Guess Where I Am…? ?
We took this photo while strolling along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. This exciting sculpture is called ‘Cupid’s Span’, created by famed pop artist Claes Oldenburg and his wife, Coosje van Bruggen. ?
The brightly painted fiberglass-and-steel sculpture stands approx. 60 feet (18 meters) in Rincon Park at the foot of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Installed in 2002, the artist’s inspiration for this piece was San Francisco’s reputation as the ‘City of Passion’, invoking the mythological account of Eros shooting his arrow into the center of the earth to make it fertile. Many have commented that while Cupid’s bow is symbolic of love, the shape of this magnificent work also evokes sailing ships and the Bay Bridge itself.
Read More →Le Voov! Hot Lips Martini ? ?
Along with the hot days of summer, we all need an icy cool cocktail now and then to enjoy. This lovely mixture came about by sheer laziness during a recent heat wave. Early in the morning, I had made myself an energizing, freshly squeezed juice in my Breville Juicer (available at our Le Voov! Amazon Store) after hitting a local farmer’s market. Usually, I’m fairly religious about cleaning my juicer right away, because it’s a real pain the rear to scrub if the pulp dries to the inside of the ridiculously sharp grinder blades…
Read More →Le Voov! Restaurant Review: Boon Fly Café ? ?
We began our second day in Napa with breakfast at the Boon Fly Café. This contemporary roadhouse restaurant has a fun, bubbly atmosphere and an eclectic menu full of scrumptious culinary options. Our morning dining delight started with an order of the signature Boon Fly mini-donuts. These cute, mini-sized wonders proved to be an excellent dipping partner for their rich, dark roast coffee.
For my meal, I ordered the Chilaquiles with scrambled eggs. To my surprise, the eggs were outrageously light and fluffy, pairing beautifully with the deep seasonings and the freshness of the accompanying salsa. This combination made the dish a true winner in my book.
Read More →Guess Where I am…? ?
We had an enchanting visit to Safari West in the heart of California’s Sonoma wine country recently, where this picture was taken. Commonly known as the ‘Sonoma Serengeti’, Safari West is comprised of 400 acres cradled in the mountainous area above Santa Rosa. Visitors are welcome to wander the trails and partake in the open-truck safaris to experience over 1000 exotic African species of mammals and birds within the natural habitat of this beautiful wildlife preserve.
Read More →Guess Where I Am…? ?
Napa Postal Mushrooms! We came upon this glorious stone mushroom installation in front of the post office while wandering through Napa Valley wine country. The long shadows of the autumn light made for a dynamic, interesting composition. ? ? ?
Read More →Le Voov! Chez Panisse – Black Truffle Event ? ? ?
Le Voov! Local Culinary Adventure – January 2015
I am very fortunate to be married to an incredibly thoughtful man. Early last winter (late January 2014), I told Brian that someday I wanted to attend Alice Waters’ Black Truffle Dinner Event at her world famous restaurant Chez Penisse in Berkeley, California. Well, guess what? Eleven months later, I received an invitation to attend the 2015 event from my amazing hus-Bee. He remembered!
Read More →Guess Where I Am…? ?
We snapped this picture just off the side of Highway 29 while visiting the Napa Valley wine country in Northern California. The mustard flowers were in full bloom while the grapes were still dormant. Stay tuned for another fabulous Napa Valley tour coming this autumn! ? […]
Read More →Apricot Whiskey Smash ?
I experienced my first Whiskey Smash while visiting my fabulous ‘sista’ *Margi in New Orleans. (Please see my About page for details regarding *The Sisters) Having grown up in ‘wine country’ (Northern California), I was not well acquainted with the various spirits such as Kentucky […]
Read More →Papaya & Lime Detox Smoothie
With the heat of summer creeping in, I enjoy chilling down after my workout with a fruity, refreshing smoothie. The papaya, mango, banana and lime all contain phyto-nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. This smoothie is packed with vitamins A, B’s and C, which are great for clearing free radicals and lactic acid out of the muscles after a workout. The cucumber, aloe and coconut water have needed electorates and aid in a healthy digestive track. With all these vitamin-packed ingredients blended together, you get a high fiber, anti-inflammatory, immuno-boosting smoothie that will make you feel like a million bucks!
Read More →Le Voov! Restaurant Review: Cafe Capistrano ? ?
Café Capistrano, (Yucatan/Costa Maya) 523 Church St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 726-7699
It was raining cats and dogs, but we decided we were going to trust the weather report and headed over to the coast despite the very wet conditions. The forecast was for clear skies by noon. As we approached the western edge of the North American continent, where the Pacific Ocean tickles the charming town of Half Moon Bay, the gentle rain had turned into a deluge. (I’m not complaining. We desperately need rain given the California drought of the last 4-years!)
