Family Time!!!!!!!

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."  -- Desmond Tutu

I've always wished I was a part of those families where every Sunday they get together and have a big meal, talk about memories, and recap each others weeks. I used to think only TV families did that. I promised myself when I had a family, I would start that tradition. One that would last even when they were older and living on their own.

As you get older, you start to value family more. I'm beginning to learn on a day to day basis that NO ONE is going to love me like they do, and because of that I'm making an effort to spend more time with my lovely familia!

Yesterday I visited my aunt, uncle and 3 younger cousins for some Sunday Funday excitement! My aunt is a bigggggg cooking motivation for me. There's rarely a time I visit that she's NOT cooking for her family, and everything is deeeeeeelicious. I love her ability to take ingredients that you would not think of making together, and turn it into an amazing meal! It's nothing extravagant either, just very simple but delectable dishes. Proving, sometimes simplicity is better!

She made shrimp scampi over Spanish rice, with string beans and platano maduros (sweet plantains). It was a Yumfest!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here she is preparing the shrimp. Reason #1 why I hate cooking shrimp - cleaning them!! Yuck! I'm glad she took this mission on :-)

Maduros ready to be cooked!!! Cook them in oil and sprinkle some brown sugar over them. Yum! Reason #456 why I love being Puerto Rican - Having these bad boys with a meal!

Yum! Spanish rice waiting to be eaten...BY ME!!

Shrimp Scampi! I believe she added a little chicken broth, butter, garlic and oregano. So simple, yet sooo delicious!

String beans! She cooked them in chicken broth with a ham hock and salt, pepper and garlic for taste.

TaDa!! The finished product right before I happily devoured it. :-) And of course no meal is complete for me without my glass of wine.
Do you have any family traditions? Or want to share any of your favorite family recipes/meals!? I would love to know :-)

My Last Meal 2...

These past 2 days I have truly enjoyed my last meals! Cupcakes, sangria, pizza, a Wendy's frosty, McDonald's fries, Eggplant Parmesan, snickers, and of course last night as my VERY last meal, I chose Taco Bell! 2 Chalupas, a soft taco supreme and a mexi-melt. If you know me very well, then you are not surprised by this choice. If my body let me, I can eat Taco Bell everyday. Please don't judge me!

My most memorable last meal was definitely my hot date with Ms. B BAD herself from Style_Me_Bad.

Side note: Please check her blog out! If you are a (B)eautiful (A)uthentic (D)etermined woman, then you will truly enjoy her. She brings you fashion, relationship, work and everyday life advice! Truly a B.A.D girl!

We headed down to the West Village to Sweet Revenge. It's basically a cupcake bar! Obviously, I was in bliss!

Sweet Revenge is a tiny place, we actually kind of had a hard time finding it at first. I called it our "date" because it was so romantic in there. Dimly lit lights and rustic decor set the mood HA HA!

All day I couldn't stop thinking about what I could possibly order. I knew I definitely wanted some sangria so of course I ordered that right away. Along with a Raspberry Red Velvet cake with Cream Cheese frosting and a raspberry sauce drizzle on top!

I literally died and went to heaven after first bite!!

Not only can you order whatever you want as I did, but they also give pairing advice. Such as which kind of wine or beer you should have with which cupcake. My lovely friend opted for this selection and got their Signature Sweet Revenge cupcake and an Argentinian Malbec wine.

Doesn't it look so delicious??? It was a peanut butter cupcake with a chocolate ganache filling and peanut butter fudge frosting!!!!! I'm pretty sure she literally died and went to heaven too! There was a short moment of silence when we dug into our treats...It was THAT good!!

Overall the experience was great. It's definitely a great date spot for an after dinner dessert, or a before dinner dessert, or really for any time. I mean let's be serious, there's never a bad time for a cupcake and good company :-)

~Eat Up, Drink Up or Shut Up ~

"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti."  - Sophia Loren

How beautiful was Sophia Loren??

