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Europe Vacation 2010 - Videos

9 1/2 Weeks Famous Food Scene

"It seems to me that our three basic needs, for food and security and love, are so mixed and mingled and entwined that we cannot straightly think of one without the others. So it happens that when I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it, and warmth and the love of it and the hunger for it… and then the warmth and richness and fine reality of hunger satisfied… and it is all one." ~ M.F.K. Fisher

Kelis Dinner at Winter Music Conference 2010

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Kellis Dinner at Winter Music Conference 2010 - Miami, FL

Last night musician Kelis hosted a dinner presented by Belvedere Vodka in celebration of her upcoming album, Flesh Tone, and revealed her
unknown passion: cooking. Held in a private bungalow at the W South Beach,
Kelis welcomed guests including Interscope-Geffen-A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine, DJ Benny Benassi, DJ ...Rashida, Chicago Bears player Adewale Ogunieye, Kansas City Chiefs player Thomas Jones, DJ/musician Calvin Harris, Burns, JackSplash and more, who all enjoyed the menu she created and prepared herself.

Kelis, who found the time to go culinary school in between rocking the stage, impressed everyone with her cooking talents. In addition to the delicious food, which Benny Benassi raved about, guests were the first to hear Kelis' new album, while sipping Belve cocktails.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

my official itinerary

SEPTEMBER
** – TODAY WE DEPART FROM NY –JFK AIRPORT ON A 5:40PM FLIGHT THIS EVENING NONSTOP TO BARCELONA








September **: BARCELONA



Arrival at Barcelona airport this morning. We will be transferred to our First Class hotel, The Hotel Condes de Barcelona.The Hotel Condes de Barcelona occupies a prime location on Paseo de Gracia, in the heart of Modernist Barcelona and facing the famous Gaudi building La Pedrera.







The Hotel is built on two splendid nineteenth-century Modernist mansions, carefully restored to offer maximum comfort, the best in contemporary design and cutting-edge technology. A four-star hotel offering exquisite, personalized service in keeping with the warm atmosphere and avant-garde gastronomy.



http://www.condesdebarcelona.com/pag/hotel.php?idioma=en







This afternoon enjoy an escorted tour of one of Europe's most beautiful cities. See the ancient Gothic Quarter with its magnificent cathedral. Stop to admire the exterior of Gaudi's masterwork, the Basilica of the Sacred Family (Sagrada Familia). Continue to Montjuich Hill (site of the Olympic Stadium), to enjoy a spectacular view of Barcelona and its port area.







September **: BARCELONA







Buffet breakfast. Pre-arranged transfer to Barcelona pier to board our cruise ship:








Nightly shows, casino action, dance club, piano bar and more make the nights all sizzle on board our floating resort.



Ship Highlights



Ice-skating rink



Rock-climbing wall



In-line skating



Royal Promenade (open 24 hours)



Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant



Portofino Italian Restaurant



Themed bars and lounges



Casino RoyaleSM



Golf simulators



9-hole miniature golf course



Adventure Ocean® youth facilities



Day Spa and Fitness Center



Full-size basketball court







SEPTEMBER ** – TODAY IS A FULL DAY AT SEA TO ENJOY THE AMENITIES OF OUR CRUISE SHIP, THE POOLS JACUZZIS, SUN DECKS, AND SO MUCH MORE, PLUS PLANNED ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED BY THE CRUISE STAFF.







SEPTEMBER **







Naples is not only picturesque, it's also one of the world's greatest cultural centers, filled with extraordinary works of art and architecture in the classical Greek and Roman styles. Several interesting tours are available of the city itself and the fascinating places that lie just outside of Naples.







The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss







While you're in the area, you'll want to visit Pompeii, one of the most famous excavation sites in the world. A thriving city 1,900 years ago, it was devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. when 30 feet of volcanic ash and pumice stone covered it. Enter Pompeii by the sea gate and take a short walk to the hub of the city: the Forum. View the lavish temples and porticoes that lay beneath the ash for centuries.







