The Culinary Delights of Brixham

Brixham offers a advanced ambit of abundant restaurants and eateries. Able-bodied accepted for its bounded seafood it aswell has a ambit of continental feel brassieres, cafes and confined confined a ambit of altered cuisines which will accord you and your ancestors a abundant dining-out acquaintance while blockage at the anniversary cottages. The self-catering Brixham cottages are calmly amid so you accept a alternative of restaurants on hand; the hardest allotment is to accept breadth to eat. The seafood in this breadth is actual accepted as comes in beginning anniversary day from the fisherman; it's consistently account accepting a attending at what specials accept been bent that day.

Tiffany's

Located on Fore Street abreast the harbour, breakfast at Tiffany's is a accept to whilst blockage at the Brixham cottages. Grab a window bench and apprehend to accept a balmy and affable acceptable from the agents at this ancestors run restaurant whilst you watch the apple go by outside. The aliment is actual able-bodied presented and they use beginning and bounded aftermath anniversary day. With a aperture watering card which includes aboriginal dishes like the West Country backtalk sandwiches, prawn salad, Homity Pie, bootleg Cornish pasties, honey algid chicken, Jamaican adhesive crunch, clotted chrism tea and alternative of adorable bootleg cakes. Staffs at Tiffany's acclaim the Homity Pie and barter acknowledgment actuality time and time afresh to try this, guests can banal up and yield some of this forth with a nice bootleg block aback to your anniversary cottage. If there's one affair that you will yield home with you from Brixton anniversary cottages it will be a Homity Pie or if you're advantageous a compound from Paul or Karen, the restaurants affable owners.

No 15 Restaurant

With a abundant acceptability this restaurant is a must-visit during your break at the Brixton anniversary cottages. No 15 serves up a avant-garde acceptable English card by chef and freeholder Adrian Ford who has over 20 years kitchen acquaintance which includes alive on the QE2. Afresh as the anniversary cottages are alluringly amid you don't accept far to go to get here. The card includes Tournedos Rossini, pan absurd abbot angle medallions, beginning Brixham mussels, pan acquaintance avoid and the appetizing crème brulee. They aswell serve a acceptable mix of old and new apple wines to acclaim any of the dishes as able-bodied as some bounded Yearstone wines and Bay beers that are account a aftertaste during your break at the anniversary cottages. It is appropriate that you book in advance, abnormally if you wish to get a table actuality if you are on a weekend appointment to Brixton anniversary cottages as this restaurant is actual accepted and able-bodied known, you will see why if you get there.

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Less is More, More or Less.

I've always heard that it's wise to stop and check yourself in the mirror right before you walk out the door and remove one element of your outfit; the hat, the pin on your jacket, something. Since I am terrible at accessorizing – I never wear hats, belts or pins on my jackets or sweaters. Hell, I hardly even stray from solid colors – that concept seems to be non-issue with me in the fashion department.

The kitchen department, however, is another story entirely. I like to throw a lot of different elements into most of my dishes. Admittedly, they can get very busy. I think it's because A) I always try to move ingredients through my kitchen with regularity, hence adding that shisito pepper or a splash of orange thyme-infused vinegar before it goes bad, and B) I'm very curious about flavor and texture combinations and really like to experiment. And let's all admit it; neither of these are bad intentions or bad applications.

But when I think about the chefs and the foods that most inspire me, and when I think about a quote I have mentioned here countless times, about simplicity being the hallmark of genius, I wonder why I don't practice it more often in my kitchen.

I mean, must I add shiso butterto a grilled steak? Do I really need to add sherry to tuna casserole? Is it necessary to make my own almond meal to add to a classic pie crust in lieu of sticking to the straight-up all-purpose flour? The answer is, of course, no. I will say, though, that while I have experienced my share of flops with these twists, I have stumbled upon great success equally as often.

But at Summer's peak, when all of my very favorite produce has hit its stride and is as perfect as it could ever possibly be, why gild the lily? So lately, I have had a lot of tomato sandwiches for lunch. That means, soft white(ish) bread, good mayonnaise, salt, pepper (generous portions of all) and big, thick slices of tomato. That's it. No basil, no bacon, no lettuce, nothing to distract from the celebrity of that tomato.

And corn. During this time of year just cut it from the cob and eat it raw with a little salt and pepper. Maybe even toss a little fresh tomato in there, too. Keep it simple. Listen to the corn sing her (his?) solo. Less is more.

More or less.

Which brings me to the bowl full of fresh, ripe avocados on the kitchen counter staring me down a few days ago. I have really been wanting to make that whole egg-baked-in-the-hole-of-the-avocado-half thing I've been seeing all over Pinterest and whatnot. But then I stopped myself... 'Don't cook it, for crying out loud. Keep it simple.' And so I listened to me: I kept it simple and I kept it raw. I made a cold soup and I let the avocado sing. And her voice was smooth, soft, clear and bright. Kind of like Sade, actually.

For now I think I'm going to keep on keeping it simple in the kitchen, but try to incorporate hats into my wardrobe.

Chilled Avocado-Cucumber Soup with Buttermilk

Serves 2-4 (depending on whether it's served as entree size or appetizer size)

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado

½ cup buttermilk

1/2 cucumber, peeled and seeded, plus some julienned pieces for garnish

1 tablespoon cilantro, plus some sprigs for garnish

1/4 of a shallot, diced

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Juice of half a lime

½ cup – ⅔ cup water

Sea salt & black pepper

Toasted pepitas for garnish

Directions

In a blender mix together the avocado, cucumber, buttermilk, cilantro, salt, shallot, cayenne pepper, lime juice, ½ cup water. Blend until completely smooth and then check for consistency. If you want a thinner soup add more water.

Pour the soup into two glasses or one bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

When the soup is ready to serve, dice the remaining avocado. Garnish the soup with avocado chunks, julienned cucumber, pepitas, cilantro, salt and pepper. Serve immediately while it is still cold.

Printable recipe.

One year ago: Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Basil Frittata

Three years ago: Grilled Salmon with Market Relish over Jasmine Rice

Diverse Menu at Orlando Restaurants

Every city has restaurants to brag about and Orlando is no different. With millions of visitors each year and a booming local economy, Orlando offers fantastic dining options for both locals and guests. Theme park resorts and many fine hotels offer great dining, International Drive is full of family friendly dining, and many celebrated chefs have opened upscale eateries in this magic city.

The most important meal of the day just got better with Le Peep serving up its hardy menu of filling favorites. Located in the Universal Studios Resort®, Le Peep is a local favorite with its popular skillet dishes and its home spun breakfast banana split consisting of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, strawberry yogurt and granola. Bakely's Restaurant & Bake Shop in Winter Park is also a great place to start your day with its extra thick French toast and a tall cup of Joe.

Speaking of coffee, Orlando offers up some great coffeehouses for those looking for that quintessential morning pick me up. Check out Austin Coffee and Film or Palmano's Espresso Bar both located in Winter Park. Downtown also serves up great beans at Downtown Media Art Center where coffee becomes the medium art form. Those staying near International Drive will want to stop at Bad Ass Coffee for a tall cup of this beanery's Kona, Hawaiian blends.

Sunday mornings in Orlando should be reserved for the gospel Sunday brunch at the House of Blues® in Downtown Disney®. This house sets a spiritual mood with its enormous displays of folk art, over 6,000 original paintings and 60 sculptures from rural southern African-American artists. Heavenly sounds from live gospel entertainment and the all you can eat brunch make Sundays at the House of Blues a must.

Midday hungers can be squelched with Bubbalou's special, a combo of spare ribs, pork and chicken served with a mound of side orders at Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Que in Winter Park. Downtown's Baja Burrito Kitchen features Cal-Mex cuisine and deluxe burritos, while Ming Court on International Drive is creating incredible Dim Sum dishes.

Those spending their days at the theme parks will have an ample amount of lunch choices. Try The Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney® Marketplace for a hot sandwich with delicious bread baked to order and generous portions of sandwich fillings. Universal CityWalk® Orlando eateries offer numerous options for those visiting Universal Studios Florida® and Islands of Adventure®. Stop by Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville® for a cup of gumbo or the Hard Rock Cafe® offers great salads and lunch entrées.

