{Postcard From Bangkok}: A Cooking Class To Remember

This past Spring I embarked on another first in my travel chronicles: I visited the continent of Asia for the first time. (Cue confetti!)  And if there was ever a place to christen my inaugural visit, it had to be one of my bucket-list destinations, Thailand.  So believe me when I say that it was everything I hoped, and then some, leaving me wanting more of what this Southeast Asian mecca has to offer, and currently ranking as one of my favorite travel escapades to date.

My ultimate itinerary combined my penchants for both diligent pre-planning (who needs unwanted surprises thousands of miles away from home?) and spontaneity (always leaving room for real-time discovery and greater immersion).  Spanning three of Thailand's most beloved (and delicious in so many ways) destinations--Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket--it's fair to say that both approaches served me well.  And although this post is dedicated to my cooking adventures in Bangkok, I will be sharing more travel postcards from my time there in future posts.

In my element

So now for Bangkok--and cooking.  This is one detail my inner gourmand would not leave to chance or last minute maneuvering.  Because you know how seriously I take my cooking--and eating--around here. :)  Seriously, I wanted to invest in a cooking class that suited my skill, taste and experience levels, so I did what any type-A personality would do: I researched!! It's my M.O. for curating memorable, glorious travel experiences that rarely ever disappoint.  And this was no different.

After narrowing down my options to two top contenders, I ultimately opted for a half-day, six-course session, inclusive of a market tour that presented a range of staples (Thai chilies and curry pastes, among others) and novel ingredients (pink duck eggs, anyone?), alike.  The cherry on top? After a morning of instruction and hands-on cooking, our delicacies were served on a beautifully dressed dining table in the accompanying, acclaimed restaurant--the epitome of enjoying the fruits of our labor.  There was nooo way we could eat it all (I mean we're talking six sizeable courses per capita), but it sure was fun trying!

The fruits of my labor

The school of which I speak is the acclaimed Blue Elephant Cooking School.  And after my several hours stint, I can understand (and co-sign) on why it's heralded as one of, if not the, best cooking schools in Bangkok, as well as restaurants.  If you're trying to get your head around that, consider that two of my classmates were a couple from China who were prepping to open their own restaurant upon their return home!

I also couldn't help but wax nostalgic about my own cooking school and the beautiful memories I have been blessed to amass with my former students and host venues.  Side note: I'm resolved to kick my cooking classes and services off again, so stay close to me so you'll be among the first to know when the time comes.  In the meantime, I'll be recreating some of my Thai favorites in my home kitchen and bringing these memories back to life again.

So without further ado, enjoy this highlight reel of my cooking expedition!

Happy Eating & Travels!

{Taste of Atlanta}: Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

It's no secret that Atlanta has become quite the burgeoning foodie town.  While the gamut from quaint eateries, to top-tier restaurants, and more, dot the dining trail, it can sometimes feel like mission impossible to take it all in.  And then, if you're fortunate, you happen upon what could be considered a somewhat hidden gem.

Such was my lot on a recent balmy Spring evening, as I dined al fresco on the covered patio at Davio's, a northern Italian steakhouse nestled among the shops of Phipps Plaza.  The evening unfolded with chilled sips, passed hors d'oeuvres (perfectly fried oysters, anyone?), and a decadently satisfying multiple course dinner.

As we took our places at the beautifully dressed tables, I became wowed with course after course of the freshest, seasonal Italian fare.  From succulent filet, to moist and flaky halibut, it was some of the best surf and turf I've tasted.  And dessert?  Luscious panna cotta and trays of macarons and chocolate truffles, truly.  Have a peek at the menu below (apologies if it makes you hungry as you're reading.)

Davio's offers convenient, upscale dining at one of Atlanta's shopping hallmarks--and is a must-try for resident locals and visitors, alike. And if you're really fortunate, you may even receive a personal welcome from the lively owner, himself.

Put it on your dining bucket list--and thank me later.

Happy Eating!

{Tis the Season}: D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop!

At the risk of sounding slightly (or majorly) cliche, it's the most wonderful time of the year.  The holiday season is uniquely one of the most special times of the year--for all the right reasons.  Connecting with friends and family.  Savoring wonderful tastes.  Celebrating new and old traditions, alike.  And that's where my excitement truly shifts into gear...because my 3rd annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop promises to deliver on them all.

SAVE THE DATE and make plans to join me on Saturday, December 17, 2016, from 12-4p.m. EST at the fabulous Pottery Barn in Lenox Square for a time to remember!  Come out and experience festive, holiday cheer, while tasting, savoring and shopping my small-batch, artisan holiday sweets and treats.  From sweet to savory, there will be something for everyone.  Our goodies are wonderful as hostess gifts, for your holiday menus, and for plain 'ole noshing!

It promises to be a deliciously fun afternoon--and, as always, I can't wait to see you there!

