Untitled Document Home
Chef & Hotel Profile
Publisher's Page
Gift Guide
Travel Adventures
Epicurean Events
Health Minded
Spa Baby Secrets
Sips
Book Bites
Culinary Coup
Sense of Style
Kids Kaleidoscope
Tinsletown Tidbits
Wheels
Radio Show & Links
Contact Us


For 25 years, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce has been an innovative force in the community, championing economic exchange and fostering trade opportunities. IACCW is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and stimulate economic and trade relations between Italy and the Western United States. The goal of the IACCW is to provide both members and the business community with a broad range of services, emphasizing commercial assistance and referrals, in support of their business activities and expansion goals. In addition, the IACCW organizes on-going events including conferences, seminars and lunch meetings, attended by high-profile individuals from the entrepreneurial, governmental, political, diplomatic and cultural sectors, designed to open new levels of cooperation and dialogue.

Vino California

The week-long wine and food extravaganza is widely recognized as the largest native Italian wine celebration across the West Coast and has become an iconic fixture in the national wine landscape. VINO CALIFORNIA brings together a cadre of A-list Italian winemakers, master sommeliers and top local culinary personalities delivering a series of epicurean experiences that appeal to the sophisticated palates of wine and food enthusiasts.

VINO CALIFORNIA gathers Italian wine producers, importers, distributors, press, and consumers fostering an array of invaluable business opportunities.

Kicking off on May 13, 2013, the 5-day wine celebration includes a Grand Tasting extravaganza, a series of seminars, trade-only events and wine pairing dinners featuring Los Angeles top rated chefs and restaurants.

GRAND TASTING MAY 14

For questions about events and/or ticketing, please contact info@vino-california.com.

Sponsors

VINO CALIFORNIA, the West Coasts most anticipated Italian wine classic, returns May 13-17, 2013 for a five-day feast of the senses. With an incredible line up of events, VINO CALIFORNIA is a unique opportunity to share in the love of Italian wines with Southern California wine professionals, connoisseurs, consumers, bloggers, and media. From wine tasting seminars to tastemakers dinners, VINO CALIFORNIA sponsorship and participation options are endless for your brands. We would like to personally invite you to join us at this years VINO CALIFORNIA and hope to see you in May. Below are the sponsors for this years Vino California event.

Italian Magic Olives, PreGel America, Bindi Fantasia nel dessert, Ferrarelle, Pasta Mia, Il Fornaio, Authentic Italian Restaurante & Bakery.

Media Sponsors:

PUCKERVODKA UNVEILS A NEW AUDACIOUS FLAVOR TO THE VODKA MARKET WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF WATERMELON WOW
The Premium Vodka Line Grows its Portfolio With the Addition of Latest Flavor Expression
 Just in time for Spring, Pucker Vodka introduces its latest expression, Pucker Watermelon Wow Vodka. Leveraging its bold and innovative flavor expertise, this new vodka features an intense and refreshing watermelon flavor that provides an extra dimension of taste to cocktails.
Made from quadruple distilled vodka and with natural flavors, Pucker Watermelon Wow Vodka is a premium spirit unlike any other flavored vodka on the market. It combines the luscious flavor of watermelon with the invigorating aroma of candied fruit and melon for a unique sensory experience.
We are thrilled to introduce Pucker Watermelon Wow Vodka, said Kim Washington, Senior Director, Vodkas for Beam Inc. This refreshing new expression is a perfect addition to our vibrant and innovative line of flavored vodkas, bringing watermelon to consumers in a way that only Pucker Vodka can - up front, intense and full of flavor.
This clear, smooth spirit delivers a taste that is balanced and confident enough to enjoy with a simple mixer, served straight up or in a cocktail creation, such as one of these:
Sultry Spring Bloom
Ingredients:
1 34 parts Pucker Watermelon Wow Vodka
2 parts Cucumber Juice
Splash Fresh Lime Juice
34 part Simple Syrup
Watermelon Candy Slice
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled highball glass. Garnish with a Watermelon candy slice.
Brazen Watermelon Blush
Ingredients:
1 12 parts Pucker Watermelon Wow Vodka
2 parts Kiwi and Strawberries, Pureed
Bunch of Mint
Kiwi Slice
Strawberry Slice
Red Sugar Rim (optional)
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake and strain over crushed ice into a highball glass. Stir/swizzle and top with a mint bunch, kiwi slice and strawberry slice. Optional garnish: a red sugar rim.
Watermelon Wow is available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $16.99 for a 750ml bottle. Available in seven bold flavors, including Sour Apple Sass, Grape Gone Wild, Cherry Tease, Citrus Squeeze, Lemonade Lust, Raspberry Rave and Watermelon Wow, Pucker Vodka continues to deliver a multi-dimensional vodka experience for the playful, audacious, and spontaneous. To find a store or additional recipes, please visit www.puckervodka.com, LIKE Pucker Vodka on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @PuckerVodka.
_________________________________________________________________________________

SAUZA TEQUILA REVOLUTIONIZES THE MARGARITA WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF SAUZA SPARKLING MARGARITA
Three Refreshing Flavor Combinations Offer A Unique Tasting Experience



Today, Sauza Tequila, the worlds #2 premium tequila, announces the launch of Sauza Sparkling Margarita, a refreshing new way to enjoy the authentic taste of a margarita with the unique addition of effervescent bubbles. Available in three delicious flavors, including Original Lime, Wild Berry and Mango Peach, this fun, ready-to-serve cocktail captures the spirit of the traditional margarita paired with a unique twist of flavor.