Other Fun Things to Do







Take a boat trip to the entrancing Isle of Capri, and explore Capri Town. Wander its quaint streets and explore its shops and cafés. Discover the Gardens of Augustus, overlooking the famous Faraglioni of Capri and Marina Piccola.







Take a ride up the Amalfi Coast. With its ocean views and beautiful vistas, it's one of the most breathtaking stretches of road in the world.







Walk around and spend an afternoon getting to know the picturesque city of Naples.







Get a Taste of Local Flavor







Pizza was invented in Naples, and there are plenty of authentic pizzerias to choose from. Try mozzarella and tomato served with fresh basil and liberally doused in olive oil as a starter. Spigola (sea bass) is the most popular fish here, and you'll find it served steamed and baked. For dessert, try sfogliatella, a delicious clam-shaped Neapolitan pastry.







September **



Civitavecchia is the gateway to all the magnificence of the ancient city of Rome. Whether it's the Forum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon or St. Peter's Basilica that sparks your interest and intellect, Rome is home to a lifetime's worth of historical, architectural and spiritual sites. Depending on traffic, the drive from Civitavecchia to Rome takes approximately an hour and a half.







Once the center of the ancient world from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization for hundreds of years, Rome is still considered by many to reign over all other European destinations. Here you can breathe the air once breathed by great Roman gladiators in the ancient halls of the Coliseum. Gaze upon the very ceilings Michelangelo painted at the Sistine Chapel. Or visit a monument to both size and faith, St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church ever built







You Don't Want to Miss







Experience the history of Rome as you wander around the Coliseum and Roman Forum.







Explore the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and other wonders of this ancient city. Picture the gladiators and their chariots on an interior tour of the Coliseum. Bask in the glory of Vatican City, with an inside look at St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum and the magnificent Sistine Chapel.







Other Fun Things to Do







Explore the amazing history and culture of Rome. Stop at the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, a Roman sacrificial altar enclosed in a screen of Parian marble.







Visit the Vatican Museum, where you can walk through the many rooms that house the largest art collection in the world.



Travel through magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world.







View the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, the ceiling of which was painted by Michelangelo.







Toss a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain - a way to ensure that you'll always return to Rome.







Get a Taste of Local Flavor



There are many varieties of pasta available with a wide range of sauces. Bucatini all'Amatricana, a thick spaghetti in a tangy tomato and bacon sauce, is one example associated with Rome. Osso Bucco, also popular, is a casserole of veal shin flavored with garlic, tomatoes and wine. For dessert, try ricotta cake, a form of cheesecake, or Zuppa Inglese, a liqueur-soaked sponge cake covered with custard, similar to English trifle.







SEPTEMBER **



Livorno, in the Tuscan region of Italy, is ideally located for exploring some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Florence and Pisa. Florence is most noted as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Highlights include impressive piazzas and an incomparable 15th-century skyline - sure to offer charm and an unforgettable experience to any visitor.







Occupying both banks of the Arno River and situated at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, is Florence. Founded by Julius Caesar himself, Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. History and art shake hands in this picturesque land where masterpieces like Michelangelo's David can be seen in the city's many museums, churches and galleries







The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss







When you're in the area, you'll definitely want to explore Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Start by visiting the church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's Westminster Abbey because of the Italian monarchy buried there. View the 14th-century interior and marvel at one of the finest examples of Florentine Gothic decoration. Stop at the Piazza del Duomo in Florence, where the cathedral, bell tower and baptistery share the same square. Then stop in the Piazza della Signoria, the city's largest square, and gaze upon a copy of Michelangelo's David and the Loggia dei Lanzi.







Other Fun Things to Do







Shop for souvenirs at the famed Ponte Vecchio in Florence.







Explore the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, home to works by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Rubens.



Visit the Field of Miracles in Pisa, and discover one of the world's most amazing sights - the Campanile, or Leaning Tower. Learn the fascinating details about this famous bell tower.







