browse by DESTINATION

Don’t let the name fool you. Although Citizen Public House is an upscale version of a traditional public house serving contemporary cocktails, beer and wine, it is by no means limited to a drinking establishment. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, the European-fusion food that you will eat at Citizen Public House is probably the best Public House […]

Citizen Public House

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Perhaps one of the most dazzling dinners was one that I recently ate at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Inside the resort is this cool, hip Nuevo-Latino restaurant named Daseo (meaning desire), as you are left with a strong desire to take home a doggy bag after dinner, even though you […]

Deseo Shrimp Chicharron

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Over the past few years, I have stayed away from lasagna, even though I love it. Reason being I was trying to heat healthy when given the option, and avoiding red meats. But when my friend, Sami brought over a large pan of her homemade organic lamb lasagna, I gave it a try and was […]

Sami’s organic lamb lasagna

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Cooking instructor and a good friend, Durrain and I hosted a fundraising dinner for the Horn of Africa this past weekend. We cooked an African inspired dinner for about 50 people and invited neighbors, family and friends. The event was held at Durrain and Navaz’s clubhouse in Kennesaw, GA. According to the news media 29,000 […]

Horn for Africa dinner fundraiser

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“It’s a beautiful love story with a lot of powerful women” kept saying Clent Coker, the historian, museum director and author at Barnsley Gardens Resort in Georgia. While visiting the gardens this past weekend, Clent gave me a personal tour while sharing his own personal obsession with the property. Clent’s great-grandmother was born in one […]

160 years in memories with Clent

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I chanced upon this little tucked away place in Marietta on my way. There was a big sign saying “Jerusalem Bakery” so naturally, my curiosity arose. As I got closer, I saw there were two side by side establishments under the same banner. Making a detour, I walked into the bakery waiting to discover what […]

Jerusalem Bakery

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From the owner of JCT Kitchen, comes a new restaurant in the heart of downtown Decatur, No. 246. In less than six weeks of it’s opening, Chef Drew Belline has worked his magic here, creating one of the most inspiring Italian menu’s in town! While the restaurant boasts a casual elegance, yet cozy ambiance, the food itself is […]

11 courses at No. 246

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Sometimes hidden jewels can be found in your own backyard! Many of us travel thousands of miles to different corners of the world in search of the perfect vacation spot. After living in Atlanta for over 14 years, I discovered one right here in Georgia. Blairsville is located in north Georgia, less than two hours […]

Active weekend around Atlanta

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A few days ago I visited one of my all time favorite restaurants in Sandy Springs, Fanoos Persian cuisine. I had spoken to the owner, Jalal on several occasions before asking him to share some of his delicious Iranian recipes with me. This turned out to be my lucky night! Jalal gave me the pleasure […]

Inside the Persian kitchen

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I discovered Delray Beach totally by accident (and what a pleasant one it was!). My husband and I were recently won a trip to Hollywood, Florida on The Marriage Ref. Up until now the only Hollywood I knew of was in CaliforniaJ. After some investigation, I found out it’s a Miami suburb resort town where […]

Florida’s village by the sea

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Grits are a favorite in the southern US. It’s mainly eaten for breakfast, similarly to porridge, although it has made its way on to the dinner plate as well. You will frequently find grits served as a side with seafood (shrimp, catfish or scallops). Cheese, bacon, fried onions or butter may be added to dress […]

Where to find the best grits in the south?

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After a long wait of eight months, I finally got to watch my episode of The Marriage Ref air on TV. We (hubby and I) invited a few friends over for a viewing party this past Sunday evening. There was a themed menu and a lot of excitement in the air. I asked the host […]

The Marriage Ref theme party

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Linda Watson helps people save money, eat well, and make a difference by cooking seasonal food from scratch at less than the food-stamp allowance. Her book, Wildly Affordable Organic is all about delicious recipes that are made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Why good? “Because you will save money and feel better” she says. You will […]

Cooking for good!

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Tuna & watermelon ceviche

After it’s grand opening last weekend, everyone is talking about the newest hot spot in town. Located on Peachtree St, close to the Fox Theater, Escorpion Tequila Bar and Cantina is trendy, young and eclectic. The place where Escorpion houses now has seen a few change of hands over the years. Owner Riccardo Ullio already […]

Gastronomo de Mexico

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Whitney Miller, Season One Winner of America’s MasterChef made an appearance at The Cook’s Warehouse in Decatur, Georgia this Friday, signing her new book MODERN HOSPITALITY: Simple Recipes with Southern Charm.  I had the pleasure of talking to this delightful young lady, who has wowed America with her rare combination of youth, beauty and talent. Chef Gordon Ramsey was […]

Southern Belle and MasterChef

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brunch recipes

Do you have days when you crave for breakfast for dinner or brunch on a weekday? I recently had one of those, where I did not want to eat the usual lunch fixings for lunch. Since I work from home, I have the luxury to cook my own meals on most days. So, on a […]

Healthy Brunch – Not Just For Sundays

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Who says ravioli can only be served as a savory dish? With homemade dough, fresh blueberries and soft mascarpone cheese, this dessert has all the components that will want you coming back for more. Did I mention it was also deep fried? It tastes like a freshly made fried blueberry pie, only a lot more […]

Finger Licking Blueberry-Mascarpone Ravioli

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This recipe is inspired by Northern Africa where you will often find savory meat pastries. I learned to make Bastilla while volunteering in Morocco last year and fell in love with it. Bastilla is a pastry made with phyllo and layers of spiced ground chicken, omelets, almond paste and powdered sugar. It requires some skill […]

Lamb and Blueberry Chutney Pastries

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One of my favorite drinks during summers in India was Rooh Afza, a refreshing rose concentrated drink. Rose flavored syrup that came in a bottle was added to ice cold water or milk and served over ice and found at every household. It was a perfect break in the hot afternoons; especially when guests came […]

Blue Afza

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Bowl of Blueberries to use in a healthy blueberry recipe

Honey-Blueberry Gelato Starts With Healthy Blueberries! With 2 gallons of blueberries from picking at Sidney Roland Blueberry Farm over the weekend, I have been contemplating how to put them to optimal use. Over the next few days, I will be posting healthy, totally original, finger-licking good recipes; that use my fresh-picked, pesticide-free, for a good cause […]

Honey-Blueberry Gelato: A Healthy Blueberry Recipe

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