Kir Royal, A Luxurious Delight
July 29, 2008
I love my cocktails- I really do. One that I particularly cherish is the Kir Royal.
That bubbly black currant combination always brings a smile to my face- how can you not be happy and relaxed?
There’s something delightful about having a late breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday and pairing it with this beautiful drink.
I love to sit at a French Bistro and watch the world go by, nibbling on some rich appetizers and sipping my Kir Royal.
Its lovely in the evenings, too- of course. Any beverage is, but there is just something special about it in the day that I cannot help but indulge in.
Prepared quite simply and not to be fussed with:
Creme de Cassis … and
Champagne
Garnished as you like, though little is needed for this delightful drink. Who needs an excuse to enjoy a little champagne anyway? Make your own little celebration for your pretty self.
Cafe Gourmet Luxury
June 12, 2008
I have spent the past few years living in Miami and began a habit of ordering cafe cubanos, cortaditos, and cafe con leches without so much the flinch of an eye. Having moved to Texas and wandering into the local coffee shop I suddenly find myself in a bind. My normal and what was quite quick and easy drink order has become an ordeal.
Cafe Cubanos are a special wonderful delight- raw sugar and espresso grounds are brewed together to create the strong sweet concoction that has just the right balance. Occasionally with some milk- as in the cortadito standard a 50/50 or 25/75 espresso to milk ratio, also a splendid delight. They are strong and just sweet enough, small in just the right amount. There is genuinely no turning back either, as those who have enjoyed them all too well know.
I have found myself ordering a “cafe cubano machiato” for those who know it, and even then its not quite right. If you are able to find it- you must have it. It is a strong burst that will get your day going and with that much needed spark. If at home, simply add the sugar to the coffee grounds and then brew the coffee through your espresso device. The key is having them brewed together. The stronger the better as far as I am concerned, Cafe Bustelo is quite popular and consistently nice. Add some evaporated steamed milk and you have a delicacy in the works. Don’t let this pleasure pass you by.
The Pear And Its Delicious Appearances
June 6, 2008
So beautiful and so delicious, how many ways can it continue to marvel and delight? An absolute refreshing treat on its own, when brought to the dessert table it transforms to another beautiful demon. Poached pear is a favorite of mine, and when it can be prepared in multiple ways its even more delightful of a venture. From white and red wines to champagnes, touches of honey or vanilla, its absolutely up to you where you wish to take it.
Even the restaurants are more than happy to show their turn on it. Presentation is always a beautiful thing, and even more so when the textures and tastes meld perfectly as well. The crisp with the soft, the right amount of warmth and bite and fragrance- that is what it is all about.
Maybe this is more than I would do at home, but it certainly makes my mind move to new ideas of what I may do. When dining out, however, I will absolutely be more than happy to try such ventures.
Much like my other favorite fruits- wonderful by themselves and even more so when introduced to vodka, the pear is no exception. Funny how things work out like that. Who am I to argue, I much prefer to drink and observe.
With lime juice, pear vodka, or even pear nectar- this is truly a delight! If the sweetness turns you off- try a mix of pear vodka, disaronno armaretto, and maybe a splash of lime juice- absolute heaven. Like biting into a bosc pear, so delicious.
Lychee Litchi Delight in a Drink
May 8, 2008
Absolute favorite of all favorites when it comes to drinks and and exotic fruits is the Lychee- and a martini especially. I used to bring a bowl of frozen lychees with me when I would lay out on the beach, a favorite luxury of mine. Great anywhere, too- not just out in the sun, and should be often practiced. But I cannot help but involve another love of mine: vodka. They work so beautifully together with just the right balance of smooth and delicate hint of sweetness.
Oh the lovely wonders of the lychee, or litchi depending where you may go. A friend of mine from Japan recognized the fruit as the litchi rather than lychee. She loved them too, and I do not think you could ever eat too much.
Making your own at home is quite simple, provided you can find the lychee- fresh is most desirable, however the canned version are an alright substitute. You can use the juice they are kept in for the drink as well. Maaza provides a great Lychee juice that is delicious on its own.
Look for the lychee next time you are out and about-sorbet, martini, juice, or the fruit alone are all a delightful indulgence.
If its appearance alarms you- worry not, you don’t eat the red pointy shell, only the delicate fruit inside. There is no intense acquired taste about it either, I have yet to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy them- even the pickiest of eaters.
Bring a little luxury into your drink.
Vintage Beautiful Vintage
April 28, 2008
In love with wine as much as me? Its such a beautiful thing, especially when enjoyed among loved ones. The other night I had the pleasure of a wonderful dinner with my boyfriend, his father, and a dear friend- and soon to be sommelier I may add as well. Wine with them is always a delight, and last night was no different. Always something beautiful and always something interesting. Vintage- we all notice the year but maybe do not give all the thought to it. Well, here is for a little more thought and practice.
Last night we had two wonderful bottles of pinot noir- and mind you of the same kind- or so it would seem. The first was of 2002, fruit forward and lovely. Along with dinner, and still a bit of wine remaining, we then moved to the 2005. Wow, you can really tell the difference from such a short little time- the harvest, the year, all that was done differently between the two- subtle gems that I insist you must try comparing side by side.
It was such a delight- look the next time you are shopping or at a restaurant and about to enjoy your favorite wine. If different vintages are available, having them side by side is a must to really reveal what the wine has to offer.
Explore the most of your wine and beloved vineyards.
