Friday, April 1, 2016

Travel, Shop, Nosh and Save with Groupon Coupons


Few things excite me more than a great deal, but we all know that scouring for the best deals can be daunting at times, which makes having an 'inside track' to discounts and savings priceless.  And if you've heard of--and used--Groupon, then you know the thrill of landing that favorite item or service--for a steal!

With that mission in mind, today's post is dedicated to sharing some must-have discounts and deals through Groupon Coupons and their network of favorite retailers across almost every category imaginable.  Whether you fancy travel, luxury goods, gourmet treats, entertainment--or more, there's something for you.  Below are a few of my favorites to get you going.

Luxury Shoppping ~
Just in time for your Spring wardrobe needs, splurge and save with renowned retailers, Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Travel ~
The opportunity to save on travel is worth five stars and then some! Plan your next getaway--for less--with deals from American Airlines, CheapOair, Travelocity and Priceline.

Gourmet ~
Enjoy sips and bites from Starbucks without denting your wallet.

Entertainment ~
Get tickets to your favorite movies (while avoiding the lines) with great deals from Fandango.

There is seemingly no limit to all the savings you can enjoy, so if you're looking for something in particular, head over to Groupon Coupons to search--and save!

Happy Savings!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however the opinions are my own.
Photo Credit: Groupon.com


SHARE:

Thursday, November 12, 2015

{TASTES OF THE SEASON}: D.M.R. FINE FOODS FALL & HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP!


What's Fall and the holiday season without seasonal and festive goodies to eat, drink and make merry?  I asked myself the same question over the last while and couldn't resist answering with a delicious Pop-Up Shop to savor some of the season's best tastes.

I'm thrilled to be teaming up with the fabulous Westside Market once again to present an afternoon of fall and holiday inspired fare for tasting, savoring--and yes, shopping! It will be the perfect opportunity to grab delicacies, star ingredients, and more, in time for the holiday season that's around the corner. 

And did I mention that this year's Pop-Up Shop will be amidst Westside Market's Holiday Baazar?  Translation: there will be other artisans available for you to browse and shop for your holiday gifting and decor needs.

Mark your calendars for next Saturday, November 21st from 12 - 4p.m. EST, and make plans to drop in and kick start your holiday season with our goodies that are perfect for your kitchen, as hostess gifts, and more!  From warm spices, to hearty herbs, to bright citrus, sweet confections, and more, there will be something for everyone--and every taste.  It promises to be a deliciously fun afternoon, as always--and I can't wait to see you there!

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Venue Details:
Westside Market
1530 Ellsworth Ind. Blvd.
Atlanta, Ga 30318
404.941.3466
www.westsidemarketatl.com

SHARE:

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

{Eat.Drink.Shop.}: London's Borough Market


I was truly blessed to begin the new year indulging in one of my favorite passions: travel.  Returning to two of my best-loved destinations, Paris (my absolute favorite!) and London, for a winter vacation getaway was nothing short of thrilling, invigorating, and pure, unadulterated joy.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may recall me sharing a few photo highlights from my journey.  And because there's never enough time to share everything when you're in the moment, I will continue to share my most special moments and memories in the days ahead.  

To kick things off, today's post is dedicated to London's superbly fabulous Borough Market.  To say it's my kind of place is an understatement of grand proportions.  As soon as I arrived, I smiled broadly and deeply and took in as much of this treasure as I could before heading off to my appointment across town for Afternoon Tea (but we'll save that for another post.)  


My first encounter at the market was a full-on cooking demonstration with a menu of roast duck with baked heritage carrots and whole roast celeriac--not too shabby.  Had it not been for the lunch of gourmet fish and chips I had just consumed before arriving, I would have been all over that duck. :)  Thankfully, I was able to snag a copy of the recipes for my own keeping and relishing, and I have every intention of recreating those delicacies in my kitchen.