Each variety of Sauza Sparkling Margarita begins with a Sauza Silver Tequila base, which is enhanced with Triple Sec along with bubbly effervescence and refreshing flavors.

  • Sauza Original Lime Sparkling Margarita Offers margarita purists a simple twist featuring fresh agave and sweet and tart lime along with effervescent bubbles.
  • Sauza Wild Berry Sparkling Margarita Perfect for those looking for an unexpected flavor pairing, Wild Berry features notes of bright cherry and citrus with just a hint of spice.
  • Sauza Mango Peach Sparkling Margarita A sweet sensation, Mango Peach features the perfect balance of sweetness combining fresh mango and peach with the tart taste of lime.

Launching just in time for the spring and summer entertaining season, Sauza Sparkling Margarita allows you to easily turn any moment into a celebration, said Vanessa Jenkins, Senior Marketing Director of Tequilas at Beam Inc. Weve taken Americas #1 cocktail and made it even more refreshing by adding a bit of effervescence to it. Its fresh, bubbly, and ready-to-serve perfect for any ladies evening with friends. Now, you can simply open and pour margaritas that will truly bring some sparkle to the party, of course always responsibly.
visit www.sauzatequila.com.

___________________________________________________________________________

Art In April

April 1, 2013 - April 30, 2013 - Time: 10:30am - 5:00pm

Renowned artist and interior designer Vaso Peritos is gracing our walls with her beautiful artwork.

 

With a BFA in Interior Design from the Academy of Art University, Vaso has a wealth of artistic and practical experience. Many of her wine-themed paintings will be displayed at the winery throughout the month.

 

We will also be featuring fantastic photos taken by our own Jean-Pierre Huser and "The Story of Wine" exhibition by Ansel Adams as well as selected artworks from the Sterling Private Art Collection.

 

All the exhibits will be on view for the month of April. Art lovers and wine enthusiasts alike will find these pieces positively captivating. Enjoy wonderful wines and works of art this April at Sterling Vineyards.

 

Sterling Vineyards 1111 Dunaweal Lane

Calistoga, CA94515 (800) 726-6136

____________________________________________________________________

THE LIBRARY - HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL

Herbal Refreshments for a Healthy Buzz

By Bonnie Carroll

 

The Library Bar in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is home to up and coming performers and entertainment moguls, talent is seen both in front of the bar and behind the bar. With the demand for healthier social refreshments the mixologists' at The Library are mixing and mudling up some amazingly healthy optons that spotlight farmer's market ingredients. The front of the bar itself is lined with beautiful herbs, fruits and vegetables included in the original recipes used for favorite and specialty cocktails prepared for patrons.

 

Not only do they serve amazing standard and individual requests, but they also mix up some fantastic tasting non-alcoholic cocktails to please the most sophisticated Hollywood hopeful.

 

The private little bar emulates a dimly lit and cozy library that is filled with comfy leather furniture accented with wild animal prints. I guess you could say its a hipper crowd cheers style hangout for the already arrived and the hope to soon be famous crowd along the boulevard of stars. If you are in Tinsel Town you dont want to miss this historic little hide-a-way. Its all good here, and everyone is having a great time being healthy.  www.Thompsonhotels.com.

 

 ________________________________________________________________________

Pinot and Paella Festival

JUNE 6, 2013
Starts at 02:00 pm

The 10th Annual Paso Pinot & Paella Festival will be held on Sunday June 2nd, 2013 in the beautiful Templeton Community Park. Join the Paso Robles Pinot Noir Producers for an afternoon of great wine, exceptional food & unmatched fun. Joining 20 Paso Pinot Producers are 20 of the Central Coasts Best Chefs, with live music by Incendio.

Mingle with the winemakers and discover how the sense of place, or terroir, is reflected in each sip of glorious Paso Pinot Noir. Taste why leading food magazines identify this area as a great place for wonderful cuisine made with locally grown and farm fresh ingredients.

Each year, ticket sales raise upwards of $20,000 to be donated to programs that support youth arts in San Luis Obispo County like the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation.

Tickets include a souvenir Burgundy-style fine wine glass, endless tastes of 20 Paso Pinot Noirs paired with 20 paellas, live music by Incendio, and dancing if you like. The festivities take place under the shade of giant oak trees in the park. Blankets & lawn chairs welcome.

