Category

Food & Drinks

Southern California Must Eat & Drink: We curate a list of the best food, restaurants, chefs, farmers markets, and where to find them in Southern California. If you are a foodie, this section will keep you in the loop on the best of the best in food news, restaurants reviews, upcoming food events and so much more. The latest news on spirits, bubbles and brews, lounges, cocktails, beers, wines, wineries, juices, smoothies, coffees, teas, and more will also be featured here. We highlight everything from old staples to new additions in the juice, alcohol, and coffee fields. We talk with mixologists about new inventions and twists on old staples.

Featured
in Food & Drinks

Family Comes First at These SoCal WineriesFeatured

By Maria del Cisne Vital Whether you prefer crisp Pinot Grigio, dry Chianti, or summer Rosé, California is the destination for any and every type of wine. The iconic Napa and Sonoma Valleys of NorCal are the titans of tannins. Meanwhile, SoCal can take pride in Temecula, Malibu and more growing wineries and vineyards. One feat that is hard to beat is the inviting and warm energy provided at SoCal’s family-owned wineries. With intimate settings and exclusive wines, check out these spots to feel right at home with a glass in hand. Carhartt Vineyard For three generations, the Carhartt family has grown with Rancho Santa Ynez and transformed it into what it is today— 22 acres of land meant for farming grapes and creating craft wines. Their “ground to glass” approach is what allows this Santa Barbara spot to distribute high quality and sustainable products. Stop by the Carhartt Cabin, a tasting room that has 20 different wines to try throughout the year (they only close on Christmas Day). The Carhartt family insists on keeping their business and customers close, so their wines are only distributed online or in their tasting room. 2939 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-693-5100, carharttvineyard.com. Wilson…

Continue reading
Featured
in Featured, Food & Drinks, SoCal Trends

Post-Thanksgiving Tips & TricksFeatured

We all know that Thanksgiving comes with all the yummy family-favorite recipes that include lots of sugar and carbohydrates. For some, this is more calories than you eat in a week you will consume in one day. While one day of overindulgence isn’t too disruptive if you get back on track the following day, but it can cause some digestion issues the night of and the morning after. Here are some tips and tricks that I often recommend following just prior to going to bed and first thing in the morning. 1.    Thanksgiving evening you might feel a little thirsty. This is due to the salt that is added to the food. In addition, it could also be related to any alcohol that you consumed. Your body is reacting to dehydration. So, drink some water before you go to bed. I would suggest lemon water. Lemon water has a natural acidity to it which helps remove fatty acids in the system and create balance during digestion. Also, continuing to drink water throughout the day, and reducing drinks that create dehydration (coffee, tea, or other energy drinks) will help. This brings us to my second tip.  2.    Let’s talk about why you might be…

Continue reading
Related posts
in Food & Drinks, Things To Do
Health Conscious Winter Recipe
March 22, 2020
Featured
in Food & Drinks

Healthier Green Beans Almondine RecipeFeatured

Green Beans Almondine is simply green beans dressed in butter, almonds, and a squeeze of lemon. Sometimes I add garlic or shallots to the beans, but it’s also good without. This is a side dish at most Thanksgiving tables. Its quick and easy and I have a bit of a twist to keep it healthier and use the calories elsewhere. With Thanksgiving being one of the biggest meals of the year with lots of carbs and sweet treats, green beans are the perfect low carb side because, not only are they are low in carbohydrates, they are high in fiber. In fact, 1 cup of raw green beans (4 ounces) has 8 grams total carbs and 4 grams fiber for a net carb count of 4 grams. Prep Work Line a sheet pan with foil and spray with avocado oil.  Preheat oven to 400 F  Ingredients 1 pound trimmed green beans 2 tablespoons oil  1/2 cup flaked or slivered almonds (reserve half for just before serving)  1 tbsp lemon juice cracked pepper to taste sea salt to taste Optional (either, not both) 1 tbsp shallots, minced 1 clove garlic, minced Instructions Wash and trim the green beans, cutting on an angle for a cleaner look. If using garlic or shallots, mince. Roll the lemon…

Continue reading
Related posts
in Food & Drinks, Things To Do
Health Conscious Winter Recipe
March 22, 2020
Featured
in Food & Drinks

Not Your Average Apple PieFeatured

When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of Apple Pie!!! What I found I like about the pie is the apples – so one year, an idea popped in my head.  What if I made extra apples for me and ate them separately?  I could still have some whip cream on top and by eliminating the crust, I would save the calories. That was nine years ago, and it’s still the way I prefer to eat my apple pie – without the crust!  So, if you want a healthy yet sweet way to use apples and if you don’t want to make an apple pie or applesauce… how about this Healthy Cinnamon Apple recipe!  I found this recipe years ago but have changed it over the years because I like more nutmeg and clove flavoring and I reduce the allspice. Ingredients 4-5 pounds apples cored and sliced (not too thin, or they will break up.  I like to cut each apple into 8 wedges) 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice 1/4 cup sugar-free sweetener or honey 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon clove (optional) 2-3 teaspoons arrowroot or organic cornstarch or…

Continue reading
Featured
in Food & Drinks

Host a Hall of Fame HomegateFeatured

From kickoff to the final whistle, taking your game day party to the next level starts with serving an all-star lineup of menu items. From starting-caliber appetizers to MVP-level main courses and a supporting cast of side dishes, dips like salsa and hummus can play the role of superstar when it comes to serving up game day grub. One of the benefits of cheering on your favorite teams from the couch and bringing the tailgate to your literal home field is the availability of appliances you may not otherwise have access to at the stadium like the oven or air fryer. However, that doesn’t mean missing out on the action and being sidelined in the kitchen all game or that these recipes won’t travel to a tailgate. With a flavor-packed, vibrant recipe, the lineup of Fresh Cravings Salsa offers a homemade-tasting alternative to softer, duller blends of jarred salsa. Made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices, the salsas make a perfect addition to these recipes from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.”…

Continue reading
Featured
in Food & Drinks

Temecula Valley’s Second Annual CraftHop Celebrates Booming Craft Brewery SceneFeatured

Visit Temecula Valley will host the second annual CraftHop festival the weekend of Nov. 11-13, where guests can rub elbows with esteemed local brew masters and enjoy an innovative assortment of craft beers, mead, and spirits. Designed as a self-guided tour with no tickets required and a map available to download, CraftHop participants will receive a highly collectible, limited-edition logo glass at each stop. Long established as a premiere destination for wine lovers, Temecula Valley is also becoming a popular stop for craft beer lovers and currently boasts nearly 20 breweries, meaderies and distilleries. With more than 3 million visitors expected to the area this year, the Temecula Valley is poised for growth as a Southern California hub for beer aficionados. Participating CraftHop taprooms will offer guests a signature drink and, of course, a chance to taste a wide variety of brews including hazy IPAs, pale ales, malty stouts, and barrel-aged strong ales, just to name a few. Some will also offer complimentary food items. CraftHop visitors are encouraged to book an overnight stay for a safe and leisurely tasting experience and for extra time to enjoy Old Town Temecula, farm-to-table dining, and the Valley’s many outdoor recreational activities. For up-to-date activities, events, and lodging options, visit www.visittemeculavalley.com. “Temecula Valley is well-known for…

Continue reading
Close