Wine Country near San Francisco
The city of San Francisco, nestled on the hills overlooking San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is near some of the finest wineries the West Coast – and the world – has to offer. The city lies within easy driving distance of both the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, and offers wine lovers the opportunity to discover delightful vintages they might not find outside San Francisco. Luxury hotel accommodations in the heart of the city provide a sensual respite where you can relax and recharge at the end of the day. The City by the Bay is a truly the perfect vacation spot for wine aficionados.
Wine Country Tours
Sonoma Valley is the largest and oldest of the area’s wine-producing counties. In 1823, Father Jose Altimira planted mission grapes in his church’s vineyard, and there began the world-class winemaking that continues today. A tour of the area yields a feast for the senses, with stunning views of miles of vineyards, a sampling of the most popular wine varieties, and a spectacular climate that rivals that of the south of France.
Perhaps better known, if smaller, is Napa Valley. This 40-mile stretch of paradise follows the meandering Napa River from the town of Napa to the San Pablo Bay. The river wanders among the rolling hills and mountains of one of the most breathtaking landscapes found anywhere in the world. This fertile river valley is home to some of the finest wine grapes ever grown, with 45,000 acres devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
For a different view of the wine country, you might choose to tour the valley via boat. Two-hour tours aboard luxurious, environmentally friendly electric boats are a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Limousine-style, wrap-around seating ensures spectacular views of the countryside from every seat. In addition to sightseeing, you’ll be entertained with tales of the area’s history while drifting leisurely through Napa and past the hills for which this area is famous.
Food and Wine Go Hand in Hand
If you prefer food with your wine, you can book a 48-hour City and Wine Country Tour. You’ll get to sample all the tasty delights this city has to offer as well as enjoy a guided tour of nearby Sonoma Valley.
You’ll spend the morning casually wandering among the neighborhoods of San Francisco, nibbling on gourmet chocolate in Ghirardelli Square or feasting on authentic Asian cuisine in Chinatown. After lunch, a climate-controlled coach will whisk you off for a wine tour and tasting you won’t soon forget. This relaxed, do-it-yourself tour affords you the opportunity to see the sights you wish, while skipping those you don’t.
Lodging in San Francisco is as delightful as the wine. Luxurious hotels catering to discerning travelers feature all the amenities you desire and make your vacation a memory you’ll treasure. Choose a Moscone Center hotel and you’ll be right in the middle of all this fantastic city offers, from wine bars to restaurants to theater and shopping.
Author Bio:
Barbara Wade writes for the Hotel Monaco, a San Francisco luxury hotel offering exquisite retreats in the heart of the city. Visit them online at www.monaco-sf.com.
A while back we wrote about Chocolate, the misunderstood health food and listed multiple reasons why you shouldn’t put down that chocolate bar. I’m happy to say, I’m still a chocoholic and have recently been introduced to a new chocolate company. No, I don’t get any payback for talking about them, I simply love chocolate so I’m happy to spread the word.
Here’s the story. I have a friend who also loves chocolate. She recently gave me some chocolate candy she had ordered from various countries. The stuff was delicious. It was rich dark, melt in your mouth yummy chocolate. I wanted more…..
When I asked about where she was getting it she introduced me to a company that imports chocolate directly from the farmers who grow it. Its called Askinosie Chocolate and the company is based in Springfield, MO. They import healthy dark chocolates from Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, and other countries. Its a pretty cool concept. According to the web site, they take the middle out of the middle man. They connect the farmers who grow the chocolate and do the labor with people like me, people who love chocolate. It made me feel good to eat it. Not only was I enjoying my favorite treat, but I was supporting the people who grew it.
If you’re a chocolate lover, you might check Askinosie Chocolate out. The chocolate is high quality and you’ll feel like you did a good deed. Oh, and remember, chocolate is still a health food. 
