ES HEARTs Autumn at the Mar Vista Farmers Market! ;-)



 

ES HEARTs Autumn at the Mar Vista Farmers Market! ;-)

 

Some Statement Cabs from the STARS of Cabernet

A little while ago, Edible Skinny was lucky enough to attend WineLA’s STARS of Cabernet at the Peninsula Beverly Hills.  While there, we were given a passport to this delicious bold “statement” wine and learn a little bit more about a few choice Cabs brands. 

As luck would have it one of our favorite Cabernets of the night was the first table we sampled at.  The Hawk Horse Vineyards is a small family-owned and operated ranch and vineyard estate located in the Red Hills AVA of Lake County in Northern California.  The vineyard, situated in mountainside with elevations between 1,800 and 2,200 feet, grows award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and their delicious “Latigo” Port-Style wine.  Hand crafted with precision, their luscious wines are both Demeter Biodynamic and CCOF Organic Certified.  For those looking to experience these sumptuous wines on site, the ranch offers private tours and tastings allowing their guests to encounter the ranch’s varied wildlife including Red Hawks, American Quarter Horses, and Scottish Highland Cattle (this last one are very very funny looking…).  

Another wine that ES delighted in was the ever popular Jordan Vineyard (and that statement is more than accurate as Mister Nick Holmes told us they are the most popular restaurant wine in the country..!).  John Jordan’s brand, located in the Alexander Valley on 1,200 acres, produces two varietals, Chardonnay and Cabernet, along with some fantastic viral videos such as their Blurred Lines parody… “Blurred Vines” and their Footloose/Flashdance parody “Get Fit.”  Both are absolutely hysterical and get the heart of Jordan’s philosophy which is there are Wine Geeks (those who overthink wine) and Wine Dudes (people who don’t and have a blast with life).  Sipping their wines at STARS of Cabernet reminded me once again how much I would rather embrace the latter than the former.  

We then strolled over to the Paso Robles (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective (PRCC) Cabernet table.  PRCC is a grass-roots organization which promotes the Paso Robles AVA through the classic Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals.  The organization put on quite a spread offering over a dozen red hued wines from the area as varied poppies in a field.  Some of our favorite wines we sampled from their array of choice Cabs, were Sextant Winery, Rotta Winery, and Dao Vineyards & Winery.

The night finished with a fantastic glass of ZD Wines Reserva wine, Abacus.   ZD Wines, is a family owned and operated by three generations of the deLeuze family, in the heart of Napa Valley.  Their Abacus wine, produced from several vineyards in the Valley, has an intensity that develops and envelopes you with flavors of cassis, plum, and vanilla.   Full of ripe tannins, it’s a wine that lingers on your lips the way a delicious memory lingers in your mind. 

So here’s all your Cabs being full of statement and life being delicious!

A Whale of Good Time: Monterey Bay Whale Watch A Floating Classroom

By Kelly Grace Thomas

Monterey Bay Whale Watch is your chance to feel like part of the ocean without getting wet. Sea otters, dolphins, sea lions, whales; all of our ocean friends came out to play during Edible Skinny’s whale watching tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

 

Monterey Bay Whale Watch is owned and operated by Nancy Black, a marine biologist who has worked with whales and dolphins in the region for over 10 years Monterey Bay Whale Watch tour puts on large emphasis on preserving this natural beauty through an experience that organically observe the wildlife in their natural setting without upsetting the natural order of things.

 

While some whale watching tours are a lot of squinting at distance horizon, hoping to see a splash here or there. Edible Skinny’s tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, was nothing but action, action, action.  It was the most sea life we have seen on any whale watching tour ever. Monterey Bay Whale Watch was well worth the experience, every moment there was a constant stream of marine life, another fin or flip coming to say hi. Check out Edible Skinny’s video on Instagram where we were surround by a pod of other 450 dolphins, laughing and playing just a few feet from our vessel. It is guaranteed to make you smile :-)

 

Edible Skinny also saw lots and lot of whales. We loved experiencing the lazy rolling of gray whales and the peeking tails of Humpbacks. Sometimes Monterey Bay Whale Watch patrons (unfortunately not us though) even see a Killer Whale or two, on top of all the other ocean life. During the tour we were so close, we could even smell the whale breath. Yep, there is a distinct order after whales have spewed water from the blow hole, a natural cologne, let’s call it. Edible Skinny was so close we could say, “Awww, how cool, but Eeewwwww, that smells pretty gross.” Monterey Bay is basically the hottest hang out for whales and most marine life. If we were a whale, we know that’s where we’d be.