The market combined the best of outdoor gourmet food purveyors (think endless varieties of freshly baked breads, cheeses, chocolate truffles, ciders--I warmed myself with a scrumptious apple cider--fresh fruits, and so much more) with quaint eateries serving up the best in seafood, coffee, chocolate, and so on, to a specialty kitchen shop, bakery school, fresh flower market and more!  There was literally something for everyone and every taste.  And bringing it all together were the fabulous views of astounding architecture, both old and modern, that surrounded me, to inspire even heightened wanderlust.  


I could truly envision myself spending untold hours taking in this foodie mecca if London were my home--or at least if I had more time to spare while visiting.  But, alas, that's what repeat visits are for, no?  

A perfect view of the London Shard: purported as the tallest building in Western Europe
I don't imagine any future jaunts to London will be complete without a visit to Borough Market.  Without a doubt, it represented the epitome of...

Happy Eating & Happy Travels!


SHARE:

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Holiday Pop-Up Shop {Photo Highlights!}



Last weekend reminded me, once again, of what I love so much about food, as I hosted my Holiday Pop-Up Shop. The thrill of creating--and sharing--food that you love and seeing the delight it brings to those who enjoy it is like no other.  I was so fortunate to share my passion with my customers as they tasted, savored and shopped my select holiday menu of cookies, candies and savory treats.  And I was even more elated to witness their wonderful (if not colorful) reactions to my food, up close and personally.  (Every cook's dream and what makes it all worth it, for sure.)

Westside Market served as the beautiful host location for an afternoon of holiday cheer and scrumptious, festive eats that will always be remembered.  While we weren't able to capture each and every customer who supported us during the event, we definitely captured the spirit of them all and invite you to see our photo highlights from the big day!

Thanks again to everyone who supported this event and helped to make it a success!!

Happy Eating & Holidays!

 
SHARE:

Monday, December 1, 2014

{Taste. Savor. Shop.}: D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop!


This holiday season I'm going back to where it all began--my Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu.  Only seven years ago, I rolled out a holiday menu that featured the best in confectionery sweets and savory treats and D.M.R. Fine Foods was officially born.  The response was great (if not overwhelming) and my small-batch, artisan quality food business would continue to later include private dinner parties, customer appreciation events, and yes, more holiday catering, alongside my role as a culinary instructor, the start of my companion blog in 2010 and, most recently, the launch of my Pop-Up Cooking School.

I have loved watching my vision grow over the years and my commitment to bringing my clients the best is as strong as ever.  So, for one afternoon only, I'll be featuring select items from my holiday menu at my first-ever holiday pop-up shop, hosted at the fabulous Westside Market!

It's the perfect opportunity to taste, savor, shop and bring a taste of the holidays into your home--without any of the fuss. 

And now, for the menu.


Mark your calendars for December 13th from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. EST and make plans to drop in for these holiday goodies for your own noshing, holiday parties, hostess gifts, and more!  I look forward to seeing you there!

Happy Holidays and Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Venue Details:
Westside Market 
1530 Ellsworth Ind. Blvd. 
Atlanta, Ga 30318
404.941.3466



SHARE:

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

{Atlanta's Westside Market}: Dive into Fall Design


Some of the many Fall inspired wares

The Fall season has finally graced us with its arrival again, bringing along its own special inspiration for design and decor to enliven and infuse living spaces.  Tuesday night I was invited to attend a gathering at the Westside Market, one of the Southeast's premier design and furniture merchants, highlighting their many offerings and abundant inspiration around Fall design.  

From embellished table scapes, to art, to collectibles, to furniture pieces and beyond, the Westside Market proved to offer something for every taste and budget across the design spectrum.  Also serving as a consignment boutique, there are clothing selections sprinkled throughout the expansive venue, as well as the option to consign your valuables.  

I couldn't resist grabbing a few items for my own takeaway and already have plans for return visits in the days ahead.  If you're familiar with the Market, you'll want to drop in to see what's new from last night's seasonal reveal.  And if you're not familiar, then you'll definitely want to get acquainted with all it has to offer.  

So here's to welcoming Fall flair, design, inspiration and... Happy Living!

