Hitting the slopes (literally on my rear end)

So One of the things I got to do while back home was hit the slopes again after many years! With patient training from one of my closest friends Lisa and my little brother BJ, I was able to get up on the board and get down the hill without falling! (this is after 2 really hard falls in which my bruised butt cheek is still recovering).


We were lucky enough to stay at the uber luxurious and brand new Ritz Carlton in Northstar. A Beautiful new property with mystique in the works.


We were also lucky enough to be able to dine at Manzanita, Chef Tracie Des Jardin's new project headed by executive Chef Reylan Augustine. A talented up and coming chef who started his fine dining career in London at the Savoy Grill with the GRH group, Chef Reylan incorporates old tecnhniques, new flavors and local ingredients. The winter menu- a warm and toasty menu with traditional components to give that comforting tahoe "homey" feeling. Also noteworthy is the open kitchen and brick pizza oven. Thank you for a wonderful meal Chef Reylan and Chef Dylan!


Hopefully I'll be able to hit the Swiss Alps now without this happening too much!

Ritz Carlton Residences
13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court
Truckee, CA 96161 USA
Tel: 530.562.3000

Manzanita by Chef Tracie Des Jardines

Yeah Oui!

Wanted to give a big shout out to my Claridges crew. U guys (and I don't need to say who) are an amazing crew. I love you all dearly. Keep your heads up because you are ALL talented. xxx

Gordon Ramsay at Claridges
Brook Street
London W1K 4HR
Tel: 020 7499 0099
Reservations Recommended

* Update* Sadly in the summer of 2013, Gordon Ramsay at Claridges had it's last service.  The lease on the restaurant was up and GR holdings decided not to renew the lease. Rest In Peace GR at Claridges! 

*Warning* Genius, at work~

yeah yeah, So I've been busy over winter break ok? I went back to my English home kitchen, then to Porto, then back to my family in California- Manresa. I do miss the kitchen terribly. The warmth of the bonnet.... so comforting! The way everything flows in and out of the kitchen- people COMMUNICATING with each other... why can't all life function this way?

One of the greatest things about coming home was being around Chef Kinch. An artist, a teacher, a mentor and an incredible confident. Thank you Manresa for a wonderful Winter break and letting me come back! Miss you all terribly.

Manresa
320 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030-7218
(408) 354-4330
Closed Monday and Tuesday

I love Jamon

I spent my Christmas in Porto with my friend Nuno and his amazing family. His family figured out that besides being a rabbit and needing my veggies ( they have french fries and bread with EVERY MEAL) I also love JAMON!!!!! we managed to go through this moist, tender and not overly salty Portuguese version in 3 days.. it usually takes them two weeks.. oops... what can I say??? It's JAMON!