 

Monterey has one of the most thriving marine ecosystems in the world thanks to its protection according to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, “Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federally protected marine area offshore of California's central coast. Located along the central California coast, Monterey Bay contains the largest and deepest submarine canyon in North America and it's one of the few canyons that bisects the coastline so close to shore. This allows deep water species of marine mammals and seabirds to be found relatively near shore and accessible for day whale watches.”

 

The three hour tour, which focused just as much on education as it does experience was hosted by Greg the naturalist, who narrated about each species, their migration and mating habits, as well as the fascinating facts about the region itself.  With a touch humor and huge depths on knowledge, Edible Skinny laughed, smiled, even got sprayed a little. Plus we learned so much.  If you find yourself in Monterey, make sure to check out Monterey Bay Whale Watch, an aquatic floating classroom of experience and adventure.

 

As always, hope life is delicious.

 

 

 

DAYBREAKING with Jason Bentley

Edible Skinny was lucky enough to attend DAYBREAKER, the sunrise disco extravaganza on November 18, 2015.  The event, held at the sausage beer hall Wurstkuche, started with an early morning 5:30 yoga class followed by two hours of rocking it out to DJ Jason Bentley (who looks as cute as he sounds on KCRW)!

This rock star morning rave movement has successfully flowed its feet and hearts to the people of New York, London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco calling  to people of all ages, occupations, and backgrounds with a new approach to fitness and fun.   And there’s early morning parties coming soon to global cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Mumbai, and Cape Town!  

Co-Founders Matthew Brimer and Radha Agrawal state, “DAYBREAKER is about dancing before daybreak with people we love; about curating a community of camaraderie, self-expression, wellness, and mischief.”

Here’s to life being delicious and every morning starting out with Jason Bentley IRL!

Top Ten Things Edible Skinny Love Love Loves about California Market

By Kelly Grace Thomas

California Market, a gem of a restaurant, tucked away at Hyatt Carmel Highlands is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or brunch with friends. Built with breathtaking views of the Big Sur and Yankee Point, California Market offers a sophisticated and savory selections to be enjoyed on their open air redwood deck or snuggled inside by their cozy fireplace. Because there are so many wonderful things about this place, seriously, we could go on and on and on and on…. We want to give you, our fabulous readers, the top ten highlights of California Market

Top Ten Reasons Edible Skinny loves California Market

10. They’re latte that looks like layer cake. Edible Skinny noticed this deliciously decorative drink as it was being carried across the restaurant, it looked like the prettiest liquid tiramisu like decadence you’ve ever seen, in a glass. We just had to try it, fortunately they were able to give us coconut milk instead of whole milk. Even with our slight substitutions, it was caffeinated luxury.

9. They respect the vegetarians. Kat Thomas, editor-in-chief is Edible’s resident vegetarian. And while she eats lots of delicious food, sometimes her options are more limited, especially during brunch. Kat was excited to start the day California Market’s Zucchini & Cheese Frittata made with Gruyere, Goat, & White Cheddar Cheese, Tomato & Onion, Ciabatta Toast. A light and healthy option that was heavy on health.

8. They know how to make a real salad. When it comes to salads, restaurants have a tendency to go to extremes. We have all seen the garden salad with one cherry tomato or the chicken finger explosion covered in ranch. California Market is still health focused without skimping on flavor. We were delightfully surprised by how refreshing and satisfying their Seared Ahi Salad with Tatsoi, Haricot Vert, Chopped Romaine, Mandarin Oranges, Enoki Mushrooms, Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette was. We also sampled their  Monterey Salad with Shrimp, Jack Cheese, Cucumber, Avocado, Tomatoes, Pickled onions, House Vinaigrette but substituted Grilled Portabello Mushrooms for Shrimp. It was “light and fresh like something you should eat a la piscine, in France,” said Kat.

7. The fact that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt had lunch here after they got engaged, according to Shelly Rodriguez, Catering and Events Manager. And who could blame them? California Market is the perfect romantic backdrop to celebrate life’s most precious moments.

6. Server Tony Lorenz!  Our server Tony Lorenz delivered excellent service. Knowledgeable and friendly, Tony went above and beyond sharing details about the dishes, hotel and Monterey’s wildlife. In the past Tony worked as a Naturalist for Monterey Bay Whale Watch where he invited us to whale watch the following afternoon. Thanks, Tony!!!  Best whale watching ever, Monterey’s marine life is something of a marvel.