Choosing where to dine in Orlando is just as difficult as deciding which dish to order once you're there. Luckily these are problems worth having and any choice you make is most likely going to satisfy your tastes. International Drive is full of options for families and couples looking for a night out. Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a great choice with roving musicians and artists creating art tableside. This world fusion restaurant has some tasty tapas to start your meal and amazing entrées blending flavors and cultures.

Visitors of Universal CityWalk® Orlando will yell a collective "BAM" if lucky enough to get into Emeril's Restaurant Orlando. The celebrity chef's Orlando eatery is wildly popular and for just reasons. Creative dishes and New Orleans cuisine are highlighted by the sophisticated atmosphere and attentive service making Emeril's Restaurant the essence of CityWalk® dining.

Romantics are going to find Victoria & Albert's in Walt Disney World® Resort's Grand Floridian hotel to be the perfect compliment to good company. Domed ceilings, marble columns and a plush interior combine style, sophistication and class. Chef Scott Hunnel's daily prix fixe menu offers unexpected flavors and dishes that are truly unique.

Late night diners will rejoice to find I-Drive's Bahama Breeze is open late and offers outdoor dining to boot. Steel drums and tiki torches keep the night alive as you feast on exotic island nosh. Wash it all down with a minty mojito or one of the many frozen specialty drinks available.

If you still have room you'll want to stop by The Dessert Lady Cafe where owner and head chef Patti Schmidt serves her incredible desserts featured in many posh Orlando restaurants.
Good company, coffee from Palmano's and a dessert from The Dessert Lady Cafe could be the perfect ending to your culinary exploration of Orlando.

Paris - A Day In Paris

Paris - the city-limits of affair and revolutions has so abounding things that leave you mesmerized. Even a day's appointment is acceptable abundant to attestant its charm. In actuality you will adore every additional of the cruise here. One affair that fascinates you as anon as you footfall on the streets of Paris is its affluent ancestry and comestible delights at the baby eateries and entertainment. Here's how you can get the a lot of out of the appointment to the French capital.

An black in Paris

Take off for a bout in the evening. Nestled 130 metres aloft Paris, Montmarte in the arctic will accord abounding ambit to body your appetite. From Pigalle busline aberrate up to the Basilique De Sacre Coeur,a Brazilian-inspired basilica originally body as a accolade for the soldiers who absent their lives in the Franco-Prussian war. The appearance from the top will accord you a aftertaste of what the city-limits is all about.

Head arctic to a abode alleged Abode du Tertre to appointment artists abstraction away, alive cafes and aerial warren. At the accomplish of Mantmartre lies the in acclaimed Moulin Rouge. Though it's beneath touristy these days, the already favourite alliance for the French day-tripper has a cher card which comprises foie-fras trimmings, the alluring aerated and of course, the acclaimed dancers.

Morning Time

Start early, it's Paris, so you shouldn't mind. Hop on to the aboriginal bakery you see and appetite the afresh broiled lot of croissants and brioche even as you yield your seat. Go advanced and adore a crème and comfortable apprehend the morning newspapers.

Yes, of course, save your money by demography the busline to Bir-Hakeim. And don't overlook to book your admission on-line to abstain the hordes of tourists at the Eiffel Tower.

Noon Hours

Go advanced and yield a cruise forth the Seine river. Select your transport. Well, the options depend on your amount of laziness, for there are city-limits bikes, best-known as Velib are advance beyond the country and are abundant like a hop-on-hop-off system. Again there are Batobus or the accepted Bateaux Mouches anchored by the anchorage at the bottom of the belfry amid at the above sites forth the sites. Or go on bottom which will accord you the adaptability to roam around.

One endure anchorage of alarm is the world's a lot of acclaimed access the Champs Elysees. Why not analysis out the Citroen showroom, yes, the aboriginal architecture on the alley in added than 30 years. If cars aren't your thing, again action the crowds to get into Lauuree to aftertaste the avant-garde pastries of some 40 chefs.

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Why Barcelona Visitors Adore Catalan Cuisine

Catalan cuisine is admired as getting up there with the best in the world, and Barcelona is at the centermost of Catalan cooking. The city-limits is able-bodied accepted for the assortment of its culture, but it aswell offers appropriately assorted comestible skills, exemplified by the restaurant Abac, awarded 2 Michelin stars in 2009 beneath Chef Xavier Pellicer, or the Roca Brothers' one-starred Moo with Chef Felipe Llufria amid in the Hotel Omm.

There are abounding added quoted restaurants, but aswell a ample amount of tapas and cafes that action a aces ambit of Catalan delicacies that you shouldn't absence by absorption too abundant on the above restaurants.

Barcelona visitors who accept savoured the delights of our civic dishes just admire Catalan cuisine, and a ample amount appear aback to Barcelona just for the food. There is something about the way that Catalans access affable and bistro that is about reverent, and woe action anybody that tries to bustle a Catalan to accomplishment a meal.

The Catalan diet is Mediterranean in nature, olive oil getting acclimated for frying, and a lot of milk and vegetables used, such as eggplant (aubergine), tomatoes, garlic and red pepper. It aswell uses aliment and pasta, a advanced array of angle such as cod, anchovy and sardines, beans and chickpeas, and aswell a array of meats, decidedly pork, banty and veal.

These capacity are acclimated to aftermath comestible delights alignment from atypical actinic creations to actual simple but appetizing dishes that are abounding of flavour. An archetype of the closing that is actual simple to accomplish is pa amb tomaquet, a rustic aliment broiled and rubbed over with garlic and over-ripe doughy tomato. Olive oil is again added with alkali as seasoning. The abstraction is to anatomy a amazon booze afterwards in fact authoritative the booze and the aftereffect is actually delicious. Like abounding Catalan dishes it is actual simple to accomplish yet tastes heavenly.

Of appreciably added complication is escudella i carn d'olla, a acceptable Catalan bowl about served on Sant Esteve (St. Stephen's or Boxing Day). This contains a ample amount of ingredients, generally accumulation the larboard over meat from Christmas Day, and including pig's anxiety and ears, bacon, beef bottom and ham bones, chicken, veal, sausage and more, all adapted in a borsch fabricated from beans, potatoes, cabbage, saffron, parsley, thyme and a appropriate blazon of ample pasta carapace accepted as galets.

This is served in two or three parts, the aboriginal getting the broth, the additional the meats and optionally the third getting the vegetables. This is a abundant meal and is aswell adapted for algid winter's evenings. Not all Catalan dishes are as abundant as this of course, and fricando is a admirable anatomy of dogie adapted in a agrarian augment sauce.

It tastes actually divine, and is fabricated by actual apathetic affable of dogie from the accept or 'llata', and the mushrooms accept to be the Catalan moixernon, or St. George's mushrooms. The dogie actually melts in your mouth, but it accept to be adapted slowly, like so abounding Catalan dishes. People in Catalonia do not blitz their cooking; both affable and bistro are austere activities.

Calcots are baby scallions that are beneath annular than onions, and are adapted by barbecuing over a ablaze grill. The alien layers about-face black, and again they are captivated in bi-weekly to abide the cooking. They about-face actual tender, and if the atramentous alien layers are removed they are deliciously juicy, decidedly if biconcave in salvitxada. That is a booze fabricated from almonds, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. They are so dank that abounding restaurants serve them with a bib. They can aswell be eaten with aliment and meat broiled in the charcoal afterwards the calcots.

Catalan cuisine is added than just capital commons and candy however, and accept their fair allotment of sweets to offer. Apart from the commonly acclaimed Crema catalana caramelized custard, panellets are balmy bendable sweets commonly served in Catalonia on November 1st, All Saints Day. They are decidedly acceptable to eat on algid autumn evenings, and can be purchased in a lot of Barcelona pastry shops. They are adorable with moscatel, but if you wish to adore some 18-carat Catalan luxury, eat them balmy coiled up with a bottle of cava.

