Rosé wines are the perfect Summer wine, and Summer in the Hamptons and the South of France are the makings of dreams, which was the inspiration for the award-winning Hampton Water Rosé 2020 created by Rock Musician Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse Bongiovi, and French Winemaker Gérard Bertrand, that deftly captures the essence of both. Hampton Water Rosé is a gorgeous rosé made in the South of France that is perfect to enjoy with friends on a Summer evening …
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Whenever I think of memorable dinners that Edward and I have enjoyed throughout the years, truffles are always involved. Decadent, earthy, exotic, and expensive, a little goes a long way to add flavor. Cooking With Truffles: A Chef’s Guide written by Susi Gott Séguret and published by Hatherleigh Press, Ltd. delves into the intriguing world of truffles and provides both insight and 150 delectable truffle recipes designed for the professional chef as well as the home cook. Bon Appetit!
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The play, TRU, adapted by Jay Presson Allen from the works and words of the writer Truman Capote stars Jeff Gurner as Truman Capote, and is directed by Kevin Connors at the Music Theatre of Connecticut in Norwalk, Connecticut. The play focuses on the life of the writer in 1975 after Esquire published excepts from his unfinished novel, Answered Prayers. Jeff Gurner delivers a tour-de-force performance in his role as Truman Capote in the one-person play. TRU runs until May …
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The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a spectacular 250-acre landmark oasis located in Bronx, New York that we love visiting year-round. Each season there is something different to experience as the gardens come into bloom, and their new exclusive art in the garden exhibition, KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature, which runs until October 31, 2021, should be experienced in every season. Featuring the impressive works of the acclaimed contemporary Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, set amidst the garden’s spectacular flowers and foliage, …
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We recently "discovered" a fabulous Brazilian gourmet confectionary named Soul Sweet Boutique located in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, which also sells online and ships throughout the United States. Owned by Thatiana Rangel, Soul Sweet Boutique carries a wide selection of traditional Brazilian desserts along with modern sweets to tempt your palate. Since the pandemic curtailed our annual trips to Brazil, in addition to missing our "family" and friends, we missed the sweets of Brazil and were thrilled to find …
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The SAMBA Montclair Cookbook by Chef Ilson Gonçalves is a glorious celebration of authentic Brazilian homestyle cooking. Originally from the state of Santa Catarina in the south of Brazil, Chef Ilson Gonçalves makes his home in Montclair, New Jersey where his creative cuisine has dazzled patrons with restaurant, SAMBA Montclair, since it opened in December 2010. His cookbook takes the reader on a visual and taste bud tour of Brazil with his delectable recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts. It …
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Chef Ilson Gonçalves, owner of the Brazilian gluten-free restaurant, SAMBA Montclair located in Montclair, New Jersey captures the spirit, the culture, and the best of Brazilian food. Passionate about food and creating memorable dining experiences for his patrons, he graciously shares his recipe for one of our favorite Brazilian dishes, Camarão na moranga (Creamy shrimp filled winter squash), to tempt your palates into experiencing his restaurant.
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We had an amazing dinner at SAMBA Montclair owned by Chef Ilson Gonçalves and located in Montclair, New Jersey where he took our palates on a fabulous "journey to Brazil" without the need for a passport! Chef Ilson Gonçalves deftly captures the flavors of his native Brazil at his gorgeous gluten-free restaurant, SAMBA Montclair, so If a trip to Brazil is not on the immediate horizon, you can still take your palate there by having lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch …
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Summer is on its way and our thoughts turn to farmers markets and organic food and wine. Vento Di Mare Pinot Grigio made with organic grapes in Sicily and produced and bottled by Cantine Ermes is perfect to drink on its own, pair with food, or use in cocktail and culinary recipes. The wine has a crisp minerality with pear and citrus notes on the palate, and is only 12.5% alcohol, making it a perfect lighter wine choice for summer. …
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Fifth State Gin is an American premium gin "made with pride in the great state of Connecticut." Owned by Master Distiller Robert Schultenand his wifeBridget Schulten, Fifth State Distillery has been handcrafting their line of award-winning spirits since 2016. Gin is a very diverse and unique spirit as the taste is based on the blend of botanicals and spices used. While juniper is always an ingredient, some gins have a stronger juniper flavor profile, while others are softer on the …