Fourth Leaf Release Party

On Saturday my husband and I went to the release party for the 2013 Fourth Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon. Fourth Leaf Wines is a Cabernet Sauvignon from two distinct mountain peaks overlooking the valley floor; Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak. This is a partnership between Angelina Mondavi and Robert Mondavi Jr, 4th generation winemakers from a family legacy in the Napa Valley. The wine was delicious, reminiscent of what you would expect from a classic Napa cab, and is very limited. You can signup to their mailing list to get notified when it goes on sale at the beginning of November.

We had a great time meeting old and new friends and drinking exceptional wine paired with oven baked pizza by Cocina Milonga. To top it all off, I got to meet my mommy crush Amy Parker, the co-founder of theWhatlist, a weekly list of exceptional recommendations that you should subscribe to right now.

 

Sun Basket

Have I mentioned how much I love Sun Basket? I love cooking, don’t get me wrong, but every once in a while I go through slumps and find myself too busy or too exhausted to go through new recipes for my family. I love that you have menu choices for vegan, gluten free, or paleo meals. The chef-designed meals arrive to your door step with locally sourced ingredients already included, measured out and accompanied with a step-by-step recipe card. And each meal was no more than 30 minutes to cook. We’re completely hooked! 

Grilled steak with roasted poblanos and New Mexican chile sauce.

Cold soba noodle salad with edamame and avocado.

Roast chicken breast with artichoke romesco.

 

Spaghetti Frittata

Here is another super easy dish that I can eat all day. I heat up leftover spaghetti and meatballs and throw in some spinach (so I know it's healthy wink..wink..) season it with sea salt and black pepper. Let it cook for about 5 minutes in medium heat. 

Crack 5 large eggs into a medium bowl, then add 2 tablespoons of any kind of milk. Whisk well then pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook for 3 minutes or until the bottom of the frittata is set. Place the skillet in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.

Transfer the frittata to a plate, slice, and serve. Enjoy!

 

DiscoGem: Lileds, a Sweet Reward from an Unexpected Source

Finding an undiscovered gem is one of the joys of exploring local neighborhood haunts. Once discovered, my husband likes to call them DiscoGems, short for 'discovered gem.' Last summer he surprised me by taking me to Lileds in Vallejo, CA, a DiscoGem for ice cream, chocolates and candies. The minute I entered the colorful shop it reminded me of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. I love the old school vintage feel and their ice cream is made on site with fresh ingredients. My favorite flavors are pineapple coconut and peach, which is only available in summer. Lileds was established in 1936 and Yvonne and her husband Vaughn Hardiman took over in October 2005. They are the fifth shop owners to run this wonderful creamery and confectionary.

Here with Yvonne Hardiman.

Photography by Julie Angold