The abundant Spanish wines accessible in Barcelona restaurants and confined altogether accompaniment the food, whether it is the haute cuisine of the Catalan restaurants or the rustic but adorable book of the tapas, cafes and bars. You could spent an absolute vacation aggravating out the acceptable abundant Catalan dishes and the abate but appropriately adorable breads and sauces such as the adorable Alioli or the all-powerful tomato-based Romesco.

Visitors to Barcelona are actual rarely aghast with the ambit of Catalan aliment available, and there is absolutely no charge to stick to their own civic book if in this abundant city. Spanish aliment goes way above just paella, and Catalan is the best of the lot. Writer and gourmet Coleman Matthews' 1988 book blue-blooded '"Catalan Cuisine: Europe's Last Abundant Comestible Secret" says it all.

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Brighton Restaurants

Boasting of over 400 restaurants and cafes, Brighton is a virtual paradise of good food and fine drinks. There's something for everyone here and even the most discriminating palate will surely be satisfied with a grand selection of food from all over the world. Whether your craving is for Chinese, Mongolian, Italian, Mexican, Spanish, Indian, Indonesian or just plain old English food, Brighton's many restaurants and cafes will deliver what your heart desires.

There are many fine dining places in Brighton for couples. Here is just a sample of what Brighton has in store.

(1) King's Restaurant
Located at The De Vere Grand Hotel, King's Restaurant does justice to phrase "a meal fit for a king." Not only does it serve sumptuous delights, King's Restaurant also boasts of classic, royal elegance. Its interiors reek of luxury, framed magnificently by marble pillars and impressive chandeliers. It's a good place to relax and have some pre-dinner drinks while the resident pianist plays soothing music in the background.

(2) Sevendials
Sevendials is a food critics' favourite and the winner of two AA rosettes for its exceptional food and ambiance. This haven of culinary delights is a regular fixture and gets glowing reviews in several food publications, including the prestigious Good Food Guide. Located in central Brighton, near Brighton Station and the seafront, Sevendials not only boasts of excellent food but an impressive design as well. Dining on the hardwood-deck terrace offers a breath-taking view of the sea and it's a good way to beat the heat during the hot summer season.

(3) Whytes
Whytes may be a bit hidden on Western Street, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of Brighton's most popular restaurants, thanks to such culinary delights like its spicy meat dishes and veggie concoctions. Whytes has a strong international flavour and is a favourite of well-travelled foreign tourists. They also have very friendly and reliable staff.

(4) Browns Restaurant and Bar
For over a decade, Browns Restaurant and Bar has been one of the most popular places in The Lanes. That it is located in the upscale part of town is evident from its elegant decor and classy feel. The menu provides a wide variety of food, including meat, pasta and salad.

(5) English's
Another popular restaurant on The Lanes is English's, a renowned oyster bar that ranks among the most prestigious dining places in all of Brighton, if not the entire south coast. Their seafood dishes are top of the line, including lobster, grilled tuna and Dover sole.

(6) Curve
Over on the North Laine district is Curve, a sister restaurant of English's. Like its distinguished sister, Curve has exquisite gourmet meals for dinner, especially dishes with a distinct Mediterranean flavour. Their location is ideal and can't be missed. During the hot summer months, the management opens up the front of the restaurant to allow diners to watch the world go by.

(7) One Paston Place
At the attractive Kemp Town area, there is one restaurant that is known for its excellent cuisine and relaxed setting. One Paston Place is a favourite haunt of locals, business people and tourists. Their food menu features an extensive array of choices and their wine list is hefty. There is also plenty of space in between tables which adds to the feeling of privacy.

(8) Havana
If you and your loved one enjoy dressing up to the nines for a night on the town, perhaps the best place to go dining is Havana on Duke Street for its elegant and stylish setting. They offer everything from breakfast to dinner and their food ranks among the best in Brighton.

Meanwhile, if your tastes run to the novel, here are some restaurants that offer cuisine from different parts of the world.

(9) Nile House
For a taste of unique African and Sudanese cuisine, visit the Nile House on Preston Street. Their international cuisine is delicious and, as a pleasant surprise, it is not that expensive, with most meals priced at less than £5. Whether you prefer meat or nothing but veggies, Nile House has something new and different for you to discover. The only drawback is that you will have to bring your own alcohol since they don't have a liquor licence.

(10) Aumthong Thai and Bali Brasserie
Two restaurants that offer exquisite Far Eastern cuisine are Aumthong Thai and Bali Brasserie, both of them located in Hove. Aumthong Thai on Western Road offers some of the best Thai food in town, including a broad range of seafood and meat dishes side by side with their native curries, noodles and vegetarian offerings as well as desserts. The restaurant's bright blue exterior is an eye catching sight that makes it hard to miss. Meanwhile, the Bali Brasserie on Kingsway Court was built beneath a block of apartments and is a bit hidden from view. But once you taste their Indonesian cuisine, it will be hard to forget where exactly you found this exotic haven. The staff wear traditional Indonesian costumes, which further adds to the ambiance.

Gourmet Coffee Blends Are Delicious And Interesting!

Gourmet coffee blends are not alone delicious, but aswell a admirable way to try altered roasts of coffee! Blending coffee can be a comestible chance of experiencing altered aromas and flavors to contentment the senses. They are absolute for entertaining, bubbler afterwards dinner, or in the morning. They aswell accomplish abundant allowance account for anyone who appreciates coffee!

One of the a lot of accepted blends of coffee, that apparently about anybody has heard of, is the Afterwards Banquet blend. This alloy of coffee is an old attitude started continued ago. The abstraction of an Afterwards Banquet alloy is the hostess of the banquet affair serves it with ambrosia or afterwards anybody has blimp themselves afterwards adequate a adorable gourmet meal. This alloy is absolute for accompanying candied offerings such as amber mousse, Tiramisu or even a allotment of blooming pie. Abounding gourmet Afterwards Banquet blends tend to be intense, to accord that pop of wow as the final to do at a banquet party. Abounding of these blends are aswell French Roast aggressive and about aftertaste smooth, dark, and delicious.

Another actual accepted alloy on the alarm these canicule is Cafe blend. Cafe blends are fabricated to be sipped on and enjoyed comfortable for humans who absolutely adulation to acquaintance a cup of coffee. Envision a airing on a Venice boardwalk or adequate at a Paris Cafe, and you accept the eyes a Cafe alloy is traveling for. About these blends of coffee are combinations of Central and South American coffees that accept amazing depth, admirable aromas and apricot qualities on the palate. Something like aphotic amber addendum with acerb raspberry would be an archetype of a Cafe blend.

Morning alloy is something any of us can acknowledge who charge a bang of caffeine in the morning to get going! Personally, I cannot brainstorm adverse a plan day after my circadian dosage of adorable coffee. Abounding Morning blends advance beans from Brazil that are simple with a affably ablaze aroma. About a active alloy that is counterbalanced altogether and has addendum of acidity that are absolute for a morning cup of Joe! One of the best Morning blends I accept approved is Timothy's Morning Alloy Coffee, that is calmly fabricated for use with Keurig and individual beverage coffee pots as able-bodied as accustomed coffee pots.

There are so abounding blends accessible on the bazaar today it is harder to accumulate up! Some of the added accepted ones are French Roast, House Blend, and Italian Roasts.

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Winging It.

Before I begin, I would like to make a bold statement: never again will I have a brilliant writing concept as I'm falling asleep and assume I will recall it the next day. I would like to tell you all right here and now that forever forward I will keep an adorable little notebook and a nice pen on my person at all times. Even in bed. Especially in bed.

That said, I promise this will still be just as great as my brain flower seemed last night, while half asleep and a few glasses of wine down the hatch.

I know this because I want to talk about wings. And, really, who doesn't like wings?

Actually, for the better part of my possible wing-eating adult life, I have been slightly repulsed by them. Wing consumption can appear a little desperate, a little cannibalistic, hands in face, both covered in cloying, sticky sauce, gnawing away at that tiny little bit of meat. I found the meat-to-bone ratio unnerving.