Happy Eating and Happy Holidays!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop Up Shop
Venue Details:
Pottery Barn
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.812-9726

{Fall Eats}: A Guide to Apples

Fall has finally graced us with its presence once again and that means many things on the culinary spectrum, not the least of which is the prime season for apples.   As you prepare to head to the orchards, markets, and kitchen to indulge, you'll want this handy primer from Williams-Sonoma, featuring nine varieties, to keep you on your cooking, baking and eating toes.   Whether you're talking cider, applesauce, apple butter, and more, you'll know which apple perfectly fits the bill.

Photo Credit: Williams-Sonoma

Happy Eating!

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Returns Bigger & Better!

In two short weeks, a culinary experience that heralds the essence of the South beyond anything most have ever seen or tasted will return to Atlanta for an epic weekend in food, drink--and good times.

Now in its sixth year, it's hard to imagine that anything could top last year's festival, however this year promises to be the biggest--and the best--one yet.  Spectacular new additions--including a new series of expert instruction via Master Classes; a new Tasting Tents location; and a first-of-its-kind in the U.S. Pop-Up Vineyard in the City, in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, with a featured Sunday Brunch, the Ultimate Road Trip Kick-Off Party and much more--will make it worth every moment!

The themed Tasting Tents will reside in the gorgeous Piedmont Park Promenade

Sneak Peek rendering of the Pop-Up Vineyard in the City

"For food lovers, there is nothing more appealing than spending a weekend indulging in exceptional food and drink by rock star culinary talent, especially when the experience includes a road trip to a fun Southern city,” explains Dominique Love, Co-founder of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.

I couldn't agree more.  The ultimate Southern culinary weekend awaits and, trust me, you don't want to miss it!  Get your tickets now at atlantafoodandwinefestival.com.  Then prepare to know the south--and its cuisine--like never before.

Happy Eating!

{A Night to Remember}: Dinner at the James Beard House

Since I began indulging my passion for all things culinary, I have been blessed to experience many delicious, inspiring--and downright amazing--moments.  And this past weekend, yet another was added to the list.  In fact, it constituted one of the most special food moments I've relished to date.

The euphoria of which I speak was a dreamy and unforgettable evening spent dining and mingling at the James Beard House in New York City.  The evening represented the culmination of the thrill of having the James Beard Foundation acknowledge my food and subsequently award me the honor of dinner for two at the Beard House.  I had been sitting on my gift for the many months since and finally elected my birthday weekend as the ideal opportunity to indulge.  And so I did.

All Smiles with Chef Petroni

Arriving at the outwardly unassuming venue where so much culinary greatness has transpired was a moment.  A few snaps later, my guest and I headed inside to join the other diners for what began as a standing reception with the most decadently scrumptious and gorgeous food and sips (think caviar, bone marrow, and then some).  Following bite after seemingly unending bite, while being cautious to reserve room for the feast to follow, dashes to and from the kitchen to observe the artistry in motion and capture some takeaway shots--including one with the featured chef, himself--, mingling with and meeting other equally exuberant guests, and doing a quick stroll of the upstairs, the formal dinner began.

What ensued was a six-course feast, aptly named the St. Joseph's Feast, interpreted by Chef Christian Petroni of Fortina restaurant in Armonk, NY; Rye Brook, NY; and Stamford, CT.  Course after course presented one delight after the next and carried the evening along so tastefully and beautifully that all sense of time was lost over the hours that passed.  A warm greeting by Chef Petroni and his team of talented chefs and staff ended the evening on the intimate, inspiring note that I could only have imagined prior.  It was, and will always be, a night to remember.

Thank you, James Beard Foundation, for the honor.  It was Happy Eating indeed!

See more photos from the evening here.

Postcard from Paris: 7 Must-Dos for an Unforgettable Visit

I arrived back in Paris last winter to a city as beautiful and as charming as ever, even on the heels of the tragic shooting that riddled the French capital only a week before.  From my very first visit many years before until now, Paris has always captivated my heart.  And I wouldn't let my date with her be deterred.

From the moment my feet touched the ground, it was a love affair reborn--with sights, scenes and tastes that created lasting memories and made for a most unforgettable time.  Below are seven of my favorite ways to take it all in.

Rent an Apartment

The view from my balcony

During my previous jaunts to Paris, my stays always entailed hotel accommodations, like this treasure, that left nothing wanting.  But this time around my heart turned to fuller immersion in my Parisian surroundings and the dream of renting an apartment in Paris became reality.  The now uber-popular Airbnb rental service made finding the perfect place (replete with an elevator for luggage and a balcony for taking in the gorgeous views) a cinch.  

Take a Cooking Class

Can you barely think Paris without thinking food? Not for long, I'm sure.  If you have the slightest 'foodie' sensibility, then you'll find that a morning or afternoon (or both, like, ahem, someone has been known to do), cooking class is the perfect indulgence.  My last two visits included cuisine and patissiere courses that left me more inspired than ever, with a few extra skills to boot.  Most recently, I went for macaron lessons at Le Cordon Bleu (dream class, right?) and the time before that I did double duty with morning cuisine (cooking) and afternoon patissiere (baking) classes at The Lenotre Cooking School.