Westside Market
1530 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 941-3466
SHARE:

Monday, September 23, 2013

Postcard from Savannah: A Southern Indulgence


For all of my love for cross-country and global travel, I have discovered just as many treasures close to home.  And the coastal town of Savannah, Georgia is one such treasure.  Steeped in Southern flair that includes decadent cuisine, the charm-laden River Street, the waters of Tybee Island, and much more, Savannah is a slice of Southern culture to be relished.

During my last visit, I stayed in one of the hotels lining the Savannah Riverfront, which gave me access to a convenient water ferry that transported guests to and from the shops and restaurants of River Street. 


River Street is a destination within a destination, especially for food lovers, and I dare say no trip to Savannah is complete without it.  And speaking of food, there's no shortage of restaurants to satisfy your mood and tastes.  One of my favorites for delicious seafood (a must when visiting a coastal town) is Vic's on the River.  I especially enjoyed the Shrimp and Crab Crepes pictured below, as well as the beautifully quaint decor, for a perfect afternoon lunch.  

 
Shrimp and Crab Crepes

I was impressed to discover how so very well Savannah does brunch.  After a few recommendations, I settled on what became my daily, go-to brunch spot, Hueys On The River, also nestled along River Street.  It appears their secret is out with locals and visitors, alike, as evidenced by the waiting list and constant foot traffic (always a good sign when trying to decide on where to eat.)  But, if I'm being completely honest, it was their perfectly sweet, pillowy, and decadent beignets that kept me coming back for more. 

The Beignets!

And if you happen to own a sweet tooth (yes, I'm guilty), then River Street will offer every indulgence you can imagine.  Homemade fudge, ice cream, candy and caramel apples are a few of the sweet delicacies that await.  


Beyond all the noshing, there's no shortage of sights and scenes to take in.  I enjoyed browsing the local shops, taking in a riverboat cruise and splashing in the waters of Tybee Island, an island and city that are only a short drive from the heart of Savannah.  My only semblance of regret is wishing I had planned more time for hanging out and exploring that fun area, but that's what return visits are for, no? 


Night Cap: The Riverboat Cruise
Sun down over the waters of Tybee Island

When it comes to playing in my own backyard, Savannah, replete with its insatiable culture and charm, is the perfect Southern indulgence. 

Happy Eating and Travels!

SHARE:

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Link Love: Holiday Gift Guides

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--and with only a little over a week left until this most merry and blessed holiday, I, for one, couldn't be more thrilled!  I look forward to treasured time with family, friends, some extended R&R, celebrating the foundation of my faith and preparing for the New Year on the horizon. 

Another favorite thing that I relish about Christmas is the spirit of giving that comes alive.  More than any other time of the year, the Christmas season is marked by giving.  And if you're still in search of a few choice gifts for the food and/or style lovers in your life, then I want to share a few guides that can surely aid you in finding that perfect gift...or two.

From snazzy kitchen tools to custom threads to entertaining treasures to delicious eats, and more, these guides are some of my seasonal favorites--and I'm sharing the holiday love with you!

So here's to making any last minute shopping and gifting a breeze...




1. A chic and fun guide for those who love to entertain (Society Social) 

2. A holiday recipe and dessert gift guide that's perfect for the sweets lover (Jem of the South)

3. The ideal Christmas gift guide for the hard core foodie (Flanboyant Eats)

Happy Eating!

SHARE:

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Market Bounty


My day is off to a relaxed, yet productive, pace.  With quiet time, breakfast, a load of laundry (and even a bit 'o pinning -:) ) under my belt so far, my "to do" list for the day is in full swing.  And in the not too distant future, I'll be heading out to run a few errands--including a much needed trip to the farmers market to stock up on fresh produce, some poultry, meat and seafood cuts, cheeses and a few select staples like turbinado sugar, kosher salt and Ethiopian roast coffee.

The bounty of my local farmers market makes me relish the abundant goodness of fresh, quality and delicious food.  While I'll likely have to navigate strategically among the crowd to avoid shopping cart crashes, I love the pulse and energy that I typically encounter--everyone buzzing around for their choice finds--and it energizes me to get through what for some might be considered a most mundane, if not shunned, task.