Braised Chard
A tasty way to serve Swiss Chard
2 bunches (12 to 16 ounces each) Swiss Chard (or Kale)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
Thoroughly wash the chard, drain well and give a coarse chop. In a saucepan, add olive oil, salt and onion. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add the chard and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and continue cooking for 10 minutes or till tender. Add red pepper and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Courtesy of Eventi Hotel
Marrakesh Vegetable Curry Recipe
Try this delicious and healthy vegetable curry recipe next time you want something different for dinner.
Ingredients
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 medium eggplant, cubed
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 tablespoon sea salt
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1/4 cup blanched almonds
1 zucchini, sliced
2 tablespoons raisins
1 cup orange juice
10 ounces spinach
Directions
1. In a large Dutch oven place sweet potato, eggplant, peppers, carrots, onion, and three tablespoons oil. Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan place 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, salt and pepper and saute over medium heat for 3 minutes.
3. Pour garlic and spice mixture into the Dutch oven with vegetables in it. Add the garbanzo beans, almonds, zucchini, raisins, and orange juice. Simmer 20 minutes, covered.
4. Add spinach to pot and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve!
John Anton
Catering Team
Hotel Palomar Chicago
Looking for other tips on healthy eating? Check out our article on Purslane recipes.
I’ve been on a black olive kick lately. I’ve been craving them so I figure there is something in them my body needs.
I’ve been adding black olives to various dishes and salads lately. Last night when I was trying to come up with something new for dinner, I decided to try a new twist to old fashion hamburgers – Greek Burgers!
To make the Greek Burgers I added feta cheese and chopped black olives to my normal hamburger recipe and grilled them up. They were a nice subtle twist to the usual burger. Here’s my recipe below.
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or ground buffalo – I personally use ground buffalo all the time now)
1 small can chopped black olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
Pepper
Salt
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
splash of milk
Mix together and form into patties. I grilled mine on an indoor grill (it was in the teens outside last night).
I served mine on a whole wheat bun with fresh bibb letteuce, tomato, red onion and catsup. You could also use plain yogurt and garlic mixed as a spread on the bun.
Enjoy.
Roasted Fennel with Parmesan Cheese
Here’s a delicious and easy recipe that makes a great pairing with roasted turkey or pork tenderloin.
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 fennel bulbs, cut horizontally into 1/3-inch thick slices, fronds reserved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly oil the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the fennel in the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with the Parmesan. Drizzle with the oil. Bake until the fennel is fork-tender and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Chop enough fennel fronds to equal 2 teaspoons, then sprinkle over the roasted fennel and serve.
Grilled Salmon with Pasta and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Are you looking for a colorful, nutrious main course? This recipe is a fantastic way to combine tomatoes and salmon into a healthy, heart-friendly meal your family will love.
Angel hair or thin spaghetti
Salmon filets
Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Can of black olives
The trick to this dish is timing: starting the items at the proper time to get it all together and have it ready and hot at the same time. Here is the sequence I use:
Start water for pasta to boil, preheat grill and oven before starting sauce preparation.
Prepare the tomatoes for roasting.
When the water is hot (but not yet boiling) start roasting the tomatoes.
After tomatoes have started roasting, start grilling the salmon.
When about 10 mins are left on the tomatoes, add the pasta to the boiling water (less if using fresh pasta or angel hair).
Remove the tomatoes and add black olives to finish the sauce. Drain the pasta.
Serve grilled salmon on angel hair or thin spaghetti and spoon roasted tomato sauce over top. Garnish with basil.
Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
4 Cups Whole Cherry Tomatoes
2 T Olive Oil
1 T Chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste
2 T fresh basil leaves, shredded
1 2.25 oz can sliced olives, drained
Additional basil leaves for garnish
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Combine first 5 ingredients (though basil) in bowl and toss to coat
Line cookie sheet with foil
Place tomato mixture on cookie sheet and roast in oven for 15-20 minutes or until tomatoes split open.
Gather up foil and transfer roasted tomatoes and liquid into bowl.
Add olives and toss to combine.
Makes 4 servings, about 1 cup each.
