Izze, A Yummy Little Drink

I have seen the name and brightly colored box for some time now, but always avoided it thinking it to be one of the many energy drinks. After all, the can size matches them and even with its bright colors it blends in with the others.

Now I know, though! While grocery shopping, I noticed them with their own little side display and picked it up when I saw the "Clementine" flavor. It caught my curiosity, and I wanted to see what it was all about.

Looking at the ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised and had to give it a try- I love it! It is so refreshing and absolutely delicious. Not to mention it is the perfect size- not too much, just a great taste.

We have since tried three other flavors from them and continue to look for more. So far the sparkling grapefruit is probably my favorite, and the sparkling clementine a close second.

I am curious to try the apple and blueberry next! I have been very pleased with all of them so far. What a delightfully unexpected treat!

On another note- I bet it would taste GREAT mixed with vodka, especially the sparkling grapefruit. Will be trying that sometime soon, too! This could definitely lead to some great cocktails. Yummy.

Kobe Burger, Fois Gras, And Trufles, I Love You

Mmmmm.. so heavenly! One of my favorite things to indulge upon is a kobe burger topped off with fois gras and truffles!

Be still my heart- the look of it alone is beautiful. The photo above is from the Wall Street Burger Shoppe in New York, and it looks divine.

In Miami, I would always go to Prime 112 to satisfy my cravings (oh, also the fries are made in truffle oil). They also made my beloved Lychee Martinis there, what else would I need.

Actually, at Prime 112 they also have a Kobe hot dog, its a big one, too. Kinda awkward for some, haha. Its fun to watch the reaction when someone sees it for the first time. Definitely something to behold. If you go and want to simply enjoy a meal, I would recommend lunch time. Its much more pleasant if you aren't trying to do the whole "just to be seen" sort of thing. Gets overrated and crowded wherever you are under those circumstances. But I have always found lunch to be perfect there. (That or an extremely late dinner is nice too).

Nom Nom- Yum. Anyway, wherever you are I would recommend hunting one down, it is well worth it. If you travel make sure to indulge in one along the way.

One Of My Favorite Glamorous Dinners

So last night my fiance and I enjoyed a wonderful evening in celebration of a recent business endeavor. It is something we both wanted to accomplish and throughout the year finally made it true.

We decided, why not celebrate it in our favorite glamorous style- a meal that stands out like no other and is simply a celebration on its own.

And so we did- we opened our chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rose and prepared a couple of hot dogs- a dinner of absolute style and delight.

Marlene Dietrich had it right when she said her favorite meal was hot dogs and champagne- they go quite lovely together- really! You have to try it, it is simply delicious and all around too fun. How can you not enjoy yourself? That is what it is all about anyway, isn't it. You may laugh but it is absolutely wonderful.

We enjoyed ourselves and will remember the occasion so much more for it. It makes it all the more unique and special. I think we are both anxious to do it again soon. I suppose that means we better start creating more reasons to celebrate. I think I can handle that ;)

Here's to a luxurious and glamorous dinner of Hot Dogs and Champagne- after all, in the words of Coco Chanel:

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it s not luxury."

Much love and luxury,

Bombshell Beauty

Barbecue Capital Of TEXAS Is Lockhart

This is the reason we drove 150 miles west out of Houston; Kreuz. It is worth it every time. We had sat around the house with no power or water for a day when we and the neighbors began talking of warm food and instantly we all agreed to drive to Kreuz before they closed for the night (which meant we had to leave right away if we wanted any chance).

We made it in record time and enjoyed the magical experience of what is Kreuz. The smell of the building when you walk in is like nothing else- Oh how I love it!

The rub is perfect and the rule of the house is "No Fork No Sauce."

It doesn't need it either. (Sauce is thought to hide the lack of quality in a meat). It just melts and falls apart lovely- especially the fatty brisket pieces. So yum. (Shhh, secretly, this place is my favorite)

(Less photos though, simply because the meat did not last in front of us- too delicious. We had limited timing too!)

So the next day (Sunday, and Kreuz is not open) we visit Smitty'S, the rivalry of Kreuz. When it all began they were both Kreuz, and then a man by the name of Smitty's joined the family in business. After the passing of the father, the children argued and eventually one kept the Kreuz name to a new building while the other kept the original building and called it Smitty'S.

Three of the number one barbecue best are all located very near each other, two being in Lockhart and the third being in Lulling (only minutes away really).

All three use the same technique of having a fire with the smoke traveling a slight distance to the meat- it requires much patience and attention and so very few continue this style of barbecue but the results go extremely far. It is well worth it.

Next, finally, is Monday's visit to Lulling's City Market. I cannot recall the name at the moment, but the editor or one of the writers for Gourmet Magazine named this their favorite meal ever (stating even though you would think it would be something fancy and expensive, the meat was so true and divine nothing has been better).

