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Model Bakery English Muffins

December 29, 2013

Gracing the front cover of the Model Bakery cookbook are the Napa bakery’s famous English muffins. I’ve made muffins before but they look authentically like store-bought ones versus these golden puffy pillows that sell out every morning at the downtown St Helena shop.

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When I tasted my first Model Bakery muffin it was unlike anything I’ve ever had – this is how it’s supposed to taste? – I thought. The muffin had been in the freezer for about a week and I placed in a toaster oven to re-crisp. It was so flaky, crisp and buttery. Thank goodness for the book, because I had to have them, at any time I wanted. Lucky for me, shortly after my experiment I got to meet the owners of the bakery so I could see firsthand how the muffins were made and get some tips in the process. So here we go, my muffin adventure!

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Gelato in Italy

May 8, 2013

In Paris I seek out macarons. In Italy, it’s gelato. Any excuse I had to stop for a 1-2 euro scoop I’d take it. Pre-dinner snack, post-dinner palette cleanser, or because I successfully got through a mob of tourists, time for gelato. Its so refreshing in the middle of the hot summer and there is nothing like the creamy, rich custard. Sorry froyo.

Having been to Italy twice now, it’s a game of mine seeing how many flavors I can try each trip. My latest count is 17 flavors in 2 weeks traveling from northern to southern Italy. Because it’s been unseasonably warm in San Francisco, I thought I’d reminisce and share my favorites from Rome, Tuscany and Cinque Terre.

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Afternoon Tea: Craftsman & Wolves

January 2, 2013

It was a warm fall day in October and I had a table reserved by the window at Craftsman & Wolves. I was out to try their new afternoon tea, launching a year after the shop opened up in the Mission. Already a fan of the rebel, I was excited for the tea experience and happily photo-documenting what I ate.

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Charmed by Carmel’s La Bicyclette

July 9, 2012

Quaint, storybook, picturesque. All words used to describe Carmel, a town along a one-mile stretch of sandy beach on the Monterey Peninsula. It attracts antiquers, artists and dog lovers. All the homes are cute little cottages and I imagine myself renting one and spending a quiet weekend baking, photographing, blogging and leaving just for meals. The restaurants fit in with the cuteness of the town and my favorite spot is La Bicyclette. I tried it out for the first time over the Fourth of the July and between the atmosphere and the food, I can’t think of any place more inviting and delicious.

It has a European vibe and reminds me of sitting in a cozy cafe in Paris. The one in particular that comes to mind is Le Breizh Café in the Marais district that serves the best galettes. I just love the simplicity and non-fussiness of the space with the rustic wooden tables and chalkboard menus.

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My Take: ink. restaurant

March 4, 2012

What a great way to start out 2012, having one of the best meal’s ever at Michael Voltaggio’s ink. in Los Angeles.  It is absolutely deserving of GQ’s vote for best new restaurant of 2011.  The dishes visually look serious, sophisticated and plated just so but as I made my way through each one, I couldn’t help but feel giddy like a kid.  There were clever surprises waiting in each course and it was such fun to experience them. I am envious of the Top Chef judges who spent an entire season eating Michael’s creations.  He is a genius in the kitchen.

Through the ink. doors about to have an incredible meal.

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