But I've been sheltered. I have not been around wings much. Wings are usually served in bars. To be specific, wings are usually served in bars with beer and sports and boys in baseball hats. And while I am a fan of sports and boys and baseball hats (though not necessarily together), you won't often find me with a beer in my hand. I am a wine drinker through and through. And the bars I just mentioned, often at these bars, when I ask what sort of wine they serve I hear, “Both kinds. Red and white.”

Call it lack of exposure, call it association, but you can clearly see why I'm not a wingophile. But a few, perhaps six or so, years ago, my then boyfriend (who always wore a baseball hat, followed sports (if they were New York teams) and drank beer in the appropriate bars with others like him)) noticed a blurb about wings in an issue of Saveur I was reading. The recipewas the original from the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. He was very into all things New York, being from Jersey himself. And so he tore the page out, shopped for the ingredients, including some ubiquitous and authentic cayenne pepper sauce, and made a batch of Buffalo wings that, to him, tasted like 'home.' I think he may have even smiled.

And you know what? More importantly, I liked them just fine. Even better, I secretly basked in the carnivorous, sloppy-faced, blue cheese dressing soaked process of it all. But I still paired mine with wine. A crisp white, I believe.

He made the wings once or twice more before our relationship ended. Funny thing, when he moved out, I'm almost positive he took that hot sauce-stained-ripped-out magazine page with him - and not a whole lot else.

In the years since, I've had very few wings. Until now.

It's summer, and Fred (who rarely wears baseball hats or goes to bars, but does enjoy his sports) not New York teams, however)) is back in full-on grill mode. And, in addition to all of the steaks, pork tenderloins, salmon, veggies, brick chickens, shisito peppers, and the like, Fred has been grilling wings.  A lot. About five or six times, now. Each time he has riffed and each time he has done something slightly different, be it in the marinade, the dipping sauce or the garnish. But every single time, with my sticky fingers and my smiling face, messy like a five year-old playing in the mud, I look down at my plate of carnage, my mountain of tiny, little chicken bones, and the cloth napkin, so dotted with sauce it resembles a Pollock painting, and exclaim how much I absolutely love wings. With a crisp, white wine, of course. I'm not an animal.

And I always want at least one more.

So, after all of this, I still don't remember what my brilliant, masterpiece brain flower was from last night. But I do remember I was thinking about the concept of 'winging it', and that I thought I had some extraordinary watershed concept with regard to that phrase. And, I suppose since it had dissapeared completely by the time I opened my eyes this morning, in writing this today, I did in fact, 'wing it'.

But I'm still keeping an adorable little notebook and a nice pen next to my bed from now on.

BBQ Buffalo Wings with Avocado-Ranch Dip

Serves 2-6, depending on your appetite.

Wings:

3 pounds chicken wings

Salt

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

Marinade:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

½ cup Frank's Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce

2 tablespoons Texas Pete's, Tabasco or hot sauce of your preference

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon black pepper

To make the sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in a small pot set over low heat and stir constantly until the butter melts. Once the butter melts, take off heat and whisk the sauce vigorously and set aside. It should remain liquid, but if it starts to solidify, heat it up just enough to melt it, whisking all the time. Never let it boil.

Toss the wings with the vegetable oil and the salt, and arrange in one layer on the grill set over low heat. If you are using charcoal or wood, set your fire on one side of the grill and arrange the wings on the other side, away from the direct heat. You want them to cook slowly. Cover the grill and cook for 30 minutes.

Turn the wings and baste with sauce. Close the grill and cook for another 30 minutes. Repeat the process, painting the wings every 15 minutes or so until the wings are cooked through. Make sure you have a little leftover sauce to toss the wings with at the end. Serve with the avocado-ranch dipping sauce.

Avocado-Ranch Dipping Sauce:

1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon diced red onion

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1 clove of garlic

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)

1/2 teaspoon sugar

salt & pepper to taste

Place the avocado in a food processor and add hot sauce and lime juice. Set the food processor to puree or high, and puree the avocado for 30 seconds or until it is a smooth paste.

Lift the lid from the food processor and to the avocado add buttermilk, mayonnaise, red onion, cilantro, garlic, sugar, and 1 pinch each of salt and pepper.

Replace the lid on the food processor and pulse the ingredients 5 or 6 times for about 15 seconds each time until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. It may need a few more pulses if the garlic is not chopped finely enough.

Check the dressing for salt and pepper and adjust if required. You can add a bit more hot sauce at this point as well, if you want it a bit spicier.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Printable recipe.

Two years ago: Yerp: Part 6. Barthelona (Part 2), THE HAMOVER.

Four years ago: Vichyssoise

Bournemouth's Best French and International Restaurants

1. Bistro Bon Ami
Location: 198-199 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth (01202-553-353)
This upbeat restaurant features a variety of tasty dishes, all spiked with a distinctly French flavour. The most popular entrees are manty mushrooms with spiced couscous and rillette of pork. Just overlooking Christchurch Road, this restaurant has a Mediterranean feel and features interiors with bright colours and mock columns framing the elegant dining area. Lunch is served from Tuesdays to Fridays from noon to 2:30 p.m. while dinner is served from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2. Bournemouth Tandoori Restaurant
Location: 8 Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth (01202-296-204)
Welcome to the most popular and prestigious Indian restaurant in Bournemouth, the Tandoori. Here, you'll find all the authentic dishes of curry as well as delectable Bangladeshi and Balti cuisine. Bournemouth Tandoori is also famous for its non-vegetarian thali, which its chef highly recommends and serves with curry dishes such as lamb, chicken and vegetables. The place is nicely decorated and is open daily, including weekdays and weekends. Lunch is served from noon to 2:30 p.m. while dinner is served from 6 p.m. to midnight.

3. Brasserie Saint Michael's
Location: 105 Saint Michaels Rd, Swallow Highcliff Hotel, Bournemouth (01202-315-716)
This French brassiere has a contemporary setting and serves unique combinations of French and English cuisine. Practically everything on the menu has that tasty continental flavour, whether its beef, poultry, fish or seafood dishes. Brassiere Saint Michael's serves both lunch and dinner every day of the week, including weekends. During sunny days, the brassiere opens up its terrace dining area to diners. They also have a special club which gives discounts to businessmen and other regulars. Lunch is served from noon to 2 p.m. while dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

4. Cafe Rouge
Location: 67-71 Seamoor Rd, Westbourne (01202-757-472)
Cafe Rouge is situated just west of the Bournemouth Centre, near Poole road, and serves fine traditional French cuisine. The place has a casual and relaxed setting, which makes it perfect for getting to know that special someone better. It is also a preferred venue for business meetings and for much-needed breaks after shopping at the Westbourne area. The restaurant offers breakfast lunch and dinner every day, including weekends. The food is relatively inexpensive. An a la carte menu is also available. Cafe Rouge is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays.

5. Coriander Mexican Restaurant
Location: 22 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth (01202-552-202)
Located atop the Square, the Coriander has been a staple in Bournemouth's dining scene, serving authentic Mexican food for over two decades. The two storey restaurant conjures up images of Old Mexico, with its Southwestern style interiors, decor, hardwood floors, up to the pictures of various cacti lining the walls. The Coriander has established a well-deserved reputation for serving excellent Mexican and Latin American food. The popular tiger prawn fajitas, in particular, always gets rave reviews. A favourite combination is the cold Corona and Tecate with the hot, hot salsa. The usual crowd includes locals, students and tourists. Reservations are recommended. This restaurant is open during weekdays and weekends, from noon to 10:30 p.m.

6. Retro
Location: 79-81 Charminster Rd, Bournemouth (01202-315-865)
Retro is purported to be the best place in Bournemouth to get Lebanese cuisine. Located on Charminster Road, this restaurant's green and blue-chequered entrance is difficult to miss. Inside, you'll find an energetic and friendly staff waiting to serve you such chicken dishes as shish taouk and farruji meshwi or grilled lamb cutlets. For lunch, Retro offers up some of the most unique sandwiches in town like lahem (lamb) meshwi or grilled Halloumi cheese served with cucumber slices. "Fish of the Day" and set menu specials also are available daily.