If you’re looking for a gift for a friend who has everything, make a tin of canine snacks for their favorite canine. Here are a few favorite K9 recipes for our furry friends.
Canine Carrot Cake
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon soy flour
1/4 cup chopped, unsalted peanuts
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 cup ground or grated carrot
Combine flours, soda and peanuts.
Mix in egg, oil, vanilla, honey and carrots until well combined. Pour mixture into a cake pan, and bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on rack, cut into wedges and serve.
Puppy Dog Peanut Butter Cookies
½ stick butter
2 eggs
½ cup of peanut butter
2 tbs sugar
pinch or salt
whole wheat flour
Melt 1/2 stick butter in a saucepan, and, with the heat still going, add two eggs and stir briskly until it is one glutinous mass. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 a cup of peanut butter, two tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, and two or three handuls of whole-wheat flour.
Bake in an 8X8 square baking pan for 15 minutes or until brown on edges.
Cool and serve in small quantities.
Yummy Doggie Cookies
1 3 1/2 oz jar of baby food, liver or beef
1/3 cup wheat germ
2/3 cup lowfat powdered milk
Mix and drop by the tablespoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool before giving to your dog.
I love homegrown organic cherry tomatoes. There is something magical about picking them off the plant and popping them in your mouth as you work in the garden. The also add warm color to a tossed salad.
Cherry tomatoes are abundant in the summer months, but what is extra special is if you can stretch your season longer, so you get them earlier in the spring and later in the fall. Obviously, Southern states have a longer growing season, but there are a few things you can do to extend your tomato season no matter where you live.
Aunt Helen’s Easy Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Homemade sweet cornbread
Cooler weather meals like chili demand homemade cornbread.
My Aunt Helen introduced me to a super simple cornbread recipe that makes some of the tastiest cornbread around.
A side benefit of making homemade cornbread is that it costs less than a third of the price of the packages you buy in the store.
Freezing Pesto is easy!
Fall is pesto season in our house. My basil plants have reached their peak and its an endless battle of nipping off the tops so they won’t flower before I can make pesto. I usually dedicate part of a weekend for pesto making.
I have several pesto recipes that I adore. One of my favorite is my friend Larisa’s Easy Basil Walnut Pesto recipe.
Quick meals don’t have to have less taste.
You may not be the next Paul Deen or Rachel Ray, but that doesn’t mean that you too can’t whip up a gourmet tasting meal in your own home in a reasonable amount of time. Many people shy away from cooking gourmet meals because of the considerable amount of time they can take to prepare. Between grocery shopping, prepping, and then cooking the food, the entire process can be quite time-consuming. But if you have a plan and this list of handy tips, you can make gourmet meals any day of the week in considerably less time than normal.
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Five healthy food substitutions you should try today
When it comes to the battle of eating healthy, each of us has our own guilty little pleasures that can sabotage even our best efforts to eat right. For some it’s chocolate, others it’s butter, and still others just can’t say no to that freshly baked loaf of bread that your favorite restaurant serves up before dinner. Whatever your weakness is, there is likely a healthy substitution that can help you satisfy your craving while not sacrificing your health.
As any health expert will attest to, eating healthy is a life style and not a feat to be taken lightly. But if you’re serious about making changes, beginning with these five healthy food substitutions is a sure-fire way to get started.
Replace ground beef with healthier substitutes in recipes- If you’re a meat lover then chances are you’re serious about your beef products and just can’t find it plausible that there is another meat that can come anywhere near to comparing to beef, but you’d be wrong. Read the rest of this entry
Wiener Dip: I Dare You to Make It
Some families are estranged by politics, while others are torn asunder by religion. But for my family, the dividing factor that has destroyed our unity and turned brother against brother is wiener dip.
Yes, that’s right. We are a house divided because of my grandfather’s wiener dip. Half of the family loves the stuff. They smear it on crackers and chips, and they praise its creamy texture and spicy flavor. I suspect they would bathe in it, given the chance.