GORGEOUS! And you know what? She wouldn't be caught dead on a low carb diet. Such an awesome example of a woman who embraced her curves and knew how absolutely beautiful they were. Her confidence in her body is something we as women should all have. Don't stop eating what you love, like pasta. =) Eat what you want, when you want and enjoy it. Just watch your portions and and make sure not to over indulge!

Now to my recipe of the week!

I think I might have been Italian and Mexican in my past life. I could seriously eat pasta and enchiladas everyday if I could. Of course not together, that would be gross!

The other night I made a delicious Shrimp and Scallop Scampi over pasta and it was, as my friend Kristi likes to say, "amaze-balls!"

It was soooooo good that when my aunt, whom I was house sitting for, came home from Hawaii, I decided to make it for her too. This time, since I was out of shrimp, I added broccoli and chicken! Yum!

Scallop, Chicken & Broccoli Scampi over Pasta

Ingredients

Scallops

1 small head of Broccoli

Chicken (I used pre-cooked chicken from Trader Joes. Amazing!)

1 stick of butter (I didn't say this would be the most healthiest)

Garlic (I use the already chopped fresh garlic in olive oil. Its perfect for when you really dont have time to chop it yourself. You can find it at any supermarket)

Parsely

1 small chopped onion

Cayenne Pepper

Pasta (any kind will do)

Ok, so I apologize for not having exact measurements. I kind of just eye balled it with this one.

Directions:

Melt butter in a pan and add the chopped onion. Let onion cook for about 2-3 minutes. Then add all other ingredients. I would say about 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon of parsely, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper gives the sauce a nice little kick. Add about a handful and a half of scallops, the broccoli and the chicken and let it cook for about 5 - 8 minutes over medium heat, or enough to make it simmer. Stir the mixture often so the sauce doesn't thicken.

Cook pasta as you normally would then pour this deliciousness over it and EAT!!!!

Pair it with a Chardonnay and you are good to go. YUM!

Salud!

End of Summer Blues!

It's the last day of summer =( I hope everyone enjoyed this great season, through heat waves, tornadoes and all!

How have you enjoyed your summer? I spent most of mine enjoying some new restaurants, NYC restaurant week, trips to the Dominican Republic and Washington DC. Watching my godson grow, Yankee Games, parties, weddings, BBQs, beach, sitting poolside, and lounging! It really was a great summer!

This last weekend of summer was great! Friday spent time with my aunt for our monthly wine and cheese night. Saturday hit up Harlem and Brooklyn with my love Don Pepe. I pretty much think Brooklyn is my new love! We had dinner with friends at Apartment 138 and then walked down the street for some drinks at Camp. They were both amazing!! I will do a double feature Spotlight Friday on these 2 Brooklyn spots. But for just a glimpse into my review, imagine breakfast for dinner and possibly the best mac and cheese you ever tasted, finishing it off with do it yourself S'mores and a game of Buck Hunter. It really doesn't get any better. On Sunday, it was a day full of relaxing! Spent some time with family and Don Pepe, then caught up with an old friend Nikki, over some rum & cokes and pool.

But now it's on to enjoying the many adventures and events that Fall and Winter brings. Time to put away the bikinis and bring out the Northface jackets and boots!

~ Eat Up, Drink Up, or Shut Up ~

So lately I've had so many situations that I've allowed to bring me down. So many things from the past that have scarred me and caused me to be afraid of living my life and following my own happiness! But I refuse to let outside influences control my happiness and the outcome of MY life! It is true what they say, you can't make someone else happy, unless you are happy with yourself.

So I've decided to take a completely different approach to my blog! I'm sure I am not the only person out there who falls into a low from time to time and we all need inspiration, positivity and joy in our lives! What brings me joy? Many things, but of course Food! So everything will still somehow incorporate this, but there will also be something inspirational to take from it!  I would also like anyone who reads to share their thoughts as well to the questions or ideas I share! Let's draw inspiration from each other!!