It comes very close to Kreuz in my opinion, VERY close. In fact I absolutely love them all. Just look at it in its divine beauty- oh so perfect. Yum!

This is barbecue done to perfection and with love. It is always the same people you see working at these places, too. I love that. They know and truly love what they do and do it extremely well.

They have been doing this for years and years, and it shows. Even the cash register has soaked in the smoke throughout the years, lol. What a lovely place to be.

For The Love Of Chocolate & Beauty

Oh but I do love chocolate. One of my favorite to indulge in on a regular basis is the Ritter Sport chocolates. Yummy and so many flavors I cannot seem to find them all quickly enough.

I think they are fun, too- with so many styles and all packaged in a convenient size. You know the square wherever you go, it stands out. Dark is generally my preference when it comes to chocolate (like truffles and especially when powder and/or bits of cocoa nibs are involved). And second to that is anything involving hazelnut or hazelnut cream/liquor. Love it.

So for me my favorites to have on hand from them are the Praline and Dark Chocolate With Hazelnuts. So yum.

I must say their Alpine Milk Chocolate is quite wonderful too- so milky and creamy. Just the right decedent consistency that melts in our mouth.

A surprise for me was the cornflakes chocolate bar- it was like nothing I imagined at all and quite lovely! It really works. I was expecting it to be 'eh' or 'just okay' but was quite happily surprised. My fiance thinks so, too (as I have noticed that one tends to disappear rather quickly without any supervision). The marzipan seems to vanish rather quickly as well, but that one is rather classic and true to form. Also delicious.

Look at them, aren't they pretty? I am out to go enjoy some now, maybe cuddle up in bed to a movie or cartoon.

Next time you come across one I would certainly recommend picking up a bite for yourself as a lovely treat.

Cookie, Cookie, Cookies

I love cookies, lol. I was out and about early this morning and decided to make a stop at my favorite French bakery in town, rightly titled French Gourmet Bakery. I remember coming here as a child with my parents to purchase fresh bread for delicious meals at home. So this place and I go back, I love it.

Me and cookies are very much like that episode of Family Guy where Stewie has a crush on the little brunette girl who's line of notice throughout the show was "Cookie?" For then Stewie to find out she never liked him- it was only for the cookies. Mmmm, cookies, haha, that would be me, too.

My craving came from the other night- we were enjoying some wine with our neighbors when someone said cookie, and both she and I instantly start saying cookie and that we want a cookie.

Now I have them, and yum! Your classic chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin are pictured at the top- chewy and magical, simply perfect. This bakery can do no wrong, not once in all these years have I ever had a bad experience.

Following the classics, is another one in my heart- the thumb print cookie. Perfectly crumbly with the right amount of moistness that melts only when placed in your mouth, oh and the chocolate they use is ridiculous how great it is. My "I don't like chocolate" friends fight for the last bit of it. Truly, a must have.

The last one is an iced ginger cookie with the little silver ball sprinkles. Simplicity goes far with this one, and all the spices are just right.

Normally I do like to bake my own cookies, but I have not done so in a while. Besides, this place for me is an extra special treat.

Here's to the love of cookies. I dare you not to want one, now [ LOL ].

Cafe Cubano Just Around The Corner

This is great; I move from Miami and at apparently the same time so does this gentlemen around the corner. Even better, he opens up a little shop and calls it "Cafe Cubano" and you guessed it, serves the most wonderful cafe cubanos and all the traditional Cuban cuisine to go with it. Yum!

My fiance loves the coffees, but only once in a while for him. He instead has found delicious enjoyment in the Malta from Hatvey- oooh, this is a good one.

They have a couple different Malta's, I think this one is the best by far- it has the most flavor, strong and distinct which I like in a beverage. Just the smell alone is fantastic. This is a must try if you ever come across it- let me know when you do.

Okay, back to the cafe cubano- or in my case, cortadito con leche evaporado. There is nothing like a nice strong espresso brewed with sugar and then topped off with steamed evaporated milk- just a little of course, and talk about heavenly! Oh I love this drink, and finally I can begin having them again and just around the corner from where I live- how lovely is that?

He makes my favorite little pastry to have with a coffee, too- the guava and cheese pastels. It compliments it perfectly.

I would love to see walk up Cuban Cafes start spreading like the Wine Bars have been, maybe this will be the next thing. What a treat that would be. People need to love coffee again (actual coffee- don't get me started).

Alright, I am off for a cortadito and guava and cheese. Ciao.

Ooh- a little PS, Here's a little look of some of the other fun sodas they offer. I'm told the IronBeer tastes similar to a fruity Dr. Pepper, but I don't know- we'll see. We bought them to try later, I'll let you know how it goes.