7. Mandarin Chinese Restaurant
Location: 194-198 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, UK - England BH1 1PD (01202-290-681)
Many Bournemouth locals consider Mandarin the best Chinese restaurant in the city. All the standard Cantonese, Peking, and Szechwan menu items are here, and the staff is friendly and willing to make menu suggestions. Special set menus for two or more people are available. The "Seafood Feast," for example, features Dover sole smothered in sweet and sour sauce and served with seasonal greens. Best of all, if you want a dish that is not listed on the menu, they will make it especially for you.

8. Romanzo Greek Restaurant
Location: 87 Poole Rd, Bournemouth, UK - England BH4 9BB (01202-761-070)
This family-owned restaurant is run by Mr. and Mrs. Antoniou and offers the best brush with authentic Greek cuisine in the Bournemouth area. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is cosy, and most importantly, the home-cooked Greek dishes are superb. Main courses ranging from steak to meze are available. Romanzo is situated on Poole Road in Westbourne, only minutes from Bournemouth Square.

9. Sukho Thai
Location: 304 Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth, UK - England BH8 8AY (01202-304-305)
Sukho Thai has been a popular Bournemouth restaurant since its doors opened. This simply decorated restaurant boasts one of the most aromatic dining areas in town, which is a result of the cooks' using fresh ingredients and spices in all of their dishes. Thai egg custard is a good selection off their dessert menu. Lunch and set menus also are available.

10. Sala Thai
Location: 1066 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, UK - England BH7 6DS (1202-420-772)
The staff dresses in traditional Thai garb and, when they arrive at your table to take your order, you know immediately that you're in for an authentic, if not exotic, Thai culinary experience. The restaurant is located east of Bournemouth Centre on Christchurch Road in Boscombe.

Slab City

I don't know why but lately, for no good reason, I have been waking up way earlier than I ever have before. It's very discombobulating to have my day, routine and schedule change so radically. All because of three little hours. It makes the concept of when a day starts and ends get all blurred. Naps start to feel necessary. Bed time becomes earlier. The light is all different. Cooler.

I have always been envious of 'morning people' – someone who wakes up with the sun, makes a pot of steamy hot tea served up in a precious ceramic mug, bakes some fresh scones or biscuits with DIY jam (gross), homemade butter or honey from the bees in the backyard, sits in the misty garden with the hummingbirds and butterflies and all the while poring over the New York Times, The New Yorker or The Oxford American. All before eight o'clock. But I have officially never done anything even remotely close to that in my life. Rather, I wake up closer to eight, get out of bed closer to nine, make coffee, not tea (but I do have a number of precious ceramic mugs), and after feeding the dogs, sit down at my computer, in whatever room I deem my office on that particular day, and get to one form of work or another. And I will neither cook nor eat for hours. I do try to get out to the garden at some point each morning to see if there are any new tomatoes to pluck from the vine. That makes me extremely happy.

But last weekend, when I randomly popped up at six-thirty ayem, I came closer than ever to realizing that romantic vision mentioned above. I got right out of bed, fed the dogs, made a fresh pot of strong coffee, which I poured into a precious ceramic mug, and started playing with my mom's pie crust recipe. You may recall, I made that tart. I've actually had that pastry dough recipe for years, but have always both feared and revered it. As a result, I have never attempted it without my mom's 'help' (and by 'help', I mean that I stand there, feigning interest, while she makes it herself (and by the way, my mom is totallythat morning person I described above)).

Well, I think because work kept me completely strapped to my house this past weekend, and I was feeling all puffed up like a peacock after my tart triumph, I decided to keep on baking. And so, after the tart morning, for the next three mornings in a row I continued with the baking, and inching closer to my dream of being that fetching, productive morning person.

In hindsight, maybe it was a little bit of a weird thing to do over July fourth weekend. When it was so hot. In the middle of Summer. To have the oven on so very much. My dad has always told me that timing is not my strong point.

I think it was on Instagram where I recently saw an arrestingly beautiful, almost graphic image of a pie. It was called a 'slab pie'. And, not because I wanted to eat the pie, but because I wanted to make something that was that beautiful, I knew what I was going to do. So, again, I woke up bright and early, fed the dogs, made coffee and poked around the kitchen to see what I had in the way of the pie department. Pie because, of course, I had 'mastered' the dough. I had blueberries and I had white peaches. I had sugar, cornstarch, lemon, cinnamon. I had it all. So I started with blueberry. A blueberry slab pie.

I have to admit, I was pretty proud of that first pie. It was so beautiful and smelled so good. And it was out of the oven before nine ayem. But, since I don't really eat cooked fruit, as soon as it cooled, I wrapped it up and took it over to Doug and Kendra. But not before I took pictures. I did save one piece for Fred, of course.

The next morning, I fed the dogs, brewed a pot of coffee and decided on a peach slab pie. But this batch of dough came out slightly different. And so the pie came out very different. It smelled the same, and I hear it tasted just as good, but it was not as pretty. Or, I should say, not as perfect. It was like Eric Stoltz's character in Mask, Rocky Dennis: beautiful, golden and perfect on the inside, but dealt a raw deal in the looks department. The peach pie just needed a chance to show what is was made of.

Early on the third morning, after my new routine, I went back to blueberries, and worked extra hard on the aesthetics. I even made a little pastry heart to go on top. I think this one was the prettiest, but the dough was never quite as perfect as pie number one. Consensus was that all three were equally as yummy; they just had varying degrees of pretty. For this, I felt really good.

After all of this talk about slab pie, Fred made a joke about how we were in Slab Pie City. It got me thinking. I've heard about Slab City before, and seen pictures of it. It's a no man's land in southeastern California, near the Salton Sea. It has been referred to as 'The Last Free Place on Earth'. It is decommissioned and uncontrolled. There is no running water, electricity, or sewers. It has become a home for several thousand campers, or 'Slabbers', some retired, some impoverished, and almost all want to be off the grid. Similar to the initial photo I came across of the slab pie, images of Slab City are bright, colorful, stark, graphic and arresting. And also, like Slab City, slab pie has no rules: no pie tin, no set shape or size, no set fillings. It is sort of off the grid.

I imagine the residents of Slab City awaken with the sun. And though, I would guess theirs is a morning ritual that does not exactly mirror the one I painted above, I like to think it's equally ethereal and just as romantic.

As for me, I'm still waking up unusually early. But I'm no longer confused. I know just what to do with my morning and the day that unfolds beyond it.

Slab Pie
(recipe adapted from Spoon Fork Bacon)

Makes: Varies, but I cut mine into 2 9” X 5” pies

Ingredients


Pie dough


2 cups blueberries,
or peaches (chopped), or cherries (pitted), or whatever fruit you'd like

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch


1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


pinch salt


1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 egg, lightly beaten


1 teaspoon white sanding sugar

Preheat oven to 400°F.


Lightly flour a clean surface and roll dough out into 2 14”x 6” rectangles, about 1/8-1/4 inch thick.


Transfer dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet.


For filling: Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and toss together.


To assemble: Fill one side of dough with filling, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edge. Lightly egg wash perimeter and fold the unfilled side over. Firmly press edges together with a fork and score the top of the pie to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush top with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar.


Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Allow pie to cool for 20-30 minutes before cutting and serving.

Printable recipe.

One year ago: Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Basil Fritatta
Two years ago: Yerp: Part 5. Barthelona! (Part 1).
Three years ago: Grilled Salmon with Market Relish over Jasmine Rice
Four years ago: Pimiento Cheese

Top Activities for Dublin Vacationers

Dublin is a actual accepted destination a allotment of backpackers from all over the globe. The city-limits is accepted for its active culture, warmth, history, able traditions and the admirable landmarks it houses. Already you acreage in Dublin, there are such a advanced array of activities to accept from, that you ability just end up missing out on few of them. Actuality is an simple to chase adviser to touring the Irish capital.