Take a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, enjoying its soft, rounded hills, the medieval architecture of its villages and the silver green of the olive trees mingling with the dark-green of the cypress trees. Stop in a local winery to sample some of its delicious product.







Get a Taste of Local Flavor







Every area of Italy is known for its unique cuisine and pasta dishes. Try fazzoletti, pasta filled with ricotta cheese and spinach. Other Tuscan specialties are: ribollita, a variation on minestrone; papardelle, broad noodles; stracotto, a beef stew with beans; and bistecca alla fiorentina, a charcoal-grilled T-bone steak marinated in olive oil and black pepper







SEPTEMBER **



Villefranche is your gateway to the one-of-a-kind French Riviera, home to Monte Carlo, Cannes and Nice.







Shaded by jagged mountains touching deep blue shores, Villefrancheoffers sunny beaches, sophisticated resort cities, quaint red-roofedvillages and spectacular views.







Situated at the foot of the Alps is the French Riviera city of Nice. Once you arrive here, it will be clear why this jewel of the French Riviera is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels and terraced cafés. Stroll along the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais or see masterpieces by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Chagall in one of Nice's many museums. For a true taste of Nice, sample the local favorites, including onion, anchovy and olive tarts known as pissaladières, along with succulent little black olives known as caillettes. If your thing is lounging on gorgeous beaches, you will love our visit to Nice.







The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss







While Villefranche is lovely, it's truly remarkable for what surrounds it. While you're there, visit some of its better-known neighbors: Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo. These jet-setters' retreats are as remarkable for their beautiful beaches as the mansions and boutiques that surround them.







Other Fun Things to Do







See the Rock of Monaco, and travel on foot through the Old Quarter.



Explore the vaulted passageways and beautiful façade of Monaco's Prince's Palace and the Palace Square.



Visit the 19th-century Monaco Cathedral, final resting place of the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. Stop at Place du Casino in Monte Carlo to explore this renowned landmark.



Go shopping in Old Town in Nice, where you'll find interesting shops and charming sidewalk cafés.



Drive down the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, famous for its exclusive hotels and designer boutiques.







Get a Taste of Local Flavor



Sample local favorites, including onion, anchovy and olive tarts known as pissaladières. Salad Nicoise is also popular here, combining tuna, hard-boiled egg, green beans and anchovies. Vegetarians might prefer ratatouille, a tomato-based dish with onions, eggplant, zucchini and subtle spices.







SEPTEMBER **



Ships, ships and more ships. Toulon is France's exciting naval epicenter. Bobbing sailboats dot its busy harbor. On land you'll find tons of maritime museums, ancient fortresses and a fair share of sailors. And in true French fashion you'll also find plenty of stylish spots for shopping and lunching. But what really makes this seaport so special is its proximity to glitzy Saint-Tropez and the Côte d'Azur.







The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss



If you're looking for the perfect photo op, take a cable car to the peak of Mont Faron. After you've soaked up the scenery, visit the Mémorial du Débarquement en Provence, a museum that houses an interesting collection of World War II memorabilia.







Other Fun Things to Do



Catch some Mediterranean sunshine at Plage du Morillon - the seaport's most popular beach.



Pop into the Musée de Toulon and ogle its vast collection of Provençal, Italian and religious masterpieces from the 16th century to the present.



Take a boat tour around the harbor.



Shopping For Bargains



There are plenty of places to shop for designer fashions, fine jewelry and French perfume. You'll even find a three-story mall that has just about everything, including a supermarket and a movie theater.



Get A Taste Of Local Flavors







Pull up a chair at a charming terrace café and make sure to sample the savory Mediterranean specialties.







SEPTEMBER ** – WE ARRIVE BACK IN BARCELONA AND ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE AIRPORT FOR OUR NONSTOP DELTA AIRLINES FLIGHT BACK TO JFK, ARRIVING 2:15PM

Monday, August 09, 2010

Nice little vacay to the beach this weekend.

had a great time this weekend, had some of the most awesome food at some beachside restaurant.  all fresh seafood, man it was a great time.  my view... i think im going to begin a "my view" photo album hmmmm....

Popular Posts

Hot Item of the Week! 100% Pure Virgin Pecan Oil

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Pecan oil is a Heart healthy cooking oil for every day use. Especially good for sautéing, stir fry, braising. Excellent in salad dressings and marinades. Pecan oil may be used as a butter substitute, and has high smoke point of 470 degrees.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PURCHASING INFO:

http://pecanoil.gourmetfoodmall.com/MerchantCategory.php/Pecan_Oil?categoryid=889

Wine of the Week - Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Chile Wine

Wine of the Week - Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Chile Wine
So I have been trying many different wines lately. Last night, with the recommendation of the package store attendant, I purchased this one. I am usually a semi-sweet wine type (Sweet Riesling or Sweet Red), this one turns out to be a great buy! Full bodied, I won't say that it is dry but the finish seems to be a little dry. It is a pretty decent wine for the price. Besides, I had never tried a blend before this one. Not bad--not bad at all!!

Chef of the Month

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto


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Masaharu Morimoto (森本正治 Morimoto Masaharu; born May 26, 1955 in Hiroshima, Japan) is a well-known Japanese chef, best-known as the third (and last) Iron Chef Japanese on the TV cooking show Iron Chef, and an Iron Chef on its spinoff, Iron Chef America. Morimoto's costume on Iron Chef is silver with red trim and a picture on the back of Japanese and American flags tied together in a sheaf, while on Iron Chef America he dons the standard blue Iron Chef outfit with white trim. In his professional life, to distinguish himself from his on-screen persona, Morimoto wears (purely aesthetic) glasses.

Morimoto received practical training in sushi and traditional Kaiseki cuisine in Hiroshima, and opened his own restaurant in that city in 1980. Influenced by western cooking styles, he decided to sell his restaurant in 1985 in order to travel around the United States and his travels further influenced his fusion style of cuisine. He established himself in Manhattan, New York City, and worked in some of that city's more prestigious restaurants, including the dining area for Sony Corporation's executive staff and visiting V.I.Ps., the Sony Club, where he was executive chef, and the exclusive Japanese restaurant Nobu, where he was head chef.


It was during his time at Nobu where he got his start on the Iron Chef television show. Several months after the weekly run of Iron Chef ended in 1999, he left Nobu, eventually opening his own Morimoto restaurant in Philadelphia in 2001. He has plans to open a second Morimoto restaurant in New York City.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Morimoto currently appears as an Iron Chef in Iron Chef America, a spin-off from the original Japanese "Iron Chef" series.

Women: How often do you watch porn?



Talk of the Town - Atlanta

Restaurants that Atlanta critics and bloggers are talking about right now:


1.Leon's Full Service - www.leonsfullservice.com
2.Sauced - www.saucedatlanta.com
3.Antico Pizza Napoletana - www.anticopizza.it
4.Saskatoon - www.saskatoonatlanta.com
5.Bishoku - www.bishokusushi.com
6.Miller Union - www.millerunion.com
7.Amuse - www.amuseatlanta.com
8.Bakeshop - www.bakeshopatl.com
9.Grindhouse Killer Burgers - www.grindhouseburgers.com
10.Bocado - www.bocadoatlanta.com

Ask Chef L Boogie: Olive Oil as Anal Sex Lubricant?

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Hi Chef L Boogie:

Two months ago I met an amazing man from Spain, we had a hot affair during the time that he was visiting my city and he told me that he was a collector of olive oil. We talked about having anal sex during the time that he was here but it never happened. Anyway, I am planning a trip to Spain to visit him and I thought about bringing him a nice bottle of olive oil to be used as a lubricant for our anal adventures! But my question is: is it a safe lubricant in terms of keeping the condom from breaking?