5. The bacon. Oh the bacon... I am somewhat of a bacon connoisseur. Applewood, Hickory Smoked, Maple. You name it, I love it. The Hyatt Highlands side of bacon served with breakfast was the perfect savory compliment to our delicious Point Lobos dish. It was thick and plump, with a depth of flavor without being too rich. An A+

4. Point Lobos.  Perhaps the most decadent thing we have sampled before 9am. Point Lobos Dungeness Crab, Avocado, & Cilantro, English Muffin with Hollandaise. The light refreshing crab mixed with the rich and creamy hollandaise is the perfect combination to pamper your palette.

3. The insta-vacation effect.  Today we all lead such stressful jobs. And sometimes it is difficult to unwind. California Market is an instant vacation, after five minutes on their deck staring at the view and sipping their delicious Carneros Chardonnay by Rombauer Vineyards and you’ll think, “Stress? What stress?”

2. The indoor/outdoor versatility.  Some of us love the sunshine of the outdoors, the feel of salt air in our lungs, the breeze in our hair. While others love to snuggle up next to a fire and lazily sip coffee as we read the newspaper. California Market is the best of both worlds, you can dine with any backdrop of your choosing enjoying both beauty and comfort.

1. The view, how that pacific sparkles. When we stepped out on their deck, where we enjoyed both breakfast and lunch, I couldn’t help but hold my breath for a minute. This type of beauty stops you mid sentence sometimes, it is that powerful. It is rare that you get to dine this closely to nature, in all its awe and power. California Market has so many beautiful and delicious opportunities to soak in.

Thank you, California Market, for proving as always, life is delicious.

For more information about California Market visit http://highlandsinn.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/CaliforniaMarket.html

 

Something To Check Out: STARS of Cabernet

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most recognized red wine grapes.   And with that in mind, Edible Skinny is stoked to be recognizing one of our favorite grapes at this year’s 7^th annual STARS of Cabernet at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, produced by WineLA.com

Cabs are statement bottles.  They’re full bodied wines with high tannins and acidity that makes you notice what is up!  And STARS is a full of bodied collectable showcase bringing the best producers together with their respected wineries.   Wines featured at this event includes: Fairchild, Duckhorn, J. Lohr, Jordon, JUSTIN, and many more. 

This STAR studded event allows all guest to enjoy unlimited wine tasting, tray passed Hors d’oeuvres, and an assortment of breads, cheese, and chocolate.  There will be a silent auction with 100% benefits going towards the TJ Martell Foundation, which help funds Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a charitable 501c.  Splurge for the VIP tickets and you’ll enjoy a delicious VIP Buffet and receive a Gift Bag upon departure.  

The event’s almost sold out but if you want to grab some of the last remaining slots head over to:

http://www.starsofcabernet.com/

Hoping Life is Delicious and you’ll be recognizing one of our favorite grapes at STARS.  

 

 

Point Lobos, the Greatest Meeting of Land & Water in the World

A few weeks ago Edible Skinny spent the night in Carmel at the rustically luxurious Hyatt Highlands.  The next morning Kelly and I were able to pedal some of their killer Bianchi bikes only one mile north to the stunning Point Lobos State Park. 

Long considered the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a magnet for nature lovers from all over the world. 

Coined the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world” by landscape artist Francis McComas, Point Lobos’ beauty is breathtaking beyond explanation.   The 2 mile shoreline park offers 14 interconnecting trails that wind through, pine forests, Cypress Groves, and jaw dropping rugged coastal scenery.  

Whalers Cover and other locations provide plenty of opportunities to view over three hundred types of plants and 250 bird and animal species including sea otters, sea lions, and, from December to April, migrating gray whales. 

Point Lobos ocean vistas are unmatched anywhere else on the Monterey Peninsula.  Their rocky shoreline is constantly under attack from the relentless waves of the Pacific Ocean.   These infamous “angry seas” crash on the shore like the finishing bars of a philharmonic performance. 

From flora to fauna to vistas this perfect natural orchestra a must see destination for anyone on the Monterey Peninsula. 

 

 

 

 

Beauties, Burly & Beer for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles at Angel City Brewery

It's time to get tipsy on glamour for a good cause!  

Saturday November 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm Angel City Brewery is hosting Beauties,Burly, & Beer, a Burlesque fundraiser for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles produced by Workin’ The Tease!

This one night only Burlesque Show will star some of the biggest names in the Los Angeles burlesque world including:

• Dixie Mae Rebel, The Dollface Dames

• Katie Johnson, Vaud & Villains

• Kirby La Brea, King of Hollywood Burlesque

• Kitty Kat DeMille, Workin' The Tease

• Pinup Julia, Pin-Ups on Tour

• Siren Noire, Hart Pulse Dance Company

• Sin Fisted, Sultry Sweet Burlesque & Variety Show

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles provides care to over 150,000 women, men, and teens at year at their 20 health centers throughout L.A.  Over 93% of the work they do is preventative, including life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing and treatment, breast health services and health information and counseling.  Their education and community outreach programs reach 50,000 women, men, and teens in Los Angeles County each year.  