Great meals are made of great ingredients--and I'm always assured of that when I partake of market bounty.  

Happy Eating!

Tell me: How do you like to shop?  What's your favorite food market?
SHARE:

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Postcard from London: Fish and Chips + A Few Favorites


All eyes are on London these days with the 2012 Summer Olympic games in full gear.  And although I won't be making a trek "across the pond" to take in all the sporting action, I can still travel there via delicious British fare.  When I think of classic London eats, the quintessential fish and chips immediately come to mind and top my list of favorites.

In fact, when I visited London for the first (but certainly not the last) time a few years ago, fish and chips was the first meal I downed upon arrival.  I knew I wanted the best fish and chips I could find, so I consulted the concierge at my hotel, the lovely Baglioni Hotel, and without hesitation he sent me off to discover the best fish and chips at Seashell.  A short cab ride later, I was excitedly placing my order, and an even shorter while later, I was sitting at a sidewalk table with my newspaper wrapped fish and chips, malt vinegar, and other goodies, satisfying my craving.  It was a delicious experience that I'll never forget.

To get in on the London spirit once again (and recreate a fond memory), I'm sharing a recipe for fish and chips from Jaime Oliver, one of the UK's top chefs, that promises to be scrumptious. 

Beyond my food quests, London served up exciting history and architecture, fabulous shopping (Harrods was especially beyond and not to be missed!), great sights and spots including Big Ben, the River Thames, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, Hyde Park and more.  London was everything I love in a city: cool, chic, historic, beautiful, diverse--and yes, delicious.  Below are a few photo highlights from my special trip.

On the shopping circuit

Sightseeing atop a double decker
Hyde Park (We caught it during a rally)
Big Ben
The London Eye


So here's to the tastes and sights of London!

Happy Eating!

Fish and Chips

Ingredients:
For the chips:  
3 3/4 pints (2 liters) vegetable oil
2 pounds (950 grams) floury potatoes, like russets, peeled and cut into large chips

For the batter: 
1 cup plain flour
1 cup beer
2 egg whites, whipped to soft peaks
Salt
4 (9 ounce/250 gram) fillets haddock or cod, skin on, and pin boned

Method:
Pour all the vegetable oil into a deep pan or deep fat fryer, and heat to 300 degrees F (160 degrees C.)  Blanch the cut potatoes in the oil until soft, but not colored, about 4 minutes. Remove and drain.

Mix together the flour and the beer, then fold in the egg whites. Turn up the heat of the oil to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Dip the fish in the batter and fry for a few minutes with the chips until golden brown.

Drain on kitchen paper, serve and enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Jaime Oliver



SHARE:

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Natural Goodness: Farmers Markets

Photo Credit: Gadling
Now that Spring has sprung, local farmers markets are once again opening their "doors" and spreading their tents far and wide to offer the best in fresh, locally-sourced, and seasonal eats.  

The glory of the local farmers market can't be emphasized enough when you consider just a few of the myriad benefits they bring to a community such as: boom for the local economy, the ability to buy direct from the farmer/producer, access to certified organic foods, and enjoyment of quality, in-season eats.  It presents the world of food in its most basic, yet satisfying, form.  

And these days, there's more and more of them to love.  From Manhattan to Los Angeles to Atlanta to Portland, and indeed country and worldwide, the local farmers market is increasingly becoming a community staple and a great way to take in the best of a local area. 

I'm always excited to dive into local markets and take advantage of all the goodness they offer up.  I encourage you to do the same, if you're not already, knowing that your support has far-reaching impact for the producers, as well as the communities, at-large.   

To help you get started, the Department of Agriculture has provided a farmers markets search tool to assist you in finding a market in your area, throughout the United States.  A great resource, alike, for home base and when your travels take you away from home.  If you're outside of the U.S., check the web and ask locals, to help in finding markets near you.

Now, all that's left to do is to get going!

Happy Eating!


SHARE:
© D.M.R. Fine Foods. All rights reserved.
MINIMAL BLOGGER TEMPLATES BY pipdig