Soupe à l’Oignon Pour Votre Sante

When it comes to soups this has always been my favorite one. Soup a l'Oignon or French Onion Soup is a delicious bowl of onions in beef broth (often spiced with a bit of sherry and herbs) with the occasional crouton and coated in a blanket of gruyere cheese with a heavenly aroma.

I am a bit of a sniffling mess at the moment, and nothing cures me like a bowl of French Onion. It warms my throat and keeps my belly happy.

I don't have to be sick to enjoy it though, I adore it much the same whether sick or healthy. The crispy cheesiness that clings to the bowl is also a nice ending treat.

Traditional is my favorite, as I find sometimes when people try to dress it up it loses its character. Multiple cheeses doesn't offend me, but keep the broth simple- it should never be cloudy or creamy. Abide the rules and you will be rewarded every time.

Lovely Little Bites Of Yumminess

Alright, So I have been out of town over the weekend and naturally somehow everything in the fridge has either vanished or is on its last breath. I'm hungry and it is pouring rain outside- I'm stuck with what I have for now.

Some things have not even been in there that long- honestly it seems to happen every time we travel no matter how short or long the time. Oh well, this trip was a bit of a late notice so we did not have much time to prepare the house before leaving. Normally I time out the food to run out just in time- that way I can purchase fresh new groceries upon returning without any waste.

Okay, As I have no intention of hauling groceries in the pouring rain... I need a snack to keep me happy in the meantime. My options which are left in the house are:

About a pound of gruyere cheese, Some (not a lot of) spinach, garlic, butter, and some cherries that may have a little life in them yet- we will see. Also, there is the tiniest bit of goat cheese left.

In the pantry there isn't much, only thing I could really recover or use is a box of the Honey Butter Ritz Crackers (pretty yummy actually, they'll do in a pinch any day).

Well, cheese and crackers are lovely on their own, but I need a bit more than that right now. I sautéed what was left of the spinach with the garlic and butter. A piece of Gruyere cheese and spoon of spinach on a cracker and it turns out to be quite the lovely treat! I repeat the process for as many as I am able to make and I must say I am quite satisfied for the moment. It will make the grocery visit a much smoother one.

What a lovely surprise- it is something I will actually repeat even when fully stocked with food. It doesn't really need anything else to it, and the presentation is simple and quite nice.

Hmm.. those cherries are tempting, may go quite pretty with the goat cheese. The honey butter Ritz cracker tends to be a bit sweeter and would compliment it well. We'll see how daring I am feeling. If anything, I'll get some more once the rain lets up.

Here's to more funny and delicious unexpected finds!

Cheesecake For The Chic

I love cheesecake, and I like my cheesecake to taste like cheesecake- not ruined with so many unnecessary ingredients and flavors that the taste and texture are gone. On that note- New York style has always been the one for me.

If I want chocolate, I will go for a chocolate cake or brownie or other chocolate welcoming dessert. If I want strawberries or blueberries I will then look for a tart or shortcake or other fruit friendly dessert. But when I want cheesecake- I want the quality to hold up to its name.

Don't get me wrong-I like a flavored cheesecake from time to time, but only few have worked (consistently, one in a million doesn't do it for me).

Pumpkin cheesecake is a whole other animal- and I do love it. The cinnamon and nutmeg are strong overpowering flavors, but it is one I don't mind for this dessert. Mostly because the texture holds well to it and compliments it as a whole.

Key Lime I adore in most anything, and cheesecake is no exception. I am speaking of course of the true key lime, none of this neon ill colored green foolishness. Please, who keeps allowing this nonsense! Lemon works well, too. Its subtle and gives a lovely tartness-cheesecake should never be overly sweet.

Honey, Lemon Curd, Creme Fraiche, Mascarpone, and Vanilla Bean are friendly ingredients that I think will still stand to this dessert. But never multiples or over mixed combinations- simple is best. Epicurious.com has some simple recipies.

If you ever come across it or get the chance, my favorite of all favorites is an Alsace Farm Cheesecake- Oh yum! The cheese from Alsace has a distinctive taste that is so divine and delicious in this dessert.

Much love and delicious cheesecakes, xx

Another Glamorous Beauty Of Belle Glos

Belle Glos and Pinot Noir are synonymous with delicious and glamor. You know you are in great hands and know the wine will be grand. The Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir is among the best in their collection.

Pretty much, when you see the wax dipped bottle- buy it. Don't even look, just take it home and enjoy it for you are certain to have found a treasure.

Normally this dark burgundy color is what you should seek- and do seek it, but keep in mind the Pinot Noir Blanc Rose with its bright and pink wax color.

If for some strange reason you have yet to seek that one, you are truly missing out. And don't let false snobbery get in the way if you drink "only red wines" or whatever it might be- there is something to be captured and admired in all wines. It is just a matter of finding the right ones. Don't let one bad experience spoil a complete varietal for you. Would you do the same with food? I certainly hope not.