As for the rest of us, well… not so much. To be honest, I’m not even sure what it tastes like. I just couldn’t ever get past its odd pink color or the fact that it’s made from wieners. I realize that makes me small-minded, but frankly, I’m okay with that. I’ve always believed it’s okay to be shallow just as long as you’re insightful about it.
For most of my life, I’ve been convinced that the world is inhabited by two kinds of people… those who enjoy eating brussels sprouts and those with working taste buds.
When I was a kid, I hated the vile things. They smelled like sulphur and tasted even worse. I got all kinds of lectures from my parents about how brussels sprouts were high in vitamins and would keep me from getting cancer. I also heard about all the poor, underpriviledged children whose parents couldn’t afford to feed them brussels sprouts. I thought the solution to that problem was obvious, but my parents refused to send my sprouts to a more deserving family. Instead, they would make me sit at the table until my plate was clean or (as usually happened) they gave up and sent me to bed.
As I got older, I grew in my appreciation of most vegetables. I loved green beans, spinach, and asparagus. I even learned to tolerate broccoli and cauliflower. But not brussels sprouts. They remained the bane of my culinary existence.
Recently, my girlfriend told me she’d been experimenting with some different ways of cooking brussels sprouts, and she had one recipe she thought I might like. Naturally, I was skeptical, but she insisted that I try just one before turning up my nose. Since I’m a good boyfriend (and utterly whipped), I agreed.
What can I say? They were incredible! As soon as she took them out of the oven,
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Eating low on the food chain can improve your health and the environment too
Never before has the message and necessity of adopting a healthy lifestyle been more urgent. In recent years, it’s been increasingly difficult to turn on the television and not see messages from the FDA and USDA urging consumers to return certain fruits, vegetables, and other products to stores because they have been contaminated either in their natural environments or in the process of being brought to sellers. With the rampant use of pesticides, hormones, and other chemicals, consumers face some really difficult decisions in deciding what foods they should purchase and consume.
Here are some tried and true tips for incorporating healthier food chain consumption.
Most people tend to think of kitchen staples as pretty interchangeable. Does it really matter what kind of salt, flour, rice, etc. that you choose for a dish? Experienced cooks know that the answer to that is a resounding “Yes!”
Flour is the most basic baking ingredient and has a major impact on the taste and quality of baked goods. It has the power to make or break a recipe.
French fries.
Fresh.
Hot.
Crispy.
With just a touch of salt that sticks to your fingers.
The mere mention of these sinfully delicious little spuds is a sure diet-killer for some.
But here’s a way to enjoy the crunch of fries without the guilt – and fat. This recipe for oven fries is quick, easy, and even pleases our household’s 14-year-old French fry addict.
For a burst of unexpected flavor, add some garlic, Italian seasoning, or cayenne, or even cumin.
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My favorite Vietnamese restaurant closed recently – the victim of a sagging economy. It was a terrible thing for the friendly owners (who were also the workers), but also for our family. This was the only Vietnamese place in town that made a vegetarian version of the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho.
After much trial and error (and a number of Google searches), we came up with the respectable substitute pictured here. Loaded with tofu, fresh vegetables, and chopped herb garnishes, this soup fills the stomach and opens the sinuses.
Can You Really Lose Weight With Acai Berry Diets in 2009?
During this time of resolution-making, many Americans are searching for the best diet to help them reach their weight loss goals for the coming year. While the weight loss scene over the last few years has seen a variety of diets ranging from the low carb varieties, such as the Atkins and South Beach Diets, to the managed pound reduction programs like Nutri Systems and Jenny Craig, to a variety of detox diets — including those rapid weight loss programs popular with many Hollywood Celebrities, this year the star diet of the weight loss world is a small berry from South America, the acai berry.
Unlike other foods and gimmicks that have graced the diet scene, this little berry just might be a superfood that lives up to all the hype, but can it actually help you lose weight? In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about the acai berry diet programs which are sweeping the Internet, reveal to you what Dr. Oz REALLY thinks of the acai berry diet frenzy, and possibly save you hundreds of dollars in the process.