The burlesque empire Workin’ The Tease, which was founded by Miss Pinup Julia & Miss Kitty Kat DeMille, has been featured on the Huffington Post, Wifey.tv, and Buzzfeed.  Their Internet Burlesque channel, featuring all things Beautiful, Body Positive, & Burly, has produced over a 150 videos with a combined total of 500,000 views on YouTube & Facebook.  

Tickets are $40 for Admission to the Fun (General Admission) and $65 for the Best View (VIP ) and are available at:
http:/bbb4pp.brownpapertickets.com

BB&B guarantees to be a good time for a great cause!

Pacific’s Edge Takes Dining to New Heights: A Perfect Pairing of Beauty and Taste

Pacific’s Edge Takes Dining to New Heights: A Perfect Pairing of Beauty and Taste

By Kelly Grace Thomas

Pacific’s Edge, the award-winning restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, takes dining to new heights in every decadent and delicious way possible. Built cliff-side with soul-stirring views of the Big Sur Coastline, this restaurant is the perfect blend of both beauty and innovation. 

With its glass walls for sweeping views and its outstanding offerings, Pacific’s Edge has found the perfect pairings to match natural beauty with culinary curiosity. To rival the jaw-dropping vistas is an equally impressive culinary cast. The restaurant is headed by Executive Chef, Chad Minton, who previously earned a Michelin Guide recommendation for his restaurant, Jerne and Executive Sous Chef, Alvaro Dalmau, who formerly studied at the world’s best restaurant El Bulli. This dynamic duo has crafted an impressive menu full of inspired eats and regional treats.

Pacific’s Edge was named one of the top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. by Zagat and has also won a number of awards, including a Four Diamond award and was distinguished as one of the Top Ten Restaurants with a View by USA Today. With more than 900 wines to choose from, Wine Spectator has lauded their wine list with Grand and Excellence awards. Pacific’s Edge raises the bar on craft and service. Therefore, it is no surprise that they hosted the 1986 Masters of Food and Wine, and have hosted world renowned chefs like Julia Child and Gordon Ramsay to cook on their premise.

Edible Skinny was lucky enough to sample some of Pacific’s Edge standout selections and one thing’s for certain, this place has done their homework. While some places are all view and no value, Pacific Edge has some stunning sophistication that showcases both talent and innovation of the area and staff.

 

Edible Skinny began our Pacific’s Edge dining experience with a stunning sunset and a Domaine Eden 2012 Chardonnay. Light, but still rounded with hints of oak, this was the perfect sipping wine to prep our pallet for Pacific’s Edge outstanding starters. 

Being a lover of seafood, I just had to order the Octopus Confit. Being both local and sustainable the dish was served with Fingerling Potatoes, Smoked Paprika, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Maldon salt.  This was perhaps one of the most impressive seafood dishes we had in California. Delicious. Moist. Cooked to perfection. Confit translates to cooked in it own fat, but for this dish the octopus was cooked in a terrine for five hours in Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  The result: meat so tender you could cut it with a spoon. Octopus when not cooked well can feel like a tug of war in your mouth, instead this dish was both tender and firm without being hard. There was accents of salt and smokiness without being over pronounced. Thanks to the Spanish inspiration and amazing talent, Executive Sous Chef, Alvaro Dalmau, has created an exquisite starter that showcases skill, it knows its personality without apologizing, it plays on its savory strength without overpowering.

We also sampled some vegetarian friendly starters to report back to our more health conscious readers. The  Zucchini Carpaccio, Wild Arugula, Shaved Parmesan Reggiano, Pickled Mushrooms, Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette is a new take on a old classic. They have adapted this meat dish to create a freshness of deliciousity. With rich but light flavors there are amazing mushrooms dotted a valley of wild arugula. We also sampled their Faro Burrata Cheese, Garden Herbs, Cauliflower, Crème Fraiche, Extra Virgin Olive Oil which was light and pillowy but in a savory way. This creamy cheese had cloud-like consistency, almost a whisper, like what the freshest marshmallow seeks to be.

  

While Pacific Edge we had some delectable samplings to start, during our main course it was clear that these entrees were perhaps one of the most delicious and detail orientated meals we have had to date. Paired with a Weingut Brundlmayer 2004 Cabernet Franc from Austria the dinner was filled with so many divinely delectable dishes.