This Pinot Noir is everything of its namesake, and a tasting and experience will do far better than words would describe, and I will let you see for yourself. And let me know, too- I love to hear a response.

So Remember- the wax dipped bottle from Belle Glos is guaranteed to be a delight every time. A votre sante.

Yummy Yummy And On The GO

So the other day I found myself in an unfamiliar part of town at an early hour of the day with an appetite. My Fiance and I had attended a meeting in this area (about an hour or so away from our home) and decided some food was now in order.

Then we saw the Super Target and couldn't resist but make a little stop. If anything we could replenish some grocery items and make something when we returned home.

Then there was the display of freshly baked and still warm bread- yes, the fogged plastic and heavenly aroma.

There was no way I was going to last until home. The lovely thing was they had a demi version of the baguette- just the right amount for the two of us and a bit easier to handle than the full sized version.

A few slices of hard salami and gruyere cheese and it was the perfect yummy meal we were looking for. I've always loved this for breakfast, but forget about it from time to time.

When I lived in Bay Harbor Islands there was a neighborhood French Bakery that actually offered it on the menu, and I would relax at a table either alone or with a friend sipping some coffee, enjoying my meal, and watching people pass by.

Now I can do the same but on the go. I usually prefer to sit and relax but sometimes things need to be done and it can be nice to have a little bite as you walk. Kind of makes me think of Breakfast At Tiffany's, and all the more reason to enjoy it.

Syrah So In Love

SO-Normally I wait and finish my glass (or bottle as it often goes) until I begin my post, but this is simply too delightful for patience.

Brian Benson has certainly impressed me and gained a far new respect-this by far is the best Syrah I have tasted, and am anxious to retrieve more of it.

It all started with my fiance and his curiosity to woot and woot wine (of all places). Wow, am I ever pleased and delighted with this find. This particular purchase offered a vertical tasting of a 2004 and a 2005, which if you have read my 'Vintage Beautiful Vintage' entry you know it is something I look for. As much as I enjoyed the 2004- and I assure you I most certainly did, the 2005 bottle has vanished faster than any bottle in our household, and believe you me that is saying something.

It is everything I love in a wine and look for in a Syrah. When a dear friend of ours who has worked harvests from South Africa to California alerted us of the beauty of this wine we knew we were in great hands. He informed us that the Denner vineyards produced the best grapes for Syrah and Brian Benson Cellars truely cared for their wines.

He must, too, beginning at such a young age he is certainly in the right place. He began his training at his Grandfather's vineyard and later his Father's winery- he learned about the process of wine making before completing elementary school.

This is a beauty to be enjoyed by all and I encourage you to look into a bottle for yourself if not your friends as well. www.BrianBensonCellars.com will give you more about it, and at the age of 25 he is certainly making an impression in the wine industry. Have a taste and delight for yourself- I certainly am and will continue to do so.

Glamorous Gourmet Bites At Home

Devilishly delicious and oh so simple to prepare-I love to incorporate it in any of my meals. Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry Dough ads the extra bit of glamor to any bite you may desire.

I've made it on my own many times though I must say there is nothing wrong with the store bought- its prepared and ready and simple to use, not to mention less time consuming.

It is so easy to use that shapes and designs are simple and the results are lavish-you'll look like a master of special reserved skill. Also its fun to let your creativity roam and be admired as well as enjoyed.

I adore to make my pizzas with phyllo dough- it ads that buttery crisp flakey balance to the creamy rich cheese. I tend to use goat cheese and gruyere on mine- topped with fresh tomatoes, pancetta and basil leaves. Yum.

On a day to day basis, I cannot help but prepare my favorite- a spinach pouchette. I keep it simple with spinach, gruyere, and garlic. Simple, easy, quick- and so wonderful.

The variations are endless and delicious. Experiment with the different styles, too- whether it is flat, in a triangle, rolled up, in a pouch, or in a creation of your own.

Dessert is just as easy as well-and as sweet as you care to make it

A Rose Tres Tres Belle of Pinot

Lovely, beautiful, and incredibly scrumptious. I dare you to find something as divine; this is truly a gem to be treasured and enjoyed. I adore pinot noir and my love only grows stronger here.

Don't let its adorable color frighten you- it is like no other blanc you may have had before. It has the character and taste of Pinot Noir with that Je Ne Sais Quoi that will keep you happily returning for more. Its priced at about $25 which is perfect, the most delicious pinots are usually priced above $20. Below that price point it becomes a bit of a miss for the most part in my experience, and I much prefer to enjoy my beverages.

Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc Rose is a must- MUST, must must must have. It honestly is that many musts.

Look for the wax dipped bottle or simply the pink gleaming in the light, and purchase a bottle (or two I would recommend) to share with friends and loved ones.

This is a dear treat I enjoy for myself or for friends- I love watching their reaction as they taste it for the first time. It is an instant love affair.