Culinary Explorations: The Irish cuisine is not actual boundless but for tasting accurate Irish food, what bigger abode to be in, than Dublin. After all Ireland is abridged after its acceptable bouillon and steak. Get your aperture on some of the best adapted steaks, acceptable soups and salads at the abounding restaurants in Dublin. While the abate café's and pubs action these delicacies at reasonable rates, the added high-end restaurants like Peploe's baby to accomplished dining. Irish fast aliment is different too and the burgers and malts are lip smacking, to say the least. Aftertaste alarming food, the Irish way at the abundant sea aliment restaurants. There is usually an all-embracing card offered with top superior wines on the cards as well. However, on the booze foreground try some acceptable Irish beer and if you dare, a banned aftertaste of poteen. A brace of the best places to sit and adore the flavors of Dublin are the Temple Bar and the Porterhouse.

Historical Explorations: If the history apprentice in you had been lying abeyant for ages, Dublin provides the absolute activate to activate it. With the ample amount of sites which accept absorbing actual significance, the city-limits of Dublin needs to be visited for the celebrated treats it houses. The best a allotment of these are the Dublin Castle, the Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Ireland, Christ Church, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Leinster House, James Joyce Museum, National Library and the Custom House. These architect are all admirable and accord visitors a feel of the Irish roots and what the Irish had been through over the ages.

Cultural Explorations: With such affluent traditions and history, the Irish could never be far off on the cultural front. The aboriginal affair that all-overs into one apperception on this aspect is the acclaimed Dublin amphitheater scene. With the Abbey and the Gate theatre, the Dublin cruise is absolutely abridged after accepting revisited the plays of Synge and Yeats, which put Ireland on the apple map. The affiliation of these theaters with celebrated actors, who fabricated it big on the Broadway and New York stage, can be acquainted alone on a amphitheater cruise here. Walk through the area of Trinity College and appear face to face with intellectualism and a different tranquility. Visit Andrew's Lane for a dosage of Irish music or the Dublin Fringe Festival if you are advantageous enough.

Shopping and Miscellaneous: Shop at the Grafton Street and Henry Street. The Cake Café, the Dubh Linn Area and the Loft Market are spots which have to be visited at atomic already to flavor the Irish cakes, backdrop and the trends in appearance respectively. Analyze the bounded pubs and cafes all over Dublin afore your cruise ends. With accomplished brews and espressos on offer, these are not allotment of the comestible analysis but anatomy an inseparable allotment of a vacation in Dublin. Visit the Dublin Acme or Spike, which marks the millennium celebrations of Dublin. The better sculpture, the acme is a absolute atom to analyze on the appendage end of the trip.

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Shopping in Kuala Lumpur - Malls, Bazaars and Flea Markets

Kuala Lumpur ranks as one of the top shopping destinations in Asia. As all budgets are catered for, you will be enticed to shop till you drop! You can also expect both a fantastic variety of products as well as value for money. From designer labels to home-grown brands, even the discerning shopper will be spoiled for choice. But you may like to bring home something typically Malaysian, in which case, spare some time to shop for ethnic crafts. A wide range can be found at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex and the Central Market.

Among the recommended items are batik (hand-painted or in block motifs available in traditional and contemporary designs, available as pareos, sarongs, scarves, shirts or dresses); songket (cloth intricately handwoven with silver or gold thread); silver items (jewellery, tableware and other home adornments); pewterware (various decorative and functional items); woodcarvings (aboriginal); pottery and ceramic (the choice is mind-boggling, but look out for Sarawak pottery or the Perak labu sayong); and weaved products (from practical bags to trinket boxes).

Places to shop include countless spick-and-span shopping complexes, duty-free shops, department stores, hypermarkets and handicraft centres to make-shift stalls and open-air night markets. Almost all shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur open for business from 10am till 10pm daily, public holidays included.

While the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival which runs from July to September and the Malaysia Savings Sale in December draw hordes of shoppers from around the region with offers of up to 70% discount on store products, you can still find bargains and sales at independent retailers outside scheduled sale carnivals.

Besides larger malls such as Berjaya Times Square, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Suria KLCC and those at the Bukit Bintang and Imbi area, many shopping complexes and departmental stores also offer economical buys such as Pertama Complex, Sogo Departmental Store, Kota Raya and Campbell Complex.

Then there are the numerous shops, flea markets, bazaars and side street stalls, notably dotting Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Masjid India (Little India), Brickfields (another Little India), Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Petaling (Chinatown), Plaza Mont Kiara and even the Sunday Night Market on Jalan Telawi in Bangsar.

On Saturday nights, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to vehicles and transformed into a bright and bustling night market with hundreds of stalls selling a gamut of products from foodstuff to leather goods.

Jalan Petaling Night Market in Chinatown sizzles every night while on Sundays, the Pasar Minggu Kampung Baru (Kampung Baru Sunday Market) turns into a treasure trove of shopping delights with local colours, sights and sounds. Below are the major shopping malls in the city:

AMPANG PARK
Jalan Memanda 3, Ampang

Ampang Park is the oldest mall in Kuala Lumpur, and also happens to be the grand dame of bargain buys, especially for electronics and electrical products as well as ethnic clothes. The bazaar-like atmosphere of its shops and stalls that line its corridors make for an interesting visit.

AVENUE K
156 Jalan Ampang

Avenue K is a top-end lifestyle mall with eight levels, designed for retail and leisurely pursuits. It's the place to shop for international brands and local labels.

BANGSAR SHOPPING CENTRE
285 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar

Located in the heart of one of Kuala Lumpur's posh suburbs, BSC is the place to shop, dine and most importantly, to be seen. The Cold Storage supermarket here stocks a fair amount of foreign foodstuff which is often hard to come by at your regular supermarket. The mall is also home to the Actors' Studio, one of the country's most definitive stage performance companies. You can catch seasoned and budding actors performing regularly at the studio.

BANGSAR VILLAGE I & II
Jalan Ara, Bangsar

The complex is spacious and its anchor tenant The Village Grocer attracts many shoppers with reasonably priced fresh fruit and vegetables and other supermarket items. F&B outlets there are cool places to hang out. Shops sell varied items, making the complex vastly popular in vibrant Bangsar.

BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE
1 Jalan Imbi

Berjaya Times Square offers over 500 retail shops. Foodies will be pampered by over 100 choices of cafes, restaurants, bistros and fast-food outlets. Its major attraction, Cosmo's World, the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, is a stand alone theme park with an abundant variety of entertainment and thrilling rides catering to all ages. Cosmo's World also houses one of the longest indoor roller coasters in the world.

BB PLAZA
111 Jalan Bukit Bintang

Located adjacent and connected at all floors to Sungei Wang Plaza, BB Plaza houses some of the more notable tenants which are shoppers' favourites. These include the Metrojaya departmental store and several jewellers lined at its entrance. Al fresco cafes at its entrance offer shoppers a welcome respite from the busier pursuits of shopping.

CAMPBELL COMPLEX
Jalan Campbell

A compact spot that's great for watches and men's shoes at affordable prices.

CENTRAL MARKET
Jalan Hang Kasturi

Once the city's busiest wet market, Central Market was dramatically transformed in the late 70s to become one of the topmost destinations to hunt for souvenirs and local arts and crafts. Here, tourists will get to soak in the artistic and cultural aspects of Malaysian life as artists ply their skills. Batik and craft shops provide a great shopping experience.

GREAT EASTERN MALL
Jalan Ampang

Located along the prime "Embassy Row" of Jalan Ampang, the mall is home to many specialty stores, including British India and Guess as well as designer cafes like Starbucks. Cold Storage Supermarket is its anchor tenant.

KL PLAZA
Jalan Bukit Bintang

For up-market buys, head for KL Plaza, home to luxury watch shops, jewelers and beauty salons. The famed Planet Hollywood is located here. Several al fresco eateries along the Bintang Walk belt offer great food and entertainment.