Don't worry, I will still keep my normal ~Eat Up Drink Up or Shut up~ and **Spotlight Fridays** posts!

This quote has inspired me so much today:

"When I get lonely these days, I think: So BE lonely! Learn your way around loneliness. Make a map of it. Sit with it, for once in your life. Welcome to the human experience. But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilled yearnings." - Elizabeth Gilbert

I find that I am slowly but surely accepting the idea of loneliness! It doesn't have to be a bad thing! As a young woman, living on her own, working FT, going to school and trying to keep up with the day to day life, I need that time to unwind and bask in my own essence! Sipping on a good wine and eating some great comfort food are some ways I "Sit With" my loneliness.

Penne A La Vodka

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup vodka
1 pound penne pasta
1 pint heavy cream
Directions

1.In a large skillet over medium heat, cook garlic in olive oil until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, breaking up a bit with fork. Stir in basil, salt and pepper and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in vodka and cook 15 minutes more.
2.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3.Stir cream into sauce and cook 10 minutes more. Toss with hot pasta.
 
I had this for dinner last night and it is one of my favorite comfort foods and so easy to make!!
 
Pair this with one of my favorite wines YellowTail Shiraz - Grenache!! A not too dry not too sweet Red.
 
 
 

What do you do when you're looking for some quality alone time? Please share!

 
 
 
 
More simple recipes can be found at Allrecipes.com

BBQ, Beer & Wine

This Saturday head out to the North Fork of Long Island where they will be celebrating their 4th Annual

Craft Beer, BBQ and Wine Festival

Photo Courtesy of LIPulse

Over 50 Breweries from around Long Island will serving up over 100 different beers for your tasting pleasure! In addition, the Martha Clara Vineyards will be giving wine tastings throughout the event.

That's alot of drinking!

So, along with your beers and wine you will also be given a BBQ sandwich and side so you won't drink on an empty stomach and get sick and can continue you're drinking festivities!

They're so smart =)

Tickets are selling quick!

$50 gets you a souvenir tasting glass, beer tasting, BBQ sandwich with side and attendance to any of their special programs held, including a session on how to pair your Wine and Beer with Food. Awesome!
Ticket prices will go up to $70 the day of the event.

They are even safety conscious!

Designated Drivers get a reduced admission price of $12 which gets you a BBQ sandwich with side, a bottle of water and attendance to their special programs. If you're caught even taking a sip of someones beer or wine, you get thrown out!

They are serious about their safety!

For more information on this event check their website HERE

**Spotlight Friday's**

The Eatery at Tullulah's

12 4th Ave

Bay Shore, NY 11706

Photo Courtesy of Foodie Girl

I first discovered this restaurant earlier this year, when my bf Don Pepe and I were on this whole "we-need-to-eat-at-BYOB-restaurants-all-the-time phase. We had just discovered a great one in the village and were DYING (literally) to find one on Long Island. Immediately I turned to my handy dandy Google (I'm not sure what i would ever do without Google) and began searching desperately for "BYOB restaurants on Long Island."

BAM!

The Eatery at Tullulah's website pops up. It was literally almost like the heavens opened up, and the birds started singing. We didn't waste anytime. The very next night we bought a HUGE bottle of wine and headed straight to their door. What a pleasant surprise.

Ambiance: The Eatery at Tullulah's kind of reminds me of a small chic restaurant you would find in Soho. Dark paint and art on the walls, and a chandelier greet you as you make your first step through the window paned door. Some Bob Marley played softly in the background, immediately giving me a chill relaxed vibe.

Food: AMAZING!! I mean theres really no other word that can describe the taste orgasm i received while i was here. We tasted the Chorizo, the hanger steak, the Sesame Soy Chili Wings (so spicy but too delicious to put down) and the smoked Gouda mack n cheese (so cheesy, mouthwatering). They come in Tapas style, so they can easily be shared. Oh and did I mention this place was BYOB? Let me repeat! BYOB!!! Yes, you can bring YOUR OWN bottle of wine and they will provide the glasses and corkscrew and bucket of ice for chilling if needed.