Read More →Guess Where I Am…? ?
The Fire Octopus at the Maker’s Faire, San Mateo, California. This annual event is a perfect showcase of science, innovation, creativity and resourcefulness to celebrate the Maker’s Movement. The Maker’s Faire brings together scientists, teachers, tech enthusiasts, crafters, engineers, tinkerers and hobbyists to explore the realm of possibilities for the future. It’s taking place at the San Mateo County Event Center this weekend. Go out and experience this fun, family-friendly event! Enjoy!!!!
Read More →Easy Cheesy Pesto Monkey Bread!?
This bread is as much fun to make as it is to eat. The juxtaposition between the flavors of the sour dough and the sweet basil pesto blend beautifully with the gooey, aromatic melted cheese. We frequently serve this as finger food while watching the Rugby World Cup or the Super Bowl. Everyone enjoys a bit of cheesy finger-licking bliss…
Read More →Le Voov! Basil Pesto ?
Basil is one of my favorite summertime herbs to incorporate into a recipe. The bold, distinct aromatic taste of basil pesto brightens the flavor of just about everything. Basil is packed with vitamin A, which supports a healthy immune system and contains very potent anti-inflammatory agents to fight premature aging and chronic disease. Add to that the healthy fats in both the olive oil and pine nuts and you’ve got yourself a Voovaciously healthy spread.
While attending university for my undergrad, I created an organic pesto business and sold my homemade basil pesto at the local farmer’s market during the summer and early autumn months. At the time, I was living in a small cottage on 3-acres of glorious organic farming soil. Fortunately, my landlord would let me fire-up his old tractor a few times a year to till the field. So I’d strap on my bikini, a worn pair of Wellies, and a sun hat, grab a cocktail, and make a good party out of it!
Read More →Papaya & Banana Salad
As the warm days of summer are upon us, this Papaya & Banana Salad is the perfect ‘go-to’ dish to beat the heat. Inspired by our many lovely times on the Mayan Rivera along the Gulf of Mexico, a few wedges of lime add a perfectly refreshing zing to this nutrient-rich salad. It’s also quick and easy to prepare which makes it a real winner in my book!
Read More →Guess Where I Am…? ?
The Druid Cemetery, Cuffey’s Cove, Mendocino, California. Honestly, it is unclear why there is a Druid cemetery in Mendocino, and the more locals I spoke to, the wilder the stories became…
Read More →Restaurant Review – Zuzu Tapas & Wine Bar ? ?
Zuzu, located in Napa’s historic Old Town, has masterfully blended the culinary traditions of Spain and South America with the warmth of Mediterranean décor to create a true gem. The complex layering of flavor and spice in each dish was uniquely divine.
Our server Darlene was very knowledgeable and made some fantastic suggestions for our maiden voyage at the restaurant. Zuzu’s signature sangria was delightfully fresh and fruity. Given the ease with which the first glass went down, I had a great appreciation for the speedy arrival of our first plates!
Read More →Le Voov! Derby Mint Julep ? ? ? ?
Every year on the first Saturday in May we throw our annual Kentucky Derby Party to celebrate a West Coast version of the Run For The Roses. We honor the many traditional aspects of this southern event, including an extravagant California version of the ladies Parade of Hats that would make the fellas in the San Francisco Castro scream, yip and holler with delight!
In keeping with tradition, we also have frosty mint juleps flowing promptly at 2 PM. However, as you may have suspected, my need to add a personal bit of Le Voov! originality, I put a little twist on the traditional julep….
Read More →Guess Where I Am…? ?
We enjoyed the NASA exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry while visiting Chicago recently. Brian really liked getting a feel for what it would be like to play in a space suite!
Read More →Guess Where I Am…? ?
Hotel Sofitel, Redwood City, California: Dale Chihuly’s Glass Chandelier. This amazing explosion of blue and green blown glass greets the eye in the lobby of the Sofitel hotel. I first became acquainted with Chihuly’s ethereal mastery of glass sculpture while visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium exhibition entitled “Jellies: Living Art” in 2002. Photography of his work is gorgeous, but viewing it with your own eyes is nothing short of pure magic!
Read More →Guess Where I Am…? ?
San Francisco Bay, California. The photo of the Stämpfli Express was taken by one of my talented masters rowing teammates Karen Gheno last December. I’m in the #7 seat from the bow (back/left side) of the boat!
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