KOTA RAYA COMPLEX
Jalan Cheng Lock

A bargain hunters' haven, Kota Raya Complex, located across from KL's Chinatown, has a wonderful selection of gifts and trinket shops that are just as colourful as they are varied. This is also a favouriete hang-out spot for Filipinas on Sundays.

KUALA LUMPUR CRAFT COMPLEX
Jalan Conlay

The complex showcases quality Malaysian handicrafts in both contemporary and traditional designs. There is a large collection of locally produced batik, songket, wood carvings, rattan trinkets and pewter products. There is a Do-It-Yourself Batik-making corner with resident batik makers on hand to assist tourists. At the Artists Colony, tourists get to mingle with local artists and learn about their craft.

LOT 10
50 Jalan Sultan Ismail

Boasting an eye-catching green facede, Lot 10 is a popular haunt for both local and foreign shoppers with Isetan as anchor tenant. It caters for the average income as well as the wealthy. As part of the Bintang Walk area, it also has several al fresco eateries and cafes along its immediate surroundings.

LOW YAT PLAZA
Off Jalan Bukit Bintang

Fronting BB Park, Low Yat Plaza is dedicated to IT products such as computers, laptops and peripherals. It also has a good measure of camera shops, fashion and leather goods stores.

MAJU JUNCTION MALL
1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail

Strategically located at the busy junction of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Sultan Ismail, the mall attracts discerning shoppers with its specialty fashion stores such as Wh by British India and Nichi Fashion City. Besides a food court, it also has an indoor archery centre.

MID VALLEY MEGAMALL
Lingkaran Syed Putra

Mid Valley Megamall offers 5km of shopping, leisure and dining outlets. With more than 430 shops, the mall is also home to three retailing giants, namely, Carrefour, Jaya Jusco and Metrojaya. It also houses a Cineplex, state-of-the-art bowling centre and a one-stop IT centre. If you need to refuel after all that glorious shopping, there's a whole world of culinary delights just waiting for you. From chic-bistros to fast-food outlets and food courts, they are all teeming to satisfy any tastebud.

PICCOLO GALLERIA
Jalan Bukit Bintang

A medium-sized shopping galleria sandwiched between Lot 10 and KL Plaza, Picollo Galleria adopts Italian shopping ambience with specialty stores offering lifestyle fashion products and art pieces. Ristorante L'Opera, a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine located on the ground floor, is one of the most popular places at Bintang Walk.

PERTAMA COMPLEX
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Though Pertama Complex is one of the oldest shopping complexes in KL, it still has a faithful following of shoppers due to its reasonably priced products, ranging from telecommunication devices to leatherwear such as Cowboy boots and jackets.

SOGO DEPARTMENTAL STORE
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Located on busy Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Sogo offers a wide range of merchandise with prices ranging from high-end to mid-range. The centre has a well-stocked department store, supermarket, bookshop, restaurants, food court and offices.

PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR
Jalan Bukit Bintang

Consisting of seven levels, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur boats of more than 450 stores offering some of the world's renown brand names. Shoppers are spoiled for choice in terms of fashion, food and urban leisure.

STARHILL GALLERY
Jalan Bukit Bintang

Undoubtedly one of the classiest malls in the city, Starhill offers a great selection of top-end designer labels and luxury watches. There is also a great selection of spa and beauty treatments on its Pamper Floor.

SUNGEI WANG PLAZA
Jalan Sultan Ismail

Having the biggest concentration of hair and beauty saloons among the city's malls, Sungei Wang Plaza offers almost 500 stores offering almost everything under the sun at affordable prices. The complex is anchored by Parkson Grand. Its main entrance is lined with several interesting eateries. It's the kind of place that shoppers keep returning to.

SURIA KLCC
Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Jalan Ampang

Suria KLCC is an up-market shopping destination with hundreds of shops offering a wide range of goods and services that pamper the needs of shoppers - from fashion, entertainment, arts and culture, to local delicacies and international cuisines. The mall is surrounded by hotels, office buildings, a scenic park and dancing fountains. Its anchor tenants include Isetan, Parkson Grand and Tanjong Golden Village.

THE MALL
Jalan Putra

Located across from the Putra World Trade Centre, The Mall is a relatively large mall with a penchant for leather shops and boutiques. The Parkson department store is its anchor tenant. It also has a Malaccan-themed food court on its top floor.

THE WELD
76 Jalan Raja Chulan

A pleasant medium-sized mall, The Weld has an assortment of shops from bookstores to watch shops, a pharmacy and also a ladies' wellness centre. Several eateries are located at its concourse area.

Flea markets are great places for browsing or to shop for exotic jewellery, household items, second-hand books, ceramics and other bric-a-brac. The main flea markets in Kuala Lumpur are listed below:

Bangsar Utama Flea Market
Kompleks Niaga Utama
Bangsar Utama
Daily: 10am-10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-8pm

Amcorp Mall
Jalan Timor, Petaling Jaya
Daily: 10am-4pm
Sat-Sun: 11am-3pm

Carnival Flea Market, BB Park
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Daily: 10am-4pm

Central Market, Jalan Kasturi
Daily: 10am-8pm

KL Arts Market (Laman Seni)
National Art Gallery
Jalan Tun Razak
First Saturday of the Month: 8am-5pm

Little India, Jalan Masjid India
Daily: 8am-10pm

Mont' Kiara Craft Mart
Plaza Mont' Kiara
Sundays: 10am-6pm

Sogo Flea Market, Ground Floor
Sogo Shopping Centre
First Sunday of the Month: 11am-7pm

Souk Al-Tar, Maju Junction Mall
Daily: 10am-10pm

How to Best Enjoy a Burgundy and Provence River Cruise

Immortalized by the Beatles poetic phrase, "lavender fields are forever," a river cruise though Burgundy and Provence can truly be a trip of a lifetime. The two rivers, the Saone and the Rhone, respectively, combine to create your liquid highway through the very heart of France's majestic Burgundy and Provence culinary and wine regions.

For those who have never enjoyed such rich and rewarding experience, a word to the wise. Of all the many river cruises available in Europe, this particular itinerary is the most demanded of them all. Traditionally, for peak season dates of May and June and September, these intimate [140 passengers] destination intensive river cruises sell out almost a year in advance. You can save a few bucks if you book in August or October and the weather is still great.

This cruise appeals to anyone of 50 who wants to see Burgundy and Provence in depth as it allows you to visit the heart of the area in one fun-filled week. Even better, extend your trip for a bit before the cruise in Paris or Lyon and at the end, on the French Riviera.

The cruise offers unimaginable wine tasting and culinary opportunities as well as history back to the time of the Romans, the art of Van Gogh and Cezanne and Monet, and of course, those extraordinary French cities of Beaune, Tournon, Viviers, Vienne, Avignon home of the Papal Palace and Arles to mention but a few.

It's easy to understand why this is the most desired of all European river cruises. You cruise begins or ends [cruises operate in both directions] in Chalon-sur-Saone, located on the Saone, a small and charming medieval town in the middle of the Burgundy region. Your journey will culminate in the provincial capital of Provence, several hundred enthralling miles to the south in another awe-inspiring, 2500 years medieval town of Arles. Arles is this incredible little town with cobblestoned streets, shops and cafes that you would only normally see in the movies, it's a fairytale area you just will not believe and one to visit soon.

Provence is also steeped in history and rich culinary traditions due in no small way to the worldwide success of its most noted chef, Paul Bocuse [some trips dine at one of his restaurants]. It is also known for its incredible architectural landmarks, medieval villages, and yes wines. It is after all one of the most well known wine growing regions in the world, Beaujolais in the north, and the Ce´tes du Rhone varietal wines in the South

For art lovers, you will be as they say in "hog heaven" as you are immersed in the works of van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet and Gauguin in more museums than you can count on two hands. And for the lovers of the grape, need you say anything more than, Burgundy? This is also a region in France where the great chefs have their roots in places like the food capital of the world, Lyon.

A cruise to Provence allows you to enjoy the essence of France at its best, from the history and traditions of the monarchy, to the cuisine, art and wines of one of the most picturesque places on earth and there's no easier or more relaxing way to take it in than on a luxurious and un-crowded river ship with other like-minded travelers.

