Beach n' Wine

It's beach time and why not add some wine!

A recent trip up the pacific coast highway for fish tacos turned into having a bottle of wine beach side with some live acoustic music! Oh don't worry, we had some fish tacos too - see post on Reel Inn! 

Rosenthal Malibu Estate Wine has a tasting room and patio right off the pacific coast highway. A great little find in Malibu, CA!

On the weekend, I believe on Friday as well, they have live music on the patio. The weekend I was there was a solo acoustic guy playing covers from the 90s to now. My friend and I decided to grab a bottle and enjoy the view of mountains and the ocean air. We decided on the Surfrider Hang Ten Red... people who know me know I love my reds a little chilled... well people I didn't even need an ice cube for this red, it was smooth and medium dry blend of reds.

You are allowed to bring in your own food to snack on while enjoying your glass or bottle of wine! If we had only known! A food truck is there and if you like fish next door is Reel Inn! There was a great mix of groups on a saturday afternoon. Couples, people celebrating brides-to-be and birthdays, and groups of people just there to enjoy some wine!

If you need an escape from the busy LA scene and enjoy local wine stop by the Rosenthal Malibu Estate Wine Bar & Patio - but don't forget to bring some food/snacks with you!!! Can find some pairing recipes here: http://rosenthalestatewines.com/wines/wine-pairing-recipes/category/surfrider-red-dessert-wine/2


Cheers!! xoxo

Spiral those veggies!

Adding Veggies in a fun and delicious way! 

Healthier version of spaghetti where I can have more than one helping... yes please!

If you haven't seen or heard of the new trend of gluten/carb free pasta well here you go... to get these delicious veggie into spaghetti strips you can use a spiralizer (found at bed bath & beyond) and slice most veggies... I mainly use any type of squash for spaghetti but can also spiralize carrots, eggplant, cucumbers and more!

Once you get the veggies sliced there are three ways I suggest making your pasta: (1) raw, this mean you slice and add uncooked sauces such as pureed tomatoes and garlic; (2) boiled, slice and place in boiling water for about 3 minutes or less (depending on thickness of 'pasta') drain and add sauce of choice; lastly (3) sauteed, toss sliced veggie into sauce on stove.

The following pictures are just a few of the probably 20 ways I've made 'spaghetti' ~

Sauteed

Baked 'Spaghetti'

Sauteed 'pasta' in some olive oil and added garlic, mushroom and tomatoes (pictured left). Added 'pasta' to meat sauce in casserole dish and topped with mozzarella cheese and baked (pictured right). Boiled 'pasta' then added to homemade shrimp scampi sauce (pictured below)!  

Shrimp Scampi

With so many ways to spiral veggies there is endless healthy meals that can be made! Grab your own spiralizer and start cooking this healthy alternative!

Mmmmm now I may have to cook 'pasta' for dinner after writing this post!

Enjoy! xoxo

I've got Urth!

Urth Caffe

This post is wayyyyyy over due... Move over starbucks (okay not always) but this cafe is my favorite to grab a latte in Los Angeles! The espresso is beyond delicious and not that it has to be but it is also organic!

Santa Monica Location

I got hooked on this place about 5 years ago, back when I was studying for the CA bar exam. Urth Caffe does not have wifi so I would be forced to read my books and study instead of googling the internet. I've been to three of the locations: Santa Monica (most visited), Melrose (where they filmed Entourage), and Beverly Hills.

The barista always make fun designs - and as a food paparazzo I have many photos of designs i've gotten... here are two!

My go to order is the Honey Vanilla Latte with soy milk! You can choose between strong or mild espresso. If I want a kick I usually choose strong, however, when I prefer a sweeter latte I go for mild! Both are delicious! I've also tried their chai tea latte... I'm picky with my chai since I'm not a huge cinnamon fan... this one is spot on! The creamy froth on the latte is my favorite part and the espresso is not bitter! 

water w/ orchids & fruit slices

As for the food, I love the muffins (zucchini & blueberry), the ham & cheese croissant and the chocolate croissant. I have yet to eat their entrees but all look fresh!










This is a must stop if you are visiting Los Angeles... I bring every friend that comes to visit! Stop by the Beverly Hills location and people watch or stop by the Santa Monica location grab a to-go and take a walk on the beach!

Enjoy! xoxo