I mean how much better can it get?

Awesome food? CHECK. BYOB? CHECK. Great ambiance? CHECK.

I would definitely recommend this place for a great date with that special someone or to celebrate a special occasion. BYOB and Dinner are on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm - Midnight.

I am definitely a BIG fan of The Eatery at Tullulah's and give it my official Cupcakes & Caviar Stamp of Approval =)

Tullulah's

"Mommys Time Out"

Every month my fabulous aunts and I get together for a wine and cheese night. You know, a little drinking, eating, distressing, venting, gossiping session. Extremely good for your mental health! At least I think so.

We had about 4 bottles, but this one stood out to me amongst the others! "Mommy's Time Out", Pinot Grigio. Before last night I wasn't a huge fan of Pinot Grigio. It tended to be a little dry for me, and I like my whites sweet! However this was PERFECT! Not too dry not too sweet, the PERFECT balance. Plus, the name and the picture on the bottle really made me laugh. Or maybe i was already tipsy from the 5 glasses i had just drank and that made me laugh. Either way, I officially put my stamp of approval on this wine.

So, if you're ever wandering around the liquor store wondering what to bring to a dinner party, looking for a good wine to unwind with or if you're like my aunt and have 3 kids and need a "time out" yourself, pick up a bottle of Mommy's Time Out. It will not disappoint!

It's Good For Your Soul

Anyone who knows me well, knows I go to food like it's my therapist. When you think about it, they don't call it comfort food for nothing. Why pay for an overpriced therapist, when you can indulge in a delicious pint of Ben & Jerry's, or break off a piece of luxurious Hershey's with Almonds, or sip on a LARGE glass of vino or strong margarita? It's comforting to know that these things will always be there when we need them, we can lay our hearts on the line and our innermost feelings in front of them without ever being judged, they don't talk back and their only goal is to make sure we are completely satisfied. That is why, for women, when we cant afford to buy new shoes (lets face it that is our other comfort), we nearly ALWAYS choose to communicate over food and alcohol. Recent heartbreak? Let's meet up for drinks and venting. Just got laid off? Come to my house for dinner and venting. Depressed? Lets go drinking and dancing and get our mind off things. Got a new job? Lets celebrate at the closest bar. Graduating? Let's throw a party with so much food we will have to roll you out.

This is just one of the many reasons why I love food and why I appreciate a good drink. Its the epicenter of encouragement, of getting through a bad breakup, of stimulating conversations, of new ideas, of overcoming obstacles. But most importantly it brings people together.

Let's Drink and Be Merry!

This weekend Long Island will be hosting it's first Wine & Food Festival!! Yum!!

Wineries across the North and South Forks of Long Island will be hosting numerous events to treat your palette. Including, dessert pairings, specialty Italian Dishes, live music and special dinner menus.

The event will be kicking off on Saturday with a VIP Reception and ending the weekend on Sunday with it's Grand Tasting at Mitchell Park in Greenport, where over 50 wineries and restaurants will be sharing unique wine and food delicacies for your tasting pleasure!!!

This event will also be featuring special guest chefs such as:

Daniel Gagnon

Season 5 contestant on Bravos Top Chef.

If you are in the Long Island area make sure this Festival is on your agenda and come and support a weekend filled with good wine and great food!

For more information on events and to purchase tickets go to their website www.longislandwineandfoodfestival.com

Vinho Verde Week NYC

June 21 - 27

This week NYC restaurants and liquor stores will be celebrating this beloved Portuguese wine, perfect for summer thirst quenching! Many restaurants such as 10 Downing, BLT Prime and Spice Market will be serving special wine pairings and Vinho Verde by the glass. Liquor stores around the city will be offering free wine tastings throughout the week as well. Amen to that!!!

So for that post show drink or after work rendezvous, you can check out all the schedules and the rest of the participating restaurants on their site:

www.vinhoverde.com/week/

Happy Drinking =)