Day Trip to Versailles

The Fabulous Hall of Mirrors

What would you think if I told you that a short train ride outside of the French capital could land you squarely in the lap of luxury?  That is exactly what a day trip to Le Chateau de Versailles delivers--and more. Revealing glimpses into old-world, French royalty and unbridled opulence, Versailles is a not-to-be-missed jewel.

Brunch at LADUREE

My passion for macarons began during my first visit to Paris over a decade and a half ago--and has never relented.  Especially when you consider the famed macaron house that frequently leaves me traipsing state-side for its delicacies.  But macarons aren't the only thing Laduree does well.  Brunch at the flagship location in the heart of Champs-Elysees is obsession-worthy. 

A Day (or more) at the Museum

Pyramide du Louvre

The Louvre aglow at night

Musee d'Orsay

Musee d'Orsay

Musee d'Orsay

Paris and its art scene are synonymous with museum life at its best.  A stay isn't complete without a visit to the iconic Musee du Louvre.  But there's so. much. more.  I couldn't fit in every museum I dreamed of seeing during my last visit, but I did manage to take in the exquisite Musee d'Orsay, along with an exterior-only viewing of the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum (it was closed when I arrived!).

Night Views atop the Arc de Triomphe

Rooftop Vibes

I've always been drawn to the Arc de Triomphe situated at the helm of the Avenue des Champs-Elysees.  But its full charm comes alive when you make your way to the rooftop (it's a climb, for sure) to take in sweeping, panoramic views of the city.  And when done at night, amidst the twinkle and glow and beauty of Paris, there are few things that compare.

An Evening at the Opera

A few snaps at the apartment before heading out to the opera

Taking in the opera is one of my favorite travel indulgences and with Paris boasting both historic and modern opera houses, I couldn't leave before indulging.  Taking in the production of Don Giovanni at the modern Opera Bastille house couldn't have made for a more perfect final evening in my favorite city.

I hope this inspires you to take in Paris--and make unforgettable memories of your very own.  

Happy Travels!

{Taste of Atlanta}: Eight Sushi Lounge

Ceviche -- Ocean trout, tomatoes, sweet red onion, avocado and a yuzu dressing

As the Atlanta restaurant scene continues to burgeon, the Westside recently welcomed another newcomer to the fold.  Eight Sushi Lounge officially opened its doors in late November of last year--wooing diners with exquisite and creatively delicious sushi, sashimi and Japanese fare coupled with modernly styled interiors--and is worthy to helm the top of your restaurant outings in the New Year.

I dined at the restaurant in early December and feasted on an exceptional tasting menu that was as notable for its creativity and sheer beauty, as it was for the scrumptious fare.  And although my party was seated at one of the many cozy tables, no trip would be complete without even a momentary visit to the open sushi bar to witness art in the making.

Miso Steak -- Ribeye steak glazed with miso compote served alongside seasonal vegetables

Tuna Crisp -- Ponzu mayo, sliver sweet red onion, truffle oil

Eggs Benedict -- Bed of rice, spicy tuna, shiso leaf, sunny side up quail egg

Located in the Brady Complex at 930 Howell Mill Rd. NW, the restaurant is open nightly for dinner--and represents another delicious taste of Atlanta. ($$$)

Happy Eating!

Photos courtesy of Eight Sushi Lounge

{Thank You!} Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop 2015

The recent build-up to my Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop culminated in an afternoon of holiday cheer laced with my small-batch, artisan goodies that made for another memorable time of sharing my food passion--and connecting with the amazing customers who tasted, savored and shopped our select menu.  From warm mulled cider, to citrus madeleines, to maple-cinnamon granola, spice blends, and much more, there was something for everyone.

Exchange after exchange was filled with my sincere appreciation for the enthusiastic customer support I received from family, friends, colleagues, fellow artisans and bloggers, and new customers who stumbled upon our pop-up while scouring about our host venue, Westside Market.  Your support made the day the true success I hoped it would be, and I'm truly thankful that you chose D.M.R. Fine Foods to bring the tastes of the season to you.

I unfortunately couldn't capture a photo of every customer who shopped with us (and a few were admittedly camera shy :) ), but I wanted to share some of the faces that made the event worth every moment, along with this expression of thanks.

Continued Happy Holidays & Happy Eating!

{Ready. Set. Eat.}: The Taste of Atlanta Festival Returns!

If you've ever wanted to taste your way through the Atlanta restaurant scene, but haven't come close, then this year's 14th annual Taste of Atlanta Festival is where you want to be.  With a line-up of over 90 participating restaurants--and a host of food-loving fun--the tastes of Atlanta will be at your fingertips.

Along with abundant eats, the festival will offer a rich experience with something for everyone, including cooking demonstrations, competitions, a carnival kids' corner, and more!

To help you map out your experience, the Festival Guide provides essential details from 'A-Z', while also answering the most frequently asked questions.  Taste of Atlanta will be held September 25-27, 2015 and returns to the Midtown Tech Square in the heart of Atlanta.  General admission is $25 and includes 10 Taste Points (the official festival dining currency).  Visit www.TasteofAtlanta.com for the most up-to-date event news.

Now pack up your appetite and prepare to indulge in a weekend of Happy Eating!

Photo Credits: Taste of Atlanta