Being born and raised within miles from Barnegat Light, New Jersey (one of the seafood mecca’s of the country) Edible Skinny tends to be a little snobby about their seafood, especially scallops. While they are one of our favorite delicacies, scallops are usually overcooked and over-flavored, but not at Pacific’s Edge. We were blown away by their Maine Dayboat Scallops served with Grilled Asparagus, Romesco Sauce, Shishito Peppers, Crispy Basil. All seafood at Pacific Edge is never frozen, from ocean to table within 48 hours and what a difference in taste.  These scallops were graceful in taste and presentation, they had just the right amount of rich and round notes, while still being airy, difficult in craft but an amazing juxtaposition to experience. 

To accompany these tastes we also ordered a their impressive Parmesan Potato Gratin. Built with the towered flakiness of a croissant, the gratin mix and cheddar and rosemary was the perfect invitation to autumnal flavors we seek take comfort in during the colder seasons. To satisfy the herbivore in us, we also enjoyed Haricots Verts and Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Garlic Spinach. With an impressive mix of vegetarian options, Pacific Edge serves an exquisite vegetarian fare showcasing that less options doesn’t mean less flavor.

Impressive until the last moment, Pacific Edge dessert selection could be a separate dining experience in its own. The  Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding with Sea Salt, Praline, Balsamic Caramel Ice Cream, had the perfect texture and tenderness. With most bread pudding as hard and overcooked, this dish was moist and runny in a good way, like great scrambled eggs in which technique can be perfected over the years. We also sampled Peanut Butter Mousse Cake with Vanilla Crème Chantilly, Manjari Chocolate Ganache Caramel Sauce, Roasted Peanuts along with a Tawny twenty year old port.

  

This is one of our best dining experience in California, and perhaps the states. So it you find yourself near the Carmel Highlands or even Monterey Peninsula, make the trip to Pacific Edge, a restaurant centered around the beauty of each delicious flavor with an unbeatable view. It is sure to be an edible experience you won’t forget. As always we at Edible Skinny hope life is delicious. 

Grass-Fed Beef Benefits Right at Your Door with Butcher Box

By Omid Vojdani, Edible Skinny Health and Wellness Editor

As a consumer, it’s easy to be overwhelmed when it comes to labels on our food. Personally, I’ve invested many hundreds of hours into learning all the different buzzwords, and even I have trouble when actually standing in the super market trying to pick up a good cut of meat. Grain free, grass fed, no hormones added, vegetarian fed, USDA organic, free range, cage-free, omega-3 fortified? What does all that even mean?

Grass-fed vs conventional factory meat:

When a cow is force fed corn and other grains, inflammation runs rampant through their bodies. Their immune systems are compromised, which the farmers must combat with high levels of antibiotics, and their natural hormone levels decrease, which means hormone boosters to keep the cow healthy.

What does that mean to us as the consumer? Well, when we eat the meat from a factory cow, we’re consuming all the added antibiotics, hormones, and inflammation. You may not notice the effects from one amazing steak, but over time this leads to weight gain, digestion issues, and faulty hormone levels. (Even the World Health Organization now confirms this can also lead to an increased risk of cancer).

But because grass-fed cows are not treated with any added antibiotics or hormones, and are raised as much ‘happier’ cows, we as consumers suffer much less from these negative health effects. In fact, compared to their factory-raised cousins, meat from grass-fed cows has less bad fats, more antioxidants, and 2-5x the levels of omega-3’s (the heart healthy omega). Grass-fed beef can even have up to twice the levels of CLA, which can help with muscle growth, reduced risk of heart disease, and lower the risk of cancer.

Up till recently, the only way to ensure the quality of your beef, a consumer would have to carve precious time out of their schedule to go to a farmer’s market, and make friends with their local farmers. Or worse, spend a small fortune on premium cuts of grass-fed beef, sometimes costing three times the factory equivalent.

Enter Mike Salguero’s startup Butcher Box. After a monumental Kickstarter campaign, which beat their goal 840% raising over $210,000 in 30 days, Butcher Box is now offering free shipping on a box of hand picked, fully grass-fed beef right to your door on a monthly basis. Each Butcher Box will contain 15-20 meals worth of hand picked beef from the highest quality available each month. Mike and his team also help consumers by including delicious recipes to make cooking easy and hassle free. Each box is also packaged with a calculated amount of dry ice to ensure maximum freshness, even if it sits at your door for up to 24 hours. 

That’s right. No guess work. No reading endless food labels. No having to make best friends with the farmer. No insane price hikes. Easy, convenient, healthy, delicious grass-fed beef direct to us, the consumer.

Here’s to food and health now being a lot easier, and more delicious, thanks to Mike and his team at Butcher Box!