There are significant differences among the cruise lines and ships and the worst mistake that unsophisticated travelers make is buying this river cruise based solely on price. While price is important, there are many other elements of the cruise selection that come into play. Most Provence river cruises are similarly priced, but it is important to get the product that best suit your own personal lifestyle and taste and you don't always do that when you buy based on price alone.

Buying this type of cruise is somewhat similar to buying a pair of shoes. If it's a bad fit, you're not only going to be uncomfortable, but you may waste a lot of money.

All the major river cruise lines including: AmaWaterways, Avalon, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking Cruises offer exceptional early booking values on most 2013 Burgundy and Provence cruises.

If this is your first river cruise, don't just rely on surfing the Internet; speak with one of the experienced river-cruise experts at Premier River Cruises. They know how to match you to the RIGHT ship, the RIGHT itinerary and get the BEST value for your travel dollar.

Go Figure.

After a month of picnicking and al fresco dining, July rolled in. It's uncomfortably hot and I don't have air conditioning, so clearly I thought it best to start baking again. I dabble, it's true. Doug makes fun of me as I always claim to never, ever bake. Usually I'm proclaiming this as I'm handing him an oatmeal cookie or a loaf of banana bread or some such thing. He's right. I do bake more than most non-bakers, and I certainly bake more than I ever have before. But the truth is, most of the time I don't really know what I'm doing.

I rarely perceive recipes as anything more than a general guideline, a suggestion, and in baking – unless you're Betty Crocker – that's not very wise. So I do have some flops. Most of the time my baked goods are yummy or look good, but usually not both. And there are always tweaks I intend to make the next time I bake that cake, or pie, or what have you. The main problem, I think, is that so often I'm experimenting and playing and riffing, but I almost never make the same thing twice. Hence, I never actually perfect any of my baking projects. Those tweaks I mentioned? They never have a chance to see the light of day. Or rather, the light in my oven.

Some clients of mine gave me a bag of tart, little apples from their parents' garden a few weeks ago. This is what lured me into this baking surge. I tried to eat one of those apples, but it was was so sour all of the moisture was sucked straight out of my mouth. And they hurt my teeth (most apples do). Nothing can ever, ever go to waste with me, especially not a sweet home-grown gift. And so, as I do when I have a baking conundrum, I called my mom. “Apple Crisp. It's in your Craig Claiborne.” That's basically all she had to impart – which was enough. She has been making apple crisp all my life, and – cooked fruit aside – I have always loved it. Granted, I prefer to pick the crumb part all out and leave the baked apple part for someone else.

So I made an apple crisp. But, of course I couldn't just follow the recipe. I had to add blackberries. And I'm sure other stuff, too. So, while it was pretty tasty, it was really wet. Which, of course my mom warned me about: “Tweeters, just remember, the blackberries will be good but they will completely liquify, so you may need to compensate.” Compensate? I did not. She was right. So the next week, when my neighbor gave me some peaches, I decided to make a peach crumble. Keeping in mind the lesson I learned the week prior, I compensated by adding lots of extra crumble part. But, of course it was unnecessary as there were no blackberries. Just the peaches. So I essentially made a doughy extravaganza with a peach essence.

Live and learn? Or not.

Earlier yesterday, the fourth of July, I could not get back to sleep after Fred roused himself to go surfing at the crack of dawn. So I wandered into the kitchen, made a pot of coffee, and poked around in the fridge to see what I wanted to get into. And there were the black figs.

So I called my mom. And as she often does, she suggested a pie. But I just so happen to be deathly afraid of making doughs, and crusts and stuff like that. Oh, and never bread. Never. But I also refuse to purchase pre-made pastry dough. Quandry. I figured, since it was hours before I usually got out of bed, why not get down and dirty, and confront my fear with some pastry dough play times.

I followed my mom's recipe to the T. I used chilled lard. I used butter. Everything. But I also decided that I wanted to add almond flour instead of all all-purpose flour. I had almonds. I had the flour-making version of the Vitamix. Almonds sound like they would profile perfectly with figs. Oh, and there was that one, errant white peach hanging around, too...

And, against my better judgement, the riffing began again. I found about three recipes that all looked good, but were completely different: parbake crust, do not parbake crust, cut the figs in quarters, lengthwise – cut the figs in slices, widthwise (is that even a word?). Oh wait, this one calls for mascarpone and honey and I've got some crème fraiche and honey! What about a little vanilla? And some lemon zest! Here I go again on my own...

I did par-bake the crust. And, yes, I added all of the stuff I mentioned above. And it was beautiful. And it would have been perfection, cartwheels and wait for it... fireworks... If I had A) cooked it all the way through, and B) why has no one ever explained the pricking little holes in the bottom of pastry dough to me before? Maybe if I had read any one recipe all the way through...

So finally, I decided to break my bad pattern and make the very same tart again. Mostly it was because I got up so ungodly early and was confused about how much time still lay ahead in my day. And my mom's pastry dough recipe did make enough for two.

Now that it was mid-afternoon on the fourth of July, during the hottest part of the day, and in my house, after the oven had been on around 400 degrees for the better part of five hours, I succesfully created what I considered to be a A) varsity level baked good, and B) I try, tried again and got it right. Lesson learned. Go figure.

Now, let's hope Fred will make some ice cream before I melt.

Fig, Peach & Mascarpone Tart

Makes 1 9-inch tart

For the Crust:

1 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

¼ cup almond flour

1 teaspoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons sweet butter, chilled

3 tablespoons lard, chilled

3-5 tablespoons ice water, as needed

Sift flours, sugar and salt into a mixing bowl. Add chilled butter and lard. Working quickly and using your fingertips, rub or cut fat into dry ingredients until the mixture resembles course meal.

Sprinkle on ice water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, and toss with a fork. Turn dough out onto your work surface and, using the heel of your hand, smear dough away from you, about 1/4 cup at a time. Scrape it up into a ball and wrap in wax paper. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.

Roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured work surface. Line a 9-inch pie plate with half of the dough.

For the Filling:

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

1/3 cup honey

Zest of ½ lemon

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 fresh peaches, sliced

8 to 12 fresh figs, sliced

confectioner's sugar for dusting (optional)

To make the crust in a medium bowl combine flours, sugar and salt into a mixing bowl. Add chilled butter and lard. Working quickly and using your fingertips, rub or cut fat into dry ingredients until the mixture resembles course meal.

Sprinkle on ice water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, and toss with a fork. Turn dough out onto your work surface and, using the heel of your hand, smear dough away from you, about 1/4 cup at a time. Scrape it up into a ball and wrap in wax paper. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours. Crust can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

When ready to roll out, unwrap the dough onto a lightly floured work surface.  Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out to an 11-inch circle.  If the dough starts to break up or tear as you’re rolling it, don’t panic.  Simply place the dough into the tart pan and use your fingers to press it along the bottom, sides and edges.  If your rolling was successful, carefully place the dough in the tart pan and press it against the sides and edges so no gaps are present.  Cut any excess dough flush with the tart pan.  Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes while the oven preheats.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the tart pan from the refrigerator.  Line the unbaked crust with a sheet of foil or parchment paper covering all sides.  Fill the pan with dried beans or pie weights.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Rotate the pan and bake for another 10 minutes.  Remove the foil and beans from the pan and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the bottom crust looks dry and the shell is a very pale golden color.  Remove the pie from the oven and let the shell cool completely.

To make the filling in a medium bowl combine mascarpone, lemon zezt, honey and vanilla extract and stir to combine.  Mixture will be smooth and glossy.

When the crust is completely cool, score the bottom and smear the filling evenly across the bottom of the tart.  Arrange sliced figs and peaches in a circular pattern on top of the filling.  

Place back in oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the pastry edges are golden brown. Dust with confectioner's sugar and serve.

This tart will keep, well wrapped in the refrigerator, for up to two days.  It’s most lovely served the day it’s made.  

Printable recipe.

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