whip up, but she also tells you how to create the perfect ambiance in which to serve!

Crayola Box: White

Long Beach: Starling Diner

On my last trip up to the greater Los Angeles area, I made a stop in Long Beach to catch up with a good friend over brunch. She always picks the best places, and on this visit, we went to Starling Diner. It is a hip local diner nestled in a neighborhood of adorable houses, with street side cafe tables and a cozy dining space. A rustic interior, adorned with local art, it reminded me much of Cafe on Park in San Diego's North Park. I was a fan of the "spa" (cucumber) water, but the mimosa quickly topped that! The food was a far from diner fare, and was fantastic! We started with a trio of scones. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love scones. And these were served with lemon curd and some sort of orange butter - both which were so tasty! Then we split a goat cheese, mushroom and spinach scramble with crispy potato wedges, and a lox & cream cheese bruschetta. It was the perfect amount of food, and every bite was one to savor. Definitely a place I would recommend!

Andrea Keys Connell

Indiana may be quite a ways from Southern California, but I wanted to bring attention to this great event at Indiana University Southeast. Artist, Andrea Keys Connell, is holding a workshop, which is free and open to the public, on March 8 & 9 in the Ceramics Studio at IUS. Andrea is a talented artist, formally trained at the Maryland Institute College of Art and Ohio University. Her striking large sculptures offer an introspective view into various characters. Her work is currently on show nationwide, including CO, PA, OH, MN, IN. Check out her website for upcoming shows and permanent collections.

Black Bean Veggie Burgers with Red Pepper Spread

*photo is from Food & Wine from a similar recipe

There are those people who doubt their cooking abilities. The ones who apologize before you've taken the first bite, and get nervous to even throw together the simplest of meals. So, when they finally relieve themselves of the unnecessary stress, and create something delicious, its one of my favorite moments to witness, victory in the kitchen!

Below is a recipe that my good friend made for us at a recent dinner party. And it was definitely a victorious moment for her. We couldn't get enough! She served this with grilled asparagus & sweet potato fries.

Burgers:

INGREDIENTS:

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces 1/2 onion, cut into wedges 3 cloves garlic, peeled

1 egg 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce 1/2 cup bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:

1.	If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.
2.	In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
3.	In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.
4.	In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.
5.	Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
6.	If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side. Red Pepper Spread: INGREDIENTS: 2 red bell peppers 2 small garlic cloves 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Dash of red wine vinegar Salt and freshly-ground black pepper DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400F. Cut off the tops of the peppers and slice in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and pale membranes, and press down to flatten. Brush skin sides with oil and place skin side up on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, until skins are wrinkled. 2. Remove peppers from oven and stack on top of each other, allowing to steam for 15 minutes. Rub off skins using your hands or a paper towel. 3. Place peppers, garlic, and oil in a blender and puree. Season to taste with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Makes about 1 cup.

Remodel: Nana Walls

With a blank palette, strategically placed rooms, and visions of a patio surrounded by lush foliage, I wanted the walls to be as non intrusive as possible. I wanted the master bedroom to open up onto the patio as if it was all the same room. That relaxation had no boundaries. That it was one cohesive sanctuary. I was pleased to stumble upon Nana Wall, a glass wall solution. Flexible in design, with many varieties, depending on the particular architectural space, I decided to choose the glazed folding system. The entire back wall would open up, like an accordion, onto the backyard. The glass, which is LEED certified and has thermal performance, provides similar benefits to a solid wall. After talking to a representative for a quote, he recommended that I check out some installed examples in San Diego. Hotel Indigo, Se Hotel and Tower 23 all use Nana Walls. I am very familiar with the Tower 23 bar and restaurant which opens up to the Pacific Beach boardwalk, allowing for seaside breezes and fresh air to flow into the interior lounge. I have also been to Hotel Indigo, which is one of the first LEED certified hotels in San Diego. The main lobby bar opens up entirely to a large wrap around street-side patio. I plan to swing by the Se while I am downtown this weekend to check out the upper floor suites. Who knows, maybe I'll take a stay-cation while I am there!

Crayola Box: Red

A dip into my iPhoto in search for today's color, RED.... this led me to two of my favorite places, New York and San Diego. And I had to toss in a random portrait (in costume) of one of my bestest friends, who hails from NY but made the switch to SoCal life.