Where: Templeton Community Park
When: Sunday June 2, 2013
Hours: 2-5pm
Tickets: $65/pp, limited to 500 guests

Location:
Templeton Community Park

_________________________________________________________________________

OLD TOWN HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE WELCOMES GARDUNOS

Beloved New Mexican Restaurant Replaces Caf Pazuela and Cantina

By Bonnie Carroll

 

May is the month for Gardunos On the Rio Grande Restaurant & Cantina to premiere at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town in the former Caf Pazuela and Cantina. Chef Tony Trujillo, along with his staff and the chefs from Gardunos have worked together to offer hotel guests the best of all worlds in the new menu now being presented to patrons. 

Everyone is very excited about this new addition to our Heritage Hotel experience, and we expect Gardunos will soon be included in the dining destinations at all of our hotels. This beloved New Mexico brand is a perfect match for our property, and the expansion of Caf Pazuela and Cantina, along with the outdoor extension we are implementing is expected to be a major attraction where our guests and their families may enjoy delicious food in either an indoor or outdoor ambiance, said Shanon Lente, Director of Operations.

           

Along with outstanding authentic appetizers, entrees and desserts, the mixologist will be premiering two margarita flight options in Gardunos. One offers three margaritas made with Sauza Tequila selections, and another from Patron Tequila includes three margaritas featuring fruit flavors. 

Heritage Hotels & Resorts is a cultural hospitality company offering a collection of award winning accommodations distinct in style. Each celebrates the rich, multicultural heritage of the south western United States. When you stay in any one of the four properties you encounter a distinctive history that celebrates New Mexicos rich cultural legacy. A portion of every room night is supporting cultural preservation and advancement.  Visit: www.hotelabq.com.

 

____________________________________________________________________

_


2008
March 08 | April 08 | May 08 | June 08 | July 08 | August 08 | September 08 | October 08 | November 08 | December 08 | January 09 | February 09 | March 09 | April 09 | May 09 | June 09 | July 09 | August 09 | September 09 | October 09 | November 09 | December 09 | January 10 | February 10 | March 10 | April 10 | May 10 | June 10 | July 10 | August 10 | September 10 | October 10 | November 10 | December 10 | January 11 | February 11 | March 11 | April 11 | May 11 | June 11 | July 11 | August 11 | September 11 | October 11 | November 11 | December 11 | January 12 | February 12 | March 12 | May 12 | April 12 | June 12 | July 12 | August 12 | September 12 | October 12 | November 12 | December 12 | January 13 | February 13 | March 13 | April 13 | May 13 | June 13 | July 13 | August 13 | September 13 | October 13 | November 13 | December 13 | January 14 | February 14 | March 14 | April 14 | May 14 | June 14 | July 14 | August 14 | September 14 | October 14 | November 14 | December 14 | January 15 | February 15 | March 15 | April 15 | May 15 | June 15 | July 15 | August 15 | September 15 | October 15 | November 15 | December 15 | January 16 | March 16 | February 16 | April 16 | May 16 | June 16 | July 16 | August 16 | October 16 | September 16 | November 16 | December 16 | January 17 | February 17 | March 17 | April 17 | May 17 | June 17 | July 17 | August 17 | September 17 | October 17 | October 17 | November 17 | December 17 | January 18 | February 18 | March 18 | April 18 | May 18 | June 18 | July 18 | August 18 | September 18 | October 18 | November 18 | December 18 | January 19 | February 19 | March 19 | April 19 | April 19 | May 19 | June 19 | July 19 | August 19 | September 19 | October 19 | November 19 | December 19 | January 20 | February 20 | March 20 | April 20 | May 20 | June 20 | July 20 | August 20 | September 20 | October 20 | November 20 | December 20 | January 21 | February 21 | March 21 | April 21 | May 21 | June 21 | July 21 | August 21 | September 21 | November 21 | October 21 | December 21 | January 22 | February 22 | March 22 | April 22 | May 22 | June 22 | July 22 | August 22 | September 22 | September 22 | October 22 | November 22 | December 22 | January 23 | February 23 | March 23 | April 23 | April 23 | May 23 | June 23 | July 23 | August 23 | September 23 | October 23 | November 23 | December 23 | January 24 | February 24 | March 24 | April 24 | May 24 | June 24 | July 24 | August 24 | September 24 | October 24 | November 24 | February 08 | January 08

2007
December 07
| November 07 | October 07 | September 07 | August 07 | July 07 | June 07 | May 07
April 07
| March 07 | February 07 | January 07

2006
Dember 06
| November 06 | October 06 | September 06 | August 06 | July 06 | June 06 | May 06
April 06 | March 06 | February 06 | January 06

2005
December 05
| November 05 | October 05 | September 05 | August 05 | July 05 | June 05 | May 05
April 05 | March 05 | February 05 | January 05

© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved