Balance. The very definition of the word is: to exist in a state of equilibrium or harmony. It is what we all endeavor to attain in our hectic, crazy day-to-day lives. For Chef Michael Mina, “balance” is a philosophy, his cooking philosophy, to be precise. Acidity, sweetness, spice, richness, all must be in harmony to create a successful food experience. This harmony in all things is certainly on display at Chef Mina’s flagship restaurant Michael Mina SF. Located in the heart of San Francisco’s financial district in the very spot Chef Mina helped to conceive Aqua, this establishment bearing his name was voted Restaurant of the Year 2011 by Esquire Magazine and awarded a Michelin star for 2012.

Ken Frank is ready for a busy weekend in Napa. The Chef Owner of La Toque , the Michelin starred restaurant located at the Westin Verasa Napa is gearing up for a sold out Napa Truffle Festival beginning tomorrow, January 13, until the 16th. With the beautiful gorgeously mild weather Northern California has been having the past few weeks, it certainly is no wonder why the events of the weekend will draw bon vivants back to the wine country ~ in a few locations, but with the Westin Verasa as the designated ‘truffle central’.

I didn’t quite know what to expect from George R. R. Martin. I took a late liking to his novels brought about by the popular HBO series. Anyone who knows me will attest that my time is gold. With all the events to cover and writing projects to finish, looking at his 5,000 page volume is daunting,

Entering the colonial estate of Monticello Vineyards of the Corley Family is a distinctly different wine experience from any I’ve ever had in the past. I was also inspired to learn more about Thomas Jefferson after visiting Monticello Vineyards. Until I came here, I never knew Jefferson was regarded as “America’s first distinguished viticulturist”, and described as “the greatest patron of wine and wine-making America has yet had”.

Tweet Lulu and I had so much fun in the kitchen yesterday as we prepared and cooked up a storm to celebrate Bastille Day. We had one new cool ingredient to work with and of course the ideas just kept flowing like crazy. We decided to concoct something fresh utilizing the asparagus we got from the
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I don’t really know how to begin describing our experience at this spectacularly amazing destination that my husband and I visited a couple of weeks ago. I had read about it , saw a few videos online and looked at a few reviews. It was highly recommended by some of our readers

Mario Lopez arrived alone, with no posse, publicist or security. In fact, I was waiting with Book Passage staff at the normal front entrance at Book Passage in the Ferry Building and he arrived from the back. He simply walked in, and charmingly said hello to those who had lined up outside for his book signing. I was pretty much used to celebrities arriving with a little bit more buzz and fanfare and was pleasantly pleased at his calm demeanor. He greeted the crowd and before he took a seat, he posed for photographs.

The charmed life of Maria Menounos is the epitome of the American Dream. Her personal story growing up in a country with working-class immigrant parents trying to make ends meet is definitely one to embrace. Her ideals and visions are nothing short of admirable. Maria’s commendable determination in life is an ongoing process and her book The EveryGirl’s Guide To Life imparts this priceless character trait and vision to her readers.