Thank you! Hot for Spain


Dear Hot for Spain,

Olive oil + latex condom = broken condom! Avoid using latex with any oil, oil-based lube, or petroleum products.

That's the quick answer, but there's much more that can be said about safer sex, condoms, lube, and erotic olive oil options.

A good lubricant for anal sex is essential. Lube makes anal sex more pleasurable, decreases risk of condom-breakage, and helps protect sensitive tissue. If you are using latex condoms, or any other latex barriers such as gloves or dental dams, olive oil should be avoided because oils and oil-based lubricants and lotions cause latex to break down. For any sexual activity using latex barriers, water-based or silicone-based lubricants are recommended.

Water-based lube, the most oft-recommended kind, can be used safely with latex and with silicone toys and it cleans up easily. Water-based lubes abound at sex novelty stores and drugstores alike. For anal sex, look for non-flavored varieties (flavored lube often has sugar and other ingredients that may cause irritation in penetrative anal or vaginal sex). Water-based lubricants may be somewhat sticky when they dry, but can be refreshed easily by adding water, saliva, or more lube.

Some people prefer silicone-based lube for anal sex because it typically has a slicker quality, stays wetter longer, and does not dry sticky. Like water-based lube, silicone is safe for use with latex. The body does not absorb silicone, which means it won't clog pores, but it may be more difficult to wash off (and out) of the body. Silicone lube will damage silicone sex toys, so the two should not be used together unless there is a condom on the toy.

Olive oil may be an option for lubricant if you use polyurethane condoms instead of latex. However, a word of caution with regard to olive oil and orifices: It may be difficult to remove, may clog pores, or may cause infection or irritation, so it is not recommended for internal use (except for eating, of course). Olive oil may be used erotically in other ways though, as an external masturbatory lubricator (probably safer for use on the penis than the clitoris) for example, or as massage oil with very little risk of any of the health concerns noted above (thought it may stain sheets). If you decide to use olive oil externally first, and have sex after, even if you use silicone or water-based lube, polyurethane condoms are still recommended rather than latex because the condom may have come into contact with olive oil residue left on the sheets or on other parts of the body.

Here's to overseas adventures with slippery substances!

Chef L Boogie





Ask Chef L Boogie: Is Sperm Fattening?

Dear chef L Boogie,

I’m very vain about my figure. I’m in great shape, ride my bike 120 miles a week, watch what I eat, and count every calorie. So, here’s my question: How many calories are in semen? My boyfriend and I enjoy oral sex about three times a week. Is it fattening?

Shy Girl





-----

Shy Girl,

When sperm leaves the human male, it travels at a speed of 27 miles-an-hour. It weighs in at about a teaspoon, contains three times the vitamins of a Jolly Rancher and fairly explodes with protein (about the same as an egg white.) As for calories? 5-7. Fewer than a cherry Life Saver. Bon Appetit!



chef L Boogie

Best Found Recipe of the Month - Banana Pancakes with Rum Syrup

Ready in: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup milk
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons corn oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 tablespoon butter (melted)

***Rum Syrup***
1 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons dark Jamaican rum



Directions:

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl combine milk, sugar, 2 tablespoons of the oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is almost smooth.

Next, fold the bananas into the batter. Let this set, loosely covered, for about 25 minutes.

Combine the melted butter with the remaining oil. Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour a teaspoon of the butter and oil mixture in the skillet and heat.

For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup batter into the pan and cook until small bubbles form on the top, usually about 1 minute.

Turn the pancake over and cook an additional 30 to 45 seconds. Proceed with the rest of the batter, adding more of the bitter and oil mixture to the pan as necessary.

Serve warm with the rum syrup.

For Rum Syrup: Combine all the ingredients in a 4 cup microwave safe measuring cup. Cook on medium high power for 2 minutes, until the butter is melted. Stir and serve hot.


This recipe from CDKitchen for Banana Pancakes With Rum Syrup serves/makes 6